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JANUARY 2025

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Teacher. Principal. Superintendent. Marathoner.

ROCHIES +THE Some of 2024’s strangest stories

ADVICE +FINANCIAL Get your (financial) house in order

Jerry Williams

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MEMORIES OF ELVIS

THE ULTIMATE ELVIS TRIBUTE ARTISTS SPECTACULAR January 12 | Tickets $30+

DON FELDER

A FORMER LEAD GUITARIST OF THE EAGLES January 24 | Tickets $29+

THE CHRIS HAWKEY BAND FROM KFAN’S POWER TRIP MORNING SHOW February 7 | Tickets $20

TERRI CLARK

BOOT-STOMPING HITS AND HEARTFELT BALLADS March 1 | Tickets $25+

Celebrate Rochester’s Dynamic Culinary Scene.

Presented By:

Savor Rochester: One Week,

ENDLESS FLAVOR!

Embark on a culinary journey during Experience Rochester’s Restaurant Week, with more than 30 participating restaurants offering diverse menus to satisfy every taste and budget. For a list of participating restaurants and more info, visit:

RochesterRestaurantWeek.com

CONTENTS | JANUARY 2025

Features

26 Educator. Superintendent. Community servant.

After nearly four decades in Rochester, Jerry Williams still considers himself “kind of a newbie.” Yet, in this time, he’s cemented himself as the city’s pre-eminent educator and public servant. But that’s just the beginning.

32 The Rochies, 2024

“I just ran over a mythological creature in Mazeppa!” The Rochester Charter Commission members debated “banning decision-making implants.” “We’re pretty disappointed someone would use our logo in a joke like this.” It’s The Rochies, our annual look back at the best (read: strangest) stories of the past year.

44 Get your (financial) house in order. Area experts pass along those must-dos to start 2025.

ROCHIE

2024 S

08 Junk Drawer 11 Shortcuts

It’s Rochester Restaurant Week (Special Menu. Special Price. Special Week.); Three Ways You Can Help ...; more.

12 Oddchester 13 Random Rochesterite

Tiffany Strande, an administrator at Limb Lab, talks about looking for her new roller derby name, her lifelong love of the violin, and her biggest adventure (“Probably being a teen mom”).

16 Timeline of an RPS snow day

When the radar shows the potential for snowflakes, Rochester Public Schools Supt. Kent Pekel can expect the flurry of emails to begin.

24 Three Ways You Can Help

One group doing good in Rochester. And how you can help.

54 The Walk Through

Inside one cool home you could own right now.

58 Ten (or so) questions

2014 Mayo grad Maggie Panetta, co-owner of Treedome and Pop’s Art Theater (and freelance muralist), talks about her high-level figure skating background, her science-meets-art bent, and so many coincidences.

On the cover: Jerry Williams, photo by Joe Ahlquist. See our story on page 26. ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

JANUARY 2025

Junk Drawer

Three things you didn’t know about this month’s issue. Until now. THE POST BULLETIN COMPANY Publisher FORUM COMMUNICATIONS CO. Editor STEVE LANGE 507-285-7770 slange@rochestermagazine.com Advertising Director TESSA OLIVE 507-281-7469 tolive@rochestermagazine.com Advertising MELISSA CHERRY ADAM GEHLING LISA SCHELL advertising@rochestermagazine.com Graphic Designers MOLLIE BURLINGAME BETH KROHN Contributing Writers ALEXA ANDERSON JENNIFER HAUGEN KOSKI HADLEY LANGE ELLIOT MANN Photo Supervisor JOE AHLQUIST Contributing Photographers MAYA GIRON KEN KLOTZBACH OLIVE JUICE STUDIOS

GET HOME DELIVERY!

For $29.95, you’ll get a year’s subscription to Rochester Magazine. Or $50 for two years. $65 for three years. Just call 507-285-7676.

1. We take pride in promoting Rochester restaurants and area events. So, for the second straight year, we are sponsoring Experience Rochester’s Restaurant Week, which combines both of these! (Also, for the second straight year, we get the chance to use the following headline: “Save The Plate.”) It’s a simple concept: During the week of January 20, participating restaurants set a special menu with a fixed price for Restaurant Week, generally including an appetizer, entree, and dessert. Special Menu. Special Price. Special Week. Here’s your chance to support those local restaurants, and it’s as easy as checking out the full list of participating restaurants and menus at: www. rochesterrestaurantweek.com. 2. We take pride in supporting the Rochester Area Builders. And we love promoting area events. And RAB’s 46th annual Home & Outdoor Show combines both of these! (Also, for the second straight year, we get the chance to use the following headline: “Home Show Sweet Home Show.”) The 46th annual Home & Outdoor Show is set for Feb. 13-15 at Mayo Civic Center. More than 100 different area exhibitors will be on hand. Check out www.rochesterareabuilders.com/home-show. 3. And we take pride in letters like these: My dearest Rochester Magazine staff: Thank you for another wonderful issue. From the cover drawing (a LOCAL piece of art!) to the ads from Rochester shops in your Gift Guide (and I’m using this to buy ALL MY GIFTS!), to the 100 Days of Winter (and I’ll use this all winter long), everything was great. The story on the “Growing Brains” was fascinating! This is the best free thing in Rochester! Thank you for all you do! Sincerely, Charles and Gloria B.

Volume twenty-six I Number one Rochester Magazine is produced monthly by the Rochester Post Bulletin, and distributed throughout Rochester, MN. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission. Editor, Rochester Magazine, 1700 Greenview Dr. SW, Rochester, MN 55902 or SLange@rochestermagazine.com. Call 507-285-7676 for home delivery ($29.95 for 11 issues).

JANUARY 2025

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JANUARY 24-25 JANUARY 17-18 JANUARY 4TH JANUARY 3RD

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JA N U AR Y

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Friday

POST BULLETIN NIGHT JANUARY 3RD - 7:05PM ROCHESTER REC CENTER

vs Wausau Cyclones

SATURDAY

JANUARY 4TH - 7:05PM ROCHESTER REC CENTER

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friday/ SATURDAY

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JANUARY 2025

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Save the plate! Rochester Restaurant Week:

Special Menu. Special Price. Special Week. BY HADLEY LANGE

ONE WEEK.

January 20-26 is Rochester Restaurant Week, seven days of “Special Menu. Special Price. Special Week.” Participating restaurants will release “promotional lunch and dinner menus” including “prix fixe meals” that feature 2-3 courses and special pricing.

30+ RESTAURANTS.

Including Jersey Jo’s, Olde Brick House, Crave, Famous Dave’s, ThaiPop, Whistle Binkies Olde World Pub, Terza, Zen Fusion, SMOAK, Ootori Sushi, Bebap, Fat Willy’s, Five West, Salute, CB3, Lord Essex, Saints on Second, and Pappy’s Place. More to come. Check out www.rochesterrestaurantweek.com.

3 YEARS.

Experience Rochester launched Rochester Restaurant Week in 2023 as a fun way to encourage Rochesterites (and those in surrounding communities) to brave the cold of January and sample new restaurants and old favorites. More than anything, Rochester Restaurant Week is a way to “celebrate Rochester” and the amazing chefs and restaurants the city has to offer, according to Bill Von Bank, Experience Rochester’s Vice President of Marketing and Communications.

SHARE YOUR STORY.

Keep an eye out for a chance to win a gift card from a participating restaurant by sharing a picture of your favorite meal or a Restaurant Week story.

Rochester Restaurant Week happens January 20-26 at participating Rochester restaurants; www.rochesterrestaurantweek.com, 507-288-4331. ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

JANUARY 2025

oddchester

We’ve turned our dog into our fourth kid BY STEVE LANGE

We may not have realized until now, but during our single, temporary year of being “empty nesters,” wife Lindy and I turned our dog, Finch, into our fourth child.

Finch can be a barker. “Finch is the perfect dog,” Lindy always tells people. “She just hates people.”

Last year, Emma—our 16-year-old daughter, our youngest of three children, our only kid still at home—spent her junior year of high school in Belgium as part of the Rotary Youth Exchange.

People, at least, she doesn’t yet trust. When we first got Finch, it took three months—of being home alone with her every day—before she let me pet her.

To fill that space, we focused on our dog. We enrolled Finch in school, paid for school pictures, signed her up for a sports team. We took an active interest in her friends, encouraged more physical activity, forced her to wear special outfits for holidays. Finch is our 13-pound chihuahua/poodle/ pit bull/Doberman mix that we adopted four years ago, during Covid quarantine. She is the small dog I swore we would never get. Finch had been abandoned on Marion Road, went unclaimed at the city impound, moved to Paws and Claws. When daughter Emma, then 13, saw Finch on the web page, she begged us to go see her. Our entire family drove to Paws and Claws. Finch was the weirdest-acting dog we’d ever seen. We knew she was meant to be ours. It was not unusual, just a few weeks after Emma had left for Belgium, for Lindy to walk into the living room and hear me saying things to Finch in a voice like a grandmother talking to her first grandchild. Finch loves to have her belly rubbed. For whatever reason, I have taken to calling this process “Finchie getting her bel bel rub nubs.” For whatever reason, when Finch stretches, I have taken to calling her “Gretchen,” and yelling “Look! It’s ‘Stretchin’ Gretchen!’” This all started off as a joke. Now I honestly don’t know if I can stop. I’ve caught myself saying these things—and talking in that voice—when we have company over. 12

JANUARY 2025

sarcastically reading this aloud to each other at the dinner table.

Lindy and her friend Claudia walk with Finch every week. It took Finch maybe a year of this before she let Claudia pet her. Now she won’t let her stop. I’m sure friends have commented to one another other about it.

Also, the following exchange literally just happened. Is happening right now, in fact.

It’s not just me.

Lindy and I are sitting in the living room as I’m writing this column. I ask Lindy about “Doggie Day Training,” above. Just to verify what it’s called.

Lindy signed Finch up for dog agility class, in which the two of them—well, Finch mostly—spend an hour on Wednesdays running through tunnels and jumping over hurdles. Every Wednesday night, when Lindy meets our team for trivia at Little Thistle, she breathlessly explains how Finch was one of the night’s top performers. There are only three other dogs in the class. We signed Finch up for a weekly Doggie Day Training at Courteous K9. Lindy intentionally times these sign-ups so they coincide with the holiday photos that Courteous K9 offers—dogs posed in front of a Christmas tree, next to the Easter Bunny, in front of a fireworks backdrop.

“Oh! I completely forgot to tell you!” Lindy says. “Finch just got her own little treat bag that they gave her for agility class. It’s even got her name—Finch Lange—on it!” This interaction suddenly feels very much like I’m in the middle of one of those “turning into your parents” commercials from Progressive. “Here are some more things you should put in the column,” Lindy is saying. “Lucy, Molly, and Freyja are Finch’s friends in the dog agility class with us. And Finch is fast. Very fast. She’s what’s called a ‘tunnel suck’, which means she loves to run through the tunnels.”

We pay extra for these portraits. We now have nearly as many professional portraits of this dog as we do of our three children combined.

Our actual child, Emma, who has been back from Belgium for six months now, can hear us talking from her bedroom. She doesn’t say a word.

Oh, Finch is by no means perfect.

“Also, we can sign Finch up to be a ‘household helper’ at Courteous K9! That means she would get to help around the facility when she’s there! Oh, and remind me to buy her report cards for her last few visits! ...”

The neighbors who live behind us, and next to us on both sides, and anyone who walks past our back fence–if they happen to somehow see this—are going to be

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

shortcuts

RandomRochesterite

One resident, numerous anecdotes | By JENNIFER KOSKI Photo by JOE AHLQUIST Name: Tiffany Strande Age: 43 Occupation: Administrator at Limb Lab Where we found her: Chip Shots

What’s something I might be surprised to learn about you? I met a couple girls from the roller derby team last spring, and they encouraged me to think about joining the team. So in August I signed up for the new recruit training camp. We practice twice a week; it’s pretty intense! I don’t have a roller derby name yet. So if anyone wants to offer suggestions, I’ll take them!

I found you line dancing during a Six Mile Grove show at Chip Shots. A normal Friday night for you? Yeah! Absolutely! That was so much fun. How did you find yourself there? The lead guitarist of Six Mile Grove, Brandon Sampson, is my boss here at Limb Lab. We were doing a little team-building event where many of us decided to go out and hear him. Tell me about your work at Limb Lab. I’ve been here a little over a year. I had been at Mayo for about 15 years, and then Olmsted Medical Center. I wanted to get back to a smaller, family feel. I’d known Brandon for years—we went to the same college—so every day I’d drive by and see Limb Lab, and wonder if any of my skill set would fit in there. I ended up getting an interview with the market president, Andrew, who said, “We would love to have you.” I created a program for shipping and receiving, then I stepped into the office manager role when it opened. I really like the small feel of Limb Lab—it’s so intimate. We get to know every single patient. Are you originally from Rochester? No, I grew up in a small town by Iowa City, called Kalona. I went to Luther College for violin performance, and then I kept moving farther north! I lived in Chatfield for about 20 years, which is where I raised all three of my daughters. Then in 2023, I moved to Rochester. Wow, violin performance. I’ve played violin since I was four years old. My parents got me lessons at a Suzuki School down in Iowa City, and I played all through middle school and high school, and then graduated with a violin performance degree from Luther in 2003. What were your plans with your degree? Before I got pregnant, I thought I would possibly tour solo, performing—but ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Did you already know how to skate? As a kid at the local roller rink! But I love learning new things, especially anything physically active. And, really, with this group of girls, it’s just the camaraderie—everyone is so encouraging of each other. It’s girl boss energy. You could be having the worst day ever and you go bump elbows with these girls, and it’s so much better.

that doesn’t have health insurance benefits with it! Once I got pregnant, I realized this will be my hobby. I’ve played with the La Crosse Symphony, the Winona Symphony, and now with the Rochester Symphony. I also play with a couple guys from Chatfield. We call ourselves Almost Amish, and we practice in a barn. It’s classic rock with a bluegrass feel. What do you love about playing violin? Seeing people’s reactions. It seems to bring people joy and I just love that. I love that people will think of me to provide music for their wedding or for when they lose a loved one or to play music at the bedside over at Mayo. Or even in our little band, playing in a bar, people have so much fun. Tell me about your daughters? My oldest, Larissa, is the community engagement coordinator at KTTC. Beatrice is a senior art major at Eau Claire. And Aletta is a sophomore physical education major at Arizona State. I’m so proud of the women that they’ve become. Sometimes I miss those kitchen dance parties, but it’s great seeing them turn into these contributing members of society.

Biggest adventure? Probably being a teen mom. It really truly was an adventure. There were hard parts, of course—being so young and not knowing what you’re doing. But it was just so rewarding, and I had so much fun. How old were you? I was 18 when I got pregnant, and I ended up graduating in four years just like I planned. My parents helped me a lot, and I’m very thankful for them. And my friends were always there to help babysit. Sometimes I miss those days. Scariest moment? It might be the same. It was definitely the most challenging thing I’ve done. But I never looked back, and it didn’t take long to embrace being a mom. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done. Best advice you’ve been given? Live life from a place of love and understanding. This is something I’ve seen exhibited in my family members and in people I look up to. People who seem like they always have a loving heart no matter what. Bad things happen in the world, and when we see these horrible things take place, we can respond from a place of “I want to understand, I’m a loving person, and I’m not going to let it change who I am.” JANUARY 2025

JANUARY 2025

SUNDAY

minnesotasrochester.com

5 GO TO KELLOGG. For a LARK.

7 GIMME! GIMME! GIMME!

Glance through the display cases, which feature a collection of 25,000 antique and vintage toys, check out the fun-house mirrors and ride the hand-carved carousel creatures before shopping for classic, old-school toys. larktoys.com, 507-767-3387

DON’T GET SKUNKED.

The first Monday of the month means it’s a nibs and nobs night at LTS Brewing. (Read: a cribbage tournament). Show off your cribbage skills (or at least play cribbage). ltsbrewing.com, 507-226-8280

MANIA: The Abba Tribute is at the Mayo Civic Center, complete with knee-high boots, 70s wigs, and plenty of shimmer. This twohour ABBA tribute features songs like “Mamma Mia,” “Dancing Queen,” and “Winner Takes It All.” mayociviccenter.com, 507-361-5040

Club of Rochester hosts Frost, Froth, & Flannel at Little Thistle Brewing. This outdoor bonspiel (curling tournament) gives curlers a chance to face off against each other in 3 games of outdoor curling. curlrochester.org

STRAP ON SOME SKATES.

ROCHESTER RUMBLE.

Miss Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Dorothy Watson take on the case of a nurse (and activist) accused of murder in Miss Holmes Returns. This “Twisting Mystery,” put on by the Rochester Rep Theatre, is a new take on the stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. rochesterrep.org, 507-289-1737

Day with the annual We Have a Dream Celebration at the Mayo Civic Center. This event, in partnership with the Rochester Branch of the NAACP, commemorates the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. business.rochestermnchamber. com, 507-288-1122

IT’S ROCHESTER RESTAURANT WEEK! Rochester Restaurant Week

FLANNEL NOT REQUIRED (BUT ENCOURAGED). The Curling

ON A ROLL. Castle Con, a three day “board gaming extravaganza,” is in its last day at the Historic Chateau Theatre. Play in tournaments, win prizes (hopefully), try new games, make new friends. yourchateau.org

JANUARY 2025

TUESDAY

Sponsored by

ELEMENTARY MY DEAR WATSON.

MONDAY

When Soldiers Field freezes over, it turns into a super cool (heh) wintertime attraction for Rochesterites. Might as well take advantage!

WE HAVE A DREAM CELEBRATION. Celebrate MLK

FIND SECRETS IN THE SNOW. Snowshoe through Whitewater in search of historic features that are only visible in the winter (when the trees are bare). dnr. state.mn.us, 507-312-2300

It’s a Rochester boys basketball showdown as the Mayo Spartans and John Marshall Rockets play each other at Mayo High School. mhs. rochesterschools.org, 507-328-5500

will take place Monday-Sunday, Jan. 20-26. This is your chance to check out the specials offered by participating restaurants throughout town and throughout the week. rochesterrestaurantweek.com

VOLUNTEER LOCAL. Spend an afternoon at the Gift of Life Transplant House answering the phones, acting as a tour guide, or planning fun events (like jewelry making and bingo). Help this organization, committed to providing a supportive housing option to transplant patients, in their mission to do good! gift-of-life.org

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

VERY BEST OF THE BEATLES.

LEARN TO SKI OR SNOWBOARD.

FIRST DAY, FIRST HIKE. Start your

year off right with a guided walk at Whitewater State Park. Lots of snow? They’ll switch to snowshoes instead. dnr.state.mn.us, 651-296-6157

SNOWMAN DANCE. It’s a Snow Globe Dance Party at the Rochester Public Library! Kids can bring their hats and scarves to party in an “indoor snow globe.” rplmn.org, 507-328-2300

The Shabby Road Orchestra (an ad-hoc rock collective with members of The Honeydogs, Six Mile Grove, and more) will play a wide-ranging mix of the obscure and the iconic from the Beatles final six albums at the Historic Chateau Theatre. yourchateau.org

SNOW MUCH FUN! Travel

SATURDAY

Coffee Mill Ski Resort, in Wabasha, is a favorite for everyone from families to thrill seekers to newbies for a reason—they have hills for everyone’s expertise. And they also offer great learn to ski/snowboard lessons. cmskiarea.com, 651-565-2777

DRIFTLESS DANCE. 8 (short)

GETCHA HEAD IN THE GAME.

Wear your blue and yellow to support the RCTC Yellowjackets men’s basketball team as they face off against Riverland Community College at home. rctcyellowjackets. com, 507- 285-7210

dangerously fast on a thin piece of plastic. The city lists two official sledding hills, Judd Park (3812 Third St. NW) and Schmidt Park (622 24th Ave. NW). Judd can get a little crazy. Schmidt seems a bit milder. This is oldschool sledding, just how we like it.

NO SKATES NECESSARY!

Join the Rochester Raiders Adapted Floor Hockey team for their 22nd annual Andrew Cormack floor hockey tournament at Dakota Middle School. facebook.com/ RochesterRaidersAdaptedAthletics

films, 7 “MN-based dance film artists,” 6 locations. Each film included in The Driftless Dance Film Tour combines movement and storytelling. Today’s event, held at Lanesboro’s St. Mane Theatre, also includes a Q&A with two artists. lanesboroarts.org, 507-467-2446

The snow tubing at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch (in Stewartville) feels like something we would have done as kids in the late ‘70s (JK I’m 26). Which is exactly why we love it. ironwoodsprings.com, 507-533-4315

BLADES OF GLORY. Hockey is in full force as the Century/John Marshall girls team take on Red Wing at the Rec Center. If you’re looking to take a trip you can drive to Mankato to catch the Mayo girls team face off against Mankato East. mhs. rochesterschools.org, 507-328-5500

Hockey team, the Rochester Grizzlies (formerly the Ice Hawks), take on the St. Louis Jr. Blues at the Rec Center. Bring the family. Or grab a few friends for hockey and a few beers. rochestergrizz.com, 507-718-0437

conducted by Anton Armstrong, performs at Bethel Lutheran Church. The choir (affectionately referred to as Ole Choir), dressed in their iconic purple robes, sing both traditional and modern choral songs. bethellutheran.com, 507-288-6430

It’s the first day of the 20th annual U.S. Pond Hockey Championships in Minneapolis. While there are the traditional men’s and women’s divisions, there are also opportunities for hockey late bloomers (benders) and a sled division for those hoping to get their name engraved on the Golden Shovel. uspondhockey.com

HIT THE SLOPES. (FIGURATIVELY, WE HOPE.) Take a road trip to

MAGNIFIQUE! The Rochester

Welch Village for a day of skiing or snowboarding. Not a seasoned snow bunny? No worries. The ski and snowboard destination, located about an hour outside Rochester, offers lessons for all ages and abilities. welchvillage.com, 651-258-4567

is selecting a new artistic director through on-stage auditions! The second of these four hopefuls is Bojan Čičić, originally from Croatia. The “Concerto Adriatico” will be hosted at Mount Olive Lutheran Church. Check back throughout the season to see the other conductors being considered for the role. lyrabaroque.org, 651-321-2214

GO OLD-SCHOOL SNOW TUBING.

POND HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIPS.

BRINGING FAIRYTALES TO LIFE. Previous Ice Castles have featured bridges, tunnels, a slide, and plenty of cool lighting. This year’s, located in the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, promises the same. icecastles.com

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

GET AQUATIC AT THE MINNESOTA MARINE ART MUSEUM. The Minnesota

Marine Art Museum hosts a huge collection of American and European works spanning centuries, including exhibits on Edward Burtynsky and Judy Onofrio. Get to Winona today! mmam.org

ROOT FOR THE GRIZZ. Our Junior

THE SEARCH (PT. 2). Lyra Baroque

UM YA YA! The St. Olaf Choir,

Public Library hosts the WIT Soirée, a French themed after-hours event with speakers, wine, French cuisine samples, and Bundtinis. You can even upgrade your ticket and receive a chefled French cooking demonstration at this event that helps support the local library! rplmn.org, 507-328-2300

WINTER DANCE PARTY. Nicholas Freeman recreates Buddy Holly’s Winter Dance Party in “Buddy Holly: OH BOY!” at Paradise Center for the Arts in Faribault. Buddy Holly is joined by guests including Ritchie Valens (“La Bamba”) The Big Bopper (“Chantilly Lace”), and Dion & the Belmonts (“Teenager in Love”). paradisecenterforthearts. org, 507-332-7372

JANUARY 2025

Photo by Joe Ahlquist 16

JANUARY 2025

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

by Elliot Mann

THE TIMELINE OF A

SNOW

DAY

When the radar shows the potential for snowflakes, Kent Pekel can expect the flurry of emails to begin. But it’s not parents asking about contingency plans, it’s most often students emailing the Rochester Public Schools Superintendent and trying their best shot at getting to sleep in on a Wednesday.

Some examples:

“YOU are the man in charge and only YOU can make the big decisions around these parts. We need a snow day, man. I have a presentation I didn’t finish that I need to present tomorrow and I’m not done... only you can save me (just do it for me)” “Heya Mr supaintedthingamajigy— CAN WE PLZZ HAVE A SNow DAY.”

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

For Pekel, he thinks of it as his winter weather warning system. If notifications are pinging his inbox, students applying their best persuasive speech techniques from high school English, he knows it’s a situation to at least monitor.

Rochester’s mix of urban and rural roads, of teachers traveling more than an hour in some cases to prepare for that day’s lessons.

“The funny thing is, for me it really does start with the kids,” Pekel says. “They are trying their best logic with it.”

“Anytime we send a message to kids that education is not a serious enterprise, we undermine their commitment to education,” the superintendent says.

While Pekel has some fun with the students about the possibility of a snow day, the decision making involved is anything but light-hearted. At the forefront is safety—of students getting to school, of bus drivers traversing

So what all goes into a “winter weather school closing,” aka a good old fashioned snow day? Rochester Magazine recently caught up with school officials from Rochester schools to find out.

JANUARY 2025

TIMELINE: Day before expected snowfall: 1 p.m., the day before:

The National Weather Service in La Crosse, Wis., sends out a briefing of the upcoming forecast, with Rochester Public Schools transportation officials taking a look at what lies ahead. “If it’s a no-brainer, with say 18 inches of snow, I’ll go down and talk to the Superintendent right then,” says Jeff Kappers, longtime Rochester Public Schools transportation director. He retired last December after more than 33 years with RPS. Dustin Morrow has now stepped into his place, joining RPS last July. Pekel doesn’t want to cancel right away, but also can’t wait too long, either. “The trick is doing it in current conditions, and trying to forecast hours ahead of time,” Pekel says.

2 p.m., the day before:

If the expected snowfall looks to be particularly severe, the National Weather Service hosts a webinar, with officials from local school districts, cities, and counties tuning in with questions. “Every storm is different, unfortunately,” Kappers says.

3 p.m., the day before: As soon as the news gets out about projected snowfalls, Pekel can expect to start getting emails from students. It can be a light dusting, but students are going to be ready to plead their case. With school kids more connected than ever before, they can easily reach out. And many do.

5 p.m., the day before: Traditionally, if the weather reports show a substantial storm, before leaving for the day Kappers will walk down the hall to Pekel’s office to go over the game plan.

“It’s kind of clockwork,” Pekel says. “We have a ‘here’s how it looks for tomorrow’ talk.” If it’s a no-brainer, with 18 inches of snow, Kappers said, they will make the call to cancel the following day. But district officials try to weave between canceling too early, in case the storm misses Rochester, and too late, when teachers have already started their morning commutes. Communications officials are already prepping potential emails, text messages, and Facebook posts. “It’s definitely a delicate dance,” says Mamisoa Knutson, director of communications with Rochester Public Schools. “We try to find the best time to tell families, especially families who will need care for the following day. We could make the call the night before, but then the weather shifts. We try hard to keep a balance.”

More to the decision... ALL OR NOTHING

During Pekel’s tenure, Rochester Public Schools has moved away from using weatherrelated late starts or early dismissals. It hasn’t been an official policy designation, and Pekel expressed interest in potentially using those options once again in the future.

JANUARY 2025

EIGHT DAYS OF LEEWAY

The state of Minnesota requires schools to have 165 school days, and Rochester Public Schools schedules eight extra days into the school calendar in contingency for potential school closures. RPS had one snow day during the 2023-2024 school year, and six snow days during the 2022-2023 school year.

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

“If you’re going to make the call, make it early enough so everybody knows.” — RPS Supt. Kent Pekel

Day of expected snowfall: 3:30 a.m.:

Kappers hops out of bed to chat with meteorologists at the National Weather Service in La Crosse to see how the storm moved throughout the night. He might also chat with the City of Rochester’s Street Maintenance Division, consult the drivers from First Student (the district’s main transportation contractor), and drive a bit of the roads himself to see what the conditions look like.

4:30 a.m.:

Kappers calls Pekel and passes on the information. At that point, the superintendent needs to consider the wind, ice, snow, and temperature, as well as the length of the incoming storm. If they haven’t canceled yet, the absolute deadline is 4:45 a.m., Pekel says.

PUT THE CHROMEBOOKS DOWN When Rochester Public Schools cancels a school day, they do not require students to pick up their laptops and log-in at home. Many other districts have moved to what is known as an “e-learning day,” but Pekel says the district feels that moving from in-person to e-learning on such short notice isn’t the best for students, or teachers.

“If you are a classroom teacher, you have a lesson plan for the day that is based on the mode you expect to be teaching in,” Pekel says. “With less than a day’s notice, to ‘flip the switch’ in learning modes, is kind of farcical.”

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Any later, and you risk having employees already on the way to school buildings. “If you’re going to make the call, make it early enough so everybody knows,” Pekel says.

5 a.m.:

Once Pekel makes the decision, the communications department sends out emails, text messages, and phone calls to families and employees through RPS’ messaging system. Knutson first emails staff, and then families; communications staff is also getting the word out to the Rochester Post-Bulletin, as well as Rochester’s three TV stations.

The district also blasts the news on social media, trying to cover any and all bases that students, caregivers, and staff might check before leaving the house that morning. Over the next hour, staff monitor their previous communications to correct any errors or changing information. They are also in contact with staff at various buildings to make sure no children have walked up to a locked door. Some staff members are required to work, so district officials make sure to contact building-level staff, and review the current conditions.

11 a.m.:

Pekel, Kappers, and Knutson regroup, discuss the day’s response, and once again begin looking at the small cluster forming on the radar of tomorrow’s forecast.

MORE ART THAN SCIENCE

Rochester Public Schools does not employ a weather matrix with hard-set cutoffs for cold temperatures, wind chills, or amount of precipitation. The timing of the storm also weighs heavily on the decision to cancel school.

LIFE IS A HIGHWAY. AND DRIVEWAY. AND GRAVEL ROADS.

Rochester Public Schools covers 218 square miles, with about 100 school bus routes across all of the elementary, middle and high schools. Newer housing developments are going farther and farther out from the city center, putting new routes where old farm fields sat for decades. “People think it’s a city, but it’s both— city and (rural),” Kappers says.

WHAT ABOUT COMMUNITY ED? If Rochester Public Schools are canceled for the day, all Community Education classes are canceled.

If school begins late, Community Education classes will not meet in the AM session. Classes that begin at noon or after will be held. If school dismisses early, all Community Education classes are canceled for the remainder of the day and evening.

JANUARY 2025

the local table {where we eat}

Ristorante & W ine Bar

507.280.6232 7 1st Ave SW, Rochester victoriasmn.com Victoria’s Caters Everywhere! Locally owned for 25 years. Specializing in traditional Italian. All sauces are scratch made. Victoria’s has four private dining rooms for all your events. Looking for a quick lunch? Victoria’s Express (Grab and Go) is adjacent to the restaurant and is open Mon through Fri from 10 am to 1:30 pm. Join us Wednesdays for Bottomless Wine.

507.281.2978, 300 1st Ave NW Rochester creativecuisineco.com Rustic comfort food, hand-crafted cocktails, and an intimate, romantic ambiance define this hidden gem of a restaurant. Live local music every night makes this a top-notch date night spot for any day of the week. Make the Redwood Room your new go-to! Voted Most Romantic Ambiance and finalist for Best Fine Dining.

507.516.0641 1155 16th St SW Rochester Sorellinasmn.com Open Mon-Sat at 11 AM Open Sunday at 10:30 AM

507.289.9200 3120 Wellner Drive NE Rochester whistlebinkiespub.com

Cousins Nadia Victoria and Jordan Victoria are excited to introduce you to: Sorellina’s Italian by Victoria’s. The latest Italian kitchen next to Apache Mall. You will find classic Victoria’s Italian dishes, as well as a few modern takes. Scratch pizzas, our famous sauces, cheesecakes and craft cocktails. Enjoy dining on the pizza counter side, the enclosed four-season patio, the swanky dining room, or sit at the bar and enjoy the view!

507.361.3636 300 1st Ave NW Rochester creativecuisineco.com Tilda’s Pizzeria is a locally owned one-of-a-kind wood-fired pizza restaurant in Downtown Rochester. Unique flavors, and a welcoming atmosphere for everyone! We offer dine-in, online ordering, and delivery. Mon-Sun 4 pm - 9 pm.

JANUARY 2025

Locally owned for 22 years tucked in NE Rochester. Providing a pub atmosphere that makes you feel at home with comfort. Awesome summer patio, two private spaces for events, with one of the largest menus and beer selection in all of Rochester. We are happy to be serving you all for years to come.

507.226.8146 4 3rd St SW Rochester thaipopmn.com Lunch + Dinner + Event Space. Voted Minnesota’s Best Thai restaurant 2023, 2024 + Rochester Magazine’s best ethnic restaurant 2023 and 2024. We serve unique cocktails and cuisine on historic 3rd Street in downtown Rochester. Open Monday - Saturday. Shhhh... Speakeasy and Cocktail Lounge. Located Under ThaiPop. Voted Best New Bar 2024 (Rochester Magazine) Creative Cocktails in a Cozy Setting. Open Friday + Saturday 5pm - 11pm. Happy Hour 5pm-6pm ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

the local table {where we eat}

507.206.3031 2550 Broadway Ave S. Rochester, MN 55904 Savoypizza.com Red’s Savoy Pizza is known for square-cut Sota-Style pizza featuring thin crust, family recipe sausage, passive-aggressive sauce, mounds of cheese & toppings cooked to crisp perfection. Round out your meal with wings, appetizers, salads, pasta & dessert. Options for Glutenfree, team orders & catering available. Located on South Broadway, featuring a petite dining room, drive-thru, delivery & take-out. Open 7 days a week 11 AM-9 PM. Jumbo slices served daily 11-4.

507.288.9481 1251 Cedar Center Ave SE Oronoco twosisterskitchenmn.com

Two Sisters features blends of traditional, made-from-scratch American dishes. Indulge in steak, a variety of soups and sandwiches or Minnesotan comfort foods. Hotdish will Always be on the menu!

-NEW MENU507-322-5041 161 13th Ave SW Rochester Saintson2nd.com

507.516.1050 244 Soldiers Field Dr SW Rochester towniessubs.com

Book your holiday party with Saints on Second! We are located in the Courtyard by Marriott across from Saint Marys Hospital. Whether you are a visitor or a lifelong resident of the city, we hope to embody everything that Rochester has to offer. Enjoy our “Minnesota Nice” hospitality while eating breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Chef Lela Tweed has crafted a menu sure to please – try our legendary sticky chicken sandwich! BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY TODAY!

507.424.1227 247 Woodlake Drive SE Rochester whistlebinkiespub.com Situated in a business district on a small lake with beautiful patio views, two private dining spaces, a large dining room, and an extensive menu with something for everyone, and a beer list to impress. WBOTL is thankful for their guests, friends, and family that make us a destination that all love and enjoy.

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Best Philly in Rochester! Stop in for our signature Grill’d Philly, a Grill’d Bowl or one of our delicious Smash’d Burgers. There is something for everyone to enjoy. We are open year-round at Soldiers Field Golf Course. Dine in or carry out. Voted Best Sandwich Place 2023 & 2024.

507.288.5283 2043 Superior Dr NW Rochester zenfusionmn.com Let Zen Fusion do the cooking for your holiday party. Our globally accented menu creates the perfect selection for any event. Let us cater to you or have your party at Zen, and we do all the cleanup. Private party room available & live hibachi chefs in-house every day. Seafood • Steak • Sushi • American • Asian • Mexican

JANUARY 2025

the local table {where we eat} 507.286.1101 706 Broadway Ave. N. 507.258.5300 2483 Commerce Drive, Rochester greatharvestrochester.com Dedicated to the traditional ways of bread making we are a ‘low tech,’ old fashioned, scratch bakery & cafe. We use pure, wholesome ingredients, add no fats, oils or preservatives. Each loaf is kneaded by hand. We grind high protein Montana spring wheat into the freshest flour possible. This is the magic of our whole grain breads and sweets. Where the “outside” of a sandwich is as good as the inside!

507.285.9229 1654 US-52 Rochester, MN 55901 charlieseateryandpub.com A ROCHESTER FAVORITE. If you’re looking for a great time in a fun atmosphere with friendly staff, look no further. Charlies Eatery & Pub is locally owned and is located in the Hillcrest Shopping Center next to the Indoor Golf Center. Enjoy a meal in our restaurant with live Bluegrass music on Wednesdays or visit our pub for food, drinks, entertainment, music and games. We serve breakfast all day long.

507.346.7300 78757 State Highway 16 Spring Valley fourdaughtersvineyard.com Visit Four Daughters Winery, Loon Juice Cider, and The Traditionalist Bourbon Distillery in one spot! Wine, cider and bourbon flights available 7 days a week, plus wines by the glass/bottle, a full cocktail bar, and a restaurant. Spend time inside the spacious tasting room or outside on the large patio bordering the vineyard at the largest winery and cidery in Minnesota. Rated as the #2 Winery Restaurant in the country by USA Today! 22

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507.258.4663 14 Fourth Street SW Rochester bleuduckkitchen.com Book Your Holiday Party! An inviting and intimate venue with exposed brick and original hardwood floors set in one of the oldest remaining commercial buildings in Rochester makes this space unique, warm, and welcoming. Our event space can accommodate weddings, reception, cocktails hours or hosting a meeting. And don’t forget about booking the Duck Truck! Voted Best Restaurant 2019-2024.

magazine

FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

2024

507.424.7800 130 5th St SW Rochester pnpizza.com

Chef Pasquale Presa is serving the food he grew up with....authentic NY style pizza along with simple, traditional Italian food including fresh salads and amazing desserts. Daily lunch and dinner specials. Dine-in or carry out. To place orders call 507.424.7800. Voted Best Pizza Place 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 by Rochester Magazine readers.

507.536.4748 212 1st Ave SW Rochester creativecuisineco.com Voted Rochester’s Best Deli and Sandwiches. A bustling, urban deli set in the heart of downtown Rochester, featuring big New York style sandwiches, filled with large portions of fresh sliced meats, gourmet cheeses, crisp vegetables, and one-of-a-kind spreads on bakeryfresh breads. Signature salads and soups with quick and easy delivery service. Catering as well as box lunch delivery. ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

the local table {where we eat}

507.258.4184 332 Broadway Ave S Rochester marrowmn.com Marrow offers a seasonal, ingredient and chef-driven menu - utilizing classic French technique, with a touch of humor and fun. Stop by to enjoy a quick bite and a drink or stay longer to visit with friends and family over dinner and wine. Scan the QR Code to make a reservation or just come on through. Walk-ins are always welcome! We are open Tuesday - Saturday from 5 - 10 pm. Happy Hour at the Bar Tuesday - Friday from 4 - 6 pm.

507.635.2331 502 N Main St Mantorville hubbellhouserestaurant.com The Hubbell House has been Rochester Magazine’s Best Restaurant within 30 minutes for the past fourteen years. Our extensive menu includes appetizers, salads, sandwiches, choice steaks, prime rib every day, chops, & seafood. Just a short drive from Rochester, whether you’re looking for a formal experience in one of our dining rooms, or a more relaxed setting like the Stagecoach Bar, the Hubbell House is the place for you.

South- 1201 S Broadway North- 5231 E Frontage Rd NW Express- Downtown Skyway Apple Valley - 15610 English Ave creativecuisineco.com

507.258.7555 187 16th Ave SW Rochester jerseyjos.com We Have the Only Authentic Philly Cheesesteaks in Rochester! Celebrating 10 years serving the Rochester community. We offer Made to Order Cheesesteaks, Jumbo Wings, Chicken Fingers and Chicken Sandwiches. So whether you Eat-in, Pickup, or have it Delivered, you will Always get your money’s worth! We can cater any celebration or event you might have. We are open Monday-Saturday, 11am-9pm, with Daily Lunch and Dinner specials!

507.282.6572 1203 2nd St SW Across from St. Mary’s Hospital Rochester Celebrating 40 years! Since 1984, the Powers family and the Canadian Honker Restaurant have taken great pride in serving fresh, home-cooked meals to you and your family. Whether you enjoy our award winning Eggs Benedict, Walleye Sandwich, or Filet Mignon, one thing is for sure, you will not leave hungry! Stop by today, and don't forget to order a piece of our world famous Bunnie Cake. ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

A local tradition since 1980, is the only place for great burgers and cold beer. Hand pattied fresh burgers, grilled to perfection, piles of nachos, tasty sandwiches, loaded bloody mary’s and much more!

507.361.1208 10 East Center St Rochester skyway level benedictsrochester.com Benedict’s is where you’ll find comfort food with a twist and unbeatable morning cocktails because it’s never too early! Why wait until dinner for great food and hospitality? At Benedict’s, we’re all about making mornings special. So, bring the family and become part of ours! Open 6:00am - 3:00pm daily.

JANUARY 2025

the local table {where we eat}

507.285.2516 120 Elton Hills Dr NW Rochester Specialty Coffee| Breakfast Lunch | Wine | Small Plates FOLLOW US @novioscafe on Instagram and Novios Cafe on Facebook. Use your phone camera to scan the QR code and order online now!

507.258.4550 1635 Highway 52 N Rochester PappysPlaceRochester.com Locally owned by the Pappas family; same family as former owners of Michaels and Hubbell House. Whether it’s our salad bar, onion ring appetizer, sandwiches, wraps, burgers, steaks ribs, seafood, cocktails or craft beers there’s something for everyone. Daily lunch and dinner specials on Facebook or PappysPlaceRochester.com. Now serving brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10am-2pm.

507.741.6222 150 Broadway Ave S Rochester millvalleykitchen.com

507.424.3885 3932 Marketplace Dr NW Rochester live4pi.com

Discover Mill Valley Kitchen in Rochester, where 13 years of culinary expertise bring you fresh, natural flavors. We’re all about sustainability and health-conscious dining. Sip on our craft cocktails and explore our wine list, it’s all designed to take your meal to the next level. Come taste the difference!

507.361.5144 3708 N Broadway Ave Rochester creativecuisineco.com Chef inspired Casual American restaurant that is family friendly. Some menu features include our Rotisserie Chicken, Kranz Smash Burger, Sheet Ton Chicken Nachos, or Chipotle Salmon Rice Bowl. Dine next to our 16 foot fireplace, or on our patio during the summer that includes fire pits, an outdoor bar, kid play area, and yard games. We also feature plenty of screens inside and out to catch your favorite games! 24

JANUARY 2025

Wood-fired signature pizza made from hand-tossed dough, topped with fresh ingredients. We bake our hand-crafted pizzas in our custom-made oven using locally grown white oak which fuels the temperature to 900 degrees and produces unique smoky flavors that cannot be captured by any other cooking method.

507.424.7800 130 5th St SW Rochester pnpizza.com Little Italy Marketplace. Shop Pasquale’s quality Italian Ingredients direct from Italy. Everything from frozen meals, amazing sauces, scratch-made pasta, and our farm-to-table Olive Oil. Our products are available at Pasquale’s or Hyvee Stores.

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3 Ways YOU CAN HELP Founded in 1961, PossAbilities creates opportunities for children and adults with disabilities to contribute to and connect with the community. The organization helps people living with disabilities gain access to employment resources and secure career opportunities through programs or one-on-one support. Not one person’s path is the same, which makes PossAbilities unique in that the agency focuses on each person’s abilities and decision on how they want to live their best life. PossAbilities’ programs are designed to empower people living with disabilities and their families. Enrichment activities promote independence and boost confidence while the organization’s art studio advances artistic expression and encourages entrepreneurship. All programs focus on prioritizing inclusion and belonging. “When we opened our doors in the early 1960s, we were only serving a small number of people in Olmsted County,” says Stacy Shones, marketing director. “Today, we provide services for people living with disabilities in communities in Olmsted, Winona, Goodhue, Mower, Fillmore, and Houston counties, and we continue to expand our reach. The success of the agency can be attributed to PossAbilities’ dedicated, hard-working employees, the individuals and families who put their trust in PossAbilities to enrich their lives, and the community members who continue to champion disability services.”

3 WAYS YOU C AN HELP IS SPONSORED BY: ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

BY ALEXA ANDERSON

HERE’S HOW YOU, TOO, CAN HELP POSSABILITIES: JOIN IN THE POSSABILITIES! The organization encourages readers to become engaged in their large fundraising event, A Night of PossAbilities, that brings the community together for a night of inspiration and support. The evening features a delicious three-course meal, impactful stories from people benefiting from PossAbilities programs in Southeastern Minnesota, and a silent and live auction contributing to the growth of new initiatives at PossAbilities. The event in 2025 will be on September 19 at the Hilton Mayo Clinic Area. PossAbilities holds several art shows and sales throughout the year. This is an opportunity for the community to view one of PossAbilities innovative programs, ArtAbilities, that features art envisioned and designed by artists of all abilities. Every show allows the community to visit the artist, purchase an artistic design, or commission an artist for a personalized piece.

LEND A HELPING HAND. PossAbilities welcomes community volunteers, whether that is teaching a class about how to make a healthy snack independently or playing a game with those attending the Life Enrichment program. When you volunteer at PossAbilities, you contribute to making a difference in the lives of others. Volunteers can start at age 16. Those interested in volunteering can complete a volunteer request on the organization’s website, www. possabilities.org/giving/volunteer. PROMOTE INCLUSIVITY. Everyone can contribute to building a more inclusive community for people living with disabilities. A great start is using inclusive language when referring to a person who has a disability. Also, consider promoting a workplace that values employees for their strengths and abilities, so everyone has an opportunity to have a meaningful career. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Anyone interested in supporting PossAbilities, in any of the ways listed above, can find more information at www.possabilities.org.

At Eagle Rock Bank, formerly ONB Bank, we’re proud to give back to our community. As a locally owned and managed bank, it is so important to us to support our local non-profit organizations through sponsorships and hundreds of volunteer hours through our employee volunteers.

JANUARY 2025

By Jennifer Koski Photos by Joe Ahlquist and courtesy Jerry Williams

Educator.

Superintendent. Community servant. After nearly four decades in Rochester, Jerry Williams still considers himself “kind of a newbie.” Yet, in this time, he’s cemented himself as the city’s pre-eminent educator and public servant. But that’s just the beginning.

Teacher. Principal. Superintendent. For anyone who’s crossed his path, they’re titles synonymous with Rochester stalwart Jerry Williams. But so is EMT. Marathoner. Community Servant. One-time civil engineering student. And, it should be added: Man who delivered a baby in a moving vehicle. After a 41-year career—20 of those in Rochester and nearly 7 of them as Rochester Public Schools’ superintendent—Jerry Williams has cemented his legacy as a Rochester educator. But, at 81 years old, Williams has also spent decades making his mark in the city’s boardrooms, civic organizations, and non-profits. And yet there is, perhaps, a lot you don’t know about him.

Jennifer Koski sat down with Williams to learn what some of those things might be— including his best advice for living well.

Are you originally from Rochester?

No, I’m not. I actually moved to Rochester 37 years ago—so in many respects, I’m still kind of a newbie.

Where were you born? I was born and

raised in central Illinois near Peoria. Our town was right along the river, so we did a lot of water activities. I was in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Explorers, Sea Scouts. In Sea Scouts we wore Navy-type uniforms. When we were 14, 15 years old, we built this sailboat and almost got run over by a barge. We’d tipped over and when we finally got the thing back up, we looked to the south and saw this barge—and barges don’t stop on a dime! We got out of the way, but we learned a lot from that.

Jerry Williams’ 41-year career has included 20 years in Rochester and nearly 7 of them as Rochester Public Schools’ superintendent.

How did you end up in Minnesota? I moved to Minnesota

for college. My parents used to come up to International Falls to vacation, and I decided early on that I wanted to live here.

Where did you go to school? I was

in the education program at Hamline University. But not at first. During my first semester, I was going to be in civil engineering. I started at Wisconsin State in Platteville because they had a strong civil engineering program. And in one class, the teacher—George Bullis was his name—just mesmerized us. It was an analytic geometry and calculus class, and he’d meet us in the student union to help us out. I was inspired by that man and how he really cared for us. It was because of him that I thought: I want to be an educator.

Did you ever tell Mr. Bullis about the impact he had on you? No,

because I transferred out after that first semester. I’m not sure I had the maturity at that time to say thank you to him. I was 18 years old.

And the rest is history? It started a career of 41 years I’d do over in a heartbeat.

What was your first teaching job? It was seventh and ninth grade social studies at North Junior High School in St Cloud. This was 1965. I was in St. Cloud for four years … and before I left I finished my master’s so I could be a secondary school principal. Then from 1969 to 1978, I came here to Southeast Minnesota and I was the principal at Lewiston High School. I was the youngest principal in the state of Minnesota when I started, and it probably really showed, too.

Where do you go from there?

I reached a turning point. I think many of us in life think at times, “Do I really want to do this job? Do I really want to do this in life?” I resigned and did a variety of things. I did some insurance work. I taught CPR classes. I was an EMT. And, actually, in the fall of that year, I delivered a baby in the back of an ambulance on the way to the hospital.

JANUARY 2025

“[Dr. Hugh Smith told me] ‘We try to not talk about retirements. We talk about transitioning to other things.’

I never forgot that.” — Jerry Williams

Now that’s something you wouldn’t have experienced behind a principal’s desk.

Most likely not! We got a call late at night: “My daughter is in an advanced state of labor!” We got to the house, we got the woman into the back of the vehicle, and we headed off with lights flashing to the hospital. We got a little east of Lewiston and she said, “The baby’s coming!” I said to the driver, “Keep the lights on and go really slow!” And we delivered this baby girl. I can say that’s one of those tremendous powerful life experiences. To my last breath, to my last thought, I’ll remember that.

How long were you an EMT?

It was during that same first year that I decided I’d picked up too many kids out of back rooms and off highways and out of various circumstances and I wanted to return to education. My first job back was up to a little town near Hutchinson, then I was principal of Greenway High School in Coleraine on the Iron Range. Then in 1987, I came to Rochester and that’s where I finished out my career. I was principal in what was then Kellogg Junior High School. Then I was director of HR for Rochester Public Schools. And then superintendent of course.

Tell me about becoming superintendent. When I came to

Rochester and I saw what different colleagues were doing, I thought, “I could never be superintendent of schools.” But when the opportunity came available—when they were looking for an interim superintendent—I thought, “I’m going to apply.” Jack Noennig had left, and he gave me a lot of confidence to apply, and I was successful.

You weren’t only an interim superintendent, though, right?

No. I went back to HR when we hired a superintendent. That person was only here for seven to eight months. Then I moved back in a second time as interim. After a while the board took the interim title away, and I’m grateful for that. I retired from that position in 2007, so I’ve been retired for 17 years.

It doesn’t seem like you’ve slowed down. Do you remember

Hugh Smith? He was the CEO of Mayo Clinic—Dr. Hugh Smith, a cardiologist. He was a really neat guy. I was in his office talking to him one time. He was telling me about looking to move on at some point. I said, “I’ve got this number of years left before retirement.” And he made an interesting comment to me: “Around here, we try to not talk about retirements. We talk about transitioning to other things.” I never forgot that.

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

That’s a powerful perspective.

Retirement sometimes has a shuffleboard mentality about it. That’s not what I’m doing. I’ve transitioned. I’ve taken many of the skill sets that I picked up as an educator and moved into a phase of life where I can take these things and ask, “How do I start giving back in different ways?” Jane Belau gave me this title: self-described community servant. And if I can be known as a community servant, if I can give back, then I’ve passed one of the tests in that “it’s what we do with our lives that’s important.” I thought what I did with my life as an educator was important, but it’s just as important to stand back and look at my life and say that what I’ve done with it since that 41-year career is just as important.

What have some of those things been?

I was in Rotary for a number of years, where the motto is “service above self.” I’ve been on the board of the Salvation Army for 16 years. I was on the Rochester Public Utilities board for eight years—chair for six of those years—and I really enjoyed that. When Ardell Brede was mayor, he interviewed me for that. I told him, “I don’t know anything about megawatts and kilowatts except keep my fingers out of them!” And he said, “That’s what I want. Somebody outside who can listen well and ask the questions.” During that time, I also served a four-year term on the Municipal Utility Association board. I chaired an advisory task force to the city council recommending the 10 items to put on the November 2012 ballot for the $139.5 million sales tax renewal. And then I chaired the sales tax renewal campaign committee that was successful in getting that passed with 65% of the vote. I also chaired a task force that looked into the development and permitting process of the city. We wrote up an extensive report, and now—up on 41st and West River Parkway—what used to be Think Bank is the community development center for the city of Rochester, staffed by a great group of people. And I spent several years on the Bush Foundation advisory board regarding higher education centers in North and South Dakota and the state of Minnesota.

What’s your most recent “community servant” moment? Later today I’m helping

with the Salvation Army’s coat and mittens and gloves and hat and scarf distribution. We collected a little over 1,000 coats in our driveup yesterday. It’s just remarkable.

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Jerry Williams running the Greece Marathon in 1996.

What’s something I might be surprised to learn about you?

What I did a week ago this past Sunday: I ran a marathon. Most people don’t picture someone 81 running a marathon and still being able to walk the day after. I think that would surprise most people.

Have you always been a runner?

No, I have not. When I turned 50, I had this feeling—wow, you’re 50, what are you going to do with these last years of your life? You better get out and do something, guy, because the end is coming soon! We didn’t have the phrase “bucket list” then but that’s what I was

feeling. I talked to my brotherin-law and he said, “Let’s go run a marathon!” I thought: “Let’s do it!” Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth was my first marathon in 1994. I was 50 years old.

Good for you. When I was first

starting to run, Steve Borchardt, our former sheriff, and his late wife lived two blocks south of me. He had been a runner off and on. And he said to me, “When you cross that finish line for the first time, it’s an experience you’ll never forget.” He was right.

JANUARY 2025

What’s been your greatest adventure?

You know, I think my 41 years in public schools and all the people, the thousands of kids I interacted with, the many dances I chaperoned, the cafeteria lunches I supervised, the hours talking to kids, going to concerts, watching them find themselves. Wow, what a gift that was to me. And to be blessed to do this all around the most wonderful teachers and staff. My goodness gracious. That has turned out to be my greatest adventure. To be able to experience those opportunities is a gift that’s been given to me, and I hope I in turn have been able to give a gift to someone else to promote their educational attainment.

Do you have kids? Yes, I have two kids. My son and his wife live up in International Falls and they have two kids, my grandkids. They own a business up there and I go up in the summer. And I have a daughter who has her own business out in Seattle. She’s lived out there for a number of years. I love to visit Seattle. I eat all the salmon I can! What do you do in International Falls? I have a 41-foot camper back in the woods up there. I read a lot of books. I take naps without feeling guilty. I run. I’m part of a foundation up there that works with conservation efforts and works with Ojibwe tribes of Northern Minnesota. I’ve been taught so much about the indigenous populations there, particularly the Ojibwe tribes of the Rainy Lake area. I fish a little bit, I also volunteer at the bass tournament each August, which is a hoot. I’ve gotten to know a lot of different people. Yeah, I love it.

Jerry Williams boating on Rainy Lake near International Falls, Minn..

Do you think you’ll ever move from Rochester? I’m not moving. We have the best

“Life is a mystery to be lived. It’s not a problem to be solved.” — Jerry Williams

JANUARY 2025

medical care in the world, a major airport a few miles south, the Twin Cities an hour and a quarter away, and I know a million people. And using my snowblower is practice for using a walker someday, so I’ll be in good shape!

Advice you give? I’ve run into people over the years who are trying to figure out life—to get down into the weeds about life and living on this planet. My advice to them is this: “Life is a mystery to be lived. It’s not a problem to be solved.” We need to go out and live this adventure we call life. Because in the end, it’s what we do with our lives that’s important. Sage advice. Life is an adventure. Go explore! We’re here for such a miniscule blink of an eye. It’s the smallest moment in the whole experience of our universe. So live it! LIVE IT. L’chaim! rm

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"I just ran over a mythological creature in Mazeppa!" The Rochester Charter Commission members debated “banning decision-making implants.” “We’r e pretty disappointed someone would use our logo in a joke like this.”

THE ROCHIES BY STE VE L ANGE

2024 It’s The Rochies, our annual look back at the best (read: strangest) stories of the past year.

BSTEORSIETS

“I just ran over a mythological creature! And it may have been made of worms!” In May, Anonymous Participant posted the following on the Spotted in Rochester Facebook page: “Last night driving on 52 south I hit what can only be described as a wendigo [a mythological, hairless, fanged, cannibalistic monster in the spiritual tradition of North American Algonquian-speaking tribes.] ... It was pale and it ran on all fours. My passenger saw it also. ... This is not a joke. It was between Mazeppa and Pine Island. When we stopped to inspect the car, the bottom of it was full of worms like we had driven over miles of worms on the highway, and they were all over the bottom of the car, some chewed up, some whole.”

ROCHIE S

2024

And the winners then drove off together in my brother’s 1979 Camaro. In March, a dozen competitors—ages 4 to 81—took part in the Dodge County Business Expo’s inaugural Mullet Contest. The three winners— one each in the men’s, women’s, and children’s categories—“showed off their mullets for the crowd and three judges by shaking their hair around to music.” The event organizer said that they plan to hold the event next year, and advised everyone to “Make sure to tell your friends, you’ve got a year to grow out your mullet.”

JANUARY 2025

Another pun-ishing snowplow naming contest. In January, the Minnesota Department of Transportation opened up the voting in its (now hopefully annual) Name a Snowplow Contest for the 8 MnDOT districts (including ours!) in need of a new plow. More than 32,000 people voted, and the top punny vote-getters included: Taylor Drift. Clark W. Blizzwald. Dolly Plowton. Beyonsleigh. Fast and Flurrious. Barbie’s Dream Plow. And the winning entry for our own District 6 (Southeast Minnesota)?

You’re Killin’ Me, Squalls.

Attention, Rochester Grizzlies’ mascot Boomer! Let’s bring this world record home. In April, the St. Paul Saints mascot Mudonna T. Pig—described as a “neonpink porcine cheerleader also known as ‘the divine swine’ and ‘the dutchess of pork’”—set the world record for number of hugs in one minute. In the second game of the doubleheader, Mudonna hugged 90 people in 60 seconds. Mudonna broke the previous record of 89 hugs, which had been set in 2019 by a red M&M in Shanghai, China.

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We do want this to be our new thing, right? Right?

Never gonna make you cry? On April 1, a large vinyl banner showed up in St. Mary’s Park (Ninth Avenue Southwest and Fourth Street) announcing the new Hilltop Apartments, a “convenient high-rise living” complex that would be built in the Pill Hill neighborhood in the fall of 2025. It even featured a (stolen and misspelled) Weis Builders logo.

On May 7 (5-07), numerous Rochesterites posted social media photos of themselves dressed as the Ear of Corn Water Tower for what we’re now (hopefully) marketing as 507 Day.

The QR code on the banner, though, was linked to a video of Rick Astley singing his 1987 song, “Never Gonna Give You Up.”

har ter Then, the C resident np Commissio member r e h t o n a d aske t button tha e h t h s u p to im into the h r e w lo ld wou en lava. lt o m f o t a v mission Charter Com

We’d been Rickrolled! Weis Group Vice President Scott Fenske, though, was not laughing. “We had nothing to do with it,” he told the Post Bulletin. “We’re pretty disappointed someone would use our logo in a joke like this.”

Never gonna say goodbye?

On April 1, the Winona County Sheriff ’s Office posted the following on its Facebook page: “Winona County, we need your help. We’ve had a string of incidents involving extremely sketchy circumstances but we’re always a little late.

hester In May, Roc decisioned “banning at are eb d rs be mem icting softw ts” and “restr an pl r im fo ” g ce in n mak tellige ic human in that can mim als. offici elected city

This is a link to the suspect’s profile page. If you know them or think you may know them, please reach out to us! We need to speak with this individual.” The link on the Facebook page, though, took you to a video of Rick Astley singing his 1987 song, “Never Gonna Give You Up.”

On the other han d, maybe “decisionmaking implants” for ele cted officials should g et a second look.

We’d been Rickrolled!

Never gonna tell a lie, and hurt you?

In January of 2023 (we’re trying to keep this theme going, here), singer Rick Astley sued Rochester native-turned rapper Yung Gravy for sampling (sort of ) Astley’s 1987 hit “Never Gonna Give You Up” in Gravy’s viral hit “Betty (Get Money).”

He said goodbye.

In September of 2023, Astley and Gravy officially confirmed that a settlement had been reached with the lawsuit, though no details were provided.

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

ROC

HIE S

2024

In October, the Or onoco City Council voted 4-1 to cancel the regular public forum—the public comments segment —of the city council me etings. If any citize n had comments, said council member Pa ul Pendergrass, “they ca n write it and we’ll read it in November. ”

JANUARY 2025

“And this person with me, the one hiding behind that garbage can is, in fact, my buyer’s agent.” In May, Rochester police, responding to a late-night report of two men climbing through a broken window at a nowclosed, former shoe repair store on North Broadway, located two suspects in the building. The two men told officers that they were looking at the building because they were considering buying it. One of the men was arrested for 5th degree drug possession. A second individual received a citation for providing a false name.

ROC

HIE S

2024

Also, they produced a NSFW video. In August, The Onion (“America’s Finest News Source”) included Austin, Minnesota, in the following story, titled “Hormel Introduces New Chili Formula For Mothers Who Can’t Produce Own Chili.” AUSTIN, MN—Touting the product as an easy, delicious way to nourish a newborn, packaged meat processor Hormel Foods introduced a new chili formula Friday for mothers unable to produce their own chili. “With Hormel’s unique powdered chili formula, new mothers can ensure their baby gets all the essential beef, bean, and cheese nutrients they need to hit important developmental milestones,” read a press release from the company, which added that just one package of the powder, which comes in chunky beef, turkey, and Coney Island flavors, could provide an infant with over 40 bottles of delicious homestyle stew. ...

Do you have the kind that eats crows? In July, hundreds of goats were turned loose on various city properties (including the North Police Station) to trim lawns and eat weeds in order to provide natural lawn care for the city’s native prairie grasses and pollinators.

Is this legal? We should ask our attor ... In November, the Wabasha County Board of Commissioners voted 3-2 to reduce the salary of the current Wabasha County Attorney by $20,000, citing complaints of poor communication. However, the motion may violate state law. Legally, however, commissioners were unsure whether the reduction was even allowed or whether it violated state law.

JANUARY 2025

There’s more, but it gets kind of weird.

This time around, most of the drugs in use were Lisinopril, Zocor, and Prilosec OTC. In November, the Mayo Civic Center hosted REO Speedwagon on the 50th anniversary of REO’s 1974 Civic Center concert that, because of its rowdy crowdgoers, led to a five-year moratorium on rock concerts in Rochester. On Nov. 23, 1974, REO Speedwagon performed with Climax Blues, and attendees reportedly left the facility a mess, with “plugged toilets,” “vomit and urine in hallways” and reports of widespread drug use. Seven people were arrested on drug-related charges during the 1974 show, and clean up of the facility reportedly took two and-a-half days. Soon after, the Rochester Park Board voted to ban “hard rock” concerts from not just the Mayo Auditorium but also Graham Arena, the former bandshell, and all city park facilities. The ban was finally lifted in 1979.

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JANUARY 2025

ROCH IE S

2024

“Don’t make us come back to rob this same ATM a third time!” In June, two men and a woman drove from Wisconsin to steal an ATM from a Brownsville gas station/convenience store. When they entered the store, they realized the ATM was bolted to the floor and they couldn’t get it out. They tried to open the ATM with an ice chipper tool, but the tool kept bending. The trio then reportedly took the cash drawer and merchandise including fishing lures. They left the store and drove away. When they stopped to inventory their haul, they decided it was “unacceptable.” So the three decided to return to the store, where the two men used a crowbar to open the ATM. The store’s owner, meanwhile, had been notified of a burglar alarm from the first break-in and called police. The woman was sitting in the car and the two men were in the store when police arrived on the scene. Nearly an hour later, the two men were removed from the store. They had crawled into the attic in an attempt to escape, but got caught in the attic vent. When they were arrested, one of the men had nearly $4,000 in his pants pockets.

JANUARY 2025

The Rochester City Council can’t agree on anyth ... In January, the Rochester City Council voted—unanimously!—to designate the Ear of Corn Water Tower as the city’s 15th official historic landmark.

It must have flown off my windshield. In September, the Rochester City Council authorized city staff to start the collection process on more than 9,000 individual vehicles with parking tickets— dating back to 2018 and totaling roughly $870,000—that haven’t been paid in a timely manner.

This is going to make getting my mail so much easier. In August, the Rochester City Council voted to move forward with an ordinance change to allow use of golf carts on streets with speed limits of 25 mph or slower.

Meanwhile, I’m still worried our IT department is going to find some of the images that came up when I innocently Googled “Barenaked Ladies” on my work computer. In October, Joe Gow, the chancellor at the University of WisconsinLa Crosse, was fired after university officials discovered Gow had produced and starred in pornographic content across the web in videos and self-authored books he published under a pseudonym.

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

JANUARY 2025

Finally! A new way to deal with the downtown crow problem. In November, the City of Rochester signed an agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture to hire federal staff to use air rifles to shoot and kill downtown crows. Oh, wait. We’ve written about this since 2011. Here’s a lookback:

It’s like a Rage Against the Machine concert! For birds! In mid-December of 2011, a bird abatement company hired by the city used lasers and bullhorns to begin disruption of the downtown crow population, then estimated at anywhere from 5,000-20,000 birds.

‘Next, we’ll be releasing the wolves to eat the falcons. And don’t worry, we then have giant gorillas waiting to kill the wolves.’ In a little-bit-after-mid-December of 2011, the bird abatement company released “trained attacking raptors”—including peregrine falcons and hawks—to scare off the remaining crows.

‘For the final crow, we’ll be building a giant version of Mousetrap. But for a crow.’ In mid-January of 2012, after reports from downtown business owners that the crows had returned, the bird abatement company decided to try to catch the remaining birds in nets, tag them, then drive them to western Minnesota, where they would be released. They managed to net 50 birds in five days.

It’s like another Rage Against the Machine concert! For birds! ROC

HIE S

2024

By November of 2012, as the crows were beginning to roost downtown once again for winter, city officials began discussing another round of “crow disruption techniques,” including bullhorns and lasers.

Now it just seems personal. In 2013, a new technique included hanging dead crows in effigy in order to scare off other crows.

JANUARY 2025

Also, these stories happened again in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. rm

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r u o Y t Ge (Financial/Banking/Insurance/Etc.)

House IN ORDER Area experts tell you how to build your financial foundation for 2025

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

JANUARY 2025

"Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to a savings or investment account." —Sokha Yous

Eric Funk, Emerald Financial Group-Thrivent, Rochester

Balance that budget.

“The most basic financial goal that any family or individual can have is a balanced budget to track both the income and expenses that you and your family have. This goal may sound rudimentary, and some of you may have already accomplished this basic financial goal. But to others, this goal may take time and discipline to accomplish, but is absolutely necessary to everyone’s financial success. Breaking down month by month what exactly you are spending on will help to create a clear financial picture for yourself and allow you to better plan for both short-term and long-term goals. The short-term goal is to have at a minimum of 3 to 6 months of expenses put away in your savings account by the end of the year.

Sokha Yous, Financial Wellness Counselor, Mayo Employees Federal Credit Union

Build that emergency fund. “Everyone should aim to have 3-6 months’ worth of essential expenses saved in an easily accessible account, such as a savings account at your credit union or bank. For example, if your monthly expenses are $3,000, aim for at least $9,000$18,000. This provides a cushion for unexpected expenses like medical emergencies or job loss.

Save and budget, automatically. “Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to a savings or investment account. Many credit unions offer budgeting tools and apps to help track spending. For instance, use apps like Mint or your bank’s in-app budgeting features to set goals and monitor progress.”

JANUARY 2025

To reach this goal, you must know what you are spending money on each month and how much you are feasibly able to save away while ensuring you are paying all your expenses. This may mean canceling those dinner plans that you set every week and instead making them once a month, or not ordering those new shoes that you thought could upgrade your wardrobe. It takes making a conscious effort to spend less money and instead put that money aside to be saved. This is crucial in setting up a financial bedrock for you and your family. This foundation will help to ensure your long-term financial success by effectively putting up a shield against possible surprise expenses that may occur. It is an unfortunate part of life, but expenses can pop up at any time. Having this money saved away can help to ensure that these surprise expenses do not cause financial turmoil for you and your family. No one likes to pay the expenses that come with your car breaking down or even an unfortunate medical emergency, but knowing that you have money saved away for these emergencies help create piece of mind as well as overall financial security.”

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Emerald Financial Group

Invested in a meaningful journey At Thrivent, we believe money is a tool—not a goal. As a holistic financial services organization, and a membership-owned fraternal organization, providing financial advice, investments, insurance, banking and generosity programs, we are committed to helping you achieve financial clarity. We are here to help provide the guidance you need to live the life you want.

Let’s connect Eric Funk, Financial Consultant Andy Roberts, Associate John Milliron, Associate

thrivent.com/emerald emeraldfinancialgroup@thrivent.com 507-289-1682 116 Elton Hills Ln. NW, Ste. 200 Rochester, MN 55901 5349667.2

Drew Owen, CFP, Integrated Wealth Advisor, Carlson Capital Management

Track that spending. “If you’re not already tracking your spending with a budgeting tool, you should consider getting that in place. Once you have a picture of your budget, you’re better able to think not just about your goals, but your financial values (e.g., independence, legacy, generosity). This can help you focus on the choices you need to make for the short term (e.g., save for a down payment) and the long term (e.g., leave a nest egg for your children or support your favorite charities throughout your life and in your will). Knowing your financial values will also help you partner effectively with a fiduciary financial advisor to deploy strategies that best support your values around tax efficiency, retirement planning, and organizing your legacy. A fiduciary advisor can help you make consistent progress and offer peace of mind that you’re not overlooking something important.”

Crystal Hughley, AVP,Personal & Real Estate Lending, Eagle Rock Bank

Give yourself a health check-up (on your credit). “Good credit impacts loan approvals, interest rates, and even job applications in some cases. Regularly monitoring and improving credit can save thousands over time. Check your credit reports at least annually for errors (use free resources like AnnualCreditReport.com). Ensure you are making on-time payments, reducing credit card balances, and keep old accounts open to maintain credit history. Someone with a 650 credit score might improve to 700 by paying down revolving debt to under 30% of credit limits. That improvement could translate to a significantly lower interest rate on a mortgage or car loan.”

We can't stress this enough: Build that emergency fund. “An emergency fund is important because it provides a financial safety net for unexpected expenses like medical bills, car repairs, or job loss. Without one, people may resort to high-interest debt like credit cards or payday loans. Ideally, aim for 3–6 months’ worth of living expenses saved. You can start small with $500 to $1,000 which is a good initial target. Set up an automatic transfer from checking to savings after every paycheck to help automate the process. Use high-yield savings accounts for better growth while maintaining liquidity. For a family with $3,000 in monthly expenses, you should strive for $9,000–$18,000 in an account you can access easily in emergencies.”

"An emergency fund is important because it provides a financial safety net for unexpected expenses like medical bills, car repairs, or job loss. " —Crystal Hughley

JANUARY 2025

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Boost your credit score. PAY YOUR BILLS ON TIME. Set up automatic payments or reminders to ensure you never miss a due date. When you miss a bill payment, that late bill could lower your credit score. REDUCE YOUR DEBT. Aim to keep your credit card balances low relative to your credit limits. Paying down existing debt demonstrates responsible financial management. MONITOR YOUR CREDIT REPORT. Regularly review your credit report for errors or fraudulent activity. Disputing inaccuracies can prevent negative impacts on your score. DIVERSIFY YOUR CREDIT MIX. Having a mix of credit types, such as credit cards, loans, and mortgages, can positively impact your score. However, only take on new credit when necessary. KEEP OLD ACCOUNTS OPEN. The length of your credit history matters. Even if you no longer use a credit card, keeping the account open can lengthen your credit history and improve your score. LIMIT CREDIT APPLICATIONS. Each application for new credit generates a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can temporarily lower your score. Apply for credit strategically and sparingly. —Minnesota Department of Revenue

JANUARY 2025

Build your team of trusted experts.

Building a trusted team of financial experts is essential for navigating your financial wellbeing journey effectively. Here’s how to assemble your dream team: RESEARCH PROFESSIONALS. Take the time to research and vet potential team members thoroughly. Look for professionals with reputable credentials, relevant experience, and positive client testimonials.

REGULAR COMMUNICATION. Maintain open lines of communication with your team members. Regular checkins allow you to stay informed about your financial progress and make adjustments as needed.

SEEK RECOMMENDATIONS. Ask for recommendations from friends, family, and colleagues who have had positive experiences with financial professionals. Personal referrals can often lead to trustworthy connections.

REVIEW CREDENTIALS AND LICENSES. Ensure that all team members hold appropriate licenses and certifications for their respective fields. This guarantees that they adhere to professional standards and ethical practices.

INTERVIEW POTENTIAL ADVISERS. Schedule consultations with potential financial coaches, licensed professionals, brokers, banks, credit unions, real estate agents, and lenders. Use these meetings to assess their expertise, communication style, and alignment with your financial goals. EVALUATE COMPATIBILITY. Building a trusted relationship requires compatibility and mutual respect. Choose professionals who understand your unique financial situation and are committed to helping you achieve your objectives. CONSIDER SPECIALIZATIONS. Depending on your needs, you may require specialists in areas such as investment management, tax planning, estate planning, or mortgage lending. Select professionals with expertise in the areas most relevant to your financial journey.

ESTABLISH TRUST. Trust is the foundation of any successful relationship. Choose professionals who prioritize transparency, honesty, and integrity in their interactions with clients. CONTINUOUSLY ASSESS PERFORMANCE. Periodically evaluate the performance of your financial team to ensure they continue to meet your expectations and deliver results. Don’t hesitate to make changes if necessary to maintain a high standard of service. Review your account statements to ensure fees are accurate and to review account performance. By assembling a qualified and trustworthy team of financial experts, you can gain the support and guidance you need to achieve your financial goals with confidence. —Minnesota Department of Revenue rm

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Photo courtesy Rochester Area Builders.

HOME SHOW,

Sweet Home Show.

(And Outdoors!) BY JENNIFER KOSKI

The Rochester Area Builders’ annual show gets a remodel—and a new name—for 2025. 52

JANUARY 2025

Things that are 46 years old: Family-friendly television channel Nickelodeon. Perennial SNL cast member Keenan Thompson. Male “dance troupe” Chippendales.

And, most notably here in southeastern Minnesota, Rochester Area Builders’ annual show—which celebrates 46 years on February 13-15 at Mayo Civic Center. To celebrate the occasion, the builder’s organization is launching a remodel of its own. “We listened to the community and our members,” says Patrick Sexton, executive director of Rochester Area Builders. “The newly branded Home & Outdoor Show has been completely revamped: New days, new location within the Civic Center, new entertainment, new activities for the kids, and new smells, sounds, and experiences.”

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+ +

PB Trivia Night at Little Thistle! (Locally crafted beer. Locally crafted questions.)

What does this mean for you? DOUBLE THE FUN: RAB events consultant Meghann Southwick says attendees can expect a more diverse and holistic experience at this year’s show. “We’ll have everything from home and outdoor exhibitors to wellness and lifestyle exhibits,” says Southwick. “So whether you’re in the market for a kitchen remodel, a hot tub or professional landscaping, you’ll find what you’re looking for.” A NEW ONLINE EXPERIENCE: Southwick

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29 (And the last Wednesday of every month)

The Post Bulletin and Little Thistle have teamed up for PB Trivia Night! Sure, Wednesdays already mean Trivia Mafia Night at Little Thistle. But now, as an added bonus, the usual halftime break for Trivia Mafia will be filled with questions Pulled From The Pages Of This Month’s Post Bulletin (which was our original title, but then we realized it’s way too long). And the winning team gets all kinds of cool swag (well, we think it’s cool because some of it has the PB logo on it, but it also includes Little Thistle gift cards!). As always, the Trivia Mafia Night at Little Thistle starts at 6:30 pm (though you really should get there early) and it’s all free.

PB Trivia will start a little after 7 pm.

calls the Home & Outdoor Show’s new website— rochesterhomeoutdoorshow.com—a “one-stop shop where you can view a list of exhibitors, an interactive floor plan, day by day entertainment, family activities—and, for companies interested in taking part, sponsorship and exhibit information.”

JOIN US SUNDAY FOR OUR BREAKFAST BUFFET!

A RAFFLE WITH HEART: The Kitchens for Kids raffle

will benefit the Jeremiah Program, an organization that disrupts the cycle of poverty for single mothers and their children. Raffle tickets are $10 each or 3 for $20—and could land you the kids’ kitchen of your (kids’) dreams.

ALL YOU CAN EAT! 9 AM - 1 PM

SEMINARS AND ENTERTAINMENT YOU CAN USE:

Plans are still top-secret as we go to press, but watch for contests, notable presenters, and sessions on everything from green technology to how to get the most bang for your remodeling buck.

ROMANCE: Romance? At the Home & Outdoor show?

Yes. With Valentine’s Day—February 14—falling during show days, the RAB team is offering a 2-for-1 “Friday night date night” admission that day. The 46th annual Rochester Area Builders home show will take place Feb. 13-15 at Mayo Civic Center. Hours are 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Admission is $10 for ages 13-adult (with a 2-for-1 “Friday night date night” admission), and free for ages 12 and younger. For more info, check out rochesterhomeoutdoorshow.com.

1654 Highway 52 N | (507) 285-9229 Mon.- Sat. 6 am to 1 am | Sun. 6 am to midnight

charlieseateryandpub.com ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

JANUARY 2025

The Walk-Through: INSIDE A $750K HOME IN MT. IRON, MN

The home: 26.2 acres with riverfront shoreline 5,240 square feet, 3 BED/3 BATH The info: A high end custom cedar home with a thousand feet of private river shoreline! Located on 26 acres offering beautiful country views, abundant wildlife, a pond with fish and a sand swimming hole! Built in 2003, this home is complete with 2 king suites plus a 3rd bedroom and bathroom. The open floor

plan offers a stunning kitchen with hickory cabinets, granite and butcher block counters, two islands, Sub-Zero and top quality appliances, and a wine cellar down the hall. The two story great room features a huge fireplace with walls of windows open to the wrap-around porch, and a spacious dining area with glass doors open to the patio. The attached massive garage with high ceilings has in-floor heat and an office/media room or guest quarters above. Also on the property is a sauna log cabin, and the

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potential to add an RV, garage or guest cabin.The adjacent 12 acre property including a shop and garage is also available at $349,500

The price: $749,500 Address: 10101 Allavus Road, Mt. Iron, MN 55768 3D tour: Scan QR Code for 3D Tour!

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JANUARY 2025

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

MARKETPLACE a selection of shops & services DINING

ENTERTAINMENT

WHERE TO WORSHIP

ADVERTISERS INDEX

the local table

Rochester Civic Theatre. 20 Civic Center Dr SE. Just off Broadway in downtown Rochester, the Civic Theatre delivers a year-round slate of musical, drama, comedy, and young people’s theater productions. For a schedule of events, go to rochestercivictheatre.org, or call the box office at 507-282-8481.

First Presbyterian Church. 512 Third St SW. Sunday Worship: 8:30 a.m. Fellowship, 9-10 a.m. Christian Education, 10:15 a.m. worship. First Presbyterian Church is an inclusive community celebrating God with Energy, Intelligence, Imagination, and Love. Call 507-282-1618 or e-mail office@fpcrochester.org for information. May the Peace of Christ be with you!

Altra Federal Credit Union.................. 49 Benedict’s........................................... 23 Bleu Duck Kitchen.............................. 22 Canadian Honker................................ 23 Carpet One Floor & Home....................4 Carlson Capital Management............. 51 Chanhassen Dinner Theater............... 55 Charlie’s Eatery & Pub.................. 22, 53 City Market......................................... 22 Creative Hardwood............................. 41 Experience Rochester...........................6 Eagle Rock Bank................................. 31 Four Daughter Winery........................ 22 Great Harvest Bread Co...................... 22 Grizzlies Hockey...................................9 Home Instead Senior Care.................. 31 H & H Construction............................. 39 Hubbell House.................................... 23 Janisch Realty.............................. 54, 55 Jersey Jo’s.......................................... 23 Marrow............................................... 23 Mayo Federal Credit Union................. 41 Mill Valley Kitchen.............................. 24 Newt’s................................................ 23 Novios................................................ 24 Olive Juice Studios............................. 56 Pappy’s Place..................................... 24 Pasquales Pizzeria........................ 22, 24 Pittsburgh Blue.....................................3 Pi Wood-Fired Pizza........................... 24 Purple Goat........................................ 24 Preserve at West Circle.........................2 Red Savoy........................................... 21 Redwood Room.................................. 20 Rochester Community and Technical College............................... 59 Rochester Downtown Alliance............ 10 Saints On Second................................ 21 Sorellinas........................................... 20 ThaiPop.............................................. 20 The Hubbell House............................. 23 Thrivent Emerald Group..................... 47 Tilda’s Pizzeria.................................... 20 Townies Grill’d Philly Subs & More..... 21 Treasure Island Casino & Resort..........5 Two Sisters Kitchen...................... 21, 31 The Pines............................................ 42 University Of Minnesota..................... 37 Victoria’s Ristorante & Wine Bar......... 20 Visiting Angels.................................... 41 Wightman Brock................................. 60 Whistle Binkies Olde World Pub......... 20 Whistle Binkie On The Lake................ 21 Zen Fusion.......................................... 21

{where we eat}

Looking for one of the region’s best restaurants? Local Table, our guide to some of the city’s best places to eat, offers options from burgers to bar food, buffets to breakfasts. In search of a romantic hotspot? Some of the city’s best Buffalo Wings? A happenin’ happy hour? The Local Table is your guide to where locals eat. (Pages 20-24)

SPECIALTY STORES Galleria. 111 Broadway S. Shoppers will find a range of unique gift items, home decor, housewares, men’s apparel, games, and fashions for all ages. Clothing stores include: Hers, Poppi, Counterpoint, The Nordic Shop, and others. Gift items and housewares can be found at The Nordic Shop, Counterpoint Home, and Games by James. Tyrol Ski & Sports. 1923 Second St SW. Selling quality outdoor gear since 1965. Featuring ski and snowboard equipment, snowshoes, winter clothing and footwear. Online at tyrolskishop.com. Winter Hours: Mon & Thurs 10-8, Tues, Wed, Friday 10-6; Sat 9:30-5:30; Sun 11-5. 507-288-1683.

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Treasure Island. Just minutes north of Red Wing. Whether you’re looking for great food and drink, big cash drawings, a new car or free weekend entertainment—odds are you’ll find it at The Island. For more information call 800-222-7077. treasureislandcasino. com. The Island is calling! (See ad page 5)

BANKING Mayo Employees Federal Credit Union. We are dedicated to helping members achieve their financial goals. 100% financing to qualified borrowers, first-time home buyer programs, fixed rate conventional mortgages, FHA and VA financing, competitive rates and fair fees, up to 100% home equity financing, residential loan program. Apply at mayocreditunion.org. 507-535-1460. (See ad page 41) Eagle Rock Bank. Formerly ONB Bank. Where community banking means more than a new account; we build relationships! Offering a wide variety of banking products for both your personal and business needs. Two convenient locations with experienced bankers to assist you with your financial journey. Call us today at 507-280-0621! www.eaglerock.bank. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. (See ad page 31)

Grace Lutheran Church. LCMS 800 East Silver Lake Dr NE. Worship services: Wednesday 6 p.m.; Saturday 6 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m. Sunday School and Bible Class 10:30 a.m. “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith...” Eph.2:8 NIV. We welcome you by God’s grace, will help you grow with God’s love, and prepare you to do His work. In addition to many mission projects in Rochester, Grace supports Lutheran Hour Ministries and is a member of Rochester Central Lutheran School Association. 507-289-7833, gracebythelake.org. Email: office@gracebythelake.org. Redeemer Lutheran Church. 869 7th Ave SE. Saturday: Worship 5:30 p.m. Sunday: Worship 8 and 10:40 a.m. Sunday School & Education Hour: 9:20 a.m. Welcome to Redeemer Lutheran Church where you’ll find a small neighborhood church atmosphere of friendship and fellowship. Our members are dedicated to doing the Lord’s work. Our mission and purpose at Redeemer are to glorify God through the gifts of the Holy Spirit and to provide opportunities for spiritual growth. 507-289-5147, redeemer-rochester.com. Email: office@redeemer-rochester.com.

JANUARY 2025

BY STEVE LANGE

10 (or so) questions with ... 2014 Mayo grad Maggie Panetta, co-owner of Co-owner of Treedome and Pop’s Art Theater (and freelance muralist)

RM: That doesn’t seem like a lot of money.

Rochester Magazine: So you were four minutes late for our meeting [at Novios Cafe]. Is that pretty standard for you?

RM: Does he not drive, or ...? MP: He does not drive, which is a pretty well-known joke. Most of the people that I’m closest to don’t drive. My brother, my sister-in-law, my husband, my best friend. If I’m late, I can always blame it on somebody I had to drive around. RM: Fair enough. I’m going to try to guess your worst-ever boss: Naura Anderson. MP: Oh my God. That’s so funny. No. Definitely one of my best bosses, and one of my earliest. Most people would have recognized me when I was younger from the Art Center. I spent most of my time there from the time I was 12 to 19. RM: And in fact, not only did you spend a lot of time there, you were the 2014 Rochester Art Center Volunteer of the Year. MP: I think I was the first youth volunteer of the year. They hadn’t given that to kids at the time. I was just kind of obsessed with the Art Center. So I was Naura’s intern, but I was also in the teen arts club. And then I would help set up exhibits. And I pretty much just was there all the time. RM: And that was a natural progression from your laboratory assistant work at the Scripps Research Institute. MP: Ha. No. Not at all. RM: So how did you go from working in the molecular biology 58

JANUARY 2025

RM: I’ll give you three names, and you tell me what these three have in common. Marvin Buckland, Anya Syhakoun, and you, Maggie Panetta.

Photo by Rosei Skipper Photography

Maggie Panetta: Yeah. Usually because I’m dropping off my husband somewhere.

MP: No. And I kept the dollar. We signed the dollar at our wedding.

and biochemistry lab in San Diego to the Rochester Art Center? MP: My dad [Dr. Stephen Panetta] is a doctor, and my mom [Kathleen Panetta] is an artist and graphic designer. I’ve always been drawn to the science and the art. ... My uncle is a biotech CEO in San Diego, and I lived there for two summers starting when I was 16. I got to do this amazing research. And I was actually published as a student scientist. RM: You are co-owner of Treedome, a vinyl record and vintage goods storefront and micro music venue, and Pop’s Art Theater, an independent movie theater. Do you feel like you’ve got to be on with the quirky all the time? Like people always expect you to have a ukulele with you and to be wearing Crocs and cat ears? MP: Yeah. I’m probably more of the Doc Martens crowd. But that’s probably why I have colored hair that changes all the time. It’s required of my job. RM: I know you’re a big figure skater. When did you get into that?

MP: Well, we’re all neighbors now. RM: What? It was the sixth grade ‘A’ honor roll at Lincoln K-8. And you’re actually neighbors with both of these other two? MP: Four years old, right here at the Rec Center. I’ve been going to the Rec Center for 25 years. RM: You represented the U.S. in the International Skating Union’s Worlds Synchronized Skating Championships in 2017. And you’ve been a coach for a long time. MP: I only stopped skating competitively because that’s the highest we could go. I couldn’t do any better than that. I still do some coaching. RM: Right. How did you and Nate [Nelson] meet? It had to be a really quirky meet cute, right? Like you were both at some underground record store reaching for the same Leonard Nimoy album, or something. MP: Oh my God. No. It was a quirky meet cute, though. We met at a concert at First Avenue when we were 16. It was Walk the Moon when they were a little more indie and less boy band. Because we were hipsters, so we had to be there before they were cool. My friend said she’d give me a dollar if I got his phone number.

MP: They are married and they live in the same neighborhood as me. We all live by Lincoln. RM: What in the world? Two of the three Lincoln K-8 ‘A’ honor roll students got married to each other and all three live by Lincoln? This is creeping me out. Here’s some more. You designed one of the new mini golf holes at the Rochester Art Center, and my daughter, Emma, works at the Art Center helping run the new mini golf. MP: Do you want to know what’s also crazy? RM: I’m not sure I do. This might be too much. MP: This year’s youth volunteer of the year at RAC is also a figure skater who volunteers at the Art Center, who I have coached for figure skating. RM: Get out of here! MP: I know. Do you want one more crazy thing? RM: I don’t think we should. I think it’s too much already. MP: You’re probably right. ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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