Rochester Magazine | March 2024

At 19, Elvis Budimlic spent 200 days in the concentration camps of the Bosnian War.

“I

AFTER BEING FREED, HE FOUND A NEW LIFE IN ROCHESTER.

NEVER SAW MY HOME AGAIN.

(And how a Money magazine, lying on a desk in Croatia in 1993, led Elvis—and 100s of Bosnians—to Rochester.)

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8 Junk Drawer

11 Shortcuts

The Thaw Music Festival (one day, 30 bands); The Harlem Globetrotters (with former Rochesterite Arysia Porter!) visit the Civic Center; 31 Days of March, 31 Things To Do; Three Ways You Can Help ...; more.

12 Oddchester

CONTENTS MARCH 2024

Features

44

26 “I never saw my home again.”

At 19, Elvis Budimlic spent 200 days in the concentration camps of the Bosnian War. After being freed, he found a new life in Rochester. (And how a Money magazine, lying on a desk in Croatia in 1993, led Elvis—and 100s of Bosnians—to Rochester).

44 Customized home workspaces. Lightercolored wood. Organic materials. Area experts talk home trends for 2024. Plus, with 40 open houses over two weekends, the RAB’s Spring Showcase is the ultimate Rochester home and trends tour.

58 Source of Pride

Local restaurant dishes, locally-sourced ingredients. You’ll want to eat these dishes even more.

14 Random Rochesterite

Ted Larson, owner of Echo Pi Media and appointment scheduler at Mayo, talks about his favorite Rochester restaurant meal (and he’s a tough judge), best travel destination (it’s probably closer than you think), and his advice to his kids (“the commitments you give to the people you love are more important than chasing a dollar sign”).

25 Three Ways You Can Help

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

56 The Walk Through

Inside one cool home you could own right now.

66 Ten (or so) questions

Arysia “Ace” Porter, former Rochesterite and current Harlem Globetrotter, talks about the high school basketball game that changed her life, her favorite teacher at Gage Elementary, and the moments when a kid says “I want to be like you when I to grow up.”

On the cover: Elvis Budimlic. See our cover story—“I never saw my home again”—on page 26. Photo by Joe Ahlquist.

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

Associate Editor

JENNIFER HAUGEN KOSKI

Contributing Writers

ALEXA ANDERSON

HADLEY LANGE

ELLIOT MANN

MARLENE PETERSEN

Photo Supervisor JOE AHLQUIST

Contributing Photographers MAYA GIRON

KEN KLOTZBACH

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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.

Volume twenty-five I Number three

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).

Junk Drawer

5 things you didn’t know about this month’s issue. Until now.

“This publication has it all.”

Rochester Magazine took home five awards—including two firsts!—at the 157th annual Minnesota Newspaper Association’s awards ceremony.

(And that headline was an actual comment from one of the judges. That wasn’t us talking about ourselves.)

Anyway. Here are those awards.

The category: Best Magazine Article (First Place)

The winner: Steve Lange

The story: “The World’s Sweetest Fortuneteller” (Lange’s May 2023 profile of former Rochesterite Uluc Ulgen.)

The judges’ comments: “Great story. Well written. Engaging and interesting topic and person.”

The category: Best Magazine Photography (First Place)

The winner: Joe Ahlquist

The photos: “Coffee and Donuts” (Ahlquist’s Sept. 2022 photos of the city’s best coffee and donut shops.)

The judges’ comments: “The photos catch your eye immediately. They cause you to want to know more about the subjects.”

The category: Best Magazine General Reporting (Second Place)

The winners: Steve Lange, Jennifer Haugen Koski, Tom Weber, Abby Ashbacher, Hadley Lange

The issue: Sept. 2022

The judges’ comments: “The article [Steve Lange’s Oddchester] about Scout made me cry. And that was at the front of a large magazine. What followed was pure amazement with article after article that grabbed my attention. The nostalgic article about Clara Cook Kellogg [by Tom Weber] was interesting, and we got an in-depth look at the community’s most trained law enforcement officers [Steve Lange’s story on Rochester’s SWAT team]. We know where to drink coffee, what people think of their town, and where to play golf. This publication has it all.”

The category: Best Magazine Photography (Second Place)

The winner: Joe Ahlquist

The photos: Bartender Jade Brady of the Purple Goat (Ahlquist’s Feb. 2022 portraits of Best Bartender winner.)

The category: Best Special Section (Third Place)

The winner: Rochester Magazine and the Post Bulletin

The special section: Golf Guide (April 2023)

The judges’ comments: “Colorful, well-placed artwork. I liked the breakdown of pricing and the full spectrum coverage of options. Good work!”

The awards were announced at the 157th Annual MNA Convention, held Jan. 31 in Brooklyn Park. The contest received more than 4,000 entries.

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We’re betting on the GLOBETROTTERS

BY HADLEY LANGE

The Harlem Globetrotters are a—THE—pro basketball team that puts a little spin (sometimes literally) on the game. You probably know them for their halfcourt shots, their long-term rivalry with the Washington Generals, or their Saturday morning cartoon of the same name, but here are some things you might not know:

• Since their founding in 1926, the Harlem Globetrotters have won 27,000 games and lost only 345. That gives them a win percentage of 98.7%. Their longest win streak was 8,829 games!

• Move over 3-pointers, the Harlem Globetrotters have introduced the 4-point line. The line is a whopping 30 feet away from the hoop.

• On January 19th, 1982, they were the first sports team to get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The team has starred in The “Harlem Globetrotters on Gilligan’s Island,” “The Super Globetrotters,” “Go, Man, Go!,” and appeared on dozens of talk shows.

• They hold several world records in The Guinness Book of World Records including “most traveled basketball team” (101 countries!), “largest

attendance for a basketball game” (75,000 fans!), and “highest slam dunk” (12 feet, dunked by Michael “Wild Thing” Wilson).

• Wilt Chamberlain (yes, that Wilt Chamberlain) got his start on the team. His number, 13 (the same one he used throughout his NBA career), was the first Globetrotters’ jersey to be retired.

• The Globetrotters’ signed Lynette Woodard in 1985, making them the first professional men’s team to have a woman on the team. The team’s current roster includes three women, including Ace Porter (a

forward with Rochester ties who will be playing here—see page 66!).

• Most professional basketball games have 4 quarters, but the Globetrotters have a 5th! Although no basketball is played, fans can take pictures with the players, meet Globie and Big G (the team’s mascots), and get autographs.

The Harlem Globetrotters face off against the Washington Generals at the Mayo Civic Center on Friday, March 29 at 7pm. Tickets start at $29; mayociviccenter.com, 507-361-5040.

Total eclipse of my heart.

BY STEVE LANGE

On April 8 of this year—and this is right from the official NASA description—”a total eclipse will occur, during which the moon will pass directly between the earth and the sun, thereby totally obscuring the view of the sun for approximately four minutes through a roughly 100-mile swath of North America.”

Or, as I breathlessly describe it to anyone who will listen, “You will be engulfed in four full minutes of total darkness ... IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DAY!”

You might see a 360-degree sunset!

You might experience flocks of birds flying wildly in all directions!

People around you may be crying—some might even describe it as sobbing—uncontrollably! Especially if I am one of the people around you!

I am, of course, speaking from experience. During the last North American total eclipse, in 2017, I planned our entire family vacation— to Beatrice, Nebraska—around what I pitched as “The chance to experience what looks like the end of the world.”

That was a quote right from some famous astronomer.

My family seemed less enthused than me.

When I announced those plans at the dinner table, wife Lindy looked at me very much like she does when I say something like “Guess who just scored us tickets for the Antique Snowmobile Show? And guess who somehow got us front row seats for the pre-show talk from one of the engineers who helped design the original Ski-Doos?”

Anyway.

“Four minutes of total darkness ... IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DAY!”

I knew their mood would change the second we hit the highway and I popped my newest CD—“Eclipse Mix 2017”—into the factoryinstalled CD player and cranked up the original speakers of our Dodge Caravan.

First song? “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” by Bonnie Tyler.

My family seemed less enthused than me.

On the morning of the 2017 eclipse, we made our way, along with 10,000 other people, to Homestead National Monument in Nebraska. The sun, though, was nowhere to be seen. Dark clouds were everywhere. Especially in my heart.

Still, we listened to Bill Nye (“The Science Guy”) as he spoke from a nearby stage. We sang along when the hopeful crowd broke into “Here Comes The Sun.” We watched the young women next to us hula hooping in a way that made me wonder if they do it for a living.

Then, at about the 10 second mark of the countdown to totality, the clouds, somehow, parted. 10,000 people cheered.

We were engulfed in total darkness! Felt the temperature drop 10 degrees in two minutes! Watched flocks of birds flying wildly in all directions!

We witnessed a 360-degree sunset. Caught a glimpse of the moon’s shadow—traveling at 1,500 mph—as it streaked across the field. Saw Venus at one o’clock in the afternoon.

We laughed as our kids—Lindy, even—highfived total strangers. As the hula-hooping women started hula-hooping like the eclipse had given them super powers. As a grown man yelled “You win, totality!”

So, yeah, I know a little bit about total eclipses.

In 2024, according to NASA.com, “the totality of the eclipse will enter Texas and

travel northeast through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.”

Or, as I breathlessly describe it to anyone who will listen, “Within a day’s drive from Rochester!”

Sure, Rochester will witness a partial eclipse, which is cool.

But there’s this, from Michael Bakich of Astronomy magazine: “Likening a partial eclipse to a total eclipse,” he says, “is like comparing almost dying to dying.”

Which seems like a big difference.

The closest that totality—those 4 minutes and 20 or so seconds of complete darkness—comes to Rochester is a 500-plus mile drive away, to Indiana or southern Illinois.

You may have to plan to stay outside of totality, and drive for it—and chase the clear skies—on Monday morning, April 8.

Because, right now, there are just a few rooms left in, say Vincennes, Indiana. One of those rooms is $1,000 per night. At the Red Roof Inn.

We will be there, somewhere, in that 100-mile swath. And, this year, our entire family (except daughter Emma, who is spending her junior year of high school in Belgium) is going voluntarily.

Luckily for us, we already booked our VRBO, already bought our special eclipse safety glasses, already sent away for our area travel guides.

Because I’ve been planning for this one since the moment, in 2017, that we were engulfed in darkness.

Since the moment that guy yelled “You win, totality!”

And especially since the moment I watched our kids—Lindy, even—high-five total strangers.

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RandomRochesterite

One resident, numerous anecdotes

| By JENNIFER KOSKI Photo by JOE AHLQUIST

Name:

Ted Larson

Age: 41

Occupation: Owner of Echo Pi Media and appointment scheduler at Mayo Where we found him: A birthday party

What’s Echo Pi Media? It can be hard to describe. I build and rent out local websites. They generate leads for local businesses, and I charge a fee for it. It’s like owning a tiny rental property.

Where does the name “Echo Pi” come from? My kids are Everett and Peter, so it’s the first letters of their names and it went from there.

Tell me about your kids. Peter is 12, almost 13. Everett is 10, almost 11. They are an absolute blast, the lights of my life. We play music together. Everett plays drums, and Peter plays upright bass and bass guitar. I play piano, some guitar, a little bass, I used to play trombone, and I sing. I teach them what I know of their instruments, but Peter’s already more advanced than me on the bass.

We met at your mom, Joy Larson’s, birthday party. Do you think she’s as cool as I do? Yeah, I do. She’s awesome. She is—not to get too mushy—a very strong, very smart, capable woman and she has been an inspiration to me. I’m fourand-a-half years divorced, and she’s been an inspiration for—well, the partner that I have found resembles my mom in a lot of those positive qualities: She’s strong, smart and independent.

Five things you love? I love cooking and music. I love personal development. I love time with my kids. And I love travel, especially road trips and national parks.

What’s your specialty when it comes to cooking? I am actually a pretty advanced home cook. I don’t think I have a specialty. I can make almost anything. I very rarely make the same thing twice. I keep it mixed up pretty well. Sometimes the kids like that and sometimes they do not!

Best travel destination? Almost every year we go to Leelanau County, Michigan. It’s kind of in the Traverse City area. It’s like a next-level Door County with white sand beaches and touristy cafes and shops.

What might I be surprised to learn about you? I did very well in high school (at Century) and I had a scholarship at Luther College. From age five through my first semester at Luther, I absolutely knew I was going to med school. My first semester, I ran into mental health issues and I blew that scholarship up. Despite many attempts, I’ve never been able to go back and achieve that. If someone knew me in high school and saw me today, they’d be surprised—I was set up for so much success that I didn’t really achieve in that traditional sense. It’s a different success I have now, this independence, this business I’ve set up. I’m proud of the mental health journey I’ve made. It’s redefining success for me.

Do you have regrets about not going to med school?

I do not. I did for a very long time. And that was a difficult thing to deal with, but I don’t regret that anymore.

You seem to have a lot of self awareness. I’m proud of that, too.

Are you happy in your career now?

recently, I was an ambulance dispatcher and that was really fulfilling for me. It felt like I

was really doing something. The schedule became too much of a challenge due to family, so I had to make the change. I’m finding joy in the other things in my life— in my kids, my business, music, and my partner.

How did you meet your partner?

Through a dating app, and we don’t like to tell people that!

Actually, the first time we met she had just gotten done at work at St. Marys. I was on an overnight shift in dispatch. I watched her walk down the sub-basement of the Generose hallway, lined with all these enormous pipes carrying various high-pressure water, gas, electricity. And here’s this adorable, beautiful, bubbly, giggly, sweet, delightful woman walking past this industrial set of pipes toward me and it was … —I will never forget that.

Advice you give your kids?

I base my philosophy on integrity on a story about my grandpa. He grew up on a farm, and before he left for World War II, he told his dad he’d take over the family farm when the war was over. His job in the Air Force was as a fighter plane mechanic. At the end of the war, Boeing offered him the job of chief engineer in their aircraft manufacturing plant. He turned them down because he told his dad that he’d go home and take over the farm. I’ve told my kids that story monthly for the last five to six years. That’s the

What do you hope that story tells them?

That this is how you live your life. That when you commit to something, you follow through. That the commitments you give to the people you love are more important than chasing a dollar sign or the next shiny object.

One day. 30 bands. And not long before it sells out.

THAW MUSIC FEST WARMS UP SIX ROCHESTER STAGES.

BY HADLEY LANGE

What: Thaw Music Festival (presented by My Town My Music, a local organization dedicated to growing Rochester’s music scene and highlighting local artists). The festival sold out in 2023, so grab your tickets ($55 in advance, $65 day of) soon!

WHO: 30 artists from across Minnesota and beyond (including some Rochester locals!).

THIS YEAR’S LINEUP

FEATURES: Mae Simpson, Nur-D, Monica LaPlante, Texas Toast, Sleeping Jesus, Hiahli, Space Monkey Mafia, Mike Munson Trio, Samantha Grimes, My Grandma’s Cardigan, Burly Bluffs, Wild Horses, Cosmic Orphan,

anni xo, timisarocker, Walking Phoenix, STARDUST, Greentop, glowingtide, Hells Paradise, Kodj, Levi Henry, Sugar Lads, Careful Gaze, HOLYROSE, DYL, Eleanor Sievers, Amy Abts, The Trembling Giant, and NeverWreck.

WHEN: This one-day music festival runs Saturday, March 23. The first shows start at 3 pm and the last shows start at 10:25 pm. For those who want to keep the fun going, head to the afterparty at LC’s Venue from 11 pm-2 am Still not enough Thaw? Start the weekend early at Thesis Beer Project on Friday, March 22 at 8 pm. This pre-party features musical acts Socktopus, Als Fona, and Valors.

WHERE: Head to Chateau Theatre to grab your tickets and festival wristbands and stick around to see a show at the festival’s main stage. Shows will also be held at Art Heads Emporium, Bleu Duck Kitchen’s Event Room, Treedome, LC’s Venue, and Cafe Steam (the Original Downtown Location). Don’t have a ticket? Concerts at Cafe Steam are free and open to the public.

GETTING HUNGRY? Head to the alley of Bleu Duck Kitchen for the “Thaw Outdoor Food Hall” with food from trucks including Bleu Duck Truck and Taco JED Taco Truck. You can also grab snacks at drinks at many of the venues.

Nur-D

Greentop

Eleanor Sievers

Mae Simpson

ARTIST SPOTLIGHTS

GREENTOP (5:15 pm at Treedome)

Greentop is made up of Isaac Jahns, Lucas Jahns, Dylan Hilliker, Gavin Sparks, and Tony Zeller. The band has local ties: All of the members, except Zeller, are Rochester High School grads. They’ve played shows at 7th Street Entry in Minneapolis, Mid West Music Fest, and (most recently) Thesis Brewing. Their recent Thesis Brewing show was a celebration of their album Dumb Luck’s 5th anniversary.

FOR FANS OF: Hippo Campus, Dayglow, and sneaky saxophone

MAE SIMPSON (8:15 pm at Chateau Theatre)

Formed in 2017, singer Mae Simpson provides leading vocals to the seven-piece band bearing her name. Mae Simpson runs the gamut from jazzy songs with a horn section, drum-heavy rock songs, and slower songs leaning into her South Carolina twang.

FOR FANS OF: Lake Street Dive, Bruce Springsteen, and high energy performances

NUR-D (10:15 pm at LC’s Venue)

Nur-D is a Minneapolis based hip-hop artist (who played at the Down by the Riverside Concert Series in 2022). He was voted City Pages’ Best New MN Artist in 2019 and Twin Cities Collective’s Best Musician/Local Artist in 2022! He released his 8th album, Crush in 2023.

FOR FANS OF: Chance the Rapper, Bruno Mars, and nerdy lyrical references

ELEANOR SIEVERS (3 pm at LC’s Venue)

Eleanor Sievers, a Rochesterite, may only be 16 years old, but she’s far from new to the music scene. She’s spent the last two years playing shows all across Rochester including Taco JED, Sidewalk Sessions, and 125 Live Holiday Market. She released her self-titled EP to Spotify last year and is the lead singer for the band Beginners Luck.

FOR FANS OF: Claire Rosinkranz, Olivia Rodrigo, and up-and-coming indie

Thaw Music Festival (and the 30 musical acts involved) are playing at various venues in Rochester Saturday, March 23 starting at 3 pm. Tickets start at $55; mytownmymusic.com, 507-722-0497.

MARCH

AN OWL-FULLY GOOD TIME.

The International Owl Center hosts The International Festival of Owls, where kids and adults can visit with owls, dissect owl pellets, get their faces painted, and more. This FUNdraiser helps support the International Owl Center and all their feathered friends. festivalofowls.com, 507-896-6957

TO SEE OR NOT TO SEE (SEE IT!)

Hamlet, one of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies, is at the Rochester Repertory Theatre. Expect ghosts, madness, poison, and a play within a play. rochesterrep.org, 507-289-1737

STUDY THE ROCHESTER RIVERFRONT MURAL. Follow the city’s chronology on the mural along the Zumbro River Trail, directly behind the Government Center and under the footbridge that crosses the river.

MENOPAUSE. THE MUSICAL.

Menopause The Musical 2: Cruising Through ‘The Change’ is the (second) groundbreaking celebration of women who are on the brink of, in the middle of, or have survived “The Change.” And it will make a onenight stop at the Mayo Civic Center. mayociviccenter.com, 507-361-5040

HOME AND LIFESTYLES SHOW.

It’s the last day of the Rochester Home and Lifestyles Show at the Graham Arena Complex. This show connects consumers with businesses that provide home and lifestyle goods and services from playgrounds to patios to mattresses! rochestermnshows.com, 507-387-7469

HARMONY FOR MAYO.

Willow Brae—a duo composed of Andrea Stern on the Celtic harp and Laura MacKenzie on wind instruments and voice—performs traditional Irish and Scottish music at the Charlton Building for a free concert as part of the Harmony for Mayo Program. choralartsensemble.org, 507-252-8427

A REAL-LIFE TREASURE HUNT!

X might not mark the spot… but Zumbro Valley Treasure Hunters Club can help uncover some buried treasure! They meet monthly, sponsor group metal detecting hunts. facebook.com/groups/343408294260

ROCHESTER’S FINEST.

Tim Dallman, a local singersongwriter, performs covers and originals at Redwood Room tonight. With cocktails made from in-house syrups and a Rochesterbased musician, the whole night celebrates Rochester at its finest! creativecuisineco.com, 507-574-7431

KNOW WHEN TO FOLD ‘EM.

The Origami Club is for you. The Rochester Public Library hosts this monthly club for all ages. rplmn.org, 507328-2300

PEANUT BUTTER & JAM!

The Chatfield Center for the Arts hosts their Last Sunday Jam for musicians of all levels. chatfieldarts.org, 507-884-7676

BIG TOP FUN. Join talented acrobats, aerialists, and more with the Carden International Circus at Graham Arena Complex. There are also featured animal performers including camels, horses, and elephants. Spectacularcircus.com, 417-833-3588

LET’S DO THE TIME WARP AGAIN. On a fateful September afternoon in 1876, a bungled raid on Northfield’s First National Bank would mark the beginning of the end of the Jesse James/Younger Gang. You can experience that history at Northfield’s Historical Society Museum. northfieldhistory.org, 507-645-9268

THE BALL’S IN YOUR COURT. Pick up a paddle and develop (or perfect) your pickleball skills. Reserve a spot at the Rochester Recreation Center or Chip Shots and make some new friends along the way! Rochesterpickleball.com

minnesotasrochester.com

READY, SET, SERVE. Try your paddle at table tennis with the Rochester Table Tennis Club at the RCTC Regional Sports Center Field House. Here you’ll play round robin singles against other table tennis fans. Make sure to sign up beforehand so they can arrange matches! Rttc-mn.org, 507-722-0099

PIECING IT TOGETHER.

It’s Puzzle Night at the Chateau Theatre. Work together with other jigsaw fans to complete a puzzle, compare strategies, and bring a puzzle or two to swap for a new (to you) one. yourchateau.org

DINO-MITE. Penelope Rex, from the book We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins, will be at the Rochester Public Library. Kids can meet Penelope, listen to a roaring good story, and do a dinosaur themed activity. rplmn.org, 507-328-2300

YOU GOTTA STRIKE FOR YOUR RIGHT! Join fellow readers at the Rochester Public Library’s Real Reads Nonfiction Book Club. This month’s book is Kim Kelly’s Fight Like Hell: The Untold History of American Labor. rplmn.org, 507-328-2300

Sponsored by

ROOT FOR THE GRIZZ.

Our Junior Hockey team—the Rochester Grizzlies (formerly the Ice Hawks)—take on the Granite City Lumberjacks at the Rec Center. rochestergrizz.com, 507-718-0437

SUPERIOR TALK. Join author Rudi Hargesheimer, author of The Superior Hiking Trail Story: The Trek Continues, at Quarry Hill Nature Center. Hargesheimer, a Rochester native, will present his photographs and stories about this classic trail. Qhnc.org, 507-328-3950

ST. PATTY’S COMES EARLY.

The O’Shea Irish Dancers, an 18-person troupe led by Cormac Ó Sé, performs both traditional and contemporary Irish dancing at Sheldon Theatre in Red Wing (accompanied by live musicians playing everything from the Irish bodhran to the African djembe). sheldontheatre.org, 651-388-8700

ROOT RIVER TRIO. The Root River Trio, featuring Garret Ross on piano, Robert Hanford on violin, and Ruth Marshall on cello, are at Christ United Methodist Church. This free concert is brought to you by the Rochester Chamber Music Society. rochesterchambermusic.org

ONE OF THESE NIGHTS. EagleMania, dubbed “The World’s Greatest Eagles Tribute Band,” is at the Mayo Civic Center. playing the hits of the Eagles (“Hotel California,” “Take It Easy,” “Life in the Fast Lane”) and even some of the band member’s solo songs (“The Boys of Summer’’ by Don Henley, “Life’s Been Good” by Joe Walsh). mayociviccenter.com, 507-361-5040

SWAN LAKE. The World Ballet Series presents Swan Lake at the Mayo Civic Center. Professional ballerinas from 10 different countries bring this fairy tale, set to music from Tchaikovsky, to life. The artistry doesn’t stop there–the costumes and scenery are both hand-crafted. mayociviccenter.com, 507-361-5040

AROUND THE BEND. It’s the last week of Zumbro Bend: Three Desiring Bodies at the Rochester Art Center. This exhibit, by Minneapolis-based artist Pete Driessen, examines themes of identity, creativity, and environment for each of the three distinct bends in the Zumbro River. Rochesterartcenter.org

BEAUTIFUL. “Feel the Earth Move” in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. This jukebox musical tells the life of Carole King through her songs (including “It’s too Late” and “Beautiful”) and some from her contemporaries. chanhassendt.com, 952-934-1547

JOE HILL LIVE FROM MINNESOTA! Goonie’s Comedy Club hosts Joe Hill, a native New Yorker known for his work on The Mike and Donny Show, Friday Funnies with Joe Hill, and The After Thought podcast. Come early to see opener Terrell Butler. Gooniescomedy.com

90 YEARS AND COUNTING. The Harlem Globetrotters face off against the Washington Generals at the Mayo Civic Center. Come see the Globetrotters’ unique blend of trick shots, sports mastery, and family fun. mayociviccenter.com, 507-361-5040

BACH TO BACH TO BACH TO BACH. The Choral Arts Ensemble and the Bach Society of Minnesota join together for A Symphony of Joy at Christ United Methodist Church. The concert’s program includes works by four Bachs (Johnann Sebastian, his son, second cousin, and his cousin once removed). choralartsensemble.org, 507-252-8427

COUNTRY STAR. Marty Stuart has five Grammys, an AMA Lifetime Achievement Award, and 20 albums under his belt. Tonight he’s at the Mayo Civic Center, alongside His Fabulous Superlatives, with songs like “Way Out West,” “Old Mexico,” and “Sitting Alone.” mayociviccenter.com, 507-361-5040

WE GOT THE BEAT. The Rochester Thaw Music Festival is back with appearances from 30 local performers including Mae Simpson, Sleeping Jesus, and Nur-D. This festival is hosted across 6 stages in downtown Rochester (including Cafe Steam and Treedome). mytownmymusic.com, 507-722-0497

GUESS WHO? Treasure Island hosts The Guess Who, a Canadian rock group with 11 albums and 14 top 40 singles. They’ll be playing their hits including “American Woman,” “No Time,” and “These Eyes.” ticasino.com, 800-222-7077

PROUD

the local table {where we eat}

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Rochester Main 507.280.0621

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EAGLEROCK.BANK

South- 1201 S Broadway

North- 5231 E Frontage Rd NW

Express- Downtown Skyway Apple Valley - 15610 English Ave creativecuisineco.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!

507.285.2516

120 Elton Hills Dr NW

Rochester

blueplatedinermn.com

Day-Brightening Eats, Smooth Brew. Serving fresh, locally sourced comfort food favorites: quesadillas, sandwiches, soups, salads, and all-day breakfast. Dine-in, drive thru, order online, delivery by Door Dash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. Catering by Waiter Express. Visit blueplatedinermn.com to order online.

Green-n-Fresh

507-512-3419

20 1st St SW (Peace Plaza)

Rochester

Discover the diverse menu at Green-n-Fresh, located in Rochester, MN Peace Plaza. We specialize in salads but also offer delectable fried southern chicken. Our chicken and waffles dish is a must-try, with its perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. Enjoy it with our fluffy signature waffles and choose from refreshing beverages like fresh fruit smoothies or Greek yogurt parfaits. If you prefer lighter options, our salads are made with only the freshest ingredients, including classic Caesar salads and seasonal creations. Whether you need a quick bite, a healthy meal, or a satisfying indulgence, Green-n-Fresh is ready to serve you. Experience our fresh and delicious cuisine today.

507.282.6572

1203 2nd St SW

Across from St Marys 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.

507.258.4550

1635 Highway 52 N Rochester

PappysPlaceRochester.com

Locally owned by the Pappas family; same family as former owners of Michaels and Hubbel 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.

the local table {where we eat}

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.

507.226.8146

4 third St SW Rochester thaipopmn.com

Lunch + Dinner + Happy Hour + Event Space. Voted Minnesota’s Best Thai Restaurant 2023, Rochester Magazine’s Best Ethnic Restaurant 2023 + Best New Restaurant 2022. We serve unique cocktails and cuisine on historic 3rd Street in downtown Rochester. Open Monday - Saturday.

1155 16th St SW, Rochester

507.516.0641

Sorellinasmn.com

Open Mon-Sat at 11AM

Open Sunday at 10:30AM

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!

Ristorante & Wine Bar

507.280.6232

7 1st Ave SW, Rochester victoriasmn.com

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.

507.258.4184

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.

507.258.4663

14 Fourth Street SW Rochester

bleuduckkitchen.com

Host your daytime breakfast or lunch meetings with us. Our private event space is a great place for business meeting, presentations, team-building events, and more. Use our AV equipment at no extra charge to really get your audience engaged.

the local table {where we eat}

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.

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.

507.361.5144

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!

244 Soldiers Field Dr SW

507.516.1050 towniesubs.com

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.

507.281.2978, 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) 289-9200

3120 Wellner Drive NE Rochester

www.whistlebinkiespub.com

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.

RESTAURANTS FAVORITE 2024

magazine

the local table {where we eat}

507.226.8885

2280 Superior Dr NW

507.206.6799

4576 Maine Ave SE Rochester

roostersbarngrill.com

Swing by Rooster’s for a delicious breakfast 7 days a week starting at 7am. Try our daily lunch specials or order off our great menu featuring burgers, sandwiches, wraps, broasted chicken and so much more. Weekday happy hour 11 am to 6 pm. We’re home of the GOLIATH 34 oz. draft beer mug on special every weekend.

507-322-5041

161 13th Ave SW Rochester Saintson2nd.com

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!

507.361.7910

217 14th Ave SW

Rochester redcowmn.com/rochester

Family owned and locally operated since 2013, Red Cow provides a sophisticated twist on the classic neighborhood tavern. We celebrate finely crafted eats and drinks with a focus on gourmet burgers, craft beers and fine wine. #Followtheherd to Red Cow!

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.

507.206.3019

1625 South Broadway Ave

Rochester

crookedpint.com/rochester

Crooked Pint Ale House is a nouveau urban pub with the feel of a local neighborhood restaurant. The menu includes classic pub fare with nearly 60 choices for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch as well as kids’ menu selections. We feature the best Lucys in town and you will be back again and again for our Pub Pot Pies, Pub Tacos, and our Jumbo Tator Tots. At Crooked Pint, we are known for our beer list, but we don’t forget about the wine and spirits! Open Monday - Sunday!

507.361.3636

300 1st Ave NW

Rochester TildasPizzeria.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.

the local table {where we eat}

507.288.0206

401 6th St SW Rochester twigstavernandgrille.com

After many months and many trials and errors, we finally mastered our Gluten-Free Chicken & Waffles recipe! I’ll bet you can’t even tell that it’s gluten-free! In addition, come try our Waffles & an Omelet, Waffle Sandwiches, and Melts. WE GET IT. BECAUSE WE LIVE IT. Rochester’s only restaurant with a separate dedicated GLUTEN-FREE kitchen. Seasonal Cocktails & Desserts | Small Plates | Bowls.

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.

507.258.9064

808 Broadway Ave S Rochester TacoJed.com

Voted Best Taco 2020 & 2021. Live Music Friday & Saturdays. Great Brunch Sat & Sun 11-2. We believe that good food and friendly faces bring a community together. We are locally-owned and love living in Rochester! Hours: Wed & Thur 11am–1:30pm & 5–7:30pm; Fri 11am–1:30pm & 5–9pm; Sat 11am–9pm; Sun 11am–7:30pm; Closed Mon and Tues.

2043 Superior Dr NW Rochester

507.288.5283 zenfusionmn.com

Zen presents a globally accented American, Mexican, Asian, and Sushi menu that draws upon the vibrancy and culinary genius of all of its chefs, creating a menu as culturally diverse as Rochester itself. Our live Hibachii chefs give the flare to any meal, creating a fun, entertaining dining experience for everyone. Voted Best Place For Seafood 2024 by Rochester Magazine Readers!

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!

507.361.1208

10 East Center St Rochester

skyway level benedictsrochester.com

Benedict’s is the place for warm, approachable food with new takes on familiar dishes and killer morning cocktails (it’s never too early). Great food and hospitality shouldn’t be relegated to dinnertime, and at Benedict’s, we are ready to champion the morning. Bring your family, become a part of ours. Open 6:00am - 3:00pm daily.

3 Ways YOU CAN HELP

Next Chapter Ministries

BY ALEXA ANDERSON

Next Chapter Ministries formed in 1991 after it became apparent that many inmates wanted and needed assistance after they were released. The organization’s mission is to build lasting relationships with people impacted by the cycle of incarceration, restoring them to God, their families, and the community through holistic gospel transformation.

Next Chapter Ministries is a multi-generational model because the impact of incarceration, they realized, falls on more than just the person who was incarcerated. Currently, the organization has six homes serving those who’ve been impacted by the cycle of incarceration. Participants join voluntarily with a desire to break the cycle and to grow personally in their community life and family life.

“Next Chapter has been a lifeline that I grabbed,” says Darrell, a current resident. “Today I am in a position where I love Jesus and I love people and my desire is to serve God in any capacity I am capable of. Had I not had this opportunity at Next Chapter, this would not have been possible.”

Here’s how you can help Next Chapter Ministries:

DONATE. As a nonprofit, Next Chapter Ministries only exists with the generosity and support of the community. With your financial contributions, the organization can continue to help families impacted by the cycle of incarceration by offering wrap-around holistic services that range from positive sustainable employment and financial literacy to parenting resources and support.

SUPPORT AND TAKE ACTION. The Next Chapter participants can tell you that the barriers and challenges to successfully re-enter the community can be intimidating and discouraging. The organization has already partnered with support services in the community and local businesses who believe in their goal. However, Next Chapter Ministries is always looking for business owners who are willing to hire their participants. This helps them establish a record of employment and have the stability of consistent paychecks.

SPEAK UP! Next Chapter Ministries asks that you be a voice in the community for the power of transformation in every person’s life when they are given healthy opportunities to grow and move forward. To learn more about this effort, visit the blog on their website (nextchapterrochester.org).

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Anyone interested in supporting Next Chapter Ministries, in any of the ways listed above, can find more info at nextchapterrochester.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.

An ice revue with barreljumping!

The Mayo Civic Center opened 85 years ago.

Eighty-five years ago this month, in March of 1939, the building of the Mayo Civic Auditorium—now the Mayo Civic Center—was completed, just a year after Drs. Charles H. and William J. Mayo lead the cornerstone-laying ceremony.

During the opening ceremonies, Dr. Charles switched on the ammonia compressor that made ice for the skating rink. Visitors toured the arena and the main section, comprised of the rink, theater, North and South halls, and some 30 meeting rooms.

The state-of-the-art facility was equipped with a basketball floor, Hammond organ, upright and concert pianos, food-warming equipment, metal storage lockers, music stands, a boxing and wrestling ring, not to mention the floor polisher, ice rink plow, and folding tables for 500 diners.

The opening weekend’s dedication activities included an ice revue with barrel-jumping, Mardi Gras follies, a music festival, and speeches by Drs. Charles and Will Mayo, Minnesota Governor Harold E. Stassen, and Rochester Mayor W.A. Moore. That winter, Rochester High School started playing its home basketball games in the auditorium.

—source: Post Bulletin archives

“I NEVER SAW MY

HOME AGAIN.”

At 19, Elvis Budimlic was taken from his home by Serbian soldiers and spent 200 days in concentration camps—including the “hell on earth” Omarska—in the Bosnian War in 1992.

When he was freed, he was resettled by the United Nations to Rochester. His family—and many others from his hometown—followed.

How Elvis Budimlic made a new life here.

(And how a Money magazine, lying on a desk in Croatia in 1993, led Elvis—and 100s of Bosnians—to Rochester.)

story by Steve Lange

Photos by Joe Ahlquist

IN FEBRUARY OF 1993, 20-YEAR-OLD ELVIS BUDIMLIC—JUST A YEAR AFTER HAVING BEEN FORCIBLY TAKEN FROM HIS HOME IN BOSNIA AND TRUCKED TO WHAT WOULD BE A TORTUROUS 200DAY STINT IN SERBIAN CONCENTRATION CAMPS—SAT AT A DESK IN ZAGREB, CROATIA, BEING INTERVIEWED BY A MEMBER OF THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES.

The Bosnian War was still raging, and Elvis could not go back home. Elvis was a Bosniak (that’s the term for Bosnian Muslims), and the Serbian paramilitary forces (mostly Eastern Orthodox Christians) still controlled his hometown of Prijedor, in his home country of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Serbian forces, fearing those recently released Bosniak POWs would return to fight in the war, insisted they be relocated to other countries. The United Nations began by resettling those individuals who had faced some of the harshest treatments in the POW camps. Who had been victims of violence. Who had been victims of torture.

That was Elvis.

His U.N. interviewer, an American named Jim, asked Elvis where he wanted to move to, where he wanted to live. Elvis thought about his wife, Sebiha (they’d gotten married just three months before the war broke out). He knew he wanted to take her far away from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“Do you have any relatives that could help you, that you could stay with?” Jim asked.

Elvis, though, did not want to be a burden to some European relative. He did not even want to stay in Europe.

Here’s something, seemingly unrelated: Beginning in the early 1990s, Money magazine had regularly named Rochester, Minnesota as one of its “Best Places To Live.”

One of those annual “Best Places” issues sat on a table near Jim’s desk. In Zagreb, Croatia.

So Elvis looked at that magazine and said “How about the U.S.?”

“Where in the U.S.?” Jim asked.

“I don’t want to go to a big city,” Elvis told him. “I want to go to a small city that’s safe and where I can make a living.”

Jim picked up that Money magazine. Read the highlights of the Rochester writeup. “Good healthcare,” he read. “Good schools, low crime, low unemployment.”

“I want to go to Rochester, Minnesota,” Elvis told him.

Four months later, in June of 1993, Elvis and Sebiha Budimlic landed in Rochester.

Within three years, nearly 70 Bosnians— including Elvis’ brother, sister, and mother—had followed. Today, that number may be closer to 1,000.

“I WOULDN’T TRADE MY CHILDHOOD FOR ANYTHING”

Elvis Budimlic was born in Prijedor, back when it was still part of the Socialist Federative Republic of Yugoslavia, in 1972. It was a city about the same size as Rochester in a county about the same size as Olmsted.

He was eight years younger than his next oldest sibling, the sixth surviving child of a paper-factoryworker father and a stay-at-home mother.

Elvis’ teenage sister, Fatima, was not exactly excited about the announcement of another sibling-to-be. So her parents, as appeasement, let her choose the baby’s name. She was a big Elvis Presley fan.

“I wouldn’t trade my childhood for anything,” says Elvis. “In fact, I would say our childhood was more rich than kids here, because here they’re kind of sheltered and parents take them everywhere.”

His father owned a bike, which was a luxury in Yugoslavia, and the kids could do chores to earn a chance to ride it.

“We had absolute freedom,” Elvis says. “Our parents would not have to watch us. Our neighborhood watched us. The whole town watched all of you because we had about the same values as everybody in the neighborhood and people knew each other. So I was never inside the house when we had time off. We were always out there doing kids’ stuff.”

That next-older sibling, brother Armin, describes growing up in Prijedor in almost identical terms.

“I remember my early years being really happy, having a lot of friends,” says Armin, who also lives in Rochester. “Most families had five, six kids. Most people in my neighborhood were from the working families. My childhood was really happy all the way to high school. The country at the time was still stable economically, and politically.”

Their oldest brother, Mizret, saved up and bought a car in the 1980s. It was the first car in the family.

Elvis learned English by watching American movies and TV shows on the two government-run TV channels (which broadcast subtitled versions of everything from “Dynasty” to “Twin Peaks.”). He watched John Wayne movies with his dad. Listened to Madonna and Michael Jackson on the radio.

“We were shirtless in the summer for most of our childhood,” says Elvis Budimlic, shown here in the late 1970s in Prijedor.

Elvis Budimlic in the early 1980s in Prijedor. This, he says, is one of the few surviving photos from his childhood.

“I THOUGHT THESE WERE MY FRIENDS. THAT THEY WOULD NEVER DO THIS TO ME. AND THEY DID.”

By the time Elvis was in his teens, the region’s political landscape was changing drastically.

“The Soviet Union collapsed. The Berlin Wall fell in 1989,” says Elvis. “We knew things were shifting, but we didn’t expect the war.”

Elvis’ dad died in 1991. The rest of the family stayed close.

By the early 1990s, the former Yugoslavia began to fall apart. Slovenia and Croatia had declared their independence from Yugoslavia. The people of Bosnia and Herzegovina—the section of the country that included Prijedor— were deeply divided as to whether to remain a part of Yugoslavia (which the mostly-Christian Serbs desperately wanted) or to declare independence (the overwhelming choice of the region’s mostly-Muslim Bosnians and the Catholic Croatians).

“In our city, for the most part, everybody either had somebody in the family or knew somebody in their immediate family who was married to another religious group or another ethnic group,” says Armin. “So nobody, at that time at least, thought that something like the war that happened in Bosnia was even possible.”

Elvis, meanwhile, met Sebiha, a woman from the nearby town of Kozarac.

“She was a hairdresser, and I went in for a haircut,” Elvis says. “She gave excellent haircuts. I think she liked me because I played it cool.”

They fell in love, got married in early 1992.

But tensions in his neighborhood were rising. In March of 1992, Bosnia and Herzegovina declared its independence from Yugoslavia. Serbian authorities, though, refused to recognize the vote for independence. The Serbian factions, led by paramilitary forces, began to push back, started to exert more control over everyday life.

Neighboring families—those parents and kids that played soccer in the streets together—now found themselves divided along political and often religious lines. Longtime acquaintances turned on each other.

By early 1992, those TV stations—the channels on which the Budimlics used to watch “Dallas” and “Tarzan”—were showing Serbian-controlled government propaganda laced with anti-Muslim sentiment. By April, Serbian paramilitary troops had set up roadblocks around Prijedor.

“There were no jobs,” says Elvis. “We had hyperinflation at the time. If you get your paycheck, it’s worth $1,000 today. Tomorrow, it’s worth $900.”

Soon, Serbian-controlled checkpoints went up through town.

“They started asking for my ID, and they would search me,” says Elvis. “These were people I knew. Then they started beating people at the checkpoint for no good reason. Based simply on ethnicity.

“I thought these were my friends,” says Elvis. “That they would never do this to me. And they did.”

By mid-May, Serbian troops had fortified their position in Prijedor. Armored vehicles patrolled the streets, heavy artillery dotted the hillsides.

Elvis felt it would be safer for Sebiha to move back to her parents’ home in nearby Kozarac, which was predominantly Muslim. He thought she might find safety in numbers.

On May 31 of 1992—what is now known as White Armband Day or White Ribbon Day— Serbian military authorities issued an order requiring all non-Serbs to “display white linen on their homes and wear white armbands in public places.”

That day, Serbian paramilitary troops knocked on the Budimlic’s door. Elvis answered.

“They told me they were taking me in for interrogation. They told me I’d be back home in two or three hours,” he says. “I knew that wasn’t going to happen. So I grabbed my winter coat and a good pair of shoes. And I never saw my home again.”

Then, he says, “the world fell in like a house of bricks.”

“IT WAS THAT BAD. AND WORSE.”

The Omarska concentration camp has been called “one of the true hells on earth.”

That’s where they took Elvis Budimlic.

Omarska was set on an abandoned open-pit iron mine just 10 miles east of Prijedor, where dozens of rivers and streams cut through the rolling plains of northern Bosnia.

The Serbs called Omarska an “investigation center,” with a handful of buildings designed, they said, for holding and interrogating members of the Bosniak and Croatian population to determine their role in the war.

By the time the United Nations closed it down in mid-August of 1992, most everyone was calling it a “concentration camp.”

Elvis Budimlic doesn’t like to say much about his time at Omarska. He will say he lost 65 pounds and could barely stand. He was lucky, he says. He was only beaten a few times.

But when I read aloud the camp descriptions, when I read a few excerpts from the many books and articles about the camp, Elvis nods his head in agreement.

The main square in Prijedor in the 1980s.

Photo courtesy MojPrijedor.com.

“BEFORE THAT, I HAD JUST DISAPPEARED. NOBODY KNEW WHERE I WAS. NOT MY WIFE, NOT MY FAMILY. ”

“It was that bad,” he says. “And worse.”

Here, then, is one of those descriptions of life inside the camp, from Mark Danner’s “The Horrors of a Camp Called Omarska”:

“In Omarska as in Auschwitz the masters created these walking corpses from healthy men by employing simple methods: withhold all but the barest nourishment, forcing the prisoners’ bodies to waste away; impose upon them a ceaseless terror by subjecting them to unremitting physical cruelty; immerse them in degradation and death and decay, destroying all hope and obliterating the will to live.”

“’We won’t waste our bullets on them,’” a guard at Omarska told a U.N. representative in mid-1992. “They have no roof. There is sun and rain, cold nights, and beatings two times a day. We give them no food and no water. They will starve like animals.’”

And this, for Elvis, was the worst part: Many of those guards were from his hometown.

“The people of Prijedor,” Omarska survivor Rezak Hukanovic told Al Jazeera newspaper, “were killed by the people of Prijedor.”

Elvis Budimlic was held in Omarska for 68 days. He marked his 20th birthday there.

In the summer of 1992, Serbian leaders invited journalists to visit Omarska to dispel growing whispers of atrocities.

On August 17, a photo of the camp, showing an emaciated prisoner standing

behind barbed wire, appeared on the cover of Time magazine. “No one anywhere can pretend any longer not to know what barbarity has engulfed the people of the former Yugoslavia,” read the accompanying article.

The coverage led to immediate United Nations involvement, and Omarska was closed a few days later.

Official reports estimate that 6,000 inmates were held at the camp in its four-month existence. They put the number killed at 700.

Elvis Budimlic was moved to a second camp in Manjaca, in the mountains of northwestern Bosnia.

“The second camp was bad,” Elvis says. “But honestly, it did not compare to Omarska.”

This camp, he says, was “what you guys think of when you watch World War II movies, right? There was a minefield before the barbed wire fence, so you don’t want to go close. There were at least 5,000 inmates.”

But, he says, “the most important thing was the guards didn’t come in. We were safe at least from the beatings and torture.”

They cooked their own food (“whatever they gave us”). They had enough room to sleep on the floor of what was a collection of horse barns. Most importantly, the Red Cross was allowed into camp to register the detainees.

“Before that, I had just disappeared,” he says. “Nobody knew where I was. Not my wife, not my family. They guessed that I was in Omarska, but they didn’t know for sure. Now, the Red Cross let us send a very, very short message on paper. Obviously, it was censored by the Serbs, but they allowed us maybe 30 words. I just wrote ‘I’m okay. I’m alive.’”

Elvis, too, had long wondered what had happened to Sebiha. To his mom. To his brother and sisters.

He would find out soon enough, he says, that we “all had our stories of the war.”

An estimated 3,000 to 4,000 people would be killed in the city of Prijedor and the neighboring county during the Bosnian War. An estimated 100,000 were killed across the country.

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None of Elvis’ sisters—or his mom—were taken by the soldiers. One brother was forced to work in the paper mill. His two other brothers were working abroad when the war broke out. Armin was separated from his wife and 3-year-old daughter for months before they were reunited.

The town where Sebiha had fled to, Elvis says, “had been leveled. They destroyed everything, burned it to the ground, killed a lot of people. They killed her father, brother, nephew, brotherin-law ... all pretty much in that one day.”

Sebiha spent a few months in house arrest, then escaped Bosnia by walking to Croatia.

Elvis spent 132 days at the camp in Manjaca. Finally, the United Nations negotiated the release of the prisoners, with one caveat: These prisoners would be treated as enemy combatants and taken to Croatia. Then resettled to a host country.

He was released on December 15, 1992. Taken to a refugee center in Croatia, where he was reunited with Sebiha.

After a few months in the center, he was taken to that office in Zagreb. Had that meeting with Jim. Saw that Money magazine on that desk.

On June 15, 1993, Sebiha and Elvis landed in Rochester, Minnesota.

”WE LOVE ROCHESTER. ...

IT’S OUR HOME.”

When they got off that plane at the airport, Sebiha and Elvis were met by, among others, Sister Kathryn Berger of Catholic Charities, the organization that sponsored Elvis and Sebiha’s trip—and resettlement—to Rochester.

“Sure, it was a shock suddenly being in Rochester, Elvis says. “But honestly, coming here, I wasn’t scared of anything. My mindset was I got through the worst that could happen to a human. So I was like, ‘Whatever comes next, it’s going to be easy.’”

4. (tast) To distinguish the flavor of by taking into the mouth.

To truly enjoy the taste of your turkey, cranberry wild rice (add avocado) sandwich, we recommend you don’t inhale it...

Chewing is good for you.

#insidersecrets

Marissa, Host/Server and speed eater

DISHESWELOVE

They were temporarily housed in a “transit home” near the old Kmart in southeast, which they shared with a Vietnamese refugee family with seven kids. Eventually, Elvis and Sebiha moved into an apartment, got whatever jobs they could find.

“My sponsors, who were the sisters of Assisi Heights, I owe a lot to them,” says Elvis. “When I came to Rochester, it was go, go, go. The first months were tough because we didn’t know how anything worked. All I could get was part-time jobs.”

He washed pots and pans at the monastery, three hours a day, three or four days a week. Assembled trophies and plaques at the local trophy shop when they needed it.

He took classes at RCTC then Winona State. After one class at RCTC, his English teacher asked him to stay after to work on a project.

“I said, ‘I can’t. I’ve got to catch the bus then transfer to another bus to get to my job.’”

Not long after, that RCTC teacher— Marilyn Theismann—donated an older car to Elvis.

“Oh, that was life-changing for me, seriously,” he says. “It meant so much to have someone being so nice to us.”

So, when family members from Bosnia asked Elvis about where they should go, he recommended Rochester.

“OH, THAT WAS LIFE-CHANGING FOR ME, SERIOUSLY. IT MEANT SO MUCH TO HAVE SOMEONE BEING SO NICE.”

“My third job was actually with the Intercultural Mutual Assistance Association,” he says. “They needed some data entry done. I didn’t know anything about computers, but I took a job training course here in town.”

He took typing courses in which you played games on a computer (he was moving a turtle around a race course). Learned to fill out online forms. Learned spreadsheet basics.

He memorized the bus routes. Walked everywhere he could.

“The first year we didn’t have a car,” he says. “I was walking everywhere. It was so cold. When the snow would fall, it would only be my footsteps in that trail. I’m like, ‘There’s nobody else walking.’”

“My sister Fatima moved out six months later,” he says. “Then my brother Armin and his family. And then my mom and my oldest brother came maybe two years later.”

Family friends followed. And friends of their friends.

From Elvis’ arrival in June of 1993 through 1996, 67 Bosnian refugees relocated to Rochester, according to Catholic Charities.

Elvis, who continued to work for the IMAA, then as a case manager, knew every one of them by name.

“I stayed at IMAA because I wanted to give them the kind of help that people gave me here,” he says. “That was the main reason I worked there, to help them make Rochester home.”

“AS SOON AS WE MOVED HERE, WE SAID ‘LET’S MAKE A LIFE AS BEST AS WE CAN.’ I WAS CONVINCED WE COULD DO IT, AND WE DID.”

Today, an estimated 600 to 1,000 Bosnians call Rochester home.

Elvis graduated from Winona State with a degree in Computer Science in 2000. Got a job as a software engineer then senior project consultant at IBM. He’s now celebrating nearly 15 years as a Senior Cloud Application Developer at Boston Scientific in Rochester.

Sebiha, now retired, worked as an IV Technician at Mayo Clinic. She and Elvis have two “really great kids,” Leyla, 30, and Emin, 27. Leyla works as a nurse; Emin is a soon-tobe veterinarian.

Elvis’ older brother Armin, has

served as the executive director of the IMAA since 2018.

Their mother Nuniba, who died in 2019, was a popular figure in Rochester, especially with her Fontaine Towers neighbors.

“She was very wise,” says Elvis. “She survived World War II. She was orphaned. And then this war, and nine kids. People loved her. She loved to hug people. She was like a mother to many, especially the Bosnians who needed that.”

In 2016, Elvis visited Prijedor for the first time since 1992. For the first time since he was pulled from his home on White Armband Day.

“It wasn’t positive,” he says. “There are people that can relax and go back. I can’t relax. I saw people I knew. I saw a Serbian guy that I grew up with. We didn’t really talk. I just can’t talk about it.”

Elvis, though, says he tries to spend time looking ahead, not back.

“As soon as we moved here, we said ‘Let’s make a life as best as we can,’” he says. “I was convinced we could do it, and we did. We love Rochester. It draws people from all over the world. I have no regrets about coming here.

“Rochester is our home now.”

TRAVEL | FOOD | ADVENTURE

Warm tones. Soft curves. Organic materials.

Area experts talk home trends for 2024.

>>

TWO WEEKENDS. 40 OPEN HOUSES. It’s RAB’s 45th annual Spring Showcase.

by Elliot Mann

Two weekends. 40 open houses. TRENDS ALERT!

The RAB’s Spring Showcase is the ultimate Rochester home and trends tour.

Interested in seeing new trends in home building? Want to go rubber-necking at some of the most beautiful new homes in our area? Look no further than the Rochester Area Builders 45th annual Spring Showcase.

“If you are in the market to buy a new home, this is a great chance to talk to the person who will actually build it,” says Patrick Sexton, the Rochester Area Builders Association Executive Director. “Ask all the questions you want, see how they design

their kitchens, find out what their cabinets are like. Our members love the chance to meet potential clients and to show off what they’ve done. They’re awfully proud of their homes and if you come, you’ll see why.”

The 2024 Rochester Area Builders Spring Showcase of Homes is set for two weekends, April 20 and 21, and April 27 and 28. Open houses are set for noon to 5 p.m. each day.

If you happen to walk up to one of the open houses—say, a home designed by Susan

Volden—she wants to make an impression right at the front door.

With the “Millie” house, a newly constructed rambler by Mitch Hagen and Distinguished Homes in the Millie Meadows Estates subdivision, that statement comes through in an oversized, eight-foot door with seven panels of glass, bordered by two long vertical windows.

Distinguished Homes’ “Millie” will be one of about 40 homes, townhomes and condos

“It just needed to happen. It’s such a cool pantry.”

—Susan Volden

spread across Rochester on display for public viewing at the Spring Showcase.

Volden hopes the natural light shining through creates a dramatic entry point.

“It’s a fantastic front door,” says Volden, owner of Susan Volden Interiors and also a home designer of new builds for Hagen. “Each house has its own personality that needs to show inside and outside of the house when it’s finished. It’s fun to pull it all together.”

OPEN SEASON FOR OPEN CONCEPTS, STILL

Starting on the outside, builders say they are seeing a trend toward mixing several different textures on the exterior. With the “Millie” home, they went with a combination of stone, lap siding that looks like cedar, and regular lap siding.

Located at 5259 Maggie May Lane SW in Rochester, the luxury home carries spacious living areas spread across 4,256 square feet of living space, with five bedrooms and four bathrooms.

The rise of home improvement shows over the past decade on networks like HGTV created a more discerning homeowner, with open concept kitchens and living rooms becoming the standard. It’s a trend that is still in high demand, local home construction experts told us.

In terms of layouts, bedrooms on the same floor so parents can be close to younger children, is a focus, Hagen says, as well as adding three-stall garages.

In my family, there’s a popular saying: “TVs and garages can never be big enough.” Some clients are making that push, looking for oversized four stall garages, appreciating the additional storage space.

Even in two story homes, the opened up main floor is a must for their clients, Hagen and Volden agree.

“Absolutely open is the big thing,” Volden

says. “The heart of the house is always the kitchen.”

Plans are often no longer incorporating a dedicated dining room, but a dining space just off the kitchen.

Walking inside “Millie,” a cozy entryway welcomes you, opening up into a large great room awash with natural light from generous windows bouncing off of 12 foot ceilings. Built-in shelves surround a gas fireplace on the left side, while the open concept kitchen and eat-in dining space sit just to the right.

The master bedroom rests on the main floor, connected to a walk-in closet and main floor laundry room. Another bedroom is on the main floor, while the three remaining bedrooms are on the lower walkout level.

A screened porch just off of the main level dining area invites outside meals even when Minnesota’s notoriously uninvited but always present mosquitos are out in full force.

In the kitchen, white cabinets are still the most sought after, Volden says, but if clients want to add splashes of color to the cabinets, the overall design often keeps a

white perimeter. Black spindles have become in vogue, as is dark colored hardware to contrast with the light cupboards and shelves.

In “Millie,” many of the cabinets are wall hung, leaving space underneath, or have furniture-type legs on the bottom, a look becoming popular, she says. It gives cupboards the finished look of a larger piece of furniture.

Kitchens are coming stocked with oversized islands that flex from meal preparation, to eating spaces, to a spot for an after dinner cocktail, but one of the newest changes is taking the closet-style pantry, and leveling it up to a larger “butler’s pantry.”

The pantry then becomes a place for all of the smaller appliances, the mixer, the food processor and the like. But a closet, the space is not.

At the “Millie” home, Volden said the highend finishes didn’t stop once they got to the butler’s pantry; they chose to put a $1,000 light fixture there.

“It just needed to happen. It’s such a cool pantry,” the designer says.

“I fall in love with every house we design”

—Susan Volden

SHADES OF GRAY ROCKING THE BURBS

What about color? Is Sherwin W illiams’ popular shade Agreeable Gray still going platinum in the suburbs?

In a sense, yes. But like the trend of mixed textures outside the home, taking that trend indoors allows designers to use classic neutral colors like gray, beige, and white in new ways, allowing homeowners to furnish the spaces however they choose.

“Those colors are kind of timeless,” Volden says.

Carpets are no different, breaking up the basic plush with some kinds of texture, and wood slats on walls are adding another visual element, Volden says.

Wood slats are a bit skinnier than shiplap, which has taken a bit of a step back after exploding in popularity in large part to interior designers Chip and Joanna Gaines on “Fixer Upper.”

The colors of the moment that might be popular nationally don’t always play in the

Midwest, Volden says. Using different textures has had a big impact in bathrooms, like bathtub and shower surrounds.

“The coolest thing is it really adds some dimension,” Volden says.

She likes throwing in some rich color here and there, potentially a “moody blue,” a type of blueish-green. In the “Millie” house, Hagen and Volden chose Sherwin Williams Iron Ore, a rich dark gray that provides a modern contrast with planned lighter stone surfaces, and brushed gold touches that peek out in light fixtures.

When designing, Volden says she seeks a “cohesive calmness.” She wants clients to be able to take a piece from one room, and take it to any other space in the home without breaking up the compatibility.

Hagen and Volden are particularly excited to have the public see “Millie” all finished.

“I fall in love with every house we design,” Volden says. “Sometimes I fall in love with one more than others, and I love the Maggie Mae Lane house. I think it might be the prettiest one we have ever done.”

The 2024 Rochester Area Builders Spring Showcase of Homes is set for two weekends, April 20-21, and April 27-28. Open houses are set for noon to 5 p.m. each day. For info, check out www.rochesterareabuilders.com/spring-showcase.

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THE TREND:

Creating customized home workspaces

THE EXPERT:

Customized Home Workspaces.

LIGHTERCOLORED WOOD. ORGANIC MATERIALS.

AREA EXPERTS TALK HOME TRENDS FOR 2024.

“Today, office space is clean, uncluttered, and designed for efficiency.”

“Remote work continues to be a priority; the home office remains at the forefront of planning when building a new home or remodeling an existing one. Home offices have become more than just functional spaces.

Ron Wightman, Real Estate Broker, WightmanBrock Real Estate Advisors

Creating workspaces that are productive and offer privacy is an important consideration. Natural

- Ron Wightman

light and well-lit spaces help keep the office environment creative and effective—a place where you want to go to work. The extensive built-ins and oversized desks are gone. Today, office space is clean, uncluttered, and designed for efficiency. It also reflects a personal touch with artwork, plants, and decorative accents that reflect personalities and passions.”

HOME TRENDS

“We are seeing more interest in doing fun patterns in hardwood, like chevron and herringbone patterns.”

THE TRENDS:

- Tony Horsman

Lighter-colored wood, wider planks, creative patterns

THE EXPERT:

Tony

Horsman, President, Creative Hardwood Floors

“What we are seeing for wood floor trends are focusing on simplicity and functionality, particularly those with light, natural colors that give a Scandinavian look. These styles emphasize pale and lighter-colored woods, such as American White Oak or European White Oak. Both are known for their subtle tones fitting the modern style.

Wider planks and matte finishes are also characteristic of this trend, contributing to a look that is both natural and easy to maintain. While wider planks are more susceptible to movement with change in humidity swings, Livesawn or Rift and Quartersawn are both a more stable cut of the tree, giving it a distinctive appearance versus the normal oak grain people are familiar with.

We are seeing more interest in doing fun patterns in hardwood, like chevron and herringbone patterns. These patterns add sophistication and visual interest to floors, particularly in larger spaces or as accent areas. The trend of homeowners upgrading from laminate and Luxury Vinyl Plank to hardwood floors marks a significant shift in interior design preferences towards authenticity and durability. This move is driven by the desire for timeless beauty and long-term value that real wood floors provide. Unlike laminate and LVP, which mimic the appearance of wood, hardwood floors have the advantage of being able to be refinished multiple times over their lifespan, offering a customizable and renewable flooring option that can adapt to changing styles and preferences.”

THE TREND:

“I think this year we will be embracing warm tones, soft curves, neutrals, texture, and organic materials.”

- Katie Darval

Warm tones, soft curves, organic materials

THE EXPERT:

Katie Darval, Owner, Beyond Kitchens

“I think this year we will be embracing warm tones, soft curves, neutrals, texture, and organic materials. These elements can create a cozy, inviting atmosphere while also adding depth and visual interest to a space. By incorporating these design elements, you can achieve a timeless aesthetic.

green

create a

feel to any room. Soft curves in cabinets, wall features, and fixtures add a sense of comfort and relaxation, while neutrals provide a versatile backdrop that allows other elements to shine.

Texture plays a crucial role in adding visual interest and depth to a space. Incorporating a variety of textures such as

wood, stone and wallpaper can enhance the overall look of the space.

Organic materials such as wood can bring a sense of warmth into the home. This can be in cabinets, beams on the ceiling or on the wall.

By combining these elements thoughtfully and with attention to detail, you can create a timeless space that you will love for years to come.”

THE TREND:

Mixing exterior textures and colors

THE EXPERT:

Hans Hottel, President, H & H Construction LLC

“One of the biggest exterior home trends that I see coming in 2024 is mixed textures and colors. Homeowners are not just sticking with the typical vinyl or steel siding look; many are mixing it up to include other textures, like stone veneers, board and batten, vertical siding, or cedar shake shingles.”

“One of the biggest exterior home trends that I see coming in 2024 is mixed textures and colors.”

- Hans Hottel

THE TREND:

Flooring in “earthy and natural colors”

THE EXPERT:

Jenna Gillund, Sales Associate, Carpet One Floor & Home of Rochester

“In recent years, flooring trends leaned toward modern whites and gray tones. However, given the cold climate in Minnesota, there is a noticeable shift towards a cozier ambiance, with people gravitating toward warmer colors for their floors.

Anticipate an increase in flooring options featuring earthy and natural colors, drawing inspiration from a serene palette. This suggests a resurgence of deep browns and robust tan tones, which had waned in popularity in recent years. People tend to gravitate towards a more comforting and welcoming atmosphere!”

THE TREND: Darker, more moody spaces

THE EXPERT:

Jessica Markley, Interior Designer, Elias Construction

“One trend I see emerging is the return to darker, more moody spaces. Popular wall colors include navy and deep green, even black! These darker colors are also extended to the wood trim in these spaces. So for instance, the baseboards and window casing are painted the same navy blue as the walls creating a darker intimate space. This trend is really prevalent in bedrooms, offices and bar areas where a calmer relaxed environment is desired.”

THE TREND: Making your home safe from Radon

THE EXPERT:

Jeff Beck, General Manager, All-Star Basements

“One home trend we have seen every year more and more but especially this year is homeowners being proactive with Radon testing and mitigation system installation if needed. We have already installed more systems this year than we did the first four months of last year. Testing is not too expensive, it’s easy, and sometimes free with promotions! Radon mitigation systems are installed in typically just a half day. Estimates and inspections are generally free and take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour depending on each specific home and the homeowners questions.”

“One trend I see emerging is the return to darker, more moody spaces”

- Jessica Markley

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THE TREND:

Even better laminates make a flooring comeback

THE EXPERT: Joe Elder, Owner/President, Hiller ’s Flooring America/ Hiller Commercial Floors

“In the flooring world, laminate flooring is making a comeback.”

- Joe Elder

“In the flooring world, laminate flooring is making a comeback. Technology is improving and they are now made to be waterproof. Laminates have always been better against scratching, but now they are waterproof as well. As quality LVP pricing goes up, laminates have been staying the same, even with the new technology. Brands that seemed to fall off as vinyl plank took over the market are coming back strong.”

The Walk-Through:

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John Huisman in 2010, the home features a cedar shake roof and wrap-around deck. The open great room includes a wood burning fireplace and a wall of windows showcasing majestic panoramic views over the lake and surrounding forest. The property is surveyed, has a drilled well, a full septic system, a forest fire suppression system, permanent electricity, and a dock. This is a spectacular retreat from the distractions of everyday life. Relax in the total peace & quiet of the forest and the extraordinary beauty of Burntside Lake!

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Local dishes.

LOCAL INGREDIENTS. LOCAL SUPPORT.

By Marlene Petersen

How sourcing food from area growers to us all.

When it comes to Rochester’s food scene, there’s lots that’s locally made. But how much is locally sourced?

What’s the difference (and why does it matter)? It boils down to the ingredients and how they support a community.

Take bread. Amazing loaves are baked in Rochester every day. That makes them locally-made, and we definitely appreciate that locally-made focus. But when the flour comes from Montana, sugar from Brazil, and the yeast from Canada, they aren’t locally-sourced.

Compare the Rosemary Polenta Sourdough at The Basic Place (17 miles away in Hammond).

Made with Minnesota—and Wisconsingrown flour, polenta, and rosemary, it’s locally made and locally sourced. While both examples offer unique flavors and support entrepreneurs, the sourdough also finances three area farmers, keeping them in business and growing their communities.

That’s why Annie Henderson, owner of Forager Brewery in Rochester, buys as many local ingredients as she can, including The Basic Place sourdough (when she can get it).

Her rotating menu reads like a Who’s Who of area farms, creameries, and small food producers, most of whom hail from within 40 miles of Forager’s front door.

She doesn’t buy local to save a buck. On the

contrary, buying from area farmers is often more time-consuming and more expensive.

“The cost of the product is higher,” explains Annie. “And so is the cost of labor, because we are breaking down ingredients. Having six people at Forager at 7 a.m. making house-made pico costs twice as much in labor. But when we buy from area farms, they get a better price, and we get the freshest ingredients. We also build long-standing relationships and support sustainable agriculture and independent farming initiatives. It makes a big impact on them and keeps more money in our community. That means everything to us.”

John Peterson, owner of Ferndale Market in Cannon Falls, feels this impact every day. His third-generation farm supplies free-range turkey to Minnesota restaurants, schools, and retail stores. Without businesses committed to local sourcing, Ferndale couldn’t operate the way it does.

“It takes such a balance of diverse customers to sustain a farm like ours,” says Peterson. “CannonBelles Coffee & Ice Cream Shop [in Cannon Falls] buys a lot of turkey breast, Raw Bistro buys other parts of the bird [for its locally-sourced dog food], and Lorentz Meats [Cannon Falls] helps us smoke products and finish meat for one of their customers. These partners sustain farms like ours that are trying to move away from a commodity market and carve a different path.”

Luckily, Rochester has a variety of local-sourcing superheroes, and the list,

gives back

thankfully, is too long—and too varied—to try to include everyone here.

To get the scoop on who carries what, Annie Henderson suggests simply asking.

“Ask the staff. Ours knows what we carry and why,” she says. “Seasonal menus can also be an indicator of sourcing. If [a restaurant] is sourcing locally, they are proud of it and are going out of their way to share that with their customers and on their website.”

Looking to locally source in your own kitchen? The Rochester Farmers Market and People’s Food Co-op (PFC) are great places to start. Both source a wide range of produce, meat, cheese, grains, and dairy from Minnesota and Wisconsin farms. They also offer locally-prepared foods such as bread, pancake mixes, salsa, desserts, and hot sauces.

To ensure these products support local farms, talk to the makers at the Farmers Market or ask the staff at PFC. If you’re new to local sourcing, start small. First, try local honey and maple syrup. They make great substitutes for Brazilian sugar. Next, experiment with Wisconsin-grown hazelnut oil instead of canola. Before you know it, you’ll be a superhero of sourcing, too.

Marlene Petersen is the editor of Local FEAST! magazine produced by Renewing the Countryside, a Minnesota nonprofit working with local farmers and food makers through events like FEAST!—the region’s largest local food festival held in Rochester every November.

A SAMPLING. Local dishes, local sources.

(Lots of area restaurants offer locally sourced dishes. And—we promise—we opened this up to everyone to submit examples. Here are a few of the submissions we received.)

THE PLACE:

Forager Brewery

THE DISH:

Cannon Valley Stroganoff

THE INGREDIENTS:

Braised local beef, mushrooms, onions, house-made fettuccine, garlic, Parmesan, cream sauce, dill, sour cream.

THE LOCAL SOURCING:

Cannon Valley Ranch for the beef, Four Sisters for the eggs for fettuccine.

WHY IT’S SO GOOD:

“Everything is made from scratch and sourced locally,” says Forager owner Annie Henderson. “It is the perfect cold weather dish and you can taste the love from our local partners.”

“It is the perfect cold weather dish and you can taste the love from our local partners.”

—Annie Henderson

Photo courtesy Forager Brewery.

“We have had people say that it tastes like a ‘Thanksgiving Side Dish’” — Jennifer Becker

THE PLACE: Bleu Duck Kitchen

THE DISH: Butternut Squash Creme Brulée

THE INGREDIENTS:

Butternut Squash, cream, eggs, sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, brussels sprouts.

THE LOCAL SOURCING:

“We source ingredients from Serio Farms, Green Leaf Organics, a local egg vendor (Leah Fritze), and Pine Creek Farms,” says Jennifer Becker, co-owner of Bleu Duck Kitchen.

WHY IT’S SO GOOD:

“We have had people say that it tastes like a ‘Thanksgiving Side Dish,’” says Becker. “I feel like the sweetness of the butternut squash gives you that feeling of eating creme brulee but then to add in the savory notes of the roasted brussels sprouts and candied pecans takes you to another level of ‘WOW! This is really fantastic!.’”

“Between Sorellina’s and Victoria’s, we use 2,500 to 3,500 pounds of locally-sourced cheese a month”

THE PLACE(S):

Sorellina’s and Victoria’s

THE DISH(ES): A lot of them. Mainly Fettuccine Alfredo.

THE INGREDIENTS: Parmesan cheese.

THE LOCAL SOURCING: Eau Galle Cheese factory, just across the river in Durand, Wis.

WHY IT’S SO GOOD:

“We source our Parmesan cheese locally,” says Victoria’s co-owner Natalie Victoria.

“Between Sorellina’s and Victoria’s, we use 2,500 to 3,500 pounds of locally-sourced cheese a month. Any of our Alfredo based dishes have quite a bit of that local goodness.”

WHY IT’S SO GOOD: “It’s Alfredo,” says Natalie. “Who doesn’t like Alfredo?”

—Natalie Victoria

Photo by Rosei Skipper.

Photo by Olive Juice Studio.

“We use corn from my dad and turn it into bourbon.”

—Kristin Osborne

THE PLACE:

Four Daughters Vineyard & Winery

THE DISH:

Old Fashioned Cheeseburgers

THE LOCAL SOURCING:

“We use corn from my dad (grown in the fields next to the winery) and turn it into bourbon,” says Kristin Osborne of Four Daughters. “The spent grain is then picked up by a local farmer (in Harmony) and fed to his beef cattle. Those cattle get butchered at Dover Meats (in Dover). We pick it up and turn it into our Old Fashioned Cheeseburgers and our bourbon-fed steaks, a T-bone, Ribeye and Sirloin. That’s multiple farms, including our own, straight back to our table!”

WHY IT’S SO GOOD:

“It’s an Old Fashioned Cheeseburger,” says Osborne. “It’s a HUGE seller here!”

THE PLACE:

Four Daughters Vineyard & Winery

THE DISH:

Maple Walnut Salad

THE INGREDIENTS:

Locally grown salad greens, Honeycrisp apples, bacon, walnuts, smoked bleu cheese, dried cranberries, and a maple dressing.

THE LOCAL SOURCING:

“The lettuce comes from Owatonna,” says Kristin Osborne of Four Daughters. “We age our own maple syrup in our bourbon barrels!”

WHY IT’S SO GOOD:

“It’s a great combo of ingredients—smoky, salty, fresh, and sweet,” says Osborne.

Photo by Maya Giron.

Photo by Emma Christianson.

MARKETPLACE a selection of shops & services

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; Friday 10-6; Sat 9:30-5:30; Sun 11-5. 507-288-1683.

DELI & SANDWICH SHOPS

Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches.

The Kahler Inn & Suites, 9 Third Ave. NW; Marketplace Mall, 2986 41st St NW; Crossroads Plaza, 90 14th St SW. Jimmy John’s is unlike any sub shop in the industry; no games or gimmicks, just old-fashioned, homemade sandwiches made from freshbaked bread, all-natural meats and vegetables that are sliced daily. Downtown hours: 10:308; 507-289-9900. NW hours: 10:30-10; 507-424-0100. SW hours: 10:30-10; 507-424-2000. Catering and delivery available. Order online at jimmyjohns.com. V, M, D, and AE accepted.

ENTERTAINMENT

Rochester

Civic Theatre. 20 Civic Center Dr SE. Just off Broadway in downtown Rochester, the Civic Theatre delivers a yearround 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.

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

Home Federal Savings Bank.

When it comes to your personal, everyday banking needs, Home Federal has you covered. Ask us about the great advantages of our personal checking accounts. Start saving smart with a savings account, IRA, CDs, and more. Finance any of the larger purchases in your life with a customized personal loan. Manage your accounts at any of the four convenient locations in Rochester or in the comfort of you own home via your smartphone or computer—24 hours a day, 7 days a week—with Home Federal’s mobile banking. All of the amenities of a national chain, along with the personalized, friendly service you expect from a community bank.

Local bankers. Local service. Local decisions. Bring your banking home. Find out more at JustCallHome.com. Equal Housing Lender. Member FDIC. (See ad page 10)

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 53)

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 20, 41)

WHERE TO WORSHIP

First Presbyterian Church.

512 Third St SW. Worship Sunday: 10 a.m., 507-282-1618, fpcrochester.org. Please visit our website for up to date information.

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. Redeemer’s 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.

Interested in being included in our Marketplace call Tessa at 507-281-7469 or email tolive@rochestermagazine.com.

BY STEVE LANGE

10 (or so) questions with ... Arysia “Ace”

Porter, former Rochesterite and current Harlem Globetrotter.

Rochester Magazine: Where are you right now? Sounds like you’re traveling.

Ace Porter: I’m on the Globetrotter bus. We just left Austin, Texas, and we are on the way to Dallas.

RM: And you will be with the team when they come to Rochester on March 29?

AP: Yeah. So I get to see my dad, Jeffrey, who still lives in Rochester. Well, my whole dad’s side of the family, and they’re all going to the game, and I’m super excited. I haven’t seen them in so long. It’s been surreal.

RM: You’re one of the few women on one of the most popular sports and entertainment teams in the world. I know sometimes it’s a grind for you, you play a lot of games. But do you ever get to step back and see some little girl asking for your autograph and think “Wow, I could really be making a difference in someone’s life here.”

AP: I have one of those moments, a step-back moment, like every day, which is crazy. I had a few little kids who were wearing my jersey come up to me yesterday. One said “I want to be like you when I grow up.” It’s surreal. Another one said I was her favorite player. One said “You have the best dance moves.” So, yeah, I have those reality checks all the time to step back and just see how grateful and blessed I am. And I thank God every day for that position that I have just to travel the world and put smiles on people’s faces.

RM: You travel a lot.

AP: We play every night unless it’s a travel night. I’ve gotten to do the overseas tour and went to 13 countries. I love it.

RM: You lived in Rochester from like age 3 to 8. Give me a good memory from here.

AP: We had soccer fields by the apartment we lived in, and I got started in soccer. There was also an outside basketball court at the park, and I can still remember the first basket I shot on that hoop, at least the first one that went in. That’s when I got the sensation of basketball. That’s when I fell in love with the sport.

I had a few little kids who were wearing my jersey come up to me yesterday. One said “I want to be like you when I grow up.” It’s surreal.

RM: Did you have a favorite teacher at Gage [Elementary, where Arysia went to school]?

AP: I definitely did. It was a lady and she was a second grade teacher. I just can’t remember her name. Maybe someone will read this story and remember me as someone who looked up to them!

RM: Do you remember the high school game in February of 2015 when your Roosevelt High (in Texas) lost the 26-6A title game to Johnson High?

AP: Oh, my gosh. Like it’s yesterday. That game changed my life. It was definitely a fight from start to finish. All I could think was “This could be my last game, especially as a senior, and I’m just going to play the game that I love with a smile on my face.” At the same time, I knew there were college scouts there watching to see how I would handle that situation. I just had to play my butt off because I wanted to go to college. This was my shot to prove myself to show that I’m worth investing in. This game could determine whether I could afford college or not.

RM: So you had one shot, one opportunity, to seize everything you ever wanted?

AP: Yes! We lost the game, but I was definitely in the zone. [She scored 21 points.] That next day, I got offered a full ride from St. Mary’s University [in Texas]. I will remember that moment forever.

RM: I’ve been to a number of Globetrotters games. It’s always a blast. But it seems like every game, somehow, one of the Washington Generals ends up getting his shorts pulled down. And, every time, they seem embarrassed because they’re wearing some weird underpants, with polka dots or whatever.

AP: I know, right? I think they just do that to themselves. They should know that something’s coming. So really, that seems like it’s on them.

RM: If I played for the Generals, I’d wear normal underpants, so I wouldn’t be embarrassed if my shorts got pulled down.

AP: I’m just glad I play for the Globetrotters.

Photo courtesy Harlem Globetrotters

”We would st rongly encourage anyone lo ok ing to buy or sell ahou se to choose theWightm an-Bro ck team! Their clear communic at ion and check–in s helpe d us to always be ‘in the know ’ ab outwh at wa s happ ening during our real estate jour ney. I can’t say enough ab out their calming presence, at tent ion to detail and am az ing work ethic!“ —Brent & Beth

507-509-2879