Issuu

NOVEMBER 2023

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

AI HOW IS

CHANGING YOUR LIFE?

Through apathy, says Joe Vukov.

A “MOST EXCITING ACCIDENT” ON THE ZUMBRO RIVER BRIDGE FOUR HISTORIC BRIDGES, FOUR CLASSIC STORIES

EXCEPTIONAL PROPERTIES GROUP

Lyle Andreen

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Trina Solano

Wendy Byers-Danen

Lee & Emily Fleming

Donna Johanns

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Kara Gyarmaty

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Jessica Koepp

Kris & Arlyn Nelson

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CONTENTS NOVEMBER 2023

Features 26 What does AI mean for our future?

Rochesterite Joe Vukov predicts the real problems are more “I don’t care” than “I, Robot.” Plus, How AI Is Changing Mayo Clinic (and vice versa); An AI Timeline, From IBM.

42 Four bridges, four stories

The untimely end of the White Bridge. The WPA and the Silver Lake Bridges. A “most exciting accident” on the Zumbro River bridge. The only covered bridge left in Minnesota.

56 Active Living, Active Life, Part II

26 8

Junk Drawer

11 Shortcuts

Our 25th—25th!—annual Best Restaurants ballot; Three Ways You Can Help ...Paws and Claws; 30 days of November, 30 events in our calendar; more.

Numerous Rochesterites share their successes when it comes to mind, body, and spirit.

14 Oddchester 16 Random Rochesterite

Kevin Anderson talks about what he learned from his grandma, his scariest moment, and the Rochester bands he played in back in the day (Black Valentine, Unatural, and Roadkill).

25 Three Ways You Can Help One group doing good in Rochester. And how you can help.

68 The Walk Through

Inside one cool home you could own right now.

70 Rochester, Retro 74 Ten (or so) questions Bill Bean owns 45,000 pencils.

On the cover: Joe Vukov. See our AI story on page 26. ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

NOVEMBER 2023

Junk Drawer

23 things we couldn't fit anywhere else.

This issue contains our 25th annual Best Restaurants Ballot. We're pretty proud of that. It’s the original. It's the most read. It’s the most respected. Well, that's what we hear, at least. Just turn back a few pages to get the full info. Or go to www.RochesterMagazine.com and vote online. Every year, when we're tallying our annual Best Restaurants ballot, we're most excited about the winners for Best New Restaurant. Because, well, it has to be new! Although, in those first 8 years, the winners may not have been excited about it. Only two winners from the first 8 years—9 restaurants total with a tie thrown in—are still with us. Many of them closed pretty quickly after winning our award. But our readers have picked some classics since 2009.

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 ADAM GEHLING LOGAN ODELL LISA SCHELL advertising@rochestermagazine.com Graphic Designers MOLLIE BURLINGAME BETH KROHN Associate Editor JENNIFER HAUGEN KOSKI Contributing Writers ALEXA ANDERSON STEVE GARDINER HADLEY LANGE ELLIOT MANN

(Our Best Restaurant covers from year 1, 5, 10, and 20.)

HERE'S THE LIST OF OUR BEST NEW RESTAURANT WINNERS SINCE 2001 (THE FIRST YEAR WE HAD THE CATEGORY): 2001: Las Margaritas 2002: Golden Corral 2003 (tie): The Hangar and Noodles 2004: Olive Garden 2005: Romano's Macaroni Grill 2006: Metro 2007: Green Mill 2008: Avocados 2009: Chester's 2010: Pescara 2011: Pazzo 2012: Fat Willy's 2013: The Loop

2014: Texas Roadhouse 2015: Tonic 2016: Terza 2017: Bleu Duck Kitchen 2018: Porch and Cellar 2019: Hot Chip 2020: Cameo at the Castle 2021: Crave 2022: Thai Pop 2023: Townie's 2024: That's up to you. So support our local restaurants, and vote at www.RochesterMagazine.com.

Photo Supervisor JOE AHLQUIST Contributing Photographers KEN KLOTZBACH OLIVE JUICE STUDIOS TRACI WESTCOTT

GET HOME DELIVERY!

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

Volume twenty-four I Number eleven

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).

NOVEMBER 2023

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST PIZZA PLACE SEVEN YEARS IN A ROW Vote for us on the Best Restaurant Ballot in this issue

We’re community driven. Gift cards available in any amount 130 5th St. SW | 507.424.7800 | PNPIZZA.COM ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

NOVEMBER 2023

Bank Local. Grow Local. We are proud to be a community bank. When you partner with a community bank, your deposit business goes back into our communities through loans. Our investments are made in the communities we serve - that means we’re putting money right back to provide economic and social value. Where will you go with MBT Bank?

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4 4 0 8 W F RO N TAG E R OAD H W Y 52 N W | RO C H E STE R , M N | 5 07-2 26 -8 4 6 0

NOVEMBER 2023

shortcuts

It’s the original. It’s the most respected. It’s Rochester Magazine’s 25th Annual

Best RESTAURANTS CONTEST! We have, as always, added a number of new categories. Put a few others on the back burner.

Here is all you need to do: Turn the page (or go to RochesterMagazine.com) and vote for your favorite Rochester restaurants. Bonus for you: Two lucky entrants will be randomly drawn to win a $50 gift certificate to a Rochesterarea restaurant (read: one of our advertisers). Now turn the page, and show your support.

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

NOVEMBER 2023

st e B RESTAURANTS BALLOT ROCHESTER MAGAZINE’S

NO NEED TO FILL IN EVERY BLANK, BUT PLEASE KEEP VOTES TO ROCHESTER RESTAURANTS AND BUSINESSES.

Best Bar Food: ______________________________________________________ Best New Restaurant: _______________________________________________ Best Breakfast Place: _______________________________________________ Best New Bar: ______________________________________________________

All entries are confidential. Name, address, and phone required to verify entry, but will not be used for any other purpose. One entry per person. Must be received by Nov. 30, 2023. We reserve the right to discard ballots designed to stuff the ballot box. To vote online, go to RochesterMagazine. com. Or mail (and we will accept photocopies, but entries MUST have a verifiable name, address, and phone number) to Rochester Magazine, Best Restaurants Contest, PO Box 6118, Rochester, MN 55903.

Coolest Looking Restaurant: _________________________________________ Best Side Dish (name restaurant and dish): _________________________________________ Best Happy Hour: ___________________________________________________ Best Sandwich Place: _______________________________________________ Best Place For Wine: ________________________________________________ Best Sushi: _________________________________________________________ Best Food Truck: ____________________________________________________

Vote for YOUR favorite !

Best Dessert (name dessert and restaurant): ______________________________________ Best Steak Place: ___________________________________________________ Best Barista: _______________________________________________________

NOVEMBER 2023

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Best Outdoor Dining: ________________________________________________ Best Italian Dish (name restaurant and dish): _________________________________________ Best Salad Place: ___________________________________________________ Best Place For Seafood: _____________________________________________ Best Brewery: ______________________________________________________ Most Romantic Restaurant: __________________________________________ Best Pizza Place:____________________________________________________ Best Coffee Shop: ___________________________________________________ Best Restaurant Service: ____________________________________________ Best Burger Place: __________________________________________________ Best Mexican Place: ________________________________________________ Best Asian Place: ___________________________________________________ Best Other Ethnic Place: ____________________________________________ Best Place For Vegetarian Food:______________________________________ Best Bar Service: ___________________________________________________ Outside Of Rochester, Best Restaurant Within 30 Minutes:___________________________________ Best Restaurant More Than 30 Minutes Away: ___________________________________________________ Best Bar: ___________________________________________________________ And Rochester’s Best Restaurant: ____________________________________ ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

NOVEMBER 2023

ODDCHESTER

25 years of Best Restaurants. 10 stories. BY STEVE LANGE

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Rochester Magazine's Best Restaurants ballot. It's kind of a big deal, at least to us. To celebrate, here are 10 random Rochester restaurant-based moments from our 25 years of Rochester Magazine. 1. In 2001, Las Margaritas wins our inaugural Best New Restaurant category. I am new to Rochester, and deliver their winning certificate myself. I even make a small impromptu congratulatory speech to the staff. Why, this kind of award, presented by Rochester Magazine, can only mean a long and healthy future for you, Las Margaritas! You are very welcome to be honored by our publication! The restaurant closes a few weeks later. 2. Someone fills out this answer from our category for Best Chicken Dinner: "For them, probably a nice mealworm with some cracked corn and seeds on the side." 3. In 2002, Golden Corral wins our Best New Restaurant award. When that restaurant closes in 2007, the owners try and re-use the neon letters from the old sign. So they call the new place Gorilla Den—a near-anagram of Golden Corral. When Gorilla Den closes in 2010, we try to come up with yet another anagram to re-reuse the letters yet again. The only name we can come up with is Groin Ladle, which the new owners apparently decide against. 4. Someone fills out this answer from our category for Best Place For A Post-Work Happy Hour: "I hate my co-workers, and they never invite me out after work. One time I walked into Chester's by myself, and they were all there at 5:01 on a Friday." 14

NOVEMBER 2023

5. In 2003, our One Restaurant Rochester Needs Immediately category ends with a tie. Between Chuck E. Cheese and Hooters. Which, as far as we can tell, is the only time those two restaurants have tied in any category, ever. 6. Before heading to a friend's Halloween party in 2007, Lindy and I eat dinner at Michaels Restaurant—the now-gone, longtime classic which often drew an older clientele, many of whom had been regulars since the 1950s and 60s. We go in costume. Lindy is wearing a 1960s airline stewardess outfit, complete with the dress and little hat and white gloves and white boots.

One year, for a special occasion, we take the family to Michaels. It would not have been—full disclosure—the kids' first choice. But then we're seated, next to that large center fireplace. Daughter Emma, 7, says "This is so fancy! This restaurant feels like being inside a limo!" When our server comes to our table, he kneels next to Emma and looks her directly in the eyes and asks her what she will be enjoying for dinner this evening. Emma blushes and giggles.

I am dressed like Alf from the 1980s TV show "Alf."

So it goes for the rest of the night. The server kneels next to the kids, asks their opinions about the food, listens when they answer. He brings them kiddie cocktails.

At one point, an older gentleman comes over to our table and strikes up a conversation. "Are you a stewardess?" he asks Lindy.

It was typical Michaels—classic, old-school service. A decade later, our kids still talk about that waiter.

"Why, yes," she says, playing along.

9. Someone fills out this answer from our category for Best Catering: "The gold hoops that dangle off their feline ears." Are they making a joke about cat earrings? We're still not sure.

"What airline are you with?" he asks. Lindy laughs and says "Pan Am." A few minutes of questions later—"How long is your layover?" and "Where is your next destination city?"—it becomes obvious that the guy thinks Lindy really is a stewardess. It's too late, then, for Lindy to admit she is dressed for Halloween without embarrassing him. We realize that, probably, the last time he had flown on an airline, the flight attendants were still wearing gloves and pillbox hats. Eventually, the gentleman returns to his table, still thinking Lindy is a stewardess on layover. Eating dinner with her very large and ugly dog. 7. Someone fills out this answer from our category for Best Place For A Post-Work Happy Hour: "Doesn't apply. No one at work likes me." We can only hope it's the same person who walked into Chester's. 8. In 16 years of Rochester Magazine's Best Restaurants results, Michaels won the Best Service category 15 times.

10. “Kids can simply come in and say, ‘No school for me today’ and we will hand them a lunch.” “When you order a kids meal, just say ‘It’s already paid for.’ We’ll take care of it.” “Just call ahead and order the ‘School Lunch Special.’ However many you need. We’ll deliver them to your car.” During the heart of COVID-19, these were just a few of the notices from local restaurants, too numerous to mention, who immediately offered food—free of charge, no questions asked—to kids in need. Restaurants were one of the industries hit the hardest, and they were one of the industries that gave back the most. And—in our 25 years of promoting local restaurants—we still remember “Just call ahead and order the ‘School Lunch Special.’ However many you need. We’ll deliver it to your car.” ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

COMFORT FOOD WITH UNIQUE STYLE F EATUR ING LIV E MU SI C WED & SAT | HAPPY HO UR | PRIV ATE PART I ES

THEWELLDINING.COM

shortcuts

RandomRochesterite One resident, numerous anecdotes By JENNIFER KOSKI Photo by JOE AHLQUIST

Name: Kevin Anderson Age: 56 Occupation: Senior project manager “with a world-renowned medical institution” Where we found her: At his grandma’s birthday party I was the No. 1 fan of your grandma, Donna Anderson, who I’d written about for years in my Post Bulletin column and who passed away in April at nearly 104. She was a wonderful friend to me. How was she as a grandma? She was actually a great grandmother—a tad on the strict side. For the teenager and kid I was, that was exactly what I needed. It was hard for me to relate to her when I was young because I grew up in Minneapolis until I was 14 and she grew up on a farm. So we didn’t have a lot in common. As I got older, and transitioned into more of a caretaker role, we connected and respected each other and where I came from. It's nice that you found that connection. When I was getting my first college degree, I had to write something like 30 papers. She was a teacher for a while, and at the time my grammar wasn’t the greatest. So I asked her to edit this paper I’d written about myself. When she handed it back to me, she said, “I had no idea about any of this in your life.” It helped us find common ground. What did you learn from your grandma? Know what your priorities are and focus on those. The three most important aspects of her life were friends, family, faith. Those three things never wavered, and she wouldn’t sacrifice on any of them. Tell me about your immediate family? I have a wife and five kids. We’ve been married forever, for over 30 years. Our kids range from 24 down to 16. And I have two grandkids, a three-year-old and four-year-old. How did you meet your wife? I was on the road full-time playing in a band, and I needed someplace to put my stuff. The 16

NOVEMBER 2023

drummer and I rented a single bedroom in this party house off Center and Twelfth in Rochester. We had one small bedroom in the top of the building where we kept our stuff, and when we were home, there was a party every night. This was an ultimate bachelor pad—the biggest piece of furniture we had downstairs was a foosball table. We were having a party one night and Kari walked in after her shift at the Charter House. And that was all she wrote. It was one of those weird, you-justknow moments.

How was the road from rock star to project manager? The life of a rock star is a lot harder than it sounds. It’s pretty hard to pay the bills unless you can get to the next level, and we weren’t very successful at getting to that next level. I came back to Rochester and worked for IBM for a while. Then, when IBM went through those lay-offs in the ‘90s, I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to be sent back to school. Since then I’ve gotten three different college degrees, in electronics, an undergrad in business, and a masters in project management.

Of course I now have to ask about the band. Yeah, my goal after high school was anything that had to do with music. I’d been playing music since I was probably six years old. I always assumed coming out of high school—keep in mind, this is the ‘80s—that I was going to be a rock star, just like every kid wants to be a rock star. So when I got out of high school, I got a couple guitars and went out on the road. I’ve been very fortunate to play in three super popular local bands. One did some touring and I got to see much of the country … and discovered how hard it was to live on the road as a musician.

Favorite album? Queensryche “Empire.” Just amazing songwriting.

What were the bands? Black Valentine, Unatural, and Roadkill. Most memorable gig? Black Valentine was chosen to open up for Nelson at the Mayo Civic Arena— and from the perspective of someone from Rochester, that’s the dream.

Best Saturday afternoon? Go to the river ‘til the kids are tired of swimming. Then go across to Nelson and get ice cream at the Nelson Cheese shop. Then come home and play bean bags with the family. Scariest moment? My oldest daughter almost died giving birth to my first grandson. That was horrible. We were terrified. Her blood pressure just dove, and she ended up in emergency surgery. There were a couple of anxious hours, but everything turned out OK. Biggest adventure? I’m a scuba diver, and I used to work for a company that allowed me to travel all over the world as a project manager. I was working in Singapore quite often, and some friends of mine talked me into going in on a chartered dive trip to Malaysia. We took a bus in the middle of the night, then got on this boat, then stayed in the bottom of the boat and tried to get some sleep, then got to this deserted island with no electricity, no phones, no way to communicate, and stayed there for four days for this diving trip. It was the highlight of any vacation I’ve ever I’ve taken.

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

14 4TH ST SW, ROC HEST ER MN 5 5902 ( I N C ONLEY-MAA S S -DOWNS B U I LDING )

2023

sunday

NOVEMBER

minnesotasrochester.com

LIFELONG LEARNING.

FIND THE DUBUQUE STAGECOACH TRAIL BRIDGE.

THOSE AREN’T BRACELETS, THEY’RE BANDS! Visit Quarry

Hill Nature Center to learn why some birds have colorful bands on their ankles, and what researchers do with the information those bands help generate. qhnc.org, 507-328-3950

Chad Israelson, from RCTC, gives “The Legacy of the JFK Assassination” talk in honor of the 60th anniversary. Hosted at the Heintz Center as part of RCTC’s Learning Is ForEver (LIFE) series. learningisforever.net, 507-280-3157

Hike Root River Park, one of the area’s hidden hiking gems, and ﬁnd the remnants of a bridge from the Dubuque Trail, the stagecoach route that linked St. Paul to Dubuque, Iowa in 1854.

14 “I’LL PLAY THE BLUES FOR YOU.”

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT. Take a guided tour of the Rochester Art Center’s Chronicles of the Chronic, which highlights 13 artists who use their art to express the complex reality of living with chronic health conditions. The tour is led by artist Benjamin Merritt. rochesterartcenter. org, 507-722-2552

Sure, it’s only about 10 feet high with a 30-foot crest, but Hidden Falls, in Nerstrand-Big Woods State Park, is worth the half-mile hike. 507-333-4840

Joe Bonamassa, a blues rock guitarist with three Grammy nominations, is at the Mayo Civic Center. He’ll be playing songs from the two albums he released this year: Blues Deluxe Vol. 2 and Tales of Time, as well as songs from his last 20+ years of recording. mayociviccenter.com, 507-361-5040

FIND THE HIDDEN FALLS.

SONGWRITERS IN THE ROUND. Treedome is hosting

Songwriters in the Round with Minneapolis-based artists Sarah Morris and Doug Collins and Rochester-based Pat Egan. This event, a “Nashville-style showcase,” allows the songwriters to perform and talk about their inspirations at the Broadway location. treedomemn.com, 507-206-3298

This one takes some prep, but it’s worth it: Contact the Dorothy Day Hospitality House, which provides short-term housing for people in crisis. Volunteer to serve meals, check guests in, or provide general hospitality. Dorothydayrochestermn.org

FESTIVAL OF TREES. It’s the Opening Night Gala for the 38th annual Festival of Trees, the biggest Hiawatha Homes fundraiser of the year! You can also peruse 90+ beautifully decorated trees, grab a gift or two at the Gift Thyme Shoppe, and snap a picture on Santa’s lap all at the Kahler Grand Hotel. hiawathahomes.org, 507-289-8683

Tenors channel “The Three Tenors” in their aptly titled show, A Three Tenors Christmas. The show, held at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, features Christmas music galore including operatic arias and new arrangements of Christmas favorites. chanhassendt.com, 952-934-1525

NOVEMBER 2023

tuesday

Sponsored by

THREE TENORS. The NorrSound

monday

GIVE THANKS AND GIVE.

DANCE OF THE SUGAR PLUM FAIRY. The NUTCRACKER! Magical

Christmas Ballet is a classic holiday ballet following the young Clara and her adventures through the Land of Sweets. Watch dancers from Turkey, Japan, the Ukraine, and more dance alongside hand painted sets and giant puppets all set to the music of Tchaikovsky at the Mayo Civic Center. mayociviccenter.com, 507-361-5040

SUMINAGASHI.Learn all about

the art of suminagashi (ﬂoating ink) at the Rochester Public Library. Make your own marbled paper using resists and ink to use for scrapbooks, cards, and other art projects. rplmn.org, 507-328-2300 ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

wednesday

thursday

DON’T STOP (THE MUSIC).

TUSK, aka The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute, performs Fleetwood Mac hits like “Dreams,” “The Chain,” and “Rhiannon.” Hear the music and see the costumes at the Mayo Civic Center. mayociviccenter.com, 507-361-5040

FROM SHOEBILLS TO STARLINGS. Uganda has

ONLY 46 MORE DAYS... The

1000+ species of birds, and Jerry Pruett, a birder, spent 22 days seeing as many of them as he could. He’s at Assisi Heights to talk about the experience. rochesterfranciscan.org, 507-282-7441

The 10th annual FEAST! Local Foods Marketplace lets you sample food and drinks from dozens of vendors throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin at the Mayo Civic Center. local-feast.org, 507-405-4045

ALL IN THE FAMILY. Nashville

FOUR CANDIDATES, FOUR GREAT CONCERTS.

Ozark Jubilee presents Branson Country Christmas at Treasure Island. The show features contemporary and traditional Christmas music, violin solos, and ﬁddler/comedian Doofus Doolittle. ticasino.com, 800-222-7077

The Rochester Symphony is selecting a new artistic director... through on-stage auditions! Candidate Robert Kahn is conducting the orchestra in songs by Verdi, Schumann, and Tchaikovsky at the Mayo Civic Center. rochestersymphony.org, 507-268-8742

TALENTED TRIO. Dessa is a

IMPRACTICAL JOKER.

CAN’T STOP THE FEELING!

presents their fall musical ... High School Musical On Stage! Watch as Troy and Gabriella try to balance basketball, the school musical, and the scholastic decathlon. mhs. rochesterschools.org, 507-328-5500

TURKEY TROT. It’s Rochester’s 7th

SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN! Santa Claus

Rochester art collective is located oﬀ North Broadway. Go, check out the members’ work, and learn about upcoming classes, and other opportunities. gallery24.org, 507226-8800

Annual Turkey Trot! This 5k run (or walk) raises funds for Red Drop Resources, which supports people with blood cancers. Costumes are encouraged, donuts will be provided, and runners get some awesome swag. mnruns.com, 224-757-5425

TALKING LIBRARIES AT THE LIBRARY. This month the

SHE LOVES ME. She Loves Me is an “eﬀervescent musical comedy” set in Budapest and performed at the Commonweal Theatre. The play follows Amalia and Georg from coworkers who can’t seem to get along to pen pals and ﬁnally, lovebirds. commonwealtheatre.org, 800-657-7025

Rochester Public Library’s Real Reads Nonﬁction Book Club is discussing “Overdue: Reckoning with the Public Library by Amanda Oliver.” The book takes a critical look at the issues that are plaguing libraries. rplmn.org, 507-328-2300 ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

SIP, SAMPLE, SHOP.

musicians (and brothers) John Michael Montgomery (“I Love the Way You Love Me” and “Be My Baby Tonight”) and Eddie Montgomery (“Something to Be Proud Of” and “Where I Come From”) are at Treasure Island as part of their Brotherly Love Tour. ticasino.com, 800-222-7077

WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER! Mayo High School

VISIT GALLERY 24. This

It’s the ﬁfth annual Craft Beer, Wine, & Spirits tasting at the Rochester Eagles Club, with live music from The Danglers. This beneﬁt raises money for Kids Dreams Come True, which provides dreams for kids with life-altering illnesses and injuries. Kidsdreamscometrue.com

singer (contributing a song to The Hamilton Mixtape) and TED talk giver; Lady Midnight is a vocalist (solo and with VANDAAM) and community outreach leader; Dani A’mor is a performer (solo and with Danger 5) and classically trained singer. All three perform at Chateau Theatre. Yourchateau.org

The Rochester Public Library is hosting a Trolls Party. Kids and parents alike can participate in a Trolls lip sync complete with glow-sticks and plenty of dancing! rplmn.org, 507-328-2300

saturday

RAISING SPIRITS.

PLEASE TOUCH THE ART!

It’s the last week of Lydia Hansen’s interactive Sensory Sculpture Garden at Threshold Arts. Hansen has utilized diﬀerent textures, techniques, fabrics, and colors to create crocheted sculptures that patrons can experience with both their hands and their eyes. Thresholdartists.org

friday

has gotten stuck on top of Old City Hall and needs a little help getting down. After a daring rescue, he and Mrs. Claus will be in Peace Plaza for Rochester’s annual tree lighting ceremony. downtownrochestermn. com, 507-216-9882

Sal Vulcano is a comedian and a part of The Tenderloins (of “Impractical Jokers” and “The Misery Index” fame) and a co-host of the podcasts “Hey Babe!” and “What Say You?”. Tonight he is at the Mayo Civic Center as a part of his (parental discretion advised) comedy tour! mayociviccenter.com, 507-361-5040

FAST AND FURIOUS.

The Monster Truck Nitro Tour is making its way to the Mayo Civic Center. Weighing in at over 10,000 pounds, monster trucks Boss Gator, Lone Wolf, Hole Shot, Ice Cream Man, and more will face oﬀ in wheelie contests, racing, crushing, and more. mayociviccenter.com, 507-361-5040

NOVEMBER 2023

the local table {where we eat} Proud Sponsor of Local Table— Supporting local restaurants.

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Your Community Bank bankonONB.com

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.

507.361.Ribs 2291 Commerce Dr NW Rochester smoakbbqmn.com

Ristorante & W ine 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.

507.258.5001 255 1st Ave SW, Rochester TheWellDining.com The Well features comfort food with a unique style, in a beautiful new space in downtown Rochester. Now offering live music this summer! Come to The Well for a unique taste and let us serve your mind, body, and soul!

NOVEMBER 2023

SMOAK is part of the Rocket Restaurant Group. We offer a wide array of menu items featuring, burgers, sandwiches, salads, broasted fried chicken, SMOAK’d Meats, and more! We have the perfect atmosphere for happy hour 7 days a week. We also offer brunch on Saturdays & Sundays, as well as catering services!! Come dine in, or take out today!! We have a 100% dog friendly patio featuring a full dog menu.

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! ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

the local table {where we eat}

507.536.4748 212 1st Ave SW Rochester creativecuisineco.com

507.288.0206 401 6th St SW Rochester twigstavernandgrille.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 bakery-fresh breads. Signature salads and soups, a terrific coffee bar, with quicke and easy delivery service. Catering as well as box lunch delivery.

507.424.1227 247 Woodlake Drive SE Rochester whistlebinkiespub.com Whistle Binkies on the Lake is situated in a business district on a small lake with beautiful patio views, two private dining spaces, a large dining room, an extensive menu with something for everyone and a beer list to impress. Call to book your holiday party, sports gathering or family outing in one of our 2 spacious private dining rooms.

South- 1201 S Broadway North- 5231 E Frontage Rd NW Express- Downtown Skyway 15610 English Ave, Apple Valley 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!

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Awarded Best Outdoor Dining for 8 years! Enjoy cozy tables & chairs among glowing fires and a meandering stream, with views of colorful flowers by day and dozens of lanterns by night. WE GET IT. BECAUSE WE LIVE IT. Rochester’s only restaurant with a separate GLUTEN-FREE Kitchen. Seasonal Cocktails & Desserts | Small Plates | Bowls.

507.226.8146 4 third St SW Rochester thaipopmn.com Voted Minnesota’s Best Thai Restaurant 2023. ThaiPop brings the past to the present, Thailand to Minnesota, and the passion for good food and drinks to you. We serve unique cocktails and cuisine on historic 3rd Street in downtown Rochester. Open Monday - Saturday. Voted Best Ethnic Restaurant 2023 and Best New Restaurant 2022 by Rochester Magazine readers.

507.512.3800 220 Broadway Ave S Rochester craverochestermn.com CRAVE was built out of a passion to create a dining experience unlike any other. We combine quality-sourced ingredients, chic ambiance, outstanding service, and diverse menu choices to create an unforgettable dining experience.

NOVEMBER 2023

the local table {where we eat}

507.258.4663 14 Fourth Street SW Rochester bleuduckkitchen.com

2023

Book Your Holiday Party! An inviting and intimate venue with exposed brick and original hardwood floors set in one of the oldest remaining commercial buildings in Rochester makes this space unique, warm, and welcoming. Our event space can accommodate weddings, reception, cocktails hours or hosting a meeting. And don’t forget about booking the Duck Truck! Voted Best Restaurant 2019 - 2023.

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, order online, and delivery available through Waiters Express. Visit blueplatedinermn.com to order online.

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! 22

NOVEMBER 2023

507.424.7800 130 5th St SW 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 and 2023 by Rochester Magazine readers.

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.

507.282.6572 1203 2nd St SW Across from St Marys Hospital

Rochester

For over 30 years, the Powers family and the Canadian Honker Restaurant have taken great pride in serving fresh, home-cooked meals to you and your family. Whether you enjoy our award winning Eggs Benedict, Walleye Sandwich, or Filet Mignon, one thing is for sure, you will not leave hungry! Stop by today, and don't forget to order a piece of our world famous Bunnie Cake. ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

the local table {where we eat} 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.

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.

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.

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! ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

244 Soldiers Field Dr SW 507.516.1050

3505 Eastwood Rd SE 507.226.8180

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 and seasonally at the Eastwood Golf Course. Dine in or carry out. Voted Best Sandwich Place and Best New Restaurant.

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 thirteen 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. NOVEMBER 2023

the local table {where we eat}

507.258.7555 187 16th Ave SW Rochester jerseyjos.com

507.252.8800 1643 Broadway Ave N Rochester Glynnerspub.com

“Greatest staff in the business! Small batch, made from scratch, cooking! Cold beer and great specials with live music and other entertainment!”

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!

507.529.9599 230 20th Ave SW Rochester beetlesbar.com Conveniently located 2 blocks west of St. Mary’s Hospital on 2nd Street. We feature full lunch and dinner menus with everything from burgers to broasted chicken, wraps to wings, and steak. Enjoy the outdoor patio and plenty of TVs to watch games! Pull Tabs and E-Tabs with the proceeds benefiting the Rochester Youth Hockey Association! Live Music on Saturdays and DJ Trivia on Tuesdays. Dine-in, take-out, and delivery! 24

NOVEMBER 2023

Minority Owned, Family Operated restaurant since 2015, Jersey Jo’s offers Authentic Philly Cheesesteaks, Jumbo Jo Wings, Thick Cut Chicken Fingers and More. We have In-House Seating, Patio Seating, Pick-up and Delivery available. Offering catering options, we can satisfy any size group. Come by and see us for our Daily Lunch Specials (11am - 2pm) or Dinner Specials (5pm - Close). Open Monday - Saturday from 11am - 9pm.

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. Book your next birthday party, anniversary, etc. with us!

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. ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

3 Ways

You Can Help

Paws and Claws Humane Society BY ALEXA ANDERSON

Established in 1976, Paws and Claws Humane Society provides protection and shelter, promotes public education, and seeks adoptive homes for abandoned or lost animals. The organization strives to be the animal shelter of choice in southeast Minnesota by being a leader in the rescue, care, and health of abandoned animals. With community support, Paws and Claws can fulfill their vision of helping individuals and families find and adopt a companion animal to enhance their lives. HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP PAWS AND CLAWS HUMANE SOCIETY: GET IN ON PUPPY PLAYTIME. Paws and Claws relies heavily on volunteers to maintain the well-being of the animals and support the day-to-day operations of the shelter. Make an impact by helping with animal care, socializing the animals, fundraising events, administrative work, and more. Paws and Claws’ website lists current volunteer opportunities. GIVE A GIFT. Animal shelters require many items—including pet food, blankets, towels, toys, and cleaning supplies—to maintain a safe and comfortable environment for the animals. Paws and Claws lists the specific items and brands they currently need on their website. The organization also has wish lists on Chewy and Amazon if you wish to order online. FOOT THE BILL. By making a financial donation to Paws and Claws Humane Society, you can help cover the cost of day-to-day operations. Veterinary care, food, shelter, and other essential services are all crucial parts of running an animal shelter. The organization accepts one-time contributions or recurring monthly donations if you wish to provide ongoing support. Paws and Claws also encourages the community to watch for fundraising campaigns or events held throughout the year. Contributions and assistance with these events is always needed and greatly appreciated. “By volunteering your time, donating supplies, or making a financial contribution, you can play a significant role in supporting Paw and Claws Humane Society’s mission to rescue and care for animals in need within the Rochester community,” says Tanya Johnson, Paws and Claws’ shelter director. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To support Paws and Claws in any of the ways listed above, visit pawsandclaws.org/wpweb/.

Rochester’s first escalator Oct. 15, 1953 marked the opening of Donaldson’s store in Rochester’s Miracle Mile shopping center… and the city’s ﬁrst escalator. In anticipation of the crowds, 40 Minneapolis store employees were temporarily transferred down to Rochester. Even with the added help, they were still unprepared for the nearly 25,000 people who attended the store’s opening. At the time, Rochester’s entire population hovered around 30,000 people. “Stupendous, terrific, way above expectations,” is how store manager Alan Rich described that first day to the PostBulletin. The escalators were the main attraction— so many people were crammed onto them that it was “difficult to move from one floor to the next,” said Rich. Today, the old storefront, at the north end of Miracle Mile, is a multi-story furniture store with modern stairways and an elevator. source: Post Bulletin archives

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

NOVEMBER 2023

AI WHAT DOES

MEAN FOR YOU?

Joe Vukov predicts the real problems are more “I don’t care” than “I, Robot” By E L L I OT M A N N

Former Rochesterite Joe Vukov talks AI. AI: A Timeline (from IBM). How Mayo Is Changing AI (and vice versa).

Is Artiﬁcial Intelligence going to destroy

humanity? It’s a complex question, but one that Joe Vukov thinks that we should consider with less of a focus on “The Matrix,” and more of a focus on Gmail. You open your email. It’s a benign request from your friend to grab dinner at 7 p.m. You could type a response to your friend. Tell them you’d rather go earlier. Or explain why you’re not up for it. But, look! Your Gmail oﬀers three set replies, “Sounds great!”; “I can’t make it”; and “See you then!” It’s easier to just hit a button. You click, “Sounds great!” Dinner is at 7. Done. Joe, left, dad Larry, and brother Sam work on a "hypothermia experiment."Photo contributed by Gail Vukov

A young Joe. Photo contributed by Gail Vukov

But if you’re being perfectly honest, “That’s OK” would be more apt. In fact, 5:30 p.m. would’ve been better. That would have given you time to fold laundry when you got home, or just catch a few “Black Mirror” episodes on Netflix before bed. Did Artificial Intelligence just influence you to change your mind? Rochester native Joe Vukov believes that this is how we should be thinking about Artificial Intelligence. “My two cents on this, is that for most people, when you start thinking about AI, you start thinking about movies like ‘Terminator,’ or shows like ‘Black Mirror’ where you have this evil corporation with this giant robot that is taking over,” says Vukov, Associate Director at the Hank

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Center for the Catholic Intellectual Heritage at Loyola University-Chicago. “But when I think about it, there’s this great line from the author T.S. Eliot: ‘This is the way the world ends, not with a bang but with a whimper.’” Vukov has become one of the emerging thought leaders on the ethical and moral implications of Artificial Intelligence. He is also an associate professor of philosophy at Loyola, with a doctorate in philosophy from Fordham University, a master’s degree in humanities from the University of Chicago, and a bachelor’s degree from Bethel University. Vukov’s research, according to his Loyola University bio, “explores questions at the intersection of ethics, neuroscience, and philosophy of mind, and at the intersection of science and religion.”

“But when I think about it, there’s this great line from the author T.S. Eliot: ‘This is the way the world ends, not with a bang but with a whimper.’” J o e V u kov

NOVEMBER 2023

“One real danger and the power in the way (AI) works, even the programmer doesn’t know exactly how it’s working.” J o e V u kov

He co-teaches a course that uses sci-fi novels to introduce near-future moral problems: Philosophy And Biology For The Future. He’s working on a book that grapples with questions arising from new forms of Artificial Intelligence. When considering the unintended consequences of AI, the problems, says Vukov, center around things like the sending of disinformation—say, faked videos— through technology and having those on the receiving end not question their validity. It’s a seemingly simple application of predictive text slightly changing the nuance, and the complexity of your everyday interactions. It’s things like taking the power of the written word and squeezing it down to “Sounds great!” “One real danger and the power in the way (AI) works, even the programmer doesn’t know exactly how it’s working,” Vukov says.

AI, IN ITS OWN WORDS In the sprawling landscape of the digital age, Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands as the enigmatic protagonist, an elusive marvel that captivates and confounds. This alchemy of human cognition and computer prowess enthralls the minds of tech visionaries and skeptics alike, engendering a realm where data dance with algorithms to create a mesmerizing symphony of intelligence. From voice-activated assistants that mimic human discourse to self-driving cars navigating labyrinthine city streets, AI breathes life into the once-fantastical notions of science fiction. Yet, beneath its beguiling veneer lies an intricate tapestry of neural networks and data sets, raising a chorus of ethical dilemmas that reverberate throughout the digital echo chamber.

Joe, above, and with dog Cheyenne and brother Sam (right). Photos contributed by Gail Vukov

NOVEMBER 2023

As AI strides towards its apotheosis, the world watches with bated breath, pondering whether we are mere spectators to an AI-driven crescendo or active players in shaping a future where human ingenuity and artificial intellect coalesce in an unpredictable duet. Or at least that is how Artificial Intelligence defines itself.

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NOVEMBER 2023

Rochester Magazine asked Open AI’s ChatGPT to “describe Artificial Intelligence in a paragraph in the style of a New Yorker article.” The passage in italics is what the machines gave us. Here’s a more accessible definition, right from IBM-Rochester: “At its simplest form, artificial intelligence is a field, which combines computer science and robust datasets, to enable problem-solving. It also encompasses subfields of machine learning and deep learning, which are frequently mentioned in conjunction with artificial intelligence. These disciplines are comprised of AI algorithms which seek to create expert systems which make predictions or classifications based on input data.” The future of AI seems limitless, according to IBM, as do the ethical questions that come along with it. AI has dominated advances in Speech Recognition (think Siri), Customer Service (online virtual agents are replacing human agents), Computer Vision (think photo tagging in social media, radiology imaging in healthcare, and self-driving cars within the automotive industry), and Recommendation Engines (using past consumption behavior data to make recommendations to customers). ChatGPT (the “AI-powered language model developed by OpenAI, capable of generating human-like text based on context and past conversations”) continues to grab headlines, as high schools and colleges alike grapple with the idea of students finding a new way to research topics, but more often, one that allows them to easily skirt around the job of actually writing their own research papers. In 2012, futurist Ayesha Khanna introduced “smart contact lenses” that could shield your view from so-called unpleasant sights in your field of vision. Critics remarked that this included hiding from one’s view from not just a broken down car across the street, but also, specifically, people. The homeless. Earlier this year, New York Times reporter Kevin Roose researched Bing’s AI search engine chatbot. Within two hours of conversation, the bot, who called itself “Sydney,” repeatedly told Roose that he did not love his wife, but that he actually was in love with the computer program. Associated Press technology reporter

NOVEMBER 2023

Matt O’Brien also tested out “Sydney,” with the bot eventually insulting O’Brien, calling him ugly and overweight, before comparing him to dictators like Hitler and Stalin. Vukov has appeared on Fox News to talk about “HereAfter AI,” a platform that recreates a digital form of a deceased relative, thereby allowing relatives to once again converse with a lost loved one. Taken another way, it’s bringing the dead back to life in a computerized form. For Vukov, one main issue is that AI is based on our own words, and experiences, but more importantly, our own humanity, errors, and biases. “I like new technologies, but sometimes we get so caught up in, ‘Hey, look what GPT can do!’ without stepping back to see what we value about human life to begin with,” Vukov says. “I think a question we have to ask ourselves is, ‘Are we going to take the time to reflect on our values before we charge ahead?’” Our lives are not meant to be perfect, he says. We are meant to deal with loss. With failure.

“WHEN HE FINALLY FOUND PHILOSOPHY, IT WAS AN EYE OPENER” As a young boy, Joe Vukov and his brother Sam would roam the countryside of their rural Rochester home. There was a little creek nearby—Cascade Creek in southwest Rochester—and the boys would float a raft, drop a line to fish, climb trees, and come into the house ready to learn about the bugs and leaves they had been rustling around. One day, Joe came inside and wanted to know about all of the different edible plants, so his mother, Gail Vukov, found some books on the topic. Joe raced through them. Soon after, they were making acorn muffins. Since they lived right on the border of Rochester and Byron, the kids attended Byron schools, and Gail says that Joe was always a deep thinker. He first gravitated toward his English classes, researching all types of different perspectives and opinions, no matter the topic. He graduated from Byron High School in 2003. “When he finally found philosophy, it was an eye opener,” Gail says. As a young mother, Gail recognized how

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committed her two boys could be in trying to finish a new book about those edible plants, or completing their math homework. Constant perfection couldn’t be the goal, Gail realized. Her boys were always finding a way to spend one more hour on algebra. One more chapter to read. So Gail created a storybook character, “Peter Perfect,” who wanted to do things so perfectly that his world got smaller and smaller. It wasn’t to tell them not to try their hardest, but to give them a bit of grace so they could step back. It’s a theme that rings true in her now for Joe’s daily work: How AI can give the promise of perfection, while the user may not consider if that’s the true goal.

“But I’m really more proud of his character. You could have good character without being on national TV. I’m proud of who he is as a person.” G a i l V u kov

Joe Vukov’s new book, incidentally, was influenced the childhood character. He released “The Perils of Perfection: The Limits and Possibilities of Human Enhancement” this year, just a year after releasing “Navigating Faith and Science” in 2022. “Are you left dizzy by the vast array of new technologies? Skeptical about the latest Silicon Valley craze being worth the hype, yet wary of those who would throw these technologies to the curb?” Vukov asks. “Me, too. The Perils of Perfection seeks to avoid landmines in our quest for perfection while offering strategies for evaluating both the possibilities and the limits of human enhancement. Think of it as a guide for navigating the perils of perfection while embracing the fullness of human dignity.” It’s clear that Gail Vukov is proud of her children, and loves the chance to see her oldest child on television. But she’s also quick to note that their accomplishments are what make her the most proud. “As a mother I sent little clips to people. That was so exciting, you don’t expect your kid to be on that big of a stage,” she says. “But I’m really more proud of his character. You could have good character without being on national TV. I’m proud of who he is as a person.”

NOVEMBER 2023

Photo contributed by Joe Vukov

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When we were looking for a timeline on AI, we reached out to IBM, whose offices opened in Rochester 1958, just two years after the first use of the term “Artificial Intelligence.” Today, the main focus of the Rochester IBM business is no longer mainframes, but AI.

“For us, hardware systems are still an integral part of our strategy, and we’re still supporting the hardware business,” said former IBM Rochester leader Tory Johnson (now retired). “But we’re also a cloud and AI company now,” Johnson told us for a story in 2020. “That’s our fastest growing segment. This site represents what IBM is today.”

HISTORY OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: KEY DATES AND NAMES

The idea of ‘a machine that thinks’ dates back to ancient Greece. But since the advent of electronic computing (and relative to

1950

NOVEMBER 2023

some important events and milestones in the evolution of artiﬁcial intelligence include the following:

1950: Alan Turing (pictured) publishes Computing Machinery and Intelligence. In the paper, Turing—famous for breaking the Nazi’s ENIGMA code during WWII—proposes to answer the question “Can machines think?” and introduces the Turing Test to determine if a computer can demonstrate the same intelligence (or the results of the same intelligence) as a human. The value of the Turing test has been debated ever since. 1956: John McCarthy coins the term ‘artificial intelligence’ at the firstever AI conference at Dartmouth College. (McCarthy would go on to invent the Lisp language.) Later that year, Allen Newell, J.C. Shaw, and Herbert Simon create the Logic Theorist, the firstever running AI software program. 1997

1967: Frank Rosenblatt builds the Mark 1 Perceptron, the ﬁrst computer based on a neural network that ‘learned’ though trial and error. Just a year later, Marvin Minsky and Seymour Papert publish a book titled Perceptrons, which becomes both the landmark work on neural networks and, at least for a while, an argument against future neural network research projects. 1980s: Neural

networks which use a backpropagation algorithm to train itself become widely used in AI applications.

1997: IBM’s Deep Blue

(pictured) beats then world chess champion Garry Kasparov, in a chess match (and rematch).

2011: IBM Watson

(pictured) beats champions Ken Jennings and Brad Rutter at Jeopardy!

2015: Baidu’s Minwa 2011

(f r o m I B M)

supercomputer uses a special kind of deep neural network called a convolutional neural network to identify and categorize images with a higher rate of accuracy than the average human.

2016: DeepMind’s AlphaGo program, powered by a deep neural network, beats Lee Sodol, the world champion Go player, in a ﬁve-game match. The victory is signiﬁcant given the huge number of possible moves as the game progresses (over 14.5 trillion after just four moves!). Later, Google purchases DeepMind for a reported $400 million. 2023: A rise in large language models, or LLMs, such as ChatGPT, create an enormous change in performance of AI and its potential to drive enterprise value. With these new generative AI practices, deep-learning models can be pre-trained on vast amounts of raw, unlabeled data. 2023

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HOW

IS CHANGING MAYO And vice versa.

By S t e v e L a n g e

DOCTOR-PATIENT DISCUSSION TRANSCRIPTS HANDED TO YOU AS YOU WALK OUT OF THE HOSPITAL. MAYO CLINIC "EMBEDDED IN MORE THAN 50% OF GLOBAL HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS." AN ALGORITHM THAT TELLS YOUR DOC YOUR HEART IS A "TICKING TIME BOMB" WITH A SIMPLE FIX.

Maneesh Goyal—just hitting his third anniversary as the COO of the Mayo Clinic Platform (their new technology-meets-big data-meets-AI team)—says his entire career has been "training for this job, and for this point in healthcare." And "this point in healthcare," says Goyal, is an intersection of two things that, if merged together eﬀectively, can revolutionize patient care. First, the healthcare industry is capturing more—and more important—patient data than ever before. Second, the emergence of AI means that this data can be understood, quickly, in ways that are already saving lives.

NOVEMBER 2023

For Goyal, that career "training" includes a background in ﬁnance, investing, product development, and engineering. He was in leadership roles at Welltok (which provides datadriven health solutions) and Miramar Venture Partners (an early investor in information technology). In early work with the Mayo Clinic Platform, he helped develop the original business model. He also helped launch the Advanced Care at Home program, which "allows patients with conditions previously managed in a hospital to have the option to transition to a home setting and receive high-quality virtual and in-person care and recovery services." Today, Goyal is responsible

for "developing and executing strategic plans and overall operational excellence and for assessing and developing processes, systems, and infrastructure" for Mayo Clinic Platform. He oversees the unit's investments in technology, data analytics, and AI. ROCHESTER MAGAZINE: How will the patient experience change for Mayo Clinic patients in the next ﬁve or ten years or 10 years? MANEESH GOYAL: At a really macro level, what we're doing in the platform is addressing the point that Mayo sees 1.2, 1.3, maybe going to 1.4 million patients a year across our three domestic sites in our health system. We see patients

from 130 different countries. But there's close to 8 billion people on the planet that are getting care. How do we enable better quality care for the folks that can't find their way into one of our facilities? And I think it's our opportunity, our mandate, to enable better delivery of care, whether the patient comes to Mayo Clinic or doesn't come to Mayo Clinic. So Mayo Clinic Platform is really geared toward trying to level the playing field. It'll never be level. The experience at Mayo is always going to be the experience at Mayo. But the experience at, say, Seoul National University in South Korea might be better in a partnership with us. We want to embed Mayo Clinic in greater than 50% of global healthcare providers. So it's a fairly big mandate.

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RM: Wow. That's a big footprint. How do patients get value out of that? MG: First, the amount of data that's being produced on you and me as patients—or maybe better, you and me as consumers of healthcare goods and services—is increasing asymptotically every year, whether it's imaging data, whether it's metrics coming off of devices that you wear inside or outside of a hospital, or just notes that are being captured. We're at this interesting point in time where the information is far exceeding the ability of any human being to make sense of it all for an individual patient. So how our physicians and nurses interact with that data has to evolve. RM: Can you give a specific example? MG: Again, Mayo Clinic Platform is about innovation outside of Mayo and inside of Mayo. But I'm going to talk about innovation coming inside of Mayo in one example. So cardiology looked at, I think, 4 million ECGs [electrocardiograms, which record the electrical signal from the heart] of patients that came into Mayo, not for cardiovascular workup, but they were here for some other reason. So think of them as a massive control group. An algorithm was trained on that data set to find this left ventricular cardiovascular disease that otherwise doesn't go addressed until there's a cardiac event. It's usually somewhat catastrophic and sometimes fatal. So these are, honest to goodness, ticking time bombs inside of people. They trained an algorithm to identify risk of this particular condition. And remember, we have clinical history for all of those 4 million patients. So the algorithm identified a set of patients that we thought would probably be best

NOVEMBER 2023

to get a workup, about 400,000 patients. We reached out to them and said, "Would you come in for a clinical workup?" And a subset of them came in, and several hundred were put on a therapeutic because it was determined clinically that they did suffer from this condition. So those several hundred people experienced care that was otherwise the same, but then we just saved their lives and we saved the healthcare system a ton of money because the preventative measures are almost always cheaper than things when you have catastrophic conditions. That's just one example. RM: That's amazing. I know you've worked a lot with creating better chat systems for patients to get better information more quickly. I love when the Mayo Clinic Portal sends me a reminder that I'm due for a follow-up from a previous visit, or I'm due for a colonoscopy or whatever. I also like when my auto mechanic sends me a text saying "Hey, your car's due for an oil change." MG: And what's interesting about that analogy is, even that, is just based on standard of care for your car. Meaning at 5,000 miles you do your oil change. By this time you're looking at winterizing your car ... all of those things that are just normal. But if you knew the mechanical history of your car because you got into a fender bender that maybe offset the center of your car somewhat, or you haven't rotated your tires in some time, and you know the car has been driven off-road. Now you make that connection to healthcare. If you know that information, that colonoscopy isn't just because you're 50 years old and you should have a colonoscopy every other year. It's that you have a clinical history or you've got a genomic background

that puts you at a higher risk. That is AI enablement, because now it's coming down to you. RM: And really, this is what Mayo wants, right? They want to free up doctors and nurses to spend more time face-to-face with patients. MG: Well, that's exactly right. The idea is from moving behind my computer to actually looking and interacting with the consumer or patient. Mayo is experimenting with ambient listening. So there's a device in the room capturing all the notes so that the physician or nurse doesn't have to be frantically typing everything that you're saying. It's just a natural conversation. And then that conversation is turned into clinical notes for the physician, but also notes for the patient. So as the patient walks out, they've got a summary. So how many times have you gone to a physician and she's listed a set of things for you to do and you don't remember a single thing? If you've got actually a summary of the notes walking out, that's really helpful for you as a patient. RM: And how far away is that kind of transcription process? MG: I would say that's within the next one to three years. RM: I could use that. I do think it's really important that Mayo is clearly on the forefront of AI because a lot of organizations will be looking to see how Mayo deals with AI. And I'm sure you're well aware of the weight of that. MG: Absolutely. And we know what our lines are and we're well ahead of them. We are setting standards that are being established as law in other countries, including Europe. So it is a heavy load to carry, but also a pretty exciting thing to be in the forefront of AI.

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FOUR BRIDGES, FOUR STORIES

Silver Lake in the fall by Michele Eichhorst, of Rochester.

NOVEMBER 2023

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THE UNTIMELY END OF THE WHITE BRIDGE THE WPA AND THE SILVER LAKE BRIDGES. A “MOST EXCITING ACCIDENT” ON A ZUMBRO RIVER BRIDGE. THE ONLY COVERED BRIDGE LEFT IN MINNESOTA. By Steve Gardiner, from his new book, “Historic Bridges of Southeast Minnesota”

Excerpted (And Edited) & Chosen By Elliott Mann

“It was built for half a million dollars during the 1930’s Great Depression as a work relief project, providing work for over 400 unemployed men.”

SILVER LAKE BRIDGES (1936-PRESENT)

According to the Department of Natural Resources, there are four counties in Minnesota that do not have a natural lake; Olmsted County is one of them. In the 1930s, local residents decided to create Silver Lake. “Silver Lake is actually a reservoir that was created by first hand-digging a basin to hold water and then constructing a dam from 1935–1936 to back-up river water,” according to

the City of Rochester website. “It was built for half a million dollars during the 1930’s Great Depression as a work relief project, providing work for over 400 unemployed men.” The original lake was 17 acres, including an island. In 1936, workers built three stone-faced closed-spandrel pedestrian bridges to connect walking paths to an island in the lake. The park was dedicated on June 25, 1937.

One of the Silver Lake bridges during CCC construction in the 1930s. Photo from PB archives.

NOVEMBER 2023

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On that date, a car “hit a guard rail, skidded 50 feet along the rail then struck a beam.”

THE WHITE BRIDGE

(1885-1977)

Built across the Minnesota River in 1885, White Bridge served the North Mankato community until the bridge was moved to Lake Zumbro in 1918, the same year the Oronoco concrete arch bridge was built. White Bridge, four miles east of Oronoco, was a popular place to visit, especially the Fisherman’s Inn on the west side of the lake.

County officials had looked at the 500foot through truss bridge several times and considered replacing it because it was getting old and had a 6-ton weight limit, according to a September 8, 1972 article in the Post Bulletin. Unfortunately, the decision about the bridge was made for them. On that date, a car “hit a guard rail, skidded 50 feet along the rail then struck a beam,” according to the Post Bulletin. Both the car and 200 feet of bridge fell into the water. Bill Hess from Pine Island, who was working at the Fisherman’s Inn, helped pull the driver, Vernon Jahnke, 23, from the lake. Jahnke, a history teacher at John Marshall High School, was held overnight at Saint Marys Hospital and treated for injuries. Sheriff ’s deputies showed up to direct cars and boats away from the fallen span. In November of 1972, an old army “Bailey Bridge” was installed as a temporary solution. Four years later, the Sandy Point Bridge, a half mile upstream, opened, and the remains of the White Bridge were removed in 1977.

The photo of White Bridge, post accident, was provided by Doris Hagen Campbell of Rochester.

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A BRIDGE OVER THE ZUMBRO. A “MOST EXCITING ACCIDENT.” “The most exciting accident that has ever occurred in Rochester took place last Saturday morning,” reported the Rochester Post on Dec. 1, 1866. “The frame for the covering of the new railroad bridge across the Zumbro was in place but had not yet been securely fastened. As the train from the east, which gets in about nine o’clock in the morning, was crossing the bridge, at a little faster rate than usual, a rope hanging from one of the beams caught against the forward car. This brought the whole frame tumbling upon the cars.” Seven carpenters were working on the roof of the bridge when the accident happened, they and all the timbers they had been putting in place tumbled off the bridge and into the water. The article

NOVEMBER 2023

went on to describe the injuries to each man. Fortunately, none was killed, and no passengers on the train were hurt, largely due to the efforts of the brakeman, Peter Smith, who held on to his brake even though he was “jammed through the car window by a huge timber with the wheel of the brake still in his hands.”

of the city. To cross that barrier, locals built a log bridge in 1856. It consisted of three stringers 30 feet long with poles across the stringers with hay and sod on top of the poles. It lasted 10 years until a spring flood washed it out. A similar log bridge was built and survived until 1876, when another flood carried it away.

The story, written in the journalistic style of the day, illustrates the dangers and challenges faced by early bridge builders. There was a lot of learning to be done in the art of bridge design and construction, and many bridges in the area suffered problems.

The importance of a new bridge to a community is made clear in an article in the Rochester Post dated Aug. 5, 1898. The unnamed writer, sharing the emotions of the city, stated, “There it stands, a handsome structure, the new steel Fifth Street Bridge, spanning the tree embowered Zumbro. The sight of the new bridge is not novel to many, to others it is a revelation, to visitors it will be a surprise, to the city it will always be a mark of civic pride.”

An Aug. 3, 1949 article in the Rochester Post-Bulletin explained that the Zumbro River had been a barrier between Rochester and other areas of the state in the early days

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ZUMBROTA COVERED BRIDGE (1869-PRESENT)

The bridge in Zumbrota is the only covered bridge left in Minnesota, and it has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The bridge was constructed in 1869 using a Town lattice truss design, a support system patented by Ithiel Town in 1820. It is 150 feet long and 15 feet wide and was built across the Zumbro River to help farmers get their crops to markets in Red Wing. Two years later, in 1871, the bridge was covered with wooden sides and a roof with cedar shingles. The covering was designed to protect the bridge from harsh weather and extend the useful time of the structure. In 1932, the Minnesota Highway Department built a steel bridge to handle the increased traffic coming through the area. The covered bridge was moved to the Goodhue County Fairgrounds, where it served several purposes as a fair exhibit area, a storage building, and a beer hall. Then, in 1964, the Zumbrota Covered Bridge Society purchased land near the Zumbro River and created Covered 50

NOVEMBER 2023

Bridge Park. They moved the bridge there and placed it on the ground, not over the river. It stayed there more than 30 years until, in 1997, Minnowa Construction from Harmony placed it on a steel framework across the Zumbro River in a spot one block west of its original location. Because the bridge had sat on the ground for several years, some of the bottom had deteriorated, so when the bridge was placed over the river, a concrete center post and steel support beams were added. It is easily visible to motorists on Highway 58. The bridge no longer handles vehicles, but is reserved for pedestrians and bicyclists using the trails in the park and those walking from the community swimming pool to downtown. It is the site of the Covered Bridge Festival, which is held each year on the third weekend in June. In February 2019, heavy snows collapsed the roof of the bridge. The gabled roof fell flat against the trusses beneath, and reconstruction of the roof was completed in November 2019.

A runner makes their way into the historic Zumbrota Covered Bridge over the North Fork of the Zumbro River. Photo by Joe Ahlquist

ABOUT THE AUTHOR, ABOUT THE BOOK Steve Gardiner has written several books, most recently 2022’s “Historic Disasters in Southeast Minnesota.” An avid mountain climber with a deep appreciation of nature and the outdoors, Gardiner has reached the summits of Aconcagua in Argentina and Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. He has also scaled 25,500 feet on the North Ridge of Mount Everest. For “Historic Bridges of Southeast Minnesota,” he brought the same pursuit as climbing those towering peaks as he documented some of our area’s most notable crossings. Gardiner drove hundreds of miles in researching the new book, rolling down long-forgotten backroads, and sparklingly new pavement alike. “Although bridges may often seem like a cornerstone of a community, they are in a perpetual state of evolution,” Gardiner wrote in “Historic Bridges.” “They are built. They are rebuilt. They are torn down and replaced. They are abandoned. In the case of the latter, more than once I went to visit a bridge and found it fenced off. Some had warnings about safety. Some had ‘No Trespassing’ signs. To avoid danger or illegal activity, I chose to leave those bridges out. Other abandoned bridges are easily accessible and are included. “This book is not a lecture on bridge design or construction. It is not a lesson in architecture,” he writes. “The goal of this book, then, is to express a sense of gratitude for the bridges of Southeast Minnesota, the valuable services they provide and the beauty they add when combining the work of human beings and nature.” Steve taught English and journalism for 38 years in Wyoming, Peru, and Montana, and upon retiring from teaching, worked as a reporter with the Red Wing Republican Eagle. He and his wife, Peggy, live in Lake City, where they enjoy hiking and boating on Lake Pepin. To purchase Historic Bridges of Southeast Minnesota, go to www.arcadiapublishing.com

NOVEMBER 2023

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TRAVEL | FOOD | ADVENTURE

ACTIVE LIVING, ACTIVE LIFE Locals share their secrets for a healthy mind, body, and soul

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NOVEMBER 2023

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“STAY ORGANIZED. YOU’RE MORE LIKELY TO FORGET THINGS IF YOUR HOME IS CLUTTERED OR YOUR NOTES ARE IN DISARRAY.” —Mayo Clinic staff

“Volunteer! There are so many great organizations in town that need your help. And you’ll find that you need them as much as they need you. Here are just a few [pulled right from a Rochester Magazine story on places to volunteer: The Landing MN (thelandingmn.org); Bolder Options (bolderoptions.org/be-a-mentor); PossAbilities of Southern Minnesota (possabilities.org/giving/ volunteer); Hiawatha Homes (hiawathahomes.org/ volunteer); Rochester Public Library (rplmn.org/ volunteer).” —Tom B., Rochester “Be physically active every day. Physical activity raises blood flow to the whole body, including the brain. For most healthy adults, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous aerobic activity, such as jogging. It’s best if this activity is spread throughout the week. If you don’t have time for a full workout, try a few 10-minute walks throughout the day.” —Mayo Clinic staff

“Stay organized. You’re more likely to forget things if your home is cluttered or your notes are in disarray. Keep track of tasks, appointments, and other events in a notebook, calendar, or electronic planner. You might even repeat each entry out loud as you write it down to help keep it in your memory. Keep to-do lists up to date. Check off items you’ve finished. Keep your wallet, keys, glasses and other essential items in a set place in your home so they are easy to find.” —Mayo Clinic staff “Find an activity you enjoy and set realistic goals: Active adults should explore different types of physical activities and find something they genuinely enjoy. Whether it’s swimming, dancing, boxing, or pickleball, engaging in activities they love will make it easier to stay motivated and consistent. Create a routine: Active adults should establish a regular exercise routine that fits their schedule and lifestyle. Consistency is key when it comes to staying active, so finding a time slot or specific days of the week dedicated to physical activity can help make it a habit. Partner up with a workout buddy: One can never underestimate the social aspect of staying active. Having someone to exercise with or share progress with can provide motivation, support, and make the experience more enjoyable. Listen to your body: It is important to recognize the power and wisdom of our bodies. There is a difference between pushing through discomfort and pushing too hard, which can lead to injury. It is essential to know when to rest, modify exercises if needed, and seek Personal Trainer guidance when necessary.

“Be positive. People want to be around positive people, and, trust me, most of the people we talk to every day are old enough to know better for whatever decisions they are making in life. No one wants to hear you complain about it.”

Make it a lifestyle: Staying active is not just about short-term goals but creating a sustainable and enjoyable lifestyle. Your body is equally important as your mind. If your goal is to stay independently at your own home, you need to stay active and embrace physical activity and prioritize long-term health.”

—Michael W., Rochester

—Sylwia Bujak Oliver, Executive Director, 125 LIVE

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NOVEMBER 2023

“STOP SITTING AROUND WATCHING THE NEWS SHOWS THAT WORK YOU INTO A FRENZY!” —Mary R., Rochester

“Sleep well. Make getting enough healthy sleep a priority. Adults should sleep 7 to 9 hours a night on a regular basis. If snoring disrupts sleep, make an appointment to see your health care provider. Snoring could be a sign of a sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea.”

“Stop sitting around watching the news shows that work you into a frenzy! Do a puzzle! Go for a short walk! Learn a new hobby (I’m taking a Learn To Draw class online).”

“Manage chronic health problems. Follow your health care provider’s advice for dealing with medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, hearing loss and obesity. The better you take care of yourself, the better your memory is likely to be. Regularly review the medicines you take with your health care provider. Some medicines can affect memory.”

“Join a club! There are dozens and dozens of clubs in Rochester, and they love having new members. The Rochester Woodcarvers, Rochester Quilter’s Sew-ciety, Olmsted County Genealogical Society ... the list goes on and on. If you have a hobby, I bet you can find a local club to go along with it!”

—Mary R., Rochester

—Mayo Clinic staff

—Margaret C., Rochester

—Mayo Clinic staff

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1 2 5 E LT O N H I L L S D R . N W NOVEMBER 2023

REMODELING

TO AGE IN PLACE By Elizabeth Sullivan-Burton, Rochester Area Builders

TIPS FOR MAKING SURE YOUR HOME KEEPS UP WITH YOUR AGING It’s a good problem to have—Americans are living longer. In 1980, only 11% of the population was 65 or older, but by 2040, that percentage is expected to nearly double to 20%. As more people live longer lives, it can be important for housing to accommodate those needs as well. Jessica Thornton, a program manager with Family Service Rochester—a community-based organization providing mental health, senior independence, family stability, and child well-being services—talks about how you can renovate your home to age in place.

Avoiding Falls

Falls are the leading cause of injury and death among adults 65-plus. However, many minor home improvements can be made to greatly reduce the risk of falling in the home. Family Service Rochester,

NOVEMBER 2023

Thornton says, works with their senior consumers to do a safety check to help make homes safer. “We are looking at are there tripping hazards, are there steps that don’t have railings. Do you need a high-rise toilet, do you need grab bars in the bathroom? We’ve put a lot of grab bars in areas where you wouldn’t think, where maybe it’s coming from their garage into their home and there’s a small step that they just need to feel more secure,” says Thornton. Reducing the risk of falls can also mean eliminating obstacles. That can be as simple as removing rugs or cords that might present a trip hazard, or it might mean renovating a traditional bathtub/ shower into a walk-in shower.

Improving Access

In addition to avoiding falls, it’s also important to make sure that a home is accessible to the person living in it.

For instance, furniture might need to be moved to allow for more room for a walker or wheelchair to navigate around. In an area with shelves or cabinets that are hard to reach, a person can hang up a reacher grabber tool so it’s always available where they need it.

If a person has trouble grasping or twisting small knobs or switches, many more accessible versions are available. For example, round door handles can be changed to door levers (the kind of handles with a long flat part you press down instead of a round knob you twist). Ramps can also make it far easier to navigate over a few stairs, such as when stepping up into the entry of a home. In many situations, homes may benefit from a stair lift or chair lift. Both types of lifts are installed into a stairwell to move people from floor-to-floor past stairs. Stair lifts have a built-in chair (which often folds out of the way when not in use), while chair lifts are meant to move a user’s wheelchair from floor to floor. Split level homes are very common in southeast Minnesota, and a set of stairlifts can be the difference between a person being able to stay in their home and not.

Quality of Life

In the end, Thornton says that everyone benefits from staying in their own home as long as they’re able to do so. It’s far less expensive than specialized elder care facilities, and it allows a person to remain in their community, and in their own home—often one they’ve lived in for many years.

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WANT SOME IDEAS FROM THE EXPERTS?

WE ASKED A FEW LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS ABOUT WHAT THEY SEE AS IMPORTANT FOR MATURE ADULTS. “Here at The Homestead we offer daily group exercise in the morning, tons of activities and clubs, group outings, memberships to 125 Live, and endless options from woodworking, stained glass shop, Bell Chimers, endless walking paths around campus and the ponds, and we even meet up with the bike trails. We have multiple exercise rooms, pool hall, card room, club room, a sense of community, and so much more.” —Vanessa Sherer, Director of Marketing and Sales for The Homestead at Rochester Campus “Shorewood Senior Campus provides wellness opportunities to residents in independent living, assisted living, memory care, and the Rochester community, with a belief that quality of life is most important. Activities are based on five wellness pillars: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and vocational, to enrich the lives of seniors. The Club is Shorewood’s fitness center. It includes a large warm-water pool, underwater treadmill, cardio and weightlifting equipment. ... Beyond physical activity, Shorewood’s activities include themed dinners, support groups, in-house 'county' fair, off-campus trips, live music, arts and crafts, educational presenters, church services, and card games.” —Sheila Walsh, Wellness Director, Shorewood Senior Campus

NOVEMBER 2023

“125 LIVE offers a range of ideas and activities to help adults stay active and engaged. Here are some examples: Fitness Classes: From Yoga to Zumba and strength training, there is something for everyone to stay physically fit. Pottery and Art: Participants can learn new techniques and express themselves through various artistic mediums. Live Music: From Friday concerts, music jams to choir, these opportunities provide entertainment and a chance to connect with others who share a love for music. Billiards: It’s a great way to improve hand-eye coordination while socializing with fellow members.

smart devices, or explore other digital skills. Cards and Games: It’s a fun way to exercise the mind, improve cognitive abilities, and build new friendships. Community Engagement: This could include volunteering opportunities, meeting local leaders, debates, and wellness fairs. Congregate Dining: Enjoy nutritious food and socialize with other members at the congregate dining area. This initiative aims to battle social isolation and ensure that members have access to healthy, affordable, and well-balanced meals.

Support Groups: 125 LIVE offers support groups where individuals can connect with others facing similar challenges, providing a safe space for sharing experiences and finding support.

With over 200 weekly activities, 125 LIVE provides a diverse range of opportunities for adults to stay active, socialize, learn, and contribute to their community. Whether it’s physical fitness, artistic expression, or personal growth, there’s something for everyone at 125 LIVE.”

Technology Lab: Learn how to navigate social media, use

—Sylwia Bujak Oliver, Executive Director, 125 LIVE

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Live at Rochester’s BEST of the BEST!

Community ATTRACTIONS • Club lounge

• Fitness center

• Movie theater • Walking trails

• Woodworking shops

• Much more!

With a full-continuum of living and care choices, The Homestead at Rochester meets all your individual needs today and in the future! INDEPENDENT LIVING I ASSISTED LIVING MEMORY CARE

LARGEST Independent Living Apartments...starting at $2100 1900 Ballington Blvd NW Homesteadatrochester.org

For more info or to schedule a tour, contact: Vanessa I 507.810.0447 I vsherer@voa.org ©2023 Volunteers of America National Services. All Rights Reserved. We are designated tax-exempt under section 501(c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Code.

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

THARochester Rochester Mag AD 0923

NOVEMBER 2023

“At Skare Spine & Performance, we offer a comprehensive approach to help adults stay active and recover from pain and injury to regain and enhance their physical well-being. Our unique and innovative treatment method combines modern chiropractic techniques, functional rehabilitation, soft-tissue release, and acupuncture/ dry needling. This approach allows us to customize your care to help address various conditions and goals. Specifically, we specialize in effectively treating back pain, neck pain, spinal stenosis, sciatica, hip, knee, and shoulder pain, headaches, plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains, tennis elbow, and more, ensuring our patients enjoy an active and pain-free life.” —Dr. Nate Skare, Owner/Chiropractor at Skare Spine & Performance “Forté of Rochester offers our residents many opportunities to stay active with our four pickleball courts, fitness room, movie theater, yoga, walking club, card clubs, crafting, wine socials, shuttle to grocery and local restaurants for lunch outings. Forté offers many opportunities to engage with other residents and participate in activities as little or as much as they like. We encourage residents to stay active in the community to aid in optimal health and overall healthy living.” —Amy Liffrig, Property Manager at Forté Living

“CARDS AND GAMES: IT’S A FUN WAY TO EXERCISE THE MIND, IMPROVE COGNITIVE ABILITIES, AND BUILD NEW FRIENDSHIPS.” —Sylwia Bujak Oliver

NOVEMBER 2023

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

RCTC

LIFE

LearningIsForEver.net

ONLINE CLASSES FROM THE COMFORT OF HOME!

RCTC

LIFE

Learning Is ForEver

A member of Minnesota State

www.learningisforever.net

507-280-3157 ALL AGES WELCOME

As part of RCTC’s outreach effort, Learning Is ForEver (LIFE) provides stimulating educational programs and encourages social and personal growth for lifelong learners in our growing and diverse community. This is accomplished through a variety of affordable courses including lectures, discussion groups, and other learning opportunities in areas such as: History l Ecolog y l Nature Current Affairs l Art l Humanities

Assistance with: Personal Care • Homemaking Meal Preparation • Respite Hospice Support • Dementia Trained Care Flexible Hours with up to 24-Hour Care

Located in beautiful Essex Estates, Realife Cooperative is a resident member-owned community that offers a comfortable yet affordable lifestyle for active seniors age 62 and over. Our two-story housing facility features 87 attractive units with a selection of 10 unique one- and two- bedroom styles and sizes.

Phone: 507-280-6053 E-mail: info@realiferochester.com Website: www.realiferochester.com ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

BEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BEST WINNER!FINALIST! WINNER! FINALIST! OF THEOF THE

OF THEOF THE

OF THE OF THE

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FOR MORE INFORMATION

507-289-1147 VisitingAngels.com/ /Rochester NOVEMBER 2023

✓ Rewarding Careers ✓ Compassionate Care Start your next chapter with us.

6 TIPS TO KEEP YOUR BRAIN HEALTHY FROM MAYO CLINIC 1. Exercise regularly.

Call 507-285-1700 or visit HomeInstead.com/500 to learn about our services and career opportunities

Exercise has many known benefits, and regular physical activity also benefits the brain. Multiple research studies show that physically active people are less likely to experience a decline in their mental function and have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Aim to exercise several times per week for 30 to 60 minutes. You can walk, swim, play tennis or do any other moderate aerobic activity that increases your heart rate.

2. Get plenty of sleep.

Welcome to a NEW option for Foot Care in Rochester! Services provided include Toenail trimming and thinning Callus removal Foot assessment & education on shoe gear, inserts, support devices, & self care In-Oﬃce and In-Home care available Day, evening, and weekend hours

www.footcaremn.com 3708 N. Broadway Ave. Ste. 130 Rochester, MN 55906

SHEILA BUEHLER APRN, CNP, CFCS

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Helping you live well with YOUR feet!

Sleep plays an important role in your brain health. Some theories state that sleep helps clear abnormal proteins in your brain and consolidates memories, which boosts your overall memory and brain health. Aim for seven to eight consecutive hours of sleep per night, not fragmented sleep of two- or three-hour increments.

3. Eat a Mediterranean diet.

Your diet plays a large role in your brain health. Consider following a Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes plant-based foods, whole grains, fish and healthy fats, such as olive oil. It incorporates less red meat and salt than a typical American diet. Studies show people who closely follow a Mediterranean diet are less likely to have Alzheimer's disease than people who don't follow the diet. Further research is needed to determine which parts of the diet help brain function the most. However, we know that omega fatty acids found in extra-virgin olive oil and other healthy fats are vital for your cells to function

correctly, appear to decrease your risk of coronary artery disease, increase mental focus and slow cognitive decline in older adults.

4. Stay mentally active.

Your brain is similar to a muscle — you need to use it or lose it. There are many things that you can do to keep your brain in shape, such as doing crossword puzzles or Sudoku, reading, playing cards or putting together a jigsaw puzzle. Consider it cross-training your brain. Incorporate different types of activities to increase the effectiveness. Most health care teams don't recommend the paid braintraining programs available. These programs often overpromise results or focus on memorization skills that aren't useful in everyday life. Your brain can get just as good of a workout through reading or challenging yourself with puzzles.

5. Remain socially involved.

Social interaction helps ward off depression and stress, which can contribute to memory loss. Look for opportunities to connect with loved ones, friends and others, especially if you live alone. Research links solitary confinement to brain atrophy, so remaining socially active may have the opposite effect and strengthen the health of your brain.

6. Keep your blood vessels healthy.

The health of your arteries and veins is important to your heart health but it is also critical for brain health. Get your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol checked regularly and take steps to keep your numbers within a normal range.

5 07. 269.78 27 TO S C H ED U L E A P P O I N T M EN T 66

NOVEMBER 2023

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

INTEGRATIVE APPROACH TO CHIROPRACTIC CARE SERVICES WE PERFORM • SPINE AND EXTREMITY ADJUSTMENTS • DRY NEEDLING • FUNCTIONAL REHABILITATION • SOFT-TISSUE RELEASE • NORMATEC RECOVERY • NUTRITION

CONDITIONS WE TREAT • LOW BACK PAIN • HEADACHES/MIGRAINES • SCIATICA • SPORTS INJURIES • TENNIS ELBOW • DISK HERNIATIONS • SPINAL STENOSIS

1615 N BROADWAY AVE, ROCHESTER, MN (507) 200-0449 SKARESPINEPERFORM.COM

SCAN FOR MORE INFO

We chose Benedictine because... - I didn’t even look anywhere else; it ’s the best ! - Maintenance free living. For information on your Benedictine Living Community, go to benedictinerochester.org or call (507) 288-3911. We know community. MADONNA TOWERS MADONNA MEADOWS BYRON

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NOVEMBER 2023

The Walk-Through:

INSIDE A $1.5M HOME IN COOK, MN

The home: 4,018 SF, 4 Bedroom, 4 Bath 22.9 acres, 895 feet of lakeshore The info: This is a like new Vermilion log retreat that was designed for entertaining. The home is situated in an amazing location right on the rapids and oﬀers relaxing white water sounds and blue water vistas. There are 22.9 acres and 895 feet of riverfront with the opposite shoreline consisting of miles of pristine federal and state forest, yet this is just 20 miles to town. Built in 2008, the estate features 4 bedrooms

(2 are suites), an attached 2-stall tuck-under garage, an attached 2-stall garage with guest quarters above, a 60x30 heated storage building, a boat launch, a dock on the Vermilion River, and a launch on Lake Vermilion at the resort next door. There is a two-story vaulted great room with a massive fireplace, hickory floor, and natural light pouring in a wall of Anderson windows that is open to the four-season porch and waterfront deck. The hickory and granite kitchen includes an island and is open to the dining room, great room, and porch, all are lakeside. There is a main-floor master suite

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975 34th Ave NW, Rochester • (507) 280-0621 1960 1st Ave NE, Stewartville • (507) 504-1060

with a fireplace and glass doors to the deck. Also included is a main floor guest suite, den/office, and laundry. Upstairs there are two extra large bedrooms with water views. The price: $1,498,500 3D tour: https://my.matterport.com/ show/?m=S6CKMg51Q3P&mls=1 Address: 7486 Clear View Drive, Cook, MN 55723

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507.280.6282 • creativehf.com • 3532 Hwy 63 South, Rochester

NOVEMBER 2023

ROCHESTER

RETRO

(ONE IMAGE, ONE MOMENT IN THE CIT Y ’S HISTORY)

The Minnesota Chill. (One season, one team we still miss.) In 2002, the United States Professional Volleyball League (USPV)—a four-team women's league— kicked off its inaugural season. And one of those four teams was based right here in Rochester, with their home court in the Mayo Civic Center Auditorium. The Minnesota Chill's season opened with a classic comeback, a 27-25 home win over the St. Louis Quest, and ended with a block by the Chill's Wiz Bachman (a Minnesota native and home team favorite) to beat Chicago and win the USPV Championship. In between, Mayo Civic Center's 2,000 nightly fans—the league-leader in attendance—cheered fogfilled player intros and windmilled arm spikes from the nation's top players, women who had just graduated from top-flight volleyball programs at major universities or returned stateside from overseas pro leagues. The league-wide attendance average of 1,638 was called "as good as we could've hoped" by the league founder William Kennedy. Mayor Chuck Canfield proclaimed May 5, 2002, as Minnesota Chill Day in Rochester. In August of 2002, though, the USPV announced that the league was folding. And the Chill was gone.

NOVEMBER 2023

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

JOIN US FOR THE 38TH ANNUAL

AND HELP RAISE FUNDS FOR HIAWATHA HOMES. The Kahler Grand Hotel November 24 & 25, 10 am - 7 pm & November 26, 10 am - 2 pm DiverseAbility Day: Saturday, November 25, 10 am - 2 pm A fun event for children and the kid in all of us! DiverseAbility Day will feature hands-on learning stations where kids can explore different abilities and learn about living with a disability. It will also feature story time from a local children’s book author, photos with Santa, and more!

Festival After Dark: Saturday, November 25, 7 pm - 10 pm This adults-only event is the perfect time to enjoy a cocktail among the trees! At Festival After Dark there will be a cash bar and live entertainment by Jeremy Jewell! Festival After Dark includes a $10 cover charge.

Sensory Friendly Hour: Sunday, November 26, 9 am - 10 am Our Sensory Friendly Hour will feature no entertainment, subdued lights/no ﬂashing lights, and other sensory friendly features.

PERFECT LONG TERM RENTAL in the Med City

Villa La Rhea is a large home with a 5-acre yard in a quiet neighborhood. Close to downtown with easy access to anywhere in the city. The perfect home away from home. For more information or to book your stay,

visit Vrbo.com/3438227

ADFOGRAPHIC

THE POST BULLETIN, BY THE NUMBERS

4,007

Years ago the Post Bulletin was formed (Rochester’s two newspapers-—The Post and Record and The Rochester Daily Bulletin-—merged in 1925).

25 MILLION

Number of local stories Post Bulletin reporters wrote in 2022.

Number of pageviews on postbulletin.com in 2022.

11 per day.

68K PER DAY.

That’s 11 local stories per day.

That’s 68,493 pageviews per day.

3 OUT OF THE PAST 6 Number of years the Post Bulletin has won the Vance Trophy, presented to the Best Newspaper in Minnesota by the Minnesota Newspaper Assoc.

507-285-7600 | postbulletin.com | 1700 Greenview Dr. SW, Rochester, MN 55902 72

NOVEMBER 2023

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

MARKETPLACE a selection of shops & services SPECIALTY STORES

Garten Marketplatz. Located six miles SW of Rochester on Olmsted Co. 15, this Civil-War era farm is a wonderful holiday alternative to strip malls and box stores. Dressed in the wonder of Christmas, the vintage brick Garten Haus is filled with gifts and home/holiday decorating items. Mixed evergreen bundles, centerpieces and wreaths are freshcut and designed on site. Bring your favorite containers or centerpiece items and we’ll design a custom piece perfect for your home. Fraser fir Christmas trees are available after Thanksgiving, and are hanging in our greenhouse for easy viewing. Open daily March-December, call for hours or visit www.gartenmarketplatz.com. 507-365-8891. 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, Chico’s, Counterpoint, The Nordic Shop, and others. Gift items and housewares can be found at The Nordic Shop, Counterpoint Home, and Games by James. (See ad page 35) 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 and Marketplace Mall, 2986 41st St NW and 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 fresh-baked bread, all-natural meats and vegetables that are sliced daily. Downtown location hours: 10:30-8; 507-289-9900. NW location hours: 10:30-10; 507-424-0100. SW location hours: 10:30-10; 507-424-2000. Catering and delivery available. Order online at jimmyjohns.com. V, M, D, and AE accepted.

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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. 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 39) 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. Three convenient locations with experienced bankers to assist you with your financial journey. Call us today at (507) 280-0621! bankonONB.com Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. (See ad page 69)

ENTERTAINMENT

Rochester Civic Theatre. 20 Civic Center Dr SE. Just off Broadway in downtown Rochester, the Civic Theatre delivers a year-round slate of musical, drama, comedy, and young people’s theater productions. Their Civic Live collaborations and performances create opportunities for local, national, and international writers, dancers, musicians, poets, and performance and conceptual artists to collaborate with the Theatre’s directors, designers, technicians, and teachers in the creation and presentation of new work. For a schedule of events, go to rochestercivictheatre.org, or call the box office at 507-282-8481.

ADVERTISERS INDEX 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)

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.

125 Live ......................................... 59 Altra Federal Credit Union ............. 75 Beetle's .......................................... 24 Benedictine Living Community ...... 67 Benedicts ..................................23, 45 Bleu Duck .................................17, 22 Bloom Acai ..................................... 49 Blue Plate ...................................... 22 Canadian Honker ........................... 22 Carlson Capital Management ........ 31 Carpet One Rochester ................... 61 City Market .................................... 21 CRAVE ........................................... 21 Creative Hardwood ........................ 69 Edina Realty ..................................... 2 Essence Skin Clinic ........................ 39 Footcare Professionals .................. 45 Four Daughters .............................. 23 Glynner's Pub ................................ 24 Hanny’s .......................................... 49 Hiawatha Homes ............................ 71 Home Instead ................................ 66 Hubbell House ............................... 23 Huber Eyecare ............................... 41 Janisch Realty ...........................68-69 Jersey Jo's ..................................... 24 King Orthodontics .......................... 49 Mayo Federal Credit Union ............ 39 MBT Bank ...................................... 10 Newt’s ........................................... 21 Nita Khosla/Edina Realty ................. 6 Nordic Shop ................................... 59 Olive Juice Studios ........................... 4 ONB Bank .................................20, 69 Pappy's Place ................................ 23 Park Dental .................................... 53 Pasquale's ..................................9, 22 Pittsburgh Blue .............................. 33 Poppi Italian Leather ..................... 53 Preserve at Mayowood .................... 3 Purple Goat .................................... 20 RCTC Life ....................................... 65 Real Life Co-op .............................. 65 Red Cow ...................................24, 53 Redwood Room ............................. 22 Rooster's Barn & Grill ...............18, 20 Ryans Window & Siding ................. 54 Seasons Hospice ............................ 64 Shorewood Senior Campus ........... 58 Skare Spine & Performance .......... 67 SMOAK ........................................... 20 Sorellina's ...................................... 20 Taco Jed ......................................... 24 Thai Pop ......................................... 21 The Galleria ................................... 35 The Homestead ............................. 63 The Well Dining .........................15, 20 Tilda's Pizzeria ............................... 23 Townies Grill’d Philly Subs ........23, 47 Treasure Island Resort & Casino ..... 5 Twigs Taverne & Grill ...............21, 76 Victoria's Ristorante & Wine Bar ... 20, 37 Villa LaRhea ................................... 72 Visiting Angels ............................... 45 Whistle Binkies on the Lake ........... 21 Wildwood Sports Bar & Grill .......... 39 Zen Fusion ..................................... 24

NOVEMBER 2023

10 (or so) questions with ... Bill Bean, pencil collector

Rochester Magazine: What was the first time you remember thinking, “Wow, pencil collecting is something I really want to be part of ”? Bill Bean: Well, I was going to auctions quite a bit back in the mid-’80s, and I was looking for the old carpentry tools. I bought one box and it had some old pencils that I really liked. Fairly soon after that, I saw an article in the local newspaper—I was living in Eau Claire, Wis. at the time—about a pencil collector society and joined and became a member and started going to activities. BB: I’m at around 45,000 pencils. I could spend hours showing you my pencils. RM: Well, this is a phenomenal collection. This room is the perfect display. But, yeah, let’s limit this part to 15 minutes or so. ... What’s the most you ever paid for a pencil, if you don’t mind me asking? BB: I paid $20 one time. RM: That’s not bad at all. That’s a pretty good collectible item then if that’s the most you’re paying for your items. Unless you spent that up for every one of them. BB: No, no. For most of them, at auctions or conventions, you could buy a shoe box or a cigar box full for 10 bucks. You’re paying maybe a nickel a pencil, maybe less. This one was a Mickey Mantle pencil with a cartoon of Mickey Mantle. I had never seen one. RM: And that’s the cool part of collecting, right? The memories that come with the item? BB: Yes. Everywhere we travel, I look for pencils that are souvenirs. Some are historical, and you learn things all the time as you collect. You can look at a pencil and remember where you bought it, or where you were visiting. RM: What brought you to Rochester? BB: The Clinic was number one, and square dancing probably was number two. RM: Rochester’s square dancing scene played a role in you choosing to move here? Are we some sort of hub for square dancing? BB: It was, yeah. There’s one caller that calls at a church here in Rochester on Sunday afternoons. There are some other callers here on Saturday afternoons. 125 Live has square dancing. It’s a social thing. RM: Wow. That’s awesome. Here are some names. Tell me what they have in common: 74

NOVEMBER 2023

Photo by Steve Lange

RM: And now you own how many pencils?

“Everywhere we travel, I look for pencils that are souvenirs. ... You can look at a pencil and remember where you bought it ...”

Andrew Westberg, Phil Pfeiffer, Ron Brink.

was still in high school at that time.

BB: Ron Brink is a former president of the American Pencil Collectors Society. He’s passed away. Andrew Westberg is the current president. Phil Pfeiffer is a former president.

RM: She was impressed with your rollerskating moves, or?

RM: And you are a former president, too. So how does one become the president of the American Pencil Collectors Society? BB: We have a convention, typically every other year, and they will have an election. Sometimes nobody wants to take over the job. RM: So, do you really dislike pens? BB: Well, I don’t use any of my pencils because you don’t sharpen a collectible pencil. Most of the time, I’m either using ballpoint pens for most of the things I write, or I do word processing on the computer. Using actual wood pencils, I don’t do it very often. RM: So it’s water, water, everywhere, nor any drop to drink, right? I mean, if you had to take an emergency note right now, there’s no sharpening of one of your pencils to use for writing that. BB: Yeah. I’ve got a few pencil sharpeners, but I don’t use them, really. RM: How did you and Winnie meet? BB: A church roller skating party. In 1961, I think, at Christmas time. I was in college. She

BB: Well, I don’t know. I could skate fairly good at that time. I grew up close to a rollerskating rink, so I had time as a teenager to learn to roller skate. So it paid off. RM: What did you think of Brad Pitt’s depiction of you in Moneyball? BB: Oh, I don’t know if I ... huh? RM: Billy Beane was the General Manager of the Oakland A’s. Brad Pitt plays him in a movie, Moneyball. BB: I don’t think I’ve ever seen that movie. RM: I would think with the names Bill Bean and Billy Beane, you’d be required to watch that movie. It’s a good movie, actually, even if you’re not a big baseball fan. BB: Yeah. I’ll have to watch that the next time it comes up. RM: All right, so I know you’re looking at moving, and you said that means downsizing. How painful is that going to be for you to get rid of these pencils? BB: Well, I’m not selling all of them. I’ll keep 1,000, maybe 2,000, of my favorites. I’ll keep the ones with all the best memories. ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

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NOVEMBER 2023