Researcher Ming-Fen Ho wanted to discover better drugs to treat opioid addiction. So she started growing brains—miniature human brains—in her Mayo Clinic lab.
40 100 Days Of Winter
A Tuba Christmas. The Flying Karamazov Brothers. The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train. And 97 more things to do, in our 100 Days Of Winter calendar.
56 Our Great Big Gift Guide
You can literally find every holiday gift you will need in these pages.
14 Random Rochesterite
A Tuba Christmas!; The Ultimate Crane Game (at the Olmsted County Waste To Energy Facility); Te New Standards at the Historic Chateau Theatre; Three Ways You Can Help
Local musician Tim Dallman (oh, you’ve seen him playing somewhere around town, hopefully) talks about buying his first guitar (through Sears catalog), 30 years at IBM, and nearly 40 years of marriage.
24 Three Ways You Can Help
One group doing good in Rochester. And how you can make a difference for them.
54 The Walk Through Inside a $799K home in Tower, Minn.
78 Rochester, retro.
When actor Danny Kaye, facing a medical emergency, flew himself to Mayo.
82 Ten (or so) questions
Larry Peterson (retired psychiatrist, former Olmsted Medical director from 1999-02, artist) talks marriage advice, 40-plus years in the psychiatry field, and his rock collection. Also, he draws himself for the art...
THE POST BULLETIN COMPANY
Publisher FORUM COMMUNICATIONS CO.
Editor STEVE LANGE 507-285-7770 slange@rochestermagazine.com
Advertising Director TESSA OLIVE 507-281-7469 tolive@rochestermagazine.com
Advertising MELISSA CHERRY ADAM GEHLING LISA SCHELL advertising@rochestermagazine.com
Graphic Designers MOLLIE BURLINGAME BETH KROHN
Contributing Writers ALEXA ANDERSON JENNIFER HAUGEN KOSKI HADLEY LANGE
Photo Supervisor JOE AHLQUIST
Contributing Photographers MAYA GIRON KEN KLOTZBACH OLIVE JUICE STUDIOS
GET HOME DELIVERY!
For $29.95, you’ll get a year’s subscription to Rochester Magazine. Or $50 for two years. $65 for three years.
Just call 507-285-7676.
Volume twenty-five I Number twelve Rochester Magazine is produced monthly by the Rochester Post Bulletin, and distributed throughout Rochester, MN. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission. Editor, Rochester Magazine, 1700 Greenview Dr. SW, Rochester, MN 55902 or SLange@rochestermagazine.com. Call 507-285-7676 for home delivery ($29.95 for 11 issues).
Junk Drawer
Three things you didn’t know about this month’s issue. Until now.
1. This month’s cover was drawn by Troy Becker, one of Forum Communications’ top illustrators and graphic artists. This is the third Roch Mag cover Troy has created.
“My cover for this season combines two uniquely Rochester creations,” says Troy. “The backdrop for my illustration is the Historic Chateau Theatre. The inviting sunburst marquee shines a bit of friendly warmth, even in winter. The pops of color are inspired by the downtown Social-ICE event. Both prove there is plenty to keep your holiday spirit alive.”
2. On December 9, at Whistle Binkies North, join me (Steve Lange)—and a bagpiper!—for an informational meeting on our upcoming 10-day trip to England, Scotland, and Wales on the Discover British Landscapes Tour. From October 12-21 of 2025, Rochester Magazine and the Post Bulletin will be partnering with Collette Travel to tour Edinburgh Castle in Scotland (pictured); spend an afternoon in London’s Trafalgar Square; follow in the footsteps of William Shakespeare in the English countryside of Stratford-upon-Avon.
3. The 10-day trip includes 12 meals, all lodging, tours, transportation from Rochester to Minneapolis (and back), and round trip tickets to/from MSP for $4,599 per person (double room); $5,599 per person (single room). The tour is limited to 44 people, and prices will increase on April 14. Check out gateway.gocollette.com/ link/1294280 or scan the QR code.
“50 to 70” tubas. One concert.
Tuba Christmas!
BY HADLEY LANGE
Tuba Christmas is an opportunity for tuba and baritone players alike from across Rochester (and beyond) to play Christmas carols and come together as a community. Coordinator Abbie Brown says if you “haven’t ever been to a Tuba Christmas you are in for a treat.”
4 YEARS. Tuba Christmas has been a Rochester favorite for 4 years, but the organization as a whole is celebrating its 51st anniversary. Last year there were over 250 worldwide performances from Costa Rica to Australia to Canada and more.
50-70. The average number of tuba and baritone players at Tuba Christmas in Rochester. The number of Tuba Christmas performers in other cities range wildly from “only a handful of performers” to “500-600 tuba players each year” (way to go Akron, Ohio!).
DECK THE ... ERR, TUBAS. Some performers dress as elves, some as Santas, and some let their “inner Elton John out.” The performers aren’t the only ones, though … tubas are strung with lights, decorations, or even “Santa
going down the bell of the tuba (aka the chimney).”
IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO JOIN!
Did you play baritone in high school 15 years ago? Did your 6th grader just start playing tuba in their middle school band? No matter your age or experience you are invited to join the band— just reach out to secure music!
Tuba Christmas will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church on Saturday, Dec. 14 at noon. This is a free event; tubachristmas. com, 503-750-7051.
Secret Santa and the not-so-secret competition
BY STEVE LANGE
Five years ago, we started our family Secret Santa, effectively ending a 17-year run of dollar store gifts, and ending a stretch in which I received Christmas presents like a green foam cowboy hat and a calculator with giant buttons.
From 2002 through 2018, our three kids bought their family Christmas gifts at the Crossroads Dollar Tree.
The tradition began when our oldest child, daughter Hadley, was 4, and wanted to pick out her own presents.
We took her to Dollar Tree.
That Christmas, I received a VHS tape with three episodes of “Mr. Belvedere.” Lindy got a box of cereal that looked like Trix but was called “Circus Balls.”
So it went for 16 years. Nothing is more adorable than watching your 5-year-old son agonize over whether to buy his mother a vanilla or cinnamon candle.
At least it’s adorable for the first five minutes. Minutes six through 20 become progressively less so.
In its last few years, the dollar store tradition had deteriorated into gag gifts.
In those final two years, my kids bought me $1 home pregnancy tests.
In 2019, we switched to a Secret Santa system. We would secretly draw one name. We could spend up to $10.
In that first year, Hadley drew her mom’s name. She used her $10 to buy a giant picture frame from Goodwill and a 3-by5 foot paper family tree template. Then signed up for a free trial subscription from Ancestry.com and spent hours—so many hours, clearly—hand lettering Lindy’s family tree, back to the early 1800s.
Lindy was first to open her gift. When she unwrapped the hand-decorated paper,
when she realized the sheer amount of thought and effort Hadley had put into the gift, Lindy started crying.
The rest of us cried a bit as well, though mostly because we now faced the full realization that our gifts—which we still had to give, in front of everyone—paled in comparison.
I had bought Henry $10 worth of Kwik Trip candy. I seriously considered pretending to go to the bathroom and driving to Games By James to buy something good.
I had no idea the bar would be set so high. None of us did.
And, in my defense, I was coming off two straight years of having received, as gifts, home pregnancy tests.
Fortunately for me, I would be opening my present second.
I opened up a gift that had been hastily wrapped in newspaper. We all knew that gift was from Henry.
Inside was a box of Turtles. Why, I love Turtles! And Henry had bought this special, special gift especially for me.
Except, when I opened the box, the plastic tray did not hold Turtles. Instead, each of the brown wrappers held coins, say a few nickles and a dime.
It became painfully obvious that my teenage son had forgotten about Secret Santa, and had run to his room and wrapped up his loose change.
We all burst out laughing.
So began the new Lange Christmas tradition of Secret Santa. That year, we drew names on Christmas night, so we could get an early start.
Since then, our gifts have risen to higher and higher levels of effort and thoughtfulness.
Also, we all want to “win” each year’s
Secret Santa. There’s no sanctioned competition, but still. We all know.
Over the last four years of gifting, our kids have hand embroidered bags, screened T-shirts, learned to knit.
Hadley took a bedtime story that I used to make up for Henry—a sprawling tale called “Little Henry, Big Hank”—and turned it into a children’s book, complete with hand-drawn art.
I perfected a recipe for buckeyes (peanut butter fudge balls dipped in chocolate) for Henry. Spent hours at the Rochester Public Library burning our family video tapes onto DVDs for Lindy.
Last year, I drew Emma’s name. Our 16-year-old daughter would be spending her junior year of high school in Belgium with the Rotary Youth Exchange. She was leaving in August. I had to make her gift and sneak it into her luggage.
I secretly reached out to dozens of Emma’s friends and family members, asked them to send a favorite photo or memory.
I cut and stained small squares of wood, bought three antique brass binder rings, printed out and cut 365 small sheets of paper with photos and messages on them, hand punched 1,095 holes. Then assembled it all together into one of those daily flip calendars.
We opened our presents from home on Christmas Day, with Emma on Zoom.
Oh, there were some great gifts.
But when Emma saw those 365 pages, when she realized the sheer amount of thought and effort put into the gift, she started crying.
The giving, I know, is truly about the spirit of the season. And, sure, Emma may have been crying because this was her first-ever Christmas away from home.
But, also, I had finally won Secret Santa. We all knew.
RandomRochesterite
One resident, numerous anecdotes |
Name: Tim Dallman
Age: 61
Occupation: Musician
Where we found him: Forager Brewing
I saw you performing at Forager. Have you always been a musician? Depends on how you define “always.” I started playing music around age 15, but I’ve been the type of person who’s been soaking up music my whole life. I’ve always felt that I listened to music differently than most people do. Even before I played, I’d listen to songs and discern what was happening with different instruments and how they work together to create a song.
Tell me about your first guitar. It’s kind of a Norman Rockwell story where I wanted to get a guitar and my parents didn’t want to get me one because they didn’t think I’d stick with it. I didn’t have any money, so I got a paper route. I’d be out there delivering the St. Paul Pioneer Press every morning, including those big thick Sunday editions. Eventually I made enough money to order my first guitar and amplifier from the Sears catalog.
That Sears catalog was a gem. Here’s another goofy story. I was living in a small town in west central Wisconsin called Whitehall. I ordered the guitar, and it was available to pick up at the Sears store in Eau Claire. Whitehall is about an hour drive south of Eau Claire. I’m 15. I don’t have a car. Somehow, I worked out a deal with our church pastor who was visiting members of the congregation in the hospital there. I bummed a ride with him and sat in the car while he made calls with hospital folks. Then we picked the guitar up at the mall and I got home and started playing.
What was the first song you learned? I learned to play guitar with the record player—play a song and try to learn what you heard. I’d pick up the needle, move it back, try again. The band I admired most at the time was a band out of Canada called Rush. So I didn’t
By JENNIFER KOSKI Photo by JOE AHLQUIST
start with simple stuff. I was learning songs from Rush albums. But there were other bands in the ‘70s I looked up to, like Cheap Trick, Aerosmith, KISS.
You’re also a songwriter, right? I’m not as prolific as a lot of people, but I do churn out a song every now and then. I have a CD of songs, and since I came out with that, I probably have five or six songs that I haven’t recorded yet. One of the things I find most rewarding is when I play one of my original songs and I get a really good response from the audience. I’ve got a few people who know some of my songs well enough that I can see them mouthing along the words with me.
Do you have a “day job” outside of music? I spent nearly 30 years working at IBM. I retired from that job in 2018. I worked in a variety of roles, but all within the realm of public relations, communications, marketing. I was an English major in college.
What brought you to IBM? I went to grad school at Marquette in Milwaukee and finished with a master’s degree in English. I thought I wanted to go on to get my PhD and teach English at a university. But at that point, I’d been in school for six years. I didn’t have any money. My fiancé was in Rochester working at Mayo Clinic. We were getting married that summer, so I decided to come to Rochester, take stock, and then decide if I’d go on to school some more. My first job in town was teaching English at the community college. I did that for a year, and meanwhile applied at Mayo Clinic and IBM. IBM surprised me by calling me to interview.
How did you meet your wife? We met at college at Winona State. We actually met on a tennis court on campus. Her roommate and my roommate
were dating at the time. They didn’t last, but we have! We’ve been married since ’88, but together since ’84. So 40 years.
Secret to a long marriage?
Patience, good listening, flexibility. Flexibility is pretty important, because nothing is static. Things change and you have to adapt. You’re dealing with aging parents, getting kids through high school and college and having kids of their own. You have to be able to roll with the stages.
Biggest adventure? One of the biggest is when I went to grad school at Marquette. I find myself in this big city in this little studio apartment, didn’t know a soul, far removed from family, starting anew. I had a teaching assistantship, so suddenly I had to go into a classroom and lead freshman English classes while going to grad school and trying to read a dozen books a quarter. It was an exciting time, but challenging. It pushed me out of my comfort
Best advice you Sometimes I talk to people who are starting out playing an instrument, and they talk about how frustrated they are. I tell them to keep pushing through. Everybody who’s ever picked up an instrument has had that feeling that “I can’t do it, it’s impossible.” But if you have the passion and the will, you will get through it. And that applies to life in general, not just music. Life is all about obstacles and challenges, and it’s your job to figure out how to overcome them.
Setting the (New) Standards for holiday shows
It’s not the holiday season until we’ve been to a The New Standards holiday show. (And we’re not just saying that. Longtime Rochester Magazine contributor Jen Koski won’t put up a single strand of tinsel until she’s been to The New Standards show.)
And now, the iconic Minnesotabased band—who’s been bringing their “soulful, funny and spectacular” show to Minneapolis for 15+ years—is returning to Rochester.
On December 14, the trio— celebrated Twin Cities’ musicians
Chan Poling, Steve Roehm, and John Munson—will take the Historic Chateau Theatre stage with their merry troupe of musicians, dancers, and surprise guests.
If past shows are any indication, you can expect a full band, an unforgettable rendition of “Silent Night,” and at least one dancing tree. Also, you’re bound to see a handful of ugly Christmas sweaters in the audience.
And, by the way? The Twin Cities’ shows always sell out, so this is our chance, Rochester.
WANT A SNEAK PEEK?
You can watch the entire 2014 show, which was recorded for public television, at tpt.org/thenew-standards-holiday-show.
The New Standards Holiday Show will take place at 7 p.m. on Dec. 14 at the Historic Chateau Theatre. Tickets ($40-$60 individual, or $300/ reserved table for 4 with table service) are available at mytownmymusic.com. For more info, visit yourchateau.org
Photo courtesy New Standards.
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507.282.6572 1203 2nd St SW Across from St. Mary’s Hospital Rochester
Celebrating 40 years! Since 1984, the Powers family and the Canadian Honker Restaurant have taken great pride in serving fresh, home-cooked meals to you and your family. Whether you enjoy our award winning Eggs Benedict, Walleye Sandwich, or Filet Mignon, one thing is for sure, you will not leave hungry! Stop by today, and don't forget to order a piece of our world famous Bunnie Cake.
507.424.7800 130 5th St SW Rochester pnpizza.com
Little Italy Marketplace. Shop Pasquale’s quality Italian Ingredients direct from Italy. Everything from frozen meals, amazing sauces, scratch-made pasta, and our farm-to-table Olive Oil. Our products are available at Pasquale’s or Hyvee Stores.
507.516.1050 244 Soldiers Field Dr SW Rochester towniessubs.com
Best Philly in Rochester! Stop in for our signature Grill’d Philly, a Grill’d Bowl or one of our delicious Smash’d Burgers. There is something for everyone to enjoy. We are open year-round at Soldiers Field Golf Course. Dine in or carry out. Voted Best Sandwich Place 2023 & 2024.
507.258.9064 808 Broadway Ave S Rochester TacoJed.com
Voted Best Taco 2020 & 2021! Live Music Fridays & Saturdays. Brunch served Sat. & Sun 9:30-3. We believe that good food and friendly faces bring a community together. We are locally owned and love living in Rochester! Hours: Wed. & Thurs. 11 am-1:30 pm, 5-7:30 pm, Friday 11 am-1:30 pm, 5-9 pm, Sat. 9:30 am-9 pm, Sun 9:30 am-7:30 pm. Closed Mon. & Tues.
507.288.0206 401 6th St SW Rochester twigstavernandgrille.com
Unleash your inner foodie and explore our exciting new Korean BBQ dishes! Our passionate team has crafted a unique menu that showcases classic flavors including, Korean BBQ Chicken Bacon Swiss Sandwich, Korean BBQ Ribs, Korean BBQ Wings and Korean BBQ Tacos. Embark on a flavorful journey like no other! WE GET IT. BECAUSE WE LIVE IT. Rochester’s only restaurant with a separate dedicated GLUTEN-FREE kitchen. Seasonal Cocktails & Desserts | Small Plates | Bowls.
Book your holiday party with Saints on Second! We are located in the Courtyard by Marriott across from Saint Marys Hospital. Whether you are a visitor or a lifelong resident of the city, we hope to embody everything that Rochester has to offer. Enjoy our “Minnesota Nice” hospitality while eating breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Chef Lela Tweed has crafted a menu sure to please – try our legendary sticky chicken sandwich! BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY TODAY!
507.226.8885 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.
A ROCHESTER FAVORITE. If you’re looking for a great time in a fun atmosphere with friendly staff, look no further. Charlies Eatery & Pub is locally owned and is located in the Hillcrest Shopping Center next to the Indoor Golf Center. Enjoy a meal in our restaurant with live Bluegrass music on Wednesdays or visit our pub for food, drinks, entertainment, music and games. We serve breakfast all day long.
507.258.4184 332 Broadway Ave S Rochester marrowmn.com
Marrow offers a seasonal, ingredient and chef-driven menu - utilizing classic French technique, with a touch of humor and fun. Stop by to enjoy a quick bite and a drink or stay longer to visit with friends and family over dinner and wine. Scan the QR Code to make a reservation or just come on through. Walk-ins are always welcome! We are open Tuesday - Saturday from 5 - 10 pm. Happy Hour at the Bar Tuesday - Friday from 4 - 6 pm.
507.288.9481
1251 Cedar Center Ave SE Oronoco twosisterskitchenmn.com
Two Sisters features blends of traditional, made-from-scratch American dishes. Indulge in steak, a variety of soups and sandwiches or Minnesotan comfort foods. Hotdish will Always be on the menu!
Dedicated to the traditional ways of bread making we are a ‘low tech,’ old fashioned, scratch bakery & cafe. We use pure, wholesome ingredients, add no fats, oils or preservatives. Each loaf is kneaded by hand. We grind high protein Montana spring wheat into the freshest flour possible. This is the magic of our whole grain breads and sweets. Where the “outside” of a sandwich is as good as the inside!
Red Cow’s founder and owner, Luke Shimp, was born and raised in Lake City, MN! Family owned and locally operated, Red Cow provides a modern tavern feel and celebrates finally crafted eats and drinks with a focus on gourmet burgers, craft cocktails, wine & beer. #Followtheherd to Red Cow!
507.516.0641 1155 16th St SW Rochester Sorellinasmn.com
Open Mon-Sat at 11 AM
Open Sunday at 10:30 AM
Cousins Nadia Victoria and Jordan Victoria are excited to introduce you to: Sorellina’s Italian by Victoria’s. The latest Italian kitchen next to Apache Mall. You will find classic Victoria’s Italian dishes, as well as a few modern takes. Scratch pizzas, our famous sauces, cheesecakes and craft cocktails. Enjoy dining on the pizza counter side, the enclosed four-season patio, the swanky dining room, or sit at the bar and enjoy the view!
507.361.5144 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!
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.
South- 1201 S Broadway North- 5231 E Frontage Rd NW Express- Downtown Skyway Apple Valley - 15610 English Ave creativecuisineco.com
A local tradition since 1980, is the only place for great burgers and cold beer. Hand pattied fresh burgers, grilled to perfection, piles of nachos, tasty sandwiches, loaded bloody mary’s and much more!
Enjoy a delicious mix of Traditional Fare, Steaks, Seafood, Burgers, Sandwiches, Tacos and more. With over 200 Whiskeys, classic cocktails, and tap beer, There’s truly something for everyone. Join us for lunch Monday through Friday, starting at 10:30 AM, and don’t miss our Irish Recessour unique Happy Hour with discounted drinks and appetizers.
507.424.7800 130 5th St SW Rochester pnpizza.com
Chef Pasquale Presa is serving the food he grew up with....authentic NY style pizza along with simple, traditional Italian food including fresh salads and amazing desserts. Daily lunch and dinner specials. Dine-in or carry out. To place orders call 507.424.7800. Voted Best Pizza Place 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 by Rochester Magazine readers.
507.206.3019 1625 South Broadway Ave Rochester crookedpint.com/rochester
Crooked Pint Ale House is a nouveau urban pub with the feel of a local neighborhood restaurant. The menu includes classic pub fare with nearly 60 choices for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch as well as kids’ menu selections. We feature the best Lucys in town and you will be back again and again for our Pub Pot Pies, Pub Tacos, and our Jumbo Tator Tots. At Crooked Pint, we are known for our beer list, but we don’t forget about the wine and spirits! Open Monday - Sunday!
507.206.3031 2550 Broadway Ave S. Rochester, MN 55904 Savoypizza.com
Red’s Savoy Pizza is known for square-cut Sota-Style pizza featuring thin crust, family recipe sausage, passive-aggressive sauce, mounds of cheese & toppings cooked to crisp perfection. Round out your meal with wings, appetizers, salads, pasta & dessert. Options for Glutenfree, team orders & catering available. Located on South Broadway, featuring a petite dining room, drive-thru, delivery & take-out. Open 7 days a week 11 AM-9 PM. Jumbo slices served daily 11-4.
507.288.5283 2043 Superior Dr NW Rochester zenfusionmn.com
Let Zen Fusion do the cooking for your holiday party. Our globally accented menu creates the perfect selection for any event. Let us cater to you or have your party at Zen, and we do all the cleanup. Private party room available & live hibachi chefs in-house every day.
Seafood • Steak • Sushi • American • Asian • Mexican
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.
507.226.8146 4 3rd St SW Rochester thaipopmn.com
Lunch + Dinner + Event Space. Voted Minnesota’s Best Thai restaurant 2023, 2024 + Rochester Magazine’s best ethnic restaurant 2023 and 2024. We serve unique cocktails and cuisine on historic 3rd Street in downtown Rochester. Open Monday - Saturday.
Shhhh... Speakeasy and Cocktail Lounge. Located Under ThaiPop. Voted Best New Bar 2024 (Rochester Magazine) Creative Cocktails in a Cozy Setting. Open Friday + Saturday 5pm - 11pm. Happy Hour 5pm-6pm
507.289.9200 3120 Wellner Drive NE Rochester whistlebinkiespub.com
Locally owned for 22 years tucked in NE Rochester. Providing a pub atmosphere that makes you feel at home with comfort. Awesome summer patio, two private spaces for events, with one of the largest menus and beer selection in all of Rochester. We are happy to be serving you all for years to come.
Voted Rochester’s Best Deli and Sandwiches. A bustling, urban deli set in the heart of downtown Rochester, featuring big New York style sandwiches, filled with large portions of fresh sliced meats, gourmet cheeses, crisp vegetables, and one-of-a-kind spreads on bakeryfresh breads. Signature salads and soups with quick and easy delivery service. Catering as well as box lunch delivery.
507.424.3885 3932 Marketplace Dr NW Rochester live4pi.com
Wood-fired signature pizza made from hand-tossed dough, topped with fresh ingredients. We bake our hand-crafted pizzas in our custom-made oven using locally grown white oak which fuels the temperature to 900 degrees and produces unique smoky flavors that cannot be captured by any other cooking method.
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.
Specialty Coffee| Breakfast Lunch | Wine | Small Plates
507.285.2516
120 Elton Hills Dr NW Rochester
FOLLOW US @novioscafe on Instagram and Novios Cafe on Facebook. Use your phone camera to scan the QR code and order online now!
507.741.6222 150 Broadway Ave S Rochester millvalleykitchen.com
Discover Mill Valley Kitchen in Rochester, where 13 years of culinary expertise bring you fresh, natural flavors. We’re all about sustainability and health-conscious dining. Sip on our craft cocktails and explore our wine list, it’s all designed to take your meal to the next level. Come taste the difference!
507.424.1227
247 Woodlake Drive SE Rochester whistlebinkiespub.com
Situated in a business district on a small lake with beautiful patio views, two private dining spaces, a large dining room, and an extensive menu with something for everyone, and a beer list to impress. WBOTL is thankful for their guests, friends, and family that make us a destination that all love and enjoy.
507.258.4663 14 Fourth Street SW Rochester bleuduckkitchen.com
Book Your Holiday Party! An inviting and intimate venue with exposed brick and original hardwood floors set in one of the oldest remaining commercial buildings in Rochester makes this space unique, warm, and welcoming. Our event space can accommodate weddings, reception, cocktails hours or hosting a meeting. And don’t forget about booking the Duck Truck! Voted Best Restaurant 2019-2024.
507.346.7300 78757 State Highway 16 Spring Valley fourdaughtersvineyard.com
Visit Four Daughters Winery, Loon Juice Cider, and The Traditionalist Bourbon Distillery in one spot! Wine, cider and bourbon flights available 7 days a week, plus wines by the glass/bottle, a full cocktail bar, and a restaurant. Spend time inside the spacious tasting room or outside on the large patio bordering the vineyard at the largest winery and cidery in Minnesota. Rated as the #2 Winery Restaurant in the country by USA Today!
507.361.1208 10 East Center St Rochester skyway level benedictsrochester.com
Benedict’s is where you’ll find comfort food with a twist and unbeatable morning cocktails because it’s never too early! Why wait until dinner for great food and hospitality? At Benedict’s, we’re all about making mornings special. So, bring the family and become part of ours! Open 6:00am - 3:00pm daily.
507.361.3636
300 1st Ave NW Rochester creativecuisineco.com
Tilda’s Pizzeria is a locally owned one-of-a-kind wood-fired pizza restaurant in Downtown Rochester. Unique flavors, and a welcoming atmosphere for everyone! We offer dine-in, online ordering, and delivery. Mon-Sun 4 pm - 9 pm.
507.635.2331 502 N Main St Mantorville hubbellhouserestaurant.com
The Hubbell House has been Rochester Magazine’s Best Restaurant within 30 minutes for the past fourteen years. Our extensive menu includes appetizers, salads, sandwiches, choice steaks, prime rib every day, chops, & seafood. Just a short drive from Rochester, whether you’re looking for a formal experience in one of our dining rooms, or a more relaxed setting like the Stagecoach Bar, the Hubbell House is the place for you.
The ultimate crane game Inside the Waste To Energy Facility
Most of the county’s 600,000 pounds of daily— daily!—trash brought into the Olmsted County Waste To Energy Facility (OWEF) makes its way via garbage trucks into a giant pit, 50 feet wide by 100 feet long by 79 feet high.
Then, that trash is picked up by one of OWEF’s trained crane operators, who spend two-hour shifts working the joystick controls of what looks like the world’s largest Skil Crane game.
That crane, the grapple of which has tines that measure 12 feet across, can grab up to three cubic yards and 5,400 pounds of trash in a single load, which is lifted up into a hopper on its way to the combustion chamber.
When we were there for our August story (“Tracking Our Trash”), crane operator Andy Crom maneuvered the giant claw and deftly picked up my single, orange-taped garbage bag. By the neck.
“We’re not allowed to play Skil Crane games anymore,” said Logan Boyd, a systems operator.
3 Ways YOU CAN HELP
Rochester MN Sports
BY ALEXA ANDERSON
Since forming in 1991, Rochester MN Sports has established itself as one of the premier sport organizations in the country. The organization provides leadership, guidance, and expertise in attracting and administering sporting events of all kinds in the Rochester area. They contribute to the economy, quality of life, and promote healthy and active living.
Rochester MN Sports prides itself in having four full-time and one part-time staff members—an executive director, three coordinators, and a hotel communication coordinator. The organization’s staff structure ensures they are able to fully service events from start to finish and assist event owners in making events seamless and successful.
“Sports events are strong in the Rochester area with activity at an all-time high with number of events,” says Executive Director Matt Esau. “With continued support on updating existing facilities and taking pride in our community in what we have to offer for our residents and visitors, we will continue to thrive.”
Here’s how you, too, can help Rochester MN Sports:
GET INVOLVED! Join Rochester MN Sports at their events and help out. The organization is always looking for paid workers to help make events successful. If you are interested in volunteering, reach out via their website.
BRING THE EVENTS. By helping usher new sports tournaments to town, you’d be bringing more business to Rochester MN Sports. The organization is able to secure venues, recruit volunteers, book hotel room blocks, and more. Rochester MN Sports will help your event be pain-free and successful–so use your contacts, bring visitors, and start planning your event on their website.
PARTICIPATE. It’s important to encourage youth and adult sports in the Rochester community. The benefits of playing sports are numerous. Youth and adult sports have shown to boost self-esteem, develop social and leadership skills, and have benefits to one’s physical and mental health. For more info: Anyone interested in supporting Rochester MN Sports, in any of the ways listed above, can find more information at rochestermnsports.org.
3 WAYS YOU CAN HELP IS SPONSORED BY:
At Eagle Rock Bank, formerly ONB Bank, we’re proud to give back to our community. As a locally owned and managed bank, it is so important to us to support our local non-profit organizations through sponsorships and hundreds of volunteer hours through our employee volunteers.
Ming-Fen Ho, a stem cell biologist and associate professor in Mayo Clinic’s Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, uses lab-grown, miniature 3D brain models made out of human cells to study addiction.
By Steve Lange
Fighting
BIG ADDICTION growing tiny brains ,
Researcher Ming-Fen Ho wanted to discover better drugs to treat alcohol and opioid addiction.
So she started growing brains—miniature human brains—in her Mayo Clinic lab. .
Photos by Joe Ahlquist
"Our study is the only one in the world using minibrains to test for alcohol and opioid treatment response."
— Ming-Fen Ho
Just like she’s done every 24 hours for the past 80 or so straight days, Ming-Fen Ho is replenishing culture dishes with the liquid nutrients that bathe and feed—lubricate and nourish, technically—her current batch of pulsating, pea-sized brains.
Each minibrain—white blobs suspended in a pink-ish, odorless solution—is identified by a number, and each number represents a patient.
These patients, all of whom were alcoholics or opioid addicts going through some sort of treatment, agreed to donate blood for this study. Some of the patients come from Mayo Clinic. Others are being treated at the Hazelden Betty Ford Clinic, the highlyregarded addiction recovery center in St. Paul.
These are patients who not only donated blood, but also agreed to take part in followup research to track their alcohol and opioid recovery or relapse. They agreed to share info about future neuropsychiatric disorders, like depression.
Those blood samples, then, were sent here, to the Mayo Clinic’s Center for Individualized Medicine lab on the fourth floor of the Kellen Building, the new (2023), futuristic-looking building at the corner of Third Street and Fourth Avenue Southwest.
That blood was then converted into stem cells, cajoled into brain cells, coaxed into minibrains. The entire process takes five months or so.
These brains have been growing—under Ming-Fen’s daily care—for nearly three months, and have reached the ideal size for testing. Any bigger, and the cells in the center of the brain start to die.
“These have been cultured for three months, which is similar to a second trimester,” says Ming-Fen, a stem cell researcher and assistant professor of pharmacology and psychiatry. “If you culture them for 10 months, it will be like a full-term baby, the minibrain.”
Soon, these minibrains may be stimulated with alcohol or opioids in the hope that MingFen’s team—actually, a team of computational
“Our hope is that one day we can prevent addiction, just like today we can prevent certain cancers,” says Ming-Fen Ho.
scientists on the floor below—can spot changes in the minibrains at a molecular level to understand why addicts react the way they do.
And/or, these minibrains may be treated with an addiction-fighting drug—maybe Acamprosate or Naltrexone—in the hope that Ming-Fen’s team can spot a response that, someday, will translate to better treatments for alcoholics and opioid addicts.
“Our study is the only one in the world using minibrains to test for alcohol and opioid treatment response,” she says.
“Our hope is that this research could someday precisely diagnose and treat individual patients for addiction and all types of neuropsychiatric disorders.
“Our hope is that one day we can prevent addiction, just like today we can prevent certain cancers.”
The $120 million, 11-story Kellen Building was designed, according to Mayo Clinic, to “disrupt and revolutionize how we discover treatments and cures ... and foster collaboration.”
“A SYMBOL OF HOPE.”
We’re on the fourth floor of the AnnaMaria and Stephen Kellen Building (though everyone calls it the Kellen Building), the $120 million, 11-story facility that was designed, according to Mayo Clinic, to “disrupt and revolutionize how we discover treatments and cures ... and foster collaboration.”
The exterior—that scrim of all-weather fabric draped over and around those oval openings—is designed to let in natural light and reduce energy costs by deflecting solar heat in the summer and trapping it in the winter.
It’s also designed, according to its architect, HDR, to “communicate a mission that is aspirational, a catalyst for interdisciplinary innovation, and a symbol of hope.”
Inside, the layout “connects research, clinical practice, and education in terms of both physical space and experience. ... like the shields in Mayo Clinic’s logo.”
"For us, we are in psychiatry.
We grow mini brains."
The lower levels encourage “interactivity between researchers, socializing, and intellectual discourse.”
You can’t much tell the fourth floor from any of the other lab-focused floors of the 78,000-square-foot building.
That’s by design, too.
The identical research floors feature large spaces with “workplaces and open areas towards the perimeter and the more intensive laboratory support spaces located internally.”
The closer to the center of the building, the more intense the research focus.
— Ming-Fen Ho
We pass the liquid nitrogen tanks used to store samples—blood and cells, mostly— collected from patients. The 320-degreebelow-zero temps basically stop all biological processes. Those cells can be stored for years, then revived. Everything on the floor moves outward from here.
Floor four houses multiple researchers, most of whom use the cell samples they have collected to study various cancers.
The cardiovascular team grows mini hearts. The gastrointestinal team grows mini livers. The dermatology team grows skin.
“For us, we are in psychiatry,” says MingFen. “We grow mini brains.”
blood-to-brain transformation process, Mayo Clinic describes it like this:
The blood cells are placed in a culture dish and “reprogrammed” back into a stem-celllike state. This takes about two months.
Stem cells, then, are a special type of cell that have two important properties. They are able to make more cells like themselves. That is, they self-renew. And they can be made, through a painstaking process, into other cells.
Ming-Fen Ho’s team makes them into brain cells. Specifically, brain cells from the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain that plays a key role in addiction.
“Minibrains give us a chance to study addiction in a way that has never been done before.“
“OUR
STUDY IS THE ONLY ONE LIKE IT IN THE WORLD”
When those blood samples—donated voluntarily by alcoholics or opioid addicts— arrive in Ming-Fen Ho’s lab, they come with an ID number, a patient’s medical history, and a promise of that patient’s future cooperation.
“These patients do more than give a blood sample,” says Ming-Fen. “They also give us their history of neuropsychiatric disorders, including things like depression. And they give us the chance to follow them for a year—if they recover, if they relapse.”
And those patients do that with the knowledge that the research they agree to be a part of will probably never help them directly.
Ming-Fen Ho’s team will never get to know who that patient is. All of the info is passed anonymously.
That blood sample, when processed, will be transformed into stem cells in a process Ming-Fen describes as “very straightforward.”
Straightforward, at least, for someone with a PhD in Molecular Genetics (which Ming-Fen received from Australia’s Griffith University in 2011). For someone who recently won the NARSAD Young Investigator Award from the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation.
While the following descriptions don’t begin to explain the complexities of the
—
Ming-Fen Ho
“Once you have stem cells, you can make brain cells,” says Ming-Fen. “That might take another three to six months. And this is a nonstop process. So these people here you are looking at in this lab, they come here every day to feed the cells, to maintain the cell culture. When it comes to growing minibrains, you can’t put the brains away and restart your experiment.”
This team, she says, is dedicated to their work. This team lives for this research.
Ming-Fen schedules (or, more accurately, doesn’t schedule) vacations around this process of turning stem cells into minibrains.
The stem cells can be put in that liquid nitrogen chamber for storage. But once the process from stem cell to minibrain starts, she is in the lab every day. For maybe 90 straight days.
Also, when she talks about vacations, she’s really talking about work conferences, like the American Society for Clinical Pathology Annual Meeting and her upcoming American College of Neuropsychopharmacology event.
During this stem cell-to-minibrain transition, Ming-Fen “feeds” the cells a nutrient mixture
Top: Ming-Fen Ho points out a screen projection of microscopic images. Above: Culture dishes hold steam cells and minibrains in early stages.
(at $800 per liter), “bathes” them in a rotating bioreactor (which she and her team designed and 3-D printed), visually inspects and measures the cells groupings, coaxes those groupings together, prunes away the unwanted cells.
She monitors the minibrains’ electrical activity—the firing rate and frequency of their neurons.
Then, after three months of this, she can finally administer that alcohol or opioid. Then, she can finally test that Acamprosate or Naltrexone.
“These minibrains give us a chance to study addiction in a way that has never been done before,” Ming-Fen says. “Our study is the only one like it in the world, so we are hopeful we can find something no one else has.”
“I HAD A HIGH STANDARD FOR MYSELF.”
When she was growing up in Taiwan, MingFen Ho’s parents ran a restaurant in Taipei, a city of 2.5 million on the northern tip of the island, which lies just off the Chinese mainland where the East China Sea meets the South China Sea.
“I was a straight-A kid,” she says of growing up in a city that she—and others—compare
favorably to Boston. “I had a high standard for myself. My parents never had to worry about me.”
She didn’t, though, excel in restaurant work. “All I could do was wash dishes. When I tried to take orders, and people would ask me about what is in this dish or that dish, I was like ‘Mom!”
The middle of three kids, Ming-Fen played high school basketball, read books, played soccer with her older brother Ming-Xiang and younger sister Jasmine.
And, she says, she was always interested when the family had to visit the local hospital.
“Our residential area was really close to a medical center,” she says. “That might be one of the reasons why I pursued medicine. We would go to the medical center quite often, and in Taiwan, the medicine is quite different from here. Here, medicine is very expensive. But in Taipei, it was a different world. Everybody got an equal opportunity to use the medical services.”
After high school, Ming-Fen enrolled at Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, a 5,000-student private college just a few miles from her parents’ house.
Got her bachelor’s degree in nursing, and spent two years working as an RN at a hospital in Taiwan—the same hospital she visited as a kid.
“I practiced in internal medicine as a registered nurse for two years,” she says. “I was working with an endocrinologist and he gave me a part-time job as a research assistant dealing with clinical projects. And I thought, ‘Wow, this is what you can do for a living. This is really cool.’ I knew I wanted to push modern medicine forward. That’s when I switched my career to science research.”
Ming-Fen applied to Griffith University in Australia and got scholarships that covered her tuition and living expenses. Moved to the Gold Coast, on the easternmost edge of Australia. Went to the beach with friends after classes. She received her master’s and PhD degrees in Molecular Genetics in 2011.
When she applied for jobs, she was offered a position in Mayo Clinic’s Rheumatology Department. She moved to Rochester in May 2013.
On that first day at Mayo, Ming-Fen Ho found herself sharing office space with Dr. Richard Weinshilboum, an internist with 52 years of experience, the former director of the Pharmacogenomics program, and a legend in the research realm.
The two hit if off right away, talked every day.
“He was willing to share his space, share his wisdom with a young person like me,” says Ming-Fen. “He was willing to open doors for young investigators like me. He played a very important role in my career development, for sure.”
Less than a year after Ming-Fen arrived in Rochester, her supervisor in the Rheumatology Department—the principal investigator that had hired her—left Mayo Clinic.
At first, Ming-Fen considered moving back to Taiwan. Then Dr. Weinshilboum offered her a position in his lab.
“At that time, Dr. Weinshilboum got an NIH [National Institutes of Health] grant to focus on opioid addiction, to focus on alcohol addiction,” she says. “So I joined him on that and we worked really closely. I realized this is the research I wanted to pursue.”
From left: Ming-Fen with brother Ming-Xiang and younger sister Jasmine in Taipei.
“Here in this lab we have research. We have education. We have people from different backgrounds and different expertise working on the same goal,” says Ming-Fen Ho.
“You need to cultivate the next-generation scientist. People took the time to do that for me, and it made all the difference.”
Ming-Fen Ho
“Here in this lab we have research. We have education. We have people from different backgrounds and different expertise working on the same goal,” she says. “Here we are bringing novel biology into the real world.”
Just eight years after joining Dr. Weinshilboum, Ming-Fen Ho and her team are doing the kind of research that was—and this is a quote from Mayo News Network—“unimaginable a decade ago.”
“YOU NEED TO CULTIVATE THE NEXT-GENERATION SCIENTIST.”
Today—in the 80th straight day of what will probably be 90 or so days of caring for this current batch of brains—MingFen makes her way from the center of the fourth floor (that hub of the lab work) to the outer edge of the Kellen Building (those conference rooms and common areas).
She takes a short break from the lab to finish our interview.
Later today she will be doing some teaching at Mayo Graduate School, preparing a presentation for an upcoming conference, working on a paper about recent research findings.
She’ll also be mentoring a few fellows, students she supervises.
“I find mentoring is a key aspect of team science,” Ming-Fen says. “I got really good mentoring from Dr. Weinshilboum, and now I’m doing something similar with my mentees. This is really important, because you need to cultivate the next-generation scientist. People took the time to do that for me, and it made all the difference.”
The addiction research melded MingFen’s patient-first nursing experience with that love of data and that desire to “push modern medicine forward.”
“From my nursing, I knew what patients needed and what the doctors needed
to know,” she says. “I knew that can be carried to the researchers as well.”
It also allowed her to work with Dr. Weinshilboum, whom she now considered a mentor. It allowed her to put together a team of like-minded researchers.
Then, as soon as we finish our talk, Ming-Fen Ho heads back toward the center of the floor, back toward her team, back toward the liquid nitrogen that holds that next series of donated blood samples just waiting to be turned into stem cells to be turned into brains.
Back toward her self-created bioreactor that is slowly spinning her current batch of minibrains, which are almost ready for their next feeding. rm
Volume 1:
THOMAS Gunshot in the Woods
Volume 2: THOMAS Life with Judah
Out in December!
Volume 3: THOMAS Hubbell House Adventures
Terry Eckstein’s heartwarming tales of Thomas
Terry shares the adventures of Thomas, the remarkable Thorson family dog. Over the years, many dogs have lived on the Thorson farm, but none quite like Thomas. With a keen sense of character and an eye for clues his human friends often miss, Thomas’ fearless spirit shines in this tale. Here, he uncovers the “bad guys” and rises as a hero in the town of Mantorville. Gifted with the ability to glimpse into the spiritual realm, Thomas has a special fondness for Grandma’s angel.
Hubbell House Adventures reminds us to treat all creatures with kindness and respect, showing how good deeds bring happy outcomes, while negative actions carry their own consequences.
AVAILABLE AT:
AMAZON use QR code
Johnson’s General Store, Kasson • Mantorville Art Guild
Books Terry Eckstein and Zeus
SUNDAY 1
COOLTIDE CHEER. Shaun Johnson (who you may know as the lead singer of Tonic Sol-fa) and the Big Band Experience are at Historic Chateau Theatre playing “re-imagined holiday favorites” as part of their Cool Yule Holiday Tour. yourchateau.org
MONDAY 2
THREE TENORS. The NorrSound 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
TUESDAY 3
MERRY MAYOWOOD MANSION. Mayowood Mansion, the home of Dr. Mayo, is open for a special Christmas tour. Learn about the history of the home and its former occupants as you tour the historical rooms decorated for the holidays. olmstedhistory.com, 507-292-9447
WEDNESDAY 4
BRASS AND BELLS. The Classic Brass Quintet and the Congregational Bell Choir join together for a Brass and Bells Concert of Carols Christmas Concert at the Congregational Church UCC (and it’s a fundraiser for Channel One). congoroch.org; 507-289-4581.
THURSDAY 5
100 days of winter
CAN’T MISS EVENTS
DECEMBER
SUNDAY 8
NATURE ART! 10+ nature artists are at the 21st annual Quarry Hill Nature Art Show and Sale with wares from stained glass to ceramic art pottery to wild bird paintings and more. A portion of the profits go toward supporting the Friends of Quarry Hill. qhnc.org, 507-328-3950
WHAT NUNSENSE! The sisters of Mount Saint Helen take on Cable Access television with Christmas carol parodies, outrageous costumes, and dancing in Nuncrackers. See this “hilarious holiday musical” at the Rochester Rep Theatre. rochesterrep.org, 507-289-1737
FRIDAY 6
MARLEY WAS DEAD AS A DOORNAIL. A Christmas Carol, The Musical tells Dickens’ classic story of a miserly old man visited by three spirits who attempt to show him the error of his ways … but now with song! Catch today’s performance at the Rochester Civic Theatre. rochestercivictheatre.org, 507-282-8481
SATURDAY 7
MAGIC IS IN THE AIR. Downtown Dazzle: Feel the Magic of the Season features a holiday parade, pictures with Santa, choirs, and more in Peace Plaza! Proceeds benefit the Rochester Salvation Army and gifts will be collected and donated to Toys for Tots. facebook.com/events/725100019644657/?_rdr
MONDAY 9
HENDRICKSON HARMONY. Luke Hendrickson, a singer-songwriter with folk and country roots, performs at the Gonda Building for a free concert as part of the Harmony for Mayo Program. choralartsensemble.org
TUESDAY 10
ALL ABOARD! The 26th annual Canadian Pacific Holiday Train stops in Wabasha and Winona today. The train’s festive lights, polished performers (The Lone Bellow and Tiera Kennedy at this stop), and charitable spirit (it collects items for local food banks) are guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit. cpr.ca/holiday-train, 888-333-6370
WEDNESDAY 11
DANCE OF THE SUGAR PLUM FAIRY. The World Ballet Series presents The Nutcracker at the Mayo Civic Center. Forty professional ballerinas bring this classic holiday ballet—following the young Clara and her adventures through the Land of Sweets—to life. The sets and the 150+ costumes are all hand-crafted! mayociviccenter.com, 507-361-5050
THURSDAY 12
HOLIDAY GIFT FAIR! Shop the more than 30 vendors for artisan gifts, grab a treat, and sign up for your chance to win a door prize at 125 LIVE’s free Holiday Gift Fair. 125livemn.org, 507-287-1404
FRIDAY 13
HOLIDAY GIFT FAIR (PT 2!). The Holiday Craft and Gift show brings 120+ vendors selling unique gifts (including metal arts, handcrafted items, and more) to the Mayo Civic Center. Shop easy knowing that a portion of the profits benefit local charities. rosecraftshows.com, 612-695-0512
SATURDAY 14
THE BEST WAY TO SPREAD CHRISTMAS CHEER. 50+ tuba and baritone players gather at Bethel Lutheran Church to play songs of the season in Tuba Christmas. These players are also known for their festive outfits, hats, and instrument decorations. tubachristmas.com, 812-824-8833
SUNDAY 15
IS SINGING LOUD FOR ALL TO HEAR. The Choral Arts Ensemble is at Assisi Heights’ Lourdes Chapel for this year’s Christmas at Assisi concert: “A Mother’s Joy.” This concert showcases Christmas and holiday favorites and songs “exploring themes of new life, motherhood, and caretaking.” choralartsensemble.org, 507-252-8427
ROCHESTER grizzlies
MONDAY 16
GET YOUR PIC TAKEN WITH SANTA. Santa and his magical elves will be at Apache Mall every day through Dec. 24. Wear your best festive apparel and get your pictures taken! apachemall.com
TUESDAY 17
nICE SHOT! Catch Minnesota’s state sport, ice hockey, in action with the Lourdes Eagles playing the Red Wing Wingers at Graham Arena. rcsmn.org, 507-289-3991
WEDNESDAY 18
SUNDAY 22
MERRY CHRISTMAS, WITH LOVE. The Rochester Pops Orchestra is joined by special guest vocalists Tom Overlie (yes, of KTTC fame) and Caroline Worra for their Merry Christmas, With Love concert at Bethel Lutheran Church. rochesterpops.com
MONDAY 23
“PRAIRIE DREAM.” Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter Judy Collins performs at the Mayo Civic Center as part of her Holidays and Hits Tour. Judy plays covers (“Silent Night” and “Send in the Clowns”) and originals (“My Father” and “Songs for Martin”) from some of her 36 studio and 4 holiday albums. mayociviccenter.com, 507-361-5050
THURSDAY 19
“UNBELIEVABLE” THEY’RE AT THE CIVIC CENTER. Diamond Rio have been performing together for over 40 years and have 5 number one hits on the Billboard Charts (including “One More Day,” “Beautiful Mess,” and “Meet in the Middle”). Catch them tonight at the Mayo Civic Center. mayociviccenter.com, 507-361-5050
FRIDAY 20
HOLIDAY SING ALONG. It’s the 18th Annual Old-Fashioned Holiday Sing Along with Dan Chouinard at the St. Mane Theatre in Lanesboro. This show features guests performing songs, poems, and stories in the name of holiday spirit! lanesboroarts.org, 507-467-2446
SATURDAY 21
SOUNDS OF THE SEASON. The Rochester Symphony Orchestra’s Sounds of the Season concert features popular Christmas songs including Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride” and selections from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker. There’s even an audience sing-along! rochestersymphony.org, 507-286-8742
DASHING THROUGH THE SNOW. (On a two-horse open sleigh.) Ironwood Springs offers sleigh rides—book for your group or check out their schedule for individual dates, like today—along the Root River. Now with bunny handwarmers! ironwoodsprings.com, 507-533-4315
TUESDAY 24
LEARN TO SKI AT QHNC. With more than eight miles of trails, Quarry Hill Nature Center is the perfect place to try crosscountry skiing. QHNC staff will even give you pointers before you head out on your rental skis to glide (and, most likely, fall) through the 320-acre park. 507-328-3950, qhnc.org
WEDNESDAY 25
MERRY CHRISTMAS! Crank up the heat, turn the radio to 105.3 for some Christmas tunes, and check out the Post Bulletin’s annual Guide to Holiday Light Displays for a drive around Rochester. Some houses have light displays set to music which is an extra treat! postbulletin.com
THURSDAY 26
MERRY AND BRIGHT. Based on the classic Christmas movie of the same name, White Christmas, The Musical follows Bob Wallace and Phil Davis in their quest to save their friend’s inn. Along the way this singing and dancing duo sing Irving Berlin hits including “Blue Skies” and “White Christmas” at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. chanhassendt.com, 952-934-1547
FRIDAY 27
BUST A GUT. Goonies Comedy Club hosts Ali Sultan, who appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, won Acme’s Funniest Person Contest, and has two comedy albums (“Happy to Be Here” and “Funny First”). Sultan is joined by Ahmed Khalaf. gooniescomedy.com
SATURDAY 28
POLAR RUN. Meet at Charlie’s Pub for one of Rochester Running Club’s OSS off season runs (happening most Saturdays). These runs range from 6-12 miles, with running groups of various speeds, and end with a breakfast back at Charlie’s Pub! rochesterrunningclub.org
SUNDAY 29
SEE THE LIGHTS (ON A TROLLEY)! The Rochester Trolley takes you to the best decorated houses in Rochester in their Jolly Trolley: Holiday Light Tour. Enjoy classic holiday music aboard the warmth of a lighted, decorated, and heated trolley. rochestermntours.com
MONDAY 30
SKI OR TUBE AT, YES, STEEPLECHASE. In 2023, Steeplechase, the long-dormant resort in Mazeppa, opened its chair lifts and ski hills for the first time in 16 years. And they have tubing, too! steeplechaseevents.com, 507-261-8033
TUESDAY 31
NEW YEAR’S EVE. Spend New Year’s Eve at the Mayo Civic Center with the third annual Celebrate Rochester! New Year’s Eve. Go roller skating, play virtual reality games, and be home by 8 p.m.! mayociviccenter.com/events/ newyearseve, 507-361-5040
WEDNESDAY 1
FIRST DAY, FIRST HIKE. Start your year off right with a guided walk at Whitewater State Park. Lots of snow? They’ll switch to snowshoes instead. dnr.state.mn.us, 651-296-6157
THURSDAY 2
SNOWMAN DANCE. It’s a Snow Globe Dance Party at the Rochester Public Library! Kids can bring their hats and scarves to party in an “indoor snow globe.” rplmn.org, 507-328-2300
FRIDAY 3
VERY BEST OF THE BEATLES. The Shabby Road Orchestra (an ad-hoc rock collective with members of The Honeydogs, Six Mile Grove, and more) will play a wideranging mix of the obscure and the iconic from the Beatles final six albums at the Historic Chateau Theatre. yourchateau.org
SATURDAY 4
LEARN TO SKI OR SNOWBOARD. Coffee Mill Ski Resort, in Wabasha, is a favorite for everyone from families to thrill seekers to newbies for a reason—they have hills for everyone’s expertise. And they also offer great learn to ski/snowboard lessons. cmskiarea.com, 651-565-2777
SUNDAY 5
GO TO KELLOGG. FOR A LARK. Glance through the display cases, which feature a collection of 25,000 antique and vintage toys, check out the fun-house mirrors and ride the hand-carved carousel creatures before shopping for classic, old-school toys. larktoys.com, 507-767-3387
MONDAY 6
DON’T GET SKUNKED. The first Monday of the month means it’s a nibs and nobs night at LTS Brewing. (Read: a cribbage tournament). Show off your cribbage skills (or at least play cribbage). ltsbrewing.com, 507-226-8280
TUESDAY 7
100 days of winter
CAN’T MISS EVENTS
JANUARY
WEDNESDAY 8
GETCHA HEAD IN THE GAME. Wear your blue and yellow to support the RCTC Yellowjackets men’s basketball team as they face off against Riverland Community College at home. rctcyellowjackets.com, 507- 285-7210
THURSDAY 9
GIMME! GIMME! GIMME! MANIA The Abba tribute is at the Mayo Civic Center, complete with knee-high boots, 70’s wigs, and plenty of shimmer. This two-hour ABBA tribute features songs like “Mamma Mia,” “Dancing Queen,” and “Winner Takes It All.” mayociviccenter.com, 507-361-5040
SNOW MUCH FUN! Travel dangerously fast on a thin piece of plastic. The city lists two official sledding hills, Judd Park (3812 Third St. NW) and Schmidt Park (622 24th Ave. NW). Judd can get a little crazy. Schmidt seems a bit milder. This is oldschool sledding, just how we like it.
FRIDAY 10
NO SKATES NECESSARY! Join the Rochester Raiders Adapted Floor Hockey team for their 22nd annual Andrew Cormack floor hockey tournament at Dakota Middle School. facebook.com/ RochesterRaidersAdaptedAthletics
SATURDAY 11
DRIFTLESS DANCE. 8 (short) films, 7 “MN-based dance film artists,” 6 locations. Each film included in The Driftless Dance Film Tour combines movement and storytelling. Today’s event, held at Lanesboro’s St. Mane Theatre, also includes a Q&A with two artists. lanesboroarts.org, 507-467-2446
SUNDAY 12
FLANNEL NOT REQUIRED (BUT ENCOURAGED). The Curling Club of Rochester hosts Frost, Froth, & Flannel at Little Thistle Brewing. This outdoor bonspiel (curling tournament) gives curlers a chance to face off against each other in 3 games of outdoor curling. curlrochester.org
MONDAY 13
STRAP ON SOME SKATES. When Soldiers Field freezes over, it turns into a super cool (heh) wintertime attraction for Rochesterites. Might as well take advantage!
TUESDAY 14
ROCHESTER RUMBLE. It’s a Rochester boys basketball showdown as the Mayo Spartans and John Marshall Rockets play each other at Mayo High School. mhs. rochesterschools.org, 507-328-5500
WEDNESDAY 15
GO OLD-SCHOOL SNOW TUBING. The snow tubing at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch (in Stewartville) feels like something we would have done as kids in the late ‘70s (JK I’m 26). Which is exactly why we love it. ironwoodsprings.com, 507-533-4315
THURSDAY 16
BLADES OF GLORY. Hockey is in full force as the Century/John Marshall girls team take on Red Wing at the Rec Center. If you’re looking to take a trip you can drive to Mankato to catch the Mayo girls team face off against Mankato East. mhs.rochesterschools.org, 507-328-5500
FRIDAY 17
ROOT FOR THE GRIZZ. Our Junior Hockey team, the Rochester Grizzlies (formerly the Ice Hawks), take on the St. Louis Jr. Blues at the Rec Center. Bring the family. Or grab a few friends for hockey and a few beers. rochestergrizz.com, 507-718-0437
SATURDAY 18
UM YA YA! The St. Olaf Choir, conducted by Anton Armstrong, performs at Bethel Lutheran Church. The choir (affectionately referred to as Ole Choir), dressed in their iconic purple robes, sing both traditional and modern choral songs. bethellutheran.com, 507-288-6430
SUNDAY 19
ELEMENTARY MY DEAR WATSON. Miss Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Dorothy Watson take on the case of a nurse (and activist) accused of murder in Miss Holmes Returns. This “Twisting Mystery,” put on by the Rochester Rep Theatre, is a new take on the stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. rochesterrep. org, 507-289-1737 (jan 17, 19, 25)
MONDAY 20
WE HAVE A DREAM CELEBRATION. Celebrate MLK Day with the annual We Have a Dream Celebration at the Mayo Civic Center. This event, in partnership with the Rochester Branch of the NAACP, commemorates the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. business. rochestermnchamber.com, 507-288-1122
TUESDAY 21
IT’S ROCHESTER RESTAURANT WEEK!
Rochester Restaurant Week will take place Monday-Sunday, Jan. 20-26. This is your chance to check out the specials offered by participating restaurants throughout town and throughout the week. rochesterrestaurantweek.com
WEDNESDAY 22
POND HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIPS. It’s the first day of the 20th annual U.S. Pond Hockey Championships in Minneapolis. While there are the traditional men’s and women’s divisions there are also opportunities for hockey late bloomers (benders) and a sled division for those hoping to get their name engraved on the Golden Shovel. uspondhockey.com
THURSDAY 23
HIT THE SLOPES. (FIGURATIVELY, WE HOPE.) Take a road trip to Welch Village for a day of skiing or snowboarding. Not a seasoned snow bunny? No worries. The ski and snowboard destination, located about an hour outside Rochester, offers lessons for all ages and abilities. welchvillage.com, 651-258-4567
FRIDAY 24
SUNDAY 26
ON A ROLL. Castle Con, a three day “board gaming extravaganza,” is in its last day at the Historic Chateau Theatre. Play in tournaments, win prizes (hopefully), try new games, make new friends. yourchateau.org
MONDAY 27
FIND SECRETS IN THE SNOW. Snowshoe through Whitewater in search of historic features that are only visible in the winter (when the trees are bare). dnr.state.mn.us, 507-312-2300
TUESDAY 28
THE SEARCH (PT. 2). Lyra Baroque is selecting a new artistic director through on-stage auditions! The second of these four hopefuls is Bojan Čičić, originally from Croatia. The “Concerto Adriatico” will be hosted at Mount Olive Lutheran Church. Check back throughout the season to see the other conductors being considered for the role. lyrabaroque.org, 651-321-2214
SATURDAY 25
MAGNIFIQUE! The Rochester Public Library hosts the WIT Soirée, a French themed after-hours event with speakers, wine, French cuisine samples, and Bundtinis. You can even upgrade your ticket and receive a chefled French cooking demonstration at this event that helps support the local library! rplmn.org, 507-328-2300
VOLUNTEER LOCAL. Spend an afternoon at the Gift of Life Transplant House answering the phones, acting as a tour guide, or planning fun events (like jewelry making and bingo). Help this organization, committed to providing a supportive housing option to transplant patients, in their mission to do good! gift-of-life.org
WEDNESDAY 29
BRINGING FAIRYTALES TO LIFE. Previous Ice Castles have featured bridges, tunnels, a slide, and plenty of cool lighting. This year’s, located in the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, promises the same. icecastles.com
THURSDAY 30
GET AQUATIC AT THE MINNESOTA MARINE ART MUSEUM. The Minnesota Marine Art Museum hosts a huge collection of American and European works spanning centuries, including exhibits on Edward Burtynsky and Judy Onofrio. Get to Winona today! mmam.org
FRIDAY 31
WINTER DANCE PARTY. Nicholas Freeman recreates Buddy Holly’s Winter Dance Party in “Buddy Holly: OH BOY!” at Paradise Center for the Arts in Faribault. Buddy Holly is joined by guests including Ritchie Valens (“La Bamba”) The Big Bopper (“Chantilly Lace”), and Dion & the Belmonts (“Teenager in Love”). paradisecenterforthearts.org, 507-332-7372
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SATURDAY 1
HOPE IT DON’T SNOW SHOW. It’s the annual Hope it Don’t Snow Show held by the Zumbro Valley Scale Modelers. This event, held at the Rochester Empire Event Center, features model airplanes, boats, and cars along with less traditional gaming, sci-fi, and armor figure models. Ipmsusa.org
SUNDAY 2
BUMP, SET, SPIKE. Prep Dig hosts the 3rd annual Minnesota Slam volleyball tournament at the National Volleyball Center. Cheer on girls from around the state as they battle for the win (and the eyes of college scouts). events.prepdig.com, 818-448-8754
MONDAY 3
WATCH POP BEING BOTTLED. Spring Grove Soda Pop (in Spring Grove) opened in 1895, and the formula has remained the same for 120 years. And, if you email in advance, you can set up a tour of the bottling process, and maybe find out why “Thanks Ove” is printed on every six-pack. springgrovesoda.com, 507-498-3424
TUESDAY 4
ECONOMIC AFFAIRS. The Economic Summit, held at the Mayo Civic Center, gives insight into Rochester’s current and future economic trends and how they are influenced by the nation at large. Talks will be given by industry leaders in a variety of fields. rochestermnchamber.com, 507-288-1122
WEDNESDAY 5
100 days of winter
CAN’T MISS EVENTS
FEBRUARY
FRIDAY 7
SOCIALIZE AT SOCIAL-ICE. Social-ICE is back for its 17th year! Head to Peace Plaza to see hand-carved ice sculptures, grab a signature drink at one of the event’s several ice bars, and groove to music from live DJs. downtownrochestermn. com, 507-216-9882
SATURDAY 8
BRRRRRRRRRRRRRR. If you’ve never jumped into icy water, you don’t know what cold is. You can fill that void while fundraising for Special Olympics at The Polar Plunge, a Winterfest staple held at Foster Arend Park. plungemn.org, 763-270-7119
SUNDAY 9
TUESDAY 11
SUMMER NIGHTS (IN FEBRUARY).
T-Birds and Pink Ladies, pep rallies and street racing, pajama parties and school dances. All this and more in Grease at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. chanhassendt.com, 952-934-1525
WEDNESDAY 12
CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE.
The 33rd annual STEM Forward Out standing Educator Awards at the SE Service Cooperative. Join nominees from around Minnesota who exemplify excellence in teaching and work to promote STEM career opportunities. ssc.coop/stemforward/ outstanding-educator, 507-288-1282
EAT YOUR WAY THROUGH OUR BEST RESTAURANTS STORY. Use our Best Restaurants story from our February issue and visit all of the winners in a glorious, food-filled bonanza. Your stomach will thank you. rochestermagazine.com
THURSDAY 6
GEOMETRY AND ART. It’s the last week of “A World That Breathes Behind Itself” at the Rochester Art Center. This exhibit features paintings and etched glass drawings by Melanie Pakau, whose work centers around “the interlacing of repeated geometric forms.” rochesterartcenter.org, 507-722-2552
CURL UP WITH A GOOD BOOK. The Friends of the Library’s Winterfest Book S ale is jam-packed with used picture books, classics, and pretty much every other genre you can think of. This is the last day of the sale, so books are priced to move! rplmn.org, 507-328-2300
MONDAY 10
A FILM YOU WON’T SEE ANYWHERE ELSE. It’s the second day of Winona’s eight-day Frozen River Film Festival (Feb. 9-16). The festival features 50-plus films, including dozens of independent documentaries, as well as workshops, speakers, and music. frff.org, 507-494-8224
THURSDAY 13
SCOPE OUT YOUR NEXT PROJECT. The 46th annual Rochester Area Builders Home Show starts today. Hurry out to the Mayo Civic Center for a rundown of the latest trends before you start spring cleaning/remodeling! rochesterareabuilders.com, 507-282-7698
FRIDAY 14
LOVE THROUGH SONG. Melissa Schulz, pianist and singer, plays at Oaks Golf Club in Hayfield. Peruse Schulz’s song list and make a request- we recommend “Can’t Help Falling in Love” or “L-OV-E Love” in honor of Valentine’s Day! melissaschulzmusic.com, 563-580-6338
SATURDAY 15
YEAR-ROUND FARMERS. Stock up on winter produce (parsnips, squash, cranberries, and more) at the Rochester Farmer’s Market. This indoor winter market is held at Graham Park. rochfarmmkt.org, 507-273-8232
SUNDAY 16
WATCH THE BISON IN WINTER. With more than 30 Minnesota-native species (many of which have injuries that make them unfit to survive in the wild), you can take that meandering walk past the 17 species that remain active all winter, including otters, a cougar, a wolf, bobcat, elk, bison, and donkey at the Zollman Zoo in Byron’s Oxbow Park. 507-775-2451
MONDAY 17
FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS. Spoiler alert, it tolls for you (and everyone else in Rochester) Monday through Friday at 4:45 p.m. (and again at 7 p.m. on Mondays). Pick a spot by the entrance of the Gonda Building and Kahler, or in Peace Plaza, and listen for the music of the carillon (that’s the bell tower). history.mayoclinic.org
TUESDAY 18
FEBRUARY MADNESS! It may not be March, but it is time for some basketball madness! Catch two of the Rochester girls’ teams (Mayo and Century) face off at Mayo High School tonight! mshsl.org, 763-560-2262
WEDNESDAY 19
THURSDAY 20
EASY AS PIE (HOPEFULLY). Jenna Hunterson, a baker and waitress finds herself unexpectedly pregnant in Waitress at the Rochester Civic Theatre. She sets her sights on winning a pie contest with a $20,000 prize, enough to escape her abusive husband and make a better life for her baby. rochestercivictheatre.org, 507-282-8481
FRIDAY 21
“FRIDAY.” Eleanor Sievers, a Rochesterite, is still in high school, but she’s far from new to the music scene. She’s spent the last three years playing shows all across Rochester solo and as the lead singer for the band Beginners Luck. Tonight she’s at Taco Jed. tacojed.com, 507-258-9064
SATURDAY 22
A CHAIR AFFAIR. Bid on one-of-a-kind chairs handcrafted by local artists at the Boys & Girls Club of Rochester’s biggest fundraiser of the year ... A Chair Affair! This fundraiser, held at the Hilton, helps support the Club’s programs focused on nurturing relationships and providing a safe environment for kids. achairaffair.org
SUNDAY 23
VOICES. The Honors Choirs ensembles (Children’s Chorus, Treble Choir, Chorale, and Concert Choir) are at Bethel Lutheran Church for the Voices concert featuring classic and contemporary pieces (sometimes in 8 part harmony!). honorschoirs.org, 507-252-0505
FORE! With 20 architect-designed chairs spanning over 100 years (19042010s) and a mini golf course “designed by regional artists” Mini Golf & Chairs celebrates art in its most fun forms. Grab a club and play through this interactive exhibit at the Rochester Art Center. rochesterartcenter.org, 507-722-2552
MONDAY 24
TAKE A GAMBLE. Held at the Rochester Public Library, this month’s Mystery Book Club book is “A Gambling Man” by David Baldacci. The book follows Archer, a “straighttalking World War II veteran” who heads to Bay Town, California only to realize this false paradise is full of addiction, blackmail… and worse. rplmn.org, 507-328-2300
TUESDAY 25
QUEEN’S GAMBIT… THE GAME! You don’t need to be a chess expert like Beth Harmon (or Magnus Carlsen) to join the Rochester Chess Club. Come to the Harwick Building today (or any Tuesday) for a game or two and maybe some pointers from one of Rochester’s finest players. rochesterchess.com
WEDNESDAY 26
SHOW OFF THAT BIG BRAIN. Little Thistle hosts trivia every Wednesday night ... but the last Wednesday of the month has a new twist. At half-time, play a mini-round of Rochester trivia written and sponsored by the Post Bulletin. littlethistlebeer.com, 507-226-8014
THURSDAY 27
CELEBRATE GROWTH! The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce hosts their Annual Celebration, a toast to the growing business community in and around Rochester. Join them at the Mayo Civic Center for speakers, programming, and networking opportunities. rochestermnchamber.com, 507-288-1122
FRIDAY 28
A JUGGLING ACT. What do a cleaver, a torch, a salt shaker, a ukulele, a skillet, a fish, an egg, a block of dry ice, and a bottle of champagne have in common? The Flying Karamazov Brothers will juggle them all (at the same time!) at Sheldon Theatre in Red Wing. sheldontheatre.org, 651-388-8700
SATURDAY 1
FRIENDS WHO PLAY TOGETHER ...
Celebrated pianist Horacio Nuguid is joined by a string quartet to play Schumann’s “Piano Quintet in E-flat Major” as well as pieces by Clarke and Mozart. This concert, entitled “Horacio Nuguid and Friends,” is hosted by the Rochester Chamber Music Society at Christ United Methodist Church. rochesterchambermusic.org
SUNDAY 2
PLAY-CEPTION. A director is looking to turn his “German sadomasochistic novel” into a play. In comes Vanda, a “crass and pushy actress.” Find out what happens when play and reality intermingle in Venus in Fur from Absolute Theater (held at the Black Box at the Rochester Civic Theatre). absolutetheatre.org, 507-722-2730
MONDAY 3
100 days of winter
MARCH CAN’T MISS EVENTS
TAKE A SCENIC SUNDAY DRIVE. ON MONDAY. “Follow the lush Root River Valley and wind your way through what feels like a landscape painting of woodsy hills and dramatic dolomite bluffs, marked with the tranquil silhouette of a lone Amish buggy” with the Historic Bluff Country National Scenic Byway. bluffcountry.com/Byways
TUESDAY 4
TAKE A HIKE. Park near the old-timey downtown of Historic Forestville—with its turn-of-the-20th century-buildings— then climb Sandbank Trail to Overlook Trail. It’s a moderate climb, but then you’re downhill all the way back. dnr.state.mn.us, 507-352-5111
WEDNESDAY 5
JEALOUSY/SWAY. “Jealousy” started as a dance performance audience members could view via security camera footage or squinting through holes in the wall. “Sway” started as an installation featuring “dancing fake flowers” attached to massage machines. The two exhibits combine to form Jealousy/Sway at the Rochester Art Center. rochesterartcenter.org, 507-722-2552
THURSDAY 6
MODERN DAY YOU’VE GOT MAIL. Read some uplifting fiction to start your year off r ight at the Rochester Public Library’s Feel Good Fiction Book Club. This month’s novel is “The House in the Cerulean Sea” by TJ Klune. rplmn.org, 507-328-2300
FRIDAY 7
SHE KILLS MONSTERS. After her sister, Tilly, dies, Agnes decides to play the Dungeons & Dragons game Tilly was working on. Agnes fights gelatinous cubes, cheerleader succubi, and fairies while learning more about her sister along the way in She Kills Monsters, a “poignant fantasy adventure” at the Rochester Rep Theatre. rochesterrep.org, 507-289-1737
SATURDAY 8
IT’S A HOOT!
Center hosts The International Festival of Owls, where kids and adults can visit with owls, dissect owl pellets, do owl crafts, listen to owl experts and more. This FUNdraiser helps support the International Owl Center and all their feathered friends. festivalofowls.com, 507-896-6957
SUNDAY 9
STRANGERS & FRIENDS. Choral Arts Ensemble’s midwinter concert Strangers & Friends “offers a repertoire centering on how we relate to another.” This concert, held at Zumbro Lutheran Church, includes works by Brahms, Tracy Wong, and Reena Esmail, all centered around this theme. choralartsensemble.org, 507-252-8427
MONDAY 10
STUDY THE ROCHESTER RIVERFRONT MURAL. Follow the city’s chronology on the mural during a walk along the Zumbro River Trail, directly behind the Government Center and under the footbridge that crosses the river. It’s a chance to experience the city from the Zumbro River’s edge.
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1. “Beach In A Bottle.” Bushwacker Rum Cream is an impassioned homage to the traditional Bushwacker cocktail, solving the problem of hunting down hard-tofind ingredients and keeping them readily on hand. It combines premium Caribbean Rum and real dairy cream with decadent flavors of chocolate, coffee, and coconut. From $21.99 at local retailers and bushwackerspirits.com
2. A blanket. For the beach. For outdoor adventures, summer travel, and sunset picnics, check out the Lay & Stay Beach Blanket! These roomy, sand-resistant towels come with a carrying bag and 4 shell-designed stakes to keep the quick-dry, microfiber, ultra-soft towel in place in the grass, sand, and any other stake-friendly terrain! From $44.99 at layandstaybeachtowels.com
3. Get healthier, younger-looking skin faster. Perfect for all skin types, this anti-aging gift set from Alpha Skin Care also hydrates and exfoliates for an all-day glow. Features the Moisturizing Body Wash to gently release dead skin cells revealing fresh, healthy, younger-looking skin. Also includes Refreshing Face Wash to whisk away make-up, dirt and excess oil from your skin’s surface and pores. The gift set is $25.98 at alphaskin.com
4. The high-end, high-tech meat thermometer. The MeatStick 4X wireless meat thermometer offers a remarkable 650-foot range, allowing users to monitor their cooking from anywhere via smartphone. Its durable, waterproof, and dishwasher-safe design ensures it stands up to any culinary challenge while delivering precise results every time. From $124.99 at themeatstick.com
5. Catch these throws. Explore a world of textures with this exquisite collection of throw pillows from Vant Accent Pillows. From the sumptuous softness of microfiber and velvet to the cozy warmth of boucle and sophisticated touch of suede, each pillow in the collection is a statement piece. $54.99 each at vantpanels.com
6. Boost your deep sleep. Get the most rejuvenating sleep ever with this premium sleep mask that combines skin-protecting silk with the deep-sleep-boosting power of true 100% blackout. The Manta SILK Mask is the only anti-aging mask optimized for deep sleep. Made with lustrous and durable 22 momme silk that prevents wrinkles and refreshes skin cells. From $69 at mantasleep.com
7. Be Kind to your clothes, and the environment. Designed for the ecoconscious and the discerning, the Kind Laundry collection invites you to experience the premium, sustainable laundry revolution with their laundry detergent sheets. And their Laundry Stain Remover Bar can handle it all— grass, coffee, wine, or spaghetti sauce. kindlaundry.com
8. Plant the seeds of positivity. The Lessons from Pete the Pony series is designed to plant seeds of positivity in our youth at an early age to help stop the mental health crisis before it has the opportunity to grow. Spread strong values, confidence, and a positive outlook to children of all ages through the adventures of Pete and his friends in an educational yet fun and exciting way! Books from $9.99 at petethepony.com
9. Japanese art, Japanese artists. JAPONICA delivers the philosophy of kintsugi (the traditional Japanese pottery repair technique) in the form of wearable art. Rather than concealing flaws, this technique highlights them with gold. A symbol of resilience, their Kintsugi necklaces have been chosen as gifts for those who have gone through challenging times. From $55 at japonicajewelry.com
10. Live green. At work. Made from high-quality, eco-friendly wheat straw plastic materials, the Watex Stackable Desktop Garden Kit is not only stylish but also durable and long-lasting. The Stackable Desktop Garden is incredibly easy to set up and a great addition to any home. From $39 at watexgreenliving.com
11. Get conversations started. Whether you’re surrounded by new friends or loved ones, TableTopics’ thought provoking questions and intriguing quotes make it easy to spark new and rewarding conversations! From the Original Edition to Date Night to Best Things Ever, these engaging questions inspire the best kinds of conversation. From $25 at Rochester Barnes and Noble and tabletopics.com
12. Your year just got a lot bigger! The magic of the Big A## Calendar is you can see your ENTIRE YEAR on one page! This helps you better plan and track your goals. This 365-day, yearat-a-glance wall calendar is designed specifically for planning big goals and new adventures while staying on top of daily tasks. From $49 at jesseitzler.com
13. (Almost) too pretty to eat. With a focus on hand-painted, filled chocolates and other confections, Sweet Bean Candies creates the treats you love to look at, and love even more to eat. Their candies are hand-crafted, hand-painted in small batches with the finest ingredients. They’ve found the ‘sweet spot’ where art and confection collide. sweetbeancandies.com
14. The only wipes you’ll ever need. Experience the benefits of witch hazel in a convenient wipe format with Witch Hazel Wipes from Pharma C. This gentle astringent can be used on all skin types—including sensitive, oily and dry skin. If you’re looking to soothe dry skin, their Baby Oil Wipes are nourishing for the whole body and everybody in the family. pharma-c.com
15. Keep sharks at bay. Using patented magnetic technology, Sharkbanz overwhelm sharks’ electroreceptors causing a highly unpleasant sensation that turns sharks away. Sharkbanz is the magnetic shark repellent band for swimming, surfing, diving, snorkeling, and all ocean sports. From $128 at sharkbanz.com
16. The only lip balm you’ll ever need. Prepare to become obsessed with a one-of-a-kind lip balm! Grab Solterra Tribe’s Lip Bloom for your clean beauty essentials and let the goodness of its main ingredient— ghee—nourish and moisturize your lips. And with refillable, eco-friendly bamboo and aluminum tubes, they genuinely think of everything! From $18 at solterratribe.com
17. The ultimate gift for that spicy someone. Flatiron Pepper Co.’s Ultimate Gift Set is the perfect gift for that spicy someone who needs to upgrade their pepper flakes. For the true chile connoisseur, this deluxe set features a full-size bottle of all of their signature blends, including Four Pepper Blend, Hatch Valley Green, Dark & Smoky, and “I Can’t Feel My Face.” From $112.95 at flatironpepper.com
18. Comfy pets, happy homes. Your pets deserve the best, and Lesure Comfy Pet makes products with soft, pet-safe materials designed with pets and their humans in mind. From cat scratching posts to dog carriers to the Flower Beds, Lesure understands your pet (and you). lesurepet.com
19. Who’s a good dog (food company)? Treat them like the good dog they are! Made with organic chicken and nutrient-rich apples, and cooked over real wood smoke in USDA-approved kitchens, PetPlate’s healthy bites (like Chicken Apple Sausage Bites 4-Pack) are super fly. High in single-source protein and filler-free, they’re the perfect reward for giving paw, sitting pretty, or just for being them. From $65 petplate.com
20. Elevate your style. Emerson & Oliver’s DIA jewelry is the perfect gift for yourself and loved ones for seamless layering. Choose from stainless steel, sterling silver, gold, or rose gold and create a trendy look for all spring occasions. Mix and match bracelets, rings, and earrings for your fashion moment. DIAs are delicate, intricate, and soft. emersonandoliver.com
21. Natural bath care. Lavande takes a simple agricultural product, lavender, and transforms this commodity into multiple products for use by people of all ages and stages. These lavender bath salts pull the toxins out of your skin, leaving it silky smooth and relaxed. Made with coarse mineral sea salt and lavender essential oil from the Lavande Farm. From $22 at awarehouseshop.com
22. Pull. Start. Fire. Whether it’s in your back yard or on an outdoor adventure, Pull Start Fire is a product that gives you a cozy, outdoor fire in less than 5 seconds! Pull Start Fire requires no matches or lighters, is windproof and rainproof, and can even light on wet wood. All you do is pull the string! From $19 at pullstartfire.com
23. Get HandsOn for grooming. Add comfort and joy to grooming, bathing, and massaging your pets with HandsOn Gloves’ scrubbing nodules and hypoallergenic, bio-friendly components. Ideal for getting the ultimate shine for all hair types of horses, dogs, and cats. From $19.99 at handsongloves.com
24. Fresh ingredients, top treats. Crump’s Naturals slice fresh sweet potatoes and slow bake them ... for your dog. In addition to their terrific flavor, these vegan dog treats have the added benefit of being rich in vitamins, minerals, and beta-carotene. Made with just one ingredient. From $6.99 at amazon. com and crumpsnaturals.com 19 20
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25. Keep track, in style. Studio Tigress’ Perpetual Tracker Calendars track birthdays, anniversaries and other annual/monthly repeated events on a permanent calendar! Inspired by the Dutch traditional verjaardagskalendar (birthday calendar), art meets organization in these stylish designs that offer a quick glance of events that happen annually. From $58 at studiotigress.com
26. Eco-friendly, on-the-go essentials. Humangear makes eco-friendly, on-the-go essentials. From the GoToob (efficiently store shampoo, conditioner, and skincare) to the GoPouch (perfect for storing everything from snacks to personal care essentials) to the GoPee (an on-the-go, folding urination device for women), Humangear has got your gear. humangear.com
27. Heirloom quality outfits. Dress your little one up in an heirloom quality outfit for special occasions, from Feltman Brothers. Choose Feltman Brothers … because it’s the little things that make a big difference. ’Tis the season! Your little girl will look merry as can be in the cheerful little Snowman knit outfit, perfect for holiday season! From $81.95 at feltmanbrothers.com
28. It’s a jacket. For your legs. Mozy leaves stadium blankets out in the cold! Mozy is the perfect weatherproof layer for your legs that moves with you as you hop up to cheer at your kid’s game, hang out by the fire pit, or go for an evening stroll. Just wrap and go! $129 at getthemozy.com
29. Slow feeding. Reimagined. The SuperFeedy’s 4-in-1 slow feeder bowl is designed to promote healthier eating habits and provide mental stimulation while offering a practical solution for dog owners. With multifunctionality, durability, and convenience in mind, Super Feedy delivers an all-in-one solution that both dogs and their owners love. From $39.95 at superfeedy.com
30. A hot new cold brew. The Vinci Express2 Cold Brew Coffee Maker combines cutting-edge technology and user-friendly design for a superior brewing experience. Its fast brewing mechanism gives you flavorful cold brews in just minutes. This all-in-one coffee maker allows for brewing, serving, and storing coffee, eliminating the need for multiple containers. From $49.99 at vincihousewares.com
31. Where play and learning connect. The 48-piece Creative Roads Pack from Connetix features an exciting range of magnetic tile shapes, including arches, intersections, quarter circles, plus long and short ramps! With strong magnets and multiple connection points (including curved edges!) this pack invites you to discover endless play possibilities. From $149 at connetixtiles.com
32. They get a treat. You get them to brush. Chewmate’s Treatbrush was scientifically designed to make pet oral care easy, stimulating, and fun. Your dog brushes his own teeth all the way to the gum line, as your pup’s teeth penetrate the patented “Floss Slots.” Natural rubber bristles triple clean teeth, gums and tongue with every chew. From $17.95 at getchewmate.com
33. Head of the glass. Byrdeen’s handblown crystal glassware makes every event more beautiful. Choose from elegant wine glasses, champagne flutes, stemless glasses, and more inspired by the Costa Rican nature and landscape. All sets arrive in gorgeous gift-ready packaging, making the colorful glasses pop with style. Skilled glassmakers uniquely craft each hand-blown crystal glass. From $72 at byrdeen.com
34. Quality phone cases, with class. Mujjo has made a name for themselves by creating the world’s best leather iPhone cases. Each one is precisely crafted from full-grain leather, for a perfect fit that’s soft to the touch, yet incredibly durable. For people who believe in simplifying life, and appreciating the little things. From $59 at mujjo.com
35. The best broth, superior soups. Zoup offers recipes ranging from classic Chicken Noodle and Tomato Bisque to silky Butternut Squash with Brown Butter, all made with clean, high-quality ingredients like fresh herbs, antibiotic-free chicken, and hearty cuts of vegetables. No artificial ingredients, no preservatives, and no GMOs … just rich and comforting, familiar flavor. From $5.99 at zoupbroth.com
36. Experience intricate, handmade jewelry. At Nina Designs, their handmade Bali Silver is made piece by piece in a painstaking process that requires enormous skill and patience. Every little silver ball, every tiny filigree, and every delicate wire is made and applied by hand. Experience intricate jewelry from bracelets to brooches to ancient coin charms. ninadesigns.com
37. Oh, and you’ll want to race, too. Each Carrera FIRST slot car racing track set features a fun themed setting on a track built around their favorite TV show, movie, or video game characters. Your child will find staying on the track easy with the electronically regulated speed controllers allowing them to race nonstop in head-to-head action against their friends or siblings. Or you. From $39 at carrera-revell-toys.com
38. High-end, medical-grade skincare. Silkimed’s mission has always been to simplify and demystify high-end skincare, offering clean yet effective medicalgrade products that you can trust for your daily essentials. They do that with highquality items like their Hydrating Serum with Polypeptides and their Brightening Hydration Booster mask. silkimed.com
39. More than just a toy. A skill-builder. Open The Joy creates toys designed by therapists to raise a confident, resilient, and happy generation. Select the perfect activity kit to match a child’s needs. Nurture a life skill. And make kids kinder! Kids develop life skills through play kits like The Love And Forgiveness Box, The Kindness Box, and The Anger Management Box. From $24.99 at openthejoy.com
40. Endless candle designs. Foton Pearled Candle beads give you a lot of candle in one box! Pour Foton pearls into any suitable container to turn it into a candle. Get crafty with our generous stash of 30 premium candle wicks for candle making, ensuring your Foton pearled candle’s style always matches the season and your mood. fotoncandle.com
41. Cutting-edge skincare, natural ingredients. Discover the perfect balance of science and nature with FACTORFIVE Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser. Their advanced formula combines cuttingedge skincare technology with natural ingredients to provide a gentle yet effective cleansing experience for all skin types. Elevate your skincare routine with the power of science and the purity of nature. factorfiveskin.com
42. Custom tea, personalized by you. Dream Tea NYC Custom Tea Blend starts with USDA organic tea leaves and flavors sourced from all over the world, so you get the highest quality tea. Then, you create your own custom blend by selecting your options (including your tea tin’s color, an organic tea base, and up to three organic flavors). Not sure what tea fits you? Take their quiz. From $36 at dreamteanyc.com
43. Natural hair clay. Natural hold. Natural Hold Hair Clay from Slo is a natural petroleum-free hair clay formulation that uses plant based ingredients and provides a natural hold with a natural finish. Enjoy a modern, flexible alternative to styling gels. Perfect for all hair types, curly or straight, and even works on beards. Here’s to happy hair! From $14.99 at slonaturals.com
44. Damn, Man! Celebrate the holidays with 24 Days of Gourmet Nuts & Snacks Advent Calendar, from Damn, Man! This can’t-miss calendar features a new snack every day from Smokey BBQ Peanuts to Wasabi Green Peas, and more. This advent calendar offers both indulgent and nutritious snacks, from trail mixes to spicy soy sticks. From $59.95 at dmsnacks.com and amazon.com
45. Add some fizz to your life. Unlike traditional soda makers, the Drinkmate OmniFizz allows you to effortlessly carbonate any drink, from juice and iced tea to wine and cocktails, providing endless possibilities for sparkling refreshments. Bring the sparkle back to your favorite drinks. From $109 at amazon.com
46. The knife used by world-class chefs. In your kitchen. With its thin but sturdy fully polished blade, rounded spine and choil, recessed finger groove and double beveled edge, the STEELPORT Chef Knife is incredibly versatile and balanced. This knife is ideal for any cutting style such as slicing, rocking or pushcutting, making this the ideal blade for either collector or minimalist. From $350 at steelportknife.com
47. Get more than surface-level results. Unplain supports your skin’s health from the core. Their All-In-One solution includes The Pad (which gently exfoliates, strengthens your barrier, and balances your skin’s microbiome) and The Oil (which nourishes with its fermented complex, locking in hydration and restoring balance). From $55 at unplainofficial.com
48. Take your creativity to the next level. Wacom Intuos has been expertly designed for anyone who’s just getting started with digital creation. Whether you have a background in traditional art and want to try digital, or just need more precision and fluidity in your creative practice than a mouse or trackpad can provide, it’s the perfect tool to bring all of your best ideas to life. From $69 at wacom.com
Look for our giveaways on Facebook <<<<
49. A life-size board game! M&J Games are unique because they make YOU the game piece—so you have a chance to showcase your awesome personality. Their “What’s Next? A Life Sized Game” features interactive, team-focused gameplay that creates connections and unforgettable memories! From $39.99 at mj-games.com
50. Ford Mustang vs. Chevy Camaro. The Carrera GO!!! ‘Highway Chase’ set pits the Ford Mustang ‘67 - Racing Yellow’ against the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 ‘Sheriff’ with flashing lights for crazy car chase action. Race head-tohead with this high-speed Carrera GO!!! battery powered 1:43 scale slot car racing toy set featuring your favorite American made cars. From $49 carrera-revell-toys.com
51. Showroom model. No car is more closely linked with James Bond than the beautiful gadget-filled Aston Martin DB5 from “Goldfinger.” And you can get that in high-quality model form from Carrera. The innovative easyclick system allows for quick assembly without cement, and film-correct details include a removable roof section and rotating number plates. From $39 at carrera-revell-toys.com
52. Multiple skin concerns, one step. Iho Skin’s all-in-one bi-phase serum is formulated to tackle multiple skin concerns in one simple step. Once shaken to activate, The Solution allows you to experience the carefully selected blend of ingredients that will leave you with a complexion that is clear, hydrated, radiant, smooth, and moisturized. From $51 at ihoskin.com
53. A spa in a jar. Indulge your skin with Scrub Me Good Luxe Body Lotion, enriched with Minnesota-grown cold-pressed sunflower oil, providing rich antioxidants and vitamin E. Their Rosemary Mint Exfoliating Sugar Scrub uses locally sourced beet sugar and cold-pressed sunflower oil. This luxurious scrub doubles as an exfoliator and moisturizer, leaving your skin silky smooth. From $7 at scrubmegood.com
54. Transform your smile. The Lewie Whitening Wand transforms your smile with their dentist-developed formula, which is gentle on your teeth yet highly effective. It is designed to gently remove stains without abrasiveness, protecting your enamel. Perfect for touchups after meals, the wand is recyclable, making it a sustainable choice. mylewie.com
55. Small farm, big taste. Big Picture Farm’s award-winning caramels are made with farmstead goat’s milk and other local and organic ingredients. And they also offer chocolates, cheese, home accessories, apparel, and gifts from their ever-expanding Vermont farm store. bigpicturefarm.com
56. Hot sleeper? Cool sleep. Discover the award-winning Rest Evercool Cooling Comforter’s game-changing temperature-regulating technology and moisture-wicking fabric, designed to deliver a cool, dry, and rejuvenating sleep experience for hot sleepers. Indulge in the luxuriously soft and smooth feel of the premium fabric, designed to provide unmatched comfort and an opulent sleep experience. From $139 at rest.com
57. Light up your music. The iLive 18-inch Portable Soundbar is a must-have to turn your home into a party. The lightweight, portable design offers Bluetooth capability for wireless connection, color changing LED lights to really set the mood, 2 built-in 2” full range speakers, and more. Perfect for playing videos, music, games, movies, and more. From $59 at iliveelectronics.com
58. One cookbook, 80 culinary trailblazers. The Our American Dream Cookbook, authored by Jennifer Glanville Love, collects the recipes of 80 small food- and beverage- business owners throughout the U.S. They have filled these pages with over 100 recipes—from legendary lunches and enterprising mains to dynamic desserts and festive drinks—that are testimony to their daring, passion, and vision. From $30 at amazon.com or simonandschuster.com
59. Your kid’s likeness, your kid’s gift bag. Delight your children this holiday season with large customizable Santa sacks, perfect for holding all of their gifts on Christmas morning! These spacious, personalized Santa bags from Petit Paradis Kids help keep presents organized to create a special place under the tree for each child’s gifts. And they look like your child! $65 at petitparadiskids.com
60. Revitalize your skin (and soothe your lips). Joy Beauty’s soothing lip oil is enriched with a trio of plant oils to nourish, comfort, and visibly plump the look of lips with a protective shield of high-shining color. Their My Joy oil is a facial vegan oil, high in critical antioxidants ($52) for ALL skin types. myjoybeauty.com
61. For jetsetters and plant lovers (and plant killers!). Cowbell—the classiest and cleverest self-watering plant device on the market—lets plants drink on their own for more than 2 weeks. Works for indoor and outdoor container plants. No overwatering, no root rot, no water waste. Made from beautiful eco-luxury materials. And, its inventor is Century High School grad Jeanna Liu (she’s the founder of Cowbell Plant Co.). You’ll be saying “More Cowbell!” From $49 at cowbellplant.com
62. Bread storage, naturally. The Keeki bag—a beeswax lined linen bag—is a natural way to store your bread. The 11”x14” bag is large enough to comfortably fit a 1000g boule of bread. With the wide opening and closing drawstring, it is easier to use than a flat beeswax wrap. It allows the bread to breathe unlike a plastic bag. From $25 at keeki.com
63. That’s Some Honey! Wisconsinbased Some Honey specializes in Grade A honey that’s good for you and even better for your taste buds. Raw honey provides antioxidants, several vitamins and minerals, and phytonutrients from the pollen and retains all of its natural health benefits. In flavors from Cranberry to Orange to Clover to Mesquite. From $9.99 at somehoney.com
64. Lipstick to match your mood. Luk Beautifood’s award-winning Lip Nourish Trio brings the magic with a touch of shimmer or light frosting with three gentle neutral pinks and champagne shades of their best selling balmy natural lipstick. Ready to gift, each trio comes thoughtfully packaged with bespoke artwork and keepsake white box with gold foil. From $59 at lukbeautifood.com
65. Gourmet treats. For your dog. Nature’s Animals Gourmet Select Organic Mini Bones are bite-sized biscuits that feature delectable flavors and crunchy textures your dog will love. Oven baked for old-fashioned goodness and made with some of nature’s most nutritious ingredients, they are the perfect complement to your dogs’ healthy diet but with a taste dogs can’t resist. $8.49 at naturesanimals.com
66. Your pet’s portrait. On mugs and more. Crown & Paw, the internet viral brand, creates one-of-a-kind custom pet portraits (of dogs, cats, birds, and more) onto whatever you want (prints, mugs, phone cases, sweaters, and more). Modern Pet portraits start at $49.95 at crownandpaw.com
67. (Napkin) Ring in the season. Clochel’s exclusive Napkin Rings are crafted from highquality stainless steel with a smooth polished finish and features their brand’s signature laser engraving, ensuring a unique and refined touch. These versatile napkin rings bring both sophistication and creativity to any table setting, perfect for those looking to elevate their holiday gatherings. From $32.99 at amazon.com
68. The must-have for new parents. Kahlmi is the world’s first baby massager that soothes infants and improves baby’s sleep. A 2022 JPMA Innovation Awards finalist, this revolutionary baby massager helps improve digestion, lessen fussiness, strengthen immunity, promote body awareness, and more. Baby massage helps build baby’s brains, increases growth, and improves sleep naturally! From $119 at kahlmi.com
69. More than just an ice tray. The Icebreaker Nordic Pop2.0 is a groundbreaking ice tray system, redefining ice-making and serving. Craft hygienic ice effortlessly without ever touching it. Their patented container freezes in any orientation, utilizing every small freezer space, and taking no odor from the freezer. With a spill-proof design, enjoy mess-free ice-making. From $19.99 at icebreakernordic.com
70. A guidebook for new parents. An ideal cribside companion and baby shower gift, 101 Baby Hacks is an easy-to-follow guide to baby massage, acupressure, and other modern tricks that can help new parents gain confidence and alleviate their baby’s discomfort. 101 Baby Hacks has the easy, natural, and quick baby solution for almost any baby issue. From $21.95 at kahlmi. com/products/101-baby-hacks
71. Buckle up your bouquet. Delivering flowers without a vase can be a hassle for the holiday host. GoGo Flower helps keep flowers happy, hydrated, and secure—on the go. They’re instantly giftable, super transportable and packed with flowerboosting benefits. From $3.99 at gogoflower.co
72. Embrace the mystery of Absinthe. Born from the historic distilleries of Provence, Absente Absinthe carries the torch of authenticity lit by the artisans of yore. Every bottle of Absente is crafted using traditional wormwood, anise, and a secret blend of botanicals that conjure bold and intricate flavor of this uniquely Bohemian spirit. From $69 at Total Wine totalwine.com
73. Give the gift of local insight. In addition to its ever-updating website (and 4,000-plus loc al stories every year), the Post Bulletin publishes its E-edition (an online, flip-through version that looks like the actual newspaper) 7 DAYS PER WEEK! And your subscription to the PB includes free access to 20 publications across the Upper Midwest. Get HALF OFF a subscription through Dec. 23 at postbulletin.com/subscribe
ROCHESTER RETRO
(ONE IMAGE, ONE MOMENT IN THE CITY’S HISTORY)
When Danny Kaye Flew Himself to Mayo
Danny Kaye—the actor/ comedian/singer/dancer probably best known for starring in 1947’s “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” and 1954’s “White Christmas”— was also an accomplished pilot and medical buff.
And those last two traits came into play in December of 1963, when Kaye was piloting his own plane from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C.
While flying over Kansas, Kaye, according to the Dec. 13, 1962 story in the Washington Post, “felt a pain in his side, correctly diagnosed it as appendicitis, and changed his course for Rochester, Minn.”
Kaye landed at the Rochester airport and was immediately taken to Mayo Clinic, where he was successfully operated on that night.
A regular visitor to the Clinic, Kaye reportedly kept to himself and avoided autograph seekers, according to archived PB interviews with former Kahler President Roy Watson.
“He hung up on me,” former Post Bulletin Reporter Ken McCracken recalled in a 1992 interview. “But I also heard from people at the clinic that he serenaded children in the hospital.’’
source: Post Bulletin
Danny Kaye sits in the cockpit of his Piper Aircraft in 1960. Library of Congress.
MARKETPLACE a selection of shops & services
SPECIALTY STORES
Galleria.
111 Broadway S. Shoppers will find a range of unique gift items, home decor, housewares, men’s apparel, games, and fashions for all ages. Clothing stores include: Hers, Poppi, Counterpoint, The Nordic Shop, and others. Gift items and housewares can be found at The Nordic Shop, Counterpoint Home, and Games by James.
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 fresh- cut 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.
Tyrol Ski & Sports. 1923 Second St SW. Selling quality outdoor gear since 1965. Featuring ski and snowboard equipment, snowshoes, winter clothing and footwear. Online at tyrolskishop.com.
Winter Hours: Mon & Thurs 10-8, Tues, Wed, Friday 10-6; Sat 9:305:30; Sun 11-5. 507-288-1683.
DELI & SANDWICH SHOPS
Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches. The Kahler Inn & Suites, 9 Third Ave. NW; Marketplace Mall, 2986 41st St NW; Crossroads Plaza, 90 14th St SW. Jimmy John’s is unlike any sub shop in the industry; no games or gimmicks, just oldfashioned, homemade sandwiches made from fresh-baked bread, allnatural meats and vegetables that are sliced daily. Downtown hours: 10:30-8; 507-289-9900. NW hours: 10:30-10; 507-424-0100. SW hours: 10:30-10; 507-424-2000. Catering and delivery available. Order online at jimmyjohns.com. V, M, D, and AE accepted.
ENTERTAINMENT
Rochester Civic Theatre. 20 Civic Center Dr SE. Just off Broadway in downtown Rochester, the Civic Theatre delivers a year-round slate of musical, drama, comedy, and young people’s theater productions. For a schedule of events, go to rochestercivictheatre.org, or call the box office at 507-282-8481.
Treasure Island. Just minutes north of Red Wing. Whether you’re looking for great food and drink, big cash drawings, a new car or free weekend entertainment—odds are you’ll find it at The Island. For more information call 800-222-7077. treasureislandcasino.com. The Island is calling! (See ad page 5)
BANKING
Mayo Employees Federal Credit Union.
We are dedicated to helping members achieve their financial goals. 100% financing to qualified borrowers, first-time home buyer programs, fixed rate conventional mortgages, FHA and VA financing, competitive rates and fair fees, up to 100% home equity financing, residential loan program. Apply at mayocreditunion.org. 507-535-1460. (See ad page 25)
Eagle Rock Bank. Formerly ONB Bank. Where community banking means more than a new account; we build relationships! Offering a wide variety of banking products for both your personal and business needs. Two convenient locations with experienced bankers to assist you with your financial journey. Call us today at 507-280-0621! www.eaglerock.bank. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. (See ad page 18, 55)
WHERE TO WORSHIP
First Presbyterian Church.
512 Third St SW. Sunday Worship: 8:30 a.m. Fellowship, 9-10 a.m. Christian Education, 10:15 a.m. worship. First Presbyterian Church is an inclusive community celebrating God with Energy, Intelligence, Imagination, and Love. Call 507-282-1618 or e-mail office@fpcrochester.org for information. May the Peace of Christ be with you!
Grace Lutheran Church. LCMS 800 East Silver Lake Dr NE. Worship services: Wednesday 6 p.m.; Saturday 6 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m. Sunday School and Bible Class 10:30 a.m. “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith...” Eph.2:8 NIV. We welcome you by God’s grace, will help you grow with God’s love, and prepare you to do His work. In addition to many mission projects in Rochester, Grace supports Lutheran Hour Ministries and is a member of Rochester Central Lutheran School Association. 507-289-7833, gracebythelake.org. Email: office@gracebythelake.org.
Redeemer Lutheran Church. 869 7th Ave SE. Saturday: Worship 5:30 p.m. Sunday: Worship 8 and 10:40 a.m. Sunday School & Education Hour: 9:20 a.m. Welcome to Redeemer Lutheran Church where you’ll find a small neighborhood church atmosphere of friendship and fellowship. Our members are dedicated to doing the Lord’s work. Our mission and purpose at Redeemer are to glorify God through the gifts of the Holy Spirit and to provide opportunities for spiritual growth. 507-289-5147, redeemer-rochester.com. Email: office@redeemer-rochester.com.
BY STEVE LANGE
10 (or so) questions with ... Larry Peterson, MD.
Retired psychiatrist, former Olmsted Medical director (1999-02), artist
Rochester Magazine: I read an advice article from you that said, “Sarcasm has no place in a relationship.”
Larry Peterson: There’s a famous interaction that my wife and I had years ago, where I told her I was given the gift of sarcasm. And she said, “Well, then go and bury it. Get rid of it.” Seriously, sarcasm doesn’t work in a relationship.
RM: Oh? Really? So I guess sarcasm NEVER works in ANY relationship.
LP: No.
RM: I was being sarcastic.
LP: Yes. Right. It did sound like a Monty Python skit there.
RM: So after 40 years of—and this is your quote—pursuing the art of medicine, you decided “to simplify and just pursue art.”
LP: As long as I can remember, I drew things. My dad would bring home papers from work and I’d draw on the blank backsides. It was therapy during medical school. I would draw my professors, my friends, and stuff like that. But it got very much pushed to the background during most of my medical practice. One of the goals of retiring was I thought, “OK. I can get more serious about this.” So that’s what I did.
RM: You’ve said you know several tomten personally.
LP: I don’t know where this started, but it’s part of my Scandinavian heritage. Tomten were part of every Christmas decoration when I grew up. They are figures that a lot of people call elves. Norway, they’re nisse. In Scandinavia, they’re tomten. They live on the farm. They watch over the animals. They have a lovehate relationship with a farmer. And that’s the tradition. I started drawing these and making them. Of all the
stuff that I do at the [SEMVA] gallery, I probably have sold more drawings of tomten than anything.
RM: I have seen your stuff at SEMVA. Very cool portraits.
LP: Faces and expressions have always intrigued me. As a psychiatrist, the ability to read faces, eyes in particular, was an essential part of my practice. The same applies to portraiture. Very recently someone bought one of my pictures of Abraham Lincoln, in part because “his eyes kept following me.”
RM: You’re quoted as saying, “I’m a really big fan of getting together with family, because you really reprioritize.” Are you ever at a family event and question your above advice?
LP: My family, we get along very well. But I’m always telling myself to shut up. I had this view of retirement that my grandchildren would all sit around and want to hear my pearls of wisdom. And they don’t, so. ... But I get along great with them.
RM: Tell me about your family.
LP: My wife Dorothy and I
have three sons: Jonathan, a 1990 graduate of Aquinas High School in LaCrosse; Christopher, a 1993 graduate of John Marshal; and Erik, a 1999 graduate of Mayo.
RM: You were in the psychiatry field for 40-plus years. Wow.
LP: It was really enjoyable. Number one, I can honestly say I liked most of the people I saw. And I saw everything. I saw kids and adolescents. I did everything from marriage counseling to treating people who were psychotic. I was a consultant at the state hospital for the criminally insane. I’ve done work out at the Federal Medical Center. But you still get rug burns on your chin. How much does your jaw drop? Nobody can tell me anything new, right? And then somebody says something and your jaw drops to the carpet.
RM: Are you constantly psychoanalyzing people? Right now, are you like, “Man, this guy’s got a bunch of issues that we should probably talk about?
LP: No, no. I don’t. I tell people, “I don’t work if the meter’s not running.” And I one time thought about getting a parking meter in my office.
RM: We’ve all got issues, though, right? I mean, we just probably mask them or self-medicate in different ways.
LP: Yeah. A friend of mine [and fellow psychiatrist] once said along that, “Mental health is like dental health. We all have some cavities.” There was also a little quote that a patient once told me. We were talking about how the unexamined life is not worth living. And he looked at me and said “the unlived life is not worth examining.” Some people can engage in so much navel gazing that they don’t live life.
RM: Well, I’ve never been accused of too much self-reflection.
LP: Sometimes you just have to walk away from it.
RM: Most embarrassing hobby?
LP: One that embarrasses my family is that I’m a rock collector. I find rocks all over the place.
RM: Do you have some big stash of them somewhere?
LP: Oh, yeah. I’ve got a lot of rocks.
RM: What’s a lot of rocks?
LP: A lot of rocks is hundreds of pounds of rocks. If you tell people that you have a black light in your basement to look at rocks, they generally leave the house.
RM: I had better stop you there, We probably don’t want to get too deep into this.
LP: That’s probably a good idea. I’ve probably said too much.
RM: Hey. Can you draw yourself for the photo we use at the top of this page? Can you do a caricature or portrait of yourself or do you have one?
