WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP CIRCLE

Leadership Circle WOMEN’S

COLLECTING AND PRESERVING THE STORIES OF LOCAL WOMEN

BY ERIN PAGEL

AT TIMES, WOMEN OF HISTORY CAN BE OBSCURED OR HIDDEN. Their lives, their work, their art and their stories can be overshadowed by spotlights focused elsewhere or the ongoing passage of time. In the spirit of Women’s History Month, we look to a group of Rochester women who are telling the stories of local women and illuminating the extraordinary accomplishments of women in our communities.

WOMEN’S HISTORY CIRCLE Women’s History Circle is a young organization associated with the History Center of Olmsted County. The group is dedicated to assuring that contributions of women are honored and shared, so current and future generations can learn and be inspired. Women’s History Circle encourages the collection and preservation of stories and organizes programs and exhibits to celebrate women. Coralee Grebe is a volunteer with the History Center of Olmsted County working as the facilitator for Women’s History Circle. Grebe says the organization is “committed to telling the untold stories of women and their historical contributions and documenting the women of today, who are the history of tomorrow.” Planning team member Barb Milburn echoes this sentiment, calling Women’s History Circle a “group of wise women who are excited to share their knowledge of the roles women have played, and continue to play, in the life of Olmsted County.”

Part of the mission of Women’s History Circle is to preserve history both near and far in time and across background and race. In pursuit of this goal, the group is collaborating with Diversity Council and other local organizations to connect with those interested in history from all walks of life and hear as many perspectives and stories as possible. Women’s History Circle is also working to connect with local youth, like Girl Scouts, to encourage young students to better understand the role of women in history.

SPEAKERS AND EVENTS Women’s History Circle organizes monthly opportunities for area residents to learn about how women impact local history. Previous circles have celebrated art and stories and facilitated experiences, like rug making. The group has organized discussion including opportunities in sports, involvement in medicine, women in the skilled trades and the art of holiday foods. Women’s History Circle events sometimes offer a food component in the form of old family recipes and food tasting. “We’re as much about eating as we are about meeting,” laughs Grebe.

Sharing old family recipes helps preserve history.

Women’s History Circle events have also included conversations with a local historical novel author, the Minnesota League of Women Voters, various artists and several “first” women (including the first Rochester woman mayor, Kim Norton, and the first woman judge in rural Minnesota, Ancy Morse). “Not only do we have many still living ‘firsts’ for women in our community, but also a rich social and economic history in which women were significant participants,” highlights planning committee member Amy Caucutt. Prudy Knaak, another planning committee member, adds about the monthly events, “The learning that has come as a result of the programs, the value of learning what has been and what can be accomplished, the positivity of hearing the stories of women, the opportunity to talk with like-minded people and the value of being

open to new ideas and new people—the events have had such a great impact on those who attend because it challenges us to look deeper into women's accomplishments.” All interested are welcome and encouraged to attend the monthly events.

CELEBRATING SUFFRAGE THIS YEAR There is no question that the list of women’s contributions to the world we live in is far-reaching. One in particular—the woman suffrage movement—is enjoying well-deserved attention in 2020. Obtaining the right to vote has been called the most significant achievement of women in the progressive era. Across the country, celebrations of the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment are in full swing. Women’s History Circle and Rochester are in on the celebration through much of 2020. The History Center of Olmsted County’s Suffrage Centennial exhibit will kick off in May and run for much of the year, bringing alive the story of Rochester’s suffragettes.

THE POWER OF STORIES Much of what we know about our past is carried on by stories shared between people and generations. Grebe says “I just love stories—the personal perspectives, depth and multiplicity—even if it’s a story of an event I’ve already heard. If you hear it from a new point of view, a new perspective, it can be mind-blowing.” She explains that stories are an essential part of our history, regardless of the form in which they come. The more perspectives we have, the better we can understand.

Grebe shares that through stories, we learn about those surrounding the more famous aspects of history, like women who held the home front while men were at war, women who nursed broken soldiers and women who fought for the right to vote.

Jewelry Making Classes VESTERHEIM FOLK ART SCHOOL

Make it, then wear it!

Vesterheim The National Norwegian-American Museum & Heritage Center

A few excellent resources on exploring and preserving women’s history can be found on our website, rwmagazine.com.

Grebe encourages you to think about your own family history. Have you preserved it? “With today’s technology, whose story can’t we tell?” says Grebe. Consider a video or audio recording to simply gather the information. It could be useful beyond your family, as well. Personal family stories can be shared beyond family members and may inform local researchers, historians and beyond.

Check out Women’s History Circle at the History Center of Olmsted County on the first Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. All are invited to learn a bit of history, challenge a few assumptions and consider women’s impacts on our past, present and future. ◆

Find a full schedule and register online at vesterheim.org

Viking “Knit” Chain Bracelet - April 4 Pierced Celtic Knot Pendant - April 5 Carved Wooden Bracelets - April 18 & 25 Birch Bark Necklace - May 2

GATHERED BY ROSEI SKIPPER

MARCH 5 J-Sarah Burger Stearns and Nellie Francis: The Struggle for Women's Suffrage in Minnesota, History Center of Olmsted County, Dr. Bill Green, scholar of Civil Rights and Minnesota history, discusses two Minnesota women, one white and one black, who fought for the right to vote, 7-8:30 p.m.

6Uptown X // General B and the Wiz + Ali and the Scoundrels, Thesis Beer Project, Enjoy some fresh funky music at this free show, 7 p.m.

6“Let the Crows Come," Ashwini Ramaswamy and Ragamala Dance Company, St. Mane Theatre in Lanesboro, 7:30-9 p.m.

7Riverside Concerts World Music Series Presents Tuvan Throat Singers Alash, Rochester Civic Theatre, 7:30-9:30 p.m.

7Brew-Beard-Bulls#it 2020, Little Thistle Brewery, Music, beard and mustache competition, and plenty of food and drinks, 8-11 p.m.

11 Ruth Moody, Chatfield Center of the Arts, Internationally-renowned bluegrass singer with a soulful heart, 7:30-10 p.m.

14 In Plain Sight, Rochester Art Center, Opening reception featuring the work of seven Somali artists based in Minnesota, 5-7 p.m. Exhibit runs until July 11.

15 A Night in Monte Carlo, Mayo Civic Center, Annual fundraiser benefiting Legal Assistance of Olmsted County with gaming tables, live jazz band, auction, a wall of wine, cash bar and plated dinner, 5:30-10 p.m.

21-22 Rochester Woodcarvers 44th Annual Free Show, Graham Park, featuring carvings, turnings, tools, patterns and other wood arts, 10 a.m to 4 p.m.

21 The Rochester Thaw, Castle Community, a full day of music and fun for the entire family, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

21 The Rochester Thaw After Party, Bleu Duck Kitchen, featuring The Shackletons, 10:30 p.m

22 Taste of the Town, Rochester Event Center, enjoy local cuisine at this annual benefit for the Salvation Army. 5-8 p.m.

26 Ladies Night Out, Downtown Rochester, a special night of shopping, drinks, deals and more, hosted by local downtown businesses. 5-9 p.m.

27 My Town My Music Presents: Lissie with Jillian Rae, The Castle, internationally-acclaimed indie folk singer/songwriter with local opener, 7-11 p.m.

27-29 Driftless Dance Festival, Page Theatre in Winona, a weekend of performances by national, regional, and local dancers, as well as artist talks, master classes and workshops.

APRIL 1 Loud Mouth Brass Residency, Thesis Beer Project, ernjoy brass music and a different guest opener while you sip local brews, every Wednesday from 6-9 p.m. O NGO ING

4Bloom: An Event for New and Expecting Moms, Rochester Art Center, an afternoon of learning, support, educational resources, treats & beverages, photo booth, giveaways and swag, shopping and connecting moms and families with relevant local resources, 1-4 p.m.

4The 2020 Assistive Tech Challenge, Rochester Civic Theatre, watch teams develop and pitch real-world solutions to the challenges of living with a disability, call for times.

9Studs, Struts and Stilettos, Mayo Civic Center, a construction fashion

Tom Hexum 507-254-2064 | Ron Schultz 507-254-3541 thehexumcompanies.com

DECO DING THE DRIFTL ESS

exposé designed to showcase the creativity and resourcefulness of our community while raising funds for Two Rivers Habitat for Humanity, 7-10 p.m.

13 The Practice of Journaling: Opening the Door to Unconditional Acceptance, Assisi Heights, using writing prompts, freewriting exercises and optional sharing, this workshop will help participants expand their awareness and creativity, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

16-26 The Laramie Project by Absolute Theatre, The Castle, this true story chronicles the reaction of a community the year after Matthew Shepard’s murder.

17-24 Rochester International Film Festival, Marcus Rochester Cinema + IMAX, a full week of critically-acclaimed films from around the world.

18 Rochester Record Store, Little Thistle Brewing, The Collective Record Store and other local businesses, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

19 Bleu Duck Sunday School: Knife Skills, Bleu Duck Kitchen, get more comfortable using and caring for your culinary knives, 1-3 p.m.

19 Taizé Prayer Service, Assisi Heights, Taizé Prayer is a repetitive prayer set to simple music, interspersed with meditation, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

25 Decoding the Driftless, Assisi Heights, a film celebrating and showcasing the beauty of the Driftless Region, 10-11:30 a.m.

25 Taste of Nations Community Festival, Austin Packer Arena in Austin, MN, food, dancing and cultural activities from around the world, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

29 Home Free: Dive Bar Saints, Mayo Civic Center, four vocalists perform rich Southern harmonies, 7:30 pm.

30 100 Mile Garage Sale, Lake Pepin river towns, residents and stores clean out their attics, garages

and basements to create a spectacular garage sale. RUNS THRO UGH M AY 3

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125 Live ............................................................... 19 Allegro School of Dance & Music ..........................6 Altra Federal Credit Union .....................................4 Art on the Go ....................................................... 38

Bicycle Sports...................................................... 23

Blades to Ballet......................................................6 Bounce World ...................................................... 14 Camp Victory....................................................... 17 Carpet One ......................................................... 28

Commonweal Theatre.......................................... 40

Creative Hardwood Floors, Inc. ........................... 31 Degeus ................................................................ 31 Dentistry for Children & Adolescents, Ltd............ 21 Dunlap & Seegar, P.A.......................................... 16

Echelon Wealth Partners........................................3

Energyworks........................................................ 12 Essence Skin Clinic ............................................. 48 Family Hair Styling ............................................... 38 Foresight Bank.......................................................9

Garden of Massage............................................. 12

Hair Studio 52........................................................9 Hexum Companies - Calendar Sponsor .............. 44 History Center of Olmsted County ....................... 43 Home Federal ...................................................... 17

Lacina Siding & Windows, Inc. ............................ 35

Luya ......................................................................6 Mayo Employees Federal Credit Union................ 19 Melissa Adams-Goihl, Keller Williams.................. 17 Nicole Mills Photography..................................... 38

North Mr. Pizza .................................................... 21

North Risk Partners.............................................. 31 Olmsted County Your Voice Counts..................... 40 Olmsted Medical Center........................................2 Olmsted Medical Center Plastic Surgery............. 40

On Trend.............................................................. 38

PI-CO Coworking ................................................. 38 Polish Fest ........................................................... 14 R.J. Manemann Custom Homes and Remodeling ....................................................6

Rochester Area Builders

Spring Showcase of Homes................................. 35 Rochester Area Builders Studs, Struts & Stilettos........................................ 47 Rochester Greeters.............................................. 14

Rochester International Airport ..............................3

Sargents .............................................................. 31 Trailhead Grill and Lanes..................................... 38 Vesterheim Folk Art School.................................. 43 Vitality Chiropractic.............................................. 23

AROUND THE TOWN

UNIQUE PRODUCTS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES

BY ELIZABETH HARRIS

Weighted Blanket Ashley’s Hallmark

Weighted blankets have become very popular for people of all ages. They are known to help reduce stress and anxiety by mimicking the feeling of a cozy embrace. This supposedly increases serotonin production, creating a sense of calm and promoting a better night’s rest. Ashely’s Hallmark, on the north side of Rochester, carries a 10-pound weighted throw by Northpoint Trading. This cozy blanket, which measures roughly 4 feet by 5 feet, is soft and fuzzy to the touch and is filled with small glass beads that apply even weight across the body's pressure points, which helps the user to feel more relaxed.

The Bramble – Bar Buffalo

The Bramble at Bar Buffalo on Historic Third Street is a tasty way to introduce gin to your palate. It’s a take on the Whiskey Smash and tastes as good as it looks. Ingredients include gin (usually Tanqueray), sugar, water and lemon, and it is topped with raspberry liqueur. Mixed with crushed ice and garnished with lemon zest and a blackberry, it’s a delightful thirst quencher. Bar Buffalo has over 80 types of gin and a full menu with a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan options.

Metal Prints and Hand-Painted Scarves SEMVA Art Gallery

SEMVA Art Gallery, located on South Broadway, is the home of the artwork of 72 local artists. It’s somewhere you could spend hours admiring the work of this area’s most talented creatives. Photographer Larry Ricker creates stunning photographs that could be mistaken for a window right into the wilderness. Many of his pieces are printed on metal, giving them an extremely vivid and eye-popping look. Dr. Monika L. Glovivzki creates not only beautiful paintings, but also wearable art. Her spectacular hand-painted silk scarves are the perfect accessory to any outfit. SEMVA should be on every Rochester resident’s must-visit list.

Hypervolt Massage Gun – TerraLoco

Increase blood flow, improve mobility and relieve sore muscles—the Hypervolt massage gun is known to do all these things. Hypervolt has five interchangeable heads and three different intensity settings. This tool is a great investment piece, and many people use the Hypervolt in place of in-person massages. It is even becoming increasingly popular in the world of physical therapy. Many athletes use the device to aid with workout recovery, but it can be and is used by people of all athletic abilities. TerraLoco in south Rochester is where this deep tissue percussion massager can be found.

MJ Rose Bag Luya Shoes and Other Fine Things

Luya is located in Zumbrota and is a one-stop shop for all types of women’s footwear and accessories. One of the many great finds is the MJ Rose Bag. Ideal for all types of travel, this bag has a removable canvas liner. When the liner is removed, the bag lays completely flat, making it perfectly packable. This bag comes in four different colors.

SoapRocks – KD Fine Jewelers

SoapRocks are made in Oneota, a small New York town. Here in Rochester they can be found at KD Fine Jewelers on North Broadway. One of the best ways to describe these bars of soap is functional art. Over 180 steps go into making each handcrafted gem. SoapRocks contain all organic ingredients and are completely cruelty free. The glycerin-based and vitamin-packed ingredients are gentle, natural and perfectly moisturizing for all skin types. While they look beautiful next to bathroom and kitchen sinks, many users say they also work great as shaving cream, volumizing shampoo and a gentle make-up remover. Each soap is completely unique and is made to replicate various stones like opal, amethyst, tiger’s eye and many more.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2020 Mayo Civic Center Auditorium . Doors open at 7 PM

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