August/September 2019 issue of Live it! Magazine

Live it!

A LOOK INTO

THE WORLD

OF AUTISM

A NEW PERSPECTIVE

ON PRESERVES

LOOKING GOOD

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019 / FREE ISSUE

HAS A WHOLE NEW MEANING

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MAGAZINE

Can’t Live without it!

A publication of the West Central Tribune

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Sharon Bomstad

Magazine Editor To contact Live it! call 320-235-1150 or email liveit@wctrib.com

Writers & Photography Carolyn Lange Erica Dischino Anne Polta Lu Fransen

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Opportunities...

“Seize the day.”

“Don’t put off ’til tomorrow what you can do today.”

Both familiar song lyrics, the first by Avenged Sevenfold and the second by Bill Monroe.

These lines, and many other similar clichés, can sometimes nag at us to do exactly that. Seize the day. Don’t put off ’til tomorrow …

I feel that is exactly what my husband and I did this summer as we just recently returned from what, for us, was a trip of a lifetime. We cruised the inside passage of Alaska, enjoying the mountain and glacier landscapes, before embarking on another week exploring the vast wilderness of “The Last Frontier.”

It was something we had talked about for years, but it just hadn’t worked out for some reason or another.

We finally seized the day and took a leap of faith that it would all work out.

It was truly an amazing trip with breathtaking scenery, many new and exciting experiences and the opportunity to make new memories and new friends along the way.

In today’s cover story, Carolyn introduces us to two amazing women who also seized the day. Took advantage of what they saw as an opportunity. They too took a leap of faith.

Sallie and Jill saw an opportunity to open an autism learning center in Willmar.

And what a remarkable journey it has been – a successful journey that in turn has helped many other families faced with similar situations.

We are so thankful they were willing to share their story with Live it! Magazine.

Anne, our resident foodie, talks preserves, but not your typical jellies and jams. She takes us on another path sharing new opportunities to explore new tastes.

Amy talks boosting our immune system and feeling better, while in our style section we explore how to look good while working out to – look good.

All that and much more in this issue of Live it! Magazine.

If you have a topic you’d like to see in Live it!, send your story ideas to liveit@ wctrib.com. We love to hear from our readers. You can also “like” us on Facebook and leave comments there.

Life in west central Minnesota … it really is a beautiful thing …

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Watch for our next issue out October 4, 2019.

May we publish your letter?

Sharon Bomstad Live it! Editor

General interest: It’s always fun to see what the cover story is and learn about our community from your magazine.

There are many times that I didn’t know anything about the subject you are covering and you do it with a positive spin which is refreshing from all the negativity in the news today.

Thanks for the bright spot you shine on our community!

- Jeni Ritz, Willmar, via email

Editor’s note: We love to hear from our readers.

“Like” us on Facebook, or email us at liveit@wctrib.com. Watch for our next issue due out October 4, 2019.

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August 2019, Volume 8, Issue 4

WHAT’S INSIDE FEATURING

6

6 Taking a leap of faith 10 Deficits in social interaction 14

Make sure loved one is cared for

20 A new look at preserves

DEPARTMENTS

12

3 READER’S MAILBAG Tell us what you think 10 Q&A A resource on autism 12 DIY Creating a sensory path 13 Health & Fitness: Change of seasons 14 MONEY MATTERS Special needs trust

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15 READ IT! Library not just for books 16 LIFE HAPPENS Value yourself first 17 STYLE IT! Look good while working out 18 SPIRITS Fascination with birds 20 PRESERVE IT! The road less traveled 22 WHAT’S HAPPENING? Plan ahead

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NOLAN’S PLACE 6

Magazine

HELPING CHILDREN GET THE SERVICES THEY NEED

By Carolyn Lange clange@wctrib.com Photography by Erica Dischino edischino@wctrib.com

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W

hen Owen Essendrup was 18 months old, he was a typical little boy meeting all the major milestones.

He was saying words like puppy and cat and mom and dad.

But his mother, Anya Essendrup of Cosmos, said that changed shortly after his second birthday when he stopped talking.

Totally stopped talking.

“It was literally overnight,” Anya said. “I put him to bed on a Tuesday and he was talking and he woke up Wednesday and he said nothing.”

Owen is now 3½ years old. He was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder about a year ago.

“Owen is awesome,” said Anya. “He’s not verbal but he’s awesome.”

The same can be said about 4-year-old Brody Hinderks.

Jackie Hinderks of Renville said her son is a happy, smart, energetic little boy with a contagious laugh. He makes lots of sounds – but does not say a word.

“He’s the noisiest, most talkative little boy for not being able to say anything,” said Jackie, who first had concerns about Brody’s development when he was 18 months old. He was diagnosed with autism when he was 2.

Preschool for autistic children

Owen and Brody are part of a group of seven children who currently attend a full-time preschool center in Willmar specifically designed for young children with autism.

Called Nolan’s Place LLC, the center – which is for children 3 to 7 years of age – is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., five days a week, all year long.

It opened at the end of June 2018 in the Skylark Center with the goal of mimicking a school but focusing on social and everyday skills rather than academics.

Nolan’s Place is named after its first client, 6-year-old Jackie Hinderks and Brody, 4 Nolan Graves, a bubbly little boy who “loves to love people” but has difficulty expressing it, said his mother, Sallie Graves.

Sallie said Nolan – like Owen – was developing on schedule and was saying typical, simple words until shortly after his second birthday. That’s when changes started to happen.

“It was like a slow regression of Nolan fading into a world of autism,” said Sallie.

Videos of Nolan as a young toddler document how he “slowly slipped into a fog,” she said.

No place to go

When Nolan was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in October 2017, Sallie frantically began looking for a center that could provide therapy beyond the limited in-home services offered by local schools and county family service departments.

She filled out lengthy applications – a total of about 500 pages – for a dozen autism centers for preschool-aged children. They were all in the metro area and they all had a yearlong wait list.

Faced with that limited choice, Sallie said she and her husband, Ron, agreed that she would get an apartment in the Twin Cities and take Nolan to classes during the week. She and Nolan would return home to Prinsburg on the weekends to be with Ron and the couple’s younger son, Max. That’s when Jill Fellows – a therapist who had been

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coming to the Graves home twice a month – told Sallie that rather than disrupting the family to get Nolan services in the Twin Cities, the two women should instead open an autism learning center in Willmar.

So – even though Sallie Graves, left, and Nolan, 6 they really didn’t know each other very well – Sallie and Jill said they knew there was a need for these services, felt the power of God’s hand in the plan and dove head-first into plans to open an autism learning center.

“It was a huge leap of faith, but it never felt risky. It never felt uncomfortable,” said Jill. “It never felt … ” “ ... Like we wouldn’t be able to do it. That it wasn’t attainable,” said Sallie, finishing Jill’s sentence.

Almost as soon as the doors of Nolan’s Place were opened, there were names on a waiting list.

Long commute

Melanie and Ryan Nelson of Willmar know all about the challenges of finding services for young children with autism.

Their 5-year-old daughter Harper was 18 months old when they started noticing signs of autism. She had stopped talking and didn’t respond when her daddy called her name.

After receiving an autism diagnosis when Harper was 2, Melanie said she and her husband made a commitment to help their daughter as much as they could by finding a place that provided comprehensive therapy.

That meant attending a center in Eden Prairie – about two hours away from Willmar.

They bought a house midway in Montrose where the family of four lived on weekdays.

For two years, Ryan and the couple’s older son traveled every weekday from Montrose to Willmar for work and school while Melanie and Harper traveled to Eden Prairie for therapy and classes from 9 a.m. to noon, five days a week.

They all returned to Montrose in the evenings for supper and sleeping.

On weekends, they went to their home in Willmar.

“We did a lot of driving,” said Melanie.

That changed after they learned about Nolan’s Place.

The family recently sold their house in Montrose and Harper began attending Nolan’s Place full time in April.

Being “under one roof” has been good for the family and the full days of therapy have been beneficial for Harper, said Melanie.

“It’s been great,” she said. “They’ve really gone above and beyond what we expected.”

Within one week of attending Nolan’s Place, she said, Harper went to the bathroom by herself. “My jaw hit the floor,” said Melanie, who quickly messaged the news to her family.

Although she’s also non-verbal, Harper can now identify which letter makes

Melanie Nelson and Harper, 5

“It’s been pretty amazing to see how far she’s come in such a short time,” said Melanie.

Pieces fell into place

As soon as Sallie, a registered nurse, and Jill, an occupational therapist, decided they were going to open Nolan’s Place, they began researching licensing requirements and looking for a location.

A process that can easily take a year or two took just a few months as items on the list quickly fell into place.

The women were told no one had ever successfully completed the required state paperwork on a first attempt. They did.

They were told it could take several months to get an on-site inspection. They had a state inspector show up within two weeks.

The women first explored the idea of opening a center in October 2017. By January of 2018 they had registered the business, by March they had completed the Department of Health paperwork, they had a site inspection in April and they opened the doors in June 2018.

“It was truly, like everything happened so fluidly,” said Sallie. “We say it was totally not in our control.”

“I think it was God’s plan from the very beginning,” said Jill.

“It truly was,” said Sallie. “Everything that has happened has had a higher Jill Fellows, left, and Sallie Graves power involved.”

Happy to be here

When thew children arrive at Nolan’s Place, they have a group circle time where they raise their hands and take turns putting the letter of the day or the color of the day onto a board. Each child has an assistant to lead them through the day-long activities that include following two-step directions, strengthening motor skills, crafts and play.

They arrive at 8 a.m. and leave at 4 p.m.

What happens in between is powerful.

“It’s like a lightbulb went off for Owen,” said Anya. “He’s just definitely happier and it’s easier for him to navigate life.”

Owen has learned how to communicate using different tools at Nolan’s Place, which has improved his behavior.

“He just wanted to be understood for so long,” she said.

Owen is also a runner. “He has no fear of anything in life.

Nothing. Not water.

Not cars. Not people.

Nothing. When he decides he’s going, he’s going,” said Anya.

Being at Nolan’s Place, which includes walking to parks and playgrounds, has reduced Owen’s impulse to bolt, she Anya Essendrup and Owen, 3 said.

Jackie said Brody loves the routine of Nolan’s Place and he can now communicate without speaking.

“It’s so comforting to have him here,” she said. “Nolan’s Place is fantastic. I tear up just thinking about it.”

She said Owen is “happy to be here” in the morning when she drops him off and is happy when she picks him up at the end of the day.

Future plans

When Nolan’s Place opened, a new child was added each month to reach their capacity of seven.

They currently have a dozen employees who Sallie and Jill call “total blessing.”

Jill does the billing and helps families navigate the complex web of insurance forms, and Sallie serves as a resource to parents and does the day-to-day running of the center.

“We have the opposite strengths, which pairs well,” said Jill.

Sallie said their partnership works because of their “common faith” and desire to do things that “make a difference.”

Confidence in the operation of their program – and the long waiting list with steady referrals – has prompted the women to look for a larger facility, ideally with a fenced outdoor play area, to accommodate 15 children.

Sallie and Jill said seeing the children expand their skills in communication, safety and group activities – and seeing the relief of parents who know their child is getting the services they need – confirms their decision to open Nolan’s Place.

“We have the best families and the best staff,” said Sallie.

Carolyn Lange is a features writer for Live it!

Magazine, and a reporter with the West Central Tribune in Willmar.

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Q&A WORKING TO IMPROVE THE LIVES OF CHILDREN, FAMILIES AND TEACHERS

By Carolyn Lange clange@wctrib.com

S

ara Athman began working with children with autism in 2006 as an intern while obtaining an undergraduate degree at St. Cloud State University.

After graduating summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in community psychology from St. Cloud State University in 2008, she obtained her master of science in applied behavior analysis in 2010 and became a board-certified behavior analyst in 2011.

For about nine years she worked primarily in schools and is now a consultant working from her home in Nisswa. She recently started working with staff and families at Nolan’s Place and travels there several times a month to work with children, train staff and provide guidance for parents.

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Sara also uses telehealth consultations and online video conferencing with families, which helps address a shortage of analysts in rural Minnesota.

She says her goal is to help improve the lives of children and their families and teachers.

In this Q & A with Live It!, Sara provides information about how autism spectrum disorder can affect young children and actions families can take.

What is autism spectrum disorder?

Sara: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder characterized by deficits in social interaction and communication, as well as engagement in repetitive behaviors and/or restricted interests. “Spectrum” means that there is a variation in the severity of symptoms for each individual.

What are the common signs of ASD and at what age do they typically appear?

Sara: Early signs of autism typically appear by 12 to 18 months. Signs can vary, but some include: • Little or inconsistent eye contact • Not attending to people or responding to name • Flat affect • Lack of pointing or showing objects to others • Poor imitation skills • Delayed language development • Loss of previously acquired speech • Repetitive words or phrases (echolalia) • Repetitive behaviors (body rocking; hand flapping) What does current research reveal about the cause of autism?

Sara: There is no known or exact cause of autism, though research suggests there are genetic and environmental components. Scientists are involved in numerous studies and have made significant progress in identifying genes and environmental variables associated with autism.

What can parents do if they suspect their child has ASD? Sara: Parents should talk with their doctor about signs they are noticing. Your doctor may interview you, observe your child during an appointment and have you fill out a questionnaire. Based on that appointment, you may be referred to a developmental pediatrician who will do a more in-depth assessment. Unfortunately, sometimes the wait list for an appointment is long. You can also contact Help Me Grow Minnesota (www.helpmegrowmn.org) to get in contact with local early childhood experts. These professionals can assist families for free with evaluations and interventions to best support your child.

How is ASD diagnosed in young children?

Sara: During well-child doctor visits, parents may fill out a developmental delays and disabilities questionnaire. If delays are noted, parents may be referred to a developmental pediatrician, child psychologist, or other qualified specialist for a comprehensive evaluation. The specialist will likely do a parent interview, observation of the child, and one or more evaluation tools such as the Autism Spectrum Rating Scales (ASRS) and/or the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). Based on the findings, the specialist will then decide if the child fits the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.

Many professionals do not want to diagnose children until age 2 or older. However, the earlier a child receives early intervention services, the greater the likelihood of the child learning new skills.

While there is no cure for autism, what are the best treatment options?

Sara: Effective interventions should focus on improving social, communication and cognitive skills, and reducing unwanted behaviors. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the standard of care for the treatment of ASD. It is endorsed by the Surgeon General, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Psychological Association, the National Institute of Mental Health and many more. ABA is a scientific approach to increasing appropriate behavior, teaching an effective means of communication, and decreasing unwanted and harmful behaviors. ABA promotes the use of proactive interventions to prevent challenging behaviors, and improving behaviors using positive reinforcement. Additional effective treatment options include speech therapy, occupational therapy and

physical therapy. Many autism centers and early childhood programs encompass most or all of these four therapies.

What kind of support – in schools and community – is currently available in rural Minnesota for children and families experiencing ASD? Sara: Most rural communities in Minnesota do not have access to an autism center like Nolan’s Place. However, more centers are becoming available as the need increases. Some school districts are contracted with board-certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) to consult with their school staff on challenging behaviors.

BCBAs are also available to consult in the home and teach families and caregivers how to teach their child new skills and how to respond to challenging behaviors. Some rural communities (though not many) have access to agencies that provide behavioral technicians to come into homes daily and provide direct treatment to children with autism. The programs are designed by BCBAs and the technicians are trained and overseen by BCBAs. To find a BCBA in your area, visit www.bacb.com. To support families in rural communities without access to a BCBA, I recently opened a telehealth practice, Online Behavior Consultant (www.onlinebehaviorconsultant.com). Telehealth allows families access to behavioral assessments, recommendations, training, and support, at a time that is convenient for them.

ABA via telehealth is also a great option to learn how to teach your child new skills, how to decrease unwanted behavior, and just to have someone in your corner as you navigate the autism world.

Contact Sara with any questions or to get help seeking treatment for your child. sara@onlinebehaviorconsultant.com.

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Do- it-yourself Making your own sensory path

By Lu Fransen

S

crolling through Facebook the other day, I read a post of my daughter-in-law’s about a project they recently completed at the day care where she is the director.

It’s called a sensory path. The purpose is to help children de-escalate and slow down physically and verbally when they are not able to do so without help. It can also help them learn colors, letters, shapes and spelling.

I was very curious to learn more so I and West Central Tribune journalist and photographer Erica Dischino drove to Litchfield. We met with Denise Fransen, director of Kids of the Kingdom Child Care, and one of her staff members, Kenadie Shoutz.

I wanted to know how this came about, what their process was to create it and can a parent or day care mom do this at home too. The answer was a resounding yes!

When they first heard about this and the benefits for people of all ages who may have sensory disabilities, they started looking on the internet to learn more and found a wealth of information, especially You Tube videos. After obtaining a grant to purchase the electronics and supplies, they spent about eight months designing, creating and installing.

Their path starts in a small hallway, turns the corner, and wanders down a long hallway, so they had quite a large area to cover. You can easily start with a small floor and/or wall area. After you’ve done your own internet search to learn about different paths and what they do (search for “Sensory Paths”), you can start designing your own. Start out small; you can always add more in the future.

Denise and Kenadie used a laptop, a variety of programs and a Cricut (a machine that prints objects, shapes and letter cut-outs on vinyl).

I asked how a parent or day care mom could do this on a smaller – and less expensive – scale. Their suggestions was to invest in a Cricut because you will find it useful for many other things too.

Or, ask family or friends who have a Cricut if they would create the vinyl pieces for you. You can also use stencils to draw your designs on the vinyl and then hand-cut them. It will take longer, but on a small scale, that would work just fine.

Purchase the vinyl sheets either at your local craft store or online. The sheets will have an adhesive backing. Look for removable indoor vinyl because it’s easier to work with for a beginner and the adhesive isn’t as strong as permanent vinyl.

Next, apply the shapes you cut out to walls and wood or vinyl floors.

Denise had her floors waxed so the designs will be there until the floors are stripped and the decals come off.

Then they will create new designs for a fresh look. Your home design will be temporary so you can move them and change them when you want.

And ta da – you’re done!

If you are caring for a person with special sensory and learning needs, this could be a helpful addition to your home or daycare.

If you would like to visit with Denise or Kenadie, they would be happy to share their knowledge. Call 320-6937806 or email denise.kidsofthekingdom@gmail.com.

Lu follows in her mother’s footsteps of unwinding and relaxing by crafting and creating. Creativity is like a muscle – the more you use it, the stronger it becomes.

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HEALTH & FITNESS BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

By Amy Erickson

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ummertime is full of plenty of time spent outdoors, fresh fruits and healthy meals, sunshine (vitamin D), lots of water, time with friends, minimal stress and maximum fun. All of these are beneficial to keeping your body and mind healthy. As we shift from summer to fall, here are a few tips to help you keep your immune system boosted even as we head back to school and into a new season of life.

Keep moving

Keep things simple. You do not need to run a marathon in order to keep your immune system boosted. In fact, too much intense exercise can actually weaken your immune system. Listen to your body. Moderate activity a few times a week is a great way to fend off stress and keep the colds away as we head into “back to school” season. Get your heart pumping and your body moving and enjoy the benefits of being healthy.

Spend time outside

A recent report from ScienceDaily.com has shown that spending time in nature reduces the risk of type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, premature death, preterm birth, stress and high blood pressure. It also helped increase sleep duration. Wow! In our world today, many of us spend 90% or more of our day indoors. Do your best to break that cycle and get some time outside every single day. Wake up 30 minutes early and take a walk outside, or maybe end your evening with a hike in the woods. Your body and mind will be so thankful.

Your body craves nutrient-rich foods. When we nourish our body with healthy foods, our body does not have to fight as hard to maintain a state of health and wellness.

For some, changing into a new season with a new schedule can feel stressful, but it doesn’t have to be.

Welcome in the new season with a few new healthy habits. Try some of these suggestions to stay on top of your health and wellness, and keep the stress and illness away.

Amy Erickson is owner/trainer at Amy Erickson Fitness; amynerickson@gmail.com

Sleep

Getting enough sleep is extremely important to your overall health. While it won’t necessarily prevent you from getting sick, skimping on sleep can compromise your immune system leaving you more susceptible to catching viruses such as colds and flu. Shoot for at least seven to eight hours of quality sleep per night for optimal results. Listen to your body – if you need more sleep than that per night – do it!

Minimize stress

Easier said than done, I know. When we’re stressed, the immune system’s ability to fight off antigens is reduced.

When we are anxious, our body gets stuck in fight or flight mode. This makes us more susceptible to infections. There are many ways to try and keep stress to a minimum. Spending time outside, listening to your favorite music, spending time with people you love, exercise, meditating, journaling, reading books … all of these are great ideas. Add some of these into your daily routine to keep you feeling stress free.

Eat healthy

With so many different diets out there, I often get the question “what does eating ‘healthy’ even mean?” Let’s simplify this. Fresh fruits and veggies at every meal (try your best). Minimal processed sugars/foods. Healthy fats.

Probiotic-rich foods. Grass-fed, local (when possible) meats.

Plenty of water. These are the foundation of healthy eating.

Begin to add those to your diet and watch your life change.

At the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®, people carry flowers representing their connection to Alzheimer’s — a disease that currently has no cure. But what if one day there was a flower for Alzheimer’s first survivor? What if there were millions of them? Help make that beautiful day happen by joining us for the world’s largest fundraiser to fight the disease. Register today at alz.org/walk.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s-West Central MN Robbins Island Park Sat., Sept. 28, 2019 - Registration 9am/Walk 10am

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MONEY MATTERS PROVIDING FOR A FAMILY MEMBER WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

By Craig Popp, CFA

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aring for a family member or friend with a disability or special needs can be worrisome, costly and difficult to navigate without expert help and a plan. Whether due to an accident or mental disability, a special needs trust can help you better manage caring for that individual in a way that enriches his or her life while not jeopardizing benefits that can be a significant source of income and health insurance.

What is a special needs trust?

A special needs trust, sometimes called a supplemental needs trust, is a legal arrangement and fiduciary relationship which means one person or entity – the trustee – is charged with protecting the interest and assets for the benefit of another – the beneficiary. The trust essentially allows an individual with a disability or special needs to benefit from the income and principal of the trust without reducing their eligibility for government assistance such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid. Basically, any assets held in the trust do not count for the purposes of qualifying for government assistance. However, the trustee must ensure that trust distributions are within the guidelines of the particular government benefits the beneficiary is receiving.

Otherwise, the distribution could have a negative impact on the benefit. For example, a beneficiary receiving SSI should not receive trust distributions for food or shelter-related expenses.

There are two types of special needs trusts – first-party and third-party – that are distinguished by the source of assets used to fund the trusts. With a first-party trust, also referred to as a “self-settled” special needs trust, it must contain the assets of an individual under the age of 65 who is disabled. The trust, which often results from a medical malpractice or personal injury situation, can only be established by a parent, grandparent, guardian or court. The trust must also be irrevocable and can only be for the sole benefit of the beneficiary. Upon the death of the beneficiary, any remaining assets in the trust are repaid to the state up to an amount equal to any medical assistance benefits that were paid to the beneficiary while alive.

Third-party special needs trusts are funded with other’s assets (a third party) like a gift or inheritance. Unlike a first-party trust, a third-party trust does not require any state payback at the beneficiary’s death, and any remaining assets pass according to the grantor’s wishes.

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What can the trust be used for?

A special needs trust should not provide money directly to the beneficiary as it could interfere with eligibility for SSI and Medicaid. The trustee can however spend trust assets to buy a wide variety of goods and services to assist the loved one with special needs. Special needs trust funds are commonly used to pay for personal care attendants, vacations, home furnishings, out-of-pocket medical and dental expenses, education, recreation, vehicles and physical rehabilitation. Most important, a special needs trust helps to enrich the beneficiary’s life and make it more enjoyable.

The use of a special needs trust can be an important strategy for loved ones. It protects against the reach of creditors, and provides protection for a beneficiary who may be vulnerable, susceptible to undue influence or unable to manage money if the assets were given outright. But most importantly, the special needs trust stretches each dollar contributed to the trust and allows the beneficiary to be cared for at a higher level of care than is available from government-sponsored benefit programs, and ensures the wealth transfer to a disabled individual can occur without jeopardizing the beneficiary’s benefits.

Craig Popp, CFA, is a financial adviser at the locallyowned, independent office of Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC at 115 East Litchfield Ave, Suite 102, Willmar, MN 56201.

Popp also authors The Cognitive Bias – a blog covering the topics of personal finance, wealth management, and investing. He can be contacted at 320-235-1416.

Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Material prepared by Raymond James as a resource for its financial advisers. You may find it helpful to consult a special needs attorney as well as talk with your financial advisor about working with Raymond James Trust to help you and your family provide the best care for your loved one with a disability or special needs.

Read it!

Library of things

By Mary Huesing

A

merican libraries are changing and dynamic places. This is certainly true for the Willmar Public Library. While we traditionally think of libraries as places to check out books – which they certainly still do – libraries now offer an even richer wealth of opportunities to their communities.

If you haven’t done so already, check out Willmar Public Library’s Library of Things. The Library of Things (LoT) consists of nontraditional items for checkout by library card holders. The LoT collection contains a variety of active mind kits, fitness kits, power check meter, board games, yard games and craft kits. These collections support the library’s mission of providing resources for educational, informational, cultural and recreational needs.

Active mind kits are aimed toward caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s, dementia or memory loss. Among the items in the brain games kit are a trivia for seniors book and a list mania card game. The busy hands kit includes a fidget and sensory pad, and a wooden construction set. Other kits include an in-the-kitchen kit and toolshed kit.

For those interested in crafts, there are several kits available.

The paper punches kit and the magic wand portable scanner are aimed at crafters in the community.

There are also eight fitness kits available for checkout.

Those interested in fitness can select from a foam roller set, hand strengtheners, a kettlebell set, a seasonal affective disorder lamp, an ultimate fitness set, a weight set, a yoga kit and a zumba dance workout set.

Perhaps you are ready to learn a new board game. Currently, there are 27 board games available for checkout. Among the board games are Catan, Citadels, Elder Sign, A Game of Thrones, Ticket to Ride, and Wits & Wagers.

With summer here, it is time for yard games and the library has nine yard games ready to go. Among the yard games are battle bounce, bocce and disc golf.

Kits may be checked out for two weeks and are renewable unless requested by another patron. There is a limit of one kit per library card. The kits may be returned to the desk of any Pioneerland System Library.

You may also request a kit through the online catalog at Iii.pioneerland.lib.mn.us, come in person, or by phone at 320-235-3162.

Overdue charges for kits are $1 per day to a maximum of $3. If a kit is lost or damaged, replacement costs vary by kit; ask a librarian for the specific amount.

The Willmar Public Library has much to offer our community. If you haven’t done so already, be sure to inquire about the many Library of Things available for checkout.

Mary is a retired educator and avid reader, who has been an active member of the Willmar Friends of the Library for many years.

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15

LIFE HAPPENS

WORK ON YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOURSELF

By Claudette Larson, LICSW

F

all is by far my favorite time of year. That I got married in the fall makes it even better. I will be celebrating my 10th anniversary in October. I was 39 when I got married. I like to say that it took me a while to find the love I deserved instead of trying to make the love I found work. I didn’t always understand that concept.

Like many single people, I felt that pressure to find “the one” so I could feel the approval of a society that values women most when they become a wife and mother. The fact that I wouldn’t make a very good wife and mother until I was in my late 30s eluded me. But you don’t know what you don’t know, and so you do what you think you “should” do.

Thankfully, the only aisles I managed to go down were found in supermarkets and an occasional bowling alley.

Here’s what I have come to know about finding the right person in life: Until you are in a place of good self-worth and adequate growth within yourself, finding healthy love will elude you. You will inevitably seek out, allow or accept in someone else’s person, behavior or life trajectory what you believe you deserve. If that isn’t all that much, that is what you will put up with.

So if you are dealing with some “you have got to be kidding me” baloney or “meh, I’m not so sure I’m feeling this” romantic situations, and you are still not putting on your sneakers and walking, then that is saying all you need to know about where your self-esteem lies.

You date where you are.

We often believe that it’s the fear of being alone that keeps

us holding on to what doesn’t make us happy.

The truth is, we would rather hold on to being unhappy WITH someone than be alone in our own company when our own company isn’t viewed as very valuable.

We have this ridiculous notion that if we give up on something that isn’t exactly right, the universe will punish us and offer no other chances. I’m here to tell you that the universe doesn’t punish you for being wise.

It’s what you do after you stop wasting your time with the wrong relationships that makes what happens next matter the most: Take a timeout from dating and do the inside work on your relationship with yourself. Don’t go right back into the dating world again thinking the problem is the selection.

The problem is your relationship with you. Do the work on being the person you can love.

Whatever it is that stands between accepting yourself and loving yourself exactly the way you are, as you are, must be addressed. The investment you make in doing this inner work will save you wasted years and dead-end relationships.

You will be surprised at the difference in what you no longer find yourself attracted to or allow yourself to tolerate in the behaviors of others.

Take care.

Claudette Larson, LICSW, RPT, is owner of Willow Creek Counseling in New London and has enjoyed working with children, teens and adults for the past 16 years.

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Style it!

Work it out: Looking cute while being active

W

By Erica Dischino edischino@wctrib.com

ith summer coming to an end, it can be hard to stay active. Trying to balance the new school year, your job, the upcoming holiday season, whatever keeps you busy, we often forget to prioritize ourselves.

Why not stay motivated with the help of your wardrobe?

Workout clothes that make you feel good can encourage you to get your heart pumping. Here’s how to look cute, whether you’re on a run, taking the dog for a walk or enjoying a fun workout class.

Sleek silhouettes Feeling good on the inside helps you feel good on the outside. Find a silhouette that fits your body and makes you feel confident. Whether it’s slim fitting leggings or looser bohemian hiking pants – find what feels good.

can help you out. There are so many options and putting thought into your ’do can provide a cute addition to your workout ensemble.

Back it up Find a workout shirt with a cute back. Many workout tops have lots of straps and fun cuts to help you breathe while working out – and look cute at the same time.

Fool-proof fabric Choose clothes with materials made out of nylon, polyester or spandex. These materials help to wick moisture so you dry quickly from your workout.

Erica Dischino is the photographer for Live It! Magazine and the West Central Tribune.

Go bold Don’t be afraid to try out some fun colors and patterns.

When in doubt, leave the darker colors at home and brighten up your workout with a neon pink shirt or fun floral print leggings. It’ll give you the energy to endure working up a sweat.

Fun footwear Finding sneakers that are cute can provide more than just foot support. It’ll make you want to hit the gym more often.

Look for neutral colors that can go with any outfit. Or, mix things up and add some bright colors in the lining.

Hair affair Keeping your hair out of your face can be a hassle. That’s when headbands, braids, scrunchies, a high-pony and more

Magazine

17

Spir its!

Birds and wine, both are fascinating!

By Ron Skjong

I

’m going to discuss two of my favorite subjects.

Can you guess what those subject are? Maybe the title of this article is a clue?

Ever since I can remember, I’ve had a fascination with birds. My fascination for wines came much later.

However, my memories of the two are quite similar and I always return to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness because that’s where the two came together.

I learned a while ago that our memories are linked to our experiences – that was taught to me by a middle school biology teacher. He would be proud that I’m carrying his teachings to this day. Teachers do make a difference in people’s lives and so does the great outdoors.

I was shepherding a troop of Boy Scouts to the

BWCAW, not because I was so experienced in canoeing and camping but, because by default, I was the Scoutmaster. And, there we were unloading our cars and putting our loaded canoes in the water at an entry point on Lake One. There was a bit of anxiety in the air and here’s why: I had never sat in, paddled or handled a canoe in my life.

To make a long story short, the weather was magnificent, the scenery was unmatched and there was a whole lot of learning going on with all of us – 12 scouts and four adults. Thankfully, we had an experienced leader in the group – my anxiety was lessened immensely by him.

After a long hard day of paddling and portaging, we set up camp, made supper and the boys fell asleep. I felt it my duty to be the last to sleep and the first to awake and, therefore, I found myself looking out over

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a beautiful calm lake after midnight with a rising full moon.

It was so quiet … and gorgeous, that I can see it today. But, then it happened.

A loon began to call through the night and its lonesome, warbling call was captivating but that wasn’t the end of the story. As I sat and looked out at the moonlit water, a loon swam into the moonbeam. In the background, was, again, the lonesome, undulating and beautiful call of the loon. I didn’t fully realize what that moment would mean to me at the time.

Years later, when wine entered my life and my passion for it grew like a rapidly developing summer rain storm, I began to link wines with things in my life.

Not surprisingly, a bottle of wine was soon linked to the BWCAW. How would one identify a bird with a wine? One remembers through taste and sight, so …

It’s enjoyable to watch a nuthatch bounce up and down a tree trunk as it searches for food. Watching one, I wondered what wine I would relate it to and Hinterland Vineyard’s Happy Creek White came to mind. One can’t ignore a sweet nuthatch and one can’t ignore the gentle peachy and green apple tastes of this semi-sweet wine. Both the wine and the bird are sweet and lovely.

A bit of color is always nice and the blue jay fills the bill. It’s so recognizable with its blue and white coloration and its flight pattern. Of course, one can’t not hear its screech. In Glacial Ridge Winery’s Castle Red – a Frontenac rosé style wine – I see the blue jay.

There’s no screech in this delicious wine but its subtle red color is so nice to see, the taste is luscious and the finish is sweetly tannic. Like the blue jay, it will catch your attention.

After the long, long winter we’ve all lived through, it was delightful to finally, just a few weeks ago, see my first robin of the year. They are so cute and easygoing.

It’s as if they are simply saying: “It’s OK, I’m back.”

Again, Hinterland comes forth with its easygoing semi-sweet Briana that gives us a nice citrus taste of pears. Like the robin, you can’t wait to see it again and experience it.

And, then, there’s the not-to-be-ignored redwinged blackbird. It’s a beautiful bird with its red and black colors, but its call can be a bit distracting. I was sipping a glass of Glacial Ridge’s Handsome Bastard American Syrah one day and I saw a red-winged blackbird. Both can be a bit sassy and spicy, but both are so good to have around. Naturally, I needed another glass just to ensure my research was complete. Satisfying. Enough said.

A bird that always catches my attention is the bald eagle. Maybe it’s the bird’s amazing wing span of up to seven feet or maybe it’s the eye-catching white head and tail, or the way it soars so high in the sky – so effortlessly – that makes it so complex and comforting. I’m going to deviate from wine and throw in a whiskey – Redbreast Irish Whiskey.

The first time I tasted Redbreast I was stopped cold. The complex creamy taste mixed with its vanilla aroma captured me, and I knew I’d found my favorite Irish whiskey. Like the bald eagle, it’s magnificent, soars to new tasting heights and is not to be forgotten.

My trip to the BWCAW gave me lifelong memories.

My trip into the world of wine (and spirits and beer) has done the same thing. Life is meant to be enjoyed – find your enjoyment and soar!

Cheers!

Ron Skjong writes primarily about the wonderful world of wine but likes to explore various spirits and beers, too. He is married and has four grown children. While stationed in Germany, he was introduced to German wines and from that introduction, a lifelong pursuit developed to find that perfect bottle of wine.

Magazine

19

Preserve it!

Bring the zing with savory preserves

By AnnePolta apolta@wctrib.com

T

he word “preserves” conjures up visions of sweet jams, canned tomatoes and traditional pickles and relishes like grandma used to make.

Preserving a bounty of fruits and vegetables can encompass much more, however. It can take the road less traveled with roasting, simmering or salt curing. The results can be used right away or stored for the future.

The following three recipes have a few things in common.

They’re simple to make, requiring no specialized ingredients or canning equipment. They also can be accomplished in small batches that respect both the cook’s time and available storage space.

With a sprinkle of preserved lemon rind on your next roast chicken or a spoonful of onion confit to accompany the burgers you serve at your next picnic, your approach to preserves may gain a whole new perspective.

Onion confit

Long, slow cooking transforms ordinary onions into this mellow-flavored and versatile condiment. The secret is to be patient during the time it takes for the onions to soften and turn translucent; do not let them brown. A touch of vinegar stirred in during the final minutes adds a pleasing tang.

This is a nice accompaniment to burgers or grilled sausages. Try adding a spoonful to a hearty sandwich, or spread it on a homemade pizza. The confit keeps well in the freezer.

1/4 cup olive oil 1 tablespoon butter 3 medium-sized yellow onions Freshly ground black pepper to taste 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar Trim the top and bottom ends on each onion and slice vertically into thin slivers. Heat olive oil and butter in a small, heavy saucepan over low heat until butter is melted. Add the onions and a sprinkling of black pepper and cook gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft and translucent. This can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours.

Add the tablespoon of white wine vinegar and continue to cook over low heat for another 15 minutes. Remove from heat and cool, then cover and store in refrigerator.

Makes 1 cup

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Roasted red peppers

Use up a bumper crop of red peppers by roasting a few (or several) and setting them aside for future eating. You can roast two or three at a time or char a dozen or more, following the same basic method. Mix it up with yellow or orange sweet peppers or a combination of all three.

Roasted peppers can be used to top burgers or an Italian-style sandwich, added to a vegetable salad or scattered on a pizza. Dice or puree a small amount and stir into mayonnaise for a tasty sandwich spread.

Make these as often as you want and keep a jarful handy in the refrigerator for whenever you need them.

2 to 3 sweet red bell peppers Olive oil Preheat broiler. Cut each pepper in half and remove stems, seeds and membrane. Place pepper halves, skin side up, on a rimmed baking sheet and lightly brush the surfaces with olive oil. Broil until the skins are mostly charred (the pepper halves may have to be repositioned under the broiler if they aren’t browning all over). This should take about 10 minutes.

Place the blackened pepper halves in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let steam for 10 minutes. Remove and peel off the skin; it should slip off with ease.

Sprinkle peppers lightly with salt and pack into a container with a lid. Pour in enough olive oil to cover the peppers. Store in refrigerator for up to a week.

Preserved lemons

Preserved lemons are essential to the cuisines of North Africa and the Middle East, where they’re often available for purchase at open-air markets and food stores. Cured in a brine of salt and lemon juice, with maybe the addition of herbs or spices, they bring a whole new dimension to ordinary lemons: velvety, intense and tasting of the very essence of lemon.

Although they’re beginning to catch on in U.S. kitchens, readymade preserved lemons can be difficult to find and expensive to purchase. Making your own takes some time and patience but it’s surprisingly easy, and the rewards are well worth it.

What to do with the finished product? There are plenty of possibilities. Chop or mince the rind and add to chicken, fish, vegetarian or pasta dishes. Blend the rind and/or the flesh into a salad dressing or dip. If you’re feeling really creative, stir into pancake batter or a cake batter. Preserved lemons will keep in the refrigerator for up to a year.

5 to 6 whole lemons 1/2 to 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, from 4 to 6 additional whole lemons 3/4 cup coarse salt 2 cinnamon sticks 1/2 teaspoon whole fennel seeds 1/2 teaspoon whole coriander seeds 2 fresh bay leaves Thoroughly wash and dry the lemons. Cut each lemon into quarters, starting at the top and cutting lengthwise twothirds of the way down, leaving the lemon intact half an inch or so above the stem end. Spread the lemon quarters open and cover the cut surfaces with coarse salt, using up to 2 tablespoons of salt for each lemon.

Close the lemon sections back together and pack into a dry and clean 1-quart glass container with a lid or clamp closure.

Fill the jar with as many lemons as will fit snugly; you may need to add more the next day once the lemons have started to soften.

Add cinnamon sticks, fennel, coriander and bay leaves. Pour in enough lemon juice to completely cover the lemons. Close jar and let sit overnight at room temperature.

The next day, push the lemons down in the jar with a clean wooden spoon. If you have remaining lemons, add as many more as you can, cutting each one into quarters almost to the stem end and packing with coarse salt. If necessary, add more lemon juice so the lemons are submerged. Close jar again and set in a dark place at room temperature.

For the next week, turn and shake the jar once a day to redistribute the salt. Add more fresh lemon juice if needed; the lemons must remain completely covered with liquid. Let stand for 2 to 3 more weeks so the lemons can ripen.

To use, remove amount needed from jar. Rinse off under cold running water to remove salt, and pat dry. Store jar in refrigerator after opening.

Anne Polta may be reached at apolta@wctrib.com or follow her on Twitter @AnnePolta.

Magazine

21

Check it!Out! What’s happenin’? AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019

WHITNEY MUSIC CENTER Every Thursday Willmar, 6 to 7 p.m., Whitney Music Center, 913 Business 71 N.; free music concerts by different individuals and groups, followed by singalong with house band.

GLACIAL RIDGE WINERY Every Thursday Spicer, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Glacial Ridge Winery, state Highway 23 between Spicer and New London; free music concerts by different individuals and groups.

COREY MEDINA & BROTHERS CELEBRATE ART! CELEBRATE COFFEE! Aug. 17 Sept. 21 New London, 8 p.m., Goat Ridge Brewery; Willmar, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Kennedy music by Corey Medina & Brothers.

Elementary School; fine arts, music, entertainment, art for sale, demonstrations STOCKADE RENDEZVOUS and more.

Aug. 17-18 Forest City, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, held 6 miles northeast of Litchfield; admission ‘CURIOUS SAVAGE’ Sept. 19-22, 26-29 charged.

Willmar, 7:30 p.m. weekdays and Saturday, RIALTO REVISITED 2 p.m. Sundays, The Barn Theatre, 321 Aug. 18 Fourth St. S.W.; performances of “The New London, 2 and 7 p.m., Little Theatre; Curious Savage”; for tickets call 320-235family friendly movies; freewill donation.

9500 or online at thebarntheatre.com.

HINTERLAND VINEYARDS Every Friday Clara City, 7 to 9 p.m., Hinterland TUXEDO JUNCTION Vineyards, 3060 120th Ave. S.E.; free music Aug. 18 Glenwood, 4 to 8 p.m., Lakeside Ballroom; concerts by different individuals and the Lakeside Dance Club presents Tuxedo groups.

Junction; $10 per person, $5 ages 17-30, season membership available; no jeans; LITTLE CROW WATER SKI SHOW lakesideballroom.org.

Fridays in August New London, 7 p.m., Neer Park; Aug. 2, KIMBERLY KAYE 3, 16, 23.

Aug. 25 Litchfield, 2 p.m., Litchfield Opera House; JEFF JAMES country music and stories by “Kimberly Aug. 11 Spicer, Aug. 11, 4 to 6 p.m., Pirrotta Park; Kaye”; $7 at the door. music by Jeff James.

PRAIRIE POTHOLE DAY Sept. 7 ‘FOX ON THE FAIRWAY’ New London, 37th annual outdoor Aug. 15-17, 19-23 Willmar, 7:30 p.m. The Barn Theatre, 321 celebration, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Stoney Ridge Fourth St. S.W.; performances of “The Fox Farm near the intersection of state Highway on the Fairway”; for tickets call 320-235- 9 and U.S. Highway 71 north of Sibley State Park.

9500 or online at thebarntheatre.com.

COMEDY WINE TOUR Aug. 16 Spicer, 8 p.m., Glacial Ridge Winery; comedy tour takes top comedians who you’ve seen on TV and sends them out on the road to perform at wineries throughout the country; $20.

HERITAGE HILL Aug. 16-18 Montevideo, Heritage Hill Antique threshing show, 7 a.m.; admission charged.

Magazine

QUILT SHOW Sept. 28-29 Willmar, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Willmar Civic Center; the Country Quilters Guild presents “Quilts for All Seasons,” a show of over 300 traditional, contemporary, art and modern quilts; featured quilter Smitty Luschen; $5, children 12 and under free.

TERRACE MILL Sept. 29 THRESHING DAYS Terrace, noon, Terrace Mill; annual Sept. 7-8 festival: gate opens at 11 a..m, kitchen at Atwater Threshing Days, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; noon, music begins at 1 p.m.; crafts, troll admission charged. shop, food stands and vendors; bring your own seating and leave pets at home.

MID-MINNESOTA BAND Sept. 14 Litchfield, 7 p.m., Litchfield Opera House; MEANDER music by the “Mid-Minnesota Band”; $5 Oct. 4-6 at the door.

Minnesota River Valley, five-county Upper Minnesota River art crawl, self-guided tour THE FEDERALES of 37 individual artist and 33 studios in and Sept. 14 near the western Minnesota communities New London, 8 p.m., Goat Ridge Brewery; of Ortonville, Appleton, Madison, Milan, music by The Federales.

Dawson, Montevideo and Granite Falls.

NEW LONDON MUSIC FESTIVAL Aug. 17 New London, noon to 7 p.m., Neer Park; family friendly day of eclectic live music, JERRY O’HAGAN Sept. 15 food and a kidzone; admission charged.

Glenwood, 4 to 8 p.m., Lakeside Ballroom; the Lakeside Dance Club presents the Jerry GROUP DECISION O’Hagan Orchestra; $10 per person, $5 ages Aug. 17 Litchfield, 7 p.m., Litchfield Opera House; 17-30, season membership available; no music by “Group Decision Jazz Band”; $7 jeans, lakesideballroom.org. at the door.

SWINGING COUNTRY BAND Sept. 19 To list your event, email Litchfield, 7 p.m., Litchfield Opera House; music by the “Swinging Country Band”; $7 liveit@wctrib.com at the door.

22

FAME Sept. 28 Litchfield, 7 p.m., Litchfield Opera House; ’60s and ’70s music by “Fame,” a group of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees with Mike Shaw as leader singer; $10 at the door.

TRIO LARSSON Oct. 5 Dawson, 7:30 p.m., Memorial Auditorium; the Dawson-Boyd Arts Association presents international Swedish musicians Anders & Maria Larsson of Malmo and Minnesota Scandinavian folk musician Ross Sutter create a beautiful sound with fiddle, nyckelharpa, Swedish flute, guitar and vocals; adults $15, students $5, call 320312-2311 or purchase tickets at the door.

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