PRESENTING
THE CLASS OF 2020 MAY 15
Riverland Community College, a member of Minnesota State, is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, hlcommission.org. Copyright © 2020 Riverland Community College. All rights reserved.
Austin, Albert Lea, Owatonna, Online riverland.edu | 507-433-0600
EDITOR’S NOTE
By hook or by crook Robert Tew once said: “The struggle you’re in today is developing the strength you need for tomorrow. Don’t give up.” I have to admit, I don’t know who Robert Tew is or at least I didn’t until I looked him up on Google. He’s either an American author or a former rugby player or maybe one in the same. To be honest, Google was being a bit confusing the night I looked the quote up, so really it’s hard to tell at this moment. Either way, the quote rings true when you apply it to just about anything currently making up the year 2020, and boy have the last few months been a ride. I suppose I should recognize the elephant in the room, the thing that’s been occupying our news feeds since the beginning of the year when we first really started to learn the name: COVID-19. Over the first quarter of the year, and likely to spread further, the coronavirus has upset the status quo. Students are distance learning, we’re distance socializing, and in general we’re becoming more distant. We’re having to find new ways to do things while at the same time using old ways to entertain. There’s not a single part of life the coronavirus hasn’t touched and in far too many circumstances it’s damaged far too much. Here at Austin Living Magazine and the Austin Daily Herald as a whole, we have also felt the change and burden Eric Johnson, of COVID-19 and it’s likely you have noticed as well. In Austin Living Editor the paper we’ve had to dedicated a large amount of space to covering this illness in our own state and our own town rather than covering the things we really want. Those events and those stories of course have been put on hold for all of us. We saw our fair share of challenges with the magazine as well. Stories we planned for fell through, forcing us to scramble to find replacements, but herein lies the benefit of living in Austin, Minnesota. We didn’t have far to look. Some of the stories in this issue we were able to turn around to find a positive angle to COVID-19. Some stories we had to find alternative means to tell. What I’m trying to say is that rain or shine, there are always good stories coming out of Austin and this was made abundantly clear when we thought we might be in real trouble in putting this magazine together. It needs to be noted that for a lot of our stories in the magazine, there will be a question as to times and dates. We have no idea how long COVID-19 will last and this is particularly the case when it comes to our calendar. We’re being optimistic, but at the same time we need to be realistic. We urge you to reach out to the organizers of these events to be made aware of changing times and dates. However these next few months pan out, we thank those people in our pages that were able to be a part of our storytelling, even when stories may have looked impossible to tell.
Along the way Be sure to thank our medical and emergency first responders. They are truly on the front line of this battle. 2 | Austin Living | March–April 2020
PUBLISHER Crystal Miller EDITORIAL Editor Eric Johnson Contributing Writers Rocky Hulne Eric Johnson Deb Nicklay Michael Stoll Photographer Eric Johnson ART Art Director Eric Johnson SALES & PROMOTION Sales & Marketing Manager Heather Ryks Sales Representatives Heather Biwer Brenda Landherr Heather Ryks MARCH-APRIL 2020 Volume 8, Number 2 EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE: Editor, Austin Living 310 2nd Street NE Austin, MN 55912 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reprinted or reproduced without written permission. For comments, suggestions or story ideas call 507-434-2237. To purchase advertising, call 507-434-2220 © A Minnesota Publishers Inc. publication
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March–April 2020 | Austin Living | 3
WHAT’S INSIDE MAY-JUNE 2020
SEEN
OUT & ABOUT
6 LEARNING FROM HOME
26 THE LURE OF TROUT
Readers send us photos of their students learning while stuck inside the house.
WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS 10 LEAVE THE LIGHTS ON
Austin takes part in Be the Light.
THE LIST 12 AIDING IN AVIAN OBSERVATION
Bird watching tips from the Austin Audubon.
AREA EATS 16 A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS
A look back at some of the most memorable Area Eats..
HOME & HEARTH 20 JEN HAUGEN
The durability of cast iron.
22 THE HORMEL INSTITUTE
Post-Doc power at The Hormel Institute: Post-doctoral work provides further knowledge to the world of science as well as the scientists.
The DNR and CRWD making another run at stocking trout in Wolf Creek.
29 NATURE NOTES
Rainfall monitoring network seeks volunteer members.
30 HITTING ALL THE HIGH NOTES
Cedar Summerstock Theater in North Iowa will charge forward with its fourth season beginning in June.
TRAVEL 48 HISTORY OF THE HOMELAND
Vesterheim Museum documents the travels to America.
LOOKING BACK 50 THE HISTORY OF AUSTIN’S PURE SPRINGS
BOOK REVIEW 52 LOVE FOR NEIGHBORS
Latest Stonich novel returns to familiar places.
AREA HAPPENINGS
25 AUSTIN ARTWORKS CENTER
53 THE BIGGEST UPCOMING EVENTS
WHY I LOVE AUSTIN
Featured Artist: Ann Weydert.
56 A HOMETOWN TO NEWCOMERS 4 | Austin Living | May–Junel 2020
Deb Nicklay explains her love for Austin.
Making a difference
These three people have done what they can to make a difference in Austin.
34 FOR LOVE OF ZOEY
Mom seeks — and then becomes — advocate for autisum.
40 WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR?
Banfield Elementary initiatve seeks to follow in the footsteps of Mr. Rogers.
44 FIGHTING FOR A CAUSE
From his time as an MMA fighter, Thomas Herrera has sought to help those in need. May–June 2020 | Austin Living | 5
Learning from Home
SEEN
COVID-19 has upset all of our lives, including the learning needed to be done by students and the general need to get out and be active. Schools across the state have implemented distance learning practices with students and teachers connecting across the internet. While this is a tough way to learn, parents, students and teachers are making the best of it by setting up time to learn at home as well as finding time to stay active. 3
1 2
4
6 | Austin Living | May–June 2020
5
6 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
7
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Dariell, Drayke and Casiedy Rodriguez putting in the work. Children of Natalie Rodriguez. McKenna Barren (9) hits the virtual books. Parents are Randi Hegna and Mike Barren Jr. Santiago Gonzalez (7) and Sofia Gonzalez (5) get a close up look at nature. Parents are Israel and Mayra Gonzalez. Jake O’Harra (left) and Aiden O’Harra (right), sons of Dina and John O’Harra, at home doing their distant learning. First grader Toby Devriendt finding his own little corner to work. Parents are Chris and Mandy Devriendt. First grader Finley Kern adding a little magic to her distance learning. Daughter of Josh and Kayla Kern. Katelynn Klouse doing some work for gym class. Parents are Brian and Amie Klouse. Jeff practicing distance learning. Photo provided by Amy Lammey.
May–June 2020 | Austin Living | 7
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8 | Austin Living | May–June 2020
May–June 2020 | Austin Living | 9
WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS
Leave The Lights On Photo by Eric Johnson Dick Seltz Field was lit up in early April as part of Be The Light, which saw schools and complexes throughout the state turning their lights on to show support for the student athletes of 2020 who couldn’t play this spring because of COVID-19. If you have a photo you think would be worth sharing, send it to Eric Johnson at photodesk@ austindailyherald.com. Resolution must be 300 DPI and at least 14 inches wide.
10 | Austin Living | May–June 2020
May–June | Austin Living | 11
THE LIST
Aiding in Avian Observation Bird watching tips from the Austin Audubon By Michael Stoll • Photos
provided by
Dick Smaby
As spring and summer progress through southeast Minnesota, there will be ample opportunity for bird enthusiasts to get outdoors and watch their feathered friends. For those interested in bird watching, Austin Audubon member Dick Smaby “You really has a few suggestions. “You really only need a pair only need of binoculars and a bird book, a pair of though there are apps you can binoculars put on your phone that help you identify birds,” he said. “If and a bird you’re just starting out, going book, though out with an experienced bird there are apps watcher is advised. If you don’t you can put on know much about birds, it’s good to have someone to help your phone that point them out.” help you identify For those looking for an birds.” ample spot, the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center provides an ideal Dick Smaby location. “The Nature Center is a prime spot; they have feeders located behind the buildings that attract birds,” Smaby said. “The state parks are also good.” “The best time when migration is going on is early morning; 6 a.m. or earlier, when the sun is coming out,” he continued. “Some of these little birds migrate at night and land to feed in the morning, so earlier morning times are good times to find them.”
Taking a Hike The Austin Audubon will be hosting birding hikes at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center in May. Times and dates are subject to change. • May 5: 6:30-8 p.m. • May 7: 6:30-8 a.m. • May 12: 6:30-8 p.m. 12 | Austin Living | May–June 2020
• May 14: 6:30-8 a.m. • May 16: 9-10:30 a.m.
Black-capped Chickadee
American Goldfinch
This is a common bird found in all seasons in Southeast Minnesota. American Goldfinch males are distinguished by their bright yellow feathers. “They’re interesting because when you see them in the summer, they’re yellow with black wings,” Smaby said. “In late winter, they’re malting, so their coat is kind of drab.”
Another common bird found all seasons in southeast Minnesota, these birds are identifiable by the unmistakable black cap and bib surrounding their white faces. Smaby said that these birds can also be seen at the Nature Center feeders, where they will eagerly grab sunflower seeds, then fly to a tree to hammer the seed open on the bark.
Cardinals
Sometimes called the Northern Cardinals, despite being more prevalent in the southeastern United States, these birds have extended their range into the area in recent decades. The males are easily recognized with their distinguishable bright red feathers. Like the Black-capped Chickadees, Cardinals are fond of sunflower seeds.
Blue Jay
Metro Image
One of the most recognizable birds on this list, the Blue Jay is considered one of the loudest, according to the “Audubon Guide to North American Birds.” These birds also enjoy feeders, using their beaks to crack through hard seeds.
Woodpeckers
When it comes to Woodpeckers in the area, Smaby said there are three in particular to look for: • Downy Woodpecker – The smallest Woodpecker species in North America, this common bird boasts black and white feathering with a small red spot on the back of its head.
Metro Image
• Hairy Woodpecker – Similar in appearance to the Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpeckers are the larger of the two species. • Red-bellied Woodpecker – Not quite as common to the area as other birds on this list, these Woodpeckers have bright red heads, black and white wings and back feathers, and white feathers with a reddish tint on their stomachs. May–June | Austin Living | 13
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May–June 2020 | Austin Living | 15
THE LIST
Kathy Parsons separates dough into portions in the kitchen at Rainy Days and Mondays when Austin Living visited the unique restaurant in 2018.
A few of my favorite things By Michael Stoll • Austin Living Photos
A look back at some of the most memorable Area Eats
I
’m sure reading the title of this article caused the tune of the Rogers and Hammerstein song to enter your head. You know, the song that is played over and over again at Christmas despite it having nothing to do with Christmas. My apologies. I was hoping to have another local restaurant featured in this section, but as of my writing this, restaurants throughout the state are following Gov. Tim Walz’s executive order to only utilize pick-up and delivery. The amount of social interaction
16 | Austin Living | May-June 2020
required to conduct a full interview for an informative article is not recommended at this time. The future of many restaurants is up in the air at the moment, but I hope that in our next issue you will be able to read about another local dining establishment (specifically Rose Creek’s The Creek Bar and Grill). But until then, here is a look back at some of my favorite menu items from previous Area Eats stories, and a few honorable mentions that were not covered in Area Eats.
It’s worth noting that this list was tough to narrow down. • Beef with Pepper Jack Meat Stick from Dean’s Smoke Shack in Geneva This is not your run-of-the-mill meat stick found at gas stations. This is high quality smoked beef stuffed with creamy pepper jack cheese for a little kick and a palate-pleasing texture. • Broasted Chicken at Pizza Cellar in Blooming Prairie It may seem odd to talk about chicken from a restaurant with “pizza” in the name, but with the flavor of the seasoning combined with the juiciness sealed in by the broaster, you can rest assured that this is no ordinary chicken. • Carne Asada at Alicia Bakery in Austin Excellent baked goods aside, Alicia Bakery has a superb restaurant in the back serving many classic Mexican dishes, including this traditional recipe. The thinly sliced seasoned steak is some of the tastiest I’ve eaten. • Chicken and Onion with Pesto Pizza at Rainy Days and Mondays in rural Ostrander It’s hard to beat wood-fired pizza, but
Jim and Kathy Parsons take it to a new level with this pie, which is baked in their homemade backyard wood-fired brick oven no less. • Chorizo Taco at Tienda Y Taqueria Guerrero in Austin While there is no bad taco at Tienda Y Taqueria Guerrero, this one particularly stood out for its wonderful spice. A close second would be the el pastor taco. • Fish Taco at 1910 Fresh Mexican Kitchen As with the previous entry, there is no bad taco at 1910, but the fish taco is their specialty for good reason. The combination of battered fish and house-made Thousand Island dressing is a match made in heaven. • Meat Mountain Burger at The Port in Elkton I am a man that loves his red meats, so a burger boasting a beef patty topped with pulled pork, brisket and bacon appealed to my inner carnivore. Good luck in stretching your mouth wide enough for a full bite; it’s called “Meat Mountain” for a reason.
Above, going clockwise: Chicken and Onion Pesto Pizza at Rainy Days and Mondays; Tiramisu at Bella Victoria and the Meat Mountain Burger at The Port. May-June 2020 | Austin Living | 17
Owner Janet Heller, a.k.a Bubbles, with a plate of her famous pie.
• Pie at Bubbles’ Cafe in Adams A true staple for Bubbles’ regulars, these homemade pies are so good that even Wilford Brimley would risk having a piece. As a sign on the walls in Bubbles’ dining room states, “Pie Fixes Everything.” • Prime Rib at the Lansing Corners Supper Club in rural Austin Owner Tammy Jeno prepared one of the best prime ribs I’ve ever tried: a nice juicy medium-rare (anything beyond is ruined) seasoned with her secret rub. Throw in some of her au jus and it’ll be a prime rib to remember. • Tiramisu at Bella Victoria in Austin This is a specialty of Chef Carlos Victoria, who has done justice to this indulgent classic Italian dessert. It is a sweet lovers dream. While each piece is large enough to share, you won’t want to and no one would blame you. 18 | Austin Living | May-June 2020
A trio of different street taco flavors offered by 1910 Fresh.
Honorable Mentions
I
felt that there were some other local restaurant items that needed recognition that I have not covered in Area Eats. Some of them were covered before my time, while others are relatively new and have not yet made it in. • Bacon Ranch Burger at The Tendermaid The Tendermaid was the first restaurant I ate at on my first day in Austin, which also happened to be my first day in Minnesota, making The Tendermaid my first taste of this state. And while I love the Original burger, I am a firm believer that bacon and ranch can make many things better. I believe whoever came up with said combination deserves a reward. Perhaps canonization. • Baked Brie at Four Daughter’s Winery in Spring Valley Four Daughter’s offers several variations of its baked brie; what you get depends on the menu for that day. The one pictured here was topped with ingredients one would find in a pecan pie, a savory/ sweet appetizer that shows they are more than just wine and cider. I should note that despite what you see in the picture, it does come as a whole piece. Timing was simply not on my side when I snapped it.
• Carnivoro Flatbread at Mixto Fresh Eats As stated earlier, I love my red meats. I also love pizza, and while not technically a pizza, this flatbread comes close as it is topped with pepperoni, salami and capicola ham atop mozzarella cheese and house made tomato sauce. But what truly makes this flatbread so exceptional is the house garlic sauce. It is slightly addictive, though you may be hesitant to kiss your date after consumption. • Queen of Memphis Burger at Piggy Blues Bar-B-Que Topped with pulled pork, coleslaw, jalapenos, lettuce, onion, pickles, tomato and pepper jack cheese, this burger is messy, yet satisfying. I’m personally convinced that if Josh Diaz topped a shoe with his pulled pork, I would eat it and have no regrets. May-June 2020 | Austin Living | 19
HOME & HEARTH
Around the Table By Jen Haugen, RDN, LD
Cast Iron Skillet Cookie
The durability of cast iron As we think about the upcoming holidays that celebrate mothers and fathers, what comes to mind for you? I think of all the recipes I have from family members — grandmothers, moms, aunts, cousins — and how each recipe represents that specific person and their life and their love. One summer during a family reunion, I invited each of my extended family members to share 3-5 recipes that they loved, and then I compiled everything in a cookbook with family photos. It’s a cookbook that I love to look at for ideas, recipes that have been brought to family gatherings over time, and even the pictures of family members. This really reminds me of how much cooking is really about leaving a legacy. One piece of cookware that can be passed down over time is cast iron. Here’s why: • Cast iron is extremely durable and long lasting throughout generations. • What I love about it is it’s superior heat distribution and how it cooks food so evenly whether you are searing, sauteing, frying, braising, baking, broiling and grilling. 20 | Austin Living | May-June 2020
• Plus, you can use it on all heat surfaces including gas and induction cooktops, oven, grill and even campfires. • It’s easy to care for and low maintenance especially when it comes pre-seasoned. To give you some easy gift ideas for moms and dads and grandmas and grandpas, think about these questions to help you! • Do they love pinning amazing casserole recipes on Pinterest? Go for the Stoneware Baking Pan. • Do they experiment with sneaking zucchini or avocados into brownies? Try a Veggie Spiralizer. • Do they make pancakes every weekend? Try the Batter Mixer and Dispenser. • Do they love to bake? Go for the Mini Loaf Pan. • Do they love cold brew coffee? Try the Cold Brew Pitcher. • Do they love to cook and grill with easy clean up? Go for the cast iron. All of these ideas will be treasured pieces in the kitchen. Bundle a few recipes with your gift too. Or even invite family members to contribute their favorite recipes too!
About Jen Jen Haugen, RDN, LD, is a mom on a mission to making everyday cooking easier so you can live your dreams. She’s a local small business owner, author and registered dietitian nutritionist. She owns her own business as a Pampered Chef consultant where she loves teaching how to make cooking fast and easy and healthy. If you would love to gather your friends for a fun evening of cooking together with tools that get the job done quicker, and learn simple cooking tips to make everyday cooking easier, then call Jen to set up your date: 507-438-7109. Want daily tips? Find Jen on Instagram: www.instagram. com/JenHaugenRD and on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ JenHaugenRD And grab her Real Meals, Real Moms Recipe Package by subscribing to her blog: www.jenhaugen.com
Cast Iron Skillet Cookie Serves 8
Ingredients
• 1 (4 oz. or 100 g) bar semi-sweet chocolate • ½ cup (125 mL) butter (1 stick), softened • ½ cup (125 mL) packed brown sugar • ¼ cup (60 mL) granulated sugar • ¼ tsp (1 mL) salt • 1 egg • 1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla extract • 1 cup (250 mL) all-purpose flour • ½ tsp (2 mL) baking soda • Optional: Ice cream or homemade whipped cream or sliced strawberries for serving
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Coarsely chop the chocolate bar and set aside ¼ cup (60 mL) of the chocolate. 2. Beat the butter, sugars, and salt together in a large bowl with an electric mixer. 3. Add the egg and vanilla, then beat to combine. 4. Add the flour and baking soda and beat until a smooth dough is formed. Mix all but the reserved chocolate from step 1 into the dough. 5. Spread the dough onto the bottom of the 10” (25-cm) Cast Iron Skillet. Top with the reserved chocolate and bake for 25–28 minutes, or until the edges are dark brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. 6. Let the cookie cool in the pan for at least 5 minutes before cutting. Serve with ice cream, if desired.
Nutrients per serving
,U.S. nutrients per serving: Calories 320, Total Fat 17 g, Saturated Fat 10 g, Cholesterol 55 mg, Sodium 160 mg, Carbohydrate 38 g, Fiber 1 g, Total Sugars 25 g, (includes 18 g added sugars), Protein 4 g
May-June 2020 | Austin Living | 21
Post-Doc Power at The Hormel Institute
Post-doctoral work provides further knowledge to the world of science as well as the scientists By The Hormel Institute If you visit The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, many of the scientists you see working hard in the labs are “post-docs.” Post-Doc is short for post-doctoral researcher or fellow, and describes a scientist who has earned his or her Doctor of Philosophy (or Ph.D.) degree. With that degree comes a requirement for additional training in a focused area of research — a required part of the education, same as residency training is required for new doctors upon graduation from medical school. In the case of The Hormel Institute, post-docs are training in areas of cancer research. The Hormel Institute is currently home to 60 post-docs, who work in this position an average of three to seven years — some longer. These post-docs eventually would like to lead their own lab and head their own research projects. Charles Day, Ph.D., is a post-doc in the Cellular Dynamics lab led by Dr. Edward “Ted” Hinchcliffe. Known internally as “Charlie,” Dr. Day recently organized The Hormel Institute Post-Doctoral Association in an effort to build community and culture among the young post docs. Why? Post docs work extremely hard and has a lot of pressure to conduct 22 | Austin Living | May-June 2020
“Charlie has shown real leadership in proposing and developing The Hormel Institute Post-doc Association. He is an outstanding young scientist, and his commitment to help mentor other post-docs, and to build community at the Institute speaks to character and integrity.” Dr. Ted Hinchcliffe
projects. It is easy to get wrapped up in the demands of their research projects and not connect with postdocs in other labs. One goal of the Post-Doctoral Associationis to get post-docs to interact more and through building community and relationships, achieve making their work at The Hormel Institute both more enjoyable and productive - they hope to facilitate a greater flow of scientific ideas and knowledge. A second goal of the Post-Doctoral Association is to provide career development training. The path from graduate student to heading an entire research section is a rigorous path and requires new skills such as grant writing, leadership and management. Dr. Day, in communicating with other post docs, observes there is little training in these important areas during graduate school. By providing seminars and learning from experts about these topics they hope to make it easier for HI post-docs to transition to the next stage of their careers. Dr. Day lives in Rochester with his wife and two children and has worked for the last five years in the Cellular Dynamics lab, led by Dr. Ted Hinchcliffe. We asked Dr. Day some questions about his research and time at The Hormel Institute.
The Hormel Institute’s Dr. Charlie Day. Photo provided
May-June 2020 | Austin Living | 23
Two post-docs playing Jenga during one of Post-Doctoral Association meetings at The Hormel Institute. Photos provided
W
hat was the focus of you Ph.D. and why did you choose that research?
My PhD is from the Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics at Vanderbilt University. After completing my undergraduate degree I worked for a biotech in Boston for 4 years studying the impact of drugs on the cell membranes of the heart and eye. When I chose to go to graduate school I specifically sought out universities with strong programs in cell membrane research. Vanderbilt had multiple great labs working on membrane biology. My dissertation dealt with how bacterial toxins – such as cholera and the toxins that cause food poisoning – enter the cell membranes when they infect humans.
Dr. Charlie Day works with Dr. Ted Hinchcliffe in the Cellular Dynamics lab.
W
hat excites you about this field of research?
While working on my PhD we discovered a novel mechanism used by cells to uptake foreign items – toxins, nutrients, hormones etc – into the cell. This finding has a great impact on our understanding of how cells work. The research also relied on very cutting-edge microscopy techniques and I really enjoyed the experience and the exposure to instrumentation that I had at Vanderbilt. 24 | Austin Living | May-June 2020
W
hat do you appreciate about The Hormel Institute and working for Dr. Ted Hinchcliffe?
I really like the small size of The Hormel Institute. Being in a small institute rather than a huge campus makes getting
to know others easier and fosters a nice work community. The people here are wonderful. Ted (Dr. Hinchcliffe) is a great boss. He is a fantastic mentor and extremely supportive of his employees. The Hinchcliffe and Robinson labs are currently making great strides in understanding the formation of a type of pediatric brain cancer called Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (or DIPG). These are among the most difficult of all cancers to treat with a 2 year survival rate of less than 5%. It is very exciting and rewarding to be part of a team that is working on such a devastating disease and to be seeing real progress in identifying how these tumors form and how oncologists can better treat them. Are innovative microscopy techniques and instrumentation still part of your research? Yes, when I joined the The Hormel Institute Dr. Hinchcliffe was looking for someone who could use florescent microscopes and I am currently work with florescent microscopes, live cell imaging, and enjoy developing techniques to find additional information beyond what the eye can see in the images we collect. What are your career aspirations, what would you love to learn more about or be a part of discovering? I hope to have my own lab one day where I can elucidate the basic cause of glioma’s and aid in the development of novel treatments for brain cancers. Brain cancers are among the most life threatening and hardest to treat of all cancers, and it really excites me to be a part of a team of people who are making inroads in treatment for these types of cancer. Finally, what do you and your family enjoy doing in the Southeast MN area? We enjoy all sorts of outdoor activities including camping, hiking, mushroom hunting, and snowshoeing.
Cellular Dynamics The Cellular Dynamics, under section leader Dr. Ted Hinchcliffe, Ph.d., studies the regulation of cell division, the process by which cells proliferate. Research is funded by grants from the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense. The Hormel Institute www.hi.umn.edu
Austin ArtWorks Center Featured Artist
Ann Weydert’s love for creating jewelry started in high school and has blossomed Artwork currently into a side business that helps priced at $18-$158 others. Weydert’s jewelry Find her on making has evolved with her Facebook - Jennartsy creativity. “I remember taking apart my mother’s old jewelry and coming up with new creations,” Weydert said. She has learned a few techniques from other jewelers, but for the most part she is a self-taught artist. Most of Weydert’s creations are made with semi-precious natural gemstones. She also uses leather, silver, copper, wax cotton cord and precious metal clay. Weydert said the success of this business is so much about family including her mom, Kathleen, and her sisters, who help promote the business by wearing her jewelry and helping with the jewelry sales. In the future, Weydert hopes to expand her line of precious metal clay and gemstones pieces. She also hopes to experiment with using a kiln as opposed to torch fire.
Ann Weydert, Jewelry
May-June 2020 | Austin Living | 25
OUT & ABOUT
26 | Austin Living | May-June 2020
The Lure of Trout
The DNR, CRWD making another run at stocking trout in Wolf Creek Story
and
Photos
by
Eric Johnson
F
or a while now, Cedar River Watershed District Watershed Technician James Fett saw the promise of Wolf Creek. The thin band of water weaves its way through Todd Park from the north, eventually joining the Cedar River at Wildwood Park. But while the stream adds a pleasant natural nuance to Todd Park, Fett saw its potential for much more. “Ever since I started in 2013, I noticed that Wolf Creek was a unique resource,” Fett explained. “Good water quality and cool water — a really perfect area for trout stocking.” Fast forward to 2019 when it was announced that Wolf Creek would be stocked with 300 rainbow trout before the season opener on April 18 of this year, followed by 300 more trout stocked sometime after the date to bolster the numbers. Some of this planning will depend on where the state is at in terms of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic; however, at some point there will be trout fishing on Wolf Creek. “This is going to be very popular,” said Craig Soupir, supervisor of the DNR’s Waterville Area Fisheries last April, when officials from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources visited the creek to conduct a habitat study.
James Fett, technician with the Cedar River Watershed District, center, and Craig Soupir, the DNR’s Waterville Area Fisheries supervisor, conduct measurements of Wolf Creek in Todd Park during a habitat study in August of 2019. May-June 2020 | Austin Living | 27
Looking back Even though Fett realized Wolf Creek’s potential in 2013, it wasn’t until 2017 that he started taking active steps to determine the feasibility of the idea. Building off past studies, Fett began putting temperature probes in Wolf Creek. This was important in determining whether or not the fish could even be sustained in the creek. “I know things looked good,” Fett said. “I really wanted to narrow down on the temperatures. In our area, temperatures are the biggest contributing factors.” There are three different thresholds. Lethal temperatures of 25 degrees celsius or below for one day will kill the trout. Ten days of exposure between 20-25 degrees celsius will kill trout and minor stresses will be put on trout at 18-20 degrees celsius for more than 60 days. “We found out none of those thresholds were met,” Fett said. It’s an added bonus that Wolf Creek doesn’t freeze solid in the winter. Fett and the CRWD began working with the DNR to continue moving forward with the plan, embarking on a twoyear study to further determine viability of the river to sustain a trout population. “I put together a proposal that showed some charts of water temperatures, aerial photos of the watershed, habitat up stream … enough for them to realize this was a good opportunity,” Fett said. This isn’t the first time a stocking of Wolf Creek has been attempted, however. “Trout were tried in the late 80s and 90s,” Soupir said. “When they stocked it back then they were young ones only a few inches long. They monitored it hoping the trout would stay there and develop a fishery. These seasonal appropriate streams aren’t the best for the trout and and so they walked away from it.” Soupir put blame on predation by fish such as northern pike as the probable reason the trout never took. It’s important to state that Wolf Creek probably won’t have a sustained trout population year round. Instead, Wolf Creek will be a “put and take” fishery. “The point of the stocking is to put adults in that are ready to catch,” Fett said. “We hope that the stream will produce trout, but stocking will have to be done every year. Hopefully we get a little natural reproduction.” “These trout will be two pounds or bigger fish,” Soupir said. “It isn’t expected to sustain a fishery. We want people to go harvesting, provide anglers opportunities to catch fish.” The idea of setting up Wolf Creek for trout fishing is an ideal one in terms of anglers in the area. For those interested in trout fishing, a drive is in order to get to the hotspots of southeastern Minnesota. “There is quite a few good streams, just nothing close by,” Fett said. “Forestville Mystery Cave is probably our closest. For the most part folks would have to drive about an hour.” Even with the work being put forward, there will still need to be more done to establish Wolf Creek as a fishing hotspot. 28 | Austin Living | May-June 2020
Rainbow Trout. Adobe Stock
“We were assessing the fish population that is currently there to see if there are any kind of issues … predation, things eating the fish and ample supply of bait fish (for the trout),” Fett said. They will also be working to see if the habitat will need to be restored at any given point. “If this is a success this year, we will look at pursuing grant dollars for stream restoration,” Fett said. “We will also look at doing things with Parks and Recreation.” Ultimately, Fett and the DNR are hoping for an optimistic start to what could be a fishing destination. “This will be the test, but it’s so nice,” Fett said. “We have all that access, ample parking. It’s really easy for lots of folks to be here.” From a DNR standpoint, this will be a good and versatile stream to fish trout from as it’s not a designated trout stream, meaning there will be no restrictions on bait. “This is a great opportunity within Todd Park and for the city of Austin,” Soupir said.
Employees with the Department of Natural Resources measure the width of Wolf Creek during last year.
Nature Notes News from the Minnesota Department of Natural Reources
Rainfall monitoring network seeks volunteer members Reports provide data about amounts, climate trends The State Getting involved Climatology Office is To sign up or for more information, visit CoCoRaHS. looking for volunteer org or contact Pete Boulay rainfall monitors at peter.boulay@state.mn.us. for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS). The network includes more than 20,000 volunteers nationwide who measure precipitation in their backyards using a standard 4-inch rain gauge. These rainfall monitoring activities are performed by individuals at home who submit their reports online. Volunteers should follow Minnesota Department of Health guidelines for social distancing in connection with this volunteer opportunity. Climatologist and state CoCoRaHS coordinator Pete Boulay said the data from backyard rain gauges are helpful and important in many ways. “The information provided by volunteers helps to verify high rain totals after big events, monitor drought and flooding, make our precipitation maps more accurate, and it provides needed guidance on Minnesota’s changing climate,” Boulay said. “We need more volunteers to help fill gaps where people aren’t observing and reporting precipitation values.” Volunteers are particularly needed outside the immediate Twin Cities metro area. Volunteers receive training on how to observe weather trends and how to submit their precipitation and weather event reports. All training material is available online. They must purchase or provide a standard 4-inch rain gauge (available at discount through CoCoRaHS), and have internet access to submit reports.
“This will be a test, but it’s so nice. We have all the access, ample parking. It’s really easy for lots of folks to be here.” James Fett Cedar River Watershed District Watershed Technician
Adobe Stock May-June 2020 | Austin Living | 29
HITTING ALL THE HIGH NOTES
Cedar Summerstock Theater in North Iowa will charge forward with its fourth season beginning in June Story
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Photos By Deb Nicklay
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ancy Nickerson Lee had the unshakeable belief, back in 2016, that a regional summer stock theater could work – in, of all places, Mitchell County, Iowa. Her plan: Use the former St. Ansgar Elementary School – which is today a community center called South Square – as rehearsal space for a troupe of college-age actors from across the country, who would spend the summer performing in four musical theater productions. The productions would invite top directors, choreographers and technical professionals to provide their expertise as well.
Two, members would also live in South Square for the summer, in classrooms fashioned into dorm space. And three, stage the productions at the Cedar River Complex in Osage, whose Krapek Family Fine Arts Auditorium is considered a state-of-the-art theater -- just the ticket for such shows. Together, the two towns don’t surpass 5,000 in population – but that did not sway Lee, a St. Ansgar native, from her dream of bringing live theater to her home county. The Cedar Summerstock Theater was formed, and its first season was mounted in the summer of 2017.
Coming to the Cedar Summerstock Theater “Hello, Dolly!” June 18-28 “The Addams Family,” July 2-12 “Godspell,” July 16-26 “Seussical,” July 30-Aug. 9 For ticket information, go to: cedarsummerstock.org May-June 2020 | Austin Living | 31
a Twin Cities-based set Today, Lee and designer and technical company have an director, will be on unqualified success on board for “The Addams their hands – even if Family” and “Seussical,” only two of the three while Christie Kerr, initial ideas worked. assistant professor of The dorm idea had to be dance at the University scrapped due to fire code of Arizona-Tucson, requirements and students will be choreographer now live with host families – a small price to pay, for “Godspell.” Renee all agree. Since that first Shad Spiker (Curly) sings, “Surrey with the Fringe on Top,” to Anna Guittar, a Twin Citiesseason, CST has become Peterson (Laurey) in the Cedar Summerstock production of “Okla- based actor, dancer and homa!” the opener for the 2019 season. the Midwest’s only choreographer, will regional summer stock choreograph “Hello, program that draws its cast and crew from colleges across the Dolly!” country. Lee, the artistic director, is the wheel around which Now in its fourth season, CST is on solid footing and CST turns. Now retired, she was the performing arts growing both in depth and in talent, Lee said. In its first season, director for many years at Washburn High School in the video auditions submitted by the college students numbered Minneapolis and heavily involved in the Twin Cities theater 45; this year, there were over three times that many from college community. She also has maintained an abiding belief that theater majors looking for spots in the upcoming productions smaller communities are as theater-hungry as their urban of “Hello, Dolly!” “The Addams Family,” “Godspell,” and counterparts. “Seussical.” Another part of CST’s success has to be Lee’s willingness “The quality of the auditions this year is just unbelievable,” to change musical gears if needed. She dropped the seasonLee said. “Usually, I can eliminate about half of the auditions ending revue after the first season; a Gilbert and Sullivan submitted. This year? Less than 10 percent wouldn’t work for production of “Pirates of Penzance” drew audiences, but fewer us. So much talent!” theatergoers were operetta enthusiasts. Lee and her board of That talent will come in the form of 14 actors and three directors – the CST is a non-profit organization – evaluate each technical crew members from 11 states: New York, New show, and have worked hard to find the right formula for an Jersey, North Carolina, California, Texas, Ohio, Wisconsin, entire season. Minnesota, Connecticut, Tennessee and, of course, Iowa. Last season seemed to have hit the winning combination. The season opened with the Rodgers and Hammerstein Lee credits the “spreading of the word” about Cedar favorite, “Oklahoma!” and followed it with “You’re a Good Summerstock among CST graduates and students now looking Man, Charlie Brown,” “9 to 5: the Musical,” and ended with for summer work. As more seasons go by, knowledge about “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” which CST has grown. involved over 70 local actors, including a children’s choir. At But more than that, Lee said she is hearing comments most shows last season, the lowest attendance surpassed some from prospective actors who said, when surveyed, “that they’ve heard nothing but good things about us,” Lee said. “We are of the highest totals from the previous season. really, really happy to be hearing that.” She added that a “You know, it really is a learning process,” Lee said. “We common comment from CST graduates was that while the ask ourselves, ‘OK, what worked? What didn’t work? What work can be hard – summer stock finds actors rehearsing one needs to change?’” show during the day, and performing another at night – it was A good example was last year’s production of “9 to 5: The among their most fulfilling experiences. Musical.” While light-hearted and extremely funny, there are a Much of that is due to being able to work with a stellar few “edgy” moments in the show that Lee wasn’t sure would sit tech crew and directors. Directors such as Craig Johnson and well with some folk. C. Ryan Shipley – whose credits include work with a raft of She needn’t have worried – it proved to be just as popular Twin Cities-based companies and theaters – return to CST for as the more traditional fare. at least one show this season. Lee will expand her duties by Overall, there is nothing, it is said, that succeeds like directing both “Hello, Dolly!” and “Godspell.” success. One surefire sign came recently, when a bus tour Technical coordinator and lighting designer Sue Berger, signed up to take in some shows this summer. Bus tours costume designer Barb Portinga, and technical director Scott mean that little Mitchell County, Iowa, has become a theater Effertz – all theater veterans, also return for a portion or all of destination. the productions. Jared Barnes will also return as music director Wow. and Marti Steele returns as manager. So, it seems, “the little theater that could” has come into There are new faces as well this season. Robyn McIntyre, the big time. 32 | Austin Living | May-June 2020
March–April May-June 2020 | Austin Living | 33
34 | Austin Living | May-June 2020
L ve For
of zoey
Mom seeks – and then becomes – advocate for autism By Deb Nicklay • Photos
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Eric Johnson
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ellie Schmidt knew there was something wrong, even before her daughter was born. The Austin woman began to hemorrhage during her fifth month of pregnancy and doctors at first thought she was in the midst of a miscarriage. “Then, they heard a heartbeat,” she said. The daughter who would be Zoey did not enter the world easily.
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Zoey Schmidt has been an inspiration for her mother Kellie who has become an advocate for autistic children and also led to her joining the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities.
36 | Austin Living | May-June 2020
classroom, just for their safety. Zoey had begun to rock and Put on complete bedrest, Schmidt worried in the ensuing bang her head against the wall – her typical sensory response months that she would lose her baby. when she was overstimulated by things going on around her. “I never acknowledged that I would have her,” she said. “I When some students attempted to comfort her, she punched prepared myself to have that happen.” At eight months, Kellie was induced and endured two and kicked in return. days of labor with no signs the baby would be born soon. Zoey is a bright child and early testing showed high And suddenly, Zoey Schmidt came so quickly that a intelligence. School officials did not think she was autistic; student nurse running into the room literally caught her as she Zoey, they said, could show remorse – not something an entered the world. autistic child could do. Even then, Zoey Schmidt, an autistic child, proved to be a But, as Kellie was later to find, myriad symptoms are present with different children. survivor. A key figure came into the Schmidt’s’ lives – Mary Barinka, Following Zoey’s birth, Kellie found the thrill of being a a well-known advocate for citizens with autism; today, she is mother again was quickly overshadowed by new worries. the Community Autism Resource Specialist with the Hormel Zoey never seemed to calm and she refused to breastfeed. Historic Home. The organization has adopted a mission to If a baby could ever be called stand-offish, Zoey was it; she turned away from cuddling and did not like to be held. make Austin an autism-friendly community. Formulas were tried and switched. Among the most trying of “She became my advocate; what a blessing she has been,” said Kellie. “For the first time, I didn’t feel alone.” Barinka all in the early months was Zoey’s unwillingness to sleep. was instrumental in providing information and “She would go for days, it seemed,” she resources for the Schmidts. said. Kellie and her husband, Oliver, began to The diagnosis of autism was finally given take turns allowing the other to sleep. by the Bluestem Center for Child and Family Kellie’s questions mounted. While Zoey Development in Rochester – and finally, Kellie was meeting all her 6 month-milestones in and Oliver were able to get some answers. terms of development, “she began to bang her Zoey was also diagnosed with a sensory head against the wall – so hard she was leaving integration disorder and attention deficit holes,” Kellie said. hyperactivity disorder. Once diagnosed, a Terrified that Zoey would hurt herself, number of services began to open up for Kellie pleaded with her pediatrician to tell her the family, including therapy using Applied what was happening. Kellie Schmidt Behavior Analysis to teach proper behavior “I kept saying, ‘This isn’t normal.’” and responses. Kellie has since been trained as The doctor told the Schmidt’s that they a certified family peer specialist. The training helps instruct should “just watch her” and continue to monitor Zoey’s and educate others on the supports needed by children with progress. Kellie spent hours on the Internet trying to find autism. answers. Slowly, with invaluable therapy, the family began to have Zoey’s behavior worsened as she grew. She would refuse answers and see hope that Zoey’s behavior could improve. to dress herself because she said clothes hurt her body; strong Now in first grade, Zoey still faces many challenges. Her lights and sound could send her into more head-banging, or elementary school, Neveln, “has been absolutely wonderful” punching and kicking. in providing for Zoey’s needs, such as softened lights; an Finally, it was clear that daycare or preschool for Zoey was indoor swing and rocking chair help calm her during troubled out of the question. Kellie held down three jobs while Oliver moments. When Zoey had to be gone for an extended time, stayed home with Zoey. her teacher, Amber Rochat, had the class make a YouTube Those early years found Zoey constantly in “a fight or video that showed the children wishing Zoey well and telling flight” mode, Kellie said. Kellie could not run a vacuum cleaner her they loved and missed her. Zoey was excited to see it, without a reaction from Zoey; Kellie and Oliver purchased Kellie said. earphones to deaden noise. It took two hours to give her a bath “She said, ‘Look, I have friends!’” Kellie said. – anything touching her skin, Kellie said, caused her pain. The Kellie said that Rochat, “has gone above and beyond” family installed a security system not to keep people out – but for her daughter, Kellie said. “Neveln has been a real game to keep Zoey from running out of the house. changer for us.” “Then came kindergarten,” Kellie said, groaning at the Kellie said having a child with autism impacts families in memory. ways they might not recognize as they occur. Kellie admits she On her first day, Zoey was unmanageable. She tried to run was so focused on Zoey that she sometimes overlooked how from the school to get home; the principal reported that she Zoey’s older brothers – Jacob, 13, Blake, 9 and Oliver, 8 – was hurting other children in her class. “I just bawled,” Kellie said. Still, she wasn’t quite might be affected by Zoey’s behavior. convinced that Zoey was actually hurting others. One signal she did recognize – you could call it the But at one point, teachers took children from her gathering of the coats.
“For the first time, I didn’t feel alone.”
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Zoey Schmidt, the reason for her mom Kellie’s advocacy. Photos provided
38 | Austin Living | May-June March–April 2020 2020
“We would go somewhere, a family get-together, whatever, and Zoey would start to be overstimulated – and the boys would immediately go for their coats because they knew it was time to go home when Zoey acted up,” Kellie said. One of Zoey’s therapists from Independent Management Services was chatting with the boys one day and realized how much the brothers wanted to go to a movie and eat popcorn – something that they hadn’t done in recent years because of Zoey’s behavior. “’Well,’ she said, ‘we’re going to a movie, then,’” Kellie recalled with a chuckle. Once at the movie theater, the therapist worked with Zoey, showing her a constructive way to handle her anxiety. Facing one of the side walls of the theater, she showed Zoey how to push back and forth against the wall until she calmed. The exercise worked and Zoey, while she had to do the exercise more than once, was fine through the movie. It is just one example of how such services bring rewards. Barinka, Kellie said, has taught her so much that among the most important has been becoming your own advocate. Kellie has embraced a mission to help others who have struggled with an autistic child. Her own education about what autism is – and what it isn’t – has led her to new endeavors. “I’ve come to realize we treat behavior, not autism,” she said. “Labels belong on cans, not children. No child should ever feel like they don’t fit in. And parents should not have to wait five years to finally find services.” Last year, Kellie was accepted from a statewide pool of applicants into the eight-month Minnesota Partners in Policymaking leadership training. Created by the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, the goal of the council is to develop leaders statewide to partner with school systems, medical and business communities to create supports for persons with disabilities. “I’ve learned so much – and I am really interested in the policy-making,” Kellie said. “I want to help educate people within our community about autism” and the accommodations needed for citizens who are autistic. “So many things need to be changed – why rely just on a medical diagnosis, for instance, and why shouldn’t a child get those services when they need it?” In her work with the Governor’s Council, a resource referral document was recently completed, showing parents all of the services available for the autistic. She hopes they will be distributed soon. She feels particularly lucky to be living in Austin, where services for the autistic are broader than in many communities. That includes Mower County for its occupational and therapeutic services and the Department of Human Services (DHS), whose employees “are so kind and caring,” Kellie said. “Having the Hormel Historic Home is such a blessing,” she said, referring to the non-profit which in recent years adopted autism as one of its missions. Since then, HHH has become a key organization that educates the community while
“And if I could help even one family, that would be amazing. It makes me feel I am doing something right — and to let people know they are not alone.” Kellie Schmidt
providing programming for the autistic, from camps to respite nights at places like the YMCA. Autism Friendly Austin has worked to educate and train local businesses with information about autism and equipping owners with sensory kits. The kits have items that help an autistic person calm down should they begin to feel overwhelmed while in their place of business. “Businesses have stickers that will tell you if they are autism friendly,” Kellie said. “We really do look for those stickers before we go in a business.” “Austin is just an amazing place to be in – we even have a sensory park” that allows autistic citizens a quiet place to go, away from ball fields or noisy games. “You just don’t have that in many communities,” she said. “I am so grateful to live in this community.” Looking forward, Kellie has hope that Zoey will one day grow out of some behaviors or learn to control them. Whatever happens, Kellie is ready to provide support for her daughter. “And if I could help even one family, that would be amazing,” Kellie said. “It makes me feel I am doing something right – and to let people know they are not alone.” May-June 2020 | Austin Living | 39
Won’t you be my neighbor? Banfield Elementary initiative seeks to follow in the footsteps of Mr. Rogers By Eric Johnson • Photos 40 | Austin Living | May-June 2020
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In the last few years, there’s been a resurgence of sorts in the good works of Fred Rogers, he of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” The show aired in the United States from 1968 to 2001 and through his mildmannered way, Fred Rogers taught children acceptance and friendship and urged them to follow their own way. That influence and those lessons were at the heart of a Banfield Elementary initiative that in its own way taught students the heart of understanding. The idea was the brain child of Sue Conway with a central core of creating unity.
“It actually started in the fall,” Conway said. “I was trying to come up with a school-wide project of how we could all connect and spread kindness.” And despite a year that’s been cut short because of the COVID-19 coronavirus, there is not doubt that the efforts have paid off. “It’s been amazing,” Conway said. “I threw out an idea to teachers and now you walk down the hallway and you see the kindness posters up. Kindness presented throughout the school gives you a smile and you have a great day.”
speak more than one language? It was really hands on and was a look at how we have a lot more in common.” The Unity Project is a pole at the center of strings radiating outwards and through the entanglement the participants begun to understand what they have in common. From this stepping stone, Conway and staff could really dig into the idea of being kind to one another and in a lot of ways getting to know one another.
From ideas came action
The program throughout the year was guided by several ideas of Rogers, which he often featured in his show. These ideas included: Following in Fred Rogers’ footsteps while creating a •Everyone wants to love and be loved. program in the school was a natural idea for Conway. •Provide an environment where all feel welcome and In one way or another, the idea of kindness has been with accepted. her and her family throughout the years. •No matter what our talents may be, they can deeply affect “My son was an incredible Mr. Rodgers fan,” Conway said. others. “I’m one of those huggy, feely teachers and so my brain never •The greatest gift you ever give is your honest self. really shuts off. I was looking for something that we could •Sometimes a smile is a connect with people.” way to convey love, even to The school recognized someone you don’t know. this as well. Conway took •A love of learning has her idea to Principal Jeff a lot to do with learning that Roland and then she revealed we’re loved. the idea to teachers and staff. •Take 10 seconds to From there, the school think of people who have took it and ran. helped you become who you Conway began are. formulating her plan and •Won’t you be my would send emails out to the reader? (referring to a love of teachers of the school with reading) tips of how to progress the •Music is the heartbeat kindness initiative. of it all. “I gave them an •Won’t you be my overview of where I wanted neighbor? to go throughout the year,” These ideas helped Conway said. “We broke it The Be Kind Buttons turned out to be a huge part of the guide certain actions toward down month by month.” Banfield Neighborhood project. kindness at Bandfield — a Conway explained that curriculum if you will. the importance of touching Some of those ideas included things like the famous base with the teachers on a regular basis was a way of ensuring Trolley, that on the show would ferry kids from the real world the idea took hold and continued forward. the The Land of Make Believe. Only at the Banfield, Trolley This way there was always a new activity and a new way to would go from classroom to classroom. direct the students. “Mr. Rodgers’ Trolley would go to each classroom for one While the teachers did their part to help spread the idea week, where students wrote five acts of kindness they saw that of kindness, Conway leaned heavily on school counselor week. They would then be read so it was something they could Kendra Hotchkiss, who hosted positive action assemblies each hear,” Conway said. month. That kind of interaction gave the students both examples During these assemblies, students could share what they of kindness as well as seeing the affects of those actions. saw in the month that represented kindness. The time was also There was also ideas like the Be Kind Buttons. used to look ahead to the next month. “The ‘Be Kind Buttons,’ boy did that take off,” Conway All of this got its start through a very simple concept: said. “Fourth graders designed ‘Be Kind Buttons’ and had 50 unity. some entires and chose 10 of them. Austin Graphics printed “We started out with Unity Project,” Conway said. “Really them for minimal cost at the high school. We made 600 get them to understand what (the students) had in common. buttons so far.” We would ask questions like ‘were you born in Austin? Do you
Kindness through the years, in the hallways
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Sue Conway and Banfield students pose in front of a sign that allowed them to become the “I” in Kind.
42 | Austin Living | May-June 2020
“It continues after all these years. It’s fascinating with everything going on how many people have quoted him. It’s a sense of security. Like he said, ‘Always look for the helpers.’ Again, look for the positive. ” Sue Conway
Even with all the successes, the idea that they couldn’t finish the year in school has been somewhat of a bummer. For instance, they won’t be able perform the showcase they had planned toward the end of the year, featuring music and dancing by the students, showing off what they have learned. However, that doesn’t take away from what not only Mr. Rogers was trying to get across, but Banfield as well. “Parents that have come into the building comment to our staff,” Conway said. “They just said it was so uplifting to see the smiles on the front door.” That is the affect Mr. Rogers has had over the years, but what has really amazed Conway is just how
widespread the idea of Mr. Rogers is. Despite the partial year, Conway has seen enough and it has her planning for next year already. That’s the positive effect of Mr. Rogers. “Mr. Rogers was phenomenal about being calm to children and adults,” Conway said. “We all have feelings and we all need to express ourselves. What do I love? It’s just calm. It’s not craziness, I just think that resonates with everybody. It’s okay to be who you are, but we also have to learn to make sure it’s not hurting yourself and others.” “It continues after all these years,” Conway added. “It’s fascinating with everything going on how many people have quoted him. It’s a sense of security. Like he said, ‘Alway look for the helpers.’ Again, look for the positive.”
Messages of positivity were everywhere in Banfield for students to see, a sign of the support from teachers and staff.
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Standing for a Cause
From his time as an MMA fighter, Thomas Herrera has sought to help those in need Story
44 | Austin Living | May-June 2020
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Eric Johnson
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Thomas Herrera and his wife Kelly Herrera, from left, Mollie Schwartz and Jacob Schwartz stand with gifts purchased with money raised by Herrera for Operation Christmas Eve. Photos provided
Towards the end of March, Nexus-Gerard Family Healing put out a call for help. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Nexus-Gerard was looking for donations of items, including games and activities, which they could put toward keeping children on the campus busy. As schools around the state and country closed because of the outbreak and districts began instituting distance learning, those at Nexus-Gerard couldn’t simply go home, thus the need for more recreational items on campus. Within an hour and a half of the request going up on Nexus-Gerard’s Facebook page, Thomas Herrera was on campus with a cashier’s check for $2,000. For Herrera, donating the money wasn’t an option. “I wanted to be able to do something to provide some sense of relief to these kids,” Herrera said. For years now, Herrera has been 46 | Austin Living | May-June 2020
Pictured are an assorted example of the autographed items Thomas Herrera sells to raise money for causes.
putting himself in a position to help kids and those less fortunate. A 2011 Austin High School graduate, Herrera’s thoughts were of wanting to create a better world around him. And it was for good reason, because he had lived a life that was the same as those he would come to help. “I felt like my senior year was a changing moment for me, both mentally and physically,” Herrera said. “There were situations we were going through at home ... food insecurity, always having to rely on foundations and charities for my family to get by. There were times as a child I would come home to a house with no electricity, no heat.” In his mind, Herrera came to feel that he had more to offer. “I felt like I needed to do something more,” Herrera said. “I couldn’t let the people down that believed in me. I started to do a little bit extra. If I had a little bit of extra money I donated it to bell ringers.”
Thomas and Kelly Herrera, center, stand with supporters over a haul of toys for kids.
“I felt like I needed to do something more.” — Thomas Herrera However, Herrera didn’t have any official platform. He simply did what he could, when he could; however, not long after graduating an opportunity arose that would give Herrera that platform. An eight-sided platform. Not long after high school, the former wrestling, football and track and field standout took up mixed martial arts fighting. As he rose through the local and state ranks and accumulated titles, Herrera found that he had more than an opportunity to win. He had his platform to get the word out. “MMA is a great platform to speak on the things I wanted to talk about,” Herrera said. “I noticed a lot of people, I had their attention. After a few fights I thought, ‘I think it’s time to do something more.’ I feel like my existence in this world is to do something more.” Herrera started to share his stories and in time he started donating the money he earned from fighting to various causes. From this was born Operation Christmas Eve. “I was donating a lot of my personal money from my MMA career to certain organizations,” Herrera aid. “I just wanted to create something more permanent — Operation Christmas Eve.” “Every year, I would raise money in any way I could,” Herrera continued. “I would donate all that money or use the money to purchase Christmas presents throughout southern Minnesota.” It even went so far as to act as a motivator while fighting. “I saw that as a success. An opportunity to fight and speak,” he said. “If I didn’t win that fight, I wouldn’t have that
opportunity to help those people.” In eight years of fighting, Herrera has been able to give and make sure people have a chance at being happy. However, his time in the ring would come to an end as his life took a change. His career as a nurse and his military service took up too much time. This left Herrera looking for a different way to raise the money needed. Again, he didn’t have far to look. “One of my favorite things in this world is autographed memorabilia,” Herrera said. “I thought that if there’s a market there, I would consider selling some of the stuff I already had.” The move paid off. As he started selling his memorabilia, he started making more connections that pushed what he was doing even further. One of those connections was Total Sports Enterprises out of Bloomington. TSE contracts with Minnesota’s professional teams when it comes to autographing things like jerseys, basketballs and hockey sticks. Herrera will purchase the items and then sell them. In Herrera’s case, the money goes to a cause. He estimates that overall he’s raised approximately $85,000, but he’s also taken from this trek an urge to see children and teens succeed. “The No. 1 thing I’ve taken from this entire process, if there are any children, teens or any adults struggling, my advice is to endure the struggle and learn from the struggle what you can,” Herrera said. “There are lessons to be taken out from anything.” May-June 2020 | Austin Living | 47
A pair of reenactors face off during Nordic Fest in Decorah, Iowa.
History of the Homeland Vesterheim Museum documents the travels to America
The main four-story building is built It may have been 100 years since the from a hotel that opened in 1877 and the Norwegian rush ended in the Midwest, but grounds also feature a restored stone mill there is a place where you can step inside a from 1851 and a Lutheran Church and virtual time machine and look back on what Prairie House that were brought in from those immigrants brought with them. their original place in North Dakota. In total, nearly 800,000 Norwegians The museum features a total of 16 came to North America from 1825 to 1925, historic buildings. and the Vesterheim Museum in Decorah, “It’s a huge cultural center and it’s also Iowa, is solely dedicated to documenting that dedicated to preserving the living heritage of trek. The museum occupies a full city block Norwegians in America,” Langston said. “We in Decorah and contains 33,000 artifacts, kind of tie into the celebration of immigrants 11,000 books and 14,000 photographs from all backgrounds.” and documents from the Norwegians who The museum features a 25-foot sailing moved to the U.S. boat called the Tradewind, which famously Vesterheim means ‘western home’ in By Rocky Hulne carried Harald and Hans Harman, who were Norwegian and the museum shows how the Photos Provided brothers, 10,000 miles from Norway, to immigrants made the Midwest their home Cuba, to America in 1933. away from home. Besides the famous ship, the museum “Vesterheim is the largest museum in also offers aspects of day-to-day life during the U.S. dedicated to a single immigrant the immigration movement as visitors can spot tools and early group,” said Charlie Lanston, the Vesterheim director of agriculture machinery. communications and marketing. “For a small town, it’s quite a The museum also offers everything an art lover can ask for huge gem.” 48 | Austin Living | May-June 2020
Five places to visit near the Vesterheim Museum § Dunning’s Spring Park, Ice Cave Road, Decorah, Iowa, 52101. The wooded park features trails, picnic spots and a 200-foot waterfall.
§ Toppling Goliath Brewing Co, 1600 Prosperity Rd, Decorah, Iowa. Sit down and have a cold one at the second-best brewery in the world, according to BEERADVOCATE.
§ Winneshiek Wildberry Winery, 1966 337th St., Decorah, Iowa, 52101. The 150-yard old family farm winery offers an exquisite taste of the country.
Above , The Vesterhrim Museum in Decorah, Iowa. Left , A tour group learns about the early years of Norwegian settlers.
§ Ice Cave Hill Park in Winneshiek County, Iowa. The three-acre parcel of land on the edge of Barbara Barnhart VanPeenen Memorial Park in the northern portion of Decorah contains one of the largest glaceries in the Midwest.
§ Palisades Parks, Ice Cave Road, Decorah, Iowa, 52101. With miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, visitors can catch a glimpse of the scenic overlook of Decorah.
and the folk art school is quite popular. Students can learn the trades of wood carving, knife making, forging and rosemaling - an iconic form of Norwegian folk art. “There’s so much to see,” Langston said. “Right now, making things is really big in America. The maker movement in America has people wanting to settle down and make something without a computer screen.” While the upcoming schedule is still undetermined due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Vesterheim is planning on hosting a Norwegian Folk Art Exhibition from July 3-25. “Folk artists from all over the nation submit artifacts in weaving, rosemaling, knife making and wood carving,” Langston said. “It’s an avenue in which folk artists today can get recognition and critique. It’s quite popular and many of the items are for sale.” The museum is open from May 1 to Oct. 31 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Nov. 1-April 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed on New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. The cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 7-18 and $8 for senior citizens. Admission is free on the first Thursday of every month. Group rates and specialty tours can be arranged. Vesterheim draws approximately 13,000 visitors per year from 35 foreign countries. For more information and updates on the museum, visit www.vesterhiem.org. May-June 2020 | Austin Living | 49
LOOKING BACK
The area just east of Austin known as “City Springs” around 1906.
From spring to county club
The history of Austin’s pure springs By Jaimie Timm, Mower County Historical Society • All Mower County Historical Society
photos courtesy of the
D
uring the city’s early years, Austin promoted the fresh and pure spring water from several surrounding springs as one of its most important features. One of these springs was located on James J. Sargent’s farm east of Austin. He arrived in Austin on May 23, 1857, and claimed 175 acres of land. “Settlers were not numerous when he made his location, and few improvements met the eye.” (1884 Mower County History) Mr. Sargent continued to break more land and created a prosperous farm. After he moved to Austin in 1880, the farm — a fine dairy operation with Jersey cows and Shropshire sheep — was rented out by several people, including Jay Rugg. Mr. Rugg began what would become the Austin Dairy Company while renting the Sargent Spring Farm. 50 | Austin Living | May-June 2020
James T. Sargent, as pictured via a sketch in the Mower County Transcript.
Around 1900, the Austin Water and Light Board purchased the farm in order to use the spring to supplement the city’s water. At the time, the spring flowed at a rate of about 1,300,000 gallons per day. On Aug. 3, 1910, the board held a meeting to discuss the right of way for the pipes running from the farm and it was noted that the “board will move as fast as possible in the enlargement of our water supply.” By October, contractors started work to connect the spring to the city. By now, the farm was known as City Spring Farm, but the city had other plans beyond keeping it a farm. In July 1912, the City Council, the Water and Light Board, the City Engineer and the Street Foremen met to talk about laying out part of the farm as a park — City Spring Park. In 1919, that park boasted a five-hole golf course. It was expanded to nine holes in 1920 by professional golfer Tom Vardon. At the same time, the Austin Country Club was founded and within days, the club had 200 members. Two years later, the club began planning for a large $15,000 clubhouse on the property. Over the course of 60 years, the land transformed from wild prairie to Sargent family farm homestead, City Spring Park and finally the Austin Country Club.
Top , Roy and Helen Holmas on the City Spring Farm. It is assumed that they were renting the farm from the city. Above , Sargent Spring, about two miles east of Austin. Left , An advertisement and fundraising plea for the Austin Country Club in the March 21, 1921 edition of the Mower County News.
May-June 2020 | Austin Living | 51
BOOK REVIEW
Love for Neighbors Latest Stonich novel returns to familiar places By Peggy Benzkofer, Austin Page Turners
I
n 2015, our Page Turners author was Sarah Stonich and her featured book was “Vacationland.” This ode to northern Minnesota introduced us to a whole town full of characters enjoying the northland. Stonich has done it again with “Laurentian Divide.” She takes us back to the same area and we again meet our old friends from “Vacationland.” Hatchet Inlet has experienced an awful tragedy and its effects linger. Two young women are killed in a car accident at the edge of town. Spring is finally coming but Rauri Paar is missing and spring doesn’t officially arrive until he reappears to signal ice out in the area. He is the last private owner in the Reserve on a series of small islands. He lives a hermit’s existence especially during the long, cold winter isolated in the middle of the wilderness. Speculation abounds as everyone discusses if he has left for warmer climates, is disabled on his island or has died. Also discussed is who should be the one to make the long, dangerous trek to check on him. The town meeting place is the Pavola’s Café where the locals gather to speculate on Rauri’s fate and catch up on all the local news. A continuing controversy is whether or not motor transportation should be permitted in the Reserve as well as the future of mining in the area. The happiest news is the planned wedding of retired miner, Alpo Lahti and Sissy Pavola, who with her sister, runs Pavola’s. The whole town is invited, including Sissy’s mother, who is suffering from early onset dementia. This results in a very unusual wedding. Readers of “Vacationland” will remember Pete Lahti who is Alpo’s son. He has returned to Hatchet Inlet to open a veterinarian practice after a history of alcoholism and failure. His harrowing trip to check on Rauri is the centerpiece of the story. In spite of a pending storm, Pete loads up his dog in his canoe and launches into the frigid lake. His trip and what we learn about a previous trip tells us much about this tortured man. Pete is the character who brings us back to “Vacationland” and the relationships he formed in childhood. This gentle tale celebrates small town life and the love and caring the people have for one another – warts and all. The best news is that the Laurentian Divide is the second in Stonich’s Northern Triology so we can look forward to another book about these charming characters.
52 | Austin Living | May-June 2020
TURN THE PAGE If you like this book by Sarah Stonich, you will also enjoy these books “The Road Back To Sweetgrass” by Linda LeGarde Grover. This book follows Dale Ann, Theresa and Margie, a trio of American Indian women from the 1970s to the present.
“The Dream Country” by Shannon Gibney. The heartbreaking story of five generations of young people in a single African American family.
“Chronicles of A Radical Hag” by Lorna Landvik. A funny novel of life in a small town in our troubled times.
With any luck, COVID-19’s time will have passed and residents in and around Mower County will be able to have fun with these events. All dates, times, and locations subject to change.
May 2
Austin City Wide Rummage Sale When: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Where: City of Austin Annual city-wide event offering the opportunity to provide or obtain great bargains at multiple sites throughout the city.
May 8
Mower County Electronics Recycling Event When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Where: Mower County Fairgrounds Spring cleaning made easier - time to clean out those extra electronic items and other items from your house. Some items can be dropped off for free, others for a small fee. For more information, call 507-437-9940.
May 9
2020 Spring Austin Police Department Auction When: 10 a.m. to noon Where: Packer Arena Here's your chance to get vehicles, bicycles, and more at great prices. For more information, go to www.thompsonauctionservice.com or call 507-4379400.
May 14
Austin Page Turners Event Author Alison McGhee When: 6 p.m. Where: Austin Public Library Author Alison McGhee will be in town to discuss her novel “What I Leave Behind” at both local school gatherings and a community event. For more information, call 507-433-2391.
May 15-17 “Nothing More Dangerous” by Allen Eskens. Story takes place in a small town where loyalty to family carries the weight of a sacred oath.
Austi-Con V
Where: Holiday Inn Austin Conference Center Admission $20 in advance for the weekend, $25 at the door; swag bags provided on first come, first serve basis. Sunday is Family Fun Day - a family of up to four can come experience the event for just $10 on Sunday. Tables for open gaming as well as scheduled events. Attendees can take part in play-to-win events, check out games from the board game library and win door prizes. There will be a charity silent auction running throughout this event, with proceeds going to the Autism Day Camp program in Austin, which is run through the Hormel Historic Home. For more information, contact Michael at jormiboced@gmail.com.
May 29
MN Region 7 SWAP
When: 10:30 a.m. Where: Holiday Inn Austin Conference Center For more information, call 507-433-1000.
June 12-14
Adams Dairy Days Where: Adams, Minnesota
June 20
2020 Shooting Star Bike Ride When: 8 a.m. Where: Shooting Star Trail, beginning in Rose Creek With more than 20 years of time in the saddle, the Shooting Star Trail Ride is a bonafide Minnesota institution. With a wide range of ride options, from the 4-mile fun ride to the 100-mile century ride, everyone can enjoy this scenic ride through Prairie Vision country in southern Minnesota. Relax and enjoy the trail’s flat terrain, diverse foliage, small towns and laid back country life.
June 22
Work Life Balance: Challenging the Myth and Redefining What “Having It All” Means to You When: 3 p.m. Where: Austin Community Rec Center This workshop will help you move past the belief that work life balance is a realistic goal, focusing instead on exploring and uncovering what you are really after: a life more fulfilled. Cost is $15 for Chamber members, $25 for non-members. Seating is limited - preregistration is required. For more information, call 507-437-4561.
June 26-28
Lyle 150th Celebration Where: Lyle, Minnesota
June 26-28 Meadowfest
Where: Grand Meadow
June 27-28
Grand Army of the Republic Hall Open House When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (27) and noon to 3 p.m. (28) Where: Grand Army of the Republic Hall in Grand Meadow The public is invited to explore this local treasure. The Hall houses Civil War memorabilia, from the Booth Post 130 banner to portraits of soldiers, paintings done by the daughter of GAR member C.F. Greening, and other Grand Meadow area artifacts. Placed on the National Registry of Historic Places on June 13, 1986, the GAR Hall is one of the last two remaining halls in Minnesota. For more information, call 507-437-6082. May-June 2020 | Austin Living | 53
HEALTHY PETS | BY MICHELLE NELSON
ADVERTISEMENT CONTENT
Regular grooming is a must for dogs of all types is a horrible shredder, followed by a complete blow dry with a Imagine if you never brushed or washed your hair between high-powered blower. Brush your dog prior to bathing and use visits to the salon? OK, if you are bald, you might be OK, but a dog shampoo (never a human shampoo as our skin and hair since I have hair, I would be absolutely miserable and many of type are completely different than our pets) and rinse twice. Not your pets are, too, if they are neglected when it comes to regular rinsing well enough can cause dry, flaky and itchy skin. I like to grooming at home. use my hands to wash my dog, as it allows me to find ticks, spot Regular brushing: How often and what type of brush skin irritations or unusual lumps. all depends on the type of hair Then I take a rubber curry comb coat. Short hair requires minimal and scrub to help remove even more brushing with a rubber curry dead hair. comb. Medium hair coats need Nail trimming: This is often one weekly brushing with a double/ of the most overlooked grooming single rake comb. Long hair coats aspects by many pet owners, due need daily brushing with a double to fear of cutting the quick (blood rake or straight comb. For doodles, vessel) in the dogs’ nail. What many use a straight comb and slicker Janelle KoepkeAlways is the dean dog owners don’t realize is that long brush daily. focusof on the institutional advancement at Riverland toe nails change the natural alignment areas that matt the quickest — Community College. of leg bones, which adds torque or face, ears, chest and down the twisting to the joints, resulting in front legs, along with the back end Michelle Nelson is the Owner of Pet Authority possible injury and unnecessary pain and down the back legs. College Next, the Riverland Community provides important career training Workforce development scholarships and Albert Lea. and educational opportunities for our region. Cost is one in of Austin the most for the are dog. The average dogstudying needs tail, sides and top of head, and Workforce development scholarships offered to students common for students their nails trimmed three to lastly the challenges back. Proper brushingconsidering additional education. in programs identified as high demand in the state of every Minnesota. The keep Riverland is committed helping Program areas Ifinclude: four weeks. you hear the “click, click” on the floor when your will yourFoundation dogs (and cats) mat and to tangle free.students If yourbe dog successful by providing scholarships education • Health care • Technology dog walks, it’s time for a nail trim. Get yourself a good clipper or does become severely matted, you and will make need getting to shaveanyour dog more attainable. • Advanced manufacturing • Agriculture visit your groomer regularly for proper nail trimming. completely. If you need to shave your long haired/double-coated • Transportation • Early dog, their hair may never grow back the same. Exercise and treats: If your dog is childhood not a big fan of brushing, Riverland Foundation scholarships Next year, Riverland will offer more than 75 of these $2,500 Bathing: How often you bathe your dog will all depend on bathing or nail trimming or just simply will not sit still, taking a The Riverland Foundation provided over 500 scholarships to students scholarships. Workforce development scholarships are funded through the the time Some of thescholarships year, activity length program of their areas hair coat. During nice long walk to release some of that energy will make the entire last year. are and for specific and others Minnesota state Legislature with matching scholarships provided by local the summer, my dog gets a bath every two to three weeks, process much more enjoyable for both you, your groomer and have preferences for the community where the student lives. businesses. sometimes more often if he is playing in the mud or swimming your dog. And each of the above tasksonline withatsome Scholarships range from $250 to $2,500 and are available to recent high Applications for always fall 2020end open on February 1. Apply www.of in the lake. During the winter, I bathe about every six weeks. their favorite treats from The Pet Authority bakery for a job well riverland.edu/scholarships. school graduates and students returning to school. Shedding season my dog gets a bath every seven to 10 days as he done.
Numerous scholarships available through Riverland
Riverland Community College Foundation raises, manages, and distributes resources to support, enhance, and promote the educational opportunities Riverland Community College offers the people of our region. www.riverland.edu/foundation
Thank you for supporting Riverland students! 54 | Austin Living | May-June 2020
May-June 2020 | Austin Living | 55
WHY I LOVE AUSTIN
A hometown for newcomers
It
happened during one of the most unlikely of assignments: I was standing outside Main Street Coffee in Austin, talking to folks and taking photographs of people watching the lunar eclipse of the sun. I was on assignment as a then-reporter for the Austin Daily Herald. After speaking with several citizens, I approached two women. One was a photographer on assignment for the Washington Post, one of the country’s largest newspapers, and was in town on a political story having to do with those who had voted for Donald Trump the year before. After exchanging a few pleasantries and answering a few questions about Austin, I headed back to the Herald to file the eclipse story. A few hours later, the photographer showed up at the Herald office. She wanted to know a bit more about the community. It didn’t take long for me to fill her in. I say it didn’t take long because since my arrival at the paper the year before, I was continually impressed by Austin. I grew up in Rochester and my early impression of Austin was pretty superficial. A meat-packing town, right? Ho hum. I was from Rochester, the home of the Mayo Clinic. My nose was stuck resolutely in the air. When a job came open at the Herald back in 2016, I recall coming into Austin and being immediately struck by its beautiful parks and unique Main Street. Still, once I started working here, I realized that Austin had tons more going for it than just parks and a nice downtown. Austin is vibrant in ways that aren’t just reflected in population numbers. A growing visual arts community, a talented music and theater community, a new recreation center, a hockey team, a truly fun and funky bookstore – and a Spam Museum – are certainly part of its charm. And a symphony – are you kidding? How many towns of Austin’s size have a symphony, for goodness’ sake! The impact of Hormel Foods – and the Hormel Foundation and the Hormel Institute – can be felt everywhere, but in the best of ways. Hormel not only provides jobs, its heart is smack dab in the middle of Austin. Austin’s allegiance to the Institute and determination to fight cancer is truly awe-inspiring when Paint the Town Pink comes around. Without a healthy core of volunteers, none of that would happen. What great role models! Austin has excellent schools; perhaps the best I’ve witnessed in my 35-plus years of covering education. The district plays an instrumental role in Austin’s embrace of its diverse people. I have been staggered, over and over again, by the foresight of the whole community with its new citizens, whose mission is to help prepare for new lives rather than just tolerate faces that do not look like theirs. It is a testament to caring and intelligent leadership on many collaborative fronts. Trust me, Austin; you 56 | Austin Living | May-June l 2020
Deb Nicklay
is a former reporter and current freelance
writer for the
Iowa –
Austin Daily Herald
and lives in
another wonderful town , she tells
Osage, us ).
are very, very lucky. I watched the photographer’s eyes widen when I told her how many languages were spoken in Austin public schools – I think the number was about 47 then, but now is probably a higher number – and she said, taking out a notebook and quickly scribbling some notes: “Do you think we’re missing a story here in Austin?” Yes, I told her, I certainly do. Yes indeed. I found that Austin is not only home to many; it is a hometown, even to newcomers. What elevates this wonderful city is that when someone decides to call it home, Austin makes sure the lights are on, the table is set and the smiles are welcoming.
HAVE HAVEAABETTER BETTER PORK-LIFE PORK-LIFE BALANCE. BALANCE.
CARING FOR OUR COMMUNITY.
Mayo Clinic Health System is committed to supporting the health and well-being of our community by bringing innovative care options to our patients. From the convenience and comfort of home, patients can use Patient Online Services to connect with their provider, view lab results, manage prescriptions and receive online care for many common conditions. Learn more at mayoclinichealthsystem.org/patient-online-services.
