Education Issue!

College Graduate Ruthie Johnson The Future of Change

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Managing Editor Spaces ...... 20 Eileen Madsen a Taste of the River Valley ...... 24 [email protected] You CAN Pack Light ...... 30 Fun, Festivals & Frolics ...... 46 Sales Manager Natasha Weis Treasures ...... 52 [email protected] Be Sales Team Strut Your Stuff ...... 32 Erin Fritz Ruth Klossner Be Well: Chew on This ...... 36 Tami Leuthold Be Well: The Revival of the IUD ...... 39 Deb Moldaschel Be Well: Celiac Disease ...... 41 Chris Zelenka

Designer Do Amy Leuthold Breathing New Life into Old Clutter ...... 34 readers Rave ...... 40 River Valley Woman garden Gal: Powdery Mildew ...... 44 New Ulm & Mankato, MN 507.354.6158 Money Talk: Estimating College Costs ...... 48 good Reads: Rachael Haner ...... 50 For advertising and editorial contact good Taste: The Better Brown Bag ...... 51 information and a list of newsstand locations visit connect rivervalleywoman.com Lather, Rinse, Repeat - Editor’s Column ...... 6 River Valley Woman is published monthly and ruthie Johnson - Ready to Embrace Change ...... 8 distributed free in the Minnesota River Valley area. The content used in this magazine is rebecca Bergman - First Woman President of Gustavus Adolphus ...... 12 copyright 2014 River Valley Woman and may not be reprinted in part or in whole without Dr. Annette Parker - South Central College President ...... 14 written consent by the publisher. All articles and Dee Thomas - Retirement from Education Paves Way for New Adventures . . . . 16 editorial material represent the opinions of the respective authors. Kathy Blank - Immanuel Lutheran Fixture ...... 18

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RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2014 3

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236602 Lather, Rinse, Repeat by Eileen Madsen, Editor

I am not sure what delusional The five women in education we highlight in this issue we know are just Someone,individual, started the rumor that school days a few of many. From women at the helm of their schools, retired teachers are the best days of our lives. If that was the case still keeping their hand in, to one who balances teaching with being a I’m afraid there wouldn’t be a lot to look forward published author, we hope you will again be inspired by their stories. t o a f t e r t h e a g e o r 2 2 o r s o . I t h i n k a n y d a y s can be the best (or worst) days of your life But before we head back to school, let us not forget we still have a month depending upon what makes up the days. of summer left! August is one of my favorite months. It’s a great month for When I was in school, days that included gym fresh produce, sunflowers, lightning bugs and days where the light has a class equaled worst days, art class—best days. curiously pre-fall angle to it that is slightly melancholy and exciting at the It’s all relative. same time. Kind of like the first day of school come to think of it.

So with that said, RVW goes back-to-school with August is also a good month for vacations. I have to admit I am not big our education issue. It was a lot harder (like an on vacations that last more than four days. After that I lose interest in algebra test) than we thought choosing our “vacationing.” But nevertheless, we did head up to one of our fave places cover model and feature. There are so many recently—Minnesota’s North Shore. We went to Grand Marais and I am so standout educators in our area. So instead we glad we did, but not for the reasons you might think. There in the middle decided to focus on what education is for to of town is the most awesome, old fashioned Ben Franklin store you could begin with... the student. ever hope to peruse. And ladies, they have it all. Well if you don’t mind dressing like one of the Waltons. But that was the beauty of it. Or lack thereof. Anyway...there were Gracing our cover is recent college scads of floral house dresses, aprons, sleeveless button down shirts, and the best thing--a display graduate, Ruthie Johnson. Although we feature of what appeared to be retro hair nets (see photo). But they weren’t retro, they were the real thing. one student, she is representative of all students, What I’m not sure of is, were they still there from the 1960s, or do they restock them periodically when past, present and future. I discovered Ruthie they run out. If it’s the latter, then the gals in Grand Marais might want to rethink their glamour plan. while shopping in a kitchen store in Mankato this Maybe they need their own RVW magazine? summer. She was working there while finishing college. We got to talking about food, cooking, Speaking of yours truly...we asked readers on Facebook to tell us where they pick up River Valley and the merits of cast iron. Our conversation Woman each month for a chance to win tickets to the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. We were then turned to the fact that she was about to inundated with answers! We thank you all for heading to your favorite place to find us. Our ran- graduate from college and her focus on cross domly chosen winner is Daune Hoffmann who finds us at Lambrechts in New Ulm. She, as well as cultural communication. Intrigued, I asked her to the Lambrechts folks, will receive two free tickets each. We will have another drawing in September tell me more. I was impressed and enlightened so keep those answers coming! by her intelligence, perspective and enthusiasm. Don’t forget to school shop at the businesses in our readership area who support A true River Valley woman! We thank her for River Valley Woman with their advertising! They have everything you need from school lunch taking the time to talk to us between moving to goodies and the latest fashions to healthcare and beauty services. And, although it’s a bit of a drive, St. Paul and starting her new job. I know where you can get a nice hair net.

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RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2014 7 Johnson ready to embrace the future of change

By Ruth Klossner Photos by Alika Faythe Hartmann of Despres Photography

hen people meet accepted a job in the same field. Ruthie Johnson for the It’s not that Ruthie doesn’t “know who she is.” Rather, she embraces her diversities. Wfirst time their initial As a transnational adoptee, Johnson is passionate about identity development and reaction is often one of surprise. interactions of power and culture. Both Ruthie and her older brother were adopted from “I’m not what people expect India by Dr. Chris and Rhonda Johnson. Dr. Johnson’s work as a pastor moved the family when I show up. I’m not white. I around from Minnesota, to Brazil, to Miami, Florida and back to Minnesota in 2004. speak fluent English. I’m Indian Ruthie had completed two years of high school in a private school but I grew up in Miami. in Miami and finished her last two years through the PSEO I’m probably the only program at MSU. Indian that you will “People are “Going to college at 16 worked for me,” Ruthie comment- meet who speaks ed. “I knew that I wanted to do something with non-profits, Spanish,” Johnson a lot more than community service, helping people, but I wasn’t exactly said. “My ethnicity sure what that was.” is Indian but I was what they study While completing an undergraduate degree in raised with Latinos communication studies and doubling in art, Johnson so, culturally, I’m or what they do.” was very involved with the college campus ministry Cru Hispanic.” (Campus Crusade for Christ). And having a Euro- “My parents joked that I majored in Cru,” Ruthie said. pean surname—the Upon graduation, Johnson did “major in Cru” as she accepted second most common one in the employment with the ministry at its MSU site. U.S.—only adds to the mix. After four years, she was offered a teaching assistantship at MSU and completed With that background, it’s no her masters in communication studies, focusing on cross culture and organizational surprise that Johnson chose multi- communication at the same time. ethnic relationships as the basis for Johnson was able to do most of her grad work through an internship with her church, her graduate work at Minnesota Two Rivers Vineyard, working with a multicultural ministry team through a focus group. State University-Mankato and has “In forming multiethnic churches, we identify leaders in a population that’s diverse

8 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2014 9 2014 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august •

Multiculturalism, asks, level basic its at see others do “How can what and me I learn that?” from

s uthie. uthie. niversity orthwestern on-white Latino will be ngagement the U at .S. N rganizational Identity Formation O lot of success will be students how A lot of success adjust xpectations and every expectation. What orthwestern Paul. St. in College) orthwestern it’s that in holistic. This job me will give the un July 23, Ruthun July commented, “It’s 23, a brand new position— oyal Family KIDS reading. She also Camp. enjoys RVW oyal Family niversity staff. niversity staff. orthwestern and how their needs are met emotionally, spiritually, mentally, as as orthwestern mentally, and their how needs spiritually, met are emotionally, orthwestern (formerly N f her new role, beg Johnson incorporates her passion for her multicultural free work into time. She “Latinos the are largest growing population the in U Johnson’s work itselfJohnson’s will be diverse. “ Looking forward, Johnson noted our country that willsee changes great the in Johnson’s Johnson’s final paper wastitled, Multiethnic Johnson taking is what she learned from her her work to next master’s position, O She continued, “It will be challenging learn to a private how school works. It’s a “It’s easier for non-profits,than for profits, we but found manageable to ways lthough Johnson’s work was with a small group, she work found was with group, a small Although a lot of challenges Johnson’s uses groups volunteer her and assist painting interests to writing, in photography, and spent her She even her church. last week before starting N work at “Businesses, organizations, and non-profits needto followthe trend. It’s not easy not but, white getto if look a job you if you’re the demographics at of the country, the non-white population becoming is larger the population. than white Diversity aboutis learning recognize to how and learn from differences—andto that’s hard do.” photographeras for R the next generation of college students. Mankato the largest has population of Somalians outside of Somalia. Bi-cultural children know function to how outside of their particular cultures. That will become more said and more R common.” future. of N N to N I like academically. as well opportunity work with to people on levels. all People a lot are more what they than study or what they do.” as Directoras Development of Cultural and Community E no e boththat’s and great hard. I have students undergraduatesmuch smaller MSU. compared school—1,400 at 14,000 to in? My It’sjob the a whole new kid different culture. the do I on fit I’m block…how will be about enabling students student in leadership help and to how students student adjust to to life. A lot of will emphasis be on minority students, as well as U the with working in in several ways—age, cultural, and gender. In our group, we had six different ethnicities talked represented. about We what the in organization needed to she said.change,” work with larger corporations. foundof a lot mobilizing of ways We people already thosein the positions, wheel,” she instead said. of reinventing manage to leadership, enable to how I learned Vineyard at will transfer…how people.” that are consistent, on a larger consistent, are scale,that for big corporations. in Faith Communities, but she quipped, Faith in “Those just are fancy for words do ‘how a diverse church’?” have you

with Q&A Ruthie Johnson n Why did you choose a communication and how they already have done business realize you have a blind spot. major and more specifically cross cultural at home. This allows the business person to Diversity works the same way. When we communication? contribute their own style and personality to have a culture that does things in a similar A common saying in academia is that you a current business model, which includes their way, we can miss that there are other ways “study who you are.” This means that we find culture. Additionally, If Coca-cola were to send of doing things. Listening and learning from interesting the things that have impacted us this person back to China to do business on other cultures helps us see our blind spots. the most. When I think about cross-cultural their behalf, they would be able to appeal to n What do you think a businesses and communication, I fit this saying. I have crossed China’s way of doing business. Multicultural- organization need to understand when it cultures my whole life. Also, I think as the ism, in a holistic sense, then becomes about comes to differences in how people from world becomes more ‘global’ these skills will embracing the culture, tradition and ideas of a various ethnic background approach how be more and more necessary. minority individual and not just hiring them to they work and communicate? n What is multiculturalism? ‘look diverse’ and expecting them to just fit to Everyone is diverse on some levels, There are many definitions to this word, the company. wouldn’t you say? Like I mentioned before, and I think everyone would have their own n Many people may think diversity is we have different ways of celebrating idea of it. In the context that I use (and study), simply a matter of different ethnic looks, holidays, traditions, clothes we wear, music multiculturalism it is about learning from but it’s more than that, right? we like. This is all ‘diversity.’ other cultures, recognizing that the way we Right! I think often ethnic diversity is easy to What have you learned from the differ- have historically been taught things have label because it’s easy to see. But awareness ences between people? come from a ‘western’ or American perspec- around diversity is about being mindful of Everyone has a story. This is important tive. Multiculturalism, at its basic level asks, how accessible (or inaccessible) things are be- when it comes to understanding difference. “How do others see me and what can I learn cause of the limitations of others. Limitations The things that are different that are good from that?” can be due to income, gender, education, age, and the things that are different that are n What does it mean for the individual or physical or cognitive ability. Inclusion and challenging all have a background. I think it’s and how do you think we should embrace diversity means taking things into account also important to understand that having dif- or understand multiculturalism in our and acting on it. Its asking questions like “how ferences doesn’t always mean being ‘right or everyday lives? do you reach out to and accommodate to wrong.’ Differences are another perspective, For individuals, multiculturalism is about people who are differently-abled than you?,” opinion or idea. It doesn’t invalidate our own recognizing that others have ideas, perspec- “Who are we not including in this program?,” experiences and ideas. tives, experiences and stories that you can “What would make this even challenging for n How do you suggest people make learn from. None of us have lived the same others who cannot _____?” the most of their own diversity to better life! Multiculturalism can happen at any level. n What do you do to raise awareness themselves, their jobs, communities, etc.? It doesn’t have to just be about race. It can be about diversity in your community? Finding common ground with others goes a about family life, food preferences, the way Most recently, I was involved with a project long way. Maybe you don’t share faith or work business is run, or family traditions at holidays. called the Affordable Housing Collaborative. or ethnicity with someone, but you do share a This is what makes us all unique. Listening We talked about and raised awareness of the favorite band or food. These small exchanges helps us learn to accept differences, even if we need for sustainable housing in Mankato. and connections can show us how to learn don’t have a shared experience. Many of our community members are and listen about bigger things. Relationships n How about in business? renters, and the rates make it challenging to are key for learning about diversity. Once Multiculturalism in business can play out on have stable housing. When someone is only you learn about someone’s background and a number of levels. Organizationally it needs thinking about how to keep a roof over their life, you understand them more and have an to be about more than having different faces heads, it’s hard to have much more mental or appreciation for their thoughts and ideas. in a room. Each culture has what is considered emotional energy to want to contribute to the Difference becomes less overwhelming when a ‘standard practice’ of how they run things community in other ways. It becomes a game there is a face to it. and make deals, ‘norms’ and arrangements. of survival. Did you know it takes 89.9 hours n What do you most look forward to in When a company hires someone who is a of work a WEEK for someone making $12 hr your new position? minority, multiculturalism can look like asking to afford a 2-bedroom apartment? Minnesota Learning a new job and being challenged. them what they would change about the com- has one of the highest rental rates in the I really like starting things from scratch and pany. It means being open to doing business country. We worked to build awareness on this being innovative, there is a lot of room for that in a different style, values or systems. It goes need, and create clear lines of communication in this position. back to listening and learning from someone between landlords and tenants to improve n What challenges do you expect to else. Just because a method or practice has relationship. face? always worked, doesn’t mean there isn’t room n How do you think this carries over to I will need a HUGE learning curve. I will be for improvement or modification. the bigger picture? learning a new school, city, and lifestyle. Like For example, say Coca-Cola in the United One thing we talk about in culture & we talked about earlier with business cultures, States hires someone from China. When this communication is something called ‘blind I have a state-school background and will person goes out on behalf of Coca-Cola, they spots.’ When something becomes too familiar, be working at a private school. I will need to should have the freedom to do business in a and has always been done a certain way, it’s learn their organizational culture of how to do way that they learned in their home-culture. In easy to miss what might not be working the things. RVW this United States, this would look like combin- best. Until someone introduces a new idea ing elements of how we do business here, or something doesn’t work, you often don’t

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RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2014 11 Rebecca Bergman settles in as first woman president in Gustavus’ 152-year history

Photos and story By Dana Melius

Rebecca Bergman’s admitted “left turn” from Medtronic’s corporate in a Ph.D. program in chemical engineering and material science at the world to the presidency at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter might U of M. While she never finished her doctorate, Bergman moved into a seem a bit unconventional. But the 57-year-old mother of four, elected consulting role for Medtronic in 1983. on February 27 as the college’s 17th president and first-ever female “I fell in love with it,” she said. “There’s amazing satisfaction in work leader in the liberal arts school’s 152-year history, sees similarities in fulfilling a need for healing a human being.” both missions. Bergman’s last served as Medtronic’s Vice President of Research and “The mission of the (Medtronic) com- Technology and Cardiac Rhythm and Disease Management. She special- pany is to transform lives,” President ized in developing miniature medical input devices, such as pacemakers “I believe Bergman says of the world’s largest the size of prescription capsules, designed for inside the heart. medical technology corpora- But in this transition from one noble pursuit to another, Bergman in trust and tion where she spent 26 years, plans to listen and learn. including the last 14 as a senior “I’m an amateur student of leadership,” she admits, calling her leader- transparency. executive. The decision to move ship style one of collaboration. “I believe in trust and transparency. I’m a I’m a relationship out of the corporate world and relationship leader.” into academia still leads to the And she’s hoping that style is a good fit for Gustavus, its students and leader.” same mission – the opportunity faculty members. to impact the lives of students. “A place needs the right leader at the right time for the right purpose.” “It was a soul-searching moment Bergman officially began her duties as Gustavus president July 1. to decide to leave Medtronic and accept the Gustavus offer,” Berman said. “I loved my days at Medtronic. Every aspect of it was fun. I loved every minute of it.” She played a key role in the corporation’s creativity and innovation, designing products that were mission-driven. So Bergman sees a similar mission in her career move to Gustavus. “These are both noble pursuits. Here I am, able to be part of both. But it really was a left turn. In the end, what drives me is, ‘Where can I make a difference?’” Bergman stressed. “It became a calling. I’m a religious person and I consider it God’s calling. This was a decision that emerged from the deepest part of me.” “To be honest, it’s the challenges that excite me. Strategic thinking is what draws me in. The mission of the college drew me in, too. I’m a mission-driven person.” But Bergman was no stranger to Gustavus, having served seven years on the Board of Trustees for the 3,000-student liberal arts college. And two of the Bergman children have attended Gustavus – oldest son Matt graduated in 2007, and daughter Laura is a 2014 graduate. The new GAC president is married to Dr. Thomas Bergman, chief of neurosurgery at Hennepin County Medical Center, a senior partner with Neurosurgical Associates and a clinical professor at the University of Minnesota’s Department of Neurosurgery. The couple has two other children, Andrew and John. President Bergman recalls those first parenting talks about college with son Matt, as he considered enrollment at Gustavus. Bergman, who was born in the state of Virginia but grew up in Pennsylvania, was raised in a strong Lutheran church family. Her father is a bishop in the ELCA’s Pennsylvania region. “So I was just tickled that Matt chose Gustavus,” Bergman recalled. “It gave me a connection to the school.” Bergman’s original Minnesota connection was her husband, a hockey player who she met as both attended Princeton. After President Berg- man earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, the couple returned to Thomas’ home state. Rebecca went on to graduate study

12 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2014 She succeeded Jack Ohle, That’s exciting. Who couldn’t who retired after serving as get excited about that?” president for six years. And But Bergman also acknowl- while Bergman acknowl- edges the challenges facing edges her inexperience in colleges and universities, the world of academia, she including mounting student believes work at Medtronic debt loads. provided diverse training for “College presidents play a this next step. role in having a voice on how “The departments I led at we should think about higher Medtronic were really the education. Because I’m an most academic.” engineer, I believe in measur- Warren Beck, a fellow ing the value of education,” Gustavus Trustee and chair she said. “Right now, I’m in of the school’s Presidential a listening mode. I’m taking Search Committee, agrees time to meet people and and is pleased with Bergman’s selection as Gustavus president. listen to what people believe is special about Gustavus….Education “Becky is a proven leader, as demonstrated not only by her 26 years opens up the door to opportunity.” at Medtronic, but also by her seven years of service on the college’s Bergman also understands and appreciates her opportunity as Board of Trustees,” Beck said at the time of her selection. “Her Gustavus’ first female president. She hopes to inspire other women leadership skills, ability to collaborate and effectively communicate, and serve as an example to others, challenging other male-dominat- and knowledge of the college’s strengths and challenges make ed professions. her uniquely qualified to lead Gustavus at this pivotal point in the “It is a privilege, “ said Bergman. “When you think about women in college’s history.” leadership, women in these positions serve as role models. It helps me Bergman’s commitment to service and leadership brought her to stay grounded and gives me a sense of humility in this position.” now to Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter. Just one month into “My whole career, I’ve been the only woman in the room,” Berg- her new venture, she sees a strong community that compliments the man said at the time of her selection as Gustavus president. “So I college and offers plenty of leadership support. have aspired to be a good role model, because my hope is the next “It’s palpable within this campus,” Bergman says. “It’s how the generation of women will have seats at the table, perhaps in equal community works together. It’s that commitment to mission that’s proportion…But leadership is about more than gender obviously. I centered on students. That’s why we’re here. We’re shaping lives. think it’s important for leaders to help leaders develop.” RVW

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RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2014 13 Dr. Annette Parker: First year at South Central College ‘amazing’

By Dana Melius

“My first year has really been amazing. It really brings into reality that there are not enough skilled workers to meet industry de- to me what’s important for our region and southern Minnesota. I mands in mechatronics (technicians to handle the more advanced recognized a passion for collaboration.” –Dr. Annette Parker technologies emerging from a diversified manufacturing sector). Dr. Annette Parker considers herself a perfect match in her role “We just can’t meet the demand for skilled workers. There’s no as president of South Central College in better time to address how we’re going North Mankato. She’s a proud product of to stay competitive as a nation.” the community college system, having In southern Minnesota, Dr. Parker earned her first degree, an Associate notes, those types of jobs which need of Applied Science degree in industrial an integration of skills in the mechatron- drafting, from Lansing Community Col- ics field include food production, 3M lege in Michigan. plants in New Ulm and Hutchinson, That two-year degree kick started her and EI Microcircuits. Even some tradi- passion to learn and grow. From there tional agricultural settings, such as New it was a bachelor’s degree in techni- Sweden Dairy, need more skilled workers cal education and master’s degree in to handle the emerging technologies in occupational education from Ferris State the industry. University in Big Rapids, Michigan. Parker “They keep the robots going,” Dr. completed her doctorate in education Parker smiled. “You know, robots are leadership from Western Kentucky everywhere.” University. Dr. Parker believes the U.S. got away “In a very affordable way, you can walk from basic school-to-work initiatives into a community college and be success- over the past years, possibly prompting ful with hard work and dedication,” says this current shortage in highly-skilled Dr. Parker. manufacturing workers. But she also sees Consider her success. In September this as a renewed opportunity for the 2013, Dr. Parker was appointed to community college system, which she President Obama’s Advanced Partner- believes is best in the world and quicker ship Steering Committee, part of a national effort to maintain U.S. to adjust learning environments and course curriculum than other leadership in emerging technologies. The hope, according to Dr. post-secondary institutions. Parker, is to promote partnerships and collaboratives that will help “The U.S. is at an advantage versus Europe and other countries. create high quality manufacturing jobs and enhance America’s We can re-skill our workforce in a few short weeks, take it to a new global competitiveness. level…And these are good careers. Higher education is moving to a “As a country, we’re getting to almost a crisis,” she says, adding point where competency versus seat time will become a reality,” Dr.

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14 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2014 Parker stresses. “Minnesota needs to lead on that.” “That’s important to me that we focus on competency and not necessarily age,” she adds. “We want to give our high school students these options, as well.” “My first year Dr. Parker’s career includes has really been six years with the Kentucky Community & Technical amazing. It brings into College System, 17 years reality to me what’s with Lansing Community important for our region College, and 11 years with General Motors. Prior to and southern Minnesota. being named president I recognized a passion at SCC, she was the system for collaboration.” director of Workforce Education for the Kentucky Community I Technical System, during which she served as the executive director for the Automotive Manufacturing Technical Education Collaborative. She also provided leadership and oversight for the Global Automotive Technical Education Network, a partnership with the European Transferable Liberal Arts Ministry that provides their states with standards and guidance for Vocational Education and Training in the Automotive Sector. & Sciences South Central College has campuses in North Mankato and Faribault, as well as an expanding online learning curriculum. Since 2005, its mission was revised from a technical college to a more comprehensive community college. It offers over 50 Over 50 Technical Majors programs as certificates, diplomas or two-year degrees. Some 300 faculty and staff members assist over 4,000 students. RVW Online Learning

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RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2014 15 Dee Thomas ‘Retirement’ from Minnesota New Country School paves way for new ventures

Photos and story Dana Melius

ee Thomas stood inside Henderson’s 1900 school outfit and donned her painter’s building, currently being renovated with hopes of clothes, ready to scale the a fall opening for Minnesota New Country School’s scaffolding or ladders and take care (MNCS) 75 elementary students. She marveled at the of the high spots other volunteers left Dbuilding’s tall, arched doorways and spacious rooms and windows for her. Thomas, who “retired” in December as and reflected on the charter school’s 20-year journey. MNCS advisor and director after 18 years, has never truly left. But But at interview’s end, she changed out of her morning meetings she’s working on it. “I’ve actually moved away from it,” she says. “It’s kind of bitter sweet. I miss the people. I miss the children. I miss the day-to-day activity. It scares me to death at times to not have contact with the kids. But to have more freedom is nice. It’s nice to plan my own day.” Thomas’ days remain busy ones. After a December 20 retirement as full-time advisor and director at MNCS, she handled limited administrative duties for the school through June. In between, there was a six-week vacation to New Zealand with husband Doug and a March civil rights history trip to Mississippi with MNCS students. Dee continues to own and operate Henderson Stained Glass on the city’s historic Main Street. But school and education have been her life. While she missed out on the first two years of Minnesota New Country School’s existence as she served as high school principal at Gibbon-Fairfax- Winthrop, Thomas was among MNCS’ founders, beginning the planning with others in 1992. While she has been praised for her vision and leadership at MNCS, Thomas hands out credit to others for turning the charter school into a reality, such as husband Doug, who went on to serve as executive director at EdVisions Coopera- tive; Virginia Miller, then board chairman at LeSeuer-Henderson schools; and then LSH Supt. Harold Larson. But in a site-based management, teacher-led, project-based school concept, it’s the teachers who deserve the praise, Thomas stressed. “They have a group of incredibly smart teachers there,” she said. “They will need to continue to build relationships. MNCS has been making a name for itself across the nation.” “I can’t thank people enough for the hours they’ve given to the school,” she added. “It truly took a whole group of people to make it work.” Fellow MNCS advisors and staff members echoed similar praise for Thomas in a December 19 open house reception in her honor. “She could have gone on to bigger and better things, but

Left: Dee Thomas and Henderson’s 1900 school building, being renovated to serve as Minnesota New Country School’s elementary facility this fall. Above: Dee Thomas’ Henderson Stained Glass is located on the city’s historic Main Street. 16 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2014 she stayed here because she thought it was important work,” sources than ever before,” Thomas adds. “What students need to said fellow MNCS advisor Dean Lind, a 20-year teacher at the know is what to do with that content once they get it.” charter school. Eight years ago, Thomas thought she and others had lob- Thomas’ days inside the MNCS’ walls bied successfully to get such changes written into Minnesota have diminished, but her work on Department of Education licensing policies and procedures. But education reform continues. last-minute changes gutted the reform efforts, so that challenge She’s providing independent remains because current licensure requirements squelch creativ- consulting for other ity and innovation, according to Thomas, saying, “The rules and project-based, teacher-led regulations have always been drafted for more traditional schools.” charter school initiatives, Thomas also stays active in other community and regional including with Innova- boards and organizations. She’s on the Sibley County Library tive Quality Schools board, the revised Ridgeview/Sibley Medical Center board, as well (IQS), a metro-based as the EdVisions Cooperative and the Bush Foundation. 501c3 non-profit orga- Yet, her reputation in the stained glass industry grows, as well. nization whose mission Her small Main Street storefront continues to grow and offers a is to charter 26 schools in diverse selection of brightly designed and colored items. Thomas Minnesota by 2016. works on small and large projects, shifting from the requests of Thomas also hopes to family and friends to churches and one 21,000 square-foot home continue her statewide efforts to on the shores of West Lake Okoboji, Iowa. That massive home, re-design new teaching and admin- called Peace Harbor, brought together 191 contractors, including istrative licensures that are better suited Thomas’ stained glass work. to deal with innovative settings. She believes the methods and Thomas is also excited about a planned Chicago visit to attend practices of teaching should be more emphasized than content four sessions on new techniques in the stained glass trades. knowledge. “I’m absolutely thrilled to be going back to school…for me. I’m “Today’s students have access to more information via more going to totally enjoy myself.” RVW

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RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2014 17 Kathy Blank An Immanuel Lutheran fixture for 53 years Photos and story by Ruth Klossner

or 53 years of Immanuel Lutheran School’s 150- She liked the area and the people but fate was to intervene. year history, Kathy (Fitzner) Blank has been on the “I was homesick but I wouldn’t have tried to come back. But then scene—first as a student, then as a teacher, and now as Principal Herman Wentzel—who was my teacher in sixth, seventh, F a volunteer. Blank is truly an integral part of the rural and eighth grades—asked if I’d come home to teach. There was a Courtland school, its history, its present, and its future. teacher shortage and they were struggling to find a teacher for the A Courtland native—who now lives in rural Nicollet—Blank lower grades. I didn’t know how it would work in my home congre- cherishes her continued involvement with the school. gation, but I agreed to try it for a year or so. I’ve never regretted it. It Kathy officially retired from teaching in June 2009, after a 42-year was special to have Mr. Wentzel as my staff principal.” career—40 years at Immanuel and two before that in Michigan. Kathy “came home” in 1969 and, instead of staying a year or so, as Teaching is so much a part of her life that she still does substitute she intended, stayed in the Immanuel classroom for 40. She married teaching, along with volunteering in the preschool room at Earl Blank in 1979 and was again “tied to the land,” just as she had Immanuel and in various roles at the church. She subs at Immanuel, been as a child, growing up just north of Courtland. Good Shepherd in Mankato, and Immanuel Lutheran in Gaylord. From her farm background, Kathy learned that work is good and Blank has no regrets about spending her life in education, with work can be fun—something she feels that kids need to learn. nearly all of it at her home school. “I talked to kids that school work is fun and helping other people “I wouldn’t have done it differently. It was always so natural,” is good and fun. I can’t imagine people NOT wanting to do a good she said. “I wouldn’t have had to have been paid. To teach children job at what they’re doing. There’s joy in the satisfaction of doing a about their Savior—there is nothing I would rather have done,” she good job,” she said. said as she thought back on her years in the classroom. “The beauti- Blank taught primarily first, second, and third grades at Immanuel. ful students made it a wonderful job to have—to see the joy in their “Some years, I switched with (Principal) Dan hearts and on their faces when they accomplished something (Erdman). He took the phy ed classes and I they hadn’t been able to before.” took his spelling classes. I learned some There was no kindergarten when Kathleen Fitzner “The beautiful words I hadn’t used before—I was started school. She completed first through eighth students made it a used to first and second grade words. grades at Immanuel, then graduated from Nicollet High wonderful job to have— That was a change, but it was fun to School in 1962. From there it was on to Concordia go from first and second graders to College in St. Paul, always with the intention of being to see the joy in their seventh and eighth graders—and a teacher. At placement night, Kathy received a call hearts and on their faces to see the growth of the kids I had to St. Peter’s Lutheran in Hemlock, Michigan. The when they accomplished five to seven years earlier,” she first year, she taught 32 third and fourth graders in a said. crowded room that was intended to be an office and something they hadn’t Blank also helped plan the library. The second year, she taught an unusual combi- been able to schedule for kindergarten when nation of second and fourth graders in a new classroom. before.” that program began. She also started the school’s girls’ basketball program, feeling that it was only fair for the girls to play ball, just like the boys. When she retired, Blank was just beginning to teach her third generation of students. In a small school setting, she knew not only the kids, but their families, on a personal basis. She observed many changes during her decades in the classroom. “In some ways, kids are more mature, but five- and six-year-olds

Left: The past school year, Kathy Blank volunteered to help with the three-year-old preschool class every Tuesday morning. It was something she really enjoyed. She also spent a lot of time helping the school get ready for its 150th anniversary celebration held this past June. Top Right: From being the youngest on the staff to being “easiest the oldest” when she retired, Kathy Blank served Immanuel Lutheran faithfully for 40 years—and still volunteers at the school and church. 18 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2014 are still that. With preschool, and being out and about more, they are more used to being with other people than kids were 40 years ago. I had some kids that were pretty shy—that’s not as common today. Education has changed a lot—at least the last half of my years. Learning is more hands-on rather than sit and listen,” Blank said. “Now they’re more used to having things in front of them on a screen.” Technology was the biggest educational change that Blank observed. “When I came here, there was no phone in the building. We had to go to the principal’s house across the schoolyard if we needed to use the phone,” Blank observed. “There have been amazing technological changes. Now we have computers, Internet, and smart boards. They’ve all changed education a lot, but they have their challenges, too.” Changes in family life have affected education, too. “Then, not many moms worked away from home—they were there when kids got home from school. Now that’s not very common. Parents care deeply, but economics pull them away from the During the time it took for Kathy to drive those four miles home. Time for homework is not there. Kids are busy with activi- eastward, the NSP power plant on County Road 21, a mile west of the ties—lots of sports and other things. Years ago, activities were at school, was hit and destroyed. Earl met Kathy at the door and helped church and school. That was a time that families were together.” her to the basement where they heard the storm roaring. Though Blank commented on other changes she’s seen. their house was saved, their farmyard across the road took a direct “Years back, Monday mornings were quiet,” she said. “The last hit. Thirteen buildings were destroyed, cows and calves pinned in years, we could have had show-and-tell for an hour. Everybody was the barn, cattle and pigs ran loose. Neighbors came to help and so excited about the things that happened over the weekend! school was out for three days as older kids helped to walk the fields “A field trip for our class used to be walking along the side of the to pick up debris all over the area. field, down through the woods, and back and forth across the creek,” Blank’s 53 years of teaching and volunteer service proves that one she reminisced. “We were happy to see lots of birds and bunnies and can come home again, and have the memories to show for it. RVW NOT see a skunk. Now we don’t take that kind of field trip anymore.” Like any Minnesotan, Blank has vivid memories of storms and bad weather. Twice she got caught at school. During the January 1975 three-day blizzard, Kathy was going to head for home, but the snow was so deep that she couldn’t get out of the schoolyard. She wasn’t worried as school was like home to her. Soon joined by a high school boy who couldn’t get home, the two Nice planned to weather the storm in the school, but the principal asked them to come to his house. After one night there—with the electric- ity off—the pastor walked over from his house across the road to Ride! bring the group to the parsonage, which was more comfortable at Life is a the time. When the parsonage basement got too cold, the entire group moved to a small shop with a wood-burning stove. road trip “Representatives of four different families existed there together,” in the Kathy said with a laugh. “The men fed the wood stove so much the pipes got so hot, it looked like a chimney fire.” LauRie DanbeRRy perfect The power came on the next day, but roads were still blocked. However, the sheriff stopped, asking if anyone knew the where- toyota. abouts of Kathleen Fitzner, as her parents were frantic. “We made a book of everyone’s stories of that storm. The kids had a lot of stories of how they kept warm and took care of the cattle and other animals,” Kathy recalled. Now let’s go! Then there was the March 1998 tornado. Though it happened on a Sunday, Blank was at school. Principal Dan Erdman’s wife, Sue, called to tell Kathy that she should come over, as the weather was bad. Instead, Kathy said she had to get home to husband Earl. 1234 Raintree Rd. “The sky was green,” Blank recalled. “It was only four miles but, Mankato after a mile, I could feel the car being buffeted. The storm was right behind me.” 507-387-0443 [email protected] www.heintztoyota.com 237015

RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2014 19 Old meets new to create modern dream home

“Some people probably hate this look,” Eric admits. “But I spent a lot of time in the Twin Cities a Take a former few years ago and I’ve always wanted a modern loft type home. This was the perfect place to do it.” The home, which is located on a block of some very ornate and unique old homes in New Ulm, 1920s carriage was built in 1920 by Victor and Marie Reim and was used to house horses and a carriage with a loft up top for storage. In 2001, the carriage house and the large main house were converted to a house, throw in bed and breakfast. The main house was destroyed by fire in 2011. The Carriage House, which Eric still calls it, had three guest rooms and four bathrooms. The guest room on the main floor was a love for art converted into part of the living room and the two stall garage part is what now is the kitchen and living room. The bathroom on the main floor is the one from the bed & breakfast guest room. There and modern was also a poker room on the main floor which Eric turned into a laundry room. The project was started in August of last year shortly after the home was purchased and is still a design, and you’ll work in progress. The main floor is near completion but the upstairs has yet to get underway. “It’s gone pretty quickly, actually,” said Eric, who lives at the carriage house with his girlfriend Kacie get real estate Balbach. agent Eric Bode’s The clean, modern kitchen, which is their favorite space in the home, was converted from the two stall garage. The original concrete floor will remain, and while it’s over 90 years old it gives the dream house. room an industrial feel. The area on the outside where the garage doors were, are now adorned with corrugated tin, along with the main entry door.

20 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2014 SPACESSPACES

“Doing a backsplash like that was a new thing for us but it turned out very nice,” John Nosbush of Nosbush Glass Co. Artwork throughout the home was purchased on a beach in the Dominican Republic Route One Interiors where Eric and Kacie vacationed. There are helped select the materi- no plans to hang art on the walls but rather to als based on the color display it on easels for ease of mobility, and to scheme requested, the switch it out as the mood suits them. furniture was purchased “I had the idea of what I wanted everything by New Ulm Furniture. to look like,” said Eric. “And it came out exactly “ Working with Eric how I envisioned it.” is always fun. He has a great eye for style!” said Photos, opposite page, clockwise from top left: “I’m a whites, grays and metals type of Betsy Pieser, of New Ulm Modern kitchen is located where the former garage person. I actually stole the metal idea from Furniture. “We helped him design a timeless was. Top right: Eric’s 1999 Excelsior Henderson Chipotle restaurant,” laughed Eric, who gets look of modern, contemporary furnishings for motorcycle which graces the living area with its his inspiration from a variety of sources. “Kacie his home with sleek, clean lines in white, silver presence, serves mainly as a conversation piece, but and I travel. I love downtown Minneapolis. and black. The body of the larger pieces are he does say he rides it on occasion. Bottom left: The There is so much modern style there so done in solids, with the accent chairs, pillows overhead door looks out onto an expansive front we take from those things we see and are and art bringing in color and pattern. It was lawn with new sod and sprinkler system. Eventually attracted to.” a treat to take Eric’s love of contemporary Eric hopes to plant grape vines there.Bottom right: The exterior of the house will be repainted furniture from his imagination to the finished Corrugated tin offers a modern accent to the main but will remain white with gray trim. They product.” entrance where the old garage door used to be. plan to install new windows upstairs, and add The custom glass backsplash, windows This page top: Living area in open floor plan. some modern rectangular-shaped industrial and garage-style door to the front lawn were Inset photo: Eric Bode displays part of the original awnings. created by Nosbush Glass. Eric plans to add a sliding barn door which was found upstairs during Eric had specific ideas in mind of the layout roll-up screen to the overhead door to let the renovations and is used as an accent piece to cover and look, and local experts made it happen. outside in, but keep the bugs out. the electrical panel in the kitchen.

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26 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2014 249618 It all started in 1983. Big Burgers, Beer, and Sports, the ultimate tri-fecta! All of our burg- Come in and try our ers are 85% lean ground beef. We use zero trans fat cooking oil, and only the freshest pro- Great Lunch Specials! duce is chosen. Our spaghetti and alfredo sauce, Lamplighter sauce, soups, chili and dips are Turner Hall has been at the heart of New Ulm since 1856. But all made from scratch right here it is more than a building. It is the historic rathskeller -- the in our kitchen. oldest bar in minnesota -- where generations have enjoyed a Our winning attitude is still going good time and great food. It is the first-class gymnastics pro- strong today. When the game is on, our plasma screen hi def gram -- again, the oldest in the state. It is the place where you TV’s are second to none. We or your friends held their wedding reception. New Ulm Turn- turn up the volume to give you the feeling of being right there er Hall, listed in the National register of Historic Places, is in the stadium. Whether you’re open to the public with no admission charge. If you are plan- in the mood for the game or want a relaxing unforgettable ning a trip to New Ulm, Turner Hall makes the perfect stop. meal with a great atmosphere, Lamplighter is the place.

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249618 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2014 27 Where there is a helpful smile in your wellness aisle

Sleep important for healthy lifestyle

The benefits of nutrition and exercise have long been touted as key players in a healthy lifestyle, but did you know that sleep plays an important part too?

Sleep is restorative, offering more advantages than just feeling good and energized in the morning. It has been linked to a strong immune system, clearer thinking, lowered blood pressure, preventing heart disease as well as a trim waistline and a young-looking complexion.

Many people have difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep. Getting an adequate amount of sleep helps to reduce stress and even plays a role in preventing overeating. It is important to sleep in a dark, quiet room, but nutrition can also play a part.

TipS To a beTTer Sleep: 1. Avoid caffeine at least six hours before bed. 2. Include foods rich in tryptophan, an amino acid needed to produce serotonin and help you fall asleep faster. Try soybeans, milk, yogurt, almonds or apples. 3. Add cherries or cherry juice to your day. Cherries are a natural source of melatonin which helps regulate natural sleep cycles. 4. Minimize high-fat foods and spicy foods directly before bed to The hy-Vee minimize heartburn, which can make it hard to sleep. 5. Avoid sweets before bed. Sugary foods can cause glucose levels to spike and then drop, causing us to wake up.

by April Graff, MS, RS, LD, Hy-Vee Dietician .

Wellness N P E O R L buS! G AL Cherry, Wild riCe and Quinoa Salad all you need: 3/4 c. wild rice 1/2 c. quinoa, rinsed if necessary 1/4 c. hy-Vee Select extra-virgin olive oil Friday, SepTember 5 SaTurday, SepTember 6 1/4 c. fruity vinegar, such as raspberry or pomegranate 3/4 tsp salt at hilltop location at riverfront location 1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper 2 c. halved pitted fresh sweet cherries 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. 2 stalks celery, diced 3/4 c. diced aged goat cheese, smoked Cheddar Offering flu shots (high dose available for ages 65+) or other smoked cheese and cholesterol screenings (8:00 - 12:00 only, prices vary). 1/2 c. chopped hy-Vee pecans, toasted all you do: Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil over high heat. Add wild rice and cook for 30 minutes. Add quinoa and cook until the rice and quinoa are Making lives easier, healthier, happier tender, about 15 minutes more. Drain and rinse with cold water until cool to the touch; drain well. Meanwhile, whisk oil, vinegar, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add the RiveRfRont Hilltop rice and quinoa, cherries, celery, cheese and pecans and toss to combine. 410 S. Riverfront Dr. 2010 Adams St. Serve at room temperature or cold. Mankato, MN Mankato, MN To make ahead: Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. 28 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2014 507-625-1107 507-625-9070 236582 Where there is a helpful smile in your wellness aisle

Sleep important for healthy lifestyle

The benefits of nutrition and exercise have long been touted as key players in a healthy lifestyle, but did you know that sleep plays an important part too?

by April Graff, MS, RS, LD, Hy-Vee Dietician .

Wellness N P E O R L buS! G AL Cherry, Wild riCe and Quinoa Salad all you need: 3/4 c. wild rice 1/2 c. quinoa, rinsed if necessary 1/4 c. hy-Vee Select extra-virgin olive oil Friday, SepTember 5 SaTurday, SepTember 6 1/4 c. fruity vinegar, such as raspberry or pomegranate 3/4 tsp salt at hilltop location at riverfront location 1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper 2 c. halved pitted fresh sweet cherries 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. 2 stalks celery, diced 3/4 c. diced aged goat cheese, smoked Cheddar Offering flu shots (high dose available for ages 65+) or other smoked cheese and cholesterol screenings (8:00 - 12:00 only, prices vary). 1/2 c. chopped hy-Vee pecans, toasted all you do: Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil over high heat. Add wild rice and cook for 30 minutes. Add quinoa and cook until the rice and quinoa are Making lives easier, healthier, happier tender, about 15 minutes more. Drain and rinse with cold water until cool to the touch; drain well. Meanwhile, whisk oil, vinegar, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add the RiveRfRont Hilltop rice and quinoa, cherries, celery, cheese and pecans and toss to combine. 410 S. Riverfront Dr. 2010 Adams St. Serve at room temperature or cold. Mankato, MN Mankato, MN To make ahead: Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. 507-625-1107 507-625-9070 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2014236582 29 You Can Pack Light

The news swept down the train from car to car article). That you will be providing all your own needs. That you aren’t traveling with guitar or golf clubs or scuba gear. And, finally, like a tsunami –it was every man for himself. that you are going for a normal length of time—anywhere from a The Machu-Picchu to Cusco train was officially long weekend to three weeks. Okay, let’s get packing. broken down…here…in the dark…in the First, what to pack in. A good system is one maximum carry-on size suitcase and one daypack or good-sized messenger bag per Sacred Valley mountains… still several hours traveler. The suitcase should be the convertible type—one that can from Cusco. No other train was coming. be carried by hand or by back and can be rolled. Don’t skimp here. No problem. My husband and son quickly Buy the best that you can afford to avoid stuck and tippy wheels, gathered our belongings. With shoulder straps broken handles and zippers. Same goes for the zipped out, our carry-on size suitcases fit nicely daypack. Look for padded straps, an optional onto our backs, and with our daypacks on our waist belt, and special construction for optics fronts, we are able to bypass the tour group and/or electronics. We like Eagle Creek and stymied in chaos at the front of the car. We de- PacSafe products. scend into the Andean night, and find ourselves The system is this: In the suitcases, each squeezed into a narrow long space, between the traveler carries his or her own clothes and extra inert train cars and a tall stone wall. shoes. In the daypacks, carry valuables, airplane No problem. Walking over the very rough needs, itineraries and information, entertain- ground, we finally reach a dirt road where buses ment, medications, phone, camera, etc. If a child and mini-vans and taxis seem to magically is traveling, he or she carries all his or her own appear with hopes to glean business ferrying toys, books, snacks, jacket, etc. I generally carry a those of us stranded into the city. After a bit of smallish nylon or cloth purse that packs flat or fits fare negotiation, we throw our suitcases on the inside my backpack, which comes in handy for roof rack of our chosen van and climb in, joining those times during a trip when a backpack just other ahead-of-the-crowd travelers (notably, doesn’t do it--like a nicer restaurant--or when mostly Europeans). We are Cusco-bound. you’re forced to check your backpack--like in a Sometimes I wonder what happened to those museum--but need to keep your wallet with you. Suitcase About now you are saying, ‘Yeah, right. All my tourists we left behind in that train, those with giant duffels and behemoth suitcases locked clothes for two weeks in a carry-on size?! You’re away in the luggage car. The next morning, over Savvy crazy!’ Consider these clothing strategies. coffee in the hotel courtyard, I think I may have Notes from a Let’s start with shoes, which are probably the seen several just arriving, ragged and spent, most important packing choices. You already dragging their big ball-and-chain bags. World Traveler know this if you’ve ever endured a trip with blisters or fallen arches or chronically wet feet. Of course, the advantages to packing light by Marci M. Fuller aren’t always this exotic or extreme, and need For most trips, plan on two pairs plus flip-flops not be exclusive to international trips. Perhaps or crushable sandals. The first and primary pair you’re packing to accompany your daughter, who is west-coast should be good quality waterproof walking college-bound. Or packing for a family reunion, a weekend in New and/or hiking shoes, not too clunky or heavy. The second pair is a York, or a week in Orlando. Whatever the travel scenario, imagine back-up pair, used to give feet a rest from the first pair or replace soaring past skycap queues and baggage carousels—arriving at gate them when the other gets muddy. One still needs to be able to walk security and rental car counters before the crushing lines. Imagine all around the city or up the trail in this pair. Lastly, the flip-flops or being able to jump on that earlier connection—skipping the mind- sandals come in handy for evening, pool-side, dirty showers, beach numbing four-hour layover. Imagine having all your underwear and wear, and around the hotel. Water shoes can work well here too. toiletries with you when unexpectedly forced to overnight. Imagine Check out Tevas, Keens, Chacos, and the like for excellent crossover never having to file a lost luggage report again and the appreciative options that can actually function as both the second and sandal looks from your tour guide, shuttle driver or hosting friend, as they pair. Of course, the type of trip will do some dictating here. You may help load your two small bags into the vehicle. want a dressier pair of flats for that second pair. You’re shaking your head. You’re saying no, no, no, this doesn’t But whatever shoes choices are made, here’s the most important apply to me! I have to look nice. I travel with a laptop. I travel with my thing: Never take new shoes on a trip, no matter how good they pre-teen kids. Don’t fret, one can still pack light. felt in the store. If you buy shoes, do it at least two weeks prior to Read on, but with the assumption of the following: That the departure and wear them a lot before leaving. preparation part is accomplished (see last month’s RVW travel As for other clothing, the strategy is layers. A lot of destinations have changeable, unpredictable weather. Layers can substitute for

30 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2014 lugging along a big thick coat (unless luggage by exclaiming “Hey you! Can headed for Bavaria at Christmastime, I carry this on?” or some such). Start with a warm Dimension allowances do vary from weather layer and work outward: airline to airline. Even after doing all T-shirt or tank top first, then short- of the above, occasionally a counter sleeved shirt and/or long-sleeved agent will flex his rule muscles. On shirt, then warm layer (fleece, hoodie, a trip to East Africa, we flew the U.S. reversible sweater, etc.), then rain to London segments on American jacket. Don’t start with a turtleneck unquestioned, but from London to (again, unless in a more extreme trip) Nairobi, British Air shook their heads because it’s hard to take off later in the at our carry-on and forced a gate- day when it warms up. check. As with everything in airline Some specific tips: Look for dual travel, one must roll with it. function pieces—for example The Cardinal Rule: Once you achieve packing light convertible zip-off pants, reversible and experience the advantages, you’ll skirts, jackets that become vests. feel like you’ve reached a “higher Choose a good quality rain parka If you can get by plane” (haha). Besides the stream- with hood and drawstrings—some lined ease, one of the amazing and even pack into their own pocket. If unexpected benefits of traveling light you must pack jeans, pare down to without it, leave it. is an internal feeling of lightness, a one pair. They pack heavy, don’t dry freedom from burdens, an adventure readily, and are hard to wash. Take of doing without, a vacation from about half the undies and socks you’ll that daily overload of possessions need and plan on washing them quickly in the hotel sink. Or another we all accumulate in our modern society. One of the definitions of good strategy: Bring items that are on a one-way trip and just leave “vacation”: the action of leaving something one previously occupied. them behind. This works especially well when traveling in poorer I say, hey, that’s clothing, too. countries—someone will be glad to get them. And then, at the end Then it’s just you, a very carryable bag, and the world. RVW of the trip, room for souvenir purchases magically appears! Make sure all bottoms go with all tops for maximum combina- tions out of minimal pieces. Lay out your clothing choices on the bed—tops along the top and bottoms beneath—and usually you’ll have to weed out a third to a half. Generally, one can get by on approximately 3-5 bottoms, 3 tees, 3 short sleeve shirts, 2-3 long sleeve shirts, a light polartec, hoodie or thin knit sweater. To actually place all this into the carry-on suitcase, do it piece by piece. Don’t try to put a whole folded stack in at one time. Place shoes and raingear in first, stuff socks and undies into the shoes, then fold or, better yet, roll the rest and tuck here and there as the space dictates. Try to place the stuff you’ll need first upon arrival on top, like sleepwear. Sure, your packs will be full. Go ahead, scrunch and zip. Good quality construction can take it. Sponsored by: Other pack light strategies: It’s okay to dissect a book or trim a map. Don’t bother with clothes-washing soap—your shampoo or the hotel bar soap works fine. Large scarves are wonderfully versatile- -blanket, neckwarmer, sarong, shawl, and a great way to add color and a fashion-forward touch. Wear one on the plane and pack one. Leave the travel iron at home. Remember travel size bottles for liquids only, and carry liquids in quart-size baggies for inspection and in case of leaks. And always—the Cardinal Rule: If you can get by without it, leave it. Okay, now you’re packed and it’s off to the airport. The carry-on strategy continues. Since one of the main advantages of carry-on is skipping lines, pre-choose your seats and preprint your boarding pass off the airline’s website, and sail on past the main ticketing counters right to gate security. Look streamlined and portable by keeping zippers zipped and straps tidy. Don’t call attention to your

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I talk a lot about decluttering. It is interesting after they’ve forgotten them for a an essential part of reducing stress few months. Books: Swap books with friends or and increasing your ability to keep take advantage of the “Little Free Libraries” your home and work area clean. popping up around Minnesota, including The less “stuff” you have, the easier southwest Minnesota in the towns of Lynd, it is to find what you need quickly Hutchinson, Slayton, New Ulm, Willmar, and without hassle. Nicollet and Mankato to name a few. “Little Free Libraries” are a great way to get your used As we declutter items, it’s essential that we books to others to read, and save money by don’t throw everything away. I’m way too much finding a free one you can take with you from of a tightwad for that. One person’s clutter is someone else! often someone else’s treasure. In some cases, Paint: Use leftover paint from a recent you can repurpose your own clutter and give Tidy Tightwad Tips project to paint a closet, playroom, garage, it new life within your own home. store room, or play house. When it doesn’t Something isn’t clutter if it is serving a useful from a matter what color you use, you’ll appreciate purpose. Sometimes you need to give it a Professional a fresh coat of paint in a much needed area! new “job” to perform for you, your home, or Swap colors with a friend and or mix for a new someone else. The following are some ways Organizer color. I’ve helped people breathe new life into old Blankets and Sheets: Old blankets by Cindy Haugland with rips or faded patterns can often be used clutter, while saving money and our precious tidytightwads.com landfill space. as fill for a quilt. Flat sheets can be used as Baskets: Baskets, bins, and other decora- a back of a new quilt. Check with your local tive containers you receive gifts or flowers in can often be used church and ask if your blankets or sheets can in organizing. Use them for incoming mail, spice packets in your be repurposed. Otherwise, they make great picnic blankets for cupboard, or color crayons. The number of areas of your home the summer and drop cloths for painting and staining projects. that you can simplify by sorting is If you haven’t explored ideas for infinite. Don’t forget to use baskets “repurposing items” on Pinterest, there and bins in the garage or shed. Nail One person’s clutter are lots of very creative ways to turn old them on the wall for an organized, is often someone else’s items into something completely new and different. above the counter sorting system! treasure. Toys: Use totes to help kids sort One last piece of advice: Don’t and store toys with multiple parts hesitate to stop and ask someone how such as puzzles, blocks, and legos. Use they “did that” with an item you know has larger totes to rotate toys from storage to playroom several been reused or repurposed. Generally, people are excited to times per year. Kids loves toys that are made to seem new and share their story and help you reuse items too. RVW

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34 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2014 What Next? Summer... School I had the privilege this summer of teaching my right. I was capable of more than I thought I was. And I Challenge first undergraduate theology course in Saint Paul. It’s would never have found out had they not pushed me to probably the nerd in me, but in my world, combining do hard things. isn’t always the summer sun with academia is the best! My students That was the theme of my class this summer. Every didn’t think so. For most of them, (maybe all of them ac- time I was met with resistance against whatever we tually) it was a required course they were forced to get were studying for the week, I would tell them “nothing something out of the way to achieve whatever degree they were worth doing in life is easy.” If it’s easy, it’s familiar, and if pursuing. Combine the required liberal arts course with it’s familiar, you’re not learning anything new! Chal- to criticize, the fact that summer is meant for the beach and not the lenge isn’t always something to criticize, sometimes classroom and you’ve got yourself a tough crowd. it’s a sign of growth. I think this lesson goes beyond sometimes I thought my situation was unique to the fact that I the classroom. When you think about it, the easy, was teaching in summer session, and that the complain- convenient, fast-lane way, is usually not very rewarding. ing about the course load was due to the fact that in I’m reminded of the lyrics to the Miranda Lambert song it’s a sign the shortened summer session format, there is a lot of Automatic: “When everything is handed to you, it’s only learning crammed into a few short weeks. I thought worth, as much as the time put in.” Truer words never of growth. the critique of my final paper expectations was due spoken. Looking back on my short life so far, the things to a decline in motivation directly proportionate to I really value, are the things that came as a result of a hours of sunshine received in a day. After talking to a heck of a lot of tears. few more seasoned teachers however, it turned out my My senior year, we had this crazy English teacher who “tough crowd epidemic” is pretty standard for teachers. thought we were capable of writing a 10 page autobi- Public schooling, private schooling, or home schooling, ography. In high school, 10 pages was the equivalent of I would place a hefty bet that any teacher will say they a Master’s thesis (which, at the time, I would never have have experienced this. imagined I would also write someday). I think I spent I remember the flip side of the coin as well. Growing more time complaining about the paper than actually in critical thinking made me a very argumentative writing it. Today when I pull out that project (aptly undergrad. I suppose I was practicing my new found named “Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow” from reasoning skills. Today, my profs tell me I drove them Macbeth) I cry every time I read it. Thank you Mrs. M----- batty, always standing outside their office door the for making us do that paper. I treasure it today, and read minute that office hours started. Also I believe I may it to my daughter as a bed time story. It puts her right have been a used car salesman in a past life, so I tend to sleep. (: to think I can wordsmith my way out of just about any So to all the teachers out there who care less about situation. Ironically, I couldn’t do that when I was in their being liked and more about educating human beings, shoes, setting the expectations of my own students. thank you for putting your stu- You give them an inch, and they take a mile. Karma’s dents before your ego. Because a….you know what. even if today we don’t call you up This whole experience of being the bad cop made me to tell you so, we owe you one. reflect on my own teachers. The ones who really stay So does the rest of the world. in my memory are the ones who, at the time, I thought RVW were real jerks. Their assignments were lengthy, their readings were way above my head, and their expecta- By Lori Mathiowetz, tions were ridiculous. Apparently, they thought I was Riverbend Spiritual Care, New Ulm capable of far more than I did. It turns out they were

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RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2014 35 Be Well

Do you have jaw pain during eating, talking or yawning? Chew Do you hear popping noises when you open and close your mouth? Do you have difficulty fully opening or closing your mouth? on This Have you ever considered seeking treatment for these symptoms? Many people do not know that they are able can address symptoms associated with TMD. Signs and symptoms of TMD include: to find help from a physical therapist for jaw Treatments include exercises to stretch and pain. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is n Pain or tenderness in the face, jaw joint area, strengthen the jaw, postural correction, mas- where the jaw meets the skull in front of the ear. neck and shoulders, and in or around the ear sage and passive joint movements. A physical It is a hinge joint which is flexible and moves when you chew, speak, or open your mouth therapist can also provide education to help up and down and side to side allowing you to wide you understand factors which can aggravate talk, chew and yawn. Its initials, TMJ, refer to n Limited ability to open the mouth very wide and cause jaw pain. For example, becoming the joint itself but does not refer to a diagnosis. n “Sticking” or “locking” in the open- or closed- more aware of tension related habits of clench- Temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) refers mouth position ing your jaw, biting your nails or grinding your to a number of clinical problems that involve n Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the teeth will help to reduce additional strain to the the temporomandibular joint and the muscles jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth area. Avoiding hard foods such as French bread that control the jaw. These problems can or chewing or bagels, chewy foods such as steak or candy occur due to arthritis, traumatic injury, teeth n A tired feeling in the face and refraining from gum chewing are other sug- grinding, muscle tension or oral habits which n Difficulty chewing or a sudden uncomfort- gestions for reducing excessive forces through may cause increased stress through this area. It able bite -- as if the upper and lower teeth are the jaw. Often people with jaw pain will also often occurs in people who have an increased not fitting together properly benefit from a bite guard which can be made by tendency to be worried, stressed, frustrated, n Swelling on the side of the face a dentist. This is a firm device placed over the irritated or depressed. TMD is an extremely n Pain on one or both sides of the face teeth to protect the jaw and teeth. Together, common disorder that is most often reported n Other common symptoms of TMD include these treatments can help to reduce pain and in people between the ages of 20-40. Women toothaches, headaches, dizziness, earaches, alleviate symptoms. A physical therapist will are more likely to suffer from TMD than men hearing problems and ringing in the ears. work together with your dentist or health care as the ligament structure in women is more provider to create the best method of treatment flexible. Approximately 33% of the population In some cases, symptoms can resolve on their to meet your needs. will experience at least one TMD symptom in own; however, if symptoms persist medical Tami Meehan, PT, DPT, OCS DAC5205_RiverValleyWoman_DAC5205 6/24/14 11:47 PM Page 1 their lifetime. treatment may be necessary. Physical therapy Wenger Physical Therapy, North Mankato Free Pre-K Eye Exams Good Sight Goes Far! With at least 25% of all school-age children having vision problems that impair their performance in Your locally owned headquarters for school, it’s best to get your New and Quality Used Sporting Goods. youngster’s eyes examined. Create your own discount by trading in your gently used sporting goods.

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The Revival of the IUD- What women need to know about the modern-day IUD

ntil recently, many women considered the IUD, or intrauter- accounts for many accidental pregnancies with birth control usage, ine device, a thing of the past. But times have changed, and the IUD virtually eliminate that possibility as there are no schedules to the IUD has made significant strides since the 1970s and 80’s follow and a woman is always protected. when the device’s sub optimal design and structure caused An IUD is highly-effective: IUDs are more than 99 percent effective Uan increase in pelvic infections. This spurred an abundance of miscon- which is equivalent to the effectiveness of a tubal ligation but it is less ceptions about the IUD and its usage in the United States plummeted. expensive, more convenient, safer, and immediately reversible. Even Thanks to advances in technology, IUDs have been transformed and though other forms of birth control are also 99 percent effective, non- have since received a clean bill of health. Today’s IUDs have been re- compliant reduces its success rate (for example: remembering to take a designed to be much safer and have fewer negative side effects. IUDs birth control pill or insert a Nuvaring in a timely manner). are extremely popular world-wide and women in the United States are An IUD’s effectiveness is immediate and reversible: Once an IUD using them with greater frequency. is inserted, it starts working immediately and is effective up to 10 years What are the types of IUDs? depending on the type. When conception is desired, the IUD can easily There are two different types of IUDs available in the United States: be removed at any time by a healthcare provider and fertility returns Paragard (copper-releasing) and Mirena (progesterone-releasing). Both soon thereafter. are tiny (about an inch), T-shaped devices made of soft, flexible plastic The IUD is cost-effective: The cost of an IUD is about the same as designed to fit comfortably in the uterus. They are over 99 percent annual birth control costs so amortized over the life of the IUD, the IUD effective at preventing pregnancy. A healthcare practitioner inserts the is a cost-effective form of birth control. It doesn’t require surgery or device into the uterus in an office setting. A short piece of monofila- anesthesia and can be placed during an office visit. ment string attached to the device helps the healthcare provider locate An IUD is long-lasting: The IUD is convenient, requiring no refills. It the device upon removal. Once placed, it is virtually undetectable. is only necessary to replace it after 5-10 years and remains in place until Paragard (copper-releasing IUD) Unlike the birth control pill, a healthcare professional removes it. vaginal ring, patch and injections, Paragard is hormone-free. The arms An IUD is undetectable: The IUD is designed to be small and of the device are wrapped in natural copper wire which slowly releases comfortable, virtually undetectable. And, it generally cannot be felt a small amount of copper into the uterus which prevents the sperm during intercourse. from reaching and fertilizing An IUD is an option while breastfeeding: Women can breastfeed the egg. It also prevents a with an IUD. Who is a good fertilized egg from implanting IUDs have shown to decrease the risk of infection: An IUD may into the uterus. It is effective actually help prevent infection by thickening the mucus that covers candidate for up to 10 years. Because the the cervix. Studies recently have shown a decreased risk of endometrial the IUD? copper IUD is hormone-free, cancer as well especially with Mirena. a woman’s body cycles natu- Mirena IUDs may be used to treat excessive menstrual bleeding: The IUD is intended for a woman rally. There are no hormonal Mirena IUDs are approved to treat heavy menstrual bleeding. The interested in a highly-effective side effects such as weight majority of women using a Mirena IUD had a nearly 80 percent reduc- form of birth control who does gain, mood swings or reduced tion in bleeding as early as three months and at six months, nearly 90 not desire pregnancy in the near sex drive. percent had reduction in bleeding. future, who is not ready to make Mirena (levonorgestrel- What are the side effects/drawbacks of the IUD? a decision regarding permanent releasing IUD) Mirena deliv- IUDs may be associated with serious but uncommon side effects sterilization or who is not a good ers a small, steady amount that are limited primarily to the uterus. A woman may experience candidate for surgery due to of the hormone progestin more common side effects that, after a few months, should subside health conditions. If a woman directly into the uterus as the body adjusts. And, the benefits of the IUD have been shown to does not want the day-to-day which keeps the ovaries from outweigh any potential risks. maintenance of birth control, releasing an egg and causes • Placement: A healthcare provider must insert and remove the IUD. the IUD may be a good choice. the cervical mucus to thicken Cramping, discomfort and dizziness may occur during placement. Mirena IUD may be a helpful to so sperm cannot reach the • Expulsion: Approximately 5% of women’s IUDs come out and need those experiencing excessively egg. In the rare event that to be replaced. heavy periods. fertilization occurs, it prevents • Perforation of the Uterus: There is a slight possibility of perfora- a fertilized egg from implant- tion to the uterus. The IUD may go through or perforate the uterine ing into the uterus. These wall and move outside the uterus causing scarring, infection or damage actions work together to prevent to other organs (1/1000 chance). Surgery may be needed to remove the pregnancy. It may prevent pregnancy for up to five years. Mirena is also device. used to treat heavy menstrual bleeding. • Menstrual Changes: For the first few months, a woman may What are the benefits of an IUD? experience heavier and longer periods with cramping and spotting The IUD is an excellent choice for those women who do not want between periods. She may also experience cramping and backache the day-to-day maintenance of birth control. For most women, the after first few hours of insertion. benefits of an IUD may outweigh any potential harm. • Pelvic Infection: There is a slight increased risk of pelvic inflamma- An IUD is user-friendly: IUD’s work continuously without having to tory disease (PID) or any pelvic infection especially if a woman is not in take a pill or adopting any daily or regular routine. A periodic check to a monogamous relationship. ensure the strings are detectable is recommended. Because user error • STDs: IUDs do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

38 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2014 • Embedding into the uterine wall: There is a slight risk of the IUD attaching or embedding into the uterine wall. • Missed menstrual periods: With the Mirena IUD, nearly 20 percent of women stop having periods altogether after one year. Periods may become irregular and a woman may bleed and spot between periods especially during the first three to six months after placement. • Pelvic and abdominal pain: Pain in the abdominal area is common after placement but will generally subside within a few months. • Cysts: There is a slight risk of developing cysts on the ovaries. Rare, but less serious side effects may include: headaches, acne, hristine erber depression, heavy or prolonged menstruation, vaginal discharge, C G breast tenderness, nausea, nervousness, back pain, weight gain, skin ir- ritations, bloating, decreased sex drive, swelling of the hands and feet. Who should not use the IUD? Dynamic Agents • A woman who is pregnant or might be pregnant. • A woman with a history of serious pelvic infection. • A woman who is prone to get infections easily. “I have a true passion for real estate. I take great • A woman who has or had certain reproductive cancers. pride in offering exceptional customer service • A woman at risk for sexual transmitted diseases by having multiple because all my clients deserve it. Looking to Sell or partners. How is the IUD removed? Buy? Give me a call and I will Get You Movin!” An IUD must be removed by a healthcare professional. It is important that a woman does not attempt to remove an IUD herself as she may experience Broker Associate, Realtor® serious complications. A healthcare provider 1720 Adams St., Suite 100 determines the proper course of removal based Mankato, MN 56001 on uterus positioning and then uses a clamp or 507-382-0958 Cell Phone special instrument to grasp the IUD strings for removal. Email: [email protected] By Dr. Mark Taylor, obstetrician and gynecolo- Website: www.ChristineGerber.Remax.com gist at Mankato Clinic www.facebook.com/ChristineGerbersellsmorehomes 232258

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Part of the human body’s digestive system includes the small Q. How do you treat celiac intestine. This lengthy tube is lined with hair-like projections called disease? villi. Villi help absorb nutrients from the food you eat. However, A. The only current way to the consumption of the protein gluten by people with a condition effectively treat celiac disease known as celiac disease damages and even destroys villi, which can is by eliminating gluten from result in malnutrition and many other serious complications. your diet. This will alleviate There are many questions about celiac disease, and knowledge symptoms and restore and understanding will help you to identify and treat this condition. intestinal health – meaning Q. Is celiac disease just gluten intolerance? new villi. A. No. Current research suggests gluten intolerance is a condition You may need to work with a that may exist when people have symptoms similar to celiac disease dietitian to help you identify without villous atrophy (intestinal damage). foods that contain gluten. Although gluten intolerance does not destroy villi like celiac disease Q. I hear a lot about gluten- does, it can have severe symptoms and cause damage to your body. free diets – are they healthy The medical community recently recognized gluten intolerance as a for everyone? problematic condition and more research is needed regarding its di- A. If you do not have celiac agnosis. A gluten-free diet is necessary for proper treatment of celiac disease, gluten intolerance disease and gluten intolerance. Always discuss gluten concerns with or dermatitis herpetiformis a specialist to ensure an accurate diagnosis. (a blistering skin disease Q. What are symptoms of celiac disease? resulting from gluten intoler- A. Nearly half of celiac disease patients have no symptoms, and ance), a gluten-free diet is not everyone reacts differently. However, there are general signs found necessary and may actually in many celiac sufferers, including signs of nutrient deficiencies. nutritionally compromise your Some of these symptoms are: diet. • Abdominal discomfort Q. What are complications associated with celiac disease? • Bloating A. If you fail to treat celiac disease, there are potentially serious • Diarrhea complications, including: • Fatigue • Malnutrition • Fatty or oily bowel movements that may be gray in color • Cancer • Stunted growth in children • Lactose intolerance • Weight loss Celiac disease has continued to garner attention from the medical It’s best to contact your primary health care provider if you consis- community and general public in recent years as experts learn tently notice these symptoms. Even if celiac disease is not the cause, more about it. In fact, according to the National Digestive Diseases these symptoms may be a sign of a different underlying condition. Information Clearinghouse, celiac disease is now recognized as a Q. Are some people at a greater risk for celiac disease? common genetic disorder that affects about 1 in 133 people. A. Yes. Anyone can develop celiac disease, but some people are Fortunately for those with concerns about more susceptible to it. celiac disease, increasing your understanding People at a greater risk include those who have: and knowledge of the disorder can help you • Autoimmune thyroid disease better identify and treat it. And with celiac • Down syndrome disease under control, you’ll live a happier, • Microscopic colitis (colon inflammation that causes persistent healthier life. watery diarrhea) By Grace Fjeldberg, Registered Dietician • Type 1 diabetes Mayo Clinic Health System Mankato

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RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2014 43 Powdery Mildew: A Cautionary Tale Here’s a weird fact about me: I like plant diseases. I know, I know – I’m stressed from drought or lack of nutrients might be more susceptible to a gardener, and I’m supposed to get upset and defensive at the mere this disease. thought of something messing with my plants and their well-being. But Prevention for some reason, I think that plant diseases are fascinating, and when I see The most important thing I’ve learned about fungal plant diseases one in action, I usually get kind of excited. is that they are much easier to prevent than to cure. Once August is a great month for plant diseases. It’s humid powdery mildew infects your garden, you can’t just run and hot. The air is oppressive and thick. Since most arden G out and purchase a magical spray that will make it • G al common plant diseases are fungi, these conditions al • G disappear. Fungicides will protect your plants but are ideal for quick outbreaks. The pathogens G a not heal them. Therefore, if you find powdery r often prefer moisture and heat, so they’re raring n d mildew this year, you might want to spray your e to go before most gardeners remember that e plants with fungicide early next year, before d n r they might be an issue. But unfortunately, the symptoms appear. There are some good a G most fungal diseases are usually easier to organic fungicide options available for home G a

prevent than to cure, so it’s not the best idea l gardeners, including copper sulfate and •

•

to wait around for them to surprise you. l neem oil. Be sure to read the labels and

The culprit a apply according to the directions.

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(a.k.a. my job), the most widespread fungal e very important to limit moisture on your e

disease that I encounter is called powdery n susceptible plants’ leaves. You can do this in

mildew. You’re probably familiar with it, even a a number of ways. First, don’t overcrowd your

l •

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if you don’t realize it. The leaves and stems of l garden. Leave your young plants ample space

G a

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r n d infected plants quickly develop a whitish cast, e to grow to their full mature sizes. This will help almost as if someone has shaded them with chalk. increase air flow around the leaves, diminishing the You’ll notice these symptoms on the upper side of fungi’s ability to grow. younger leaves, and the white areas sometimes turn brown as You can also reduce moisture (and simultaneously increase the plant cells die. air flow) by pruning, especially on woody trees and shrubs. Trimming out Some commonly affected plants include: lilac, some of the inner branches on susceptible plants will decrease density and monarda, peony, ninebark, phlox, zinnia, rose, humidity within their canopies. salvia, serviceberry, dogwood, viburnum, Keeping up with your weeding will also help prevent this disease, as and coreopsis. Sometime the out- weeds will crowd your desirable plants and increase garden humidity. breaks are small, only covering a few Proper watering can also be effective. Use drip irrigation or water early in leaves. Other times, the fungus the morning to prevent leaves from being damp when the temperature can cover the entire plant. While drops at night. it doesn’t usually kill the host Sanitation plant, it will steal nourishment If you do all of these things and still get powdery mildew in your garden, from the plant and impede its don’t worry too much. Like I mentioned earlier, this disease rarely kills regular growth rate. plants – it just decreases their overall vigor and aesthetic value. Make sure you remove infected plant parts from your yard before winter so that the The fungus spreads around fungus doesn’t have an opportunity to overwinter. Bag the debris and from previously infected take it offsite completely – a home compost pile might not be hot enough plant material, and the spores to kill the spores. are windborne in the spring, Finally, you should know that many modern plant varieties are bred infecting new leaves when to be resistant to powdery mildew. If you have a lot of trouble with this they’re wet. Cool temperatures disease, you might want to consider looking specifically for powdery and high humidity promote powdery mildew resistance when you buy new plants. RVW mildew growth, especially when poor By Laura Schwarz, a New Ulm native, a horticulturist with Tangletown air circulation is also a factor. Plants that are Gardens in Minneapolis. a Senior living 236505 Old Main Village Community • Independent & Assisted Living • Historic Setting • Delicious Meals • Transportation • Heated Pool & Spa • Short-Term Stays Available • Pets Welcome

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RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2014 45 Fun, Festivals Frolics

To have your event listed, please email Ruth Klossner at [email protected]. Listings are generally for events that are free to the public, or are fund-raisers. Listings will be published as space allows& and at the discretion of the editor.

Tuesday-Sunday, August 6-10 • 9th Annual Minnesota Garlic Festival, Lisa Murphy, the Singing Cowgirl. Thursday-Sunday, August 14-17 • Brown County Fair, New Ulm. Info: McLeod County Fairgrounds, Hutchinson, Info: 507-359-8347. • Le Sueur County Fair, Le Center. Demo browncountyfreefair.com, 507-276-1741 10 am-6 pm. All weather event for lovers derby, amateur talent, more. Info: or [email protected]. of garlic. Food, celebrity chefs, music, Monday-Sunday, August 11-17 lesueurcountyfair.org or 612-247-5675. area artisans, goofy games—and lots • Martin County Fair, Fairmont. Music, • Nicollet County Fair, St. Peter. ATV of garlic. Info & costs: 763-260-0209 or livestock shows, pork cook-off, pig races, Thursday, August 14 (2nd Thursday pull, truck & tractor pull, two demo sfa-mn.org/garlicfest/. tractor pull, auto racing, more. Info: of month except December & derbies, classic car & motorcycle roll- theotherbigfair.com or 507-399-9587. August) in, music, livestock shows, more. Info: Saturday, August 9 (every Saturday • Henderson “Sew & Share” Quilters, nicolletcountyfair.com or 507-931-5816. thru September) Tuesday, August 12 Henderson Library, Lower level. 6:30 pm. • Le Sueur Farmers Market, corner of 2nd • Alice Lind Play Reading Society, Lind Beginning projects or bring your own Thursday, August 7 (every Thursday Str. & Bridge St., Le Sueur, 8 am. House, 622 Center St., New Ulm, 7 pm. stitching, knitting, etc.—sew, share, and through October 2) Info & cost: 507-359-9990 or newulmact. learn. No cost. Info: 507-248-3880. • South Main St. Market Fest, South • New Ulm Cruise-In, Burger King, 1922 S. com/play-readings/. Main Street, Le Sueur, 4:30-7:30 pm. Broadway, New Ulm, 6-8 pm. Cars, trucks, Friday, August 15 Free community celebration with motorcycles. 5-mile street cruise at 8 pm. Tuesday, August 12 (Tuesdays through • Ben Marti Jazz Trio, The Arts Center of vendors, food, music & family activities Info: business.newulm.com/events/. September) Saint Peter, 315 S. Minnesota Ave., St. hosted by local businesses. Classic cars • St. Peter Farmers Market, Grace St. & Peter, 7 pm social, 8 pm music. Swing-era & motorcycles welcome. Spots open • Redwood Falls Farmers Market, Bridge Minnesota Ave, St. Peter, 3-6 pm. standards. Info & cost: artscentersp.org. for home grown, home made, home & Washington Streets, downtown, crafted vendors. Info: MarketFestLS.com, Redwood Falls, 9 am-noon. • Redwood Falls Farmers Market, Bridge • Mankato Movies in the Park, Spring Historic South Main St on Facebook, or & Washington Streets, downtown, Lake Park, Webster Ave. & Lake St., historicsouthmainst.com/market-fest/. • St. Peter Farmers Market, Grace St. & Redwood Falls, 2-5:30 pm. Mankato, sunset (8 pm). Free, open to Minnesota Ave, St. Peter, 9 am-noon. public, family friendly movie, “Despicable Thursday, August 7 (every Thursday Tuesday, August 12 (Tuesdays through Me” on 20x20-foot screen. Local food thru October 15) Saturday, August 9 (every Saturday October) vendors, pre-movie entertainment for • New Ulm Farmers’ Market, parking lot of thru October 11) • St. James Farmers Market, City Parking kids. Bring chair/blanket. Info: http:// new Runnings, 2107 N. Garden St., New • New Ulm Farmers’ Market, parking lot of Lot, St. James, 9 am-12:30 pm. www.greatermankatoevents.com/event- Ulm. 2:30-5:30 pm. Fresh fruit, veggies, new Runnings, 2107 N. Garden St., New details.php?id=23529. baked goods, more. Info: knuj.net/events/ Ulm. 9 am-12 pm. Fresh fruit, veggies, Tuesday, August 12 (Tuesdays through knuj-farmers-market-in-new-ulm/. baked goods, more. Info: knuj.net/events/ September 16) Friday-Saturday, August 15-16 knuj-farmers-market-in-new-ulm/. • Classic Car Roll-In, 508 Main St., • Buttered Corn Days, Allison Park, Sleepy • St. James Farmers Market, City Parking Henderson. Classic cars on display, 50’s & Eye. Free buttered corn, live music, Lot, St. James, 12:30-5:30 pm. Saturday-Sunday, August 9-10, 16-17 60’s music, door prizes, vendors, food & crafts, vendors, kids games. Fun run/ & 23-24 drink. Local businesses open. Info: 507- walk, Zombie crawl, waffle feed, citywide Thursday, August 7 (every Thursday • Schell’s Summer Bier Garten, Schell’s 248-3234. garage sale, grand parade (6 pm Sat.). thru October) Brewery, 1860 Schell Road, New Ulm, Info: 507-794-4731. • Mankato Farmers’ Market, Best Buy 11 am-4 pm, weather permitting. Music, • Henderson Farmers Markets, Henderson, parking lot, 1895 Adams St., Mankato. root beer, brewer’s grain bread, cheese during Classic Car-Roll-Ins. Saturday, August 16 3:30-6 pm. Homegrown, homemade, baskets & German Craft Beer on historic • 22nd Annual Prairie Lakes Regional handmade. Info: nfmd.org/mn/ brewery grounds. Gift shop, museum, • Fairfax Farmers Markets, 1st St. SE off Juried Art Exhibition entry date, Arts mankato/1000836.html. brewery tours and tap room open. Info: Hwy 19, Fairfax, afternoons. Center of St. Peter, 11 am-2 pm. 507-354-5528 or www.schellsbrewery. Exhibition runs Aug. 23-Sept. 21. Info: Friday, August 8 (every Friday thru com. Tuesday-Sunday, August 12-17 800-298-1254, [email protected] or October) • Steele County Fair, Owatonna. Info: plrac.org. • Winedown for the Weekend, Morgan Sunday, August 10 scff.org, [email protected] or Creek Vineyards, 20707 478th Ave, New • Old Games Day, Harkin Store, 66250 507-676-0271. Fridays, August 15 & 29 Ulm, 6:30-9:30 pm. Info: Live classical Co. Rd. 21, New Ulm, 1-4 pm. Info: 507- • Classic Car Friday, Dave’s Place, and jazz piano performances, European 354-8666 Wednesday, August 13 (Wednesdays downtown Lafayette. Hundreds of cars; style hospitality, wine by bottle or glass, thru September) food & drink available. Info: facebook. wine appetizers. First come/first seated, • Harvest Festival, St. Gregory the Great • Le Sueur Farmers Market, corner of 2nd com/davesplacelafayette or 507-228- no reservations. Info: 507-947-3547 or Catholic Church and grounds, Lafayette. Str. & Bridge St., Le Sueur, 3 pm. 8910. [email protected]. Mass at 10:30 am, family style ham and meatball dinner 10:30 am-1:30 pm; Wednesday, August 13 (Wednesdays Friday-Sunday, August 15-17 Saturday, August 9 entertainment, games, silent auction, thru October 23) • Butterfield Steam & Gas Engine Show, • Le Sueur/Blue Earth County Breakfast more. Info: 507-228-8298. • Madelia Farmers Markets, Drew Ave. SE, Voss Park, Butterfield. 4-9:30 Fri., 8:30 on the Farm, Jon Guentzel Farm, 32171 Madelia, 4:30-6:30 pm. am-10 pm Sat, 9 am-5 pm Sun. Steam 490th St., Kasota. Free will breakfast, kids Monday, August 11 threshing, antique tractors and engines, barnyard, machinery display, more. Info: • New Ulm Medical Center Foundation Wednesday, August 13 (Wednesdays sawing, pioneer buildings, ethnic foods, [email protected] or 507-317-1958. Golf Tournament, New Ulm Country through October) bluegrass music, arts and crafts. Info: 507- Club, 11 am registration, 12 pm shotgun • Gaylord Farmers Markets, 5th & Main 956-3981 or 507-956-2040. • Gladiator Assault Challenge, Mount start, dinner follows. Proceeds benefit Ave., downtown Gaylord, 3-5:30 pm. Kato, 20461 Hwy 66, Mankato. Five Courage Kenny Rehab Institute-New Ulm Saturday, August 16 to 7 mile obstacle course, series of Expansion Campaign. Info: 507-217-5180 Wednesday-Sunday, August 13-17 • Mankato Mud Run, Loyola Hill, 145 challenging physical obstacles; music, or [email protected]. • McLeod County Fair, Hutchinson. Good Counsel Drive, Mankato. Two food, beverages. Info & registration: Name entertainment, autocross, difficult hill climbs and numerous gladiatorassault.com. • Monday Night Concert in the Park, motocross, demo derby. Info: http:// obstacles, including mud pit crawl and German Park, New Ulm, 7 pm. Music by mcleodcountyfair.com or 320-587-2499. noodle gauntlet. Adults & kids. Proceeds benefit Team Winter charity for cancer

46 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2014 research and Loyola Boosters Club. Info & Saturday, August 23 [email protected]. food vendors. Info: 320-587-5252 or registration: mankatomudrun.com. • Lafayette Area Lions Hog/Corn Roast, 800-572-6689. Fire Hall, Main Street, Lafayette. Pork Saturday, September 6 • Anniversary Event, Fort Ridgely State chop & sweet corn meal, entertainment. • 5th Annual Grape Stomp, Indian Island Saturday, September 13 Park, 72404 Co. Road 30, Fairfax, 1 pm. Proceeds benefit Lions community Winery, 18018-631st Ave., Janesville, • Younger Brothers Capture, Madelia/ Program by independent historian John projects. Lafayette Fire Dept. street dance 1-8:30 p.m. Music and more. Info: 507- LaSalle area. Realistic reenactment of Labatt on the U.S. Dakota War of 1862, follows. Info: 507-240-0048. 317-7914 or 507-234-5469 or http://www. capture of the Younger Brothers (who followed by John’s Battlefield Tour at 2:30 indianislandwinery.com/index.html. rode with Jesse James) at the actual pm. New Ulm Battery will fire its cannon. • 5K –‘Strides 4 Souls,’ Immanuel Lutheran site. Daylong, includes Old West shows, Leather making demonstration. Info: School, rural Courtland, 9 am. Family fun • Minnesota Harness Races, Nicollet contests, flea market, food. Info: cowboy. 507-934-2160. walk/run. Register at Courtland Bank. Info: County Fairgrounds, 400 West Union [email protected] or ryurcekcpa@ 507-359-4575. Street, St. Peter, 1 pm. cccinternet.net. • Henderson Hummingbird Hurrah, Free admission, parking & racing Bender Park, 200 North Third Street, • Geology Discovery Day, Jeffers programs; prize drawings. Info: 414- • Down in the Valley Brewfest, Henderson, 9 am-5 pm. Licensed Petroglyphs, 27160 Co. Rd. 2, Comfrey, 379-2494, [email protected], or Riverfront Park, Mankato, 3-11 pm. hummingbird bander will catch and 1-5 pm. Discover the geological features mnharness.com. Sample craft beers from 20+ craft band birds; garden tour, speakers, of the Petroglyphs; tour at 2 pm, breweries; food trucks. Info: 507-389- book signings, children’s activities, highlighting features of the rock. Info & • Hermannfest, Hermann Heights Park, 300, Info: vetterstoneamphitheater. and a Hummingbird Mall. Free. Info: cost: 507-628-5591. New Ulm. Fireworks over the Hermann com/events/2014/september/13/ [email protected], Monument, other activities. Info: down-in-the-valley-brewfest or ejones@ 612-229-5210 or 612-203-4764. Sunday, August 24 hermannmonument.com. verizonwirelesscentermn.com. • Old Schools Day, Harkin Store, 66250 Sunday, August 17 Co. Rd. 21, New Ulm, 1-4 pm. Info: 507- • Pro Auto NYA Bull Riding, Sibley County • New Ulm Community Day of Play, New • Bees and Honey Program, Harkin Store, 354-8666. Fairgrounds, Arlington, 6 pm. Benefiting Ulm Civic Center, Fairgrounds, New Ulm, 66250 Co. Rd. 21, New Ulm, 1-4 pm. Info: Jared Allen’s Homes 4 Wounded Warriors. 10 am-2 pm. Info: [email protected]. 507-354-8666. Monday, August 25 Mutton bustin’ for kids; live music follows. • Monday Night Concert in the Park, Info: Pro Auto NYA Bull Riding, Arlington, • Moonlight Golf, Fort Ridgely State Park, Monday, August 18 German Park, New Ulm, 7 pm. Music by MN on Facebook. 72404 Co. Road 30, Fairfax, 8-10:30 pm. • Monday Night Concert in the Park, the Concord Singers. Info: 507-359-8347. Golf by moonlight on course lit by glow- German Park, New Ulm, 7 pm. Music by Saturday-Sunday, September 6-7 in-dark lights, with glow-in-dark balls. Larry Mages and the Mages Family Band. • Family Astronomy Night, Ney •24th Annual Rock Bend Folk Festival, For all ages & abilities. Meet in Upper Info: 507-359-8347. Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Minnesota Square Park, St. Peter. Picnic Area parking lot, registration 7:30 Lane, Henderson, 7:30 pm. Activities Celebrates southern Minnesota’s folk pm. Info: 507-426-7840 or fortridgely. Wednesdays, August 20 and and storytelling to introduce the arts & artists. Original arts & crafts, music [email protected]. September 3 constellations, sky viewing to ID (blues, bluegrass, jazz), food. Music • Bike Night Wednesday, Dave’s Place, constellations. Sign up by Friday, Aug. begins on two stages at noon each day. Sunday, September 14 downtown Lafayette. Hundreds of 22. Info & cost: 507-248-3474 or http:// Free, donations welcome. Info: 507-934- • Norseland Preservation Foundation bikes; food & drink available. Info: neycenter.org. 3400, 800-473-3404, or rockbend.org. Harvest Festival, Norseland. facebook.com/davesplacelafayette or Celebrating New Sweden Township’s 507-228-8910. Friday-Saturday, August 29-30 Sunday, September 7 sesquicentennial and District 6 School • Riverblast, Center and Front Streets, 1 • 41st Annual Lions Club Fly-In Breakfast, reunion. Info: 507-246-5025. Thursday, August 21 South Front St., New Ulm, Friday evening New Ulm Municipal Airport, 7 am-12:30 • Movie in the Park, German Park, 200 N. and all day Saturday. Free music festival. pm. All-you-can eat pancakes. Proceeds • Harvest Festival, St. George Catholic German St., New Ulm, 6 pm. Free. New Food and drink; camping available. Biking to areas of need in New Ulm, along Church, St. George. Mass at 8:45 am; Ulm Park and Recreation, Citizens Bank, and running events. Adjoining Regional with Lions initiatives for sight, hearing, bratwurst & roast beef dinner, 10:30 am-2 New Ulm Optimist Club, and Kiwanis Club River History and Information Center has and diabetes. Advance tickets from pm; entertainment, games, raffle, more. sponsor “The Lego Movie.” Info: 507- interesting displays. Info: 507-276-2280. Lions, New Ulm Chamber, Hy-Vee and Info: 507-217-9992. 359-8343 or [email protected]. Cash Wise. Info: e-clubhouse.org/sites/ mn.us. Saturday, August 30 newulmmn/, [email protected], • Program on Snakes of the Minnesota • MVL Pig in a Blanket 5K Fun Run & 10K 507-354-6080, or 507-354-8940. River, Harkin Store, 66250 Co. Rd. 21, New Friday-Sunday, August 22-24 Relay, start at Risen Savior Lutheran Ulm, 1-4 pm. Info: 507-354-8666. • Stiftungsfest, Norwood Young America. Grade School/ St. Marks Lutheran • Grandparents’ Day, Harkin Store, 153rd annual festival—Minnesota’s oldest Church, 502 West 7th, Mankato, 10 am. 66250 Co. Rd. 21, New Ulm, 1-4 pm. Monday, September 15 community celebration. Old time bands Fundraiser for Minnesota Valley Lutheran Info: 507-354-8666. • MN was FIRST! Program, Hanska Public from across the U.S. & Germany. Men’s High School & MVL Booster Club. Info Library, Hanska, 3:30 p.m. MN First is and women’s softball tournaments, and cost: piginablanketrun.com, greg@ • Southern Minnesota Wedding Expo, about events in history that Minnesota fireman’s challenge, heritage tent, gregmillerdds.com or m.stalber@hotmail. Verizon Wireless Center, Mankato, participated in FIRST. Info: jkreutter@tds. fun run, sheephead tournament, kids’ com. 12-4 pm. Info: 507-345-4646 or sfette@ lib.mn.us. carnival, ethnic food, motorcycle run. Info: mankato.threeeagles.com. 952-467-1812. Sunday, August 31 Tuesday, September 16 & Wednesday, • Labor Day - The West Arrives in West Tuesday, September 9 September 17 Friday, August 22 Newton, Harkin Store, 66250 Co. Rd. 21, • Alice Lind Play Reading Society, Lind • Stargazing and Astronomy with • Mankato Moondogs Movies in the New Ulm, 1-4 pm. Info: 507-354-8666. House, 622 Center St., New Ulm, 7 pm. WCCO’s Mike Lynch, Winthrop Public Park, Franklin Rogers Field, 601 Reed Info & cost: 507-359-9990 or newulmact. Library, Winthrop at 7:30 pm Tuesday; St, Mankato, sunset. Free & open to the • Hilltop Happenings, Hilltop Hall, 206 com/play-readings/. Gibbon Public Library, Gibbon at 7:30 public, family friendly movie, local food First St. N., Montgomery, 4 pm. Monthly pm Wednesday. Use large reflecting vendors. Screen will be set up on baseball musical variety show. No admission— Friday, September 12 telescopes to get to know the field. Bring a chair/blanket! donation accepted to defray costs; pizza • Classic Car/Bike Night Grand Finale, constellations. Free, open to public. Info: sold at intermission. Info: bighonza.com/ Dave’s Place, downtown Lafayette, 5:00 [email protected] or tdslib.org/ Friday-Sunday, August 22-24 hilltop-hall/. pm. Hundreds of bikes and cars. Food • 41st Annual Le Sueur County Pioneer and drink available. Info: facebook.com/ Wednesday, September 17 Power Show, rural Le Sueur. Working Thursday-Friday, September 4-5 davesplacelafayette or 507-228-8910. • Social Media Rockstar Event, Willmar demonstrations, parade, stage & family • Minnesota Shorts Play Festival, Mankato Conference Center, Willmar, daylong. entertainment, antique tractor pull, West High School Theater, 1351 S. Friday-Saturday, September 12-13 Digital & social media marketing antique machinery auction, more. Info: Stoltzman Road, Mankato, 7:30 pm. Top • Hutchinson Arts & Crafts Festival & event in rural Minnesota; national 507-248-3515 or pioneerpowershow.com. 7 Minnesota scripts and top 7 national Taste of Hutchinson, Library Square and & regional social media and digital scripts from 500 entries in festival. First Ave SE, downtown Hutchinson. speakers. Info & registration: http:// Info: 507-420-1881, mnshorts.com or Wide selection of artists, crafters, and socialmediarockstarevent.com/.

RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2014 47 Money Talk Estimating College Costs What is the forecast for college cost increases?

You’ve seen the charts--a college edu- will start saving. And the more money cation is expensive. All those benefits of you save now, the less money you or your personal growth, expanded horizons, child will need to borrow later. and increased lifetime earning power It is important to begin saving as early come at a price, a price that increases as possible so you can earn interest, every year. For the 2013/2014 academic dividends, and/or capital gains on as year, the average cost of attendance at much money as possible. With a long- a four-year public college for in-state term savings strategy, you can hopefully students is $22,826, the average cost of keep ahead of college inflation. attendance at a four-year public college Regular investments add up over time. for out-of-state students is $36,136, and the average cost of attendance By investing even a small amount of money on a regular basis, you have at a four-year private college is $44,750. (Source: The College Board’s the potential to accumulate a significant amount in your child’s college 2013 Trends in College Pricing Report.) The trend of annual college costs fund. The following table illustrates how your monthly investment can outpacing inflation is expected to continue. grow over time (assuming an approximate 6 percent after-tax return What expenses are included in the cost of college? rate): In the academic world, the cost of college is generally referred to as Note: The above example is for illustrative purposes only and does not the cost of attendance (COA). Each college has its own COA. The COA represent the return of any investment. There is no guarantee that your consists of five items: investment will realize a return and there is a risk that you will lose your Tuition and fees: These expenses are generally the same for all investment entirely. students. How much do you need to save? Books and supplies: These expenses can vary depending on the How much you need to save obviously depends on the estimated cost courses selected. of college at the time your child is ready to attend. Often, these numbers Room and board: These expenses can vary depending on where the are staggering. For many parents, the question of how much they should student lives (e.g., dorm, off-campus apartment, at home) and the meal save becomes how much they can afford to save. plan chosen. To determine how much you can afford to save for your child’s Transportation: This expense can vary depending on how far the college each month, you will need to prepare a budget and examine student lives from the college. It can involve daily commuting expenses, your monthly income and expenses. Don’t be discouraged if you can three round-trip flights home a year, or anything in between. save only a minimal amount at first. The key is to start saving early and Personal expenses: This category varies greatly among students. It consistently, and to add to it whenever you can from raises, bonuses, or can include telephone bills, health insurance, late-night pizzas, personal unexpected gifts. spending money, or even day-care bills. After you determine how much you can save each month, you will Twice per year, the federal government recalculates the COA for each need to choose one or more college saving options. There are many college and then adjusts the figures possibilities for college savings--529 plans, Coverdell education savings for inflation. The government then accounts, custodial accounts, bank accounts, and mutual funds. To help Why can’t colleges uses the COA figures to determine make your nest egg grow, you will want to maximize the after-tax return keep their prices down? your child’s particular financial on your savings while minimizing risk. need come financial aid time. Finally, keep in mind that most parents are not able to save 100 There are many reasons Why you should start percent of their child’s college education (after all, do you know anybody why colleges have a hard saving early? who purchased a home entirely with his or her own savings?). Instead, time holding down their Next to buying a home, a college parents generally supplement their savings at college time with a com- price increases to the rate education is the largest expendi- bination of personal loans, financial aid (student loans, grants, scholar- of inflation. For one thing, ture most parents will ever make ships, and work-study), and tax credits to cover college costs. RVW higher education is labor (and perhaps the biggest expen- By Mila Quiring, Strategic Wealth, New Ulm. intensive. For another, there diture when more than one child are a variety of extra costs IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES Broadridge Investor Communication that colleges must absorb, is in the family picture). Faced with such a daunting task, you might be Solutions, Inc. does not provide investment, tax, or legal advice. The like recruiting, technology information presented here is not specific to any individual’s personal (all those computers and inclined to ignore the problem and circumstances.To the extent that this material concerns tax matters, networks), and building wait until you are more financially it is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by a settled before you start saving. But taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed maintenance costs. Couple by law. Each taxpayer should seek independent advice from a tax this with the reality that that would be a mistake. professional based on his or her individual circumstances.These parents increasingly expect The key to sanity in the area of materials are provided for general information and educational more bang for the buck, education planning is advance purposes based upon publicly available information from sources planning. The earlier in the process believed to be reliable--we cannot assure the accuracy or completeness of these materials. The everything from modernized information in these materials may change at any time and without notice.Investment Centers career centers to state-of-the- you become informed about the of America, Inc. (ICA) member FINRA, SIPC, a registered investment Advisor, is not affiliated with art recreational facilities and potential costs and your saving Strategic Wealth Consulting. Securities, Advisory Services, and insurance products are offered medical centers. options, the greater chance you through ICA and affiliated insurance agencies.

48 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2014 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2014 49 249620 Good We’ll be the Last Ones to Let You Down-- Reads MSU instructor Rachael Hanel offers moving perspective of life by Amy Goetzman, courtesy of MINNPOST MinnPost: Your book references Thornton “It takes a village to raise a child, and for me, Wilder’s “Our Town” and explores some of the Rachael Hanel that village was the graveyard,” says Mankato same themes — community and death — in the in Her Own Words... writer Rachael Hanel in her new memoir, “We’ll same setting. When did you first encounter that Be the Last Ones to Let You Down” (University of play? I teach mass media at Minnesota State Uni- versity, Mankato, that includes a large-lecture Minnesota Press). Rachael Hanel: I came across it in high school, Introduction to mass media course, along Like a character straight and I didn’t even think twice about it. I thought with a course on writing for online media. In from folklore, Hanel is the it was a great play, and neat that it was set in the past I’ve taught editing, magazine article daughter of a gravedigger, the graveyard, but at that age, I wasn’t really writing, and advanced reporting. I started as “Digger O’Dell,” and until her reflective about how things related to my life, an adjunct instructor there in 2002 and moved father’s own too-early death, even though my dad had recently died. But into a full-time role in Spring 2013. After spending several years as a reporter she grew up playing among when I was working on one of the last drafts of and copy editor at the Mankato Free Press I the headstones, helping my book, it suddenly hit me; no wonder that play moved into teaching. Teaching has always her parents tend graves, resonated with me. I was actually in the play, been in my blood — my favorite thing to do as watching families bury their as one of the narrators. I think subconsciously I a child was to play school. I always loved going loved ones and pondering felt very comfortable with that material — I just to school and enjoy the university environment the deep matters of life and didn’t recognize it. — mostly because students are so enthusiastic MP: What other graveyard books are part of and excited about the future. All possibilities death. are open to them. Most of my students want to Hanel’s family tended your collection? enter the public relations field, though I do get cemeteries in the farming region of Waseca, and RH: There’s a writer in Michigan, Thomas a few who want a career in journalism. Some she got to know the residents of these stony Lynch, who is actually a funeral director, but he’s people like to say the news industry is a dying neighborhoods from a unique perspective. primarily a poet. He has two books of essays, one, but I disagree. It’s not dying, it’s changing. This isn’t just a personal memoir; she writes “The Undertaking” and “Bodies in Motion and at More than ever, we need young people who eloquently about the lives and deaths of family, Rest.” These are very important to me, because are trained to work in all forms of media — print, online, social media, broadcast, etc. neighbors, and strangers with sympathy and he was working in the death industry and Because I write exclusively nonfiction, I care. offered up his perspective in such a beautiful think my day job complements my writing Death is all around her, and her parents don’t and lyrical way. career. The world of nonfiction storytelling is flinch about telling her the stories of murder The other one that I love, just love, is Alison so exciting to me and I appreciate the many victims, whole families tragically lost, people Bechtold’s “Fun Home,” her first graphic novel opportunities I have to study the field and who had their whole lives ahead of them, until memoir. Her dad was a funeral director, and it’s a teach in it. I’m always interested in learning new approaches to creative nonfiction. they suddenly didn’t. perfectly crafted memoir, a shining example. I also have written several nonfiction books It’s all part of the family business, but it’s never MP: Bechtold’s book, and other writing I’ve for children. My educational background is mundane to Hanel, because in the cemetery, of seen from people working in that industry show in history and journalism, so these books fall all places, death is not entirely final. The living how exposure to death can desensitize you, to right within my interests. To me, the most are still interacting with them here, in a quiet, a degree. But in your book, you show a height- fascinating era in history is whichever one I’m separate part of the community. Life goes on, in ened sensitively about the bodies as people. currently researching. I was originally going to minor in history as an undergraduate, but I a way. RH: I think maybe that’s because we’re talking couldn’t decide on what six classes to take, so I Hanel Continued on page 54 declared it a major so I could take more classes! I’m currently working on a book about Camilla Hall, a St. Peter native who got caught up in the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA) in 1974. She was part of the group that kid- napped Patty Hearst and robbed the Hibernia Bank in San Francisco. Camilla died in the May 17, 1974 shootout that killed six SLA members. Her father was a longtime pastor and religion professor at Gustavus. I’m captivated by Camilla’s story because she seems an unlikely candidate to become involved in a terrorist group. I also find that she’s overshadowed by the others involved in the SLA and that few people have heard of her. When I’m not working or writing, I’m reading, running, cycling, swimming, going to yoga class, and spending time with my husband and extended family. It’s not too often that I’m just sitting on the couch!

50 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2014 good TASTE

Brown Bag Swaps Make your kids’ brown bag lunch a tasty adventure, while adding nutritional value with these healthful tips from NuVal and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s MyPlate:

Whole grains Build a Better Swap white bread for whole grain or 100 percent wheat. Fruits and vegetables Brown Bag Pair carrots, cucumbers and grape tomatoes with yogurt dip, or smear Brown bag lunches and back to school go hand in hand. As you’re apple chunks with almond or peanut butter. gearing up for the start of a new school year, it’s the perfect time to stock Dairy the pantry with healthy sack lunch options and after school snacks, too. Include a serving of low-fat or fat-free dairy, such as 1 cup of yogurt, While schools across the nation are adopting new U.S. Department of 2 slices of Swiss cheese, 1/3 cup low-fat cheddar cheese or 1 cup of Agriculture standards to increase kids’ access to healthy food, parents fat-free or low-fat milk. who pack lunch at home can take similar steps to reinvent the traditional Salts and fats brown bag into a more nutritious (and fun) lunch that kids will enjoy. But weighing the nutritional value of different foods at the grocery Swap salty, high-fat chips for popcorn or multi-grain tortilla chips or store can be confusing and time consuming. vegetable chips. Many food retailers are providing tools such as the NuVal Nutritional Protein Scoring System, which uses a scale of 1 to 100 to depict nutritional values Provide 2 ounces of lean, roasted, low-salt beef, pork, chicken or at a glance, to help make choices easier. In stores using the NuVal system, turkey, or non-meat options such as 2 ounces of raw or roasted seeds food scores are included on grocery store price tags, making it easy to or nuts. compare options. Higher scores represent foods with higher nutritional value. Food scores can simplify the process of building a brown bag lunch that is better for the kids. “I always recommend small steps to parents,” said Marisa Paolillo, a NuVal nutritionist. “A good place to start is swap- ping the same types of food. For instance, NuVal scores for yogurt can Minnesota range from 7 to 100, depending on sugar content and other factors. It’s Farmers easy to swap a low-scoring product for a higher one, and kids probably won’t notice the difference.” Paolillo also recommends talking with your kids about the choices AnimalsC Environmenta Frood e Family you make at the grocery store. Engaging them in the selection process teaches them to make better selections for themselves, such as when Minnesota farmers they are making meal choices in the lunch cafeteria or snacking with and ranchers friends after school. ensure safe food You can learn more about the NuVal scoring system at www.nuval. choices for com, where you also can find recipes and food swap ideas for school lunches and other meals for the whole family. Minnesota families. After School Snacks After-school snacks need to be satisfying and fun, but not full of sugar, salt and unneeded fat. Help your kids snack smarter with these tips. Milk Encourage kids to invent their own snack mixes by combining dry, EGGS tomatoes whole-grain cereal, dried fruit and unsalted nuts or seeds. turkey PORK ROAST Serve apples with nuts and raisins (as temperatures chill, try baking APPLES apples for a warm and delicious treat). JOIN U Offer frozen juice bars made from blended fresh fruit or 100 percent S TODAY! juice. Invite the kids to participate by making their own concoctions adding whole or crushed berries or bananas for added nutrition. Sandwich Switch-up Brown bag sandwiches don’t have to be boring. Swap a traditional sandwich for one of these two fresh takes from NuVal. Minnesota Farm Bureau® Pair humus dip with whole-grain bread points or multi-grain tortilla chips. Add baby carrots, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes and cubed (1/3 www.fbmn.org cup) low-fat cheddar cheese chunks for dipping. [email protected] Mix together 1/3 cup low-fat cheddar cheese with shredded lettuce and tomatoes. Add flavor with black olives and fresh salsa or guacamole, 651-768-2100 then roll into a corn tortilla or whole-grain pita wrap. RVW Photo courtesy of Getty Images RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2014 51 Treasures.When you visit the fun, unique shops in the Minnesota . river. valley communities, you’ll discover special, one-of-a kind treasures such as Custom Window Treatments those featured here. From collectibles and custom jewelry, to ethnic Blinds & More offers stylish window solutions for every budget and our free foods and hand-crafted items you are sure to strike gold! shop-at-home service makes it easy for you to coordinate your look. Plus, we measure and install free of charge! Blinds & More Brook & Dan Devenport 507.469.8276 www.blindsandmore.biz

Zum Bar Milk Soap Will Get your Goat! Personalized Stationery Wild and natural ingredients like E v e n y o u r n o t e s w i l l b e a f a s h i o n you’ve never experienced including statement! Three, 50-sheet note pads are Lavender-Basil, Tea Tree-Citrus, dressed up with a diva design and your personalization in your choice of colors. Coffee-Almond, Rosemary and Light up the night more. This pH balanced goats milk The set comes in a cellophane bag with a ribbon to make a great gift. Add warmth to your outdoor space soap will wash over you in mixture of with the beautiful Rivers Edge Fire vegetable oils, glycerin and The Stationery Store by Carlson Craft 1750 Tower Blvd., Mankato Pit Table. Made specifically for 100% pure essential oils. All of the the great outdoors, this warm and good stuff and none of the bad! 507-625-0547 www.stationerygift.carlsoncraft.com glowing fire will become the place Hy-Vee Hilltop Boutique to gather with family and friends for 2010 Adams St., Mankato years to come. 507.625.9070 Glowing Hearth & Home 241 St. Andrews Drive, Mankato, MN 507.345.8084

THE WORKS™ $39.95 OR LESS Includes Synthetic Blend Oil Change, Tire Rotation and Pressure Check, Brake Inspection, Vehicle Check-Up, Fluid Top-Off, Battery Get your history on Test, Filter Check, Belts and Hoses with a Turner Hall T-shirt! You’ll do Check. No appointment necessary backflips (or at least think about it) at over our clothing line. It’s back to the Album Frames Mankato Ford Quick Lane 50s... 1850s that is! Why decorate with your treasured vinyl? 1925 Madison Ave., Mankato New Ulm Turner Hall Because mp3’s won’t stick on the wall. 507.345.3278 Overlooking Turner Park Many colors and styles to choose from. 102 S. State St., New Ulm Shayds of Color 507.354.4916 2 S. Minnesota Street www.newulmturnerhall.org New Ulm. 507.354.1120

52 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2014 A Rebellious Hoppy Pale Lager Arminius, the latest addition to Schell’s award-‐winning lineup of German craft beers, is a distinctly hoppy lager that boasts a fruity, floral aroma. Schell’s Arminius is named after the legendary chieftain of the Germanic Cheruscan tribe and beloved mascot of New Ulm, better known as Hermann the German. Now available on draft and in 16-ounce cans. Find Schell’s Arminius at area restaurants, bars and liquor stores.

Shop the Book Mark – Cultivate our Community We’re more than textbooks and Gustie Gear! Local Legend Find your next great read at our Indie Everyone knows and loves the iconic bookstore. We’ve got more than 4000 kids, Lamplighter symbol. Wear our shirt and young adult, fiction, non-fiction and be the envy of your friends! Dress it up regional authors in stock. or go casual in a variety of colors. The Book Mark Lamplighter Family Sports Bar & Grill The Gustavus Adolphus College Book Store 214 N Minnesota St., New Ulm in the Jackson Student Center 507.354.2185 800 West College Avenue, St. Peter lamplighterbarandgrill.com www.gustavus.edu/bookmark

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RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2014 53 Hanel continued from page 50

about a very small community. I learned quickly that these weren’t just anonymous people we were burying. They were neighbors, friends, family. One of the first burials I remember was my uncle’s. I was always encountering the survivors around town, and I always wondered how they were doing, were they sad? In a town that small, you can’t become desensitized because no one is anonymous. River Valley Woman MP: Waseca is Our Town. RH: Right. Precisely. is growing! MP: When you own dad died, you went through intense, life-shaping sadness. I expected you to be “better” at grieving RVW is in need of additional than the rest of us, but that wasn’t really the case. RH: Yeah. I thought being around death was grief. But it distribution drivers, wasn’t really until processing all of this that I realized that death and grief are two different things. In Midwestern communities, freelance writers and people don’t want to talk about their emotions. So I felt ill pre- advertising sales team members pared when it came to my own family, because I’d never really seen people deal with death, even though I saw it every day. MP: It’s not just a Midwestern thing; it’s widely thought that RVW covers communities in and around the Americans in general are particularly bad at dealing with death. minnesota river valley including mankato/n. mankato, RH: Definitely. In our pop culture, we have few examples of fairmont, st. Peter, le sueur, new ulm, and others. grieving and dealing with death. We’re much more happy to put sex and violence on the TV or movie screen, but when it comes For details and inquiries contact: to death, people shy away from those hard conversations and SALES: natasha weis, [email protected], 507-227-2545; clam up. DRIVERS: lisa miller, [email protected], 712-472-2525; MP: Although, in the last couple of years, people are grieving in a whole new way — online. What do you make of that? WRITERS: eileen madsen, [email protected], 507-354-6158. RH: I posted a blog post about that maybe a month ago, 231351 about that whole phenomenon where you can keep up someone’s Facebook profile and grieve online. I think anything to keep it from being hidden helps a lot of people get over that sense of isolation. Grief can be very isolating. If there’s a place where you can share those emotions, that’s very healthy. MP: You write about how graveyards each have their own character. What makes a good graveyard? RH: One that’s very inviting, where it’s clear that people have been there, because there are flowers on the graves, mementos. I get creeped out by graveyards that people don’t visit very often. The Woodville cemetery in Waseca is big, like a park, and people will stroll through it. Lakewood in Minneapolis is another like that. Inviting, peaceful, pretty. You don’t have to know anyone there to enjoy it. MP: Do you plan to be buried near your family? I’m sorry — that’s pretty personal, isn’t it? RH: Boy, for someone who writes about this, I haven’t made any grand plans. I don’t even know! One thing I do like is a Does Your HoMe suffer froM memorial marker of some kind, so people can go there. I like memorial benches, those are very inviting — you can sit and eMptY WAll sYnDroMe? reflect and have some quiet time. If anything, I think I’ll have a bench somewhere. We have the cure. Rachael Hanel lives and writes just outside of Mankato. She is a former newspaper reporter and copy editor and teaches mass media Mankato at Minnesota State University, Mankato. She is the author of more Design Center than 20 nonfiction books for children that are interactive including 1351 Madison Ave. Can You Survive Antarctica?, Can you Survive an Earthquake, Life as 507.387.7827 a Knight and others. www.hangupsmankato.com We’ll Be the Last Ones to Let You Down: Memoir of a Gravedigger’s Daughter, is her first book for adults. BUY ONE, GET ONE Framed Art & Rachael holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communications of equal or Home Decor and history and a master’s degree in history, both from Minnesota lesser Value FREE! includes clearance State University, Mankato. She also speaks publicly at schools and Can’t be combined with other specials or Big Deals Certificate. Expires 8-30-14. 237013 organizations. RVW

54 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2014 SoutherN MiNNeSota

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