RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2013 1 Creating Memoriesfor your famfor i ly g e n e r a ti o n s

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Class of 2014 Summer Specials! 236173 2 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2013 Online & on Facebook. 12 16 14 35 contents Publisher • 2013 New Century Press 8 {{ august } Managing Editor Eileen Madsen 507.354.6158 Go Sales Team Fun, Festivals & Frolics ...... 6 Tasha Weis Courtyard by Marriott: Mankato’s Premier Event Center ...... 12 Ruth Klossner Treasures ...... 22 Dana Melius Charlie Bornhoft Outdoor Dining Guide ...... 26 Tami Leuthold East Coast & West Coast Travel for Fall ...... 44 Deb Moldaschel

Graphics & Design Be Amy Leuthold Back-to-School Perspectives ...... 18 Head to College with the Right Software without breaking the bank . . 20 Contributing Writers Eileen Madsen Men and Women Look at Finances Differently - Part 3 ...... 21 Ruth Klossner Natural Mosquito repellents ...... 30 Dana Melius Adding Weights to Your Work Out for Slimming Results ...... 38 Carolyn Van Loh Menopause: Ensuring a Tranquil Transition ...... 40 Nicole Helget No Frizz Hair ...... 41 Photography Shayd’s of Color Photography Do Ruth Klossner Beauty in Your Own Back Yard, Minnesota River Canoe Trip ...... 14 River Valley Woman Office Dorm Room Decor ...... 42 18 1/2 N. Minnesota Street, Cheap College Chic ...... 43 New Ulm, MN 56073 Good Reads - E-books are even e-asier! ...... 28 507.354.6158 On Your Mark - Area Race and Run List ...... 31 Good Taste - Fun Foods You Can Grill ...... 34 rivervalleywoman.com DIY Condiments ...... 35

River Valley Woman is published monthly Should I Wash My Produce with Vinegar? ...... 36 and distributed free in the Minnesota River Valley area. The content used in this connect magazine is copyright 2013 River Valley Lather, Rinse, Repeat - Editor’s Column ...... 4 Woman and may not be reprinted in part or in whole without written consent by Readers Write about Influential Teachers ...... 5 the publisher. All articles and editorial Nicole Helget: Beyond the Writings ...... 8 material represent the opinions of the The Women Behind Bikini Tini Cocktails ...... 16 respective authors. Love on the Prairie - Nicole Helget ...... 32 Push Pin It! - Favorites from Readers ...... 46

RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2013 3 Lather, Rinse, Repeat by Eileen Madsen, Editor

Those three little words. around like a hall monitor demanding to see your pass. But I speak only for myself. I Never have three little words invoked used to be a rather nervous Nellie who, when faced with anything new, like the start of m o r e e m o t i o n , g o o d a n d b a d , t h a n the school year, it usually involved throwing up. BACK-TO-SCHOOL. This issue of River Valley Many of my farm pals who lived in the country couldn’t wait to go back to school. Woman is taking you back-to-school whether It was probably a relief in contrast from the chores they had to do for three months. you want to or not. Our cover model Nicole At least back then when their summer activities involved picking rocks, milking cows Helget shares her insights on teaching, and detasseling corn. As a town kid my summers were filled with walking to the beach, writing, motherhood and everything in riding bikes and late nights of watching “Horror Incorporated” with my sister and between. Former college instructor Carolyn brothers. I wasn’t too anxious to trade that in for walking to school, riding a bus or Van Loh, lets us in on her perspective from a late nights doing homework. variety of vantage points. A while ago my best friend and I, who grew up together, found the door open to If you are heading to college you’re prob- our old grade school. The temptation to go in, and hence, “back-to-school” was too ably thinking of one thing...(no not party- great. There we wandered through the kindergarten room where we discovered the ing)...money. College isn’t cheap but you same colorful floor where we napped on our rugs, the same little sink and vanity can find deals on everything from college behind the coat racks, and the same cubby hole shelf where we put our gym shoes. software to inexpensive clothes to wear. And It was fun on some levels and terrifying in some unexplainable way. My heart started don’t forget your new digs. Deck out your to pound and I felt a bit faint. It was like I never left and any minute my 50-something dorm room and make it feel more like home. self was going to meet my 6-year-old self coming out of the bathroom--where I was See inside and get yourself some schoolin’ probably to throw up. on the where, what and how. The one thing that can make or break your school experience are the teachers. For parents of younger kids the words In this issue we asked some readers about what teachers influenced them. I am “back-to school” are almost on par with the a l w a y s s u r p r i s e d w h e n t h i s c o n v e r s a t i o n c o m e s u p a s o f t e n t i m e s t h e t e a c h e r w h o feeling you get when someone uses those was demanding, strict and sometimes downright intimidating ended up being the other three little words “I love you.” Although favorite, even if it was in retrospect. I am not a parent I can relate to that feeling, I had a lively conversation on Facebook recently on a page about my hometown. but on another level. I love back-to-school Someone mentioned a former English teacher, Mrs. Bishop, who for many reasons, time for the plain and simple reason that it’s stood out in everyone’s memory. Was she the nicest person? Only if you didn’t get not me going. on her bad side. If you did, then it was highly suggested you run. But that lady knew Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t really dislike her stuff. Even the most non-academically inclined learned something in her class. school, but I did hate that stomach-churning Or else. She’s gone now but certainly not forgotten. She lives on in every well- feeling as the last days of August wound structured sentence, every correct grammar usage, and forever on social media. down and the first day of school loomed As the old saying goes, school is supposed to be the best time of your life. That overhead like a dark cloud blotting out the depends on how you define best. But in order to even be able to define the word best summer sun. The loss of freedom feeling- you have to go to school. I’m sure Mrs. Bishop could explain it to you. And I think I may -that peculiar anxiety that follows you have to throw up again.

4 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2013 Lather, Readers write Rinse, about teachers Repeat that influenced their lives.

n I didn’t have one particular favorite teacher but rather was fortu- n I’d have to say my high school English teacher. I enjoyed his class nate to have many good teachers who invested in me as a person and him as a person. He just had a way of getting things across and instilled the excitement and importance of learning every day to the kids and he didn’t treat you differently just because of your of my life. name. -Kristin H. -Rhonda M.

n Looking back, my favorite teacher at Cedar Mountain was Ms. n My fourth grade teacher never missed a single detail, and knew Distad, although she maybe wasn’t at the time. She always made the strengths of every one of her students. She gave us the power us work hard and to our potential. She is still a teacher now and has to control our own learning - from math games to crafts to our own been a wonderful influence on my daughter and truly cares about American history musical. She has been a friend and mentor to me her students. beyond my year in her classroom. -Christie R. -Pam D.

n My favorite teacher was my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. McPherson. n Mr. Kral, my biology teacher at Cedar Mountain. In junior high All the important lessons in life are taught in kindergarten anyway. I didn’t think I liked my science teacher but by the time I got to As much as I thought I was looking forward to my first day of school, I my freshman and sophomore year I realized that he was the best absolutely freaked when my mom dropped me off. I wanted NOTH- teacher I had. He held me accountable for my work. He magically ING to do with being there, even though kindergarten was only a knew what your potential was and challenged you to match that or half day. Mrs. McPherson was your typical grandmotherly type of beat that. Everyone respected him. There should be more teachers teacher: Irish, in a flowered dress, support hose, sensible shoes and like Mr. Kral, if there were, our schools and our children would be all. You couldn’t have created a more quintessential kindergarten better off! teacher aside from creating one from fiction. She was kindly, even - Beth O. tempered and aside from being a little on the elderly side, a great teacher besides! We learned to tie our shoes, be polite, share, n My favorite was a professor in college, Mr. Makstadt who taught participate in games; and probably her favorite subject, how to be English literature. He was so gentle, intelligent and funny in his way perfectly quiet for at least fifteen minutes while we laid down our that you felt like you were in the presence of a celebrity. He told us nap mats. The best part was her picking a particularly well-behaved he had hundreds of books at his home and could never find the student (me, believe it or not) to be the “wake-up fairy” whereby author he was looking for because he organized them all by color. I your duty was to go around to all the napping (and I use this word found this hilarious. His was the only class in college I never skipped. loosely) students, tap them with a wand and “wake them up.” I’m -Eileen M. sure Mrs. McPherson has gone to that great Teachers Lounge in the sky by now, but I still think of her fondly. --Mary L.

236174 A Goal is a Dream with a Deadline.

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RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2013 5 Fun, Festivals Frolics

Wed.-Sun., Aug. 7-11 Mon., Aug. 12 (every Monday years ago. Info: 507-628-5591 or Fri.-Sat., Aug. 23-24 • Nicollet County Fair, St. Peter. through September) [email protected].& • U.S.-Dakota War Commemoration, Info: 800-473-3404 or • Farmer’s Market, City Hall East Walking Tours, 11 am & 1:30 pm, www.nicolletcountyfair.com/. Parking Lot, Sleepy Eye, 3-5 pm. Sat.-Sun., Aug. 17-18 Brown County Historical Society. • Causes of the U.S.-Dakota War Info & reservations: 507-233-2620. • Brown County Fair, New Ulm. Mon, Aug. 12 & 19 program by independent historian Info: 507-354-2223, www.brown- • Heart of New Ulm/KNUJ Farmers John LaBatte, 1-2 pm, Walking Fri.-Sun., Aug. 23-25 countyfreefair.com/, or info@ Market, 4-7 pm, City Parking Lot, Battlefield Tours, 2:30 pm, • Le Sueur County Pioneer Power browncountyfreefair.com. north end of Markplatz Mall, Fort Ridgely State Park Show, 7 am-10 pm, Le Sueur. 40th New Ulm annual show featuring old time • Carver County Fair, Waconia. Info: Sun., Aug. 18 farming practices, over 40 buildings iwww.carvercountyfair.com/ or Mon.-Sun., Aug. 12-18 • Bees & Honey Program, 1-4 pm, and 110 acres. Info: 507-248-3515, [email protected]. • Martin County Fair, Fairmont. Harkin Store, rural New Ulm. Display http://www.pioneerpowershow. Info: 507-235-9576 or and presentation. Info: harkin@ com/ or [email protected]. Thurs.-Sun., Aug. 8-11 [email protected]. nchsmn.org, 507-354-8666 or • Gaylord EGGstavaganza, Gaylord 507-934-2160. • Stiftungsfest, Willkommen Park, City Park, Gaylord. Car cruise (Fri.), Tues.-Sun., Aug. 13-18 Norwood Young America. 152nd 5K walk/run (Sat.), parade (1 pm • Steele County Fair, Owatonna. Mon., Aug. 19 annual festival, Minnesota’s oldest Sat.), food, entertainment, fireworks Info: www.scff.org • U.S.-Dakota War Commemoration, community celebration. Old time & (10 pm Sat). Info: 320-510-2528. Trails of Tears by Lois Glewwe, polka bands, softball tournaments, Thurs., Aug. 15 12 pm, Brown County Historical heritage tent, fun run, card tourna- Sat., Aug. 10 • Interactive Program on U.S.- Society Annex, New Ulm; Dakota 38 ment, kids carnival, motorcycle run, • Y’s Club Smashfest, 8:30 a.m., Dakota War of 1862 by independent film screening & discussion, 6 p.m. ethnic food. Info: 952-467-1812, Caswell Park, North Mankato. historian John LaBatte, 6 pm, Martin Luther College. http://www.stiftungsfest.org/ or Volleyball fundraiser for the New Ulm Library Meeting Room. [email protected]. Mankato YMCA. Info & team • Monday Night Concert in German registration: Fri., Aug. 16 Park, 7 pm, New Ulm. Music by Sat., Aug. 24 [email protected]. • Buttered Corn Days, 11 am, Polka and Native American Dancers. • U.S.-Dakota War Commemora- Allison Park, Sleepy Eye. Free sweet Free. In case of bad weather, con- tion, 10 am, Local authors book • Minnesota Garlic Festival, McLeod corn, corn-eating contest, music, cert will be moved indoors; listen to signing, Brown County Historical County Fairgrounds, Hutchinson. raffles, more. Info: KNUJ Radio or call 507-354-9041. Society, New Ulm; 1 pm, Indian Premier event for lovers of www.sleepyeye-mn.com/. Culture program for children, New garlic, promoting garlic farming in Tues., Aug. 20 Ulm Library Meeting Room; 2 pm. Minnesota; food, music, artisans, Fri., Aug. 16 & 30 • U.S.-Dakota War Commemoration, Wanda Gag House Assn. children’s competitions & lots of garlic. Info: • Classic Car Fridays at Dave’s The Dakota After the War, 12 pm, craft program, New Ulm Library 320-543-3394 or [email protected]. Place, downtown Lafayette, 5 pm. Brown County Historical Society Meeting Room. Info: 507-228-8910. Annex. New Ulm Battery House Sat., Aug. 10 tour, 6:30-8 p.m. 2000 N. Spring St. • Lafayette Area Lions Hog/Corn (every Sat. thru Oct. 17) Fri.-Sun., Aug. 16-18 Roast, 4:30-7:30 p.m., Lafayette • KNUJ Farmers’ Market, 9 am-noon, • Butterfield Steam & Gas Engine Wed., Aug. 21 Fire Hall, Lafayette. Meal, Runnings Parking Lot, New Ulm Show, Voss Park, Butterfield. Steam • U.S.-Dakota War Commemoration, entertainment by Lafayette Band threshing, antique tractors & Old Betsey by Mark Diedrich, 12 pm, and other musicians. Followed by Sun., Aug. 11 engines, ethnic foods, bluegrass Brown County Historical Society Lafayette Fire Relief Association • Annual Harvest Festival, St. music, arts & crafts. Info: 507-956- Annex, New Ulm; Little Crow by Street Dance, 8:30 pm-12:30 am. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, 3981, 507-956-2040, http://www. Mark Diedrich, 6 pm, New Ulm Lafayette. 8:45 am Mass, 10:30 am butterfieldmn.com/threshing_bee. Library Meeting Room. Sun., Aug. 25 dinner, bingo, entertainment, html or [email protected]. • U.S.-Dakota War Commemoration, silent auction. • Summer Park Service, Bernadotte Junior Pioneers New Ulm City Sat., Aug. 17 Lutheran Church Park, rural Lafay- Cemetery program, 1 pm. • Old Time Music with Arnie & • Buttered Corn Days Run/Walk/ ette, 7 pm, music by Larry Mages. Marilyn Anderson, 1-4 pm, Harkin Bike Activities, 7 am Sleepy Eye. • Old School Days, 1-4 pm, Harkin Store, rural New Ulm. Info: harkin@ City-wide garage sales, parade (5 Wed., Aug. 21 & Sept. 4 Store, rural New Ulm. Photo tour nchsmn.org, 507-354-8666 or pm). Info: www.sleepyeye-mn.com/. • Bike Night Wednesdays at Dave’s of old school houses in Nicollet 507-934-2160. Place, downtown Lafayette, 5 pm. County. Info: [email protected], • Mankato Mud Run, 10 am, Info: 507-228-8910. 507-354-8666 or 507-934-2160. Mon., Aug. 12 Loyola Hill, Mankato. Kids, team • Monday Night Concert in German & adult races. Thurs., Aug. 22-Sat., Aug. 24 Mon., Aug. 26 Park, 7 pm, New Ulm. Larry Mages • U.S.-Dakota War Commemoration, • Monday Night Concert in German and the Mages Family Band. Free. • Celebrate the Garden Harvest, Bus tours of Milford and Leaven- Park, 7 pm, New Ulm. Music by In case of bad weather, concert will afternoon, Jeffers Petroglyphs worth Areas, two to three hours. Cletus Goblirsch. Free. In case of be moved indoors; listen to KNUJ Historic Site, Comfrey. Step back Info and reservations: 507-233-2620. bad weather, concert will be moved Radio or call 507-354-9041. in time; food demonstration indoors; listen to KNUJ Radio or call of a Minnesota diet from 1,000 507-354-9041.

6 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2013 Thurs., Aug. 29 Prairie Star Quilt Guild of Southern • Southpoint FCU Kickin it for Kids Minnesota and Northern Iowa. 5K, 5:30 pm, Allison Park, Sleepy Info: NEW Eye. Info & registration: 507-238-5473 or www.southpointfed.com/ [email protected]. about-us/5k-runwalk. DEGREE! Sat., Sept. 7 Fri.-Sat., Aug. 30-31 • Miles for Smiles 5K Walk/Fun • River Blast, Riverside Park, Front Run, 9:00 am, MN State University, & Center Streets, Friday evening Mankato. Raise funds for MSU & all day Saturday, New Ulm. Free dental hygiene students to music festival celebrates the role travel to Belize to provide free of the river in New Ulm; biking & dental care. Register by Aug. running events. 23 at http://ahn.mnsu.edu/ Info: 507-359-2346, 507-233-4300 dental/5Kfundraiser/ or [email protected]. Sat.-Sun., Sept. 7-8 Sat.-Sun., Aug. 31-Sept. 1 • Rock Bend Folk Festival, • Birch Coulee Days, Birch Coulee Minnesota Square Park, St. Peter. Park, Morton City Park, Renville 23rd annual free event celebrates County Museum, Morton. Com- Minnesota folk arts & artists; arts memoration of the anniversary & crafts, music (blues, bluegrass, of the U.S.-Dakota War with focus jazz), food, more. Info: 507-924- on cultures coming together. 3400, www.rockbend.org or Encampment, speakers, heritage [email protected]. events, more. Info: 507-697-6912 or [email protected]. • Farmamerica Fall Fair, 10 am-4 A.S. Degree pm, rural Waseca. Horse & tractor Sun., Sept. 1 pulls, food, antique farm equip- • Causes of the U.S.-Dakota ment, threshing; youth, Native War program by independent American & pioneer events, more. historian John LaBatte, 1-2 pm, Info: [email protected] Walking Battlefield Tour, 2:30 pm, Fort Ridgely State Park Sun., Sept. 8 • Grandparents Day at the • The West Arrives at West Harkin Store, 1-4 pm, Harkin Store, Newton, 1-4 pm, Harkin Store, rural New Ulm. An afternoon of rural New Ulm. Lonesome Ron, activities that grandparents of a King of the Valley Yodelers, will century ago enjoyed with their share cowboy ballads, yodels & grandchildren. Info: harkin@ stories through song. nchsmn.org, 507-354-8666 or Info: [email protected], 507- 507-934-2160. 354-8666 or 507-934-2160. Multimedia skills are in demand in corporate industry, Sat., Sept. 14 Thurs.-Fri., Sept. 5-6 • Scarecrow Festival, Morton. scientific fields, education and communication fields, • Minnesota Shorts Play Festival, Fall festival, flea market & craft service- providing businesses, and the entertainment 7:30 pm, Mankato West High vendors, scarecrow contests, industries. South Central College’s A.S. degree in School Theatre. Nine short plays, baked fruit pie contest, food selected from nearly 500 entries, vendors, more. Multimedia Technology provides a seamless transfer of each night. Info: Info: 507-697-6912. credits in a partnership with Bethany Lutheran College www.mnshorts.com. to work toward a Bachelor’s degree in Media Arts. • Lake Crystal Area Recreation Fri., Sept. 6 Center Fall Fest and 5 & 8K Run, • John Lind House 2nd Annual 10:00 a.m., LCWM Sec. School, Pitchfork Fondue Steak Fry, Lake Crystal. Music, family friendly Enroll today for the 2013 Fall Semester! 4:30-7: pm, Herman Heights Park, events, food. Info: lcarc.com. New Ulm. Steaks cooked using 507-389-7200 customized fondue Sun., Sept. 15 www.southcentral.edu vat and ‘secret ingredients.’ • Auto Restorer’s Car Show & Swap Info: 507-354-8802 Meet, 8 am-3 pm, Nicollet County or [email protected]. Fairgrounds, St. Peter. 38th annual event. Info: 507-345-6541 or Fri.-Sat.-Sept. 6-7 http://clubs.hemmings.com/ • Piece by Piece Quilt Show, 9 am, autorestorers. Bethel Evangelical Free Church, A Proud Member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. Fairmont. Biennial Quilt Show of An Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity Employer/Educator. 302345

RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2013 7 Nicole Helget: Beyond the writings “Raising kids is the work of my life, the work of the world”

by Dana Melius

“Her words sing.” – Publishers Weekly. six children. And her rural, Sleepy Eye farm roots still run deep, as If Nicole Helget’s words poetically flow into song, these efforts she appreciates the lessons of the land. may seem a bit off key. “When you have as many kids as I have in a time with limited and Interviewing a widely-acclaimed, award-winning author begins diminishing natural resources and an ever-growing population, as an intimidating task. Since this gifted North Mankato writer I think I owe it to the world to try and raise conscientious human broke out with her 2005 memoir, The Summer of Ordinary Ways, the beings,” Helget says. “I think enough of those six creatures I cre- accolades have continued. Her first novel, The Turtle Catcher, was ated, so I try to prepare them to not only appreciate and use the published in 2009, while her latest endeavor, Stillwater, is scheduled resources that are here, but to become stewards of what is here.” for a February 2014 release. And with that philosophy on family life, she carries it into her But beyond Helget’s writings and introspective style, she is teachings, as well. a teacher. And a mother of six. She blends her skills as a writer, “People I know who appear to live balanced lives and have mostly teacher and mother into the very basic of goals: positive interactions with their surroundings, they often share two “Raising kids is the work of my life, the work of the world.” qualities: They research and think before they form opinions and The demands of her full-time teaching job as English instructor at act. And they are able to feel the feelings of others.” South Central College present an on-going challenge to fulfill her The teacher in her tries to relay that level of respect to her stu- publisher’s deadlines. Helget also teaches summer session creative dents. The mother in her knows that she can’t do it alone. And the writing at Minnesota State-Mankato. Balancing family and work as writer in her continues to sing. both teacher and author tend to compromise all three at times, Hel- “I guess what I’m talking about is a personality type that uses get acknowledges. Still, nothing touches her soul more than those both thinking and feeling rather than one or the other or mostly

8 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2013 one or the other. I think this can be taught. And I think for too long “All that said, I am honored that I’ve been and continue to be we’ve been teaching and modeling that girls feel and boys think.” a part of this man’s life. And I’m proud of the many things we’ve She labels this “the virtues of empathy and intellectual curiosity.” accomplished together. I expect to accomplish a great many more “I and my kids are lucky because we have a lot of extremely in- with him.” telligent women in our “Besides her lives and we have a lot flair, she has the of sensitive men.” That “I think enough of those six creatures I created, sense of the world merging of gender and of the human roles suits her family – so I try to prepare them to not only appreciate condition that and society -- well, she and use the resources that are here, but to is unique. The believes. language and the “I get tired. I get become stewards of what is here.” music and her al- busy. I’m not always legiance to detail on my best game as a and her use of figu- mother, though I do try. And I trust when I’m not ‘on,’ another adult rative language, it’s fresh. It’s remarkable.” – Ed Micus, fellow in our lives can be there to pick up some of the slack. Even though author and mentor, in a 9/23/2005 Mankato Free Press article. I might feel guilty for asking for help, I know with my rational mind Helget writes what she knows best – rural life, the land, and that help is best for all of us in that moment.” family. She grew up in a Catholic, religious community, going to “She’s had a lot of conflict in her life, and conflict makes for an school at St. Mary’s in Sleepy Eye. And while the religious teachings interesting story.” – Nate LeBoutillier, husband and fellow writer dominated her early years, she now considers herself atheist and and instructor. knows she “should probably talk to Mom a little more about that.” Helget’s writing awards began with a Minnesota State-Mankato In a telling way, her Catholicism helped shape her educational Robert Wright Award and the Minneapolis-based The Loft’s Speak- philosophies. They moved her beyond the “enormous amounts of easy Prize for Prose in 2004. But the breakout honor was Minnesota time memorizing” to thinking for one’s self. Monthly’s highly-coveted Tamarack Award, which recognized an essay, “Paint It Red,” which developed into the first chapter of Sum- mer and brought a $10,000 gift. And some family controversy. The chapter vividly described how her father, Dale, thrust a pitchfork violently into one of the farm’s Holsteins until “Big Jenny” suffocated in her own blood. And each chapter revealed fam- ily memories and secrets some felt too intimate, too detailed, too harsh. Some family members openly questioned the accuracy of Nicole Helget’s memoir. But Helget explained it in her acknowledgments section of Sum- mer: “Memoir is re-creation of memory in a literary form,” she wrote. “I am portraying truths of my life as clearly as I can…These are my memories; this is my memoir.” This memoir, published when Helget was just 29, depicted her youthful emergence as the oldest of six sisters. The Helget family has moved beyond the controversy, continues to reunite often, and remains a constant for Nicole, her six children, and husband, Nate LeBoutillier, a fellow writer, an MSU instructor, and father of Front: Violette and Archibald. Back: Phillip, Nicole holding their three youngest. Gordon, Nate LeBoutillier, Mitchell, Isabella Helget credits much of her literary success to her relationship with LeBoutillier, who assisted in “identifying these stories” and “What if you repeat ideas instead of questioning theories and “this story-telling ability in me.” The couple co-authored the 2012 philosophy and tradition,” she wrote. “What if you do this until young adult novel, Horse Camp. you can’t think on your own…What if, instead of discovering the “He’s an uncommon man,” says Helget. Yet, another acknowl- Truth, you are told the Truth? What if you grow up believing this, edgment: Relationships and marriage, her second, “are difficult.” and you have children? What if you teach them the same things?” “Nate and I have probably weathered the hardest year of our “But what if, maybe, you still have an ounce of creativity in you years together. We stressed about child-rearing, finances, work, and you write little stories in your notebooks and they’re good…” personal time for creative endeavors, family matters, housework, So Helget ventured out of Sleepy Eye and first to South Dakota and had two funerals in one week, both from suicide. We have State University in Brookings. And she failed miserably, she notes. been each other’s biggest support and easiest scapegoat.” “I missed my little sisters so much,” Helget remembers, those “Nate and I are on the sidelines as some of our dearest friends same sisters who dominated her thoughts, prayers and attention enter the ending process (of marriage) now. It’s chaotic, painful. But s on the family farm. Coming home brought with it marriage by there are also glimmers of hope and joy and personal growth...”

RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2013 9 age 19, three children, her own divorce, and re-entry into college “They both have their separate niches,” Helget acknowledges. at MSU. There, ironically, it was business instructor William Lass’ But she most enjoys the developmental aspect of instruction at love of history that ignited Helget’s educational drive. South Central, focusing on college readiness and creative writing. “It changed my life. I knew I always liked history. I still use things She’s a bit cautious to bite the hand that feeds her, Helget ad- that he taught. I would not have a degree at all without him.” mits. Still, she continues to be concerned about post-secondary’s That degree led to substitute teaching at New Ulm Cathedral focus on specialization and education’s reliance on testing. But and back into a Catholic school setting. A year later she moved she’s most encouraged by her students. into a full-time language arts job there. “Their interests are vast. They know that they’re going to have “I loved working at Cathedral,” Helget said. But it also produced to change paths often through their employment years and that one of her “biggest regrets,” as she stood idly by as three young adaptability is really the thing that predicts their survival.” girls wanted to be “altar boys.” The gender restrictions of the Helget’s recommendations for educational change? 1) Two free years of post-secondary educa- “The role of any tion. 2) Students should be able to pick whatever classes they artist is to remember want and design their own de- the past, interpret grees. 3) Some kind of incentive the present, and to for small and mid-size employ- ees to hire graduates. imagine the best Her advice for young writers hope for the world has evolved through her ex- and then to render periences as an instructor and those sentiments award-winning author: • “Read more than you write.” in palatable but • “Find a community of writers. challenging ways, And they’re out there.” ways that inspire • “And just keep at it. I think it’s soul-sucking if you try to deny the highest thoughts, that creative aspect of your life... emotions and And you’ve got to go for it. I actions.” think it sets a good example for The Helget women: Nancy Remmert, Natalie, Nola Seidl, mother kids, too.” Jeanne, Nevada, Neah, Nicole But she has recently added another bit of wisdom for those venturing into the writing world: Catholic Church contrasted with Helget’s personal beliefs, so she Research well and know your material. left, still bothered by her failure to fully support her young female Helget’s writing and essays rarely vary far from the land and its students. rich history. It’s a passion that burns deep and one that she isn’t Helget’s educational journey brought her back to MSU and a shy about sharing. Farm life of the 1980s in rural Minnesota, rural master’s degree in fine arts. And while she’s taught at both MSU America, is gone. and South Central, her preference is in the vocational setting.

10 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2013 with Q&ANicole Helget

Q & A with Nicole Helget

Where’s your favorite place to write? I can and do and have to write at home if I want to finish projects. But my favorite writing escape is to a place called the Anderson Center in Red Wing. Probably twice “When you used to drive through a year, I treat myself to a two or three-day stay there to finish books. southern Minnesota, you would see Hol- What’s your favorite spot to get away and think? steins in the fields, you would see farmers Anywhere away from cars and tall buildings, and a lot of times, somewhere closer out walking their beans, and you would to water. One of the things I really love about North Mankato is that I can get out see their wives hanging clothes,” Helget of the “city” in five minutes and be in the trees and earth. There’s a spot I really like told Minnesota Public Radio in a July 8 out in the Blue Earth River where I let the kids play when the water’s down. interview. “To a great extent, those things What’s your favorite neighborhood pub? don’t exist any more.” NaKato on Belgrade (in North Mankato). Sometimes I write there, too. Helget spoke more about that erod- ing lifestyle in an essay, “Heart of a Rural What places do you need yet to visit? Artist,” published recently in the Rural I’m going to start knocking off my destinations here pretty soon. I saw the America Contemporary Art website (RACA Grand Canyon this past spring. It put the fear of God in me, as in I was scared to death, but also awestruck. I want to do Yosemite or Glacier National Park next. Online, used with permission). And, of course, I’ve got to get to the Boundary Waters. I feel like I need more “That lifestyle is by and large disap- practice camping first, especially if I’m going to bring kids. peared from the landscape, changed by corporate operations, chemical control of Besides your dad being a minor league catcher, why is baseball so special to you? bugs and weeds, genetic manipulations Baseball is the great big American metaphor. You’ve got the rags-to-riches stories (Read any about the scouting program in the Dominican Republic?). You’ve got the of plants, and the mass exodus of rural underdog stories (Watch the Twins in ’06?). You’ve got the falls-from-grace kids who have left their parents’ farms for (Kirby Puckett, anyone?) You’ve got the geezers playing with youngsters. mind work in the towns.” “As a writer, as a rural artist, one of Baseball’s been with us, America, for a very long time. It and farming are two of our my responsibilities is to recall, to be the oldest common connectors and cultural touchstones. You can get on a train or plane holder of days gone by, not for nostalgias’ and talk baseball with just about anyone. It used to be that way about farming, too. But not anymore. sake, though that desire is one I might use to charm a reader, but because historical What CD is likely playing in your car? awareness is necessary for elucidation of Dwight Yoakum’s 3 Pears, with favorite song, “Long Way to Go.” the present and future.” “The role of any artist is to remember What writer are you currently reading? Bill Holm or maybe some Wendell Berry. the past, interpret the present, and to imagine the best hope for the world and What do you like about life in the Minnesota River Valley? then to render those sentiments in pal- The seasonal weather here appeals to me. Even though the winters can be long and atable but challenging ways, ways that dreary and depression-inducing, they make me thoughtful and appreciative when the inspire the highest thoughts, emotions snow finally melts, the ground thaws, and the plants and animals come back. It’s like and actions.” traveling to a great place. The journey makes the destination grander. So, she writes. And through her words The land here puts us in contact with sprouting, growth, production, harvest, and actions, Helget hugs her kids, cradles preservation, and decay of the things we eat. That cycle is imperative to understand… her students, continues to learn. We will all experience this cycle. And our cycle is dependent upon the land’s cycle. And teaches. It’s the work of the world. Because of the long agricultural history of the Minnesota River Valley, the people RVW here still remember the process and many of them still have environmental stewardship in their blood.

RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2013 11 Impressive facilities, certified wedding planner highlight Mankato’s premier events center

by Dana Melius

hen you step into the Courtyard by Marriott in Mankato, Mall and near the major Mankato area highway routes, 14 and 22, as well you’re quickly impressed. A spacious, edgy lobby boasts its as within close proximity to Madison Avenue. own quaint restaurant, equipped with the first-ever Star- Opened on October 3, 2012, a total of 68 weddings were booked in bucks for Marriott’s Courtyard brand. 2013 at Mankato’s Courtyard by Marriott, says wedding planner Sook, WThrough the lobby windows, the 3,000-square-foot open courtyard who also serves as Director of Sales & Events for the AmericInn Hotel & -- a popular spot for today’s non-denominational wedding – shines Conference Center in Mankato, a bright. It’s a flexible, outdoor location for the changing marriage scene sister property to the Courtyard throughout southern Minnesota. by Marriott.. While her Courtyard But when greeted by Carmen Sook, Courtyard by Marriott’s certified facility can handle weddings up A total of wedding planner and the Mankato facility’s to 400, she says the average guest 68 weddings were Director of Sales & Events Planner, you might list is currently about 325. And with want to consider renewing your vows. This weddings booked at Mankato’s booked in 2013 dynamic director for Courtyard Mankato is an Courtyard by Marriott through at Mankato’s ultra-energized, information-filled, planning 2015, there are no signs of it slow- Courtyard by and organizational wonder. ing down. “Carmen is the only certified wedding plan- Uniquely, and by design, Marriott ner around, and she does a remarkable job,” Lougheed and Sook were involved says Preston Lougheed, General Manager of with the initial planning, footprint Courtyard by Marriott in Mankato. Trained by development and eventual con- Marriott International, Sook’s expertise -- com- struction of Marriott’s Courtyard Mankato facility. Sook traveled the bined with “the newest and finest facilities” in nation, visiting other Courtyard by Marriott hotels, gathering ideas and the region, adds Lougheed – and you have a bringing them back to Mankato, where she also received input from local recipe for success. venders and governmental officials. The facility was beginning to book “For the bride and groom, this is the biggest wedding dates before doors opened in August 2009, and Sook fondly event of their lives,” says Lougheed. “It’s the recalls “bringing brides into here in hard hats.” newest and nicest events center around. And “We’re thrilled with this facility and the response from the community,” it’s a one-stop shop.” The Mankato Courtyard beams Lougheed. “The enhanced courtyard is big and well-received. It’s Carmen Sook by Marriott offers its own in-home executive a Minneapolis experience at a Mankato price.” chef, Brian Olson, while Sook walks wedding And that slogan and strategy have panned out well, according to Sook, couples through every step of the way in their who says about 50 percent of all weddings at the Courtyard by Marriott planning process. And the 24-hour, on-site Starbucks doesn’t hurt, either. in Mankato come from the Twin Cities area, usually couples who have ties Location has also proved beneficial, Lougheed stresses, as his Court- to the region via education or family. yard by Marriott is located at 901 Raintree Road, adjacent to River Hills

12 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2013 The changing landscape of today’s wedding also influenced construc- tion of the 3,000-square foot courtyard in Mankato. Fewer church wed- dings, due to split denominational or non-denominational couples, make the larger, outdoor events center space attractive, according to Sook. And then there’s Minnesota’s recent legislative move toward same-sex wed- dings. “It’s going to increase our wedding events by 20 percent,” she says. Sook and Marriott welcome the diversity, with Courtyard Mankato’s first same- sex wedding already booked for 2014, she added, stressing that “our job is also to help educate the community and our vendors” on how to best serve the evolving wedding scene. “It’s new for the southern Minnesota market,” says Sook. “My job is to help educate the community, our vendors and our employees.” Proudly, she adds, Courtyard by Marriott in Mankato will be the first hotel and events venue to participate in Mankato’s Pride Festival September 6 and 7. It helps, she adds, that Sook has rural Minnesota roots herself, growing up in Litchfield and graduating from Minnesota State in Mankato. Still, it is today’s “modern-day bride” that Sook most often sees. They’re most often “career women,” typically between the ages of 30 and 35, with big plans and a vision, but little time to plan. And that’s where Sook takes over. “My job is to streamline the wedding planning process for the bride and groom and their families,” says Sook, with each different and unique. “This is not a cookie cutter venue. I will ask the bride, ‘What’s your vi- sion?’ Most brides have a theme. She already has a vision of her wedding day before she gets here.” Sook then takes that vision, plugs in décor needs, entertainment ser- vices, food and beverage expectations and usually brings the bride, groom and families through the initial consultation, three planning sessions, and is there through the initial consultation & three planning sessions including a meal sampling with the Executive Chef.. The last planning session teams up Sook and the Courtyard by Marriott events management team to finalize the celebration. Sook’s planning process also includes a cost estimating tool for couples and “shared with families.” While the average wedding cost there is esti- mated at between $10,000 and $15,000, “price is really determined by the bride’s needs,” she says. General Manager Lougheed also emphasizes Marriott’s “Spirit to Preserve” philosophy, adding the Courtyard by Marriott in Mankato is Minnesota’s first LEED-certified hotel and events center. This “Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design” certification is awarded for projects stressing maximum use of local products and services, allowance for green space and fresh air design, and recycling efforts, he said. And a total of 192 solar energy panels adorn the top of this facility, Lougheed said. But it’s the hotel and event center’s inside amenities that most catch the wedding couple’s eyes. n The 3,000-square foot outdoor courtyard n Certified Marriott wedding planner, with integrated services n Six drop-down projection screens in the ballroom n Contemporary, open lobby area n An on-site restaurant and executive chef n The 24-hour Starbucks Coffee availability n The indoor pool and whirlpool facilities n 100-plus high definition TV channels n An on-site, outdoor fire pit n Five spacious suites, with spa and whirlpool n Employees dedicated to a wedding and events center “This is a referral business,” Sook says, responding to the growing num- ber of weddings booked at Courtyard by Marriott in Mankato. “The em- ployees here take a lot of pride in their work. We wanted to be the premier Southern Minnesota wedding and events center. And I really think that this is the future of wedding receptions.” RVW

RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2013 13 Beauty in your own back yard Minnesota River canoe trip is an eye-opener

By Ruth Klossner

y taking part in a program of- fered by Wild River Academy, Ja- net Marti and Molly Christopher of rural Redwood County dis- Bcovered southern Minnesota’s raw beauty only a few miles from home. That came about by paddling the Minnesota River on a Women’s Weekend Canoe Adventure in early July. Although the trip spanned three days and started at an organic farm near Mon- tevideo, Marti and Christopher were only able to spend one day with the group. That was enough to get them hooked, however. Marti, who lives on a farm near Lucan, was amazed at the natural beauty of the river landscape, so close to home. “The biggest surprise I had was that we have such a wonderful recreation resource in the middle of farm land,” she said. “We have immediate access to a beauti- ful undiscovered natural setting that I wasn’t aware of. I’ve been to the Boundary Waters…that’s a long trip. We can do it locally. We have such a wonderful natural resource close to home.” Janet and Molly joined a group of four other women and two experienced guides from Wild River Academy for the middle day of the three-day Women’s Weekend. The group paddled 12 miles from Vicks- burg County Park to North Redwood. Gaining a new awareness of the county’s parks was another benefit of the trip, Marti said. Seeing a variety of wildlife, including eagles, was another. Christopher, who is Marti’s daughter-in- law, commented that she had never been on the rivers in this area. A native of Hud- Above: Although Janet Marti could only take one day away from her work as a nurse son, Wisconsin, Molly spent most of her practitioner at Affiliated Community Medical Center (ACMC) in Redwood Falls, she made the adult life in Minneapolis, before moving most of her time on the river. She will be back—having already ordered a kayak for future to the Lucan area with her husband, Steve trips. Photos on next page: The group paddled under Gold Mine Bridge, a historic spot near Suss, a few years ago. Redwood Falls. The eight-member Women’s Weekend group from Wild River Academy paused “It was neat to see the granite rock out- for a photo. Janet Marti is third from left and Molly Christopher is on the far right. Tour guides croppings, birds, wildlife, the landscape, were Natalie Warren, kneeling, and Anna Johnson, in plaid shirt. Most of the other group members were from the Twin Cities. 14 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2013 “It was quite an experience. A group of women who weren’t experienced, portaging our canoes, making that distance, and doing it without spilling any canoes.” and the diversity of nature,” she said. “We have corn and soybean fields around us. It was great to experience an- other side of the place we live.” She added, “It was quite an experience. A group of women who weren’t experienced, portaging our canoes, making that distance, and doing it without spilling any canoes.” place. Wild River works with Clean Up Our River Environment (CURE) The river was high—only a few weeks after a significant storm, to educate people that the Minnesota is not just an industrial river— making the canoeing easy. and that a lot of work has been done to clean it up. “I encourage others to do it. I hope Wild River has more trips,” Marti said, “I believe in what Wild River is promoting. Fifty years Molly said. “It’s good to be exposed to the area. I realize how vital ago, Governor Karl Rolvaag advocated for the establishment of river the river is. After seeing the beauty of the river, I encourage people trails, calling our rivers sleeping recreational giants.” to take care of it.’ She added, “We all hear about big issues like global warming. In Marti and Christopher were so motivated by their experience on our little part of the country, we can be excited about and enjoy the river that they’re going back for more. Molly bought a canoe the our own natural resources. We can do something in our own back next week and took her family—husband Steve, daughter Frances, yard—we can take care of the resources, preserve them for the 8, and son Miles, 12—on the same route. Janet has ordered a kayak future.” for herself and will be back on the river. Nick Ryan of Wild River noted that the organization has planned Marti learned about the canoe adventure when she attended a another high school canoe trip for August 12-14. It will provide presentation by Wild River Academy founder Natalie Warren this hands-on experience for students to understand the things they’ve past May. Warren was one of the first two women to paddle from learned in environmental classes. Students will meet with a DNR Minneapolis to Hudson Bay, following Eric Sevareid’s route from fisheries’ official, as well as a naturalist who will talk about river Canoeing with the Cree. That adventure led to the founding of Wild health. River Academy in October 2012. While Wild River Academy is based in the Twin Cities, its Min- WRA takes women, families, and high school students out to nesota River trips start with a visit and supper at Moonstone Farm paddle the Minnesota River. The trips stop along the way to connect at Montevideo, then put in at Vicksburg in Redwood County. Most with environmental organizations, farmers, and community mem- trips go to North Redwood. bers. The experiential learning not only enhances outdoor skills, but For more information on WRA canoe trips, check out the website also exposes participants to the social and natural environment in at http://wildriveracademy.com and/or email paddle@wildrivera- the Minnesota River watershed, encouraging a sense of peace and cademy.com. RVW

RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2013 15 Bikini Tini Cocktail... Embrace Your Inner Bikini By Joe Steck Courtesy Mankato Times

What started out as a quest by three friends to make the perfect cocktail for their own indulgence, turned into a mission to start their own company and share their attitude and libation creation with the world.

Meet Amy Lloyd, Jane Carlstrom and Patty Naegele, the three women behind Bikini Tini Cocktails, who’s slogan encourages women to “Embrace Your Inner Bikini.”

These three women, each with their own unique personality and business skills, entered the “man’s world” of the spirit industry and showed their true “inner bikini.”

I met Amy, Jane and Patty at Olives in Mankato where we spent a few hours discussing the Bikini Tini brand and the wonderful story of how they have arrived as the number one new launch product in the market. They were rightfully excited about it, and I was excited about the great example and positive role models they are for our future generations.

Amy Lloyd has a 20-year business history of owning retail stores, interior decorating and flipping houses. Amy is married to Mankato native J.B. Lloyd and is the “driver” personality of the group. They currently live in Orono.

Jane Carlstom has a strong background in sales and the hospitality industry. She has honed the skills of team building, interacting with others and making a person feel welcomed. Jane grew up in Mankato and her family owned DeGrood’s Appliance. Jane is married to Lee Carlstom and they live in North Mankato.

Patty Naegele has a background as a master hairstylist, creative and web design, and ski instructor. Patty brings the creative flair to the group. She and her partner Matt Clements live in Orono with her two children. They have an affiliation with Mankato when they ski instruct at Mount Kato in the winters.

When you mix these three friends together, each a success on their own, combined with the moral support from their husbands, the Bikini Tini Cocktail team becomes an unstoppable force.

16 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2013 The Bikini Tini Cocktail idea developed over a few years. “Our families would get together for dinners and small parties and make our cocktails for our own enjoyment,” said Jane. “Over time, we refined our drink to the point where people were encouraging us to bottle our Bikini Tini Cocktail.”

“We looked at the market and discovered that there were nothing like our drink being sold. Bikini Tini is 100% natural with no sugar, 1 carbohydrate and 56 calories per serving as well as being colored with fruit and vegetable juices,” said Amy. “We are all pretty health conscious and thought that this is something that other’s would appreciate.”

The three put their heads together and came up with the game plan.

“Bikini Tini Cocktail is about having fun and enjoying every moment in life,” said Patty. “Work hard, play hard, love life.”

“We wanted to build something with value” said Jane “Something that would set us apart from the rest of the spirit world in the ready-to-drink (RTD) market.”

With the name and product decided upon, Amy, Jane and Patty set out to make their mark on the world, breaking through a lot of barriers before they could get Bikini Tini Cocktail on the shelves.

The first step was to find the proper vodka, which meant finding a distillery which was RTD licensed.

“Finding the right distillery was tough. We would make our presentation and be told that they had heard 50 of these calls today,” said Amy. “It was frustrating, but we believed in our product and we believed in ourselves.”

“We were turned down by a lot of companies including Philips,” added Patty, “The liquor world is a man’s world.”

The Bikini Tini Cocktail team found the distillery they were looking for in Sun Valley, Idaho with Distilled Resources Inc. It took several months for the distillery to come up with the perfect custom blend of vodka for the women’s liking.

“It was a long but fun process putting everything together,” said Jane.

After that, the difficult task of finding the proper distributor was next in line.

“Opening doors was difficult. It took about 99 no’s before we found one yes,” Amy said. “We ended up choosing to work with Southern Wine and Spirits of America, the largest wine and spirits distributor in the United States.”

Once a distributor was chosen, the fun of working with the public and promo- tions began. The ladies have traveled throughout Minnesota doing tastings.

Some folks have been sharing their “inner bikini” photos on the company’s Facebook page. Any time a product can bring people together and put a smile on their faces, that is a good thing, according to the women.

“We currently offer Watermelon Citrus with plans for a few more flavors in the near future,” Jane said. “We are very excited for the future of Bikini Tini Cocktail.”

All three women are active in their communities and churches donating both time and money to causes and charities.

To learn more about Bikini Tini Cocktail or to find where to purchase, visit bikinitinicocktail.com. RVW

RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2013 17 Back-to-school through the eyes of a student, mother, teacher

By Carolyn Van Loh

hat thoughts come to mind when you hear “back- to-school”? The mother of school-aged children of- ten thinks about purchasing the required supplies for each child. She also inventories the size and Wcondition of last year’s school clothes. If she’s a stay-at-home mom, she may be looking forward to a quiet house and time to catch up on neglected projects. The back-to-school child may look forward to after school athletic team practice or the excitement about reconnecting with classmates. A student starting a new school may be apprehensive about the change and mak- ing new friends. A teacher heading back to school thinks about re- quired staff meetings, new extra curricular responsibili- ties, meeting new co-workers and getting the classroom ready for her students. I’ve experienced back-to-school thoughts from all three perspectives. Many of my early school experiences are long forgotten, but I well-remember being in the first class to be- gin their education in a new school building. We were the first WWII baby boomers to enter first grade at Tyler Elementary School in 1952. Starting a new school year back then wasn’t the major event that it seems to be today. Mom took me shopping for a new pair of shoes and added a couple new dresses to my meager wardrobe. There were no published school supply lists to follow. We pur- chased pencils, erasers, notebook paper, glue and a box of crayons. Mom never let me get the big box of 64 like many of my friends had. I always had to be satisfied with a box of 16 or 24 crayons because she didn’t want to spend the extra money for colors she thought I could live without. My family lived seven miles from town, and I liked school, so I was more like a long vacation, and before I knew it, I was back on eagerly anticipated the first Tuesday after Labor Day. I could be campus again. After student teaching second quarter, I graduated with my friends all day. As a high school student, I looked forward from Mankato State College in March 1968 and married my sweet- to playing my clarinet in the band for all the home ball games as heart in June. well as participating in drama and music. When my oldest son started kindergarten, I was teaching in a Moving to campus was much simpler than it is today, and pack- Minneapolis Christian day school. Back-to-school took on new ing was a new experience for me. I worked hard to squeeze my meaning because I was both a mother and a teacher. Schools had clothes, bedding, towels and other must-have items in one extra started publishing lists of needed supplies similar to what I needed large box I got from the local grocery store so Dad could make just as a child. I learned the hard way not to wait until Labor Day eve- one trip to my second-floor room. That foolish decision still stimu- ning to shop at Target for school supplies because the store was lates chuckles when the subject of packing arises in conversation packed with back-to-school families! with family. With a full schedule as a teacher, I tried to follow a daily routine Back-to-college didn’t require much pre-planning other than to keep our household running smoothly. My efficiency backfired being in the right line at the right time for registration. Oh, I one afternoon when I asked my ten-year-old son to take the pre- might sew a couple new outfits and purchase a warm sweater or pared pan of chicken out of the refrigerator and put it in the oven two, but that was all. Since I wanted to complete my education as for supper. He followed my instructions to the letter, but I hadn’t quickly as possible, I attended 10 weeks of summer school after my told him to remove the plastic wrap before putting the pan into sophomore and junior years. My month at home those summers the oven. We had the crispiest chicken imaginable!

18 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2013 We moved to the family farm in 1982, and My schedule abruptly changed when the our sons entered 5th and 7th grades. I was My family lived seven college closed its doors December 31, 2008, primarily a stay-at-home farm wife who miles from town, and because of financial difficulties. volunteered regularly at the day school Whether I was a student, a teacher or they attended. Back-to-school meant I liked school, so I eagerly a mom, back-to-school meant establish- arranging my busy farm wife schedule ing a daily routine to fit my stage in life. I around soccer practice and games. anticipated the first function best with a schedule, so I looked When our second son graduated from Tuesday after Labor Day. forward to settling back into a routine high school in 1990, I began teaching part each fall. time at the day school. That year, back- I could be with my This is the fifth year I haven’t been in the to-school was a major event because I was friends all day. back-to-school mode, and I enjoy the luxury excited to be back in the classroom. School of not being rudely awakened by my alarm. responsibilities topped my priorities list, so No more arriving at the English classroom to homemaking activities sometimes suffered from greet sleepy college freshmen at 7:30. I still miss neglect. interacting with students and co-workers, but my 40+ I experienced a different back-to-school routine nine years years as a teacher have enriched my life, and hopefully, the lives ago when I accepted a job as English professor at a small Bible col- of my students. RVW lege 125 miles from our farm. Yes, I commuted—one trip a week— and lived on campus. My husband, knowing this teaching opportu- Carolyn Van Loh is a retired English teacher who nity was a life-long dream of mine, courageously encouraged me lives on the Van Loh family farm near Westbrook to accept the position. We depended on our cell phones to stay with her husband David. Their son Tim, a pastor in connected with each other during the week. Michigan, has two children. Their son Dan, a family Back-to-school became a weekly occurrence. The first two years, I law attorney in the Twin Cities, has three children. arrived home Thursday afternoon or evening and returned to cam- Carolyn is a freelance writer for The Land as well as for pus Sunday evening. Laundry was a top priority, and another was the River Valley Extra and River Valley Woman and is fixing meals with “planned overs” so my husband and I had a couple the author of three books. Great Is Thy Faithfulness is meals ready for the week ahead. the 50-year history of Pillsbury Baptist Bible College; Strong Roots is the Life became even more hectic the last 2 ½ years I commuted 90-year history of the Minnesota Farm Bureau; A Place of Interest is the because I arrived home Friday afternoon. I was usually home about story of life on the Minnesota prairie beginning in 1948 and is based on 48 hours, which included sleeping and Sunday church activities. her mother-in-law’s diaries of 60 years.

eveRy Guest. eveRy time. We offer a variety of studio, one and two Bedroom suites to make you feel at home. While staying in any of our hotel suites, you will enjoy our complimentary hot gourmet express Breakfast™, indoor pool and whirlpool, new guest room carpeting, 40” LeD tv’s, our Grandstay Pantry, exercise facility, free wireless internet, on-site laundry and our outdoor sport court with grill area.

1000 RaintRee Road, Mankato, Minnesota 56001 Phone: 507-388-8688 • ReseRvations: 1-877-388-7829 gRandstay.net 302332

RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2013 19 Head to college with the right software... without breaking the bank

Before you plunk down hundreds from your financial aid on educational software for college at one of the “big box” stores, there are a few unexpected places you can find discount college software

hese days, it’s truly impossible to get through college with- out a computer of your own. And while the computer that Tyou buy will come stocked with plenty of software - it might not be the college software you need to sail through your classes and complete your projects. But before you plunk down hundreds from your financial aid on educational software for college at one of the “big box” stores, there are a few unexpected places you can find discount college software - and a few tips to help you save big so you won’t blow your budget in one fell swoop.

Where to Shop for Discount College Software

I know a lot of people think that their college bookstores have high prices, but if you look around, in most cases you’ll find that they’re actually reasonable - if not downright low. And from my days as a university bookstore manager at a Follett store, I can tell you that all of their stores offer amazing • Using freeware or shareware for things like games, spyware discounts on software for college students. removal and anti-virus protection. All of these things can help you save money so you can spend what you have on the college And just to prove the point - I went to my alma mater’s (Elmhurst software you really need. College) online Follett store and found Adobe Creative Suite 3 for just under $400. At one of those “big box” store’s sites it was sell- • Some textbooks come with college software, so be sure to give ing for well more than $1,000 which, if you need this software - is it a try before you decide to purchase something that may be a HUGE savings. redundant.

Obviously, places like eBay and Craigslist are also good options • If your parents have software that offers several licenses for the when it comes to shopping for educational software for college, same household, ask them if you can use one of their licenses to but given that the sellers at those places aren’t held to the same install the software on your computer. standards as professional retail locations or sites, you do run the risk of getting scammed when you buy your college software from With so many options available to students looking for discount listings there. software for college, there’s absolutely no reason to pay full price. So hit your college bookstore and check out the freeware sites and Tips for finding free or discounted software start saving money for things you’ll need later (like proper meals).

• When you’re looking for software for school, keep in mind than Janine O’Neal has been both a university bookstore manager - and many retailers offer student or educator discounts. So if you can a university student - giving her a unique perspective on everything prove that you’re a student, you may be able to get your software related to campus life. Today, she writes online articles to help college for less than the price listed on the package. students learn how to work the system to their best advantage. RVW

20 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2013 Men & women look at finances differently

PART 3

Steps women can take: the age you retire, and also how years spent out of the workforce might affect the amount In the past, women may have taken a less you receive. active role in household financial decision n At retirement, make sure you understand your retirement plan distribution making. But, for many, those days are over. options, and review your portfolio regularly. Also, factor the cost of health care (including Today, women have more financial responsibil- long-term care) into your retirement planning, and understand the basic rules of Medicare. ity for themselves and their families. So it’s n Advocate for yourself in the workplace. Have confidence in your work ability and critical that women know how to save, invest, advocate for your worth in the workplace by researching salary ranges, negotiating your and plan for the future. Here are some things starting salary, seeking highly visible job assignments, networking, and asking for raises women can do: and promotions. In addition, keep an eye out for new career opportunities, entrepreneurial n Take control of your money. Create a ventures, and/or ways to grow your business. budget, manage debt and credit wisely, set n Seek help to balance work and family. If you have children and work outside the and prioritize financial goals, and implement a home, investigate and negotiate flexible work arrangements that may allow you to keep savings and investment strategy to meet those working, and make sure your spouse is equally invested in household and child-related goals. responsibilities. If you stay at home to care for children, keep your skills up-to-date to the n Become a knowledgeable investor. extent possible in case you return to the workforce, and stay involved in household financial Learn basic investing concepts, such as asset decision making. If you’re caring for aging parents, ask adult siblings or family members for classes, risk tolerance, time horizon, diversifica- help, and seek outside services and support groups that can offer you a respite and help you tion, inflation, the role of various financial cope with stress. vehicles like 401(k)s and IRAs, and the role of n Protect your assets. Identify potential risk exposure and implement strategies to income, growth, and safety investments in a reduce that exposure. For example, life and disability insurance is vital to protect your ability portfolio. Look for investing opportunities in to earn an income and/or care for your family in the event of disability or death. In some the purchasing decisions you make every day. cases, more sophisticated strategies, such as other legal entities or trusts, may be needed. Have patience, be willing to ask questions, n Create an estate plan. To ensure that your personal and financial wishes will be admit mistakes, and seek help when necessary. carried out in the event of your incapacity or death, consider executing basic estate plan- n Plan for retirement. Save as much as you ning documents, such as a will, trust, durable power of attorney, and health-care proxy. A can for retirement. Estimate how much money financial professional can help. you’ll need in retirement, and how much you Women are the key to their own financial futures--it’s critical that women educate can expect from your savings, Social Security, themselves about finances and be able to make financial decisions. Yet the world of financial and/or an employer pension. planning isn’t always easy or convenient. In many cases, women can benefit greatly from n Understand how your Social Security working with a financial professional who can help them understand their options and benefit amount will change depending on implement plans designed to provide women and their families with financially secure lives.

Securities, advisory services and insurance products are offered through Investment Centers of America, Inc. (ICA), member FINRA/SIPC and a Registered Investment Advisor, and affiliated insur- Mila Quiring ance agencies. ICA and Strategic Wealth are separate companies. Strategic Wealth Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc. does not provide investment, tax, or legal advice. 510 2nd North Street, New Ulm, MN 56073 The information presented here is not specific to any individual’s personal circumstances. To the 507-354-7177 extent that this material concerns tax matters, it is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by a taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed by law. Each tax- [email protected] payer should seek independent advice from a tax professional based on his or her individual circum- stances. These materials are provided for general information and educational purposes based upon publicly available information from sources believed to be reliable – we cannot assure the accuracy or completeness of these materials. The information in these materials may change at any time and without notice.

RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2013 21 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 those featured here. From collectibles and custom jewelry, to ethnic foods and hand-crafted items you are sure to strike gold!

WineWine Barrel BarBar GreatGreat statement statement piecepiece at any weddingwedding or or event. event. CustomCustom up-cycled up-cycled barnbarn wood toptop is is 6 6 feet feet long long with storage and shelves on back side. They with storage and shelves on back side. They 100% Pure areare booking booking fastfast so reserve yoursyours today! today! G&K Rental 507-625-3238 www.gkrental.com No Synthetic chemicals, chemical G&K Rental 507-625-3238 www.gkrental.com preservatives, detergents, artificial fragrance or any other unhealthy toxins. We carry a full line of products including: fruit dyed make up, skin care, bath & body, hair and kids products. Broadway Chiropractic Wellness Center 1510 N. Broadway, New Ulm www.broadwaychiropractic.com 507-359-4374

Lovell Designs Hand crafted original design Lovell Designs CalderaCaldrea Aromatherapeutic Aromatherapeutic Living Living in pewter. Necklace and earrings Hand crafted original design Heritage Art by artist Ken Kantro. Stop in WeWe carry carry a full a fullline line of home of cleaning, and body home care in pewter. Necklace and is the perfect one of a kind gift for a wed- and see all of our beautiful productsand body that careare incredibly products effective,that are earrings by artist ding, anniversary or birthday. Available in yetincredibly safe and effective,gentle for yet your safe home, and piecesKen before Kantro. they Stop are in gone! just about any size. Design one for your gentle for yourbody home, and earth. body and earth. andGuten see Tagall of Haus our loved ones today. Available at The Frame NewNew Ulm Ulm Furniture Furniture 127beautiful N. Minnesota pieces St. Gallery located at Shayds of Color. 16 N. German16 N. German St., Downtown St., New New Ulm Ulm, Newbefore Ulm they 507-233-4287 are gone! 2 S. Minnesota Street, 507-354-2716507-354-2716 www.gutentaghaus.comGuten Tag Haus New Ulm. 507-354-1120. www.newulmfurniture.com 127 N. Minnesota St. New Ulm 507-233-4287 22 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2013 www.gutentaghaus.com Keeping it /ree-uhl, reel/ - Adjective Genuine in existence. Synonyms:absolute, actual, Real authentic, bona fide, certain. What do you “I believe in an honest approach” — Laurie Danberry, Sales & Leasing have to lose? Join a fun Weight Loss Challenge to 1234 Raintree Rd., Mankato Call 507-387-0443 help you reach your weight-loss goals! [email protected] You could even win a cash www.heintztoyota.com 236110 prize if you are one of the top achievers in your Challenge! IN A 12-WEEK COURSE YOU WILL GET: Personal Service Furniture, Flooring, • Group support to cheer you on Exceptional Prices WindoW treatments, mattresses, • Your own personal coach Giant Selection design service & more! • A free meal plan • Helpful tips and information on Featuring: La-z-boy Comfort Studio, Flexsteel, Ashley, Sealy, Rowe, Pride, good nutrition and long-term health Lane, Shaw, Hunter-Douglas and many more fine brands

16 N German St. Class size is limited, so call now and reserve Downtown New Ulm your spot! Join the Challenge for only $35 507-354-2716 Free Delivery! To pre-register, or for more information, call: Rhonda Anderson 507-381-3269 www.newulmfurniture.com 236298 236100

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626 North Riverfront Dr. Mankato, MN 56001 507-345-1484

Hours: 9:00-5:30 M-F 9:00-1:00 Sat. Serving your residential lighting needs since 1987 www.dencolighting.com

Serving your residential lightingin stock needs lamps, since 1987 mirrors 10% OFF & furniture accessories. With coupon at Denco Lighting. Coupon expires 9/30/13. 302337

RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2013 23 We strive for Recipe perfection. A-touch-of-Dijon

Every customer is like Chicken Kabobs

a member of our own ingReDientS: 8 Hy-Vee bamboo skewers

2 tbsp Hy-Vee Select white wine family. We truly vinegar 3 tbsp Hy-Vee Select garlic-flavored “ olive oil want your meals, 1 tsp Hy-Vee Dijon mustard Hy-Vee salt and Hy-Vee pepper, to “ taste celebrations, and 1/2 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into thin strips holidays to be 1 pint cherry tomatoes 1 small onion, cut into chunks 1 green pepper, seeded and cut into enjoyable. It’s chunks 1 (8 oz) container whole fresh important to us mushrooms that you are All you Do happy 1. Soak skewers in water for 30 and satisfied. minutes. 2. To make vinaigrette, whisk together vinegar, olive oil, mustard, salt and pepper. - YouR HY-Vee MeAT DePARTMeNT 3. Thread skewers with chicken, cherry tomatoes, onion, green pepper and mushrooms. Ask Us about Custom Cuts 4. Brush kabobs with vinaigrette. and Special Orders! Grill, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.

pHotoS fRoM top: Hy-Vee Hilltop Meat Department: Arron Neidecker, Curt Ahrensttorff, Ron Smook. Daily nutritional values: Back: Ken Neidecker, Randy Bohnert. 15% vitamin A 2% calcium Meat Department Manager Scott Walker. 80% vitamin C 6% iron

Hy-Vee Riverfront Meat Department: Nutrition information per serving: From left: Chris Holmen, Mark Delozier- Calories: 190 Protein: 16g Meat Department Manager, Jim Albright. Carbohydrate: 8g Saturated Fat: 1.5g Inset Photo: Drew Smith. Cholesterol: 35mg Sodium: 75mg Dietary Fiber: 2g Sugar: 5g Fat: 11g Trans fats: 0g

RiveRfRont Hilltop 410 S. Riverfront Dr. 2010 Adams St. Mankato, Mn Mankato, Mn 24 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2013 507-625-1107 507-625-9070 302336 We strive for Recipe perfection. A-touch-of-Dijon

Every customer is like Chicken Kabobs a member of our own ingReDientS: 8 Hy-Vee bamboo skewers

2 tbsp Hy-Vee Select white wine family. We truly vinegar 3 tbsp Hy-Vee Select garlic-flavored “ olive oil want your meals, 1 tsp Hy-Vee Dijon mustard Hy-Vee salt and Hy-Vee pepper, to “ taste celebrations, and 1/2 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into thin strips holidays to be 1 pint cherry tomatoes 1 small onion, cut into chunks 1 green pepper, seeded and cut into enjoyable. It’s chunks 1 (8 oz) container whole fresh important to us mushrooms that you are All you Do happy 1. Soak skewers in water for 30 and satisfied. minutes. 2. To make vinaigrette, whisk together vinegar, olive oil, mustard, salt and pepper. - YouR HY-Vee MeAT DePARTMeNT 3. Thread skewers with chicken, cherry tomatoes, onion, green pepper and mushrooms. Ask Us about Custom Cuts 4. Brush kabobs with vinaigrette. and Special Orders! Grill, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender. pHotoS fRoM top: Hy-Vee Hilltop Meat Department: Arron Neidecker, Curt Ahrensttorff, Ron Smook. Daily nutritional values: Back: Ken Neidecker, Randy Bohnert. 15% vitamin A 2% calcium Meat Department Manager Scott Walker. 80% vitamin C 6% iron

Hy-Vee Riverfront Meat Department: Nutrition information per serving: From left: Chris Holmen, Mark Delozier- Calories: 190 Protein: 16g Meat Department Manager, Jim Albright. Carbohydrate: 8g Saturated Fat: 1.5g Inset Photo: Drew Smith. Cholesterol: 35mg Sodium: 75mg Dietary Fiber: 2g Sugar: 5g Fat: 11g Trans fats: 0g

RiveRfRont Hilltop 410 S. Riverfront Dr. 2010 Adams St. Mankato, Mn Mankato, Mn RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2013 25 507-625-1107 507-625-9070 302336 August is the perfect month to relax and enjoy patio wining & dining. There is plenty of great summer weather left!

We valley girls know a good time when we see it and we see a lot of rockin’ and relaxin’ outdoor bars and restaurants to keep us entertained from now through fall. So you GO and CONNECT girls--to these fun-in-the-sun establishments. We’ll see you there!

at Dave’s Place for Classic Car Hit the Fridays, Bike Night Wednesdays, Deck! or Anytime Just for Fun!

- Featuring Hand made tortillas - Lunch sPeciaLs Monday - saturday 1404 Madison aVe., aPPetizers - seaFood Mankato, Mn QuesadiLLas - nachos - souPs steaks - Burritos - enchiLadas 507-344-0607 Fajitas - FuLL Bar oPen Mon. - thurs. 11-10; Your Entertainment Headquarters, Fri. & sat. 11-10:30; sun. 11-9 Downtown Lafayette 207219 507-228-8910 207274

26 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2013 302456 New Osaka Japanese Cuisine SuShi, Seafood, Steak houSe & full Bar 1700 Madison Avenue Dine in • Take OuT Mankato 507-385-1600 All-You-Can-Eat Sushi Everyday! www.grizzlysgrill.com 20% OFF when you mention your favorite beverages this ad! on the NEW PATIO Stop by at Rapid Rick’s in Nicollet. & Enjoy 302340

Happy Hour Mon. - Thurs. 20% OFF 8:00 pm -10pm. All Tap Beer YOur Order Buy One Get One Free! 1854 Madison Ave., Seating for 30 or more! New Osaka All-U-Can-Eat Sushi not valid with this offer. Not valid Mankato 507.625.9955 Open 7 days a week. 507-232-3943 with Gift Card purchase. Expires Aug. 30, 2013. 207262 www.newosakamn.com

Authentic Mexican Restaurant 1107 N. Broadway, New Ulm, MN 507-359-7073 Open Mon.-Thurs. 11-10; Fri. & Sat. 11-10:30; Sun. 11-9

www.plazagaribaldinewulm.com 236255

302454 A smAll town bAr offering Big Time Fun. Air Fried Food • Friendly Staff A Tropical Getaway Patio!

The Pub The Roadhouse 169 Bar & Grill Just off Hwy. 169. South of Harley Davidson. & PaTio, inc. 1006 N. River Dr., North Mankato, MN 56003 225 N. Minnesota St. Hours: 9 am - 1 am. Daily Happy Hour 9 am - 6:30 pm New Ulm, MN 56073 Don’t Forget Thursday is 11 a.m. - 1 a.m. Mon.-Sat. Women’s Night! 2 for 1 Noon - 1 a.m. Sunday { { 236139

RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2013 27 RV W Good Reads

hat if you could read the popular Fifty Shades of Grey erotic trilogy without anyone being the wiser? No incriminating book jacket to alert people to your desire to satisfy your curiosity? No hiding the book under your bed or inside a magazine to avoid disapproving stares? Many women are finding that ebooks Now areW just the thing to allow them to indulge in a little romance without feeling judged. People know you’re reading something—they just don’t know what. And romance books are just the reading beginning. While many women seek out this genre, an equal number are just as interested in other types of books, like the popular Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn or Inferno by Dan Brown or the books is latest James Patterson or Janet Evanovich. Of course, not everyone reading ebooks is trying to hide their reading habits. Ease of use and print size options are key reasons for people to get into ebook usage. even e-asier! Take, for example, that new bestseller that you really, really want to read, but you like to read in bed at night and it’s over 600 pages long and weighs as much as a small microwave. What to do? You could take a weight training class to build up your arm muscles, but you still risk dropping the book on your face if you doze off. An ebook reader, however, is small, lightweight, Check out and thin, and many can actually be operated with only one hand. Not to mention that if you’re going on vacation, one ebook reader takes up considerably less space and less of your weight limit than a stack of books. And overdues are never a problem—ebooks return themselves free e-books when they’re due. Readers with vision issues have become more prevalent in the last few years as our baby from your boomers are aging. Large print books go only so far in alleviating people’s eyestrain as not every book is published in large print. With an ereader, any available book can be made into a library. large print book by changing font type, size, and margins. The advent of many different eread- ers and tablets in a variety of price ranges has made ereading affordable for almost anyone. The actual downloading process itself has been simplified over the years as well—there’s an app for that! The North Mankato Taylor Library has offered downloadable ebooks (and audiobooks) free of charge to its patrons since 2009. In that time, usage has grown from just over 700 checkouts per year to 15,000 in 2012. The library contracts with Overdrive for provision of ebooks which are checked out in much the same manner as regular library books—one book, one checkout at a time. The library’s policy of adding another copy when four people are on hold for a title has kept people from experiencing long wait times for the books they want to read and patron requests are most often purchased. North Mankato library staff welcomes people to come in at any time for help in getting their titles downloaded. To use the Taylor Library ebooks, you’ll need to be a resident of North Mankato and have a current library card. People living elsewhere—don’t despair! The Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative has made a similar col- lection of ebooks available at all other libraries in the region. Just visit your local library and ask how to get started. RVW

28 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2013 In our July issue of River Valley Woman we asked readers the question Traverse des Sioux “What is your favorite Libraries non-fiction book and why?” in RVW readership area Here are readers’ responses:

n Proof of Heaven: A Neuorsurgeon’s Journey n Life and Death in Shanghai by Nien Cheng. Blue Earth County into the Afterlife, by Eben Alexander III M.D.I Amazing account of a Chinese woman and Blue Earth County Library, Mankato just read this one. It was very good. how she survived prison and interrogations --Joe S. during the cultural revolution. She was giv- Lake Crystal Public Library en Mao’s little red book, memorized it and n Lake Crystal Killing Yourself to Live by Chuck Klos- would debate the interrogators using the terman. He drives around the country and inconsistencies of the book. Amazing story. visits famous sites where musicians have I don’t know if it’s my Brown County died, peppering in his own personal stories favorite, but close to it.- and experiences. It’s hilarious and insightful, -Dave R. Comfrey Community Library, Comfrey plus his journey takes him through Rochester n Dyckman Free Library, Sleepy Eye and Minneapolis! If you’re at all into rock and When I do read, it is non-fiction but it takes roll history, or just a good road trip story, this me forever to get through a book since I don’t Hanska Comunity Library, Hanska book is definitely worth reading. sit down long enough to get through it - or New Ulm Public Library, New Ulm --Kate. L. I get a good nap. But if cookbooks and gar- den books count, I can spend hours. In fact, Springfield Public Library, Springfield n “I loved I Am Roe! by Jane Roe. It was about the beets are ready to do something with on the Roe Vs. Wade case. It was great to see into Sunday so tonight I sat down with 2 canning the mind of Jane Roe and what happened in books, and 5 gardening books and specifical- Nicollet County her life to consider abortion. I don’t want to ly read about beets and recipes! (Then I took North Mankato Taylor Library, spoil the book, but her life was much more a 20 minute nap during the news!) - complicated than I ever expected. She was -Diane M. North Mankato candid and open about her life, including n St. Peter Public Library, St. Peter her lifestyle. I read the book about 20 years Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain. ago and it is still my favorite (even though I It’s an honest portrayal of the life of ‘foodies/ am against abortion)! I simply could not put restauranteurs/cooks/chefs’. The stories are Sibley County the book down! It was a suggested read by entertaining, the language is colorful, and Oprah about 20 years ago. I must warn other the author does a great job of recreating Arlington Public Library, Arlington readers, it is a bit graphic. sights, sounds, smells, textures and feelings Gaylord Public Library, Gaylord --Michele D. through his words. Lastly, it’s quick and easy to read, but may be put down or picked up Gibbon Public Library, Gibbon n I have always been a fan of Mr. Rogers, so at any time. Henderson Public Library, Henderson when my aunt gave me The Simple Faith of --Kirsten B. Mr. Rogers by Amy Hollingsworth as a gift, I Winthrop Public Library, Winthrop immediately read it cover-to-cover. Not only n After I read your request I went to my did I learn a lot about the man who cared so bookshelves and looked at who I call my per- much about teaching children about sharing manents. Since I like to read I have a lot of Watonwan County and caring, but even more about my faith books that come and go, but the permanents Watonwan County Library, St. James and perspective on life. stay no matter what. Two authors stuck out --Pam D. for me. I have all of their books and go back to Butterfield Branch Library, Butterfield again and again. So anything by Bill Bryson ( A n Darfur Branch Library, Darfur “Blue Highways by William Least Heat Short History of Nearly Everything, Notes from Moon. Check it out. Also loved A Walk in the a Small Planet, etc.) and Christiane Northrup Madelia Branch Library, Madelia Woods by Bill Bryson. Being a backpacker it (Mother-Daughter Wisdom, Women’s Bodies, was a favorite of mine--because I could total- Women’s Wisdom). ly relate. It’s gotten real famous since I read --Pam K. it long ago. - -Dave S.

Good Reads question for next month: What is your go-to cookbook? Email your responses to [email protected]. You may also visit our Facebook page and look for the question or mail your response to River Valley Woman, 18 1/2 N. Minnesota St., New Ulm, MN 56073. Note Good Reads on the envelope. Entrants will be entered into a drawing for two Renaissance Festival Tickets!

RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2013 29 Are there ways to ward off mosquitoes, kill weeds, and guard against harmful UV rays without chemicals? Naturally!

“No one likes getting bit by bugs, especially mosquitoes,” says Bonnie Lantz, N.C., of Broadway Chiropractic Wellness Center in Bonnie’s Natural Homemade New Ulm. “They can ruin being outside in summer, cause large Sunscreen Ingredients: bumps on our arms and legs and possibly cause infection. Not to 1/2 cup almond or olive oil (can infuse with herbs first if desired) mention the risk of West Nile virus, especially in the elderly and 1/4 cup coconut oil (natural SPF 4) young children. 1/4 cup beeswax 2 Tablespoons Zinc Oxide (This is a non-nano version that won’t This summer has been an especially annoying season for those be absorbed into the skin. Be careful not to inhale the powder). buzzing critters and has us clamoring for insect repellant. But with This makes a natural SPF of 20+ or more can be added.) concerns about the safety of overexposure to the chemical com- Optional: 1 teaspoon Vitamin E oil pound DEET found in many repellants, we find ourselves looking Optional: 2 tablespoons Shea Butter (natural SPF 4-5) Optional: Essential Oils, Vanilla Extract or other natural extracts for alternatives to commercial repellent products. to suit your preference “There are alternative products out there that have natural in- Note: You can also add Zinc Oxide to our organic 100% Pure body gredients such as essential oils, aloe vera, eucalyptus, lemongrass, butter cream products we carry in our clinic. We do not carry the zinc oxide. lavendrin, peppermint, rosemary, vanilla and catnip. Sounds good enough to eat!” said Bonnie. “There are also some studies right How to Make Natural Sunscreen: now on cinnamon oil for killing mosquitoes.” Combine ingredients except zinc oxide in a pint sized or larger It is suggested to avoid perfume and dark colored clothing when glass jar. I have a mason jar that I keep just for making lotions and lotion bars, or you can even reuse a glass jar from pickles, olives or outdoors as this can attract bugs. A hat, long sleeves and pants other foods. may be required if the pests are particular bad. Fill a medium saucepan with a couple inches of water and place As skin is the largest organ and topical products are absorbed over medium heat. into the body it’s best to be mindful of what we put on our skin. Put a lid on the jar loosely and place in the pan with the water. As the water heats, the ingredients in the jar will start to melt. Bonnie says that Broadway Chiropractic Wellness Center offers Shake or stir occasionally to incorporate. When all ingredients are DEET free bug spray that has been very popular with mothers and completely melted, add the zinc oxide, stir in well and pour into grandmothers getting it for children. There is also a pet version whatever jar or tin you will use for storage. Small mason jars (pint size) are great for this. It will not pump well in a lotion pump! available. Stir a few times as it cools to make sure zinc oxide is incorpo- There are also natural ways to protect yourself from harmful UV rated. rays of the sun and weed killer without harmful chemicals. Use as you would regular sunscreen. Best if used within six Bonnie recommends the following recipes: RVW months. Bonnie’s Weed (kill) Cocktail Recipe ½ gallon of white vinegar. The higher acetic level of vinegar the better. Household white vinegar is 5%, which worked fine for me, but a 9% or higher is preferable. ½ bottle lemon juice. I splurged on organic. Then rubbed some into my hair to encourage highlights while outside. Makes for a great crazy-scientist hair-do. ½-cup castile soap. Castile soap is a vegetable-based soap. Dr. Bronner’s is a popular brand (which you can find at department and drug stores). I used Vermont Soap. Friends and I ordered together to share shipping. You can purchase castile soap in smaller quantities, but since I use it in a multitude of places—from refilling hand soap containers to household cleaning—I invest in a large container. Mix & voila!

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30 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2013 & Runs aces, Walks On Your R Mark

August 10 August 31 October 19 & 20 Gopher to Badger 5K & Half Marathon St. Croix Valley Triathlon Mankato Marathon Hudson, WI Hudson, WI Mankato, MN www.finalstretch.com www.finalstretch.com www.mankatomarathon.com

August 17 September 6 & 7 October 26 Mankato Mud Run Superior Trail Races St.Peter Halloween Fun Run Mankato, MN Lutsen, MN St. Peter, MN www.mankatomudrun.com www.superiortrailrace.com www.zapevents.com

August 17 September 14 November 3 Strive Wellness 4 Mile Run Walk to End Alzheimer’s Chocoholic Frolic 5& 10K Owatonna, MN Sibley Park, Mankato, MN St. Paul, MN www.strivewelnessrun.webstarts.com www.finalstretch.com September 21 August 17 Treadman Duathlon November 16 Dungeon’s Gym Fitness Run/Walk Pine Island, MN Athleta Diva Dash Sleepy Eye, MN www.finalstretch.com 5K Run & Walk & 10K Run www.minnesotarunner.com Blaine, MN October 12 www.finalstretch.com August 18 Big Woods Run YWCA Women’s Triathlon Faribault, MN December 21 Minneapolis, MN www.finalstretch.com Jumpin’ Jack Frost www.mplsywca.org Harriet Island, MN October 12 www.finalstretch.com Autumn Woods Classic 10K, 5K, &1K Maple Grove, MN www.threeriverspark.com

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RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2013 31 Love on the Prairie by Nicole Helget Rogue Commas Note: Love on the Prairie essays were taken from their original blatantly copy from the internet and don’t even bother to blog “Love on the Wintry Prairie” written several years ago. Some change the font to match the rest of their essays. You’ve prob- ❤time references are not current. ably heard me mention that this crop of students @ college hearts using email and txting words in their pprs. Maybe you If I told you that I think first-year college were there when I gave a speech about the negative effects students are better prepared than ever of the self-esteem movement of the 80s, how I believe that all to enter the job market and be productive these students have bloated senses of their own worth but no citizens of the country and world, would discernible reason for having it other than that they vaguely that surprise you? If you’ve had any interaction “deserve” it. Maybe you’ve been there when I’m into my third with me the last month of this semester, a semes- glass of wine and ter I have coined “the full-moon of my teaching career” for am bemoaning Iits weird circumstances and extreme challenges, it probably their lack of critical would. But even after the serious, hair-shedding, nail-biting thinking skills, stress of the past couple of months, I still believe that young how they stare at adults are smart, articulate, empathetic, and ready. They are me vacantly and aware of world events. They are responsive to the struggles of wait for me to tell others. They are on to political propaganda. They are sensitive them the answer, to the unbalanced distribution of wealth and power in this so that they don’t country and in this world. They are creatively-wired. This crew have to look it up of young adults understands. They want to make changes, or think. Maybe and they want their lives to matter. And while it’s true that at you’ve heard me any point in history at least some young adults felt engaged groan about the in their world, now, most young adults are interested in the way they scratch workings of the world and their own role in its turning. out what basically Yes. Yes. I know. I teach English, and you’ve heard me bitch- amounts to a free- ing, about the, bewildering, misuse of commas. Heard me write and then ask shower amazement on how these students are somehow ca- me to edit it for pable of writing a fragment and a fused sentence at the same them until it’s an time writing many, many words with lots of abstractions I am A. Or the way they often driven mad when the students use words like “amaz- use the following ing” or “awesome” as their go-to adjectives and repeatedly punctuation use them to describe everything from the car they drove for mark—dashes, em-dashes, and en-dashes—as substitutes prom to the collapse of the twin towers I get annoyed when for real punctuation—which shows a hazy awareness for they write as though the sheer number of words between a the need for punctuation but a lack of gumption to actually capital letter and period should somehow contribute to its discover which punctuation mark might be correct. The way correctness or even result in a reward for varied sentence they ignore the agenda and homework on the online course construction. You may; remember how I’ve rolled my eyes at organizer to ask me personally if “they missed anything” their; reckless use of; semicolons as though their whole; paper while they were gone. How they assume that just because is winking at me; and we’re in on some inside joke I don’t e-mail exists, I am somehow “on-call” for their every worry get. You’ve probably heard me express disgust at how they or whim, and how if I don’t respond immediately, they feel

32 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2013 indignant even when they’ve missed four out ity. Public schools took it upon themselves to take up character education of the past six classes. The way they expect and anti-bullying lessons. Public schools talked about sex education and personal tutoring after they’ve missed class for gender equality and sexual harassment. Public school teachers married their birthdays, community volunteerism curriculum into because they the regular Rs. Public school teachers had to work, “And when it’s these students’ turn are responsible for the slow but steady because they trend toward less racism in this country. were tired, to run things, their experience And you can bet that the people behind because a the extremely harsh criticisms of public friend whom working together and respecting one schools and teachers and unions are they haven’t another will have positive effects ” those who can’t benefit from a country seen since last{ }with less racism, people who capitalize week suddenly on keeping poor or ignorant people showed up, because they had a migraine, poor and ignorant. Public school education is the last, best equalizer in this because they had personal issues, because country. Better education always translates into a more even distribution they had to help someone move, because of power and wealth, and that’s what’s really behind the clamorous cries their car broke down, because their car broke for vouchers, conservative curriculum, and union-busting. They really down, because they got pulled over, because don’t have much to do with having a choice, saving morality, or balancing the roads were bad, the roads were really bad, budgets. it was snowing, or raining, or they hit a deer, I’m sure you remember the reworking of the Texas curriculum from a and because they couldn’t get a ride or their year ago, which is important and interesting because the Texas curriculum car broke down. If you haven’t watched this, probably affects the curriculum of districts everywhere to some degree. you should: “One Professor’s Fantasy” at http:// Because Texas is so large and buys so many books, it influences what type www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeSdC7lbAlA&fea of information goes into the textbooks school districts in Minnesota might ture=related. use. (There’s some debate about the exact nature of Texas’ true influence But. There’s this: My classrooms are over nation-wide curriculum, but I myself remember reading about Juan more diverse and interesting and and Juanita in my reading book in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, long before social than ever. A white kid from Minnesota had its own influx of Hispanic immigrants.) In any case, the Mankato indicates no hesitation Texas curriculum took a more conservative approach last year, eliminating overB sitting next to a Somali kid and asking elements of sex education while adding bits about the Reagan revolution, if he finished the homework. A Hmong girl eliminating the focus on separation of church and state and the secular with tricked-out eyeshadow thinks nothing of nature of our nation’s founding while softening the reputation of Joseph grabbing the arm of Mennonite woman in the McCarthy. Some of my conservative friends like to equate “conservative” long skirt and dutiful bun and asking her if they with “responsible,” usually in reference to money management. In this case, should be partners for a group project. The girl “conservative” is more closely related to “white,” and that’s what scares me. from New Ulm, the whitest city in the universe, If we go back to there, what’ll become of the little microcosms of good will hangs over the Latino guy until he hands in my classroom? over his grandmother’s recipe for homemade So. That’s it. I’m just telling you that although the country looks pretty tortillas. The artsy musician compliments grim in a lot of ways, financially, politically, and weather-ally, I see this the camouflage-wearer on his photo essay, really beautiful change occurring. And when it’s these students’ turn to which is about how to take proper care of your run things, their experience working together and respecting one another firearm. The gay guy can declare, “I’m gay,” and will have positive effects. Their commas will be rogue. Their independent get looks that ask, “want a medal?” Jailbirds sit clauses connected incorrectly. Their fragments, not purposed. But they will next to grandmas. Recovering addicts next to be nice. And they will share. And they will expect the same from us. RVW born-agains. In my classrooms are microcosms of what could be possible in the world. I didn’t do it. They come this way. And you can thank Nicole Helget, author of several books including The Turtle Catcher, was your local public school teacher for that. called “the most promising Minnesota writer in a generation” by the Public schools took it upon themselves to Minneapolis Star Tribune. She lives in North Mankato with her family. make diversity and tolerance education a prior- For more information, go to nicolehelget.blogspot.com.

RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2013 33 good TASTE Beyond Burgers: Fun Foods You Can Grill

n Fresh fruit from the grill is a great summertime treat! The heat of the of each strip with olive or canola oil and grill to desired tenderness. grill caramelizes the natural sugars found in fruit, leaving you with an For extra flavor, you can sprinkle the veggies with your favorite dried amazing dessert-like dish that is full of fiber and vitamins but not calo- herbs. Or try crushed red pepper for a spicy kick! ries! Try placing whole bananas (peeled), or sliced peaches directly on the grill. Skewer whole strawberries. Add your favorite fruits to a meat n Asparagus hot off the grill is especially good. Lightly coat the (or tofu) and veggie kabob for additional color and flavor. Apple, pine- washed, trimmed spears with olive or canola oil, and sprinkle with apple and pear slices are also great on the grill. (Remember that larger sea salt and ground pepper (optional). You can lay the spears directly is better to prevent burning.) Pair the grilled fruits with your salad, eat on the grill (crosswise) for about 5 minutes or until they reach your them as-is for a sweet side dish, use them to top your protein source, preferred tenderness. If you›re nervous about the spears falling into or indulge in an after-dinner treat of frozen yogurt with grilled fruit. the flames below, you can make foil pockets for your asparagus (see Some great combos are grilled apple slices over pork tenderloin cuts, below) or buy an asparagus basket. grilled pears with low-fat feta cheese over a bed of salad greens, and grilled pineapple with brown rice, mushroom and grilled chicken n Tomatoes and peppers take on a great smoky flavor when grilled. breast. The possibilities are endless! Leave them whole and place them over the hottest part of the grill. When the skin is black and blistered, the vegetables are ready. Allow n Corn on the cob is generally boiled in water on the stovetop, but them to cool, then remove the charred skin and the stem and seeds it is delicious when prepared on the grill. The trick? Soak the corn in (only for peppers). Do not rinse the vegetables after grilling or you will cold water for 10-15 minutes, then transfer them (husks intact) to the lose flavor. Chop them and combine with other vegetables for a salsa hot grill. Cook for 3 minutes on one side, then rotate 180 degrees for with a smoky kick, throw them on salads or place slices of roasted 3 more minutes. Then, carefully remove the ears and shuck the corn, peppers on sandwiches. Roasted tomatoes are especially tasty when removing husks and silk. Place the husked corn on the grill for about smashed on a good piece of bread. Any sweet or hot pepper can be 5 minutes, rotating frequently. Your guests will be impressed with the roasted, and Roma or plum tomatoes are sturdy enough to endure fancy look of the grill marks on the corn, which will have a slightly grilling. smoky taste. The corn will be so sweet and moist, you won›t need butter or salt! n Foil pockets are a great way to grill a variety of veggies that might be too small to place directly on the grill surface. Veggies that work n Zucchini and summer squash are delicious, vitamin- well in a pocket include white potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, packed additions to any summer meal. Both are easy to grill. Cut them tomatoes, onion slices, zucchini, squash, green beans, asparagus, arti- on the diagonal to create strips that won’t fall through the grates of chokes, garlic cloves, mushrooms, and all types of peppers—sweet or the grill. You can also cut the veggies lengthwise into quarters (to hot. When preparing your veggies for grilling, cut or slice into pieces resemble pickle spears) to ease the grilling process. Brush the sides of uniform size and thickness so they cook evenly. Root veggies (like potatoes and carrots) may need a splash of water in the pocket to help create some steam.

To make a foil pocket, use heavy-duty aluminum foil. Lay out a large single sheet, spray one side with cooking spray, and fold foil in half. Crimp or fold over two of the open sides, leaving one side open to insert your vegetables. Once you tuck the veggies inside, add season- ings, then crimp the opening so the pocket is completely closed. (Be sure to fold this side loosely to make checking in on your masterpiece a cinch.) Now you’re now ready to hit the grill! Grill the pocket on the top rack of your grill where temperatures are a bit lower. Flip the pocket once halfway through cooking using oven mitts—not tongs or a fork, which might pierce the pocket. Cooking time will vary depending on size, type and amount of veggies you grill, but most veggies will cook in a foil pocket within 25-30 minutes.

With so many dishes to choose, you’ll be itching to fire up your grill nightly to show off your newfound grill skills to your family, friends and neighbors. Don’t worry—we won’t tell them it’s good for them if you don’t! source: Sparkpeople.com

34 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2013 Personalize Backyard Grilling with DIY Condiments elebrate summer by declaring your independence from traditional burger, hot dog and sausage toppers. Simple do-it-yourself condiments take minutes to make and can Cbe tailored to create custom flavors that will impress family and friends. From Worcestershire pub mustard to Cajun spiced ketch- up, there are many ways to make traditional toppings unique and memorable.

“It’s as easy as adding herbs and spices to store-bought mayon- naise to create a lemony herb mayo upgrading a grilled chicken sandwich,” said Chef Kevan Vetter of McCormick. “Or, combine Dijon mustard with Grill Mates Worcestershire Pub Burger Season- ing for a bold spread that’s perfect on grilled hot dogs, bratwurst or other sausages.”

For more flavor-boosting ideas and recipes, visit www.grillingfla- vorforecast.com. To connect with other grilling enthusiasts, join The Grillerhood at www.facebook.com/GrillMates.

Lemony Herb Mayonnaise Whatever Size Event, Servings: 8 We’ve Got You 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1 teaspoon McCormick® Oregano Leaves Covered! 1/2 teaspoon McCormick® Basil Leaves 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice 1/4 teaspoon McCormick® Garlic Powder Tents, Tables, Chairs, Decor Mix all ingredients in small bowl until well blended. & So Much More! Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. www.gkrental.com Worcestershire Pub Mustard 507.625.3238 Servings: 8 107 Madison Ave. Mankato, MN 236219 1/2 cup Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon McCormick® Grill Mates® Worcestershire Pub Burger Seasoning 5,000 Bolts Quilt Fabric! Mix mustard and Seasoning in small bowl until well blended. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Books - Patterns

Cajun Spiced Ketchup Notions - Classes Servings: 16 Raintree Mall 500 Raintree Rd. Suite 35 1 cup ketchup Mankato, MN 56001 1 tablespoon McCormick® Perfect Pinch® Cajun Seasoning 507-625-8135 Open Mon.-Thurs. 10-7 • Fri. 10-6 • Sat. 10-5 Mix ketchup and Seasoning in small bowl until well blended. www.rivercityquilts.com Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. 302450

RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2013 35 Should I Wash Fresh Fruit in Vinegar?

ave you ever washed fruits or vegetables in a mixture course of action is to use one of the commercial preparations such of water and vinegar? The suggestion is to fill a sink as Tsunami (peroxyacetic acid-based sanitizer). Tsunami contains with water, add one cup of vinegar and stir. Then, soak a cousin to acetic acid called peroxyacetic acid and has been used the fruit for 10 minutes and it will sparkle with no wax effectively for many years to control post-harvest microorganisms. Hor white, dirty film. It is claimed this will also make produce last Since you are not likely to know which microorganisms are on your longer. produce, your safest course of action is to treat for the worst case scenario (which most commercial products do). Last year, we asked Julie Albrecht, PhD, RD, about the best way to wash fruits and vegetables. To follow up, we wanted to know If you decide to use vinegar, research has shown that a 3 part water if vinegar really helps clean them. Dr. Floyd Woods and Dr. Joe to 1 part vinegar is most effective. From the photo on Facebook, Kemble answered questions about washing produce in vinegar. one cup of vinegar in a sink would not have been enough vinegar To summarize their answers below: to make a difference. Don’t forget to clean your sink before you soak and clean any of your produce. A soak of five to 10 minutes Is it safe to soak fruits and vegetables in the sink with should be sufficient. Try to get the water temperature as close to water and one cup of vinegar? that of the fruit or vegetable that you wish to clean. When you Yes, but the extent and effectiveness of sanitation by using vin- have a variety of fruits and vegetables, it might be best to wash egar will depend on what you’re trying to clean. these separately.

Will washing with vinegar really help get the Is it OK to use water to clean produce? fruits/veggies clean? Dr. Floyd Woods and Dr. Joe Kemble: When it comes down to Yes, but the concentration has to be high enough. Research has making an informed choice as to what you should use to clean off shown that a 3 part water to 1 part vinegar is most effective. Con- fruits and vegetables, research has shown that using just plain old sider using a product specifically formulated for cleaning produce. water can remove 98% of the bacteria when it is used to rinse and Taking all of this into account, the use of a vinegar is not necessary soak produce. Simply washing produce will remove any bacteria if you simply wash your fruits and vegetables using fresh, clean or other residues on your produce. water. Before using any agent to clean, sanitize, or surface sterilize any fruits or vegetables, it is important to remove any soil or debris Does washing produce in vinegar ensure fruit lasts longer? that might be on the produce. Any organic matter or soil present No. Extending the shelf life of fruits and vegetables involves much in the solution will decrease the efficacy of the active ingredient – more than simply washing or sanitizing. All fruits and vegetables acetic acid or peroxyacetic acid from the examples above. have predictable shelf-lives and in order to optimize these shelf- lives it is important to cool the produce as quickly as possible after Will washing produce in vinegar make it last longer? it is picked. The use of a vinegar treatment will not, in itself, extend Dr. Floyd Woods and Dr. Joe Kemble: As to the extent that vin- the shelf-life of a fruit or vegetable that was not handled correctly egar or another similar treatment will prolong post-harvest life of after harvesting. various fruits and vegetables, it depends on the specific fruit or vegetable. Each fruit and vegetable has its own shelf-life, which Is it safe to use vinegar or acetic acid to clean produce? can differ from a few days after it is harvested to one or two weeks Dr. Floyd Woods and Dr. Joe Kemble: Vinegar or acetic acid is safe (months for many winter squashes, Irish potatoes, pears, apples to use as a home remedy to clean, sanitize, or surface sterilize a and root crops) depending on how the produce is treated after it variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. However, the extent and is harvested. If this is produce that you purchased from a super- effectiveness of sanitation by using vinegar will depend on the market or farmers market, you might not be able to do much to nature of the suspected disease-causing agent(s). In other words, extend its shelf-life unless you know when it was picked and how fungi and bacteria can be effectively removed from these fresh it has been stored. products by using vinegar, but the effectiveness of the vinegar depends on which bacterium and/or fungus is on (or suspected to What about storing and cooling produce from your be on) the fruit or vegetable, the concentration of the vinegar, the own garden? temperature of the water, and the amount of time the produce is Dr. Floyd Woods and Dr. Joe Kemble: If you cool the produce from exposed to the vinegar. your garden correctly, then you will extend its shelf-life. For ex- ample, if you are going to cool and sanitize your tomatoes you will How much vinegar should you use? At what concentration? need to do more than simply run the fruit under cold tap water. In Dr. Floyd Woods and Dr. Joe Kemble: The concentration of vinegar fact, that is the worst thing you can do. You will need to dip or soak that you purchase at the store is lower than most of the com- your tomatoes in water that is the temperature of the tomatoes mercial formulations designed to sanitize or surface sterilize fresh that you just picked. So if it is 85°F outside, the internal tempera- fruits and vegetables. If you are in doubt as to what to do, your best ture of your fruit will be about 85°F. When preparing your cleaning

36 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2013 solution, the water must be at the same temperature as the tomato. circular pits on the surface, shriveling, internal darkening, loss of the We realize that this seems odd, but if the water is cooler than the ability to ripen and the development of off-flavor and poor texture. fruit the drastic change in temperature will cause the tomato to Proper storage will help achieve a maximum post-harvest life. actually draw in or suck in through its pores water that surrounds it. It is a great way to get microorganisms into your fruit that will In the case of strawberries, blueberries and other berries, gener- ultimately cause a fruit rot. After you clean and sanitize your fruit, ally any wetting or direct contact with water is detrimental and will place them in a cool area somewhere around 55°F. With tomatoes, shorten their shelf-life. You should never place any of these into your never place them in your refrigerator! It is too cold in there! Most sink to soak them. Before you store them, be sure that they are clean refrigerators are set around 35°F to 45°F which is too cold to store but do not wash them until you are ready to use them. Strawberries, tomatoes and many other vegetables such as summer squash, bell blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries are natives of temperate peppers and eggplants. climate and can be stored in your refrigerator. In fact, they should be stored as close to 32°F as possible to maintain their shelf-life. When So how should you store fruits and vegetables? stored properly, strawberries have a shelf-life of a week, blueberries Dr. Floyd Woods and Dr. Joe Kemble: Most fruits (oranges, lemons, can last up to two weeks, and blackberries and raspberries will last etc.) and vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, cucumbers, two to four days. RVW watermelons, etc.) of tropical and subtropical origin may be dam- aged by cool temperatures and develop a condition called chilling For more information visit www.bestfoodfacts.org. Article cour- injury. Chilling injury results from prolonged exposure to low but tesy of bestfoodfacts.org and the Farmers Feed Us organization not freezing temperatures. Symptoms of chilling injury include dark by permission.

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RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2013 37 Add weights to your work out to guarantee slimming results

dding weight training to a cardiovascular routine practically guarantees slimming Aresults. Here’s why: Women also do not become masculine-looking when they build muscle mass. If anything, they develop a more symmetri- cal, feminine shape. Learn how it can help YOU build muscle and lose fat! First, it speeds up your me- tabolism of fat. By this, I indirectly mean that your body becomes more efficient at burning calo- ries. Picture two cars in a race. Car A is small in frame, but it has a huge engine. Car B is very large and heavy and has a very small engine. Which one do you think will go ten miles in the shortest amount of time? Your muscle mass is your engine, and the larger it is in proportion to your frame, the more efficient a ma- chine you become. Balancing Your Body When you build muscle mass, your muscles actually gobble up calories from your food in order to maintain themselves. This leaves fewer excess calories lying around, turning into fat. In fact, if you lower your calorie intake just a little bit, your new muscle mass will eat up some of your body fat. There’s a delicate balance that you need to strike here, though, because if you cut your caloric intake too dramati- cally, your muscles will shrink and your body might feel threatened by starvation and begin to store extra fat, as a precaution. Weight training increases your heart rate. Yes, it is basi- cally an anaerobic exercise, not designed for fat-burning the way cardiovascular exercises are, but between sets, your heart rate re-

38 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2013 mains up, and you actually are getting a bit of the aerobic effect Women Weight Training throughout your circuit. Women are often hesitant about weight training, especially The best way to take advantage of this is to use a light to me- when their goal is to lose weight. “Why add bulk to bulk?” they dium amount of weight and do a lot of repetitions (for example, wonder. Contrary to what many assume, a heavy woman will three sets of fifteen). You should feel your muscles burning, not become bigger if she lifts weights. As a matter of fact, as though, and the last three or four reps should be difficult to do. the muscles become denser, containing less marbleized fat, she If you breeze through it, you may get the aerobic effect, but you appears smaller. won’t increase your muscle mass sufficiently. If you warm up Women also do not become masculine-looking when they and cool down, you’ll have build muscle mass. If any- an increased heart rate for thing, they develop a more an entire hour or longer. Women do not become masculine-looking symmetrical, feminine If you’re not comfortable when they build muscle mass. If anything, shape. Women don’t have with dumbbells or ma- the hormonal make-up that chines with heavy weight they develop a more symmetrical, men have and therefore plates, there are some great feminine shape. aren’t able to build as much products out there that use muscle mass. A woman that your own body weight as weight trains has a toned resistance. Many of my website visitors have reported that the and beautiful body – and there isn’t a woman out there that Total Gym (now marked way down) is a terrific machine. One wouldn’t be happy with that. woman wrote to me saying that it was easy to use the first time When you begin weight training, stay off the scale for a while, she used it and she started seeing results very quickly. If you but get out the tape measure. Measure your waist and hips ev- can find a machine or method that motivates you, you’re much ery two weeks and keep a workout log. Your weight may stay more likely to stick with your workout routine. the same for a month or two (or longer), but you will almost People who lift weights generally sleep more restfully than certainly lose some girth within that time frame. And isn’t that people who don’t. A correlation has been shown between in- what you really want? somnia and weight gain, with many possible explanations. The I’ve trained many female clients over the years and I can most logical is probably that the body repairs and restores itself say it’s an amazing transformation when weight training is an during restful periods. When it is deprived of these sojourns, its added focus. Just remember weight training is for everyone- fat-metabolizing mechanisms must work in a less-than-optimal -young to mature. The best gift as a trainer is seeing someone state. Well-rested organs are better equipped to take care of transformed from the once cocoon to the amazing and free business. If you don’t sleep well, the best way to change that is butterfly they become. They wear skirts, they show their legs, to begin weight training. they work short sleeves – they have their heads held high and Building strength makes it possible for a person to increase they feel confident in their own skin. If you aren’t incorporating physical ability. This is why athletes spend so much time in the strength training – ask yourself what are you waiting for. Make a gym. If a tennis player trained by simply doing drills and playing plan and start today...it will change the rest of your life. I prom- the game, she might improve her agility, but she wouldn’t add ise you that. much oomph to her serve without strengthening her shoulders, arms, legs and torso muscles. With that extra muscle power, she Jo Ann Radlinger can hit the ball harder and play more explosively, ultimately Certified and Insured Fitness Professional burning more calories while she plays. She is also less likely to sustain an injury which would put her on the sofa for two weeks. See the connection?

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Group training, 1-1 training 236103 127 North Minnesota Street your best body is a phone call away! New Ulm, MN The journey begins with but one step - begin your journey now. New Ulm’s Gift Store With Jo RadlingeR • Certified Personal Fitness Trainer German & More • Nationally Ranked Powerlifter German Gifts, • Figure & Bodybuilder Competitor • 2013 Trainer Souvenirs, Food for PANIC semi-pro Nutcrackers, smokers, football team ornaments & much more! www.gutentaghaus.com Mankato • 507.995.0317 Find me on Facebook - LIFE Wellness & Training Open Monday 9-7; Tuesday-Saturday 9-5

RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2013 39 Menopause: Ensuring a Tranquil Transition

Menopause is a life stage that women typically experience be- tween the ages of 45 and 55. For some women, menopause can be challenging, so a greater understanding of the symptoms and treat- ments can help smooth the natural transition. Q. How do I know if what I’m experiencing is menopause? A. Menopause is defined as a woman’s final menstruation and is triggered by a natural decline in female hormones released by the ovaries, surgical removal of the ovaries, lack of sufficient repro- ductive hormones or sometimes by chemotherapy and radiation therapy. A woman is officially experiencing menopause after she hasn’t had her menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. Some women confuse perimenopause with menopause. Perimenopause generally occurs years before women reach meno- pause and can include irregular menstrual periods and other com- mon menopause symptoms. Q. What are the symptoms of menopause? A. Aside from the end of menstruation, some women have no ad- ditional symptoms. For others, symptoms may include hot flashes, Q. Are there treatments for menopause? night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, irregular or missed A. Contemporary treatments focus on relieving any symptoms menstrual periods, sleep disturbances, weight gain, thinning hair of menopause that may be disruptive, as well as assessing current and decreased fertility. or potential chronic medical conditions. Women should speak with Q. Do all women have hot flashes during menopause? their health care provider about risks and benefits related to treat- A. Not all women undergoing menopause suffer through hot ment options, which may include hormone replacement therapy. flashes. The following factors have been associated with increased Women may also find relief through lifestyle changes such as: incidence of hot flashes: • Eating a balanced diet that limits saturated fats, oils and sugars. • Smoking For some women, hot flashes may be triggered by hot beverages, • Obesity spicy foods or alcohol. • Lack of exercise • Smoking cessation. • Ethnicity (More African-American women report hot flashes • Exercising a minimum of 30 minutes per day at a moderate in- than do those of European or Asian descent.) tensity level. Q. Are there any health risks associated with menopause? • Incorporating relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, A. A woman’s risk for chronic medical conditions can increase guided imagery, progressive muscle relaxation and yoga. after menopause: • Optimizing sleep by avoiding caffeine and exercising earlier in • Cardiovascular disease: The decline in estrogen increases risk of the day. cardiovascular disease. Menopause is a natural stage in the life continuum for women. By • Osteoporosis: During the first few years after menopause, partnering with health care providers, women can women may rapidly lose bone density, leading to enhanced risk for minimize discomfort and embrace the next stage osteoporosis. in their lives. • Urinary incontinence: As vaginal tissues lose elasticity, women For more information, please go to www.mayo- may struggle with urinary incontinence, which can be controlled by clinichealthsystem.org. strengthening pelvic floor muscles with Kegel exercises • Weight gain: During and after menopause, women may need to Linda McClintock is a Mayo Clinic Health System decrease caloric intake and exercise more to maintain their current certified family nurse practitioner. weight.

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women’s health care. Your local, independent Deb Emilee agent will be there. Bridget Mayo Clinic Health System offers individualized care to fit your specific C.O. BrOwn AgenCy/ needs. Our comprehensive women’s health care services and expert McClure AgenCy providers bring trusted Mayo Clinic care to your community. 325 N. Riverfront Dr., Mankato 888/507-387-5460 To schedule an appointment, please call 1-877-412-7575. 507-345-4747 Carrie Mary Brenda www.cobrown.com

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40 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2013 Make every day a good hair day!

4. Look for protein in your conditioner, one dermatologist sug- Stay frizz-free and rock your gests. A protein-infused conditioner will both manage frizz and curly locks with these tips create shine. 5. Don’t over-process hair. Relaxers and straighteners can make Your wavy hair is the envy of all your pals and you love your glori- hair brittle and lead to breakage, so go easy on these products. ous curls, but the frizzy fly-aways you get when you brush through them? Not so much. 6. Put moisture back in your mane. Frizzy hair tends to be drier, Hair is complex but the reason it gets frizzy is pretty simple. It’s so you need to put moisture into it. Use a conditioner, a natural oil, made up of three layers and thousands of cells. Your hair’s outer or a frizz cream. Natural oils are better than synthetic because they layer, the cuticle, looks kind of like a shingled roof. When hair is are absorbed into the hair. Synthetic silicon moisturizers, on the smooth, those shingles lie flat. But when you run a brush through other hand, lie on top of the hair, making it appear dirty. dry, curly hair, those “shingles” lift. To make matters worse, frizzy hair is often drier and naturally 7. Take the heat off. Anything that would blister or burn your skin tends to absorb moisture from humid air. Again, those “shingles” doesn’t work so great on your hair either. Those with curly hair lift. may do well to avoid flat irons and curling irons and limiting heat Stylist Sandy Adams, former owner of Haar Frisuere in New Ulm, sources to a blow dryer with a dif- and Cary Meyer, current owner, teamed together to offer their com- fuser. RVW ments about curly hair: “Because curly hair shrinks alot when dry, it’s really important to have a damp to dry cut with very little to no tapering or razor- ing. The professional products we use have really come a long way in developing products to de-frizz, condition, add shine to curly hair. Some of the things to look for are products that have deep nourishing, interlocking proteins and polymers to keep the cuticle flat. Blends of natural oils, such as coriander, apricot and almond oils help keep curly hair intensely moisturized, provide strength and shine. Most of these products come as a system of shampoo, conditioner, treatments, lotions to keep the curls in control. For extreme curl you may need all of them. But moisture that stays on the hair is the key.”

Top Tips to Keep Tresses Frizz-Free 1. Don’t brush dry hair. If there’s one tip repeated by just about every expert it’s to avoid brushing hair after it dries. Brushing not only disrupts your hair’s cuticle, it can also stretch hair, leading to breakage. Instead, towel-dry hair after a shower and brush, comb, or finger-comb it. Next, add a touch of your preferred conditioner or anti-frizz product and just say no to styling with brush or comb.

2. Comb dry hair with wet fingers. If you shouldn’t brush, what can you do when humidity or a brisk day leaves your hair a frizzy mess? Water is the key. Frizzy hair is dry. Water is a basic response to this basic problem. Ex- perts suggest wetting your hands, then finger-combing to tackle frizz and tame tangles.

3. Tame with a touch of conditioner. To foil the frizz, one curly topped gal we know favors watering down a bit of hair conditioner and then using her hands to apply it to just the tips of her hair.

RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2013 41 Dorm Room Décor

by Janine O’Neal

Living in a small space (like a dorm room) isn’t easy, but there are ways to decorate your dorm room that can make it infinitely more livable - and functional - and still show your personal style and school spirit.

Now, most people aren’t lucky enough to get one of the few private dorm rooms available in 3) Getting a soft, colorful rug that takes up a fair amount of space can help warm some halls, so you’ll likely be sharing a space with up the cold look of most dorm rooms. at least one other student. What this means, is 4) Take dorm room decorating to the next level with easy-to-install closet or- that you’ll have to be mindful of your roommate’s ganizers, under-the-bed drawers on wheels, and stackable boxes that can sit on your space while still making the most of your own. And shelves or desk to keep your small things organized. frankly - during my years of undergraduate and 5) Head to your bookstore or shop the online bookstore for school-themed ac- graduate school, I got pretty good at choosing cessories to decorate your dorm room. They’ll usually have a host of blankets, clocks, dorm room décor that was functional and stylish picture frames and towels to give you the functionality you need and add a little color (if I do say so myself). and spirit to your space. One great idea - use logo glasses or mugs to hold your pens Some of my best dorm room and pencils - then if you find you need an extra cup, you can simply put the pens decorating tips include: aside. 1) Building a frame that fits along all four walls 6) If you have the space, buy a small microwave cart and put it in an unused (top and bottom) and affixing a neutral(ish) fabric corner. With the cart, you can store your dishes beneath the microwave and keep all to the frame with a staple gun. This helps to soften of your cooking gear in one place. the institutional look of a dorm room and act as One good thing about living in a dorm room these days (as opposed to when I was paint when painting isn’t allowed. (Obviously be- doing it just a few short years ago) is that dorm room décor has really come a long fore you try this dorm room decorating tip, you’ll way. Luckily, living in small spaces - and doing the most with what you have - is so en want to get your roommate’s buy off on the fabric.) vogue right now that there are even shows devoted to the subject on cable. So before 2) Animals aren’t typically allowed in dorm you move from the comfort of your parents’ home into a less-than-spacious dorm rooms, but having something alive in a room room, do some browsing, check out the wares at your bookstore, then settle in front can help make your space feel more like home. of the TV for more tips on making the most of your small space. RVW So decorate your dorm room with a couple of well-chosen, easy-to-care-for plants, such as suc- Janine O’Neal has been both a university bookstore manager - and a university student - culents. They don’t require a lot of attention, but giving her a unique perspective on everything related to campus life. Today, she writes on- they do give your space a lot of life. line articles to help college students learn how to work the system to their best advantage.

42 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2013 Cheap College Chic Adjusting our school wardrobes to fit a college budget can be a challenge but there are ways to be trendy and fashionable without spending too much. College life can be a juggling act with rent, food, books, student loans and other expenses to worry about. So how to stay chic cheap? You’ll be too cool for school with these tried-on and true tips from students: l “Check the sale racks at some of the more pricey stores. Most of the time a college student can’t afford to shop at the higher end shops but if you’re savvy enough to scout through the sale racks you can score some high end duds for low end prices. Also department stores like Target have amazing buys and trendy clothes.” l If you’re on the slim side you can find some of the best prices in the boys’ department. Cool graphics and a youthful look are yours for sometime up to half to three quarters of the price of the women’s department. And sale racks! End of season sale racks are a gold mine. I can fit into boys XL or XXL with no drooping shoulders. I’m also pretty much guaranteed no other girls is wearing the same thing.” l ”Take another look in your closet. You can always create a fresh look with something you already have. Experiment with a lot of lay- ers. You see that in fashion magazines all the time. It’s key to looking current.” l ”Don’t rule out your family. Peruse your mom’s closet and even grandma’s if they are willing. I wore a nifty pink silk blouse of my mom’s with a cute skirt of my own to a party and received lots of com- pliments. Of course Grandma’s closet can be a wonderland of vintage, depending upon her age. And all for free!” l ”You can’t go wrong with a fabulous pair of shoes. They are worth the investment, especially with all the walking a college student does. Keep the rest of your outfit simple and classic and you’ll be a standout.” l ”Ask yourself when you’re at the store pondering a purchase--do I love it? Don’t buy clothes on a whim or you, and your purse will live to regret it. Also look for the best deal on basics like leggings. No need to shell out a lot for name brands there.” l ”Think buddy system. As in, what clothes do your girlfriends (and maybe guy friends?) have they no longer wear or fit into? Always cov- anywhere from department stores to thrift shops Tie them in a variety eted that plaid jacket that you no longer see your best friend’s brother of ways for instant chic. wear? It might look really cute on you! Have a clothing exchange. Get l ”These days thrift and consignment shops are abundant in al- together with your dorm pals or roommates and see what you can most any sized town. They can be like a scavenger hunt and when you exchange.” find that diamond in the rough it’s exciting to only pay pennies on the l ”In colder months, switch out different scarves keeping the rest dollar for it. I’ve found leather jackets, jewelry, you name it, and I still of your outfit basic black or neutral. Scarves can be purchased almost have enough cash left to meet my cronies for happy hour.” RVW Permanent Cosmetic Tattooing by Staci Lowe Eyebrow • Eyeliner • Lip Liner Full Lip • Specializes in Corrective Get $10 OFF a $50 Purchase - 11 Years Experience - Licensed by State of Minnesota with this ad! Not valid with other discounts or gift cards. Offer expires 12-31-13. www.permanentcosmeticsbystaci.com 1878 Madison Ave., Mankato 507-388-7500 507.720.0335

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RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2013 43 Think east coast and west coast for a colorful & historic fall getaway

s we enjoy the final month of summer, we look to- Unfortunately bad weather can have an effect on when peak sea- wards autumn and those crisp clear days. Why not son arrives. Always check fall foliage reports and hotlines for helpful take advantage of them with a fall vacation? Now is and up to date information. the time to plan! There are several companies that offer guided tours that will A good starting point is to begin in Boston and travel up the take you to out of the hustle and bustle of the bigger cities, into Acoast to Maine, passing by old whaling villages dotted with light- the quiet and serene outskirts where you can view the colors and houses and widows’ walks, the playgrounds of New England’s the quaint villages of the eastern coast. These tours will include all rich and famous, and rocky beaches along the Atlantic. At Acadia transportation, hotels and tours as well as many meals. The further National Park, New England’s only national park, marvel at the dra- north you go the earlier the fall foliage will peak, so you’ll want to matic granite cliffs atop Cadillac Mountain overlooking windswept plan accordingly and be flexible with your dates. beaches. Bar Harbor, Maine plays host to grand summer homes of For those of you that are more adventurous, try taking a kayak America’s aristocracy, including the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts and tour in Rhode Island to view the fiery shades of golds, reds and Astors. Enjoy the local seafood with a traditional Maine lobster din- oranges. It will be an experience you may never forget! ner. Autumn is harvest season in Northern California Wine country Historical and cultural activities abound in the New England and connoisseurs flock to the vineyards to sample the upcoming states. Explore inland from Boston the American Revolutionary War vintages. With over 200 wineries, this 35 mile long valley is at its best battlefields of Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts. Cross into in the fall months, with its picturesque towns, upscale restaurants, Vermont and see traditional wooden covered bridges, historic mills posh shops and romantic inns, shrouded by the autumnal hues. and maple sugar farms. In New Hampshire the White Mountains, Napa Valley is another great choice for fall travel. Fall in the Napa near the pretty town of North Conway, even boasts a gondola ride region is generally a slow “tourist season” which makes it easier to to view the stunning woodlands and forests, with local flora and enjoy the spectacular landscape at a more relaxed pace, while you fauna. A spectacular natural gorge waterfall of 800 feet can be enjoy a glass of Napa’s finest! viewed at Franconia Notch State Park. -- Bonnie Kesselring, The Travel and Cruise Center

44 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2013 Find Us at these Locations! Butterfield Madelia Community Hosp Nails by Jordan Runnings Farm and Fleet Brighter Homes Store Casey’s Sweet! Indeed Tam’s Nails Liquor Mart Butterfield Foods La Plaza F!esta Mexican Mom & Pop’s! New Ulm Civic Center St. James Triumph Bank Restaurant Tandem Bagels Oak Hills Living Ctr. Casey’s Madelia Chamber of Commerce Raydiance Salon Allina Hospital Pizza Hut in St. James Comfrey Downtown Mall Allina Clinic Paul’s Food Pride Comfrey C Store Mankato Luther Mankato Honda Allina Hospital (Main) St James Liquor Comfrey Market YMCA G & K Rental New Ulm Rec Center Casey’s City Bldg Comfrey Kwik Trip Pediatric & Adolescent NEW ULM LIBRARY Superfair Foods Choice Financial Bank Fillin’ Station Dentistry Antiques Plus Good Fellow Coffeehouse Travel & Cruise Center Marktplatz Mall St. Peter Comfrey Library Kwik Trip Tangles Mike’s Collision & Repair Holiday Station The Coffee Hag Earl Johnson Furniture Happy Joe’s Pizza City Grille & Pub Courtland Sticks And Stones Denco Lighting Plaza Garibaldi AmericInn Crow bar The Wine Café Diamond Vogel Nadel Konst Stones Throw Gallery Courtland Mart The Hugo Building Real Living Home Realty Kaiserhoff MGM Liquor Holiday Station Enchanted Forest of Minnesota Ridgeway on 23rd Diamond in the Rust Essig Casey’s Old Town Antiques Holiday Station Habadashery Carl’s Corner La Terraza Mexican Grill & Bar Madison Ave Dental Cashwise Liquor Playing Possum River Region Walgreens Advanced Dental Solutions Cash Wise Foods Sticks and Stones Christensen Farms Clark Station Cubs Kohls Weelbord St. Peter Food Coop Buster’s Glowing Hearth & Home MRCI Bargains Freedom Station Fairfax Razor Cuts Cherry Creek Cabinetworks Inc. Royal Tire St. Peter Library Weis Oil Co. MGM Liquor Warehouse Verizon Wireless Center Office Jakes Pizza Whiskey River Corner Cafe Heinz Toyota Radio Shack Knit & Sew World Dave’s Full Service GrandStay Residential Suite Morgan Sisters Bridal & Tux Maynards Foods Hotel Wayne’s Convenience Store Haar Friseure Spa & Salon Searles Mark IV Barber Shop Courtyard by Marriott Hotel & AgQuest -HarvestLand New Ulm Furniture Searles Bar & Grill Smokey Hollow Events Center SuperValu Nail Spa Casey’s Quality Inn F & M Bank Shayds of Color Sleepy Eye 4 Square Builders Alexis Salon & Day Spa Gilmore Nursing Home Splendid Nest McCabe’s Ace Hardware Hy Vee A to Zinnia Inn of 7 Gables Franklin Greater Mankato Growth Inc Morton Design Home Center SouthPoint Federal BP Station Drummers Garden Center Renville County Museum Broadway Chiropractic Schutz Family Foods Microtel Inn & Suites The Red Sled Mega Wash Caseys Gaylord Rasmussen College Morton Pub & Eatery MVAC Brown County Ext Office Prairie House AmericInn Hotel & Conference Morton Business Center - The Thimble Box Sleepy Eye Chamber Jerry’s Foods Center Massage Chuck Spaeth Ford City Library Blue Earth County Library Business Plaza-Hair Stylist Nicollet Bic Co. Lang’s Meats Best Western Plus Hotel BP Morton George’s City Meats Kibble Equipment Memory Market Mankato City Center Hotel Nicollet Mart Miller Sellner First National Bank Holiday Inn Express & Suites Mountain Lake Rapid Rick’s Bar Haala Industries Oak Terrace Nursing Home Salvage Sisters Midway Farm Equipment Schmidt’s Meat Market Sleepy Eye Care Center Sibley Medical Center Julie Maries Town’s Edge Chevrolet Hardees Between Bridges Peterson Thrifty White Drug North Mankato Freedom Valu Ctr. Gibbon Healing Center Maynards Food Super 8 Del Monte Foods Gibbon Public Library Creekside Boutique Casey’s Casey’s Cenex Store Coop Gas Station Mary Lue’s Yarn & Ewe Commerce Drive Dental Sleepy Eye Medical Center Inspired Aging New Ulm New 2 You Family Thrift Divine Providence Godhal Madison East Center Joni’s Resturant Serenity Nails Brown County REA The Godahl Store (Mankato Clinic) Lola’s Larkspur Mkt. MGM Liquor Heiderscheidt Hair Salon C.O. Brown Insurance Agency The Ulmer Café Walgreens Curves Hanska Cosmetology Training Center NU Chef Pantry Taylor Library Ampride “C” store Mayo Clinic Health System Chamber of Commerce Kwik Trip Springfield Salon 07 B&J Laundromats Solar’s Real Food Klossner Indulge Salon & Tanning Backerei Redwood Falls Runnings Klossner Cenex Life Wellness Center Bingham Hall B&B Pizza Ranch Hot Stuff Pizza Hilltop Florist Ridgeway on German Cenex C Store Southpoint La Salle Wow! Zone Musselman Chiropractic Wal-Mart Tauer’s Super Valu Crystal Valley Charley’s Restaurant Otto’s/Holiday Inn Kohls Weelborg Greff Insurers Meat Market INdiGo Organic HyVee Country Kitchen Thrifty White Silhouette Shoppe B&J Laundromats SwardKemp F&M Bank Lafayette Again Thrift Store Casey’s Snyder’s Drug Springfield Library Cenex United Express C-Store Hy-Vee Gift Shop Microtel Morgan Catering & Deli St. John’s Lutheran Home Dave’s Place Heartbreaker Econolodge Yellow Coffee Shop-Calf Fiend Community Insurance Agency Encore in Old Town Tires Plus Coffee Winthrop Country Inn & Suites Perkins Casey’s Kevin’s Market Lake Crystal Fairfield Inn & Suites Kwik Trip Redwood Chamber Sisters Coffee House Lake Crystal Area Rec Center Hilton Garden Inn Walgreen Drug P&K’s Convenience Store Hahn’s Dining Collis C Store Kim Nail & Spa Community Center (CAST) Burger King Lyle’s Cafe Welsh Heritage Farms Patterson Diamond Ctr Freedom Station Runnings United Express C Store Williams Diamond Ctr SSL Auto Service Center Liquor Lodge Wintrop Public Library Madelia Exclusivley Diamonds DJ’s Restaurant Garnett Gardens Madelia Hotel TT Nail Spa Chuck Spaeth Ford A&W Furniture Sunshine Foods AMEC Quick Mart Larson’s Home Triangle Café Pro Growth Bank The Hair Boutique Furnishings

RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2013 45 Push

Henry, my grandson, is my favorite thing because I love to spend time with him. I am a hairdresser and one of my clients is battling Pin -Brenda L. leukemia so I offered to adopt her yellow naped Amazon parrot, Charo. We have two beagles and the one in the photo, Storm, is absolutely obsessed with the bird. They have kept It! us laughing ever since Push-Pin-it! is River Valley Woman’s very own Charo came to live with us! -- Whitney B. favorites sharing page. Send us photos of your favorite things...shoes, pet, casserole, nail polish...you name it, we will Push-Pin-it on to our bulletin board to share with our readers. Each month we will choose a favorite favorite and that contributor will win a fun prize! Email a photo of your favorite thing along with why it’s your favorite to the editor If the shoe fits...eat it! My favorite at [email protected] by Aug. 21 for birthday cake made for me publication in our September issue. by step-mom Sandi! --Tasha W. Carol Yannarelly is the winner of the July issue drawing. She wins two tickets to the Renaissance Festival in Shakopee.

What is better than the first fresh garden tomato on the first BLT of the season? Love this time of year! -- Amy L.

The joys of little boys...all things sweet! My favorite cat ever, Bindle. --Wendy W. He knows when to stop and smell the peonies. --Eileen M. 46 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2013 March 1-9, 2014 Come along and join Tammy for a fabulous 8 night Caribbean getaway aboard one of Carnival’s newest ships, The Breeze.

We will be sailing out of Miami with stops in Grand Turk, La Romana Dominican Republic, Curacao and Aruba.

Inside Cabin $1824 | Balcony Cabin $2194

Price per person based on double occupancy. Price includes transfers from Mankato and nonstop Sun Country flight form Minneapolis $200 pp deposit required at the time of booking. Final payment due December 12, 2013.

236095 The Travel & Cruise Center 429 N. Riverfront Drive, Mankato

Visit or call 507-625-3153 • 800-422-0831 • www.thetravelandcruisecenter.com RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2013 47 Your Perfect Wedding Day Begins & Ends Here.

Southern Minnesota’s • Accommodate up to 400 people Newest Event Center • Marriott Certified Wedding Planner

Courtyard by Marriott Hotel & Event Center

901 Raintree Road Mankato, MN 56001

T 507.388.1234

www.courtyardmankato.com

302324

48 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | august • 2013