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Transcript of August/September issue of Live it! magazine
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200142014
Non-traditional
in life
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Visit it! online at liveit.areavoices.com
Tweet with Live it! on Twitter:@Liveitmag
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Watch for our next issue, out Oct. 3, 2014
May we publish your letter?
Stepping out ...Even though it is 2014, there are still some things that are what they are and they will still
take generations to change.Auto racing is a hobby and auctioneering is a profession both of which have long been
associated with men. There are many more, of course, but little by little our greater sex is mov-ing in on the mans world. (I know, Ill be in trouble for that one!)
Dan Burdett met up with a couple of race car drivers, as well asa former driver who works behind-the-scenes at the track. She is aregular track junkie! They have each come at it from varying back-grounds, but all three have experienced some degree of success inthe racing world.
Auctioneer Kristine Fladeboe-Duininck is also finding great suc-cess in what was once considered by many to be a mans profession.Kristine travels the world taking bids, conducting multimillion-dol-lar auctions.
Motorcycles are another thing that have long been associatedwith men. And, not everyone favored them back in the day either.
There was a time growing up when my mother wouldnt allow a motorcycle on the farmyard. AsI recall, my one brother and a friend of my sisters each parked their bike at the edge of thefarmyard and walked up to the yard. When I started dating my husband, however, that allchanged. He was allowed to drive his bike right up to the house. And, as I recall, he even con-vinced my mom to take a short ride with him.
For those who follow Live it!, you may remember that I stepped out of the norm last sum-mer and got my motorcycle license. Nothing new for the female sex by any means, but still notall that familiar for many either. And, it was new for me. I wasnt sure how much Id actuallywant to drive my own bike, but figured it was definitely worth learning in any case.
Well after riding behind my husband most of this summer, I ventured out and bought myown bike as July drew to a close. How much I will actually drive myself remains to be seen, butat least now I have the freedom to do so if I so choose.
We can all be thankful for the freedoms of our generation, thanks in large part to those whohave gone before us to pave the way. I hope you enjoy our look into some of the more non-tradi-tional paths of young women today, and maybe it will encourage others to also take that firststep outside that invisible box of normal.
If you have a topic youd like to see in Live it!, send your story idea to [email protected]. Welove to hear from our readers. You can also like us on Facebook, leave comments atliveit.areavoices.com or send us a tweet @Liveitmag.
Life in west central Minnesota it really is a beautiful thing
Live it! Sharon BomstadLive it! Editor
Via facebook:
I love this magazine. Very informa-tive too.
Carol Simpson Small, via Facebook
On the When A Child You Love Becomes a Memory article: Good article about Stacy. She was a
classmate and friend of mine. We grew uptogether.
Sheila Rohner Quinn, via Facebook
Stacey was my best friend and was themaid of honor in my wedding. There areso many times I think of her and stillmiss her to this day. A few years ago I wasin Minnesota and went to see him (JR)and Linda, but they were not home. Imiss her so much!
Oleta Holcomb, via Facebook
As a parent who has lost a child I cantell you I have experienced no greaterpain! There is not a day that goes by thatyou don't feel the void in your life.
Mike Reynolds, via Facebook
In our email: I am an avid reader of Live it! and espe-
cially enjoyed the issue of two months agowith the gentleman that wrote about hisdiet for a week with fresh fruits andspinach in a blender and made himselfshakes.I did that for a week also and especially
liked some of the combinations. Sharon Dragt
Live it! Magazine 3
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Liveit!M A G A Z I N E
CANT Live WITHOUT it!A PUBLICATION OF THE WEST CENTRAL TRIBUNE
StaffSHARON BOMSTAD
MAGAZINE EDITOR
DAN BURDETTMAGAZINE WRITER/SOCIAL MEDIA
To contact Live it! call 320-235-1150 or email [email protected]
Writing & photographyDan BurdettKayla Prasek
Rand Middleton
Marketing consultantsKevin Smith, Director
Tamara [email protected]
Katie [email protected]
Sarah [email protected]
Christie [email protected]
To advertise, call 320-214-4317, fax 320-235-6769
or email a listed consultant.
AdministrationSteven Ammermann, Publisher
Kelly Boldan, EditorTimothy Bailey, Business Manager
2208 W. Trott Ave., Willmar MN 56201
Volume 3, Issue 4
Copyright 2014 West Central TribuneLive it! magazine
All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained.
Michelle GauerGregory Harp
Cover Story Cover Story 66Racing is in their bloodRacing is in their blood
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14 Money Matters: Saving and investing for the future
12 Q&A: Women infiltrate administrative end of racing
25 Life Happens: Dealing with what life deals us
28 Get it!: Indulge yourself or someone you love
3 Readers mailbag: Share your thoughts with us
Departments
2219 Fitness & Health: Tips to stay in shape
20 Style it!: Time to think about transitioning to fall wardrobe
26 Whats happenin? Check it out here!
DistributionWest Central Tribune
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Also distributed at various banks, offices andlobbies throughout west central Minnesota;
some carrier delivery, as well.Become a distributor, call 320-235-1150.
Whats inside
Shes an auctioneer around the world 16
6 Finding success on the track
10 Racing is a family affair for relative newcomer
12 A behind-the-scenes look at women in racing
Features
1916 Life is good for auctioneer and her family
22 Eat it!: Campfire cooking at its best
24 Spirits!: Go ahead, try something new
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6 Live it! Magazine
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Live it! Magazine 7
JESSICA STRANSKYJESSICA STRANSKYlooks for success in male-dominated sport
BY DAN BURDETTPHOTOGRAPHY BY GREGORY HARP
WWhen Jessica Stransky slowlyclimbs into her car through theglassless drivers side window, con-torting into a seat sandwiched be-tween a mass of steel and protectiverods that resemble jail bars, she isimpassive. Shes not thinking about work,
about boys, about money. Shes not reflecting on the corner
she took too wide the week prior,
that monster wreck a summer past. Shes blind to the faces in the
grandstand, deaf to the anecdotal PAannouncer.She could care less about the stres-
sors of the day, the forming cloudsabove, the drive back home thatnight, the early start in the morning.This is my break away from real-
ity, Jessica says emphatically. Thisis where I tell myself I belong.
Jessica is among a small number of women activein the regional racing circuit, both on the tracksand behind the scenes. She drives Hornets, anentry level class of racing not sanctioned by theWISSOTA Promoters Association, but one de-signed to increase the level of interest in the sport.
WISSOTA is the sanctioning body for KRASpeedway in Willmar and more than 50 other racetracks in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota,South Dakota, Montana and Wyoming, and theCanadian provinces of Ontario, Alberta and Mani-toba.
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Currently, about two-dozen women are featured amonga field of hundreds of men who frequent WISSOTAsother regional tracks: Granite City Speedway in St. Cloud,Fiesta City Speedway in Montevideo, Princeton Speed-way, I-94 Speedway in Fergus Falls, Viking Speedway inAlexandria, Madison Speedway and Ogilvie Raceway.Jessica lives in Paynesville but considers KRA Speedway
her home track.For the past three summers, shes enjoyed some of her
best racing there.Last year, she finished fifth overall in the standings for
her class, which boasts more than a dozen drivers.The year prior, she was fourth.Jessica is tall and tan, with piercing blue eyes. Shes only
20, and at first glance appears diffident. But she is steadyand engaging when talking racing.Im out to prove something, she says. A lot of guys
think girls cant do this I just like to sit back and laugh,and say well watch me.
With a little help from friendsWhen mingling around the pits at KRA Speedway, it is
evident racing is a family affair for many of the drivers.Jessicas mom, Karla, attends on occasion, but struggles towatch, fearful for her daughters safety. Last year, Jessica was racing in Fergus Falls when she
wrecked. It was
the type ofwreck thatcould have forced many to consider another venture.Two cars came down and hit my front, and another car
rear-ended mine, she recalls. He then flipped and hitthe top of my car. The back of my car was pushed in,touching my drivers seat. They told me I was lucky to bewalking, that it was a miracle I didnt get injured.
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Live it! Magazine 9
After something like that, do you get scared?No. Never.Why do you think that is?She laughs. I grew up with brothers.There are four boys in the family: the eldest three are
Jessicas step-siblings. Her biological brother, Justin, isthree years her senior. Jessicas father and stepmother ownand operate Ron and Judys Restaurant and Lounge inPaynesville.Racing cars can be expensive and Jessicas hours away
from the track are often protracted. She is employed full-time as a bookkeeper at Paynesville Chevrolet and wait-resses at her familys restaurant to supplement herincome. She has also secured multiple sponsors, some ofwhom provide her parts for her car, others with cash, andhas recruited friends to assist her with the maintenance ofher slimmed down, four-cylinder Ford Focus.She loves the car, a gift from her sponsor at Paynesville
Chevrolet, and claimed second recently in a feature, herbest finish of the year. Shes currently sixth overall in points at KRA Speedway.
Breaking the walls downJessica has never won a heat or a feature. The track of
her choice is Ogilvie Raceway, because of the way itbanks a term referring to the degree of incline on theracing surface, something that varies from track to track.She doesnt race there much, often splitting her time be-tween KRA Speedway and Granite City Speedway.KRA, she says, is a smaller track and can prove chal-
lenging, the dirt often loose.She adores the camaraderie and the buzz of the racing
circuit, and considers the drivers simpatico: Its a com-munity.
But that does little to quell her desire to succeed. Herpassion for racing has never wavered in the years since herstepfather introduced her to the sport when she was 8.Shes been racing five years with a resolute goal to breakdown the barriers in the sport: You dont have to be atomboy to do this. I can be just as good as the boys.She gets irked and purposeful when critics say racing is
merely four left turns: You try it then.And that first checkered flag?Shes adamant it will happen.
Dan Burdett is the lead writer for Live it! and can be reached via email [email protected]. Follow Dan on Twitter @danburdett1
You dont have to be a tomboy to do this. I can be just as good as the boys.
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10 Live it! Magazine
ASHLEY MEHRWERTHASHLEY MEHRWERTHIn search of that first win
IIts June 26, 2014.Im at KRA Speedway in Willmar, myfirst night at the races.Im here to meet Ashley Mehrwerth,who is among a growing number ofwomen on the regions racing circuit.Its 5:15 p.m., a little more than an hour
before the scheduled start of the nightsfirst heat, preliminary races for each class.I mill around the entrance of the track
for a few minutes, when I hear a gentlevoice from behind me.
Are you Dan?Yes, I am, I respond, turning to greet
the slender and tan brunette who standsbefore me.Hi, Im Ashley, she says, extending
her hand and a polite smile.We walk to the fenced seating area of the
grandstand. An afternoon rain has mud-ded the track. The surface looks syrupyand the rolling corners uneven. Thegloomy skies hint it may be a quick nightof racing.
As we chat, I learn Ashley is 21 and enjoying her thirdfull season racing Midwest Modifieds. She is here tonightwith her family: dad, mom, grandma, grandpa and 18-year-old brother, Brandon, a rookie driver who will startin the heat scheduled directly before his sisters. Theraces have become a family affair for the Mehrwerths
since Ashley, then 14, stepped in to race for a cousin side-tracked by a two-month wrestling camp.I was instantly hooked, she says, as we settle into the
grandstands airy VIP area, a reprieve from the eveninghumidity. The adrenaline, the rush, the people you meet just being in the car I love it.
Photo courtesy of Ashley Mehrwerth
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Ashley has never won a Midwest Modifieds feature, but heryoung career can hardly be classed as dissatisfying. Shes en-joyed multiple top-5 and top-10 finishes. She tells me shesconfident her winless drought will soon end. Shes learningmore about her car, about the tracks and what lines to follow,what angles to take. She knows shes a better driver now thanlast year. That win is just a matter of time. She can taste it.Ashley is from St. Stephen, the Granite City Speedway in
St. Cloud is her home track. She works as a certified nursingassistant by day. At night, she tweaks her car with her father,Dan, tinkering into the late hours. The work is laborious, butworthy.I hope I can inspire other girls who want to do this but
think they cant, she says.She chuckles with humility when discussing her racing fu-
ture and laughs when she hints at one day driving forNASCAR. But the eyes tell a different story. Shes hookedand along for the ride wherever it leads.You should come see my car, she says.We wander down to the track, zigzagging across the mushy
grass and by the countless trucks and trailers that line the pitarea. Its 20 minutes before race time, and the place is abuzzwith banter and the occasional growls of an engine test. Atthe far side of the pit, Dan performs one last check of hisdaughters car, from the tires to the 350 cubic-inch smallblock Chevy engine. Despite the sprinkling of pink in thepaintwork and wheel disks, the car is imposing and Ashleyappears brittle in comparison.Thats one impressive piece of machinery, I remark.Yeah, its an expensive one, too, Dan responds with a
chuckle. But its well worth it.
Race timeAshley is starting in the sixth heat of the night. Brandon
finished third in his heat, leading through the first three lapsbefore surrendering his position after taking a corner toowide.The racers complete their pre-start laps, weaving and
revving, and familiarizing themselves with the surface of thetrack.
Minutes later theyre ready to go.Ashley explodes from the start, leading by two car lengths
before hitting the second corner. She takes the corners tightand bursts through the straights. Four laps into the eight-laprace, her lead grows. I wonder whats going through hermind: If shes nervous or tense, if the adrenaline has kickedin or if shes completely at ease. I wonder what the track lookslike to her as she hits speeds of 60 or 70 mph, if the worldaround her is a blur or if everything slows down, like they sayin the movies. I wonder if she catches a glimpse of her fam-ilys animated cheers from the grandstand as she passes. Iwonder if she senses shes mere moments from winning theheat.An hour later, she claims fourth place in the feature race,
ahead of nine others, including Brandon, who finishes fifth.
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12 Live it! Magazine
& BY DAN BURDETTPHOTOGRAPHY BY RAND MIDDLETON
Women leaving their mark
RRacing has long been a sport dominated by men.But in recent years, more women have become active onthe regional circuits, both on the track and behind-the-scenes. Sarah Isdal is one of these women. Introduced to racing as a young girl by her father, him-self a racer, she was riding go-karts and four-wheelers bythe age of 8. By the time she was 14, she had graduated to stock cars
and enjoyed two years of success before a major back in-jury suffered in a wreck at the now defunct Grove CreekRaceway in Grove City ended her racing career.In 2013, Sarah, who lives a stones throw from KRA
Speedway in Willmar, became a board member at the localtrack, while also assuming its promotions and marketingcampaigns.In an interview with Live it!, Sarah, who is employed
full-time in advertising during the day, shared some of herexperiences as a woman working behind-the-scenes andthe changes shes witnessed regarding female participationin the sport.
Live it!: Talk me through the process of planning arace week-to-week and your role in it.
Sarah Isdal: First of all, we start planning the next sea-son in the winter, around November. We need to have ourschedule in to WISSOTA, our sanctioning body, at a pre-determined date prior to the season. That sets the stage forwhat our season will be. Then we approach local and re-gional businesses for sponsorships: from something assimple as a program, to our track billboards and nightlysponsorships. We typically meet every other week in thewinter to plan out the season, develop a staff list, and dis-cuss any changes and/or improvements we can make tothe program.
&QAAQ
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Late ModelsThe late models are
full-bodied race carsand the top of the linein terms of speed andtechnology. The rulesallow the cars to have asleek body design and wideHoosier racing tires. The carsare usually equipped with 360cubic-inch engines that can produce 500or more horsepower. The Late Models have largespoilers that can cause the left front tire to rise fromthe surface when the cars come off turns. The chassisare highly tunable and sensitive to adjustments. Vir-tually all Late Model racers burn methanol ratherthan gasoline.
ModifiedsModifieds are high-powered, open-wheeled race
cars. The cars are easily identified by their lack offront fenders or rear spoilers. Drivers can run a specengine of up to 362 cubic inches. Roller rockers androller cam are allowed. A driver may also use a largerengine, up to 410 cubic inches. The chassis and sus-pension are advanced and can be tuned to meet theneeds of the drivers racing style or the track condi-tions. Most of the vehicles run on methane.
Super StocksSuper Stock cars are similar to Late Models but
have thinner tires and no spoiler. The cars areequipped with 360 cubic-inch engines. They are lim-ited to a two-barrel carburetor. There are also chassislimitations with the cars, which makes them lesstunable than Late Models and Modifieds.
Midwest ModifiedsMidwest Modifieds are a limited version of Modi-
fieds. The class was originally conceived by a groupof tracks in central and western Minnesota but thepopulation of Midwest Modifieds has exploded sinceit became a WISSOTA-sanctioned division. The di-vision has a restricted package of engine and suspen-sion rules, and the body lines are a little moreconservative than the full Modifieds.
Street StocksStreet Stocks resemble stock cars. They feature a
steel body that most resembles the Chevrolet MonteCarlo or Grand Prix models of the 1970s and 1980s.The engine size often varies from 307 cubic inches to350 cubic inches. There are limitations, however, onhorsepower.
Mod FoursMod Fours is the only four-cylinder division in
WISSOTA-sanctioned competition. The cars have asimilar appearance to Midwest Modifieds but featuresmaller Hoosier tires.
The cars of theWissota racing divisions
Live it! Magazine 13
We have roughly 40 or so staff members wholl perform a variety oftasks during a night of racing: from the tech inspectors, to the PA an-nouncer, to the staging areas, to those who set up registration for driv-ers. I dont have a specific title on race night, but a majority of what Ido is public relations. But I also like to float. If were missing a scorer,I can score. If were missing a photographer, I can shoot. So, on racenight, I tend to get to the track at 3:30-ish for a 6:30 p.m. race. Regis-tration is at 4 p.m., so that gives me a little cushion time. From four tosix, I help people get parked and answer any questions that may arise.Then, hopefully, from 6:30 p.m. until about 9 p.m., the races go aheadwithout a hitch. Ill then leave the track around 10:30 or 11-ish.
Live it!: What changes have you seen in racing in terms of fe-male participation?
SI: I remember going to the track as a little girl and there was onefemale who raced. It was pretty cool. It was her against the guys. Butnow almost every racing class has female representation. Thats fantas-tic. And in the past, on the promotions end and administration side, itwas nearly all men working. Females played a very small role. Butnow women are on boards. There are women who are promoters ofrace tracks, women who are taking executive roles. So it really ischanging from a male-dominated sport to a sport that features menand women. And I think a big part of that is women are playing a big-ger role in society.
Live it!: Have you experienced any challenges with being awoman in the sport?
SI: Certainly. There are times I feel Im treated differently becauseIm female. But sticking to your guns, showing youve got somethingimportant to add, increases your credibility. Its easier to earn respectby being passionate and sticking to your guns than letting someonewalk all over you. But that conflict is a rare issue though because ofthis integration of women into the sport.
Live it!: What do you foresee for women in racing down the road,and do you think more women will participate and enjoy success?
SI: Absolutely. Like I said, 10 years ago it was pretty rare to seewomen in a promotional or executive role at a racetrack. But I now seethe participation growing every year. As for the racers, we are gettingmore and more females looking to get out of the go-karts and makethe jump to a race car. Women are winning races. Some are just ascompetitive as the next guy. When we have successful female racers Ithink it leads to more of a desire from women in the stands to want todo this. There are men who as they get older and retire, they let theirdaughters race in their place. Thats what happened with me andnow my brother races. Its a family thing, and I think women will con-tinue to grow into this.
Live it!: What piece of advice can you offer for any young girl orwoman looking to get involved in racing?
SI: Dont be shy. You know, if youre looking at maybe just workingat a track, talk to your local board, talk to a promoter. Chances arethere will be someplace you can fill in. Maybe they want to follow apromoter around for a day if that interests them. I think a lot of thefear is that its a male-dominated sport. We need to attract the youngergeneration to help our sport get bigger and better. And women need toknow they are just as valuable at this as anyone else.
KRA Speedway is located at the Kandiyohi County Fairgrounds off Seventh Street North-west in Willmar. For more information about racing, call 320-212-5803, or visithttp://www.kraspeedway.com/ or KRA Speedways official Facebook page.
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14 Live it! Magazine
At some point in your married life, you will almost cer-tainly encounter some large expenditures, such as a newhome, your own business, or a college education for yourchildren. Chances are, you wont be able to meet these ex-penditures from your current income. You and your spousemust discipline yourselves to set aside a portion of yourcurrent income for saving and investing your money to en-sure its steady growth or, at the very least, protect it againstloss.Save a percentage of your earningsWhen figuring out your budget, savings should be con-
sidered one of your monthly expenses. Think of savings asa fixed payment (like a car payment) that must be madeevery month. If you dont and you wait until the end ofthe month to save whatever you have not spent, youll findthat nothing ever seems to go into your savings account. Agood rule of thumb is for you and your spouse to save 4 to9 percent of your combined gross earnings while you arein your 20s and then double that savings percentage asyou reach your 30s and 40s. In some cases, a dual-incomecouple may be able to live off one spouses salary and savethe other salary.
Example: Mary and Richard, a married couple in their20s, earn a combined annual gross income of $60,000. To-gether, Mary and Richard save 5 percent of their com-bined gross income each year, or $3,000.
Example: As another example, Christine and Tom, amarried couple in their 30s, earn a combined annual grossincome of $80,000. Together, Christine and Tom save 10percent of their combined gross income each year, or$8,000.Build an emergency cash reserveThe savings that you accumulate can serve as an emer-
gency cash reserve. Ideally, you should have in savings anamount that is comfortable for you to fall back on in caseof an emergency, such as a job loss. A common formulaused for calculating a safe emergency fund amount is tomultiply your total monthly expenses by 6. When deter-mining how much cash should be in your emergency fund,a major factor is your comfort level. If you and your spousefeel secure with your jobs and are confident that if you lostyour current jobs you would be able to find a new onefairly quickly, an emergency fund of three times your
monthly expenses should be sufficient. However, if eitherof you has an unpredictable income, you may want to havean emergency fund that is equal to 12 times your monthlyexpenses.
Example: Christine and Tom, a married couple in their30s, plan to build up an emergency cash reserve. BothChristine and Tom are attorneys and feel quite secure withtheir present jobs. Christine and Tom have monthly ex-penses of $3,000 and plan to build up an emergency cashreserve that is equal to 3 times their monthly expenses, or$9,000 ($3,000 x 3).
Example: As another example, Mary and Richard, amarried couple in their 20s, plan to build up an emergencycash reserve. Both Mary and Richard are employed as free-lance writers and feel that their incomes are at times un-predictable. Mary and Richard have monthly expenses of$1,500 and plan to build up an emergency cash reserve thatis equal to 12 times their monthly expenses, or $18,000($1,500 x 12).
Investing your moneyWhen you have established an emergency cash reserve,
you can begin to invest your money to target your financialgoals. There are three fundamental types of investments:cash and cash alternatives, bonds, and equities. Cash andcash alternatives are relatively low-risk investments thatcan be readily converted into currency, such as moneymarket accounts. Bonds, sometimes called debt instru-ments, are essentially IOUs; when you invest in a bond,youre lending money to the bonds issuer usually a cor-poration or governmental body which pays interest onthat loan. Because bonds make regular payments of inter-est, they are also known as income investments. Equities,or stocks, give you a share of ownership in a company. Youhave the opportunity to share in the companys profits andpotential growth, which is why theyre often viewed asgrowth investments. However, equities involve greater riskthan either cash or income investments. With equities,there is no guarantee you will receive any income or thatyour shares will ever increase in value, and you can loseyour entire investment. In addition to these three basictypes of investments also known as asset classes--thereare so-called alternative investments, such as real estate,commodities, and precious metals.
Saving and investing your money together
- Money Matters -
BY MATTHEW LILLEBERG
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No matter what your investment goal, your overall objec-tive is to maximize returns without taking on more risk thanyou can bear. Youll need to choose investments that are con-sistent with your financial goals and time horizon. A finan-cial professional can help you construct an investmentportfolio that takes these factors into account.
Establishing good creditEstablishing good credit is an important step in the path
towards a solid financial future. A good credit history canenable you to make credit purchases for items that youmight not otherwise be able to afford. Most creditors will re-quire a good credit history before extending credit to you. Ifyou do not have a credit history, it is important to establishone as soon as possible. If you have a poor credit history, youshould take steps toward improving it right away.Individual or joint creditMarried couples can either apply for credit individually or
jointly. One of the benefits of applying for joint credit is thatboth you and your spouses income, expenses, and financialstability are considered when a creditor evaluates your over-all financial picture. However, applying for separate credithas its advantages. If you and your spouse ever run into fi-nancial problems (e.g., illness or job layoff), separate creditallows one spouse to risk damaging his or her credit historywhile preserving the other spouses good credit. In addition,separate credit can also protect you and your spouse fromeach other. If you and your spouse cosign a loan or apply fora credit card, you are both responsible for 100 percent repay-ment of the debt. In other words, if your spouse does not payhis or her share, you can get stuck with paying the wholeamount. On the other hand, if your spouse takes out a loanor applies for a credit card on his or her own, generally yourspouse is solely responsible for the debt.
Tip: While the general rule is that spouses are not respon-sible for each others debts, there are exceptions. Many stateswill hold both spouses responsible for a debt incurred byone spouse if the debt constituted a family expense (e.g.,child care or groceries). In addition, in some communityproperty states, both spouses may be responsible for onespouses debts, since both spouses have equal rights to eachothers incomes. You may want to discuss your states lawswith an attorney if you live in a community property state.
Matthew Lilleberg is a financial adviser with C&A FinancialAdvisors in Willmar. Material prepared by Broadridge InvestorCommunication Solutions, Inc. Broadridge Investor Communi-cation Solutions, Inc. does not provide investment, tax or legaladvice. The information presented here is not specific to any in-dividuals personal circumstances.
001108293r1
JUNG TRIO - violin, cello, pianoThe Jung Trio is comprised of sisters Jennie, Ellen
and Julia Jung, and has appeared in concerts all across North America as well as internationally in
Asia, Europe and Africa. Initial successes include top prizes in their native country at the Canadian
Music Competition and CIBC National Music Festival. They have received their degrees from the University of Toronto, New England Conservatory, and all three graduated from Yale University School
of Music. The Jung Trio is currently Trio-in-Residence at Vanguard University of Southern California.
Jungtrio.wordpress.comMonday, November 24, 2014 7:30 pm
BEN GULLEY - tenorMeet Opera award winner and PBS favorite, who sings a program of well known operatic
arias, spirituals and Broadway. Up-and-coming American operatic tenor Ben Gulleys career is growing daily with lead and feature roles in opera, solo engagements, concert work, fi lm
work and nationwide touring as well as prestigious appearances abroad. Ben is also a member of the
SONY/BMG recording group The American Tenors. Not only a fabulous singer but also a personable
young man.Gulleygranner.com/ben-gulley
Friday, March 20, 2015 7:30 pm
THE LIMELITERSFor 50 years the Limeliters have entertained standing-room-only crowds with their incredible musical talent and zany sense of humor. They fi rst made their mark in folk clubs and on college campuses in the early 60sand with their energy and enthusiasm undiminished and undaunted, they remain as exciting as ever today. www.limeliters.comMonday, September 29, 2014 7:30 pm
THE NUTCRACKERWith the New York Theatre BalletThe New York Theatre Ballet returns with the holiday favorite, The Nutcracker. Founded in 1978 by artistic director Diana Byer, the New York Theatre Ballet has a mission to inspire a love of dance and to make its performances accessible to all audiences. They will be bringing the ballet in a 70 minute production of this classic tale. Music by Peter Tchaikovsky, choreography by Keith Michael and costume design by Sylvia Taalsohn Nolan.www.nytb.org/calendar-and-tickets/view/Keith-Michaels-THE-NUTCRACKER/Monday December 8th, 2014 7:30 pm
pp
SIX APPEAL Vocal BandSwearing off instruments, the award-winning vocal band Six Appeal takes you on a journey that spans decades of music, performing classic oldies, current chart toppers, and catchy original tunes, all sung a cappella. With over 70 combined years of musical training and experience, Six Appeal utilizes a diverse arsenal of style and entertainment.www.getsixappeal.comFriday, May 15, 2015 7:30 pm
Complete and return with check made payable to West Central Concert Series.P.O. Box 402, Willmar, MN 56201-0402. Tickets will be mailed in September.
Name _______________________________________________________________________________For sustaining members, please print your name as you wish it to appear in the program.
Phone _________________________ Contact Person _______________________________________ If different than name
Address _____________________________________________________________________________
Email Address _________________________________________________________________________
Regular Memberships: Adult .................... $60 each _____# Tickets Student (K-12) ....... $10 each _____# Tickets
Sustaining Memberships: Co-sponsor ...... $500, 4 adult tickets Gold .................. $325, 4 adult tickets Silver ................. $250, 3 adult tickets Bronze ............. $175, 2 adult tickets
Questions, email [email protected] or leave a message at (320) 584-WCCS.
www.westcentralconcertseries.org-Dates Subject to Change-
Your 2014 2015 Concer_t SeriesSavings should be considered amonthly expense or youll find nothing ever seems to go into
your savings account.
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16 Live it! Magazine
Wild Hare Floral& Garden Center
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KRISTINE FLADEBOE-DUININCKAs good as it gets
BY DAN BURDETTPHOTOS COURTESY OF KRISTINE FLADEBOE-DUININCK
WWhen sitting across from Kristine Flade-boe-Duininck, you pay attention.Her every word is punctuated with a flailof her taut and sinewy arms or a hearty guf-faw.She is chic, even now, clad in runninggarb, and wears her 40 years with grace.She hasnt run yet today. A good run, she
says, is the only way to clear her head.She just returned from more than a week
of business in Kentucky to a full inbox onher cell and the paperwork for what mayprove to be one of the biggest ventures ofher professional career. Like most days for Kristine, it has been manic. The phone
hasnt stopped ringing, the appointments and errands seem-ingly endless. Her husband, Jaime, had to pick up the kids,Elsie, 13, and Harris, 10, from their afternoon escapades. Andthen theres this whole interview thing.She calls at 4:44 p.m. to say shes going to be late for our 5 o
clock appointment.She apologizes profusely, offering sympathy for my family,
who may now have to wait a little longer for my return fordinner.I want to be respectful of your time, she implores.
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Live it! Magazine 17
Its OK, I tell her: The job can have a propensity to bean occupational hazard in terms of dinner time. Dontsweat it.But thats not her way: tardiness, in her eyes, has no
place in any equation. Kristine may be the uppermost female auctioneer in the
nation, and its a role that cant be faked. As she explains it, when she walks into a room, empow-
ered to coax an exorbitant amount of money from a bid-der, its all about credence and assurance. Its about trust.Im a big heart person, she says. Im in a business in
which I can make a difference in peoples lives. I want tobe a better person. I want to learn and tweak and grow.To do this, I have to care about people and their lives.They have to trust me.
Family affairKristine is a second-generation auctioneer. The family
business was founded by her father, Dale, in 1978. Today,the business specializes in charity and land auctions. Allthree Fladeboe children are auctioneers: the eldest, Kim-berly, lives in Detroit Lakes and operates the companys
Perham office; the youngest, Glen, is based out of thecompanys Minneapolis office. Kristine lives in Spicerand is based out of Willmar.Kristine became a professional auctioneer in 1996,
when, between her junior and senior years at the Univer-sity of St. Thomas in Minneapolis, she attended theWorld Wide College of Auctioneering in Mason City,Iowa. Founded in 1933, the school has long been consid-ered the finest of its kind in the world, its website states.Upon graduation from St. Thomas, where she studied
business and communications, Kristine embarked on acareer in pharmaceutical sales. Unfulfilled, she joined thefamily business in 2000.
Building a brandAs an auctioneer, Kristine has the world at her feet. In
2010 she was named International Auctioneer Championby the National Auctioneers Association, headquarteredin Kansas, edging out auctioneers from across the nationat the associations annual conference in Greensboro,North Carolina. The international competition also in-cluded auctioneers from Canada and South Africa.
Kristine Fladeboe-Duininck and her father, Dale Fladeboe, ride in a parade waving and calling to the crowds.
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During the competition, auctioneers were judged bya panel of peers on interviewing and bid-calling skillsincluding presentation, chant, voice quality, body lan-guage and other elements of effective auctioneering.Her auctions raise millions for more than 125 Min-
nesota nonprofits each year and other clients acrossthe nation. Last year, she showcased her talents on the global
stage, auctioning a fundraiser for International CareMinistries in Hong Kong, which offers programs tohelp those living in poverty in the Philippines. Shehelped bring in more than $1.5 million the mostmoney she has ever raised in an auction, and the mostmoney ICM has raised at its annual fundraiser.At the time we meet, she is planning the final stages
of a major auction to be held during The Experimen-tal Aircraft Associations AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wis-consin. The event, which promotes and supportsaviation for thousands of recreational flyers, couldbring in millions of dollars and some heavy hitters.A couple of years back, Harrison Ford was the guest
speaker, she says.
Its a good lifeWhen Kristine was a child, her parents would fret
about her penchant for wandering off in stores to en-gage everyone she came across in small talk. Shesnurtured that innocent curiosity into genuine in-trigue.It seems every time I ask a question, she responds
with one of her own, her eyes fixed on me as she rocksin her chair, soaking in each anecdote. We talk about family. Its clear she cherishes hers.She exudes devotion when the topic turns to faith
and her church.Its so very important to me, she says, beaming
from ear to ear.We talk about the region and the community.Its the best place, she says. Life is so good. We talk about her hobbies and her desire for athlet-
ics, the Boston Marathon she ran earlier this year in3:33:15. What an honor. What a blessing.And with that, another hearty guffaw before she
bounces out of her chair. Ive taken up enough of your time, she says.The pleasantries are brief.She extends her hand, her shake firm. And then shes off. Time for a run.
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Live it! Magazine 19
BY JON HAEFNER, D.C.
The majority of people who exercise, work out allwinter to get in shape for the summer. People hit theygym very hard and often get bored with the same rou-tine. Once boredom sets in, they give up their gymmembership.There are many options to stay in summer shape.
Many different routines can be utilized to break themonotony of your gym. Many of those same routinescan be done in your own home, garage or driveway.The best approach to maintain muscle mass and
strength is simple: resistance exercise. As I have re-viewed in previous Live it! articles HIIT or high in-tensity interval training is king of fat loss and musclegains. You should no longer be running for hours onend or working out for two hours in the gym. Recentstudies show 12 weeks of HIIT not only result in sig-nificant reductions in total abdominal, trunk and vis-ceral fat, it can also give you significant increase infat-free mass and aerobic power.Here a few exercise that you should try to break up
your regular routine:Kettle Bells: They offer a whole body exercise rou-
tine that incorporates cardio vascular,resistance andfull range of motion into one workout. Kettle bells ina HIIT routine can burn more calories per minutesthan just about any other exercise.
Foam Rolling: Foam rolls help warm up and recov-ery. Foam rolling improves circulation, range of mo-tion and balance while reducing pain and muscletightness.
Plyometrics: Exercises that exert maximum force inshort periods of time; explosive-type movements,such as squat jumps, box jumps, plyometric pushups,etc.
Functional Training: Exercises that lead to betterjoint mobility and stability. Those exercises oftenmimic what you would do at home or work; examplesinclude squats, pullups, tire flips, deadlifts etc.The important thing to remember is to change up
your exercise routine often. Try new exercises, try agroup fitness class or change up your current routinealtogether. Willmar has many fitness options, so thereis no excuse to not be in shape. And, therehas never been a better time to get in shape.
Jon Haefner, DC; Meridian Disc Institute; Total Fitness;320-214-0044
- Fitness & Health -
Exercise to stay in summer shape
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20 Live it! Magazine
Style it!Summer transitions
into fall wardrobe
BY KAYLA PRASEK
TThe end of summer means back to school and a majorweather cool down is just around the cor-ner. It also gives you an excuse to goshopping to update your wardrobe withthe current fall trends.One of the top trends for this fall is thekimono. What looks like a house coat atfirst glance is actually a kimono meant tobe worn outside of the house. Kimonoscome in a variation of lightweight fabrics,including silk and satin, and can befound in a wide variety of bold colors andprints. Its a prettier alternative to a falljacket and pairs well with a great skinnyjean and white shirt.This fall, the 60s are back and inspired
by the TV show Mad Men. Miniskirts,knee-high boots, polyester, bold, abstractprints and big, plastic accessories are allthe rage for fall. But the look can be a daunting one to pull
off, especially if you want to still look modern. Choose justone 60s-inspired piece per outfit and youll looktrendy but not over-the-top and out of place.This fall is also all about knit pieces, so dig out
your favorite cozy sweaters, as long as theyre part ofa neutral palette. All styles of white, gray, beige andcharcoal knitted pieces are in, whether big or intri-cate knitting. While all types of sweaters fromlong and short cardigans, tunics, turtlenecks andtank tops are in, knitted pants are also popular.While full knit outfits were all over the fall runways,I suggest subtly enhancing your outfit with the useof knit to keep the look appropriate for the office.Another popular trend for the fall is oversize coats,
dresses, sweaters and pants. This can be a dangeroustrend, however, because it could leave you lookingsloppy and disheveled. To avoid this, look for over-size dresses and coats that are architectural pieces,meaning they have a solid structure to them so you
still look professional while rocking the oversize trend.
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As we head into fall, we have to start thinking about whichouterwear trends were going to follow. One of the more pop-ular options for the fall is the straight jacket, which isnt asterrifying as it may sound. These medium-weight jackets will keep you warm all fall
while also letting you wear a piece of art. These jackets havearchitectural details across the chests that wrap around yourarms, which may leave you with a limited range of move-ment, but youll look incredibly fashionable the whole time.The Fair Isle print makes a comeback this fall, finding a
home on chunky sweaters, oversize hats and other knitpieces. To ensure the print doesnt look cheesy, pair it withdark brown or dark red leather leggings or A-line miniskirtsand a pair of ankle boots.Urban style also comes to the forefront this fall, with metal-
lic and neon dresses and brightly colored oversize sneakersand ankle boots. To make the look comfortable, choose oneurban piece and pair it with dark tights, jacket and acces-sories, which will help tone down the outfit.The Western theme is trendy this fall, but in a subtle, femi-
nine way. Wide-brimmed hats, riding boots, tweed and faux-fur vests and button-up shirts, all in black, make up theWestern trend. Designers paired one or two of these itemswith maxi dresses, pencil skirts or high-waisted A-line skirtsto complete the outfit and keep it professional for the office.The turtleneck has been given a facelift for fall with an ex-
treme neck. The extreme turtleneck has a wide opening thatcomes up almost to the chin and is in chunky oversize knitfabrics. Popular colors lean toward a neutral palette. This up-dated sweater looks best paired with skinny jeans or a slimskirt and a simple ankle boot.Sneakers are also a hot trend for fall. Most popular styles are
brightly-colored options, which pair well with a neutral out-fit. While sneakers may never be office-appropriate, theyreperfect for a casual Saturday shopping. To draw attention toyour trendy sneakers, pair them with a mini skirt or leggings. Remember, theres no need to revamp your entire wardrobe
for fall. Just pick two or three of your favorites and buy a cou-ple pieces that will enhance what you already have.
Live it! Magazine 21
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22 Live it! Magazine
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Roast BY
MICHELLEGAUER
it!Campfirefood frenzy GGather family and friends around the campfire andenjoy the beautiful summer evenings making memo-ries. Every year we go to the same resort and we havea campfire in the evenings. Weve come up withrecipe ideas to enjoy sitting around the fire. Some ofour cabin neighbors have shown us new ideas
through the years too. The ideas you can create for campfire food are re-
ally endless. There are a number of variations to thecampfire pie iron pizza and/or dessert, using slices ofbread, buttered on the outside (toward the iron).Using pizza sauce and various pizza fixings, createyour own pizza pie over the fire. Or use pie filling ofyour choice, toast over the fire, remove and sprinklewith cinnamon and powdered sugar.
Try even the simplest ideas of changing up yourstandard marshmallow, graham cracker, chocolateSMores ... add sliced banana or strawberries, usecookies instead of graham crackers, try a sliced candybar or a Reeses Peanut Butter Cup, or caramel-filledchocolate instead of plain chocolate bars.
Try some of these recipe ideas for your next camp-fire. Invite some friends, build a campfire and makememories with your family. Make It ... Roast it ...Toast it ... Enjoy it!
Campfire Roasted Cinnamon TwistsBy Michelle L. Gauer
1 tube of refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icingSmooth wooden stickThis is so very easy. Build a great campfire, then open the tube of cinnamon
rolls. Gently unroll a cinnamon roll. Starting about 1 inch from the tip of thestick wrap the roll around the stick. Pinch the start and stop of the doughs endson the stick in order to hold them together.
Roast over the campfire, just like you would a marshmallow by turning,turning and turning. Hot coals are the best not a flaming fire. Youll have tobe patient because they take longer to cook than marshmallows. Wait until theyare golden brown and the inside is cooked.
Gently loosen the cooked, twisted roll and slide it off the stick. Drizzle withicing and devour. Or you can eat it right off the stick.
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Live it! Magazine 23
Toasty Banana BoatsBy Michelle L. Gauer
Serving size: 1
1 large ripe banana (unpeeled)1 teaspoon miniature chocolate chips1 tablespoon miniature marshmallows2 teaspoons crushed graham cracker or cookiesFoil (2 heavy duty layers or 4 regular layers)
Stoke up the campfire. Cut banana peel lengthwise about 1/2 inchdeep stopping short of ends with about 1/2 inch to spare. Gently pushdown and inward on ends to open peel wider and form a pocket. Filleach with chocolate chips, marshmallows and graham crackers.Crimp and shape layered foil (about 12-inch square) around banana
with the foil opening at the top, forming a boat. Place in the sidecampfire coals (not directly in the flames) or on a grill set on low forabout 5 to10 minutes until marshmallows melt and are golden brown.Dig in with a spoon you can eat right out of the banana boat.Note: Banana peel will blacken some but banana is perfect inside.
Ham and Cheese Potato BoatBy Michelle L. Gauer
Serving size: 1
1 medium or large baked russet potato (can be leftover)1 slice ham lunch meat sliced into 6 even pieces6 small slices your favorite hard cheese (I like monterey jack, pepper jack or
cheddar)6 1- to 2-inch pieces cooked bacon (can be leftover)1 teaspoon butter, softenedsalt and pepper to tastesour cream, optional toppinggreen onion, optional garnishFoil (double layer)Build a great campfire or light your grill. Place potato in the center of a large
double layer square of foil. Cut 6 slits across the top of the potato through theskin. Cut down about 7/8th of the way, leaving the bottom connected.Gently insert a piece of ham, slice of cheese and piece of bacon between each
cut slit. The meat and cheese can stick out above the potato a little. Divide thebutter out evenly in little dabs across the top of the slits. Add the salt and pepperto taste if desired.Wrap potato in double layer of foil loosely on top. Place on hot campfire coals
or your grill for about 15 minutes or until potato is hot and cheese, ham andbacon have melted together. Top the potato with sour cream and green onionsas desired. Enjoy!
Marshmallow Cream Campfire Strawberries
By Michelle L. Gauer
Fresh strawberriesMarshmallow creamRoasting double-tined forkBuild a cozy campfire. Rinse and dry your strawberries. Place two
strawberries, one on each tine of a roasting fork, side by side, insert-ing into the greens and through the center to the end. (Placing twoon the fork close together helps keep them from spinning.)Using a spoon or a knife, coat the bottom half of the strawberries
with a generous coating of marshmallow cream. Roast over the firejust like you would a marshmallow, gently turning as the marshmal-low cream is melting. It looks like it will drip off but it begins to turngolden brown and stiffens.These are so refreshing. Eat them right off the stick and enjoy.
Creamy Delicious Campfire ConesBy Michelle L. Gauer
Waffle sugar conesMini marshmallowsMini chocolate chipsNutellaChopped nuts or candy bar piecesPeanut butter or butterscotch chipsFoil (heavy duty or 2 layers of regular)Build an amazing campfire. Start with a waffle cone and fill it with a
mixture of your favorite ingredients. I like to put some mini chocolatechips in the very bottom first.Wrap the cone in tin foil and place it in the side campfire coals for about
5 minutes. I like to turn them a few times to make sure they melt evenly.Try to keep the top of the cone tipped upward to keep all the goodies in-side. Remove from campfire, then unwrap and enjoy. You can also makethese treats on your outdoor grill (keep the heat on low).
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Y O U R S E L FNew York
BY RON SKJONG
I am a bit of a sentimental realist.One of the bits of wisdom I usually give new parents is this:
You must begin now to let go of your child. Sounds counterintuitive, doesnt it? However, as someone with almost 40years of parenting experience, I have learned that in order foryour child to grow into the person he or she wants to become,we, as parents, have to let go. And invariably, we learn some-thing from our children.Let me tell you a story.When our daughter, Ingrid, was about 3 years old and we
were visiting New York City, she declared that one day shewould live in The Big Apple. No fuss, no discussion, she wasgoing to live in New York. About two years after she gradu-ated from the University of Minnesota and after working at aleading Twin Cities magazine, she told us she was moving toNew York. My wife is from New Jersey so we are acquainted with the
area but ... move there? What part of being a Minnesotan didnt she understand?
The part that this is Gods Country (perpetuated by herborn and raised Minnesota father) or the part that this state isstill a land of opportunity (also perpetuated by the same fa-ther)? Thankfully she is her mothers daughter, too. Her mother
loves to stretch to visit new places, eat new foods and ex-perience new and exciting cultural activities. Ingrid didnt fallvery far from her maternal roots. She was going to the big cityand it was time for me to stretch. And so, on a cold December morning in 2003, I found my-
self driving our daughter to the Humphrey Terminal in Min-neapolis. As she confidently walked to the gate to her waitingplane, she stopped, looked at me, smiled, waved and was onher way. My aching heart learned something that day: Ingridwas stretching more than I was letting go. It was time for meto stretch, to smile back at her and wave. I needed to believein her abilities and the amazing opportunities awaiting her inNew York City.Opportunities present themselves in many ways. Recently,
our family gathered in Minneapolis to celebrate my birthdayand it was a joyous time as we walked, talked, ate and enter-tained ourselves through the weekend. I am usually rather reserved about my birthday but the kids
stretched me and thankfully, they did. At the celebratory
dinner at the Warehouse Districts 112 EateryRestaurant, two bottles of wine appeared. The first was a 1997bottle of California Chardonnay and it was delicious. The sec-ond bottle of wine was a 1957 vintage bottle of AustralianCoonawarra Estate Cabernet. It was a moment I will never for-get and neither will my family because of my enthusiastic re-action. The Cabernet was so different and I found myselfexperiencing tastes I had never tasted. So, as the summer progresses, why not try a different bever-
age stretch yourself a bit. If you are a beer drinker, try aglass of hard cider. Cider is making a heady return to our ta-bles and a welcome return it is. Depending on the apple vari-ety used to make the cider, your cider will taste tart or sweet,have a high or low acidity there is a taste for everyone.Forget the beer glass! Pour your cider into a white wine glassand enjoy the spectacular sight. I would recommend AngryOrchids Green Apple Cider for a tasty thirst quenchingdrink.When did you last taste a ros? At this time of the year, they
offer a bit of color, some sweetness and enough acidity tosoothe your summer parched throat. A reasonably priced bot-tle of Benziger Dry Ros sparkles in the glass and its mintystrawberry taste will do its best to please you.And for a spirit what would the summer be without gin?
Gins versatility whether straight or in a cocktail is a wel-come addition to everyones list of summer beverages. Play-wright Noel Coward famously said: A perfect martini shouldbe made by filling a glass with gin and waving it in the gen-eral direction of Italy. However you drink it and to whatever direction you wave it,
try gin. An Urban Cowboy (basically gin, bitters, a sugar cubeand a maraschino cherry) will lighten your day and be a wel-come cocktail for your guests and family.Yes, our daughter went to live and work in New York City
and she continues to stretch us to this day. She and her hus-band, Noah, are expecting their first child (and, our firstgrandchild) this November.Isnt being stretched grand?As always, eat and drink responsibly but laugh with reckless
abandon.Cheers!Ron Skjong writes primarily about the wonderful world of wine but
likes to explore various spirits and beers, too. He is married and hasfour grown children. While stationed in Germany, he was introducedto German wines and from that introduction, a lifelong pursuit devel-oped to find that perfect bottle of wine.
- Spirits -
24 Live it! Magazine
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Live it! Magazine 25
BY CLAUDETTE LARSON, LICSW
As a therapist, I spend a lot of time helping people findhealthier ways to manage stress.We all experience stress. You simply cannot escape it no
matter if its day-to-day irritations or major life meltdowns. Ive never met anyone who hasnt succumbed at one time or
another to finding short-term relief by smoking a cigarette oreating half a bag of potato chips in front of the television. Inthe moment, you achieve that instant ah you were desper-ately in need of, but doing this long term sets you up for anaddiction or a larger pant size.Often times, we have to be open-minded and creative to
finding those healthier alternatives.We may have limited time because of work and family de-
mands, or we simply dont have the budget to include weeklymassages or manicures at the local nail salon.
The truth is you dont need a lot of time or money to give
yourself a much needed mental timeout. There are vast op-portunities all around you to explore and experiment withwhat may work for you. I encourage my clients to explore the local library because
its a great place to find books (audio included) and DVDs forfree that can be used as entertainment or as a means of learn-ing about meditation, yoga or other forms of relaxation.Local thrift stores are also creating craft sections where you
can purchase very low-cost materials such as yarn, scrapbook-ing or DIY projects that keep your mind and hands occupiedwhile celebrating your creative side.But the most accessible resource, and one that doesnt cost a
dime, can be found right outside your front or back door thisvery moment a Minnesota fall. Taking 10 minutes at theend of a day to sit quietly and breathe deeply as the end ofsummer plays out around you is strong medicine for stress. I like to take off my shoes and walk barefoot in the cool
grass for a few minutes every night as the sun sets, or throwon a light jacket and go hunting for the brightest hues of redand orange foliage.Theres nothing like experiencing nature to remind you
just how insignificant we humans really are in the wholescheme of things. And nature is the greatest teacher in show-ing us that everything has its cycles and seasons includingthe ebb and flow of lifes joys and sorrows.
To sit in the shade on a fine day and look upon verdure is the mostperfect refreshment. ~ Jane Austen
Claudette Larson of New London is a licensed independentclinical social worker with 15 years of experience helping individ-uals, couples and families work on personal growth and positivereal-life solutions.
- Life Happens -
Some things we cannot control
-
it!out?Check Whats happenin
August - September 2014
City celebrations
New LondonAug. 6-9
28th annual New London to New BrightonAntique Car Run; Saturday run features carsfrom 1915 and earlier; country tours Wednes-day, Thursday and Friday leaving daily fromNew London.
StarbuckAug. 8-9
Dragon Boat Racing, co-ed races on LakeMinnewaska; boats provided.
BelgradeAug. 9-10
Augustfest, grand parade Saturday.
BechynAug. 10
23rd annual Czech Heritage Festival withethnic foods, music, folk dancers, children ac-tivities.
Grove CityAug. 14-17
AugustFest celebration.
MontevideoAug. 15-17
34th annualHeritage HillAntiqueThreshingShow fea-turingMin-neapolis-Molinetractors;HeritageHill, fourmiles east ofMontevideo;
gates open 7a.m. daily.
Forest CityAug. 16-17
Stockade Rendezvous, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.daily.
RaymondAug. 23
Harvest Fest, parade Saturday.
AtwaterSept. 6-8
Threshing Days, experience farm life in theby-gone days; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, east ofAtwater off U.S. Highway 12.
AppletonSept. 20-21
Applefest celebration.
County fairs
WillmarAug. 6-9
Kandiyohi County Fair
MorrisAug. 6-10
Stevens County Fair
GlenwoodAug. 6-10
Pope County Fair
Bird IslandAug. 13-15
Renville County Fair
AppletonAug. 13-17
Swift County Fair
MadisonSept. 4-7
Lac qui Parle County Fair
Music concerts and moreJazz-N-JavaEvery Thursday
Willmar, 6 to 6:45 p.m., Jazz-N-Java, 913Business 71 N.; free music concerts by differ-ent individuals and groups, followed by sing-along with house band.
Glacial Ridge WineryEvery Thursday through Sept. 11
Spicer, 6:30 to 8:30 pm., Glacial Ridge Win-ery, state Highway 23 between New Londonand Spicer; free music concerts by differentindividuals and groups.
Hinterland VineyardsEvery Friday
Clara City, 7 to 9 p.m., Hinterland Vine-yards and Winery, 3060 120th Ave. S.E., freemusic concert by different individuals andgroups.
Music in the ParkAug. 10 and 17
Spicer, 4 to 6 p.m., City Park Deck, freeconcert by various groups.
Music FestivalAug. 16
New London, noon to 7 p.m., Neer Park;family-friendly day of eclectic live music, foodand a kid-zone; www.newlondonmusicfesti-val.com.
DanubeAug. 26
Danube, 7 p.m., bandstand by the watertower; Mikko Cowdery singing good oldtunes of yesteryear and Irish songs; bring alawn chair or blanket; freewill donation,sponsored by the Danube Historical Society.
Terrace MillSept. 28
Terrace, noon Sept. 28, 36th annual FallFestival and Fiddlers contest: gate opens atnoon, contest begins at 1 p.m.; crafts, trollshop, food stands and vendors.
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Misc.Little Crow Water Ski ShowAugust
New London, 7 p.m., Neer Park,Aug. 1, 2, 15, 22 and 29; 320-354-5684.
Mid-Week Farmers MarketEvery Wednesday
Willmar, noon to 6 p.m., KEC park-ing lot, 500 19th Ave. S.E.; high-qualityproduce available that is grown within100 miles of Willmar.
Becker MarketEvery Thursday
Willmar, 3 to 6:30 p.m., Becker Av-enue between Fourth and Fifth streetsdowntown; experience Willmars mul-ticultural flavor in an outdoor atmos-phere of farmers, growers, producers,artisans and entertainment.
Farmers MarketEvery Saturday
Willmar, 6:30 a.m. to noon, YMCAparking lot; homegrown produce,farm-raised meat and handmade items.
Sperry HouseAug. 14
Enjoy a summer evening on theSperry House lawn; games, food andfun for all ages to enjoy.
Chairs Gone WildAug. 15
Spicer, 5 p.m., Glacial Ridge Winery;the artist-decorated Adirondack chairsthat spent the summer in Spicer will beauctioned off; music at 5 p.m., auctionat 6 p.m.
Prairie PotholeSept. 6
New London, 32nd Annual PrairiePothole Day outdoor celebration be-ginning at 9 a.m.; Stoney Ridge Farmnear the intersection of state Highway9 and U.S. Highway 71 north of SibleyState Park.
Grape StompSept. 13
Sixth annual event from noon to 8p.m. with wine tasting, stomp contests,food, entertainment and more at Gla-cial Ridge Winery between New Lon-don and Spicer.
Harvest FestSept. 27
A day for kids and families fromnoon to 6 p.m. at Glacial Ridge Winerybetween New London and Spicer.
Arts/DramaBarn TheatreAug. 13-16, 19-22
Willmar, 7:30 p.m., The Barn The-atre, 321 Fourth St. S.W.; performanceof Charleys Aunt; for tickets call320-235-9500.
Little TheatreAug. 22-24, 29-31
New London, Aug. Friday and Sat-urdays, 7:30 p.m., Sundays, 2 p.m., Lit-tle Theatre; performance of TheWonderful Toto of Oz; tickets avail-able at Mords Hardware in New Lon-don and Whitney Music in Willmar.
Barn TheatreSept. 10-13, 17-20
Willmar, 7:30 p.m., The Barn The-atre, 321 Fourth St. S.W.; performanceof The Rainmaker; for tickets call320-235-9500.
Celebrate Art! Celebrate Coffee!Sept. 20
Willmar, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., down-town Willmar; annual festival withdemonstrations by artists, childrenstent activities, juried art exhibition andsale, food court, free coffee and enter-tainment on the outdoor stage.
MeanderOct. 3-5
Five-county Upper Minnesota Riverart crawl, self-guided tour of 42 indi-vidual artist and 34 studios in and nearthe western Minnesota communities ofOrtonville, Appleton, Madison, Milan,Dawson, Montevideo and GraniteFalls.
Dances
Tuxedo JunctionAug. 17
Glenwood, 4 to 8 p.m., LakesideBallroom; summer dances open to all,music by Tuxedo Junction; $15 perperson, $10 ages 17-30; no jeans orshorts.
CosmosAug. 30
Cosmos, 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.,Cosmos American Legion; Labor DayStreet Dance featuring Maiden Dixie toraise money for the Cosmos Space Fes-tival Days.
Jerry OHaganSept. 14
Glenwood, 4 to 8 p.m., LakesideBallroom; summer dances open to all,music by the Jerry OHagan Orchestra;$15 per person, $10 ages 17-30; nojeans or shorts.
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328 SW 3rd Street, Willmar MN 56201phone 320 231-9763 fax 320-235-0334
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RiddlesCome enjoy the last two productions of our 2014 Summer Season. Charlies Aunt August 13-16, 19-22, 2014 all performances at 7:30 pm. The Rainmaker September 10-13, 17-20, 2014 all performances at 7:30 pm. Tickets are on sale now. Adults $20, Students $10.
The Barn Theatre
320.235.9500321 4th St. SW, Willmarwww.TheBarnTheatre.com
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