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LET TER FROM THE EDITOR
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When this issue lands in your mailbox, we will still be in the throes of summer yet anxiously anticipating the beauty of fall. Autumn in Southern Minnesota truly cannot be rivaled. One North Mankato man who anticipates this season perhaps more than the rest of us, is Tom Fallenstein, founder of Fun.com. As this issue breaks, he will be hiring a couple thousand people to help out in his warehouse in upper North. Turn to pg. 6 to see what goes on behind those closed doors. Also, in keeping with the spirit of the season, read a column by Amy Lorenz, one of your neighbors, who takes celebrating this holiday to scary proportions! (pg. 36) Of course, fall also means back-to-school time. One man gearing up for the return to the classroom is Jeremiah, a crossing guard for Hoover Elementary. This sweet story will have you appreciating him as much as he appreciates you trusting him with helping your children cross one busy North Kato street safely (pg. 16) For back-to-school lunch and snack ideas, go to pg. 26. Do you have a favorite fall cocktail? You will now! (pg. 42) We also have your wellness covered from mental health (pg. 46) to massage (pg. 28) to the Farmers' Market (pg. 12). And finally, two people you will want to read more about: your new city manager, Kevin McCann pg. 20 and your neighbor, DeeDra Vosburg pg. 22, a cancer survivor giving back to the community who has helped her in her battle. Finally, with memories of the 2022 North Mankato Fun Days fresh in our minds, our Here to Remember feature (pg. 32) has a look back at its origins from a unique perspective. Enjoy!
Lisa Cownie
Lisa Cownie, Editor Luxe Quarterlies, LLC
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CONTENTS AU G S E PT O C T
6 SHARING THE FUN 12 FARMERS' MARKET FEATURE 16 MORE THAN A FRIENDLY FACE 20 KEVIN McCANN, CITY OF NORTH MANKATO 22 DEEDRA VOSBURG, BEHIND THE GAME 26 BACK TO SCHOOL LUNCHES 28 KAY MILLER HAS FOUND HER PASSION 32 HERE TO REMEMBER 36 LOCAL HALLOWEEN TRADITION 40 MUSIC + NATURE, ONE AMAZING NIGHT 42 FALL COCKTAILS YOU'LL LOVE 44 FALL FASHION 46 TRANSITION FROM SUMMER TO SCHOOL 48 GREATER MANKATO GROWTH
H E R E TO WR I T E ?
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Writers are the voice of North Kato Magazine and we are proud to have a blend of seasoned writers and fresh new voices. If you would like to join our team of freelance writers contact us at info@luxequarterlies.com
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North Kato magazine is published and mailed quarterly by Luxe Quarterlies. The content used in this magazine is copyright 2022. The opinions or points of view expressed within are those of our authors.
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BY NATE BOOTS PHOTOS BY MICHELLE ISEBRAND PHOTOGRAPHY
Taking a tour through the Fun.com warehouse in Upper North Mankato can be a bit overwhelming because the place is huge. My tour guide, Tom Fallenstein, the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Fun.com, knows where he’s going, though. He expertly navigates his way through the rows of towering shelving and boxes, weaving through the traffic of workers operating forklifts, other machinery or just their own two feet. The place is filled, mostly, with costumes which Fun.com sells leading up to the magical annual date of October 31: Halloween. At one point, Fallenstein stops to show me one of the thousands of Halloween costumes hanging on a rack in see-through packaging. The example he has chosen, though, confounds. Multicolored but mostly purplish, it’s not easily identifiable. It’s smallish, roundish and clearly made to fit a child, but looks... well... not of this world. A less curious person might return the costume to the rack and choose a different one to show to a curious visitor. Fallenstein, though, is a man that likes to take a deeper dive and get into the “why” of things. He begins to inspect, close up, the different parts of the costume. There’s a headpiece attached in a different baggie and a label. Fallenstein scrutinizes it, reading closely. “Ah,” he says at last. “It’s Saturn. You know, in case a kid, for some reason, tells his or her mom they want to dress up like Saturn.” I chuckle and shake my head. I think back to a stage my daughter went through during elementary school, a phase where she was all about meteorology and weather, and the solar system. I say, “I know that kind of kid.” The costume that I might’ve returned to the rack turns out to be a great example for Fallenstein because it’s the perfect illustration to prove that yes, they do have an amazing array of costumes in stock. They have about anything. They have group costumes, couple’s costumes, family costumes, baby costumes, and pet costumes. They have a costume for a body who might want to dress like Teddy Roosevelt, Tinker Bell, or Alice in Wonderland. They have Elvis and Elton John (in sequin baseball uniform) costumes. They have an inflatable centaur costume. And they have Saturn. Pandemic Pressure When the COVID-19 pandemic first reared its ugly head stateside in the spring of 2020, ripple effects spread rapidly. Stock supplies flew off shelves as people began to shelter in place, socially distance and not just work from home but live from home. Workforces and educational systems learned—or didn’t learn—how to make things happen remotely. A giant and sweeping adaptation took place. Or didn’t.
For Tom Fallenstein and Fun.com, the pandemic happened to work out well. It was a decidedly good piece of luck that Halloween, the holiday that Fallenstein’s Fun.com business centers around, wasn’t canceled like so many other traditional events that were precipitated upon gathering together. It was good because Fallenstein had taken a risk in keeping on his core staff instead of—as many companies felt forced to do—slimming his workforce and letting a lot of folks go. Fallenstein said that while Halloween 2020 wasn’t celebrated with the usual gusto, those who went ahead found Fun.com’s products readily available online. If you think about it, there may’ve never been a Halloween in recent memory when the act of donning a costume and pretending to be someone else might’ve felt so satisfying. “Overall demand was down,” explains Fallenstein in reference to Halloween 2020. “We were on top of our supply chain, though. We didn’t let any of our staff go, so we were still full bore into planning and prepping. Customers were afraid to go to stores, so they moved online. We maybe just got more of a market share in 2020.” As a result, says Fallenstein, the company had its best year ever in 2020. And in 2021, with demand back up for a more “normal” Halloween, the company grew another 40 percent and even acquired a new company. The company—called ELOPE, an acronym for Everyone Laughing On Planet Earth—was based out of Colorado and sold high-end hats and costume accessories. “While everyone was worried, we were doubling down and investing,” says Fallenstein. “It was definitely a risky time, for sure. But everything worked out. In 2021 full demand was up everywhere.” A Southern Minnesota Education and Connections Fallenstein grew up in Southern Minnesota in an entrepreneurial family. His parents owned a garbage and recycling business as well as a logging business. As a youngster, he says he got to observe business in action and try a variety of different activities that led him to his personal strengths. He was educated at Rapidan Elementary School, went to Vernon Center
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for junior high, and then attended high school in Lake Crystal before heading to Minnesota State University-Mankato to study collegiately. There, where he earned a degree in Computer Science with a minor in Graphics, Fallenstein met a number of friends who would become workmates at Fun.com. Mark Bietz, who has worked for eleven years at Fun.com and is the Chief Marketing Officer, is one of Fallenstein’s college buddies. They met through a common acquaintance at MSU and realized they had similar computer science-y interests such as marketing, Google, and SEO (that’s Search Engine Optimization for the less tech-savvy out there). “Once in a while you could find us at a party on our laptops together, geeking out,” says Bietz. “We became fast friends.” After college, Bietz worked in marketing and also had his own company before the two reconnected when Fallenstein asked Bietz to join him at Fun.com. Since then, their relationships—both work and non-work—have bloomed. Fallenstein repeatedly lauds the value of having a positive and thriving work culture, and Bietz echoes these sentiments. Bietz says that a lot of that, too, is a tribute to the quality of the community and culture in North Mankato and Mankato. “Just being in North Mankato in general, we know it’s a great community,” says Bietz. “We’ve been able to find great people to work with. Not just high performers, but genuinely nice, kind, authentic people here in town. For sure, that’s been the number one reason for all of our success here. Fortunately, also, Tom is extremely good at building culture and team. “It’s been amazing working with him. He is definitely one of the smartest guys I know, and somebody who has taught me a lot over the years. He goes against the grain because he’s a CEO and a leader who—I know it sounds cheesy—but he does truly care about his people. He’s put a lot of time and effort into our relationship and the relationships of the other people he works with. I’ve absolutely had a blast working with him, and I feel good about having him as my boss. I consider him a friend as well, obviously, so it’s not just a working relationship. We’ve become very close over the years.” Surrounded by Trust Bietz is one of a number of talented individuals that Fallenstein has come to trust and delegate important work to within the company. Fallenstein supposes that his best quality in terms of what he brings to his business is his ability to make sense of data—to understand the “why” of the numbers. But Fallenstein, as the leader of such a large and growing company, also knows that his ability to judge people’s
aptitude and skill and then give them the appropriate responsibility—to “put talent in the right seat” as he says—has become a vital skill. “The data side got me good at running my own business by myself,” says Fallenstein. “The other side has to do with how the business has gotten so big. I can see who is really talented and understand their opportunity and what they can do more of and then put them in the right seats. So, I’ve got just a really good team around me now.” Fallenstein looks around and smiles and— maybe jokingly, maybe not—says, “I really don’t need to be here, to be honest.”
Fallenstein and his wife have a son and daughter and live in Upper North Mankato. Fallenstein enjoys spending time with them, and he appreciates his community. “I like the neighborhood I’m in,” he says. “And I like having a three-minute commute to work. The colleges here have been really helpful in us finding talent. We do a lot of training here.” With all the growth, though, does Fallenstein ever consider moving to a larger area? Maybe. But, he says, a lot of his staff has settled into the area. And he enjoys having a local impact. “I can affect the community so much more,” he says. “A lot of people at the company are involved with collaborating with the Miracle League, Fallenstein Field, Big Brother, Big Sister, the Boys and Girls Club. It’s nice to impact the community. We like the community. There are just really good people here.”
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When visiting the North Mankato Farmers’ Market, customers find a variety of vendors from Southern Minnesota and Northern Iowa. The market hosts an average of 15 to 20 vendors each week selling various self-sustained products including produce, farm-fresh eggs and meat, flowers, baked goods, canned goods, crafts, art and more. Products sold vary based on the season: shopping the market for flowers in June and wrapping up the market season with pumpkins in October. In addition to an ever-changing array of products and produce, shopping at the North Mankato Farmers’ Market gives customers the opportunity to get to know their local producers and to support small businesses. One of these producers and small businesses is Leuer Gardens. Hilary Leuer, owner of Leuer Gardens, is a life-time resident of North Mankato. She recently took a personal interest in growing her own food and found farmers’ markets as the perfect platform to share her produce with others. Leuer and her husband Bob had been looking for a farm to rent for years before coming across the current home of Leuer Gardens in rural North Mankato. The land was already set up as a vegetable farm and was just what they had envisioned for their family. “The major goal of the farm was to raise our family in this lifestyle; where we can have a hands-on approach to showing the kids where their food comes from and how livestock is raised,” Leuer said. “It doesn’t come from the grocery store. It comes from the ground or is raised off what the earth produces.” Being able to share their fresh produce with others quickly became another added benefit of life on the Leuer Gardens farm. “We can provide different varieties of produce that aren’t seen at the grocery store,” Leuer said. “The goal of grocery store produce is to be able to ship well and last a long time. Whereas with the produce we grow, our goal is flavor. It doesn’t necessarily travel well, but it tastes so much better.” Customers can pick up products at Leuer Gardens, four miles outside of North Mankato, but Leuer needed a way to get her healthy foods and fresh cut flowers out to the public. As a new business owner, cost was a factor in her distribution. At the North Mankato Farmers’ Market, vendors can attend for free. “We are really excited that we are able to provide our vendors an outlet to sell their items at no cost to them,” said Anna Brown, Public Information Officer for the City of
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Hilary Leuer finds the perfect place to share her wares.
hand at 4:30 a.m. and sold the same day. Based on season, the crops are harvested as close to market time as possible and kept cool so the customer can have the best quality Leuer Gardens can provide. When shopping directly, customers and vendors also have the unique opportunity to get to know each other. The direct customer sales provided at the farmers’ markets allows a personal relationship with customers as well as insight into what items the Leuer Gardens will provide at future markets. Leuer enjoys the interaction with the customers and encourages suggestions for products to grow or things customers would like to see.
North Mankato and member of the team charged with organizing, planning, and running the North Mankato Farmers’ Market. “It’s purely profit to them. We think that’s a great benefit to vendors.”
“We do put a lot of time into researching the varieties that we’re offering because we are interested in providing produce that the customer is happy with and maybe has never tried before,” Leuer said. Their goal is to provide fresh and flavorful food. A few of the fan favorites are their tomatoes, sweet corn, and their varieties of popcorn. Coming soon to market sweet potatoes.
Allowing vendors to attend for free has opened the door to young businesses like Leuer Gardens, now in its second year of attendance at the market.
Best of all, the North Mankato Farmers’ Market provides vendors like Leuer Gardens and shoppers with a sense of community.
“The aspect of it being free is nice because you don’t have the added pressure of selling enough product to cover the cost of the day, plus make an income,” said Leuer.
“I really liked that the North Mankato market had lots of extra events in addition to the vendors that are there,” Leuer said. “It makes it more of a fun, family atmosphere for people to go to. It has a neighborhood feel.”
For the past six years, the North Mankato Farmers’ Market has been known as “Your Neighborhood Market.” More than just a slogan, organizers have expanded the Monday afternoon event to create a festive atmosphere for both vendors and shoppers.
“Our farmers’ market is one-of-a-kind,” Aanenson said. “We have transformed the North Mankato Farmers’ Market into a community event by incorporating games, musical performances, food trucks, and more.”
What started out as a passion project of North Mankato resident Kim Henrickson in 2016, the North Mankato Farmers’ Market changed hands in 2020 and developed into a partnership between the City of North Mankato and South Central College (SCC). Now hosted at SCC at 1920 Lee Boulevard in North Mankato, the North Mankato Farmers’ Market is open from 3 to 6 p.m. on Mondays from June to October each year. “South Central College, SCC North Mankato Campus Foundation, and the City of North Mankato have worked together for the last three seasons to facilitate and grow the North Mankato Farmers’ Market,” said Erin Aanenson, South Central College Foundation Executive Director. “SCC is happy to provide a safe, convenient location for local vendors to share their fresh and unique wares with community members.” Customers of the Farmers’ Market are not only enjoying fresh produce and unique hand-made products, but they are also supporting local small businesses. “It’s an opportunity to shop locally and support small businesses in their community,” Brown said. “Some of the vendors are their neighbors and friends.” “If the community is shopping locally, they are supporting the vendors and they are enhancing where they live,” Leuer said. “Leuer Gardens is supporting our community as well by providing them local produce that isn’t shipped across the country.” According to Leuer, market prep for Leuer Gardens is driven by what is in season. In the early season, Leuer will harvest two to three times a day to ensure her flowers are harvested at the correct stage to provide the client with the longest vase life. Later in the summer, sweet corn is harvested by
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Each day of the school year, Jeremiah Myer only has a few moments to make an impact on the children crossing Lee Boulevard on their way to Hoover Elementary School in Upper North Mankato. He makes those moments count by interacting with each child and by ensuring passing cars know his corner is a special place. All of these moments with children, parents and passersby have added up to what will be eight years as a crossing guard of the corner of Lee Boulevard and Hoover Drive this fall. After retirement, Myer was looking for opportunities to stay active. Being an early riser and having a special place in his heart for kids, made the decision to be a crossing guard an easy one. While Myer is proud of keeping children safe as a crossing guard, he has also become known for waving and smiling at every vehicle that drives by his corner. These small gestures are about more than being amiable. When he was first assigned to his current intersection, he noticed how fast the cars were driving by during those times when kids were crossing before and after school. The cars didn’t appear to even notice the flashing lights indicating a pedestrian crossing. Myer had a plan to slow them down.
Jeremiah loves his corner of the community.
“I don’t just wave, I look right into the car and they look back at me,” Myer said. “If they choose to believe it’s just that crazy guy waving at them, that’s fine, but it also makes them think about how it is a corner that children go through.” Myer also enjoys sharing his smiles. “I think everyone needs someone to smile at them in the morning,” Myer said. While the smiles he shares are contagious, his words of encouragement are also meaningful. Myer greets everyone he helps cross and wishes them a good day. He also has a knack for noticing if a child needs a little extra reassurance because of the trials of his own childhood.
Jeremiah greets each student he helps cross safely.
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It was very important to him that his four children had the best childhood he could give them. He did that by always making sure they knew they were loved. This belief is something that has carried through to his position as a crossing
guard. He does his best to make kids feel special by acknowledging them and taking the time to show he cares for them. “I try to make them know this corner is a good place and they are going to get good support here,” Myer said. “I say things like ‘learn everything you can, because I’m counting on you to change the world.’” He worries about what kids today are facing, and so for his part he provides safety and support for these brief daily moments, and spreads cheer where he is able. Spreading cheer is as easy as delighting the kids with the array of various hats he is known to wear along with his crossing guard vest. The impact he’s made over the years is obvious through the reaction his smiles and kind words elicit from the children he serves. But don’t take my word for it take it from the kids. “He is really nice, and he helps people calm down and cross the street,” said third grader Sunday. “I think he is a very kind person,” said fifth grader Sawda. ”He helps us walk across the road in the morning and he is very sweet.” “He makes me feel safe by putting up the flag and stopping the cars from driving,” said second grader Hamza. Myer has benefited just as much as the kids from his post as crossing guard. Prior to working on the intersection of Lee and Hoover, Myer filled in for various other schools in Mankato. He was happy about his current assignment because of the diversity of the children and families he serves. “I really like this spot because there is a real diversity in the children and I have gotten to become friends with a lot of their parents,” Myer said. “They are beautiful folks.” Myer is not the type to be idle. In his retirement, he also keeps busy as a Tour Guide for the Mankato Brewery and as a companion for an older gentleman that needs a little extra help. “I am a firm believer that you have to keep moving,” said Myer, who has helped kids move safely forward for almost eight years.
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HATCH A PLAN
For more ideas and recipes with Hatch chile peppers, scan the QR code:
THIS SEASON, TRY HATCH CHILE PEPPERS Get these sweet-and smoky chiles while they’re in season to add some heat to your favorite dishes. Hatch chile peppers are named after their original growing area in the Hatch Valley of New Mexico, and are typically harvested August through September. Their unique balance of heat, sweetness and earthiness makes them a hot commodity when in season. Most Hatch peppers are about a third as hot as a typical jalapeño pepper. The heat provides a flavor component that can help offset other flavor additives, like salt, making this a lower-sodium flavoring option in recipes. Reducing sodium intake can be helpful for better blood pressure control and overall heart health. High in vitamin C, these peppers help the body form blood vessels, cartilage, muscle and collagen in bones.
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My name is Kevin McCann, and I am your new City Administrator. I have been working for the city since 2016 as Finance Director so for a while, I will be wearing two hats. Transitioning from the North Mankato Finance Director to the North Mankato City Administrator, meant no need for a formal transition period. I was able to start the day after the formal approval at the June 20 council meeting and I hit the ground running. Read on as I answered questions from North Kato Magazine to help all of you get to know me better! What do you see as high priorities as you take over the position? The biggest priority is getting the 2023 budget developed. Summer is budget season in local government and as City Administrator and former Finance Director, I will be fulfilling both roles as I put the budget together. My other biggest priorities are to get to know people and learn how to best serve the citizens, business leaders, mayor and council members, and staff. The city has many capital projects that need to be completed ranging from the Lor Ray Dr. and McKinley Avenue street projects to the Caswell Softball upgrades.. At the same time, we will continue to work to secure state funding for the Caswell Indoor Rec Facility. Ultimately, we will work to maintain fiscal stability and continue to engage in large capital projects, while promoting residential and commercial development
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opportunities. Another big priority is to work on a plan for the former Norwood Inn facility. I will also work to continue to attract great new businesses and a variety of housing stock to the city by making North Mankato inviting and accommodating for those looking to locate here. What are some of your goals for the position? Regarding my goals for the position, I will work to build relationships, trust, and respect for the position. Although I have worked for the city since 2016, I am in a new role that will require lots of listening, learning, and building connections. Luckily, there is a great team of staff, elected officials, committee members, business leaders, and citizens willing to help. Why do you think North Mankato is such a wonderful place to live, work and play? North Mankato continues to be the city of choice by having great parks, businesses, citizens, and staff. There are tremendous opportunities here. My family loves the Spring Lake Pool, Fallenstein Park, the restaurants, and all the events in town, along with various other outstanding recreational opportunities. It is so wonderful to live, work, and play in such a terrific area. I would also like to thank everyone for this opportunity and for all who were involved with the city administrator selection process. It is an honor to be your next City Administrator and I look forward to achieving great things together.
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I grew up in Minnesota living in St. Paul and Savage. I graduated from the University of Minnesota, majoring in Economics. During my time at the U of MN, I majored in economics since it was broad enough to get into business or government. I ended up getting an internship with Scott County in their budget and finance office and was also appointed to the City of Savage Economic Development Commission. These first experiences in local government helped me realize my passion in helping local governments prosper. My first job was in Clarkfield, MN, a city of about 900 residents near Marshall, MN, as their City Administrator in 2006. I was right out of college and used this opportunity to learn as much as I could about running a city. Ultimately, I realized if I wanted to work for a larger community, I needed to get a master’s degree. I started going to Minnesota State University, Mankato to get my Master of Public Administration degree. I attended part-time while working full-time, eventually graduating in 2012. After about a year and a half in Clarkfield, I was appointed as the City Administrator for the City of Gaylord in 2008. While in Gaylord I learned even more about local government operations of a larger community. Gaylord was also great to me, I met my beautiful wife Hollie and started our family. Our son Miles was born in February 2014 and our daughter Isabelle was born in April 2016. In July 2016, I was hired as the North Mankato Finance Director. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, riding ATVs and side by sides, running, biking, lifting weights, and the occasional golfing and fishing. I am involved in the community through youth sports by helping coach hockey, football and soccer.
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FALL 2022 NORTH KATO MAGAZINE
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BY LISA COWNIE
Supporting others has always been a part of DeeDra’s life, but it has taken on even more meaning in the last couple of years. The wife and mother of three was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in June of 2020. “I hadn’t been feeling well for a while,” she reflects. “I just had a weird pain in my abdomen area, but I was busy shuttling kids, working and I just didn’t think it was anything.” After a couple of months of “dealing with it”, DeeDra was in so much pain one night, she drove herself to the hospital. After a CT Scan and an MRI she was referred right to Mayo Clinic Rochester. “How lucky am I that we have access to the best healthcare system in the world, right here in our region. At first, we were thinking it was an abscessed cyst or large mass that needed removed. But I knew when I woke up from the surgery that something was wrong because what was supposed to be a laparoscopic procedure, was full-blown invasive surgery.” She was told she had stage 4 appendix cancer: mucinous adenocarcinoma. The cancer starts in the appendix, but creates a jelly-like substance that spreads cancerous cells to other parts of the body. “While we waited for the pathology, they really couldn’t tell me much,” she reflects. “So, it was a scary first week. I had thoughts of not being able to see my kids get married, or meet my grandchildren. But I quickly changed my mindset into thinking about a plan of action. I knew it wouldn’t do any good to worry or think about worse case. So, I just asked myself, ‘what can I do’ and went from there.” Compounding the issue is that this was just at the start of the pandemic, so she couldn’t have visitors, it was isolating, even though she knew back home her family had the support they needed.
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DeeDra focuses on what she CAN do and always shines with positivity.
“The community really rallied and I found when you really need help, people step up without you even having to ask. The night of my diagnosis, my friends were at my house helping my husband Steve and my children. People signed up to bring us meals for five weeks, I received notes in the mail. Everything just got taken
I think of the people that don’t have support, that don’t have a network of help. I was lucky that my community of people rallied around me. But I know not everyone has that. NORTH KATO MAGAZINE FALL 2022
care of somehow; someone even made sure my son got signed up for sports!” After intense Chemo and another 11-hour surgery to remove part of her colon and her gallbladder (where the cancer may have spread), DeeDra came away with a whole new perspective on life.
The Vosburg family: Will, DeeDra, Maddie, Sam and Steve.
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“I have much more appreciation for everything in life, like literally just walking my dog I no longer take for granted,” she says. “I am so fortunate that I had friends and family and a built-in support system. But I know not everyone has that. That is one reason why participating in things like Blingo Bingo is so important. It raises funds for the JZ Cancer Fund, which supports people diagnosed with cancer. Blingo Bingo is also important to me because I want to bring awareness to women to take care of themselves. As moms, wives, daughters, we often put ourselves last and not think about taking care of our own health right away. The doctor said my cancer had probably been growing inside of me for years.” DeeDra now has a CT scan every six months and bloodwork every three months. So far, she has been in the clear. The longer she goes with no signs, the less likely it is for the cancer to return. “Please take care of yourself,” DeeDra says. “If you have your health, you have everything.”
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NORTH KATO MAGAZINE FALL 2022
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It’s important to consider nutrition balance when packing your child’s lunch or choosing an afternoon snack. Here are some quick tips to fuel your child for a great day of playing and learning: Think basics: Protein, Carbohydrate (fruit and grains), Fiber (vegetables) – be sure to include some of each.
are good for muscle growth and development. Try chicken or other meats, hard-boiled eggs, cheese sticks, cottage cheese, beans and lentils, as well as nuts and seeds.
fuel our bodies, and are found in fruits and grains. Choose whole fruits and whole grains whenever possible. These are just what your child needs to help him or her grow healthy and strong. Try whole grain crackers, cereal, tortillas, pasta, bread, and fruits.
helps balance blood sugars, keeps tummies regular, and helps us feel fuller longer. Vegetables are a great source of fiber and are also packed with vitamins and minerals. Increase vegetable consumption by including a nutritious dip (hummus, yogurt, salsa or peanut butter). Let your child pick out a vegetable to try each week and help cut it into bite-sized pieces. Don’t be afraid to get creative, there is no wrong way to eat a vegetable!
Apple Snackwich DIRECTIONS Step 1: Wash and core apples. Step 2: Slice top and bottom off apples; discard. Slice each apple crosswise into 4 slices.
Scan for recipe
Step 3: Spread 1/2 tablespoon peanut butter on each apple slice, then top each slice with 1/2 teaspoon a sprinkling of granola, mini chocolate chips and raisins. Step 4: Sandwich two slices to make snackwich.
Nutrition Facts per serving: 170 calories, 9g fat, 2.5g saturated fat, 0g trans fat, 0mg cholesterol, 75mg sodium, 20g total carbohydrate, 3g dietary fiber, 14g total sugars, 5g protein
P R O U D LY S P O N S O R E D B Y
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YOUR SCHOOL LUNCH HEADQUARTERS 26
NORTH KATO MAGAZINE FALL 2022
Scan for recipe Looking for a new way to make breakfast and snack time exciting? Try this unique take on frozen yogurt using Greek yogurt, blueberries, and granola. DIRECTIONS Step 1: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper; spray with nonstick cooking spray and set aside. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine yogurt and honey. Spread mixture on prepared baking sheet.
The perfect post-school snack. Wrap peanut butter spread tortillas around sliced bananas and top with your favorite toppers such as cereal, nuts, and chocolate chips.
Step 3: Sprinkle yogurt with granola, blueberries, kiwis, and toasted coconut. Freeze for about 1 hour or until completely frozen.
DIRECTIONS Step 1: Spread peanut butter onto tortilla. Lay peeled banana on one end of tortilla and roll up tightly.
Step 4: Remove bark from freezer and break into pieces. Serve immediately or freeze leftover bark in the freezer in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.
Step 2: Cut rolled tortilla crosswise into 8 pieces. Spread peanut butter on top of each piece and dip into crushed freeze-dried strawberries, Hy-Vee shredded coconut, Hy-Vee fruity crisp rice cereal, Hy-Vee mini semisweet baking chips, or chopped pistachios. Nutrition Facts per serving: 4 pieces, 330 calories, 19g total fat, 4g saturated fat, 0g trans fat, 0mg cholesterol, 290mg sodium, 34g total carbohydrate, 5g dietary fiber, 11g total sugars, 2g added sugars, 11g protein
Nutrition Facts per serving: 4 pieces, 330 calories, 19g total fat, 4g saturated fat, 0g trans fat, 0mg cholesterol, 290mg sodium, 34g total carbohydrate, 5g dietary fiber, 11g total sugars, 2g added sugars, 11g protein
Scan for recipe
APRIL GRAFF Hilltop Hy-Vee Registered Dietitian
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RIVERFRONT LOCATION 410 S. Riverfront Dr., Mankato | 507-625-1107 FALL 2022 NORTH KATO MAGAZINE
27
BY DARLA MAKELA
Kay Miller was a name I heard for years when the mention of aches and pains would come up:
approach to healing the body. This was a powerful step in raising the bar for massage therapists in the Mankato area.
“Go to Kay Miller!”
Kay now works out of the Advanced Chiropractic office in upper North Mankato. As I sat down with Kay to ask her a few questions I gained so much more insight into what makes her tick and what makes her services so unique and impactful.
“Kay Miller really knows what she is doing!” “Kay Miller works miracles!” Fast forward to about three years ago when I was experiencing some pretty intense pain with multiple visits to other practitioners who could not provide relief. I took a chance of her having time in her busy schedule and gave her a call. Upon meeting her, I finally understood what people were saying and why she came so highly recommended! Finally, some relief as well as a great referral to another practitioner that took care of what she could not. Now I am on a mission to tell everyone about this nurse / massage therapist. But first, let me tell you a little bit about why Kay’s treatment is so special and effective. As a mom raising four kids, Kay worked a variety of parttime jobs to allow her the ability to be more available for her kids as they were growing up. As her children grew, she felt called to go back to school to start a new career and she knew that she had two passions: nursing and massage therapy. Because nursing requires a four-year degree, Kay chose to get her Massage Therapist schooling done first. As she pondered where this new career might go, Kay literally had a dream…not just a thought but an actual dream that she was to open a massage clinic and get her nursing degree. So, with her Massage Therapy license in tow, she enrolled in South Central College and would complete her nursing degree there. Thus was the birth of Crossroads Clinic of Mankato. This is where Kay got to live out her dreams of doing what she loves while supporting herself and helping other massage therapists live out their dreams as well. Her proudest accomplishment has been changing the way people feel about massage in our region. Helping people recognize that massage can be a therapeutic
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NORTH KATO MAGAZINE FALL 2022
How do nursing and massage therapy complement each other? My LOVE and passion is massage therapy but having a medical background helps me better guide my clients in their quest for healing, using both medical care and alternative medicine. What is the advantage of having a nurse as your massage therapist? As a nurse, I have a good understanding of medications and how they impact the body and interact with each other. This allows me to help the client identify the best care for them as I am helping to guide them on their wellness journey using both modern medicine and complementary medicine. What are your patient’s most common needs? Pain relief by far! About 30% of my clients need acute care while about 70% of my clients come for regular maintenance. What tips do you have for those wondering if massage therapy is right for them? Massage therapy is right for nearly everyone. If everyone got a massage once a week we would have world peace! Seriously though, with my patients ranging from 8 years to 97 years old, there is not just one person that can benefit from massage therapy. I truly believe it should be part of everyone’s wellness plan. It is important to understand that when you come to me, you will not receive your typical massage. It will be a clinical massage intermingled with relaxation. How has owning your business impacted your life the most? Doing what I do absolutely changed my life! I am living out my passion which allows me the ability to support myself and earn a living doing what I love. There has never been a day where I have not wanted to go to work. My clients fulfill my life and I care deeply about them. I have clients who have been coming regularly since the beginning of my business 18 years ago. To me, that is success!
What is your life motto? Love what you do and you never work a day in your life. Work hard so you can play hard. What is one tip for the new entrepreneur starting to build their biz? Have an exit strategy. Write your plans and have a plan if you need to get out.
move on. Luckily, I had created a “what if plan” so that if this day came I would be prepared for my next steps. Having that exit plan helped me align my actions throughout the years so that I would be ready to make changes if they would come up. Which they did!
I have to say that is interesting to me. Can you elaborate? After owning Crossroads Massage Clinic for several years it became clear, through a series of events, that it was time to
If you want more information on Kay’s services you can check her out at: crossroads.massagetherapy.com/home
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Brent Busch, your local neighborhood mortgage lender. Q: We are ready to buy a new home but don’t want to move all our stuff twice, or move everything in one day. How can we take our time to moving into our new home? A: In many cases, you can purchase your new home and then sell your current home after you move. One question that frequently comes up in this situation is “what about my down payment”. We have a unique offering that allows you to apply the proceeds from the sale of your home towards your principle after you close and then recalculate your payment. In this scenario you could put the minimum amount down, 3%-5% on your new purchase. Once you sell your current home you simply apply the proceeds to the principal and we can recalculate your mortgage payment. This acts as a delayed down payment, and is a great solution to make your purchase and move as easy as possible.
Q: I keep seeing in the news that mortgage rates are rising. How will this affect my new home purchase? A: This is certainly the headline in the news, and something to be aware of. The Federal Reserve is indicating they will tighten their policy over the next year and possibly raise rates as we exit the pandemic. Keep in mind mortgage rates are dependent on many different factors, not just the Federal Reserve. With that in mind rates are still excellent when compared to the recent past. The rate changes and adjustments can affect your payment so its always best to have as much information as possible when home shopping. I recommend talking to your mortgage professional about each property you are interested in so you know what your payment will be. Having a complete payment estimate for the property you are looking at will allow you to make the best offer on the home and be sure to stay withing your budget. You may be surprised at how affordable purchasing a home can be compared to renting.
I am always available to answer any questions you may have. Call 507-389-8276 or email me at busch@primesourcefunding.com
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H E R E TO R E M E M B E R
BY NATE BOOTS
In 1965, North Mankato had its first “North Mankato Days.” A three-day event was held, and six thousand folks attended and reportedly consumed some 650 gallons of beer. It was a sign that North Mankato was thriving, as many communities in the USA were in the wake of World War II and increased urbanization. Urban sprawl, though, meant that there was less natural, untouched land to absorb spring snow melts. And in the Spring of ‘65, snowmelt and rain combined to worry the Kato area by way of a Minnesota River flooding.
tried several different ways of getting in, and we finally did. They weren’t going to let us in. It was that serious.”
The top headline of the April 8 Mankato Free Press read: “30-Foot Crest Now Due, Heavy Damage in Sight” with a sub-headline that read: “No Guarantee Dikes to Hold at That Mark.” The April 9 edition bemoaned, “Flood Loss Here Due in Millions,” with a sub-head of “Ice Hunks Arriving; River’s Rise Slowing.”
Duffy (who joined The Gestures later on) was in high school at the time and was one of the many volunteers who took to sandbagging different parts of the city to stave off damage wherever possible.
The great bend of the Minnesota had troubled the folks of Mankato and North Mankato before, possibly most notably in 1951 when all of North Kato was under water at the street level, and the first graduates of Mankato West High had to forgo their graduation walk-throughs—recent pandemic grads can relate! But the response to the Flood of ‘65 was as noteworthy as its record highwater mark of 29 feet and change, and it created a bond that has morphed into the modern annual North Mankato Fun Days celebration. A big part of that first celebration was the music put on by The Gestures, a band that held its formative practices on Nicollet Avenue in North Mankato. Recently, over lunch at NaKato, I spoke with four remaining members of The Gestures: Dale Menten, Tom Klugherz, Arnie Marshall, and Dan Duffy. The Gestures had just hit the height of their fame in 1964 with the meteoric rise of their single, “Run, Run, Run,” which just preceded the British Invasion explosion of Beatle-mania. The Gestures were in the midst of regular nationwide touring when the big flood hit in early April of 1965. “I was coming back from Iowa. I was at a wedding,” said Menten. “I had a hard time getting in, driving from Iowa. We
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“I came home on leave to get my family moved out of North Mankato,” Marshall said. “Remember that square house we had?” “Yeah,” said Menten. “Did that go under?” “Yeah,” said Marshall. “They weren’t gonna let me go home. I was in uniform. I said, ‘I’m going across this bridge one way or another.’”
“I was sandbagging,” says Duffy. “Most of us were high school kids. You’d spend an hour, hour-and-a-half, filling sandbags, and then they’d haul ‘em off in a truck. I was down by the bridge at Honeymead. It was fun. Well, I wouldn’t call it fun. But you got out of school if you said you’d go help and volunteer. I was a senior in high school.” Klugherz, the band’s bassist, recalls the band using their big, white van to aid in the flood control efforts. He said, “We were supposed to go somewhere to a gig, and we called and said, ‘We can’t get outta town because we are having fun delivering sandwiches with the van.’”
As a token of appreciation for the sandbaggers and all those who came together to work to save the city as best they could, The Gestures played a gig, recalled Klugherz, at the corner of Belgrade Avenue and Range Street. “There was a gas station there,” said Klugherz. “That’s where it all started. It was an appreciation for the sandbaggers. The next year, we moved to the tennis court. I remember Bruce (Waterston, the drummer) came in and sang Henry the Eighth.” “I remember coming in and watching that,” said Duffy. “I was in Prince and the Paupers at the time.” “And after that, I’m not sure how it turned into Fun Days, but it did,” said Klugherz. “They just had a celebration every year.”
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The talk then turned to early days of the Kato music scene with names thrown around like Group de Ville, The Sonics, Larry Reno, Lee James, Backlund’s music store. And then there were the memories of Jim McGuire’s magical guitar playing. “Jim was a greaser back in the fifties,” said Klugherz. “Leather jacket and all.” “Guitar pulled him off the streets,” said Menten. The rest of the guys chuckled. “It’s been a musical place since ever I can remember,” said Arnie Marshall. “I don’t know why Mankato’s always had good bands. But there has been a lot of great music.” A lull falls over the conversation as the men pause to consider and reflect. Suddenly, the loud ring of a telephone cuts the moment short. It’s Klugherz’s phone. He fumbles for it, prepares to answer it, and says, “Uh oh. Could be McCartney.”
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BY AMY LORENZ
While giving the chili one last stir, I glanced up and looked out of the window to see a van pull up. Out of the van, hopped a couple of members of the band Guns N’ Roses, two jail inmates, and Mao Zedong. As they walked up to the door, I was wondering what our college-aged kids were doing at home. Once asked, they simply replied, “It’s Halloween, this is what we do.” We have been gathering at our home in North Mankato every October 31, for more than 20 years now. It began with a small invite to family who lived out of town and needed somewhere to go. Our neighborhood provides just the right amount of distance for little legs to walk and plenty of full-size candy bars. It has since grown into a gathering of family, friends and neighbors. Dozens gather at our home every year for what has become a special celebration at our house. The menu has not changed from the first gathering: chili and wild rice soup. Others bring sides of crusty bread, salads and, of course, plenty of treats.
Since our first Halloween in North Mankato, our family of four has grown to a family of eight. The rules for trick-or-treating remain the same: as long as you have a costume on, nobody is too old for treats. This past year included our high school daughter, Estelle, introducing a group of foreign exchange students to the idea of knocking on doors and asking for treats. After finding a leotard from the ‘80s, some feathers, a helmet or two, and some pillowcases for their loot, these girls were set. Just as we have the tradition of chili and wild rice soup, the kids have the all-important tradition of trading candy. As the night wears on and the trick-or-treaters begin to trail off, the real action begins inside. From preschoolers to high schoolers, they dump their overflowing pillow cases and bags out on the floor. Soon each kid is sitting on their own island of candy, negotiating the Twix to Skittles trades. A 20-year tradition for our family that I know will keep going for at least another 20, no matter how old or far apart we get.
The Great Candy Trade!
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All ages get in on the fun of dressing up!
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BY LISA COWNIE
Benson Park boasts a trail that meanders through Upper North Mankato, circling Ladybug Lake with prairie grass and other native vegetation abundant. It is also home to a statue of Sitting Bull, birds of all sorts, and coming in September, it can add music venue to its growing list of attractions. The Mankato Symphony Orchestra (MSO) will open its 72nd season at the park on September 10, bringing nature and art together with a goal of bringing community together. “Thanks to the city of North Mankato’s generous sponsorship, admission is free,” explains Bethel Balge, executive director of MSO. “Families are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and enjoy a beautiful, patriotic concert by the Mankato Symphony.
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NORTH KATO MAGAZINE FALL 2022
“Our conductor is Manny Laureano, who plays principal trumpet with the Minnesota Orchestra and is an experienced conductor having led many orchestras. His idea behind the program is to offer a musical portrayal of our collective efforts to build our nation.” That idea is evident in the setlist, which includes memorable and popular tunes such as “Stars and Stripes”, “West Side Story” and more. Food and beverages will be available for purchase throughout the event. The hope of the city and MSO is that people who might not normally go to Benson Park, will check out this new attraction. “I think that when many concert goers arrive, this may be the first time they have set foot in Benson Park,” explains Balge. “The Mankato Symphony is so thrilled to receive the invitation to perform in Benson Park. Everyone is excited to get out and perform. The energy of an outdoor concert with a whole community behind you is unforgettable.”
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First, very lightly dip the rim of your glass into caramel, then demerara (or turbinado) sugar. In a shaker add: 1 oz. caramel vodka 1 oz. apple whiskey 1 oz. apple cider Pinch of cinnamon Add plenty of ice, shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds, strain immediately into prepared glass.
Squeeze a lime wedge into your mule cup and add: 1 oz. Tattersall cranberry 1 oz. vodka 1 oz. cranberry juice In mixing glass add: 2 oz. bourbon (we recommend Buffalo Trace or Old Forester 1910)
Add ice to rim, top with ginger beer and garnish with a lime wedge and fresh cranberries.
½ oz. pure maple syrup 1 dash each Angostura and orange bitters Add plenty of ice and stir for 20 seconds, strain immediately into rocks glass and add fresh ice. Garnish with Luxardo cherry and orange peel.
Recipes provided by Dino’s Pizzeria Belgrade Avenue lower North Mankato
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BY BETH FASNACHT
Fall fashion takes on a whole new meaning in 2022. Following a two-year pandemic, people are emerging from working at home into a new world where comfort is not only key, but accepted. Oh, and the 90s make a return!
1
TREND
Speaking of comfort, let’s start with footwear. Foot-loving options are what’s in style, ranging from Birkenstock clogs to moto boots. Square toes, lace-up detail, thick soles, and metal hardware are just a few of the things you’ll see on shoe store shelves. Throw them on with a short tweed skirt or slouchy tailored trousers to casual down your outfit and be comfortable wherever your day may take you.
Sequins are no longer saved for special holiday occasions! You can now break out that sparkly top to meet the girls for lunch. Throw it on with a pair of denim jeans and biker jacket to feel uplifted and excited to be out and about. Better yet, grab that sequined dress from the back of your closet and add a denim jacket and white trainers for a yearround look any time of day. If you just want a touch of glitter, a sequined bag or glitzy shoes are sure to brighten your day.
3 TREND
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Don’t plan on ditching those joggers from your work-from-home days! Okay, well, save the cotton ones for home, but upgrade to silk or twill for going out. Pair them with a pair of designer heels and add a bowling bag shaped leather bag and you’ll be rocking the new sports luxe trend of fall 2022. Side stripes? Yes please! Stripes down the leg of a pant, sleeve of a jacket, or on the neckline of a dress is a subtle way to incorporate this trend into your wardrobe.
NORTH KATO MAGAZINE FALL 2022
2 TREND
4
TREND
Looking for that one staple piece to carry you through until the next trend? Find the perfect blazer that can be worn to the office or out on the weekend. The bigger the better, the oversized silhouette is back with large slouched shoulders. Make sure to pair your new blazer with a sleek dress or fitted bottoms. Tall figures should go for longer lengths while a petite figure will look fantastic in a cropped blazer. On the bustier side? Leave the blazer open to create a slimming window between the lapels, flattering your figure.
5 TREND
Whether we like it or not, fall is a precursor to winter and our closets need to be full of warm sweaters. When looking for a new sweater this year, follow the oversized trend. The easiest way to keep up with this style is to size up when purchasing your next sweater. Be careful not to let the oversized overwhelm your body, it’s best to pair your sweater with a fitted jean or use a belt to accentuate your waist. Along with the oversized sweater, the blanket scarf and extralong lengths to cozily wrap into are essential this winter season.
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BY DR. KELLY BRYAN, MANKATO CLINIC PEDIATRICIAN
The first day of school is a big day! Remember a new school year can be stressful for kids. In fact, it’s a lot like starting a new job. Here are some tips to get the school year off to a good start.
Breakfast Studies show children who eat a nutritious breakfast do better in school, have better concentration and more energy. Protein is key to a breakfast that fuels us all morning long. Hard boiled eggs, peanut butter toast, oatmeal with sun butter, yogurt or cheese sticks are nutritious and quick!
Bedtime routines Bedtime routines vary among children and teenagers, but the goal is to calm the brain and body for sleep. A bedtime routine may include a bath or shower, reading and chill music. Go to back-to-school events Watch for back-to-school events such as orientations, meet the teacher and other activities. Visiting their school may help calm those first day jitters. Meeting teachers, seeing their classrooms, catching up with classmates and organizing their lockers can get them in the groove. Back-to-school events are really helpful when your children are starting kindergarten, middle school or high school.
Sleep It’s natural for kids to go to sleep and wake later in the summer. But now it’s time to get them back on a school sleep routine. Children ages 6-12 need 9-12 hours of sleep and teenagers need 8-10 hours. Gradually adjust bedtimes about two weeks before the first day of school. Try pushing bedtimes back 15 minutes each day. Wake your children up a little earlier each day also. When children get enough sleep, they have a healthier immune system and better school performance, behavior, memory and mental health according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
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NORTH KATO MAGAZINE FALL 2022
Set a curfew for your children to turn off electronics one hour before bedtime. Phones, iPads, TVs and computer screens emit blue light which reduces the production of melatonin. Melatonin is the hormone that tells us it’s time to go to sleep. Set up a charging station in the kitchen or living room where the children’s phones and devices are parked every night.
Mornings To make mornings less hectic and stressful, pack backpacks the night before and wake your children up a little early to prepare for the day. Try using a check list and posting it where your kids will see it. Your check list might include: Get dressed; eat breakfast; put on shoes; put on coat; grab backpack. A checklist will help them stay on task. A quick chat may also be helpful. Go through their schedule and talk about what they are doing after school too.
Signs of stress If school is stressing your child out or causing anxiety, you’ll know it. Irritability is a very common sign. Often kids will have trouble falling asleep, have nightmares or wake during the night. Some kids will complain of tummy aches or headaches, cry or worry a lot. Talk with your health care provider. Anxiety is very common in children and teenagers; we can help.
Be positive We often hear kids say “I hate school” or “I don’t want to go to school.” Ask them why and listen. You may gain insight on how to help them succeed. For instance, play and movement is limited in the school day. Let them walk to the bus stop or bring them to school early to play on the playground. Do your best to put a positive spin on school. Talk about the things your kiddos like about school such as their friends, a cool teacher, their favorite subjects.
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Thank you from Thank all of usyou for from your all of us for your continued support! continued support!
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H E R E TO G R OW
We are excited to be a part of the North Mankato Community. ActivePT's core focus is to make people better; both our team members and our patients. Our team is passionate about getting you back to living the life you love. We look forward to being your outpatient physical therapy family. Thank you for the warm welcome to the community. ACTIVEPT PHYSICAL THERAPY – NEW BUSINESS 1681 COMMERCE DR, NORTH MANKATO
CENTER FOR INTERACTIVE LEARNING & COLLABORATION – NEW BUSINESS 2075 LOOKOUT DRIVE, NORTH MANKATO
The Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC), a local nonprofit dedicated to connecting young minds to unique and diverse learning experiences, is proud to be a part of the North Mankato community and recently hosted a Cavalier visit from Greater Mankato Growth. Executive Director Glenn Morris explained how bringing the world of live virtual field trips from beloved museums, zoos, scientific, historic, and cultural centers into classrooms helps kids better connect to learning. These powerful, memorable, and fun excursions, studies have shown, strengthen student’s critical thinking skills, empathy toward others and tolerance. For more information about CILC and to become a member for free, visit discover.cilc.org Welcome to our newly expanded space. Featuring kitchen items, home decor, bar accessories and much more! This is right next door to our coffee shop at 231 Belgrade Ave in lower North Mankato.
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Start living with less back pain. Living with chronic back pain can be an emotional and difficult journey. Whether your life has been limited by your pain or you’re tired of testing short-term solutions, Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato has got your back. With a variety of therapies — physical, medicinal, and surgical — we develop your treatment plan together. Get back to an active and healthy life with the help of expert neurosurgery care.
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