CMW/C/COL/2 · Title: CMW/C/COL/2 Author: Christine Fanelli Created Date: 3/30/2012 8:48:04 AM
CMW - Dec14JanFeb15
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Greta Weisman, Esthetician — A Newer Version of You LOCAL WOMEN’S NETWORK SECTION AND GIFT-GIVING GUIDE Steppin’ Out! • SeaSOnal HappeningS Charlene Ridlon, Fun Art! Founder, Art As You Like It! Volunteers: Stearns County Mounted Reserve Unit 16 of 22 Members…Women! WACOSA - disABILITY Relationship Violence An Escalating Issue Food Explorer The Potato Takes Center Stage! What’s He Thinking? - go Big or go Home!
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Transcript of CMW - Dec14JanFeb15
Greta Weisman,Esthetician — A Newer Version of You
LOCAL WOmen’s netWOrk seCtiOn And Gift-GivinG Guide Steppin’ Out! • SeaSOnal HappeningS
Charlene Ridlon, fun Art! founder, Art As You Like it!
Volunteers: Stearns County Mounted
Reserve Unit 16 of 22 members…Women!
WACOSA - disABiLitY
Relationship Violence
An escalating issue
Food Explorerthe Potato takes
Center stage!
What’s He Thinking?- go Big or go Home!
2 Dec 2014-Jan-Feb 2015 {Central Minnesota Women} cmwomen.com
Central Minnesota Women is published six times per year by Central Minnesota Women L.L.C.© PO Box 485, waite Park, mN 56387 | Please do not send unsolicited manuscripts. contact the publisher. |Central Minnesota Women L.L.C.© All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Central Minnesota Women does not necessarily endorse the claims or contents of advertising or editorial materials. Printed in the U.S.A.
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together as planned, we make endless lists of to-do’s, happily checking them off, one by one. we wonder -- ever notice how, through selfless giving, an unexpected joy we receive is the renewal of ourselves and our spirit? A timely gift! we’ll need that self-renewal as we plunge into another brand-spanking new year packed with hopes and expectations.
Speaking of unconditional giving -- in this issue, get to know greta weisman, whose specialty is helping clients look and feel better, while managing her own health issues. learn how the volunteer women and men of the Stearns county Sheriff’s mounted Reserves unflinchingly give back to our community. if you believe that the world would be a dark, dismal place without art, connect with artist charlene ridlon, who gives us permission to make art the way we like it. giving clients what they need to lead more fulfilling lives is what the people of wAcOSA do, every day – meet them here.
Our columnists give us their perspectives, serious and fun, on relationships, food, and numerous family events.
Before you dive into this issue, we have exciting news to share. First, we’re switching to an odd-month publishing schedule with the march-April 2015 issue. Next, you’ll notice changes, here and there, but, always, stories and columns meant to inspire, educate, and empower you, our readers. we’re updating our website, as well, with special content you’ll find there, only. we hope you’ll love your new CMW experience as much as we think you will!
in between your many holiday tasks, be sure to take a little me-time. Pour yourself a comforting cup of hot cocoa, tea, or coffee, and spend time here with us.
To you, central minnesota women, we send our very best -- now and throughout the coming year!
By Tamera and Natalie
most of us welcome the arrival of this time of year because of the joy it gives us to shower extra love and attention on precious family members and friends. To ensure that everything comes
6 Dec 2014-Jan-Feb 2015 {Central Minnesota Women} cmwomen.com
5 ◗ prinTeD worDSholiday and renewalBy Tamera and Natalie
7 ◗ SpeciAl ADverTiSing SecTion - gift-giving guide
8 ◗ mUST-Do’SBy Cori Hilgsencatch the excitement of the holidays, and add some (all?) of cori’s must-do happenings to your calendar.
10 ◗ AnnA mArie’S AlliAncewhat’s love got to Do with it?By Debra Schroeder
11 ◗ cover STorY: greta weisman – helping Others Feel Beautiful By Cori HilsgenPhotos by Sue DroppBy working through her own
health struggles, greta has come to believe that “why go through it if you aren’t going to use it to help other people?”
15 ◗ FeATUre STorY: Fun Art, Not Fine Art – charlene ridlon, Art As you like itBy Char HopelaPhotos by Jen Lessingerwho knew creating art could be so much fun!
18 ◗ FeATUre STorY: The women of Stearns county Sheriff’s mounted reserve:well-Trained and emergency- readyBy Lynn FisherPhotos by Sue Dropp and Amber Gardineryou may not have known about this dedicated unit whose purpose is to serve our area
from the backs of their own horses.
20 ◗ SpeciAl ADverTiSing SecTion - local women’s Network
23 ◗ FocUSeD pHilAnTHropY:The Opportunity to work.wAcOSA Serves Adults with Disabilities By helping Them Build Skills and Find workBy Crystal NuttPhotos by Jen Lessinger
26 ◗ FooD eXplorerThis Spud’s For you!By Heather RotundaPhotos by Sue Droppheather serves up delicious edibles: gnocchi, german Potato Salad, and – you didn’t see this one coming, right? – cinnamony Baked Donuts.
28 ◗ wHAT’S He THinking?go Big or go home!By Doug Vagle
29 ◗ women’S FUnD Family Traditions Foster Family legaciesBy Melinda Sanders
30 ◗ STeppin’ oUTBy Natalie M. Rotundain partnership with AroundThecloud.org.
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ON The cover
Table of contentsDEC 2014 - JAN & FEb 2015
Ann Kennedy, Andrea Harrell, Crystal Nutt, Steve Howard. Not pictured, Roxanne Ryan
cmwomen.com {Central Minnesota Women} Dec 2014-Jan-Feb 2015 7
Gift-Giving Guide
8 Dec 2014-Jan-Feb 2015 {Central Minnesota Women} cmwomen.com
Must-Do’sby Cori Hilsgen
As winter approaches and the excitement of the holi-days is all around us, it’s a good time to ask ourselves
what activities we enjoy participating in at this time of year, and then take time to enjoy a few of them. here are ideas to brighten spirits and help you relax
and enjoy the magic of this season of giving.
Celebrating to Help HospiceOnce again, it’s time to don your
holiday “bling” for a good cause by attending the 40th anniversary holly Ball festivities. This annual “black-tie” event raises money for the St. cloud hospital hospice and coborn
cancer center greatest Needs funds, which provide for “extras” often
not covered by insurance. The event will be held from 6:30 p.m. to midnight, December
6th, at the St. cloud river’s edge convention center, and
includes hors d’oeuvres, a silent
auction, dancing, and entertain-ment by the Fabulous Armadil-los and Sell Out Stereo. Tickets for the general public are $175. guests are also invited to attend an After Party, with entertainment by hairball, from midnight to 2:00 a.m. For more information, visit the website, centracare.com/founda-tion/events/holly-ball/, or call (320) 240-2810.
Classy and Classical
Performanceslorie line returns to St. Joseph for her 25th anniversary christmas Special. To celebrate 25 years of touring, lori is showcasing her best holiday music from her long ca-reer. She will perform at 7:30 p.m., December 11th, at the college of St. Benedict escher Auditorium. Tickets are $49. For more informa-tion, visit the website, csbsju.edu/
must-Do’s
cmwomen.com {Central Minnesota Women} Dec 2014-Jan-Feb 2015 9
fine-arts, or call (320) 363-5777.
relax while listening to the music of the season performed by the St. cloud Symphony Orchestra. A children’s Holiday concert will be presented at 10:00 a.m., and a Holiday pops concert will be presented at 3:00 p.m., December 13th, at the St. cloud State Uni-versity Stewart Hall ritsche Audi-torium. Tickets range from $5 to $25. For more information, visit the website, stcloudsymphony.com, or call (320) 252-7276.
Ring in the new year with family funwelcome the new year by spending a fun
evening at the annual New year’s eve Family Fun Fest. Activities include inflatable games, open skate, dome and main gym activi-ties, and food. This event is for all ages and will be held from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m., December 31st, at
the Herb Brooks national Hockey center and Halenbeck Hall at St. cloud State University. Attendees should enter through the hockey center. Tickets range from $3 to $5. For additional information, visit the website, stcloudstate.edu/campusrec, or call (320) 308-3325.
Bring your children or grandchil-dren to meet the emmy Award- winning Zinghoppers’ group. This group tours internationally, performing about 500 preschool party-rocking concerts, annually. Their music videos are viewed in over 175 countries and are broad-cast on over 150 PBS member stations in the United States. The group will perform at 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., January 18th, at the paramount Theatre. Tickets range from $6 to $12. For more informa-tion, visit the website, paramoun-tarts.org, or call (320) 259-5463.
Attend the Mardi GrasThe catholic charities’ annual mardi gras will take place at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, January 31st, at the St. cloud river’s edge convention center. The night includes hor d’oeuvres, a silent auction, a wine pull, gourmet dinner, and dancing to the Fabulous Armadillos. Proceeds from this event benefit Catholic charities emergency Services Food Shelf and Domus Transitional housing. Seats must be purchased in advance, and tickets purchased online are discounted. For more information, visit the website, ccstcloud.org, or call (320)650-1665.
Cori Hilsgen is a central Minnesota freelance writer. She is a wife, mother and grandmother who enjoys spending time with family and friends.
2015
must-Do’s
10 Dec 2014-Jan-Feb 2015 {Central Minnesota Women} cmwomen.com
Debra Schroeder is a local. She grew up in Cold Spring, went to college at SCSU, and has worked with Anna Marie’s Alliance since 2000. She gains much energy from talking with people about the issues faced by those experiencing relationship violence. Debra
currently lives in her childhood home with her husband, seven cats, and the occasional bat.
she wasn’t going to be able to change brian, and she wasn’t responsible for the actions he took. Knowing this didn’t make breaking off the relation-ship any easier, but Norah knew it was the right thing for her.
brian’s abuse of other girlfriends and family members. At one point, brian moved out-of-state, in hopes of fleeing criminal charges for domestic violence. His mother begged Norah not to call off the wedding, saying she was so good for him and could help him change. The wedding was only six weeks away, and they had already spent a lot of money, much of which wouldn’t be refunded. Friends and family were all expecting them to marry. Norah’s parents really liked brian, would they understand?
In the end, it was Norah’s older brother who convinced her that her safety and happiness trumped money and other people’s expectations. He was able to help Norah understand
What’s Love Got To Do With It?
By Debra Schroeder
Norah was six weeks away from walking down the aisle to marry the love of her life. She had begun plan-ning the wedding the day after brian proposed almost 18 months earlier. This was to be the perfect wedding Norah had been dreaming about since she was a young girl. The only thing that was troubling her was brian’s increasingly short temper. He had begun yelling and swearing when bills for the reception came due. It seemed that, ever since he put the ring on her finger, he began acting like he owned her. Norah was sure that, once the stress of the wedding was over, brian would settle down, and things would get better.
For many people who have not expe-rienced relationship violence, it can be hard to understand why someone would go through with marriage, or stay married, to an abuser. There is no single answer, but love seems to have a lot to do with it. The person who is the target of the abuse is in love with their abuser, not the abuse. The per-son may be fearful of what will hap-pen if they leave. Will the abuser hurt themselves, or others? No one wants to think they may be responsible for causing a loved one pain. The person could also believe that “love conquers all,” and the abuser will change if they are just shown enough love. The nurturing instinct is strong in women, and, for many, the emotion to care for and be responsible for the happiness of others is compelling.
Norah decided to talk with her future mother- and sisters-in-law about bri-an’s behavior. The conversation was tense until the youngest sister finally broke the uneasy silence. “Tell her, Mom. She has the right to know!” For the next hour, Norah heard about
if you have concerns about your relationship, call Anna marie’s
Alliance, any time, at (320) 252-6900.
One Woman at a time .............................
Anna marie’s Alliance
Greta Weisman
Helping Others Feel Beautiful
Greta Weismann outside of her office
cover Story
cmwomen.com {Central Minnesota Women} Dec 2014-Jan-Feb 2015 11
they also feel their best.
She came to this realization when sitting with a dear, elderly friend at the Coborn Cancer Center during the “Look better, Feel better Program.” Many of these women didn’t recog-nize themselves after treatments. Af-ter applying a little makeup, filling in faint eyebrows, putting color on their lips, and teaching them new tricks with scarves and wigs, these women went from somber moods to giggling and chattering within a two-hour time period.
“That’s when I realized, ‘Oh, look better, feel better - got it,’” Greta says.
She enjoys helping others feel good about themselves when they’re having health problems. Greta applies that principle to herself, as well.
Personal health strugglesGreta has had, and continues to have, health struggles of her own. She had
a wandering eye and almost lost her single vision. At age 19, she under-went her first strabismus eye surgery at St. Cloud Eye Physicians and Sur-geons. The surgery greatly improved her eyesight.
Through all of her health issues, Gre-ta tries to live day to day, and her faith helps her roll through the difficult times. She strives to live her life in a manner that follows bible teachings, no matter how hard or uncommon that may be.
Along the way, Greta has learned that other people have their own chal-lenges to work through. Those clients have changed her life.
Additional stressful experiences, and more surgeriesAdding to her stress during this pe-riod, Greta was involved in a car ac-cident the night before her wedding to her husband, Jim. A year later, while walking home from work, Jim was hit
cover Storycover Story
By Cori HilsgenPhotos by Sue Dropp
It’s often said that “beauty is
in the eye of the beholder.” As an
esthetician, Greta Weisman helps people look and feel beautiful by helping them maintain and improve the qual-ity of their skin.Greta believes
beauty is not so much about vanity -- she had once thought that -- but more about feeling good. When people look their best,
looking your best means feeling your best
Greta working with client, Jamie Petty
Helping oTHerS Feel BeAUTiFUlGreta Weisman
12 Dec 2014-Jan-Feb 2015 {Central Minnesota Women} cmwomen.com
cmwomen.com {Central Minnesota Women} Dec 2014-Jan-Feb 2015 13
cover Story
by an alcohol-impaired driver. Fortu-nately, he did not suffer any long-term injuries.
Four years later, Greta again expe-rienced double vision and had three more eye surgeries at the University of Minnesota. However, those surger-ies were not successful.
At age 27, Greta had open-heart sur-gery at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis to repair a hole be-tween the top chambers of her heart. Shortly after the surgery, she was told her aorta was going to rupture and that she had three hours to return to Abbott or she would probably die.
“When that happened, I really had accepted that I was going to die, and
it is amazing when you do that,” Greta says. “It’s not as traumatic as you think, it’s real clear. You just want to say goodbye to your mom, and you tell your husband to remarry. I said you have to remarry, because you’re going to walk out of the house wearing those clothes and you can’t wear those clothes.”
Fortunately, doctors discovered an intramural hematoma, where the bulge on the aorta ruptured internally instead of externally. Greta didn’t die.
Living past death“There is something about accepting death and then living past it,” Greta says. “I was really okay with it, but then you move past it and have to figure out, ‘what do I do now.’”
Then major depres-sive disorder set in. “It was just too many things at one time,” she explains. “A lot of my clients get that. That period of time is really what developed [into] who I am today. I can do anything if I don’t have that depression. I would not wish that on anyone.”
Social stigma still exists, though society has come a long way on the subject of depression, that, once depressed, always depressed. Greta is proof that, as quickly as depression can set in, it can also leave.
“I don’t tend to judge people,” she says. “If I had been judged during that time period, people would have had no idea what was really going on.”
She thinks about what her heart went through, and how her heart and lungs stopped during surgery.
“You just become a different person afterwards,” Greta explains. “I am very proud that I lived through that time, and the only point of living through that garbage is to help other people. Otherwise, why go through it if you aren’t going to use it to help other people?”
Fortunately, Greta had a good psychi-atrist who recognized that she could slowly be weaned off her depression medications. This doesn’t work for
everyone, but her depression resolved shortly after coming off medications.
“Don’t get me wrong, any time I feel down or out, I panic and think I can’t go back there,” she says. “It is the worst thing on earth. If your spouse has it, then you have it, too, because you have to live with it and under-stand it to some degree.”
Understanding depression has helped her to recognize it in her clients, and, often, they’ll talk openly about it with her. She feels what they tell her is highly confidential information, and
she does not share it with anyone.
Another eye surgeryGreta underwent her
fifth strabismus eye surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. That surgery was successful -- and a miracle, because she
gained depth percep-tion, something she
had never known before. It also fixed a substantial
head tilt and gave her back single vision.
“Mayo gave me my confidence back in medicine,” Greta says. “It showed me that there are people who really do want to do right by people, and it is not about ego.”
Developing trochleitisUnfortunately, after the surgery, Greta developed a rare and painful condition called trochleitis, an inflam-mation affecting the trochlear tendon, causing almost daily migraines and eye pain.
because the condition is so rare, Greta made a YouTube video plead-ing for more research on the subject. That video (visit youtube.com/watch?v=YlkCeM7Py6g) led to a Facebook private chat group and con-nections around the world. The group has at least 43 people, worldwide, discussing trochleitis and compar-ing notes. At least five researchers are now aware of this small group of people with irretractable trochlear pain.
“I set out to share my experience in hopes of at least helping someone,” she says. “I was determined not to be the only one with this.”
Greta lightly tweezing
Jamie getting a facial massage
Greta getting ready to do a procedure
“I really had accepted that I
was going to die, and it is amazing when you do that,” Greta says. “It’s not as traumatic
as you think, it’s real clear.”
14 Dec 2014-Jan-Feb 2015 {Central Minnesota Women} cmwomen.com
cover StoryAnother heart surgeryTen years after her first heart surgery, Greta developed an idiopathic ven-tricular arrhythmia inside her aorta, and was treated successfully with car-diac ablation at St. Cloud Hospital.
Three of the five people working in the lab with her during this procedure were her clients.
“I don’t feel it was a coincidence that they all started coming to me at the spa six months before I knew I des-perately needed them and their boss,” Greta says. “I usually go to Mayo, but they convinced me to let St. Cloud fix it. I’m very grateful for that.”
Owning another businessGreta grew up in Sauk Rapids, where she attended school until her sophomore year, when she was home-schooled so that she could help care for her paternal grandmother, who lived with her family. She has always loved business and the idea of being her own boss.
When she was 18, Greta started a housecleaning business. After she and Jim married, she combined her busi-ness into one that she and Jim own together, “Weisman Cleaning, Inc.” They employ five people.
After her first heart surgery, Greta knew she could no longer physically work at her cleaning profession.
Changing careersGreta credits a friend, bonnie Labuda, for helping her become an esthetician. She had bartered cleaning
services for bonnie’s microdermabra-sion treatment of Greta’s open-heart surgery scar, and bonnie also treated Greta’s acne. bonnie convinced her to start a microdermabrasion business out of her home.
Greta found she had a lot to learn and began attending the Salon Profes-sional Academy, formerly located in Waite Park. She was required to work under a manager for two to three years before she could be an indepen-dent esthetician. She began working at Hair and body Works Salon and Spa.
Greta’s spa is her getaway from life’s stress, and she believes her clients feel that way, too.
“In the spa environment, I can do what I love and leave all the hard work behind,” she says. “I forget about my headaches when I am serv-ing others. It stops me from feeling sorry for myself, and I focus on oth-ers.”
Greta helps clients find good prod-ucts and encourages them to grace-fully embrace what they must, and help what can be helped. She likes to give her clients tools to take care of most things at home. She often offers advice on skin care through her “The Skinny on Skin” blog at gweisman.blogspot.com.
Greta says her profession chose her. She, herself, had acne until she was 27.
“I know that challenge actually inspired me to want to help young people, especially with acne,” Greta says. “I’ve been able to help many feel better about acne and see it nearly gone, with my help or, sometimes, the right doctor’s help.”
For example, Amber and Jamie came to Greta for their acne, and she was able to improve the quality of each woman’s skin. Jamie was afraid of doctors, but Greta helped convince her to seek medical advice. Jamie later shared with Greta that she had inspired her to go to esthetician school.
“That was really quite an honor,” Greta says.
Another client, Jean, was a car-acci-dent burn victim Greta was able to help with microdermabrasion. Jean’s skin is now softer, and she can have
more facial expressions.
Today, in addition to being trained in microdermabrasion, which reduces acne scarring and larger pores, Greta is also a certified PCA skin consul-tant, working with mild peels; she does bioElements facials with lactic acid peels; and microcurrent, which is an anti-aging treatment. She is also a level 2 Cranial-Sacral therapist for massage techniques which focus on the fluid around the brain and spine; and, she’s trained in Jb Lash exten-sions.
Working at the spaGreta says working at the spa is more professional than working from her home. She now has staff who greets clients. The business, owned by Tanya and Jeremy Reisinger, has a state-of-the-art recordkeeping sys-tem. Requests for treatment products are quickly filled, and dirty laundry “magically” reappears back in her room in a short time.
When she’s not working, Greta works at other interests, which include making movies on her iMac, tending indoor and outdoor plants, and “dab-bling” in blogging.
Increasing happiness … and sharingGreta’s treatments often increase hap-piness for people during the holidays by helping them look their best when visiting with family and friends.
“Their skin is smoother, their makeup goes on better, and it helps them relax a bit and get out of the fast pace the holidays can bring,” Greta says. “They are happy to see a newer ver-sion of themselves, some who never thought it was possible. It is really very gratifying.”
Some of her clients like to share their “Greta time” with others, and that touches Greta. “That is very pre-cious to me when someone brings me their grandma, or their mom, or their daughter,” Greta says. “It is the biggest compliment someone can pay me, trusting their loved one with me, that I’ll give them a great experience.”
Cori Hilsgen is a central Minnesota freelance writer. She is a wife, mother and grandmother who enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Hair and Body works Salon and Spa
2026 veterans DriveSt. cloud, mN (320) 203-0960
hairandbodysalon.com
greta enjoys writing and sharing her thoughts and
experiences on two blogs:A strabismus blog at
gretagail73.blogspot.com and “The Skinny on Skin” blog at gweisman.blogspot.com.
By Char HopelaPhotos by Jen Lessinger
Consider the name of Charlene Ridlon’s business, Art As You Like It, as truth in advertising. At her St. Cloud studio, you’ll find pottery painting and other activities designed to express creativity and relieve stress. In fact, your employer might be wise to add her business to the list of approved mental health provid-ers in the area. Slapping paint on white bisque pottery feels good, whether you
select a coffee mug, a Christmas orna-ment, or even a fluffy unicorn. At this studio, art is meant to be fun. Because the approach can be meticulous or messy, it’s a popular destination for moms and kids, alike. Heck, even the back alley is fun. Charlene has been known to engage in “smash therapy” with her staff. Damaged or otherwise-unusable pottery pieces are hurled into the dumpster for the sheer satisfaction of breaking stuff. Maybe this is why, when asked about business planning, Charlene replies, “I’ve been more on the ‘wing it’ plan.”She describes her decision to go into business as “almost kind of a whim” followed by “a leap of faith.” The idea first popped up during a visit to a similar studio in Minneapolis. “What a cool concept,” she thought before putting the notion aside for five years. At the time, she was working with nonprofits as a grant writer and, later, as executive director of the St. Cloud Community Arts Council. Ideas for something “different and better for the average person” began perco-lating when Charlene worked
in the Downtown arts district. “There’s a body of people interested in becoming professional artists. That’s a great place for them to be. There’s a whole different population that doesn’t have professional aspirations but likes to be creative. They need a different kind of outlet.” Charlene opened her business 11 years ago. Needing expertise, she joined an international organization for studio owners for access to information on cost and income projections, trusted suppliers, and other industry insights. As with most start-ups, the pottery stu-dio took some time to generate income.
Fun Art, Not Fine Art ~~ charlene ridlon, Art As you like it
Charlene RidlonCharlene Ridlon
Charlene, owner of Art As You Like It.
Art As You like it
cmwomen.com {Central Minnesota Women} Dec 2014-Jan-Feb 2015 15
At the five-year mark, Charlene needed the business to be “fruitful” to con-tinue, but the recession was putting a crimp on discretionary spending. “That definitely required a different level of patience,” she notes. With the backing of her husband, Scott, she held on. “He’s been completely onboard since the very beginning. He thought it was an awesome idea. Through the lean times, he’s been very supportive.” Staying in business involved re-imagin-ing what she was doing based on what her customers could afford. “I had to adjust,” Charlene says. Seeing what was working in other communities, she added glass fusing classes to the studio mix. Part of the appeal was a lower-cost pricing structure that allowed more cus-tomers “to come in and enjoy a creative activity.”
Related pursuits Bringing art experiences to settings outside of her studio is another passion. While daughter Gabby was a student at a local charter school, Charlene stepped in as an arts instructor when needed. She considered teaching as a career, but decided she preferred to be free from curriculum and discipline concerns. Being in the classroom and running a business at the same time were “really hard,” but she did both for a couple of years “because it’s important to me that
kids have some art instruction.” Summertime by George is another ven-ue where you’re likely to see Charlene working with kids. She volunteers at the festival “a couple of times a month, all summer long.” As a small businessper-son, she lacked the budget to sponsor events but wanted to be more involved in community. The summer concert and marketplace “ties into what I do. I’ve discovered kids just want to be creative. They don’t want directions. They just want to be handed a hunk of clay and have at it. I’ve had kids hang out for the whole two hours.” Of course, Charlene also likes to hang out with adults and make art. Looking for new revenue streams and fresh expe-riences for her customers, she spotted canvas painting classes as a trend. A year ago, she began offering the classes at Brothers Bar & Grill, Downtown St. Cloud. Townsquare Media does mar-keting and registration for the classes through the Value Connection; while Charlene handles the creative side, in-cluding designing the painting projects. “It’s a very nice partnership,” she says. Teaching beginners to use the materi-als and tap into their art reserves while having “a really good time” is Charlene’s forte. Many come from a 40- to 50-mile radius and want to return home with a finished creation after one session. While the once-and-done approach differs from formal art instruction, she finds students often “surprise them-
selves at the talent they display.” “The canvas painting is definitely a social thing. Work groups, moms and daughters, girlfriends. There’s a different feel to the class. The cocktails probably help a little,” Charlene says with a laugh.
A family that clays together Charlene grew up in Shakopee and came to Central Minnesota to attend St. Cloud State University. She and Scott crossed paths at a social gather-ing hosted by a mutual friend, and have been “inseparable since.” Married for 22 years and mother of a teenager, she has been family-focused since college, where she started out in elementary education. Advised that she would likely have to go out-of-state to find a job in the field, Charlene reconsidered her major. “I was really connected to my family. I just knew that would not work for me.” Changing course to stay put, she earned a bachelor’s of fine arts with an emphasis in graphic design. Managing a business hasn’t always been family-friendly in terms of scheduling. “A lot of my work time is reservation- based. When customers want to come, I have to be there.” Her least favorite aspect of being an in-dependent businesswoman? “Employees are the hardest part of my job. Creating the right team is a constant. As soon as you have it figured out, somebody pursues something else and moves on. I think that’s the hardest part of manag-ing the whole thing.” “If someone doesn’t show up for work, I’m responsible. That might mean I’m an hour into a drive to the Cities and I
have to turn around and go back.” Fortunately, Scott, who manages the Downtown parking ramps, has a fairly flexible schedule. He occasionally fills in, but prefers to help out with word-of-mouth pro-motion. Gabby, age 14, the studio’s youngest team member, works a few shifts a week. Together, the family makes the business work as a source of income and an exten-sion of home life. The studio is a
ArT AS YoU like iT (320) 257-2787artasyoulikeit.net109 Division Stwaite park, mn
Paint Colors Pottery
Contact:
16 Dec 2014-Jan-Feb 2015 {Central Minnesota Women} cmwomen.com
cmwomen.com {Central Minnesota Women} Dec 2014-Jan-Feb 2015 17
Art As You like it
Char Hopela is a freelance writer with fresh technology skills and experience in print, broadcast, and new media.
place where birthday parties are held, homework gets done, and plain white pottery is transformed into keepsakes.“The pottery painting has been our bread-and-butter from the begin-ning. We also have clay, either wheel or sculpture,” Charlene says. Some of the techniques are taught through St. Cloud Community Education classes, which fill quickly. Over the past two years, the business has grown. Charlene sees signs of an economy on the rebound. “People seem to be very happy and want to pursue passions and creativity.” As a personal pursuit, she has enjoyed returning to canvas painting, and hopes to explore her own abilities, but “time is always a factor. It may be a couple of years.” For now, she mixes business and pleasure with social media. Facebook is a daily source of social interaction for a woman who works her share of weeknights and weekends. Pinterest is a way to track food, travel, and art-related interests. She recently pre-sented a Pinterest class for a group of peers at the Contemporary Ceramics Studios Association national conven-tion. “I have hundreds of pins on art projects,” Charlene says.
What’s new? The studio is stocked with seasonal items, including ceramic Christmas trees and ornaments. Screen printing for ceramics and new specialty glazes are also in the works. The holiday season is a busy time for replenishing home décor. Some families stop in annually to create together. Charlene invites newcomers to add a “low-stress art activity” to their holiday tradition. Stop in and make art in a setting known for easy-going instruc-tion and “no critiquing.”
By Lynn FisherPhotos by Sue Dropp and Amber Gardiner
Rolling hills, farms and stables in areas tucked away along Highway 15 in St. Cloud remind me of one thing, horses, and I’ve come to meet the right three people to talk about them.
On a brisk fall evening, I sit and chat with Sherry Olson, a twenty-year-member of the Stearns County Sheriff ’s Mounted Reserve (SCSMR), Deb Feldewerd, a four-year-member and secretary of the organization, and Cheryl Veldkamp, a twenty-four-year member, at Sherry’s dining room table.
Of the 22 volunteers currently a part of the SCSMR, a growing number,
16, are women. Their Captain, John Greer, who weighed in via email, believes there is a higher percentage of women who are actively involved in all horse-related activities than the percentage of men, in the same activi-ties. He also believes that the SCSMR organization has a number of women who are active in their careers and in their communities. He sees these women serving as mentors for other women who love working with horses and are interested in devoting some of their free time to public service. They, in turn, invite their friends and family members to join.
The SCSMR has been active since, roughly, 1992, fully incorporated in 1993, and still has a few original members. Their predominant objec-tive is Search and Rescue.
Sherry explains: “There were dif-ferent counties that had mounted patrols, and we were just at that time thinking that this would be something that Stearns County could really use, and it took off… “
MOUNted: Betty Voss (Izzy),Janessa Hetland (Oreo), Sherry Olson (Oliver), Cheryl Veldkamp (April), Mellody Weber (Bailey) StANdING: Sandra Schutz, deb Feldewerd, Chrissy Schreifels, Kelly Sims. MeMBeRS NOt PIC-tURed: Katie Carlson, doris dockendorf, Linda Fisk, tanya Mueller, Pam Murphy, dana Kluver, Jackie Schwab, and Kirsten Skillings.Mellody Weber (Bailey)
Sherry Olson (Oliver)Certification testing taking place at Hillcrest Stable, owned by Sue Schulte
18 Dec 2014-Jan-Feb 2015 {Central Minnesota Women} cmwomen.comGoing through their testing
The women of the ScSmr
A studied beginningAs Cheryl, one of the original mem-bers, recalls, “The first meeting to organize an equine search-and-rescue team for Stearns County…was in Oc-tober of 1991. We took a year to do the research, paperwork, and set up guidelines.” Of that first membership roster, 14 were men and nine were women.
Cheryl also recalls the first “call out” in 1993 to search for a young man from St. Augusta, who has not been found to this day.
She says, “We have been called to several searches since then, both evidence searches and for missing people. The one that was the most gratifying was the Melrose search for an elderly Alzheimer patient who had been (outside) overnight. (We) were determined to find her.”
The mounted reserves had been able to “efficiently and quickly cover all the open areas, fields, and trails so that no more time was wasted there,” says Cheryl, “but the search teams (fire department, deputies, officers, mounted reserves, and dog handlers) still hadn’t found her when dusk ap-proached. Unwilling to give up, we all headed out in different directions in a last-ditch attempt, and she was found in an area that she shouldn’t have been able to get to. “
In the end, the mounted reserves weren’t the ones to find the woman,
but they were instrumental in elimi-nating many miles of trails and fields.
“… That is what training is all about,” says Cheryl. “We did the job we were trained for, assisted in the search, and had a happy outcome.”
And why a horse?“… If the grass is tall,” says Sherry, “you know you have a pretty good view to see something. “
“You can see more on the horse,” adds Deb, “and the horses are highly sensitive to noise and smell that we are not going to notice.”
Deb shared an example, which hap-pened at Albany’s Pioneer Days.
“We were riding around a building and the horses acted up. The first (horse) went through, and then the second one, and it did the same thing. Well, there was stray electricity in the ground…(possibly a nicked wire) but the owner thanked us for finding it, and it was fixed the next day.”
Deb, Sherry, and Cheryl are grateful to be able to “give back” to their com-munity through their skills, but also to share a love for horses.
Sherry’s patrol horse, Cola, died after
13 years, and her new horse, Oliver, was a seasoned veteran of the Min-neapolis Mounted Patrol, as well as Canterbury racetrack. “They used him for closing the bars down on Hennepin Avenue,“ she laughs.
Deb’s horse, a bit opposite from Sher-ry’s, has needed a little more work to become acclimated to the chal-lenges she might face. “Oh, she has a history,” Deb laughs. “We’ve come a long way from where we started. She has mellowed and her name, Sassy, fits very well. “
Training and desensitization Through proper training, the horses become manageable in a wide variety of situations…anything can happen, and they have to be ready.
“We’ve had some really top trainers,” says Sherry (notably Richard Shrake, Theresa Johnson, and Jean Lietman, among others). “That’s what some of our funding pays for. It helps with our horsemanship (and) with desensitiz-ing the horses.”
“You never know, when you are called out, what the (situation will be),” says Deb. “(During mock searches) we’ve done sirens, helicop-ters, fire engines, ambulances, and dogs. They have to be ready (for) just about anything, so we try to train
The women of the ScSmr
cmwomen.com {Central Minnesota Women} Dec 2014-Jan-Feb 2015 19Betty Voss and her partner, Izzy
Cheryl Veldkamp and her partner, April
20 Dec 2014-Jan-Feb 2015 {Central Minnesota Women} cmwomen.com
them as best as we can.“
Training and certification of members is extensive and ongoing. They’re trained in self-defense, horse safety, riding, horse health, first aid and CPR, formation riding, and even radio GPS. Explains Deb, “(We call) in on the radio and give the GPS readings (when possible evidence is located), so they (ground support) can come in and mark it on a map.”
In addition to being emergency-ready, the SCSMR is also utilized for crowd control at events such as Pioneer Days, breakfast on the Farm, and for patrolling, in general.
“We (helped direct) parking at Gar-rison Keillor’s show,” says Sherry. “We’ve patrolled at football games, a
Lynn Fisher is a freelance writer from Champlin, Minnesota. Visit her website: lynn-fisher.com
For more information and photos...
The Stearns county Sheriff’s mounted reserve website: co.stearns.mn.us/lawPublicSafety/SheriffServices/PublicSafety/mountedreserve
Interested in training to serve with the ScSmr, either as a part of the mounted patrol (you’ll need a horse or access to one, and a trailer) or, on foot, as part of the also much-needed ground support?
contact Kelly Sims: [email protected].
donations go toward continued training and supplies. All are greatly appreciated.
contact Kelly Sims: [email protected].
cmw Local women’s network
music festival…just a variety of stuff.”
Cheryl adds, “We’ve sorted cattle, learned to rope, helped with handi-capped riders, and were trail guards for the American Quarter Horse Association trail ride at El Rancho for two years.”
When the members of the SCSMR do their regularly assigned patrol duty, it often includes late evenings. They are volunteers only, but they feel that the public is mostly cooperative when interacting with them. both women credit the uniform they wear and the size of the horse for at least some of that cooperation. “We look big (on horseback),” says Sherry, “I think that helps us a lot.”
“Honestly,“ says Deb, “you don’t have to do too much…they actually do have more respect for us than I thought when I joined.“
The SCSMR members feel lucky to be able to combine their love of com-munity service with their love to ride, and some have even become mem-bers as a family. Currently, there are five sets of husbands/wives, as well as a father/son team, serving in the mounted reserves.
“I like giving back,” says Deb, “giving something that can help somebody. Even if it ends up good, or sad, you helped somebody (or their family), and it’s a good feeling.”
20 Dec 2014-Jan-Feb 2015 {Central Minnesota Women} cmwomen.com
The women of the ScSmr
cmwomen.com {Central Minnesota Women} Dec 2014-Jan-Feb 2015 21
cmw Local women’s network
22 Dec 2014-Jan-Feb 2015 {Central Minnesota Women} cmwomen.com
The Opportunity To WorkwAcoSA serves adults with disabilities by helping them build skills and find work
Compassion Kindness Concern
I recently attended a community gathering where I knew few people. As I entered the room, I shook hands and introduced myself. More often than not, as the conversation contin-ued, the questions I was asked were, “What do you do? Who are you with? Where do you work?”
Sound familiar?These moments give attention to our culture’s value of work like a spotlight shining on a stage actor. It’s a criti-cal aspect of our lives, defining our self-concept and often shaping our futures.
I am blessed with the opportunity to use my talents in a meaningful way, every day. And, I get to call it work. As a WACOSA employee, I have a hand in helping others reach their fullest potential, offer business solu-tions, and build community. Let me show you …
Reaching fullest potentialWACOSA has a long list of success stories like those you see here. After all, for over 50 years, the organization has been providing individuals with disabilities the opportunity to work and live in their community. In fact, last year, WACOSA served around 575 people.
So, what does that word “opportu-nity” mean, really?
“WACOSA helps people overcome barriers to employment by helping them to build skills for work and daily living, as well as find jobs, either at
meet robynBefore coming to wAcOSA, robyn had a few jobs in the area and was having difficulty consistently presenting herself in a friendly manner. Over the past 12 years, she has greatly improved her customer service skills and is now celebrating her 10th-year anniversary at Olive garden. in her host role, robyn enjoys seating people and assisting with takeout orders. She appreciates the help wAcOSA has given her over the years, and adds, “i just love pasta!”
meet Jamesraised on a farm outside of richmond, minnesota, James has a long history of valuing work and learn-ing new skills. Since coming to wAcOSA over two years ago, he’s enjoyed employment opportunities on the in-house production floor and completing various community cleaning jobs. he loves working at wAcOSA three days a week and would welcome the opportunity to work more. with the wages he earns, James enjoys making use of his local health club membership, visiting his extended family in Dev-ils lake, North Dakota, and going to the state fair each year with his brother.
meet kathywAcOSA’s oldest client, Kathy, continues to engage in activities that keep her body active and her mind sharp. By participating in wAcOSA’s senior program, she finds great satisfaction working with crafts, writ-ing, and going on outings with her peers, as well as volunteering in her community.
meet larryOnce struggling to withstand severe pain during a full-time work week, larry is now a valued, part-time employee at JcPenny in St. cloud’s own crossroads center. As a Sales Support Specialist, he enjoys beginning his workday early, and remaining active on the job unloading boxes and keeping the stock-room clean. larry is often complimented for his kind personality and excellent customer service skills, and his supervisor says, “if i had about 20 of him, that’d be great!” wAcOSA not only helped larry take the steps needed to find employment, the organization also had a hand in helping him restore the quality of life a job so often brings.
The Faces of disABILITY
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Focused philanthropyBy Crystal NuttPhotos by Jen Lessinger
cmwomen.com {Central Minnesota Women} Dec 2014-Jan-Feb 2015 23
24 Dec 2014-Jan-Feb 2015 {Central Minnesota Women} cmwomen.com
Focused philanthropyone of WACOSA’s sites or in the community,” says Steve Howard, WACOSA Executive Director.
WACOSA job coaches build self-confidence by helping clients identify skills and strengths. With specific job training and support, clients are pre-pared to succeed in their careers, lead-ing to increased independence and an improvement in quality of life.
“Regardless of ability level, individu-als with disabilities often carry the same dreams for their work lives as all Americans; to be contributing mem-bers of society. In 28 years in the field of Human Services, I have time and again found the concept of work to be universally important to those we serve, the size of the paycheck mean-ing less than the honor of being part of the American workforce,” adds Steve.
Offering business solutionsbut what about the work?
From short-term jobs to long-term employment, WACOSA clients help meet the diverse needs of central Minnesota businesses.
“Our clients provide affordable out-source solutions for area businesses,” says Ann Kennedy, WACOSA Sales and Marketing Manager. “Through our in-house work opportunities, the people we serve deliver high-quality services, such as assembly, fulfillment, recycling, confidential document shredding, and more.”
Community employment - an option for clients“Individual placement or small group work crews make community em-ployment an option for clients,” says Roxanne Ryan, WACOSA business Development Manager. “From entry-level jobs to business professional opportunities, WACOSA can assist those with barriers to employment to find lasting and meaningful work in the community.”
Building communityAdditionally, WACOSA and the people it serves are engaged in the community.
by working alongside other commu-nity members, adults with disabilities
Crystal Nutt is a Develop-ment & Communications Manager at WACOSA, as well as a freelance writer and storyteller. She lives in Monticello with her family. Contact her at [email protected].
what does wAcoSA stand for?The founders of wAcOSA began providing services for people with disabilities in the communities of waite Park, cold Spring, and Sauk centre. And so began the acronym wAcOSA. Today, wAcOSA provides service in waite Park, Sauk centre, and whitney Senior center in St. cloud.wA – waite ParkcO – cold SpringSA – Sauk centre
Thriftworks!Thriftworks! is wAcOSA’s thrift store located at 310 Sundial Drive, waite Park. The store features clothing for all ages, home décor, furniture, and more. hours are monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Donations of goods are also accepted at the store, with a convenient drive-thru dropoff.
break down stereotypes that are often associated with those who have a dis-ability. The organization also provides chances to advocate for individuals with disabilities by offering ways to speak with their local and state repre-sentatives.
Three ways to help“One thing that I would like folks to know is that our organization is always moving forward,” says Steve.
And with a commitment to moving forward, WACOSA is making an ef-fort to further involve the community in its mission.
• DonateWACOSA faces ongoing funding cuts by several of its community partners, and as a result, the orga-nization is actively seeking support to continue impacting the lives of adults with disabilities. The non-profit is a 501(c)3 organization, and meets the Charities Review Council standards. Visit wacosa.org/donate, or call (320) 251-0087 to contribute toward increasing the quality of life of individuals in our commu-nity. In-kind donations of goods to ThriftWorks! are also accepted at the thrift store.
• VolunteerWACOSA has a long list of vol-unteer needs, including help at its thrift store, ThriftWorks!, as well as helping with much of the skill-building curriculum that plays a big role in overcoming barriers to work. To learn more about volunteering at WACOSA, visit wacosa.org/volun-teer, or call (320) 251-0087.
• Business PartnershipsWACOSA partners with over 100 area businesses to employ the people it serves. To learn more about partnering with the nonprofit, visit wacosa.org/business-solutions, or call (320) 251-0087.
cmwomen.com {Central Minnesota Women} Dec 2014-Jan-Feb 2015 25
Focused philanthropy
DocuShredDestroy your confidential documents conveniently and securely with wAcOSA DocuShred. Dropoff and pickup services are available. located at 321 Sundial Drive, waite Park, hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., monday through Friday.wAcOSA’s waite Park site, including Thriftworks! and DocuShred, is located just east of crafts Direct.
26 Dec 2014-Jan-Feb 2015 {Central Minnesota Women} cmwomen.com
I love a good multitasker, whether it’s a utensil or an ingredient, and one of my favorite edible multi-taskers is the potato. Spuds play very well with others, either as the star of the dish or as a supporting player. They’re at home in any course, from soup to desserts.
Potatoes are the fourth largest food crop in the world, behind rice, wheat, and maize, and are the leading vegetable crop in the US, with a total annual production of about 41 billion pounds. According to 2008 statistics, Minnesota was sixth on the list of Top 10 potato-producing states.
Long before becoming a global staple -- roughly 10,000 years before, to be more exact -- the Incas of Peru began cultivating potatoes (circa 8,000-5,000 bC). It wasn’t until Peru was conquered by Spanish Conquistadors in 1536 that potatoes appeared in Europe. In 1589, Sir Walter Raleigh introduced the spud to Ireland, and, from there, the potato spread to the rest of Europe, where agriculturists discovered it was much easier to culti-vate than wheat or oats. Another plus -- the vegetable contained most of the vitamins needed for sustenance.
The Irish working class subsisted Gnocchi
most-ly on
potatoes, so, when
potato blight swept through
Europe in the 1840s, decimating
the crop in several countries, including
Ireland, their food staple disappeared. The Potato
Famine resulted in the loss of two-million Irish citizens: half
died of starvation or disease, and the other half emigrated, mostly to the United States and Canada.
Potatoes arrived in the US long before the Irish immigrants fled the famine in Europe. Nathaniel butler, Governor of bermuda, sent two large cedar chests containing potatoes and other vegetables to Virginia Governor Francis Wyatt in 1621. It wasn’t until nearly 100 years later, in 1719, that the first permanent North American potato patches were established in New Hampshire, and spread across the country from there. Surprisingly, at least to me, potatoes were not grown in Idaho until 1836, and the potato industry in that state (now the largest producer) didn’t flourish until the development of the Russet burbank in 1872.
Did you know that potatoes were almost worth their weight in gold dur-ing the Alaskan Klondike gold rush (1897-1898)? The tuber was prized for its nutritional value, and, at the time, nutritious food was scarcer than gold.
Potato 101
At my house, no holiday meal is com-plete without a side of spuds. Even though the preparation of choice is usually mashed, there are endless ways to serve potatoes. before you start, though, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Food explorer
Occasionally a recipe will call for waxy or starchy potatoes, without naming the type. Here’s a crash course on potato types, their texture, and preferred use.
• Russet: floury, dry texture; use for baking, frying, mashing, and roasting;
• Red: waxy, moist texture; use for roasting, mashing, salads, and soup/stew;
• White: medium starch, slightly dense texture; use for mashing, sal-ads, steaming/boiling, and frying;
• Yellow: slightly waxy, velvety, moist texture; use for grilling, roasting, mashing, and salads;
• Purple/blue: firm flesh, moist tex-ture; use for roasting, grilling, baking, and salads;
• Fingerling: waxy, firm, dry texture; use for pan-frying, roasting, and salads.
When you buy, look for potatoes that are smooth and firm, without bruises, discoloration, or cuts. Store them out of direct sunlight, in a cool, dry place, but not under the sink or next to large appliances. Never store potatoes with onions, or in the refrigerator. Cut away sprouts and any green on the skin. be sure to look for organic pota-toes, which will be free of chemicals and genetic modification.
ThisSpud’s
You
!By Heather RotundaPhotos by Sue Dropp
Food explorer
cmwomen.com {Central Minnesota Women} Dec 2014-Jan-Feb 2015 27
Sue Dropp says: “Potatoes! Yum! My comfort food! Heather’s three potato features were delicious! I loved the potato gnocchi – so tender, and better than my mother-in-law’s! The
components of the German potato salad – genius! And the cinnamon potato donuts – I ate two and could have had more!”
Heather Rotunda has been actively exploring the world of food for the past nine years and is at work on her first e-book. Find her at [email protected] and pinterest.com/sorrowfulflower
GnocchiTo get lump-free gnocchi, it’s best to use a potato ricer, but if you don’t have one, mash the potatoes as smooth as possible. The possibilities for serving gnocchi are limitless; try replacing them in some of your favorite pasta dishes, like mac and cheese, or carbonara. For a quick dinner, I like to toss the gnocchi into a quick tomato sauce (pictured).
2 cups warm riced or mashed potatoes1 egg1 egg white1 teaspoon salt1/2 cup flour, plus more for dustingIn a large bowl, combine the potatoes, egg, egg white, and salt. Slowly add the flour, mixing just until combined. If the dough is very sticky, add a little more flour.
Divide dough into eight portions; roll each portion into a long, thin rope and cut into half-inch pieces so they look like miniature marshmallows. Move the cut gnocchi to a sheet tray lined with waxed paper and dusted with flour.
bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a dozen or so gnocchi to the boiling water, stirring gently. Once the gnocchi come to the surface, cook an-other two minutes, then remove from water with a slotted spoon. Repeat with remaining gnocchi. They are best the day they’re made.
German Potato Salad2 large red potatoes, scrubbed, diced and cooked2 Tablespoons bacon drippings1 small carrot, peeled & grated1 stalk celery, diced1/4 red onion, diced2 teaspoons flour1/3 cup sugar1/3 cup vinegarFresh parsleyHeat the bacon drippings in a large skillet. Add the carrot, celery, and onion. Cook, stirring frequently, until onions are translucent. Stir in flour; cook, stirring for a minute or two, then add sugar and vinegar (be sure to stand back so you avoid the vinegar fumes). When the vinegar mixture thickens, stir in the potatoes. Cook another couple of minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are coated. Serve warm. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Cinnamony Baked Donuts (about 4 dozen)
The easiest way to fill the donut pan is to put the dough into a zip-top bag, snip a small corner, and pipe the dough into the cavities. If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use regular or mini-muffin tins;
this will affect the baking time, so keep a close eye on them after about 10 minutes.
2 cups flour1-1/2 teaspoon salt1-1/2 teaspoon baking powder2 teaspoons cinnamon1/2 cup melted butter3 eggs1-1/2 cups sugar1 cup mashed potatoes1 teaspoon vanillaPreheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a donut pan; set aside.
In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon; set aside. In a medium bowl, combine remaining ingredients. Add egg mix-ture to flour mixture, stirring just until combined. Fill donut pan cavities half full; be careful not to overfill. bake in preheated oven 12 to 15 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean. Frost with powdered sugar icing, or dip donuts in melted butter, then in cinnamon sugar.
Food explorer
German Potato Salad Cinnamony Baked Donuts
28 Dec 2014-Jan-Feb 2015 {Central Minnesota Women} cmwomen.com
Doug Vagle and his wife Peggy live in Sartell. They have three children, Abby, Nathaniel, and Sophie. Doug is pastor of Waters Church in Sartell, thewaterschurch.net.
By Doug Vagle
Go BiG or
Go Home!One of the things I take manly pride in is that I consider myself to be very frugal. Spending money is not something I really can say I enjoy -- unless, of course, it’s on something that burns fuel and makes me smell like exhaust fumes.
but I don’t think that being frugal makes me cheap (my wife broke me
of that about 10 years back), but I do love to get a good deal.
When it comes to shopping of any kind, especially around the holidays, I’m driven to save money. I love feeling that I’ve gotten the best bang for my buck.
One popular holiday shopping treat is buying those overpriced coffee drinks with cute little names, like “Ho Ho Mocha.” Somehow, they make the shopping experience more enjoyable. It doesn’t exactly give me joy to spend what amounts to eight times the price of a gallon of gas for one of these specialty drinks. What’s crazy about this festive situation is that I can NOT bring myself to buy anything but the largest drink the coffee shop serves. Hey...as long as I’m spending big bucks for a medium, doesn’t it make sense to pay a measly forty-cents more for the big dog? Go big or go home.
It all comes down to a little simple math – and my quest to find a good deal. Like I said, if I’m already spending an absurd amount of money per ounce, then, for just a small
percentage more, I’m dramatically bringing down my price-per-ounce -- and getting a rockin’ good deal.
Oh, this ideology goes far beyond coffee, you ladies will be happy to know. It applies to nearly any ice cream shop, and even most restaurants. Give me a choice between one scoop or two, or one patty or two...and I’ll take the two, every single time. I’ve come to the conclusion that some of my weight problems just might come from being a shrewd “orderer of fine cuisine.”
Even if this simple ideology doesn’t make sense to you ladies -- it might just give you a little insight into why your cheap husband always goes GRANDE!
Well, gotta go. My Extra Grande Venti Mocha Chocha Frappe “Ho Ho” drinky-thing awaits. Until next time...
What’s HeThinking?
what’s He Thinking?
cmwomen.com {Central Minnesota Women} Dec 2014-Jan-Feb 2015 29
Family Traditions Foster Family LegaciesBy Melinda Sanders
My favorite Christmas-prep activity has always been cookie-making. I decorated cut-out cookies with my mom, and rolled Russian teacakes with my dad year after year while growing up, and even after I began my own family.
I introduced Christmas-cookie baking to my boys when they were old enough to (safely) stand on a chair at the kitchen counter. As my boys got a little older and found it more fun to needle each other than to simply enjoy our project, I made a “date” with one son to make his favorite cookie, and a week or so later, made a “date” with my other son. I am hoping to find a time when my older son returns from college this holiday season to squeeze in a cookie date with me. Or maybe after the past few months of separation, my boys will be ready to start making cookies as a team, again.
Of course, I’ve realized that baking Christmas cookies is more about the time spent together than the resulting food product. but we’ve enjoyed eating the cookies, and sharing them
with family and friends.
At the Central Minnesota Community Foundation, we know that giving starts at home – and giving can bring a family closer together. We’ve heard about Elaine bauerly’s gift of Christmas money to each of her grandchildren – to spend on someone in need. Recently, a dad with tears of pride lovingly described his teenage son’s decision to give the money he saved for a game station to a local fundraising drive for cancer research.
Melinda Sanders joined the Central Minnesota Community Foundation as its Director of Donor Relations in June 2013, after practicing law in St. Cloud for almost 19 years. Melinda lives in Rockville with her
husband and sons.
The time we spend as families define us – and can have an impact that lasts for generations. The Central Minnesota Community Foundation would like to help your family make philanthropy a tradition. To learn more, please visit communitygiving.org.
To learn more about the Community Foundation’s Family
Philanthropy initiative, please visit communitygiving.org.
women’s Fund
30 Dec 2014-Jan-Feb 2015 {Central Minnesota Women} cmwomen.com
Steppin’ out
Humphrey Theater, 7:30 p.m. Tickets: csbsju.edu/fine-arts/performances.14: Okee Dokee Brothers, Paramount, 1 and 4 p.m. Tickets: (320) 259-5463, or paramoun-tarts.org.15: George Maurer Jazz Group, Paramount, 7:30 p.m. Tickets: (320) 259-5463, or para-mountarts.org.18-19: St. Cloud Hospital Bone & Joint Center Presents The Gatlin Brothers Christmas Show, Paramount, 1:30 and 7 p.m. Tickets: (320) 259-5463, or paramountarts.org.20: Nicholas David & the Feelin’ Band, Para-mount, 7:30 p.m. Tickets: (320) 259-5463, or paramountarts.org.26-28: Rock N Roll Christmas Spectacular, Paramount. Performances: Fri./Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. Tickets: (320) 259-5463, or para-mountarts.org.29-30: Tonic Sol Fa, Paramount, 7 p.m. Tickets: (320) 259-5463, paramountarts.org.31: Deuces Wild New Year’s Eve, Paramount, 7 and 10 p.m. Tickets: (320) 259-5463, or paramountarts.org.
January 20159-18: GREAT Theatre: Peter Pan, College of St. Benedict, Escher Aud. Performances: Fri./Sat., 7 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m. Tickets: csbsju.edu/fine-arts/performances.10: Fruit Fly the Musical, Paramount, 7:30 p.m. Tickets: (320) 259-5463, or paramountarts.org.17: Company North Crest Presents, Once Upon a Dance, Paramount, 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets: (320) 259-5463, or paramountarts.org.18: The Zinghoppers, Paramount, 1 and 4 p.m. Tickets: (320) 259-5463, or paramountarts.org.23: Rhythmic Circus, College of St. Benedict, Escher Aud., 7:30 p.m. Tickets:
csbsju.edu/fine-arts/performances.24: Chamber Music Society of St. Cloud Presents, Lysander Piano Trio, Trinity Lutheran Church, 2163 Mayhew Lake Rd. NE, Sauk Rapids, 7:30 p.m. Info: (320) 292-4645, or chambermusicstcloud.org.30-Feb. 15: The Addams Family, Paramount. Performances: Fri./Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. Tickets: (320) 259-5463, or paramountarts.org.
communityDecember 20144: St. Cloud Annual Festival of Lights, St. Cloud Hospital, 6 to 8 p.m.13: Sports Cards & Collectibles Show, Stearns History Museum, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 13: Winter Nights and Lights Parade and Santa Fun Run, 5 to 8 p.m. Begins at St. Cloud Library and travels to Rivers Edge Convention Center.13-14: Dog Show, Rivers Edge Convention Center, all day. Contact: (320) 764-7555.20: Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, Christmas Bird Count, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Info: (763) 389-3323, or [email protected]: Winter Family Escape 2014–Family Camp, Audubon Center of the North Woods. Register: (888) 404-7743, or online, audubon-center.org/event/winterfamily.
January 201523: Boozing, Doping & Identifiers: Parents Can’t Stop What They Don’t Know, Rivers Edge Convention Center, 8:30 p.m. Info: (844) 335-3276 (toll-free); (320) 255-3236; or visit resourcetraining.com
KringlefestDecember 7 •1 pm-3 pmStearns history museumThis year the St. cloud Sons of Norway Trollheim lodge will bring a touch of Scan-dinavia to the event with crafts, eats, and a fabulous exhibit on Norwegian immi-gration and culture. Santa will travel to the museum and pull up a chair visit with children so bring a list of wishes.
Holiday Pops ConcertDecember 13 • 3:00 pmScSU ritschie Auditoriumit would not be the holidays without the St. cloud Sym-phony Orchestra holiday Pops concert! Take a break from shopping, decorating and holiday activities to lis-ten to some of the greatest music of the season.
Rythmic CircusJanuary 23 •7:30 pmcollege of St. Benedict escher AuditoriumFresh from their first Broad-way run, this charismatic collection of dancers, musi-cians and vocalists delivers a potent mix of rapid-fire tap, sidesplitting humor and infectious grooves. guaran-teed to be unforgettable and great fun for the whole family.
For February Arts and community events, visit cmwomen.com
Kringlefest
Rhythmic CircusSteppin’
OutArtsDecember 2014Through Dec. 21: The Art of Dr. Seuss: A Retrospective, Jean Stephens Galleries, St. Louis Park. Info: jsgalleries.com, or call (612) 338-4333.3: Granite City Radio Theater, Pioneer Place on Fifth, 7:30 p.m. Info/Tickets: (320) 203-0331, ppfive.com.4-7; 11-14; 18-21: Laughing All the Way V: Miracle on 5th Avenue, Pioneer Place on Fifth. Performances/Tickets: ppfive.com.5: Nebraska Theatre Caravan: A Christmas Carol, College of St. Benedict, Escher Auditorium, 7:30 p.m. Tickets: csbsju.edu/fine-arts/performances.5-7: A Charlie Brown Christmas and Frosty the Snowman, Paramount. Performances: Fri., 7 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 7 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. Tickets: (320) 259-5463, or paramountarts.org.9-10: A Celtic Tenors Christmas, Paramount. Performances: Tues., 1:30 and 7 p.m.; Wed., 1:30 p.m. Tickets: (320) 259-5463, or paramountarts.org.12: Vicki Lawrence, Paramount, 1:30 and 7 p.m. Tickets: (320) 259-5463, or paramountarts.org.13: St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra Presents, Children’s Holiday Concert, SCSU Ritsche Auditorium, 10 a.m. Tickets: (320) 252-SCSO, or stcloudsymphony.com.13: St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra Presents, Holiday Pops Concert, SCSU Ritsche Audi-torium, 3 p.m. Tickets: (320) 252-SCSO, or stcloudsymphony.com.13: Christmas with the Steeles, Paramount, 7:30 p.m. Tickets: (320) 259-5463, or para-mountarts.org.13: Dala, St. John’s University, Stephen B.
December 2014January 2015
