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IN THIS ISSUE ... LEPRECHAUN’S TREAT SERVED UPMARCH 2013
Wagner and ZagersMake Public Aware
of ISU Extension andOutreach Programs
Wagner and ZagersMake Public Aware
of ISU Extension andOutreach Programs
Oppedahl Directs Youths
at her Childhood Church
Oppedahl Directs Youths
at her Childhood Church
Burke FindsTime toVolunteer
Burke FindsTime toVolunteer
Photos are representational only. Actual merchandise may not exactly match photos shown. Although we make every effort to ensure that our advertising is accurate, we cannot be held liable for typographical errors or misprints. See store for complete details. 1297-31905.
Open Monday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.Tuesday-Friday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.Closed Sunday
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Your source for Custom Tile Countertops Cabinets Flooring
Our professional team of designers and installers will help you create the perfect room from top to bottom!
Visit Our Beautiful New Showroom at:
3026 5th Ave. SouthFort Dodge, IA 50501(515) 576-4176
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Discover the luxury of indulging your senses with quality andcreativity in every room of your house. We combinecra,smanship with modern technology to provide the bestcabinetry and countertops available. Whether you’re workingwith a contractor or doing the project yourself, we’re your +rstsource for all your cabinet and countertop needs.
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508 South 32nd St. • Fort Dodge 508 South 32nd St. • Fort Dodge 515-955-3365 515-955-3365
21 Years of Honest,
Fair Service
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Taxes Are No Joke
Iowa allows a 25% tax credit for up to $1,000 spent on “tuition and books” for each dependent in kindergarten through 12th grade. The definition of “books” has grown to include backpacks,
pencils, crayons, flash drives, prom tickets, spiral notebooks, golf shoes and Kleenex for use at school or in extracurricular activities. (Iowa specifically identified the Kleenex brand, but we
assume any facial tissues are eligible.) No joke!
Iowa Subsidizes Runny Noses
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LocaL coLor
1 0 Class Notes:Meet Teresa DeCourseyby Meg Beshey
1 2 ICCC Student Spotlight:Johnson Studies Toward Scienceat Iowa Central Community Collegeby Hailey Brueschke
1 4 Burke Finds Time to Volunteerwith YWCAby Robert Wolf
2 6 Faith Matters:Oppedahl Directs Youthsat her Childhood Churchby Robert Wolf
FEaturE artIcLE
3 4 Reach Outby Hans Madsen
thE gooD LIFE
4 0 Home Style:The Bowl’s the Thingby Meg Beshey
4 2 Around Town:Peed Sees Value in Fort Dodge’s Downtown Infrastructureby Stephanie Houk Sheetzand Gale McKinney
4 4 Money Matters:Be Aware of Risks of Not Investingcourtesy of Edward Jones
4 6 Culinary Corner:Leprechaun’s Treatby Meg Beshey
on thE covErIowa State University Extension and Outreach ProgramCoordinator Mary Jo Wagner, left, and office managerAlly Zagers pose in front of their offices in the south-east corner of the Crossroads Mall in Fort Dodge.
- Photo by Hans Madsen
Fort Dodge Today � March 2013 � 1
contentscontents4 Calendar9 New on the Shelf18 Scene About Town48 Parting Shot
march 2013
DEpartmEnts
In EvEry IssuE
2 � Fort Dodge Today � March 2013
From the News Editor Did you see that? There he goes or maybe it’s a she –
those little leprechauns are all over the place with their little
mischievous ways and leaving little tidbits of gold where you
least expect it. It’s kind of like these random acts of kindness
I’ve been reading about on the internet or hearing people talk-
ing about at work. It’s also a part of the Rachel’s Challenge
that our community has taken on with open arms towards oth-
ers to show compassion. Even leprechauns do that if they
want to, that little spirit of giving to others is a great idea.
Have you done something yet towards someone else to make
them feel like they have hit the pot o’ gold in their day? If not,
I so encourage you to do so, as you never know how impact-
ful your actions will be. So can you add a bit of gold into
someone’s day much like I did the other day when a little one
was in line to get a pack of gum but didn’t have enough. I
have tons of coins in my purse, so slid the child what was
needed, winked and smiled … just like a leprechaun. It’s that
easy and both of us felt great!
For the month of March we feature the new additions to
the Webster County Iowa State Extension Office here in Fort
Dodge. Meet Mary Jo Wagner and Ally Zagers who are start-
ing the new year off developing the educational programs and
outreach for the extension office. Learn about how their new
ideas and goals will take the programs into the future to bene-
fit everyone in our community. Our featured volunteer for
March is Shari Burke with the YWCA and her work on the
board to help the women/children in Fort Dodge. Faith volun-
teer, Heather Oppedahl talks about how her devotion to her
faith and our youth gives her strength in her everyday life.
Our student feature looks at
Mandi Johnson who is working
hard to further her college educa-
tion at Iowa Central Community
College. The teacher featured
this month is Teresa DeCoursey,
who teaches Title I reading at
Duncombe Elementary School in Fort Dodge.
If you want something unique for your home we visit with
local wood artisan Ernie Koch who makes unique wooden
bowls out of trees found locally that have been taken down.
Can’t you just see something like that on your coffee table for
visual effect? Natural materials made by a local artist? How
lucky to have a talent like that!
This month check out the great book selections that Amy
Presler provides to us in every issue that you can check out
at the Fort Dodge Public Library today. Another great addition
we are lucky to have in our magazine are the articles by
Stephanie Houk Sheetz who gives us insights on the various
projects and departments within the City of Fort Dodge.
Thank you again to those that have communicated with us via
email at [email protected] We appreciate your
comments, requests and suggestions for future issues
throughout the year. This magazine is about your town and
the people you live and work with every day.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you all!
editor’sspEak megmegbeshey
pubLIcatIon InFormatIon
Direct inquiries to: 713 Central Ave.
Fort Dodge, IA 50501
Advertising 574-4418Fax 573-2148
Editorial [email protected]
Volume 23 Issue 11If your address has changed since yourlast issue call (800) 622-6613 ext. 404.
The Fort Dodge Today Magazine is published monthly by The Messenger, with all rights reserved, Copyright, 2013.
Managing EditorBarbara Wallace Hughes
Sales ManagerBecky O’Brien
Art DirectorReggie Cygan
PublisherLarry D. Bushman
Advertising DirectorDavid Jakeman
Circulation DirectorGrant Gibbons
HR / AccountingDayle Miller
News EditorMeg Beshey
megmegbesheycontributors
Amelia "Amy" Presler is a FortDodge native, the youngest of 10children from parents Jack andVirginia Presler. Amy has three chil-dren, Austin, Lizzie and Eva. Amy isemployed at the Fort DodgePublic Library where she feeds heraddiction to books. She likes allgenres, but especially literary fic-tion, historical fiction, books withmaps on the front, horses on thecover, but not dogs; rivers andlakes.
Robert Wolf has lived in Fort Dodgesince 1964. He has written for FortDodge Today magazine since2002 and for The Messenger since1993. He’s the author of “Fossils ofIowa” and “Iowa’s State Parks.” Amember of the Author’s Guild, hishobbies include fossil collectingand photography.
Hailey Brueschke will be attendingIowa Central Community Collegenext year to attain her associatearts degree. From there she wouldlike to attend Iowa State Universityto major in journalism. Her goalafter college is to work for a majormagazine in a larger city. She likesto spend her free time reading,writing and being with her friendsand family.
Fort Dodge Today � March 2013 � 3
©Green Door Photography
2400 5th Ave. S. Fort Dodge, IA 50501
Show Off Your Pet!
Cat’s Name: BearBreed: Calico Mix
Age: 13 monthsParent: Donna Bock
About Bear: Bear was bottle-fed and hand-raised from a tiny kitten. She got her namebecause of the way she sits on her bottom
with hind legs extended and front legs restingon her abdomen or chest! She likes the out-
doors except for snow and extreme cold.
Show Off Your Pet!Send us a photo of your pet(s) along with yourname, your pet’s name, breed (if known) andany brief comment you’d like to share about
your pet.
Mail photo and information to:Fort Dodge Today Magazine
713 Central AvenueFort Dodge, IA 50501
or email photo and information:[email protected]
4 � Fort Dodge Today � March 2013
C A L E N D A R
March 2013
2
Fort Dodge Indoor Triathlon,
sponsored by the Rec and
Fort Dodge Trisport.
First wave starts at
7:30 a.m. Food available in the
gym. Register online at
fortdodgetrisport.com or
active.com
2
Webster County Sweetheart
Gala, Best Western Starlite
Village and Inn Suites, 6 p.m.
to midnight. For more infor-
mation, call Deb Johnson at
571-9026.
3
Fort Dodge Symphony
presents Doubley Dvorak!,
Dvorak’s “Slavonic Dance No.
1” and his “Symphony No. 8,”
with special guest soloist Dr.
Ashley Sidon performing
“Lalo’s Cello Concerto,”
3 to 5 p.m., Phillips Middle
School Auditorium, 1015 Fifth
Ave. N., 573-4224.
4 - 10
New Car Show,
Crossroads Mall,
Fort Dodge.
5
Blood pressure screening,
Crossroads Mall,
8 to 9:30 a.m.,
Hy-Vee dining area,
10 to 11 a.m., free, no
appointment needed.
Provided by Trinity Health
Partners.
5
2013 Mid-Iowa Career Fair,
Iowa Central Community
College, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., For
more information, contact
Kyle Bangert 574-1910 or
6
Lenten Journeys toward
Health and Wholeness, Grace
Lutheran Church, 211 S.
Ninth St, supper at 5:30 p.m.,
worship at 6:30 p.m.
7
Fundraiser Spay It Forward
Dinner and Auction, Willow
Ridge Restaurant and Golf
Course, 5:30 to 8 p.m..
Proceeds benefit Spay It
Forward fund that gives
vouchers to those unable to
afford to get their pets
spayed and neutered.
For more information, call
955-5656.
7
Cholesterol screening,
Crossroads Mall, 8 to 10 a.m.,
blood pressure and blood
sugar check free of charge, $3
fee for cholesterol screening.
No appointment needed.
Provided by Trinity Health
Partners.
8
Perspectives in Jazz, Gail
Niceswanger Theatre, Fort
Dodge Senior High,
7 to 8 p.m.
9
Drawing and Design for
Young People, ages 9 to 12,
Blanden Municipal Art
Museum, 920 Third Ave. S.,
573-2316,
10 a.m. to 12 p.m., $10 per
session for museum
members, $12 per person
for non-members.
9
Greater Iowa Swim League
State Swim Meet, Fort
Dodge Senior High pool, all
day, organized by Fort Dodge
Swim Club.
9
Winter Flea Market, Webster
County Fairgrounds,
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
WWeeeekkllyy SSppeecciiaallss
MMoonnddaayy:: $$88..9999 AAllll YYoouu CCaann EEaatt BBrrooaasstteerr CChhiicckkeenn
TTuueessddaayy:: $$55..9999 22 ppcc.. BBrrooaasstteerr CChhiicckkeenn DDiinnnneerr wwiitthh 22 SSiiddeess -- AAllll DDaayy
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TThhuurrssddaayy:: 22 ffoorr 11 MMaarrttiinniiss,, $$1100 BBuucckkeettss ooff DDoommeessttiicc BBeeeerr HHaallff PPrriiccee AAppppeettiizzeerrss && FFllaatt BBrreeaaddss
SSuunnddaayy:: BBrruunncchh BBuuffffeett 1100aamm -- 22ppmm
809 Central Ave., Fort Dodge • 515-955-5333 • www.oldebostons.com
10
Winter Flea Market, Webster
County Fairground,
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
10
Daylight Savings time begins.
12
Blood pressure screening,
Crossroads Mall,
8 to 9:30 a.m.,
Hy-Vee dining area,
10 to 11 a.m., free, no
appointment needed.
Provided by Trinity Health
Partners.
12
Performing Arts
Middle School Solo Festival,
St. Edmond, 4 to 7 p.m.
13
Lenten Journeys toward
Health and Wholeness, Grace
Lutheran Church, 211 S.
Ninth Street, supper at
5:30 p.m., worship at 6:30 p.m
Topics vary weekly..
14
Hawkeye Community Theatre
March dinner theatre produc-
tion of Neil Simon’s “Fools,”
Hawkeye Community
Theatre, 521 N. Twelfth St.,
dinner at 6;30 p.m.,
show at 8 p.m.,
576-6061. For more
information, visit hawkeyethe-
atre.com/2013_season.
14
Karl King Municipal Band Irish
concert, Decker Auditorium,
ICCC campus,
3:30 to 5 p.m.
15
Sonshine Singers perform
March Ministry,
7 p.m., Decker Auditorium,
ICCC campus
15
Hawkeye Community Theatre
March dinner theatre produc-
tion of Neil Simon’s “Fools,”
Hawkeye Community
Theatre, 521 N. Twelfth St.,
dinner at 6;30 p.m.,
show at 8 p.m.,
576-6061. For more
information, visit hawkeyethe-
atre.com/2013_season.
15
March Madness Men’s
Basketball Tournament, FDSH
main gym, 5 to 9 p.m.
16
Sonshine Singers perform
March Ministry,
2 p.m., Decker Auditorium,
ICCC campus.
16
Fort Dodge Sportsmen’s
Show, Webster County
Fairgrounds, 22770 Old
Highway 169, Fort Dodge,
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
16
Hawkeye Community Theatre
March dinner theatre produc-
tion of Neil Simon’s “Fools,”
Hawkeye Community
Theatre, 521 N. Twelfth St.,
dinner at 6;30 p.m., show at
8 p.m., 576-6061. For more
information, visit hawkeyethe-
atre.com/2013_season.
17
Fort Dodge Sportsmen’s
Show, Webster County
Fairgrounds, 22770 Old
Highway 169, Fort Dodge,
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
17
St. Patrick’s Day
Fort Dodge Today � March 2013 � 5
C A L E N D A R
March 2013
FFoorrtt DDooddggee Fort Dodge TTooyy && DDiieeccaasstt SShhooww Toy & Diecast Show
Iowa Central East Campus 2031 Quail Ave. • Fort Dodge IA Saturday, March 23, 2013
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. A DMISSION: $3 • KIDS 12 AND UNDER FREE
Show Contact: (515) 269-5315 ~ FOOD AVAILABLE ON-SITE ~
DVD TRANSFER OF FAMILY MOVIE
FILM-VIDEO-SLIDES-NEGATIVES
website You Only Live Once
[email protected] 515-227-1867Neil VanGundy
Movie Film (8mm or 16mm)
Slides, Negatives or Photos
Audio Cassettes VHS
Hi8mm Mini DV Video
DIGITAL MEDIA of Fort Dodge
www.YOLODigitalMedia.com
20
First day of spring
20
Cholesterol screening,
Wellness Center, Kenyon
Place, Friendship Haven,
2 to 3 p.m., blood pressure
and blood sugar check free of
charge, $3 fee for cholesterol
screening. No appointment
needed. Provided by Trinity
Health Partners.
20
Lenten Journeys toward
Health and Wholeness, Grace
Lutheran Church, 211 S.
Ninth St., supper at 5:30 p.m.,
worship at 6:30 p.m.
Topics vary weekly.
21
Hawkeye Community Theatre
March dinner theatre produc-
tion of Neil Simon’s “Fools,”
Hawkeye Community
Theatre, 521 N. Twelfth St.,
dinner at 6;30 p.m.,
show at 8 p.m.,
576-6061. For more
information, visit hawkeyethe-
atre.com/2013_season.
21
Network at Noon (resched-
uled from December 20 due
to foul weather), American
Red Cross Regional Director
Bob Kirschbaum is the speak-
er, admission: $10 for mem-
bers (including lunch), $15 for
non-members (including
lunch), Shimkat Motors, 3126
Fifth Ave. S. R.S.V.P. by March
17, 955-5500 or lisa@greater-
fortdodge.com
21
St. Edmond musical, St.
Edmond, 7:30 p.m.
ticketed event.
22
St. Edmond musical, St.
Edmond, 7:30 p.m.
ticketed event.
22
Lizard Creek Blues Concert,
Best Western Starlight Village
Inn and Suites, Erick Hovey
opens at 7 p.m. Popa Chubby
plays at 9 p.m. Doors open at
6 p.m. Tickets in advance $15
available at Fort Dodge,
Humboldt and Webster City
Hy-Vee stores, CSBank, Olde
Boston’s Restaurant, Access
Audio and Rieman Music or
$20 at the door.
22
Hawkeye Community Theatre
March dinner theatre produc-
tion of Neil Simon’s “Fools,”
Hawkeye Community
Theatre, 521 N. Twelfth St.,
dinner at 6;30 p.m.,
show at 8 p.m.,
576-6061. For more
information, visit hawkeyethe-
atre.com/2013_season.
22
2013 Home and Garden
Expo, Iowa Central
Community College Career
Education building, 4 to
8 p.m., admission $3.
Presented by The Messenger.
23
2013 Home and Garden
Expo, Iowa Central
Community College Career
Education building, 9 a.m. to
4 p.m., admission $3.
Presented by The Messenger.
23
Hawkeye Community Theatre
March dinner theatre produc-
tion of Neil Simon’s “Fools,”
Hawkeye Community
Theatre, 521 N. Twelfth St.
dinner at 6;30 p.m.,
show at 8 p.m.,
576-6061. For more
information, visit hawkeyethe-
atre.com/2013_season.
6 � Fort Dodge Today � March 2013
C A L E N D A R
March 2013
AT THE BLANDEN“Sonja Johnson: Impulse and Remembrance,” runs through May 25.
“Seeing the World, 1820 - 1930” etchings from the museum’s permanent collection.
“The Blitz: London, September 1940 through May 1941” runs through July 13.
One-of-a-Kind Gift Shop: New items available just in time for holiday shopping.
Hours are Tuesday - Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday.
The Blanden is located at 920 Third Ave. S. For information, phone 573-2316.
23
St. Edmond musical,
St. Edmond,
2 and 7:30 p.m.
ticketed event.
23
Drawing and Design for Young
People ages 9 to 12 second
session, Blanden Memorial
Art Museum,
10 a.m. to noon. 920 Third
Ave. S., 573-2316, $10 per
session for museum mem-
bers, $12 per person for
non-members.
23
Almost Home Annual Fur Ball,
Fort Dodge Ford Toyota,
7 to 11 p.m.
Tickets are $15 per single
person, $25 per couple in
advance, $20 per person at
the door.
23
Eggs and Issues forum, Iowa
Central Community College
and the Greater Fort Dodge
Growth Alliance sponsor the
event, Biosciences and Health
Sciences auditorium, ICCC,
7:30 a.m. with coffee, juice
and rolls served. Question
and answer session with local
lawmakers starts at 8:30 a.m.
and ends at 10 a.m.
23
Fort Dodge Toy & Diecast
Show, Iowa Central East
Campus, 2031 Quail Ave.,
9 a.m. to 4 p.m., admission: $3
with kids 12 and under free.
Food available on-site.
For more information, call
269-5315.
23
American Legion Spring
Baseball League, Harlan and
Hazel Rogers Sports
Complex, two games per day
scheduled.
23
Cyclone Classic Show,
Webster County
Fairgrounds, all day,
22770 Old Highway 169.
24
Alpha Gamma Rho Cattle
Show, Webster County
Fairgrounds, all day, 22770
Old Highway 169.
24
2013 Home and Garden
Expo, Iowa Central
Community College Career
Education building, 11 a.m. to
4 p.m., admission $3.
Presented by The Messenger.
24
American Legion Spring
Baseball League, Harlan and
Hazel Rogers Sports
Complex, two games per day
scheduled.
26
Blood pressure screening,
Crossroads Mall,
8 to 9:30 a.m., Hy-Vee dining
area, 10 to 11 a.m., free, no
appointment needed.
Provided by Trinity Health
Partners.
27
Lenten Journeys toward
Health and Wholeness, Grace
Lutheran Church, 211 S.
Ninth St., supper at 5:30 p.m.,
worship at 6:30 p.m. Topics
vary weekly.
28
28th Annual Webster County
Pheasants Forever Banquet,
Webster County Fairgrounds,
social: 5:30 p.m., dinner: 7 p.m.
Door prizes, raffles and auc-
tion will be held. Tickets
available at the door.
30
American Legion Spring
Baseball League, Harlan and
Hazel Rogers Sports
Complex, two games per day
scheduled.
30
The Moose Lodge 806’s
Annual Easter Egg Hunt,
Dodger Stadium. Registration
10:45 a.m. to noon. Egg hunt
begins at 12:15 p.m.
Cost is 50¢ per child and child
must be present to register.
Four age groups participate,
18 months through fourth
grade. Rain date is April 6
same time, same location.
31
Easter
31
American Legion Spring
Baseball League, Harlan and
Hazel Rogers Sports
Complex, two games
per day scheduled.
Fort Dodge Today � March 2013 � 7
C A L E N D A R
March 2013
8 � Fort Dodge Today � March 2013
Bounce Back To The Library
FORT DODGE PUBLIC LIBRARY
515-573-8167 424 Central Avenue
Fort Dodge, IA www.fortdodgeiowa.org/library
June 8 th & 22 nd , July 13 th & 27 th , August 10 th & 24 th , September 14 th & 28 th
www.fdmarketoncentral.com O P E N 2 4 H O U R S
3 0 3 6 1 s t A v e S • F o r t D o d g e • 5 1 5 - 5 7 6 - 7 4 0 0
•FULL LINE GROCERY DEPARTMENT •Pharmacy •Tire & Lube Express •Vision Center •Hearing Center
•Portrait Studio •Deli •Bakery
FFiinndd eevveerryytthhiinngg yyoouurr Find everything your ffaammiillyy nneeeeddss ffoorr aa jjooyyoouuss family needs for a joyous
EEaasstteerr cceelleebbrraattiioonn.. Easter celebration.
HHooppppyy EEaasstteerr!! Hoppy Easter!
Vtech ‘Peek at
Me Bunny’
‘Pat the Bunny’ Book
Easter Outfits
Easter Crafts
Easter Baskets
Easter Watch
On the Shelf
March books in
the Library
provided by amyamypresler
Amy’s Word:
Fort Dodge Today � March 2013 � 9
I have been trawling the internet and magazines for upcoming
book releases and it looks like it’s going to be a banner year for
good novels. If your favorite author doesn’t have anything new
releasing this month, or if you want to try something new,
March has some big releases from debut authors that are worth
checking out (literally ... ha!) including: “Ghana Must Go” by
Taiye Selasi, “Rage Against the Dying” by Becky Masterman,
“Lessons in French” by Hilary Reyl, “Bay of Fires” by Poppy
Gee, “The Carriage House” by Louise Hall, “Elders” by Ryan
McIlvain, “I Want to Show You More” by Jamie Quatro, “The
Afterlife of Emerson Tang” by Paula Champa, “The Missing
File” by D.A. Mishani and “The Unchangeable Spots of
Leopards” by Kristopher Jansma.
The End of the Point
by Elizabeth Graver
The “point” of the title refers to Ashaunt
Point, the small finger land jutting into
Buzzard’s Bay, Mass., where a family
navigates the changing times starting in
1942 and continuing through to Vietnam.
The Burgess Boys
by Elizabeth Strout
Strout, author of the Pulitzer Prize-
winning-novel Olive Kitteridge, returns
with this tale of two brothers, both
attorneys in New York City, who must
return to their hometown in Maine to
help their sister deal with the fallout of her son’s misdeed.
Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgeraldby Therese Anne FowlerFictionalized accound of the lives ofZelda and Scott Fitzgerald and theirtime as a golden couple during the roar-ing 20’s.
Middle C
by William H. Gass
Eighty-eight-year-old Gass’s new novel
centers on a man who grows up under
the mystery of his father’s disappear-
ance in post-war Lond.
The Obituary Writer
by RAnn Hood
In the 1960’s, Claire struggles over the decision of whether to leave her marriage for the man whose baby
she may be carrying, while Vivien, in 1919, writes obituaries while searching for her lover who vanished
during the 1906 Great San Francisco Quake. The women’s stories eventually intersect by novel’s end in a
surprising way.
10 � Fort Dodge Today � March 2013
megmegbesheycoLorlocal
Class Notes
photograph by Meg Beshey
Meet Teresa DeCoursey
What is your name and where are
you from?
My name is Teresa DeCoursey and I'm
originally from Webster City, Iowa. I'm
married to Paul DeCoursey and we
have two children, Brennen, who is an
eighth-grader at Phillips Middle School
and Karlee, who is a fifth grader at Fair
Oaks Middle School.
What grade or subjects do you
teach at Duncombe Elementary?
I currently teach K-4 reading at
Duncombe Elementary for the Fort
Dodge Community Schools. My main
focus is what we call small group
instruction. I also work with the stu-
dents in reading interventions.
How long have you been a reading
resource teacher?
This is my third year as a
Title I reading teacher at Duncombe
Elementary. Prior to teaching in this
area, I taught kindergarten at Butler
Elementary for 12 years.
What is the best thing about your
job as a reading teacher?
I really enjoy the opportunity to work
with the kids throughout their entire
elementary school experience. I get to
see them grow from kindergarten all
the way through the fourth grade.
I also create a bond with the
students by having them in the small
groups for reading or as individuals too.
What or who inspired you to
become a reading teacher?
I’ve always enjoyed being a teacher. I
really wanted to focus my efforts in the
area of reading. I love to share my love
of reading with the kids every day. I
want to be teaching something I feel
very passionate about.
Teresa DeCoursey works with students from kindergarten through fourth gradeat Duncombe Elementary.
Fort Dodge Today � March 2013 � 11
Why do you think reading is so important to stu-
dents at Duncombe and to their daily learning at
home?
Reading is a lifelong skill that everyone needs. The stu-
dents at Duncobme are learning to self-assess and create
their own goals in reading. This can carry over to so
many other aspects in their lives. I’m hoping the “small
successes” they are seeing will help them stay motivated
in education and in life!
Hailey Wolfe brings in a Valentine for DeCoursey.
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ICCC Student Spotlight
Johnson Studies TowardScience at ICCC
Mandi Johnson is shy the first time you
meet her on campus. Once you get to
know her better in discussion in the
classroom, she will start to open up to
you more.
“Mandi is a very easy person to get
along with. She is the type of person
who will do anything you ask of her to
do no matter what that may be. Mandi
Johnson is also a hard worker in the
classroom. Yet you can always tell when
her interest in a class is not as strong as
others,” said Dani Ewing, Johnson’s
roommate.
Johnson is not just all
about academics and
campus life. She
explains that some of
her favorite things have
to do when she is not
at school on campus.
“I like to golf. It is one
sport I am good at. For
me, it truly is a relax-
ation thing for me to
enjoy and be successful
at. I also like to fish.
When I was younger, I
would spend the
majority of time out-
doors and fishing has
always been something
I have loved to do,” she
said.
Johnson graduated last year from East
Sac Community Schools.
Like many other impending college stu-
dents straight out of high school, she
decided to go to Iowa Central
Community College. Because it was
inexpensive and close to her home, she
believed it was the right option for her
and her family. She also explains it is an
easy place to meet new people.
While at Iowa Central, she is receiving
her associate of arts degree and plans to
major in veterinary medicine.
“I love animals. Last year, I had the
opportunity to shadow a veterinarian
and from there on, I decided I wanted
to be successful like him,” Johnson said.
Although that is her major at the
moment, she is still unsure on whether
or not that is what really she wants to
do because the science classes are hard-
er than she expected.
“If I don’t major in veterinary, I would
like to switch to radiology. I think it is a
cool career and there is a lot of money
involved in that career,” Johnson said.
Johnson plans to attend Iowa Central
Community College for one more year.
From there, she is going to transfer to
Iowa State University. Her goals after
college are to start a family, and make
new friends while maintaining her old
ones.
She said she would love to move to
Missouri or Wyoming.
“I would like to move to Missouri
because my sister lives there and we are
close. It would also give me a chance to
see my niece and nephew more. For
Wyoming, I had vacationed there one
time and thought it was beautiful and it
would be an amazing place to live,”
Johnson said.
photograph by Hailey Brueschke
Mandi Johnson is pursuing science courses as part ofher Pre-vet major.
Fort Dodge Today � March 2013 � 13
For answers to any of your questions
or to schedule a campus visit, please contact
515-576-7201 or 800-362-2793www.iowacentral.edu
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14 � Fort Dodge Today � March 2013
Shari Burke really didn’t become a
busy volunteer until she first became a
busy business owner.
As Burke, who owns Studio Fusion –
which began as a home-based
business – began meeting more
people through her work, she
discovered the need for volunteers
within the community.
“I never really did much volunteering
until I started my own business and
really got to know people out in the
public. It’s a great feeling to volunteer
and especially at the YWCA. I think
people should do it more often in their
lives,” Burke said, “I highly recom-
mend it.”
Burke chiefly channels her volunteer
efforts through the YWCA and entities
that support it.
She is the secretary for the YWCA’s
board of directors, serves on the Kate
Nelson Golf Tournament Committee
which raises funds for the YWCA and
she serves on the committee for the
Vincent House, which is owned by the
YWCA.
“The Y is a great cause,” Burke said,
“It’s amazing the need that there is.
It’s a sad realization of how our
community suffers in ways you don’t
see in everyday life.”
There are challenges every day but the
biggest challenge facing the YWCA is
funding Burke said, “It’s strictly run on
donations and grants. That’s really
scary when you think about that huge
building they have and they are feed-
ing all these women and children on a
daily basis. There’s always people that
give to the Y frequently and that type
of continual support is great and much
appreciated.”
It takes more than money to keep the
YWCA going. The people who live
there need everyday items including
soap, shampoo, towels, toys for the kids
and daycare.
“Monetary donations are great too
because that also keeps the doors
robertrobertwolfcoLorlocal
Despite the time it takes to run her business, Shari Burke makes time to volunteer andrecommends it to others.
photographs by Robert Wolf
Burke Finds Time toVolunteer with the YWCA
Fort Dodge Today � March 2013 � 15
open, but it’s just day-to-day living for
these people too,” she said.
Ann Davidson, director of the YWCA,
said Burke brought some valuable
assets when she joined the board in
January 2012.
“Besides being someone I consider a
friend, Shari brought some unique
skills to the position. As a woman who
has created her own successful business
here in Fort Dodge, her entrepreneurial
spirit added another dimension to the
general make-up of the board. This
group of talented women help direct a
program for homeless women as well
as women who have lost their homes
(and sometimes most of their worldly
goods due to addiction).”
“It is important that members of the
board relish the opportunity to serve as
role models for our clients and as the
public face of the YWCA organization
in Fort Dodge. We rely heavily on con-
tributions for our community to fund
services for the homeless, people like
Shari with boundless energy are a
pleasure to work with on the three
major fund raising events we hold
annually here in this community.”
“The Y does a lot of activities and
involvement with the clients as well as
the community. The YWCA does a lot
of fundraising in the community main-
ly because we are a non-profit and
need to bring in those extra funds while
we can do so,” Burke said.
“It’s been fun. I’ve gotten to know a
lot of people,” Burke said of her volun-
teerism. “It’s hard because I do a lot of
evening stuff here (at her business) and
I do most of my committee meetings
after hours.”
The Vincent House Committee plans
activities at the historic house located
in the Oak Hill District.
“We do something once a month,”
Burke said, “For every event we have a
little luncheon.”
Committee members donate the food
for the luncheons to help raise money.
They also take care of the property.
“It’s a great group of people. It sound-
ed like fun,” she said of the committee.
“There’s a lot of people that use the
Vincent House.”
Burke says the YWCA is a great cause and it’s amazing how much need there is inthe community. Monetary donations keep the doors open, but the residents needeveryday items too.
Continued on page 16
16 � Fort Dodge Today � March 2013
“I don’t get to (volunteer) as often as
I’d like because I’m so busy,” Burke
said.
She admitted she has a slight issue at
hand when it comes to volunteering;
she has trouble saying no.
“I wish I could do more for the YWCA
then I do now. I’d also like to get more
involved in the various non-profit
boards around the community,” she
said. “Everyone should participate on
a board at least once, to do their part
to help out. A couple of days off would
be nice too in between work and volun-
teering.”
volunteer
Continued from page 15
About Shari Burke
Shari Burke, 46, is a native
of North Dakota. She has a
degree in business account-
ing. Her husband of 19
years, Eric, is a Fort Dodge
native. Before moving to
Fort Dodge, they lived in
Minneapolis where she
worked in mortgage bank-
ing. She continued in mort-
gage banking for a while
when they moved to Fort
Dodge nine years ago. She
started her own business on
the side in their home six
years ago. Last year she
moved her business, Studio
Fusion, downtown to 21 S.
12th St.
“Being in business for your-
self is sometimes a little
scary, but you’ve got to try
it if you have a passion for
it,” she said.
The Burkes have one son,
Halen, a sophomore at St.
Edmond High School. She
has helped her son’s French
class raise money for a trip
to France.
Her husband is business
manager at Racing
Unlimited.
The couple also volunteers
at the Thanksgiving meal at
Fort Dodge Ford.
Being a business owner and working with other people were a couple reasons Burkegot involved with volunteering.
Fort Dodge Today � March 2013 � 17
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Annual Fur Ball
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Fort Dodge Ford Toyota 7 to 11 pm
Tickets in advance: $15/single $25/couple Tickets at the door: $20/person
18 � Fort Dodge Today � March 2013
aboutscEnE town
Jane Bu r leson a t tends t he ce lebra t ion of B lackH i s to ry Mon th a t The V i ncen t House .
Samara Nay lor , Ja lexu s C rook s and J immie C rook s , J r . a reat t he V in cen t House to l i s t en to t he p rogram p re sen tedin honor o f B lack H i s to r y Mon th .
Jane G ibb , Cha r lene Bu rke and Sh
ery l G r i f f i th a t tend t he B lack
H i s to r y Month celeb ra t io n a t t he
V in cen t House .
Cher ton Darensbou rg reads a h i s to r i ca lac coun t o f one man ’ s e xper ience g row ing upb lac k i n t he Sou th i n the 1970s .
Black History Month celebrated at The Vincent House
Photos by photographersNicole Hagar and Susan Moore
Fort Dodge Today � March 2013 � 19
Jameka Mose ly , Nashar ia Pa t te r son , Ch r
i s t yn N i c ho l s and
LaJoyce Lee en joy re f res hmen ts a f te r th
e p rogram
Howard Haase and Dou
g Sanders vi s i t du r i ng t
he A r t
Exposé fo r Iowa Cen t ra
l Commun i t y Co l lege s t u
den ts a t
Wi l low R idge Res tauran
t .
She lby Janssen p rov ided
mus i c fo r t he t he gues t s
du r i ng t he A r t Exposé fo r
ICCC s t uden ts .
Lau ra McBr ide and Kev in Ke l le her a t tend the A r tExposé .
Black HistoryMonth celebrated atThe Vincent House
Art Expose for ICCC students at Willow RidgeRestaurant and Golf Course
20 � Fort Dodge Today � March 2013
aboutscEnE town
21st Annual Trinity
Hospice Ball at Best
Western Starlite Village
Inn and Suites
Lucas Abe l and Jen Cook a t tend the T r i n i t yHosp i ce Ba l l .
A ngela Doy le , le f t , and Cathy Huggh in s pausein the e ven i ng to pose w i th a sm i le a t t heT r i n i ty Ho sp i ce Ba l l .
Jo hn and Mel i s sa Nann
inga a t t he
T r i n i ty Hospi ce Ba l l .
Photos by photographersNicole Hagar and Susan Moore
Crystal Wiseman and Mark Kollash are present for the Trinity Hospice Ball.
Fort Dodge Today � March 2013 � 21
Deb and Brian Shriver attend the
Trinity Hospice Ball at Best
Western Starlite Village Inn and Su
ites.
21st Annual Trinity Hospice Ball atBest Western Starlite Village Inn and Suites
J i l l and Jos ie E lda l en joy some read ing t ime a tS to ry t ime a t t he Fo r t Dodge Pub l i c L ib ra ry .
A sh ley and Connor DuFou ra t t he pub l i c l ib ra ry f o rt he S to ry t ime .
Jen and A lex Le i t i ng spend some t ime w i tha good s to ry a t the pub l i c l ib ra ry .
Storytime at the FortDodge Public Library
Ear l and Mon i ca Radke a t tend the T r i n i t y Hosp i ce Ba l l .
22 � Fort Dodge Today � March 2013
aboutscEnE townPhotos by photographersNicole Hagar and Susan Moore
J im K impel l and Barbara Wal lace Hughes a t tend t heopen house a t Buc kroyd S tud io .
A r t i s t and photographerMaureen Power s w i th B r u ce
and Georgeann Mor r i son a t
t he open house he ld a tBuc k royd S t ud io .
S teve and Ca ry Es t l und a t Buc k
royd S tud io fo r the
open house for a r t i s t /pho togr
apher Mau ren Power s .
Buckroyd Studio Iconic Images Open House
Fort Dodge Today � March 2013 � 23
Winter Flea Market at Webster County Fairgrounds
Sharon and Dave Hrubes loo k o ver baked goodsdu r i ng the w in te r f lea mar ke t a t t he Webster Coun tyFa i rg rounds .
B rad S t ru t zenberg i s a t h i s booth w i th
h i s co l lec t ib le
ca r s fo r sa le a t t he W in ter F lea Marke
t .
Janet Fet te rs i s a t he r booth w i t h he r f r eshbaked p ies , cook ies , ba r s and need lewor kp ro jec ts
Ke l ly and Dav id Co l l i n a t tend the f l eamarke t a t t he fa i rg rounds .
24 � Fort Dodge Today � March 2013 Fort Dodge Today � March 2013 � 25
CCeenntteerr CCeenntteerr Center SSttaaggee SSttaaggee Stage
214 South 25th Street, Fort Dodge, IA • 515-576-3652
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612 So. 32nd St. 515-576-6481 800-397-0025
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New Car SSHHOOWW SHOW
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March 22 nd , 23 rd & 24 th
524 Central Avenue Fort Dodge, IA
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Garage Doors & Operators
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1911 First Ave. North 576-5095
Order your Cakes, Bars & Cookies
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Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ©Wellmark, Inc., Des Moines, IA Form No. IA-13-P-11
130 N. 25th Street • Fort Dodge, IA 50501 515-576-1800 • 800-657-8033
www.khisolutions.com
Lower-cost alternative for quality coverage.
As part of the downtown renaissance, a new addition tothe plethora of fun, unique stores is now open for yourshopping pleasure. When you start your journey downCentral Avenue, you can’t help but notice the new store-front of Design Two. Located in the former EconomyPrint Graphics location, Design Two, owned by JanDencklau, has all the amenities you expect from a spe-cialty store like hers.
The decision to move downtown wasn’t a hard onewhen she saw the great success the other small businessesare having downtown. “We like our new location down-town, how the store is now a part of the renovation ofbusiness for our customers,” stated Dencklau, “the build-ing itself has such historical character and it shows off allof our products we sell.” What the customers really likeis the parking that is available so close to the store. It isaccessible on 12th Street as well as on Central Avenue indowntown Fort Dodge. The business also has its sisteroperation across the street, Maxine’s. It is located in theDariette Drive Thru location and is open Monday -Friday from 7am-1pm and Saturdays from 8am-Noon.
When you walk into the store you immediatelynotice the color and texture of all the items for sale. Youare greeted by creative stoneware animal figurines for thegarden or maybe a bright colorful garden flag. A verypopular product at Design Two is the screenings createdby artist, Peri Wolter. Customers can’t get enough ofthese and often collect them. Design Two is continually
getting in new items for the spring season to embellishyour garden areas or maybe decorate for the Easter holi-day celebrations. The jewelry is a big feature. When itcomes to dressing up your outfit, Design Two has thatperfect accessory.
A great selection of kitchenware adorns a classicshelving unit in the store. The colors just pop out at you.Imagine how they would look on your kitchen table or ina festive display in your outdoor dining area. To accen-tuate the kitchenware, make sure you check out theamazing selection of gourmet food items that DesignTwo has to offer. They have dips, muffin mixes, hotchocolates, as well as the line of Rothschild food itemselections.
Step into Spring!Step into Design Two Today!
DESIGN TWO
1109 Central AvenueFort Dodge, IA515-576-6745
Design TwoMonday: 1-5:30 pm
Tuesday-Friday: 10 am-5:30 pmSaturday 10 am-4 pm
Maxine’s CoffeeMonday - Friday 7 am-1 pm
Saturday 8 am-Noon
24 � Fort Dodge Today � March 2013 Fort Dodge Today � March 2013 � 25
CCeenntteerr CCeenntteerr Center SSttaaggee SSttaaggee Stage
214 South 25th Street, Fort Dodge, IA • 515-576-3652
“Live Easier, Happier & Healthier!”
Pharmacy Hours: M-F 8-8; Sat 9-5; Sun 10-4
We now offer the Shingles Vaccinations.
SALES, SERVICE & RENTAL
YYoouurr CCoommpplleettee WWaatteerr SSttoorree YYoouurr CCoommpplleettee WWaatteerr SSttoorree Your Complete Water Store
612 So. 32nd St. 515-576-6481 800-397-0025
217 So. 25th St. Ft. Dodge, Iowa
New Car SSHHOOWW SHOW
MMoonn--SSuunn:: MMaarrcchh 44--11 00 Mon-Sun: March 4-1 0
Offroad • Commercial • Farm Service AutomobileTires & Wheels
24 Hour Service: 515-576-6676 3016 5th Ave. So. • Fort Dodge
955-8501 • 800-BUD-HOST
Large Indoor Pool & Hot Tub
Jct. Hwys 169 & 20
Restaurant & Lounge
tthhee the
CCeellllaarr Cellar
(515)576-2290 “A Tradition of Fine Dining”
11 110099 CCeennttrraall AAvvee.. 1 109 Central Ave. ((AA cc rroo ss ss ff rroomm TTii ll ll ii ee ss QQuu ii ll tt ss )) (A c ro s s f rom Ti l l i e s Qu i l t s )
55 11 55 --557766--66774455 5 1 5 -576-6745
GGii ff ttss aanndd HHoommee DDèèccoorr Gif ts and Home Dècor
Where the Easter Bunny
Shops...
HHOOMMEE HHOOMMEE HOME & G arden
Expo
2013
HHoommee && GGaarrddeenn SShhooww -- HHoommee && GGaarrddeenn SShhooww Home & Garden Show - Home & Garden Show
SAVE THE DATE presents...
March 22 nd , 23 rd & 24 th
524 Central Avenue Fort Dodge, IA
955-2330
YYoouu’’llll BBee TTeemmpptteedd TToo UUssee IItt AAss YYoouurr FFrroonntt DDoooorr You’ll Be Tempted To Use It As Your Front Door
Service ALL Makes & Models of
Garage Doors & Operators
6 N ORTH 21st S TREET 955- DOOR (3667)
Overhead Door Company of Webster County The Genuine. The Original.
1911 First Ave. North 576-5095
Order your Cakes, Bars & Cookies
Today!
BRENDA LASTINE
Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ©Wellmark, Inc., Des Moines, IA Form No. IA-13-P-11
130 N. 25th Street • Fort Dodge, IA 50501 515-576-1800 • 800-657-8033
www.khisolutions.com
Lower-cost alternative for quality coverage.
As part of the downtown renaissance, a new addition tothe plethora of fun, unique stores is now open for yourshopping pleasure. When you start your journey downCentral Avenue, you can’t help but notice the new store-front of Design Two. Located in the former EconomyPrint Graphics location, Design Two, owned by JanDencklau, has all the amenities you expect from a spe-cialty store like hers.
The decision to move downtown wasn’t a hard onewhen she saw the great success the other small businessesare having downtown. “We like our new location down-town, how the store is now a part of the renovation ofbusiness for our customers,” stated Dencklau, “the build-ing itself has such historical character and it shows off allof our products we sell.” What the customers really likeis the parking that is available so close to the store. It isaccessible on 12th Street as well as on Central Avenue indowntown Fort Dodge. The business also has its sisteroperation across the street, Maxine’s. It is located in theDariette Drive Thru location and is open Monday -Friday from 7am-1pm and Saturdays from 8am-Noon.
When you walk into the store you immediatelynotice the color and texture of all the items for sale. Youare greeted by creative stoneware animal figurines for thegarden or maybe a bright colorful garden flag. A verypopular product at Design Two is the screenings createdby artist, Peri Wolter. Customers can’t get enough ofthese and often collect them. Design Two is continually
getting in new items for the spring season to embellishyour garden areas or maybe decorate for the Easter holi-day celebrations. The jewelry is a big feature. When itcomes to dressing up your outfit, Design Two has thatperfect accessory.
A great selection of kitchenware adorns a classicshelving unit in the store. The colors just pop out at you.Imagine how they would look on your kitchen table or ina festive display in your outdoor dining area. To accen-tuate the kitchenware, make sure you check out theamazing selection of gourmet food items that DesignTwo has to offer. They have dips, muffin mixes, hotchocolates, as well as the line of Rothschild food itemselections.
Step into Spring!Step into Design Two Today!
DESIGN TWO
1109 Central AvenueFort Dodge, IA515-576-6745
Design TwoMonday: 1-5:30 pm
Tuesday-Friday: 10 am-5:30 pmSaturday 10 am-4 pm
Maxine’s CoffeeMonday - Friday 7 am-1 pm
Saturday 8 am-Noon
26 � Fort Dodge Today � March 2013
robertrobertwolfcolorlocal
Faith Matters:Oppedahl Directs Youths at her Childhood Church
Heather Oppedahl offered to help out – temporarily –
when the youth director at St. Olaf Lutheran Church was
leaving about five years ago.
Her volunteerism turned into a part-time temporary posi-
tion and now a paid position as the church’s youth direc-
tor. But it’s not the money that motivates her.
“I think I would have done it just for my time because I
enjoy it,” she said.
Oppedahl has been a member of St. Olaf Lutheran
Church all her life.
“I’ve been active since I was 3 years old,” she said. “I went
through Confirmation here. I taught Sunday school as a
young high school and college student.”
She also participated in adult choir when she was younger
and has also directed some children’s choirs at St. Olaf
too.
She commented that she hasn’t always lived in Fort Dodge
but to her, St. Olaf Lutheran Church has always been her
church home.
Working with St. Olaf ’s youths is “something I feel I need-
ed in my life. When the door opened up for me to come
work here it felt like it was just planted for me,” Oppedahl
said. “I’ve always enjoyed working with the kids from
St.Olaf church. I’ve always done mission work when I was
growing up in the church. I just want to give back in some
way, what this church has given me.”
239 N orth 11th St. • Fort D odge • 576-2103 Easter Sunday Schedule:
5:30 am Cemetery Service 6:30 am Contemporary Service 7:30-10:30 am Easter Breakfast 8:30 am Traditional Service 10:30 am Traditional Service
www.stolaffd.org
photographs by Robert Wolf
Kids are welcome to come and talk with Heather Oppedahl in heroffice at the church.
Fort Dodge Today � March 2013 � 27
She works with youths of all ages, but
primarily fifth through 12th grades.
“I work a lot on Wednesdays when we
have regular after school activities with
Confirmation students. The high
school students also gather on
Wednesday evenings but they wanted
to meet more often so sometimes they
try to squeeze in a Sunday night.
Sometimes the youth meets at the
church, sometimes at Starbucks, and
often times in her own home.
The youths she oversees have helped
out in the community including at the
Beacon of Hope as well as visiting the
residents at Friendship Haven. They
have even picked up garbage around
town. “We also throw in some fun
activities for them too,” Oppedahl said.
“I stress the fact of helping others but
we do find time to have fun.”
Oppedahl admitted there are chal-
lenges to getting kids involved.
“In this generation, it is kind of hard,”
she said. “Show the kids you are inter-
ested in what they have to say and that
they are an important part of people’s
lives. I think that is basically where you
need to start. Communication is key
when it comes to our youth here at St.
Olaf Lutheran Church and in this
community. You have to let them know
that no matter what, your faith is
always going to be there. If you have
faith, faith is going to stay in your life.”
As a single parent, it was her faith, she
said, that got her through.
“Through the good times and through
the bad times God is going to walk
your path. He is going to open up your
doors and he is going to let you know
that it’s going to be OK,” she said.
Continued on page 28
H o l y W e e k M a s s T i m e s
Office address: 2220 4th Ave. N. Fort Dodge, IA
955-6077 Stations of the Cross en Espanol • Sacred Heart • 7:00 p.m. Friday
Holy Thursday • March 28 • 7:30 p.m. Corpus Christi - Fort Dodge Sacred Heart - Fort Dodge Saint Matthew - Clare Good Friday • March 29 Corpus Christi - Fort Dodge • 12:05 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Sacred Heart - Fort Dodge • 12:05 p.m. Saint Matthew - Clare • 6:30 p.m. Our Lady of Good Counsel - Moorland • 12:05 p.m.
Easter Vigil • Saturday • March 30 • 8:00 p.m. Sacred Heart - Fort Dodge Easter Sunday • March 31 Corpus Christi - Fort Dodge • 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sacred Heart - Fort Dodge • 8:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., Noon (En Espanol) Saint Matthew - Clare • 9:00 a.m. Christ the King - Dayton • 8:00 a.m. Our Lady of Good Counsel - Moorland • 10:00 a.m.
Oppedahl is youth director at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, where she has been active sinceshe was 3 years old.
28 � Fort Dodge Today � March 2013
“One of my mottos is be you and be real,” said Oppedahl.
She tells the kids she wants them to be the same person out
in public as they are inside the church.
“Not everyone’s lives are perfect and I just want them to
know that, no matter what happens or what road you travel
on, God is there no matter what,” she said.
Oppedahl said she believes this is true especially of the high
school students she works with no matter what choices they
make, good or bad.
“God will never leave your side. He is your best friend,” she said.
In the Bible studies she tries to incorporate life events
which the kids are going through. She stresses the impor-
tance of connections.
“You have to be connected with something. It’s very
important to find a connection in life,” Oppedahl said.
One night, the high school students wrote on pieces of
paper what it was they are bringing to the group, such as
their smile, their personality, their musical talent. Then
all the notes were connected with pipe cleaners.
“It shows how we are connected in many different ways,”
Oppedahl said, “That’s what makes us a group.”
She also works with the Confirmation students. During
their two and a half years of preparation they are
required to take notes on 60 sermons. She then places the
notes in each of the studentás files.
“A youth director is needed to give kids a place where
they know they can come in and be accepted, no matter
what,” Oppedahl said.
“I think a youth director is needed much more in today’s
world because of all the stuff that kids go through. There
are so many more things out there as far as the way kids
treat each other, the way pressures are put on them, the
way kids talk to each other,” Oppendahl said.
She lost a brother through suicide.
“I’m very passionate about how kids talk to each other
and how bullying is out there with kids. I tell them how
real it is and how it can hurt people. Whether it was back
in their childhood years it can still stay with them forever,
Continued from page 27
faith
St. Paul Lutheran School Presents the 6th Annual
Auction and Dinne r April 6th Social Hour a nd Silent Auction 4:30 pm
Dinner s erved at 6:30 pm Live Auction at 8:00 pm
Webster County Fairgrounds Catered by Tea Thyme
$25 per ticket – call 955-7208
Silent and Live Auction Items Iowa Winery Tour, Branson Fishing Trip, Purse Auction,
Tools, Small Appliances, Quilts, Gift Baskets, Home Decor & More.
St. Paul Lutheran Church and School Sharing Jesus Generation to Generation
for 150 years.
Fort Dodge Today � March 2013 � 29
like it did to my brother,” Oppedahl
said.
She said she enjoys knowing she has
made a difference in at least one per-
son’s life, knowing that a kid comes in
after school, feeling down or had has a
rough day or did poorly on a test, and
then putting a smile on their face.
“It makes me feel good knowing that
I’m helping others. I’ve always been
the type of person helping people,”
Oppedahl said.
She said she appreciates all the sup-
port the congregation has given her
and to the various youth activities she
supervises all year long including mis-
sion trips. Through the nondenomina-
tional Center for Student Missions,
Heather Oppedahl has taken high
school students on mission trips to
Philadelphia, Houston and Boston.
“I used to go on mission trips as a
young girl here with the church,”
Oppedahl said, “Now I’m taking
them.”
Some of her former students who
have moved on continue to stay in
touch with her and many have
remained on her list to receive the
daily devotions she sends.
“I am blessed because of ... St. Olaf
bringing me onboard and giving me
the opportunity of sharing my ideas
and the things I have gone through in
life, to be able to express those to our
youth here,” Oppedahl said, “The
kids that I work with at St. Olaf
Lutheran Church mean the world to
me.”
“I enjoy working with Heather. She’s
made a real difference in the lives of
many of our youth,” said St. Olaf ’s
pastor, the Rev. David Grindberg.
About Heather Oppedahl
Although Heather Oppedahl was
planning to become a teacher,
while she was in college, she took
a job at the Fort Dodge Regional
Airport.
“I worked for Northwest Airlines
for 14 years.” She moved up into
management and went on the
move. “I was an operations man-
ager for them. I managed out stations,”
including Tulsa, Oklahoma, Springfield,
Missouri, and Shreveport, Louisiana. “I trav-
eled a lot and I learned a lot.”
In 2004, “I decided to give it all up and I
came back to Fort Dodge and started work-
ing for Target.” She is now a sen-
ior team lead for Target.
A single mother, she has two
daughters, and two other children
she took in which she calls her
“bonus children.” They are grown
and moved out.
Her parents and a sister live in
Fort Dodge. She can be contacted through
St. Olaf Lutheran Church at 576-2103 or by
email at [email protected]
Heather Oppedahl
30 � Fort Dodge Today � March 2013
We wish to recognize the students of St. Edmond High School who are current
members of the National Honor Society. We congratulate them for their academics
and leadership among the students at their school.
National Honor Society
St. Edmond High School
St. Edmond National Honor Society pictured: row 1: Madisyn McCarville, Katy Bocken, Haley Kapustka and Rachel Fosbender.row 2: Jacquelyn Brundgardt, Lauren Moeding, Melissa Mikos, Kathleen Donnelly, Mary Eide and Casey McEvoy.row 3: David Flattery, Aaron Chalstrom, Callaghan Coleman, Edward Doyle, Hannah Lentsch, Claire Crimmins, Allison Huss andand moderator Tyler Philipsen.Members of National Honor Society absent from the photo are: Annie Kersten, Theresa Birzer, Michelle Curtis, Hank Crimminsand Thomas Woodruff.
-submitted photo
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Fort Dodge Today � March 2013 � 31
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National Honor Society
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Fort Dodge Senior High Honor Society pictured: row 1: Mariah Welter, Megan Gibson, Morgan Bowman, Michalea Beckman,Sara Rethwisch, foreign exchange student Laura Nerlich and Baylie Wingersonrow 2: Nathan Sunken, Hannah Kenworthy, Thomas Halligan, Karlee Frien, Zach Delanoit, Beth Peterson, Nichole Prelip,Kjerstin Grindberg and Allison Beckerrow 3: David Egli, Keegan Jones, Austin Sanford, Nathan Moore, Tyler Vaughn, Eric Puls, Seth Dolan, foregin exchange studentTitus Aba, Allix Williamson, McKellan Glassell, Zoey Miller, Kayla Olson, Keegan Gormally, foreign exchange student Stella Wittand foreign exchange student Ramsha KhanThe moderator for Fort Dodge Senior High’s National Honor Society chapter is Francis Long.
-submitted photo
We wish to recognize the students of Fort Dodge Senior High who are current
members of the National Honor Society. We congratulate them for their academics
and leadership among the students at their school.
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Fort Dodge Today � March 2013 � 33
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34 � Fort Dodge Today � March 2013
featurecover hanshansmadsen
The two newest employees at the Iowa State
University Extension office for Webster
County – Mary Jo Wagner, program coordi-
nator, and Ally Zagers, office manager –
share a common goal.
“We want to increase awareness,” Wagner
said, “We have a very large program cata-
log.”
She said that many people have the idea that
the Extension Service is only 4-H or agricul-
tural programs.
“We’re much bigger than that,” she said.
One of those programs is the Buy Eat Live
Healthy classes taught by Family Nutrition
Program Assistant Carolyn Maschino. The
class is offered free to households on limited
incomes, with children 10 and younger or
who are expecting a child.
The course covers nutrition, smart shopping,
food preparation and even what to do with
an ingredient that’s healthy but might be
unfamiliar to the participant.
“She goes into the home and teaches,”
Zagers said, “In a lot of families, nobody
knows how to cook. She will help them
learn.”
Wagner said it meets a real need and help
the entire community by helping the partici-
pants to be healthier.
ISU Extension Program Coordinator Mary Jo Wagner, left, and Ally Zagers, office manag-er, post outside the Iowa State University Extension office at Crossroads Malls. The pairare working to make the public aware of the programs and services offered by the ISUExtension service to the public.
Reaching Out
photographs by Hans [email protected]
Fort Dodge Today � March 2013 � 35
Another program that they offer is the
Money Talk program; it’s a financial
course for women.
It will be offered again from March 4 to
April 1. The sessions are held each
Monday night.
Wagner explained that the course goes
far beyond simply learning to balance a
checkbook. It covers more complex issues
such as home financing, saving for retire-
ment and even investing.
Wagner began her experience with the
Extension Service more than 20 years
ago.
“I took the Master Gardeners course,”
she said.
After that, she stayed involved through
her children’s 4-H activities and other
Extension programs.
She began her duties on Nov. 19 with
one thing not to have to do.
“This was the first job I’ve had where I
didn’t have to learn a phone number,”
she said, having dialed that number
countless times in the past.
She said she enjoys the people who use
the Extension Service and the programs
they offer. She’s proud of the way every-
one in the office works together to help
each other.
Zagers began in the Fort Dodge office on
Sept. 21.
“My family is new to Fort Dodge,” she
said.
Her husband Chris is employed with the
Cargill project. They have two children,
Emma, 9 and Elliot, 5.
Zagers has a degree in elementary educa-
tion, and said she likes being able to help
people learn.
“It’s a constant stream of education,” she
said, “It’s easy to step into the role of
teacher.”
One of her duties is to help people who
call in. Their curiosity varies widely.
“We get questions every day,” she said,
“everything from bugs to I left my milk
out overnight, what do I do.”
She has the entire resources of the uni-
versity at her disposal; she relies on its
tested and authoritative information.
“We can’t just Google the answer,” she
said.
If the information seems particularly
complex, she can refer the caller to an
expert at the university.
Sometimes, the question has to be sent
Continued on page 36
Wagner, left, and Zagers, work on some of the programs that will be offered in the nearfuture.
36 � Fort Dodge Today � March 2013
there too, literally.
“People bring you bugs,” she said, “We
send them down to the insect labs at
ISU.”
That aspect of the job was bit of a sur-
prise.
“To me it’s just a bug,” she said.
Extension Service programs can vary in
cost. Many are free and for others, there
is a minimum fee.
“We always try to keep the cost down,”
Wagner said. “We’re a non-profit so it’s
just enough to defray expenses.
In the future, Wagner said they will be
looking at the needs of the county and
working on finding even more ways to
meet those for residents. such as a pro-
gram on viticulture.
“That’s a new one,” Wagner said, “It’ll
be fun.”
ISU Extension service can be reached at
576-2119 and at
www.extension.iastate.edu/webster/
cover featu re
Continued from page 35
ISU Extension Program Coordinator Mary Jo Wagner looks over some brochures that explainsome of the programs offered through her office.
Wagner, left, stops to look over some files with office assistant Janel Salvatore.
Fort Dodge Today � March 2013 � 37
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40 � Fort Dodge Today � March 2013
Ernie Koch, who retired from Fort Dodge Animal Health
after 35 years, has spent the last eight years perfecting a very
specific craft: Making bowls.
Koch, along with his wife, Claudia, created their business,
Koch Woodworking, in 2005. The business focuses on turn-
ing pieces of Iowa’s native woods into, among other things,
beautifully turned wooden bowls. Be they centerpieces for the
kitchen table or storage for toiletries, uses for the bowls are
endless and the imagination Koch applies just as varied.
Koch’s interest in creating wooden bowls began in 2001
when a man gave Koch lumber from a barn the man’s
grandfather had built.
“I tried different methods and techniques, but after quite a
while I finally figured out what to do with the wood to create
a bowl,” Koch said. “It was yellow pine and it was difficult to
work with.”
Initially, he shied away from doing “art,” but eventually Koch
saw it as a big stress reliever that he used as a form of thera-
py after a long work day.
To create his unique wooden bowls, he said he lets the wood
“talk” to him.
“The bowl that comes out in the end really depends on the
character of the wood,” said Koch. “The wood dictates the
shapes. Knowing how to cut the bowl is half the technique to
getting a quality piece turned out for final review.”
Claudia Koch said that when her husband sees a piece of
wood he now knows what kind of bowl it will be in the end.
He has a knack for it, she said.
Ernie Koch prefers to use wood from trees that have already
fallen or wood that is brought to him by his clients.
“I don’t like to cut trees down,” he said. “I use only found
woods. I try to use wood that people find or bring to me.”
megmegbesheyStYlehomephotographs by Meg Beshey
The Bowl’s the Thing
Ernie Koch displays one of the bowls he’s made whilewoodworking.
Fort Dodge Today � March 2013 � 41
Wood chips left over from his carvings are taken away by a
man who uses them as garden mulch.
“I like how that these uses for the wood keep them out of the
landfill, through the bowls and through the mulch, a second
purpose for the wood,” said Koch. “It makes me sad to see the
old barns leveled and the wood not being reused like it could
be.”
Koch has been commissioned to make wooden bowls from the
wood of barn that once stood on a on a Century Farm. The
pieces will go to the family’s decendants. He said doing a proj-
ects like that creates a personal connection he really enjoys.
In his shop, Koch displays bowls he’s made from woods such
as walnut, maple, Osage orangeand yellow pine. To carve
them, he uses both hand and power tools.
“Each bowl is different,” Koch said. “When we do art shows
from May through December, we can take anywhere from 100
pieces to sell. December is his busiest month to sell the bowls.
Someone always falls in love with a certain type of wooden
bowl I’ve made that just speaks to them through the colors, the
grain or maybe the bark left on the outside.”
Some of Koch’s bowls are rustic. Others have a chic elegance.
“They really could be an heirloom piece if they are taken care
of properly,” said Koch. “They all have a food-safe finish to
them.”
For Koch, the most rewarding moment is when the finish goes
on. The woods urprise him every time, he said.
“Older walnut is just gorgeous with its colors, lines,” said
Koch. “It is just so neat to see the final look of it.”
Ernie Koch can be contacted by calling 576-3018 or 408-
6868, visiting 1203 North Eighth St.
The bowl’s finished look is really determined by the character ofthe wood Koch is working with.
Koch uses only found wood or wood brought in by clients tocreate his unusual pieces.
42 � Fort Dodge Today � March 2013
Heartland Communications Group
Inc.’s (Heartland) founder Joe Peed
has long believed in the value of Fort
Dodge’s downtown infrastructure.
A native of Fort Dodge, Peed is
proud of his community and has
always had great interest in maintain-
ing our community’s unique skyline.
He was on the first Board that was
established after the downtown prop-
erty owners petitioned the City
Council, which approved the added
tax for the Self-Supported Municipal
Improvement District (SSMID).
Heartland’s corporate offices are
located at 1003 Central Ave. in the
eight-story building known as the
Carver Building and with more than
130 employees, at this location, it is
one of downtown’s largest employers.
Heartland also owns the Trolley
Center. Several other several proper-
ties owned over the years include the
BEH Building (currently Central
Place Apartments), Sears Building
and Welch Shoe Store (currently
Billards).
Over the year’s Heartland staff has
worked closely with SSMID and the
city to repurpose several downtown
properties including the park area
east of the Carver Building. This
property was saved after Heartland
purchased it along with several aban-
doned and rundown buildings to the
east, which were turned into the park
area now used by downtown resi-
dents and workers alike. This project
and many others were performed in
conjunction with overall plans devel-
oped by the City and the SSMID.
Although in operation for over 47
years local residents and community
leaders are sometimes surprised to
hear what Heartland’s business
entails.
“A common question I receive is;
what does Heartland really do?”
commented Gale W. McKinney,
Heartland’s president/CEO. “Many
are surprised to hear that we are a
publisher of over 25 different weekly,
monthly and annual publications; as
well producing numerous websites
and digital products that serve our
client’s marketing needs in a multi-
tude of different industries including
Agriculture, Aviation, Construction,
Industrial Machine and many other
niche industries. We provide a
tremendous boost to our local econo-
my as over 90 percent of our revenue
is generated from sources outside the
State of Iowa with the majority of
that revenue reinvested through
wages to our employees and local
vendors.”
Heartland believes strongly in com-
munity stewardship and many of its
toWNaround stephaniestephaniehouk sheetz and galegalemckinney
photographs by Stephanie Houk Sheetz
Peed sees Value in Fort Dodge’sDowntown Infrastructure
Fort Dodge Today � March 2013 � 43
stephaniestephaniehouk sheetz and galegalemckinney employees serve in various capacities of
community service. Currently, Steve
Asche Heartland’s director of mainte-
nance represents the company on the
SSMID Board. Mary Gonnerman
served with the Fort Dodge Chamber
for several years and chaired the
Human Resources Steering
Committee. She remains involved with
the Greater Fort Dodge Growth
Alliance, as does McKinney.
Many of Heartland’s employees can be
seen participating in civic events across
the community.
“It’s an old cliche, but it’s the right
people that make the difference,”
McKinney said. “Our corporate offices
will remain at 1003 Central Ave., Fort
Dodge, Iowa, for that simple reason,
the right people are here.”
Heartland is just one of many business-
es in the downtown. The Downtown
Self-Supported Municipal
Improvement District Board would like
to welcome new businesses to the
downtown and recognize existing busi-
nesses too. These new and continued
investments contribute to our down-
town’s vibrancy.Steve Asche, Director of Maintenance for Heartland Communications Group, Inc., standswith one of the planters that is part of SSMID’s project to improve the aesthetics ofdowntown Fort Dodge.
44 � Fort Dodge Today � March 2013
courtesy of edwardcourtesy of edwardjonesMatterSMoney
You’ve no doubt heard about the risks
associated with investing. This invest-
ment carries this type of risk, while that
investment carries another one. And it
is certainly true that all investments do
involve some form of risk. But what
about not investing? Isn’t there some
risk associated with that, too?
In fact, by staying on the investment
sidelines, or at least by avoiding long-
term, growth-oriented investments, you
may incur several risks. Here are some
to consider:
You might not keep up with inflation. If
you put all your money under the
proverbial “mattress,” or, more realisti-
cally, you keep it all in “cash” instru-
ments and very short-term investments,
you might think you are “playing it
safe.” After all, you might reason, your
principal is protected, so even if you
don’t really make any money, you’re not
losing it, either. But that’s not strictly
true, because if your money is in invest-
ment vehicles that don’t even keep up
with inflation, you can lose ground. In
fact, even at a relatively mild three per-
cent annual inflation rate, your purchas-
ing power will decline by about half in
just 25 years.
You might outlive your money. For a
65-year-old couple, there’s a 50 percent
chance that one spouse will live past age
90, according to the Society of
Actuaries. This statistic suggests that
you may need your investments to help
provide enough income to sustain you
for two, or even three, decades in retire-
ment.
You might not be able to maintain your
financial independence. Even if you
William D Kent, AAMS® Financial Advisor
1411 1st Avenue South Ft Dodge, IA 50501 515-576-2771
Member SIPC www.edwardjones.com
Be Awareof Risksof NotInvesting
Fort Dodge Today � March 2013 � 45
don’t totally run out of money, you could end up scrimping by
— or, even worse, you could become somewhat dependent on
your grown children for financial assistance. For most people,
this prospect is unacceptable. Consequently, you’ll want to
make appropriate financial decisions to help maintain your
financial independence.
You might not be able to retire on your terms. You would
probably like to decide when you retire and how you’ll retire
— that is, what sort of lifestyle you’ll pursue during retire-
ment. But both these choices may be taken out of your hands
if you haven’t invested enough to retire on your own terms.
You might not be able to leave the type of legacy you desire.
Like most people, you would probably like to be able to leave
something behind to your family and to those charitable
organizations you support. You can help create this type of
legacy through the appropriate legal vehicles — i.e., a will, a
living trust and so on — but you’ll still need to fund these
mechanisms somehow. And that means you’ll need to draw on
all your financial assets, including your investments.
Work with your financial advisor to determine the mixture of
growth and income investments you need during your work-
ing years and as you move toward retirement to help you meet
your retirement goals. However you do it, get into the habit of
investing, and never lose it — because the risks of not invest-
ing are just too great.Copyright © 2013 Edward Jones.
All rights reserved. Member SIPC.
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Dog Name: Bella WalstromBreed: Half Alaskan Malamute,
half German Shepherd MixAge: 2 years old on April 8th
Parent: Sydney Walstrom
About Bella: Bella is a gentle soul who lovesto walk, play with her buddy, Oscar, and love
being spoiled by her mama!
Show Off Your Pet!Send us a photo of your pet(s) along with yourname, your pet’s name, breed (if known) andany brief comment you’d like to share about
your pet.
Mail photo and information to:Fort Dodge Today Magazine
713 Central AvenueFort Dodge, IA 50501
or email photo and information:[email protected]
46 � Fort Dodge Today � March 2013
photographs by Meg Beshey
Lacina may not sound Irish, but at Tea
Thyme at Sadie’s, Deb Lacina serves a
Dubliner Stuffed Chicken with Bacon
and Cabbage that will satisfy any long-
ing for the Ould Sod.
This meal has been served at Tea
Thyme since 2005 when it was first used
at a style show they catered for on St.
Patrick’s Day. They usually serve it with
mashed potatoes, bacon, cabbage and
onions. “It’s a great traditional recipe
and we just keep on having fun tweak-
ing it to make it better each year,” said
Lacina.
Ingredients:
8 oz. Dubliner cheese
2 Tbsp. cooking oil
4 boneless chicken
breasts, with skin
2 onions, sliced
1 C. plain bread crumbs
2 garlic cloves, finely
chopped
1 Tbspn. Italian seasoning
2 C. shredded Savoy cabbage
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 Tbsp. light cream or half and half
2 eggs beaten
10 Tbsp. Kerrygold Irish Butter
6 slices traditional Irish
bacon, cut in to 1/2 strips
2/3 C. chicken stock or
canned low-salt chicken
broth
Preheat oven to 400
degrees. Grease a baking
sheet.
Grate half the cheese and
cut the rest into thin slices.
Gently lift the skin up from
each chicken breast and
insert the slices of cheese
under it. Press the skin
down to seal. In a bowl,
combine the bread crumbs,
seasoning, salt, pepper and
grated cheese. Place the
beaten eggs in a shallow
dish and dip the chicken
breasts into it. Dredge in bread crumbs
and bake on prepared baking sheet for
35-40 minutes until lightly browned.
In a medium skillet, cook the bacon
over medium heat until crisp, 5-7 min-
utes. Drain on paper towels. Reserve. In
a medium saucepan over medium to
low heat, heat the oil. Saute the onions
an garlic until the onions are translu-
cent, 3-5 minutes. Add the cabbage and
mix well. Add the stock or broth, bring
to a boil and cook stirring frequently
until the cabbage is tender. With a slot-
ted spoon, transfer the cabbage to 4
heated plates. Keep warm. Boil the
cooking liquid until reduced by half.
Add the cream or half ná half and cook
to reduce by half again. Whisk in the
butter. Strain the sauce and reserved
strips of bacon. Slice the chicken breast
onto the cabbage and pour sauce on it.
Serves four.
*Also served with Swiss cheese sauce
and mashed potatoes
megmegbesheycorNerculinary
A Leprechaun’s Treat
Deb Lacina serves Dr. David Sonksen the Dubliner forlunch.
Fort Dodge Today � March 2013 � 47
F ind plan t s and po t s f o ryou r home ’ s g reene ry a tBecke r s F lo r i s t & G I f t s .
S ta r t g room ing the ga rdenw i th t he pe r fec t po t te ryf rom Becke rs F lo r i s t & G i f t s .
Pu t a l i t t l e good
luck i n you r home
wi th deco r f rom
Thyme to Shop .
Wel come sp r i ng
w i th some jewel r y
and c lo t h i ng a ccen t s
ava i lab le a t
Thyme to Shop .
Hun t down someg reen on a t r ipa r ranged th roughT rave l & T ranspo r tVaca t ions .
Spring
Greenintothe
partiNgShot
48 � Fort Dodge Today � March 2013
Photog
raph
byTe
dra
Town
e Fo
rt Do
dge
Camer
a Clu
b
“And spring arose on the garden fair, like the spirit of lovefelt everywhere; and each flower and herb on Earth’s darkbreast rose from the dreams of its wintry rest.”
-Percy Bysshe Shelley
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