20014

Non-traditional
in life
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Watch for
our next issue,
out Oct. 3, 2014
May we
publish your letter?
Stepping out ...
Even though it is 2014, there are still some things that are what they are and they will still
take generations to change.
Auto racing is a hobby and auctioneering is a profession both of which have long been
associated with men. There are many more, of course, but little by little our greater sex is mov-
ing in on the mans world. (I know, Ill be in trouble for that one!)
Dan Burdett met up with a couple of race car drivers, as well as
a former driver who works behind-the-scenes at the track. She is a
regular track junkie! They have each come at it from varying back-
grounds, but all three have experienced some degree of success in
the racing world.
Auctioneer Kristine Fladeboe-Duininck is also finding great suc-
cess in what was once considered by many to be a mans profession.
Kristine travels the world taking bids, conducting multimillion-dol-
lar auctions.
Motorcycles are another thing that have long been associated
with men. And, not everyone favored them back in the day either.
There was a time growing up when my mother wouldnt allow a motorcycle on the farmyard. As
I recall, my one brother and a friend of my sisters each parked their bike at the edge of the
farmyard and walked up to the yard. When I started dating my husband, however, that all
changed. He was allowed to drive his bike right up to the house. And, as I recall, he even con-
vinced my mom to take a short ride with him.
For those who follow Live it!, you may remember that I stepped out of the norm last sum-
mer and got my motorcycle license. Nothing new for the female sex by any means, but still not
all that familiar for many either. And, it was new for me. I wasnt sure how much Id actually
want to drive my own bike, but figured it was definitely worth learning in any case.
Well after riding behind my husband most of this summer, I ventured out and bought my
own bike as July drew to a close. How much I will actually drive myself remains to be seen, but
at least now I have the freedom to do so if I so choose.
We can all be thankful for the freedoms of our generation, thanks in large part to those who
have gone before us to pave the way. I hope you enjoy our look into some of the more non-tradi-
tional paths of young women today, and maybe it will encourage others to also take that first
step outside that invisible box of normal.
If you have a topic youd like to see in Live it!, send your story idea to liveit@wctrib.com. We
love to hear from our readers. You can also like us on Facebook, leave comments at
liveit.areavoices.com or send us a tweet @Liveitmag.
Life in west central Minnesota
it really is a beautiful thing
Live
i
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Sharon Bomstad
Live it! Editor
Via facebook:
I love this magazine. Very informa-
tive too.
Carol Simpson Small, via Facebook
On the When A Child You Love
Becomes a Memory article:
Good article about Stacy. She was a
classmate and friend of mine. We grew up
together.
Sheila Rohner Quinn, via Facebook
Stacey was my best friend and was the
maid of honor in my wedding. There are
so many times I think of her and still
miss her to this day. A few years ago I was
in Minnesota and went to see him (JR)
and Linda, but they were not home. I
miss her so much!
Oleta Holcomb, via Facebook
As a parent who has lost a child I can
tell you I have experienced no greater
pain! There is not a day that goes by that
you don't feel the void in your life.
Mike Reynolds, via Facebook
In our email:
I am an avid reader of Live it! and espe-
cially enjoyed the issue of two months ago
with the gentleman that wrote about his
diet for a week with fresh fruits and
spinach in a blender and made himself
shakes.
I did that for a week also and especially
liked some of the combinations.
Sharon Dragt
Live it! Magazine 3
Live
i
t
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MAGAZ I NE
CANT Live WITHOUT it!
A PUBLICATION OF THE WEST CENTRAL TRIBUNE
Staff
SHARON BOMSTAD
MAGAZINE EDITOR
DAN BURDETT
MAGAZINE WRITER/SOCIAL MEDIA
To contact Live it! call 320-235-1150
or email liveit@wctrib.com
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2208 W. Trott Ave., Willmar MN 56201
Volume 3, Issue 4
Copyright 2014 West Central Tribune
Live it! magazine
All rights reserved. Although some parts of this
publication may be reproduced and reprinted,
we require that prior permission be obtained.
Michelle Gauer
Gregory Harp
Cover Story 6
Racing is in their blood
14 Money Matters: Saving and investing for the future
12 Q&A: Women infiltrate administrative end of racing
25 Life Happens: Dealing with what life deals us
28 Get it!: Indulge yourself or someone you love
3 Readers mailbag: Share your thoughts with us
Departments
22
19 Fitness & Health: Tips to stay in shape
20 Style it!: Time to think about transitioning to fall wardrobe
26 Whats happenin? Check it out here!
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Whats inside
Shes an auctioneer around the world 16
6 Finding success on the track
10 Racing is a family affair for relative newcomer
12 A behind-the-scenes look at women in racing
Features
19
16 Life is good for auctioneer and her family
22 Eat it!: Campfire cooking at its best
24 Spirits!: Go ahead, try something new
6 Live it! Magazine
Live it! Magazine 7
JESSICA STRANSKY
JESSICA STRANSKY
looks for success in male-dominated sport
BY DAN BURDETT
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREGORY HARP
W
When Jessica Stransky slowly
climbs into her car through the
glassless drivers side window, con-
torting into a seat sandwiched be-
tween a mass of steel and protective
rods that resemble jail bars, she is
impassive.
Shes not thinking about work,
about boys, about money.
Shes not reflecting on the corner
she took too wide the week prior,
that monster wreck a summer past.
Shes blind to the faces in the
grandstand, deaf to the anecdotal PA
announcer.
She could care less about the stres-
sors of the day, the forming clouds
above, the drive back home that
night, the early start in the morning.
This is my break away from real-
ity, Jessica says emphatically. This
is where I tell myself I belong.
Jessica is among a small number of women active
in the regional racing circuit, both on the tracks
and behind the scenes. She drives Hornets, an
entry level class of racing not sanctioned by the
WISSOTA Promoters Association, but one de-
signed to increase the level of interest in the sport.
WISSOTA is the sanctioning body for KRA
Speedway in Willmar and more than 50 other race
tracks in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota,
South Dakota, Montana and Wyoming, and the
Canadian provinces of Ontario, Alberta and Mani-
toba.
Currently, about two-dozen women are featured among
a field of hundreds of men who frequent WISSOTAs
other regional tracks: Granite City Speedway in St. Cloud,
Fiesta City Speedway in Montevideo, Princeton Speed-
way, I-94 Speedway in Fergus Falls, Viking Speedway in
Alexandria, Madison Speedway and Ogilvie Raceway.
Jessica lives in Paynesville but considers KRA Speedway
her home track.
For the past three summers, shes enjoyed some of her
best racing there.
Last year, she finished fifth overall in the standings for
her class, which boasts more than a dozen drivers.
The year prior, she was fourth.
Jessica is tall and tan, with piercing blue eyes. Shes only
20, and at first glance appears diffident. But she is steady
and engaging when talking racing.
Im out to prove something, she says. A lot of guys
think girls cant do this I just like to sit back and laugh,
and say well watch me.
With a little help from friends
When mingling around the pits at KRA Speedway, it is
evident racing is a family affair for many of the drivers.
Jessicas mom, Karla, attends on occasion, but struggles to
watch, fearful for her daughters safety.
Last year, Jessica was racing in Fergus Falls when she
wrecked.
It was
the type of
wreck that
could have forced many to consider another venture.
Two cars came down and hit my front, and another car
rear-ended mine, she recalls. He then flipped and hit
the top of my car. The back of my car was pushed in,
touching my drivers seat. They told me I was lucky to be
walking, that it was a miracle I didnt get injured.
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After something like that, do you get scared?
No. Never.
Why do you think that is?
She laughs. I grew up with brothers.
There are four boys in the family: the eldest three are
Jessicas step-siblings. Her biological brother, Justin, is
three years her senior. Jessicas father and stepmother own
and operate Ron and Judys Restaurant and Lounge in
Paynesville.
Racing cars can be expensive and Jessicas hours away
from the track are often protracted. She is employed full-
time as a bookkeeper at Paynesville Chevrolet and wait-
resses at her familys restaurant to supplement her
income. She has also secured multiple sponsors, some of
whom provide her parts for her car, others with cash, and
has recruited friends to assist her with the maintenance of
her slimmed down, four-cylinder Ford Focus.
She loves the car, a gift from her sponsor at Paynesville
Chevrolet, and claimed second recently in a feature, her
best finish of the year.
Shes currently sixth overall in points at KRA Speedway.
Breaking the walls down
Jessica has never won a heat or a feature. The track of
her choice is Ogilvie Raceway, because of the way it
banks a term referring to the degree of incline on the
racing surface, something that varies from track to track.
She doesnt race there much, often splitting her time be-
tween KRA Speedway and Granite City Speedway.
KRA, she says, is a smaller track and can prove chal-
lenging, the dirt often loose.
She adores the camaraderie and the buzz of the racing
circuit, and considers the drivers simpatico: Its a com-
munity.
But that does little to quell her desire to succeed. Her
passion for racing has never wavered in the years since her
stepfather introduced her to the sport when she was 8.
Shes been racing five years with a resolute goal to break
down the barriers in the sport: You dont have to be a
tomboy to do this. I can be just as good as the boys.
She gets irked and purposeful when critics say racing is
merely four left turns: You try it then.
And that first checkered flag?
Shes adamant it will happen.
Dan Burdett is the lead writer for Live it! and can be reached via email at
dburdett@wctrib.com. Follow Dan on Twitter @danburdett1
You dont have to be a tomboy to do this.
I can be just as good as the boys.
10 Live it! Magazine
ASHLEY MEHRWERTH
ASHLEY MEHRWERTH
In search of that first win
I
Its June 26, 2014.
Im at KRA Speedway in Willmar, my
first night at the races.
Im here to meet Ashley Mehrwerth,
who is among a growing number of
women on the regions racing circuit.
Its 5:15 p.m., a little more than an hour
before the scheduled start of the nights
first heat, preliminary races for each class.
I mill around the entrance of the track
for a few minutes, when I hear a gentle
voice from behind me.
Are you Dan?
Yes, I am, I respond, turning to greet
the slender and tan brunette who stands
before me.
Hi, Im Ashley, she says, extending
her hand and a polite smile.
We walk to the fenced seating area of the
grandstand. An afternoon rain has mud-
ded the track. The surface looks syrupy
and the rolling corners uneven. The
gloomy skies hint it may be a quick night
of racing.
As we chat, I learn Ashley is 21 and enjoying her third
full season racing Midwest Modifieds. She is here tonight
with her family: dad, mom, grandma, grandpa and 18-
year-old brother, Brandon, a rookie driver who will start
in the heat scheduled directly before his sisters. The
races have become a family affair for the Mehrwerths
since Ashley, then 14, stepped in to race for a cousin side-
tracked by a two-month wrestling camp.
I was instantly hooked, she says, as we settle into the
grandstands airy VIP area, a reprieve from the evening
humidity. The adrenaline, the rush, the people you meet
just being in the car I love it.
Photo courtesy
of Ashley Mehrwerth
Ashley has never won a Midwest Modifieds feature, but her
young career can hardly be classed as dissatisfying. Shes en-
joyed multiple top-5 and top-10 finishes. She tells me shes
confident her winless drought will soon end. Shes learning
more about her car, about the tracks and what lines to follow,
what angles to take. She knows shes a better driver now than
last year.
That win is just a matter of time. She can taste it.
Ashley is from St. Stephen, the Granite City Speedway in
St. Cloud is her home track. She works as a certified nursing
assistant by day. At night, she tweaks her car with her father,
Dan, tinkering into the late hours. The work is laborious, but
worthy.
I hope I can inspire other girls who want to do this but
think they cant, she says.
She chuckles with humility when discussing her racing fu-
ture and laughs when she hints at one day driving for
NASCAR. But the eyes tell a different story. Shes hooked
and along for the ride wherever it leads.
You should come see my car, she says.
We wander down to the track, zigzagging across the mushy
grass and by the countless trucks and trailers that line the pit
area. Its 20 minutes before race time, and the place is abuzz
with banter and the occasional growls of an engine test. At
the far side of the pit, Dan performs one last check of his
daughters car, from the tires to the 350 cubic-inch small
block Chevy engine. Despite the sprinkling of pink in the
paintwork and wheel disks, the car is imposing and Ashley
appears brittle in comparison.
Thats one impressive piece of machinery, I remark.
Yeah, its an expensive one, too, Dan responds with a
chuckle. But its well worth it.
Race time
Ashley is starting in the sixth heat of the night. Brandon
finished third in his heat, leading through the first three laps
before surrendering his position after taking a corner too
wide.
The racers complete their pre-start laps, weaving and
revving, and familiarizing themselves with the surface of the
track.
Minutes later theyre ready to go.
Ashley explodes from the start, leading by two car lengths
before hitting the second corner. She takes the corners tight
and bursts through the straights. Four laps into the eight-lap
race, her lead grows. I wonder whats going through her
mind: If shes nervous or tense, if the adrenaline has kicked
in or if shes completely at ease. I wonder what the track looks
like to her as she hits speeds of 60 or 70 mph, if the world
around her is a blur or if everything slows down, like they say
in the movies. I wonder if she catches a glimpse of her fam-
ilys animated cheers from the grandstand as she passes. I
wonder if she senses shes mere moments from winning the
heat.
An hour later, she claims fourth place in the feature race,
ahead of nine others, including Brandon, who finishes fifth.
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12 Live it! Magazine
&
BY DAN BURDETT
PHOTOGRAPHY BY RAND MIDDLETON
Women leaving their mark
R
Racing has long been a sport dominated by men.
But in recent years, more women have become active on
the regional circuits, both on the track and behind-the-
scenes.
Sarah Isdal is one of these women.
Introduced to racing as a young girl by her father, him-
self a racer, she was riding go-karts and four-wheelers by
the age of 8.
By the time she was 14, she had graduated to stock cars
and enjoyed two years of success before a major back in-
jury suffered in a wreck at the now defunct Grove Creek
Raceway in Grove City ended her racing career.
In 2013, Sarah, who lives a stones throw from KRA
Speedway in Willmar, became a board member at the local
track, while also assuming its promotions and marketing
campaigns.
In an interview with Live it!, Sarah, who is employed
full-time in advertising during the day, shared some of her
experiences as a woman working behind-the-scenes and
the changes shes witnessed regarding female participation
in the sport.
Live it!: Talk me through the process of planning a
race week-to-week and your role in it.
Sarah Isdal: First of all, we start planning the next sea-
son in the winter, around November. We need to have our
schedule in to WISSOTA, our sanctioning body, at a pre-
determined date prior to the season. That sets the stage for
what our season will be. Then we approach local and re-
gional businesses for sponsorships: from something as
simple as a program, to our track billboards and nightly
sponsorships. We typically meet every other week in the
winter to plan out the season, develop a staff list, and dis-
cuss any changes and/or improvements we can make to
the program.
&
Q
A A
Q
Late Models
The late models are
full-bodied race cars
and the top of the line
in terms of speed and
technology. The rules
allow the cars to have a
sleek body design and wide
Hoosier racing tires. The cars
are usually equipped with 360
cubic-inch engines that can produce 500
or more horsepower. The Late Models have large
spoilers that can cause the left front tire to rise from
the surface when the cars come off turns. The chassis
are highly tunable and sensitive to adjustments. Vir-
tually all Late Model racers burn methanol rather
than gasoline.
Modifieds
Modifieds are high-powered, open-wheeled race
cars. The cars are easily identified by their lack of
front fenders or rear spoilers. Drivers can run a spec
engine of up to 362 cubic inches. Roller rockers and
roller cam are allowed. A driver may also use a larger
engine, up to 410 cubic inches. The chassis and sus-
pension are advanced and can be tuned to meet the
needs of the drivers racing style or the track condi-
tions. Most of the vehicles run on methane.
Super Stocks
Super Stock cars are similar to Late Models but
have thinner tires and no spoiler. The cars are
equipped with 360 cubic-inch engines. They are lim-
ited to a two-barrel carburetor. There are also chassis
limitations with the cars, which makes them less
tunable than Late Models and Modifieds.
Midwest Modifieds
Midwest Modifieds are a limited version of Modi-
fieds. The class was originally conceived by a group
of tracks in central and western Minnesota but the
population of Midwest Modifieds has exploded since
it became a WISSOTA-sanctioned division. The di-
vision has a restricted package of engine and suspen-
sion rules, and the body lines are a little more
conservative than the full Modifieds.
Street Stocks
Street Stocks resemble stock cars. They feature a
steel body that most resembles the Chevrolet Monte
Carlo or Grand Prix models of the 1970s and 1980s.
The engine size often varies from 307 cubic inches to
350 cubic inches. There are limitations, however, on
horsepower.
Mod Fours
Mod Fours is the only four-cylinder division in
WISSOTA-sanctioned competition. The cars have a
similar appearance to Midwest Modifieds but feature
smaller Hoosier tires.
The cars of the
Wissota racing divisions
Live it! Magazine 13
We have roughly 40 or so staff members wholl perform a variety of
tasks during a night of racing: from the tech inspectors, to the PA an-
nouncer, to the staging areas, to those who set up registration for driv-
ers. I dont have a specific title on race night, but a majority of what I
do is public relations. But I also like to float. If were missing a scorer,
I can score. If were missing a photographer, I can shoot. So, on race
night, I tend to get to the track at 3:30-ish for a 6:30 p.m. race. Regis-
tration is at 4 p.m., so that gives me a little cushion time. From four to
six, I help people get parked and answer any questions that may arise.
Then, hopefully, from 6:30 p.m. until about 9 p.m., the races go ahead
without a hitch. Ill then leave the track around 10:30 or 11-ish.
Live it!: What changes have you seen in racing in terms of fe-
male participation?
SI: I remember going to the track as a little girl and there was one
female who raced. It was pretty cool. It was her against the guys. But
now almost every racing class has female representation. Thats fantas-
tic. And in the past, on the promotions end and administration side, it
was nearly all men working. Females played a very small role. But
now women are on boards. There are women who are promoters of
race tracks, women who are taking executive roles. So it really is
changing from a male-dominated sport to a sport that features men
and women. And I think a big part of that is women are playing a big-
ger role in society.
Live it!: Have you experienced any challenges with being a
woman in the sport?
SI: Certainly. There are times I feel Im treated differently because
Im female. But sticking to your guns, showing youve got something
important to add, increases your credibility. Its easier to earn respect
by being passionate and sticking to your guns than letting someone
walk all over you. But that conflict is a rare issue though because of
this integration of women into the sport.
Live it!: What do you foresee for women in racing down the road,
and do you think more women will participate and enjoy success?
SI: Absolutely. Like I said, 10 years ago it was pretty rare to see
women in a promotional or executive role at a racetrack. But I now see
the participation growing every year. As for the racers, we are getting
more and more females looking to get out of the go-karts and make
the jump to a race car. Women are winning races. Some are just as
competitive as the next guy. When we have successful female racers I
think it leads to more of a desire from women in the stands to want to
do this. There are men who as they get older and retire, they let their
daughters race in their place. Thats what happened with me and
now my brother races. Its a family thing, and I think women will con-
tinue to grow into this.
Live it!: What piece of advice can you offer for any young girl or
woman looking to get involved in racing?
SI: Dont be shy. You know, if youre looking at maybe just working
at a track, talk to your local board, talk to a promoter. Chances are
there will be someplace you can fill in. Maybe they want to follow a
promoter around for a day if that interests them. I think a lot of the
fear is that its a male-dominated sport. We need to attract the younger
generation to help our sport get bigger and better. And women need to
know they are just as valuable at this as anyone else.
KRA Speedway is located at the Kandiyohi County Fairgrounds off Seventh Street North-
west in Willmar. For more information about racing, call 320-212-5803, or visit
http://www.kraspeedway.com/ or KRA Speedways official Facebook page.
14 Live it! Magazine
At some point in your married life, you will almost cer-
tainly encounter some large expenditures, such as a new
home, your own business, or a college education for your
children. Chances are, you wont be able to meet these ex-
penditures from your current income. You and your spouse
must discipline yourselves to set aside a portion of your
current income for saving and investing your money to en-
sure its steady growth or, at the very least, protect it against
loss.
Save a percentage of your earnings
When figuring out your budget, savings should be con-
sidered one of your monthly expenses. Think of savings as
a fixed payment (like a car payment) that must be made
every month. If you dont and you wait until the end of
the month to save whatever you have not spent, youll find
that nothing ever seems to go into your savings account. A
good rule of thumb is for you and your spouse to save 4 to
9 percent of your combined gross earnings while you are
in your 20s and then double that savings percentage as
you reach your 30s and 40s. In some cases, a dual-income
couple may be able to live off one spouses salary and save
the other salary.
Example: Mary and Richard, a married couple in their
20s, earn a combined annual gross income of $60,000. To-
gether, Mary and Richard save 5 percent of their com-
bined gross income each year, or $3,000.
Example: As another example, Christine and Tom, a
married couple in their 30s, earn a combined annual gross
income of $80,000. Together, Christine and Tom save 10
percent of their combined gross income each year, or
$8,000.
Build an emergency cash reserve
The savings that you accumulate can serve as an emer-
gency cash reserve. Ideally, you should have in savings an
amount that is comfortable for you to fall back on in case
of an emergency, such as a job loss. A common formula
used for calculating a safe emergency fund amount is to
multiply your total monthly expenses by 6. When deter-
mining how much cash should be in your emergency fund,
a major factor is your comfort level. If you and your spouse
feel secure with your jobs and are confident that if you lost
your current jobs you would be able to find a new one
fairly quickly, an emergency fund of three times your
monthly expenses should be sufficient. However, if either
of you has an unpredictable income, you may want to have
an emergency fund that is equal to 12 times your monthly
expenses.
Example: Christine and Tom, a married couple in their
30s, plan to build up an emergency cash reserve. Both
Christine and Tom are attorneys and feel quite secure with
their present jobs. Christine and Tom have monthly ex-
penses of $3,000 and plan to build up an emergency cash
reserve that is equal to 3 times their monthly expenses, or
$9,000 ($3,000 x 3).
Example: As another example, Mary and Richard, a
married couple in their 20s, plan to build up an emergency
cash reserve. Both Mary and Richard are employed as free-
lance writers and feel that their incomes are at times un-
predictable. Mary and Richard have monthly expenses of
$1,500 and plan to build up an emergency cash reserve that
is equal to 12 times their monthly expenses, or $18,000
($1,500 x 12).
Investing your money
When you have established an emergency cash reserve,
you can begin to invest your money to target your financial
goals. There are three fundamental types of investments:
cash and cash alternatives, bonds, and equities. Cash and
cash alternatives are relatively low-risk investments that
can be readily converted into currency, such as money
market accounts. Bonds, sometimes called debt instru-
ments, are essentially IOUs; when you invest in a bond,
youre lending money to the bonds issuer usually a cor-
poration or governmental body which pays interest on
that loan. Because bonds make regular payments of inter-
est, they are also known as income investments. Equities,
or stocks, give you a share of ownership in a company. You
have the opportunity to share in the companys profits and
potential growth, which is why theyre often viewed as
growth investments. However, equities involve greater risk
than either cash or income investments. With equities,
there is no guarantee you will receive any income or that
your shares will ever increase in value, and you can lose
your entire investment. In addition to these three basic
types of investments also known as asset classes--there
are so-called alternative investments, such as real estate,
commodities, and precious metals.
Saving and investing your money
together
- Money Matters -
BY MATTHEW LILLEBERG
No matter what your investment goal, your overall objec-
tive is to maximize returns without taking on more risk than
you can bear. Youll need to choose investments that are con-
sistent with your financial goals and time horizon. A finan-
cial professional can help you construct an investment
portfolio that takes these factors into account.
Establishing good credit
Establishing good credit is an important step in the path
towards a solid financial future. A good credit history can
enable you to make credit purchases for items that you
might not otherwise be able to afford. Most creditors will re-
quire a good credit history before extending credit to you. If
you do not have a credit history, it is important to establish
one as soon as possible. If you have a poor credit history, you
should take steps toward improving it right away.
Individual or joint credit
Married couples can either apply for credit individually or
jointly. One of the benefits of applying for joint credit is that
both you and your spouses income, expenses, and financial
stability are considered when a creditor evaluates your over-
all financial picture. However, applying for separate credit
has its advantages. If you and your spouse ever run into fi-
nancial problems (e.g., illness or job layoff), separate credit
allows one spouse to risk damaging his or her credit history
while preserving the other spouses good credit. In addition,
separate credit can also protect you and your spouse from
each other. If you and your spouse cosign a loan or apply for
a credit card, you are both responsible for 100 percent repay-
ment of the debt. In other words, if your spouse does not pay
his or her share, you can get stuck with paying the whole
amount. On the other hand, if your spouse takes out a loan
or applies for a credit card on his or her own, generally your
spouse is solely responsible for the debt.
Tip: While the general rule is that spouses are not respon-
sible for each others debts, there are exceptions. Many states
will hold both spouses responsible for a debt incurred by
one spouse if the debt constituted a family expense (e.g.,
child care or groceries). In addition, in some community
property states, both spouses may be responsible for one
spouses debts, since both spouses have equal rights to each
others incomes. You may want to discuss your states laws
with an attorney if you live in a community property state.
Matthew Lilleberg is a financial adviser with C&A Financial
Advisors in Willmar. Material prepared by Broadridge Investor
Communication Solutions, Inc. Broadridge Investor Communi-
cation Solutions, Inc. does not provide investment, tax or legal
advice. The information presented here is not specific to any in-
dividuals personal circumstances.
001108293r1
JUNG TRIO - violin, cello, piano
The Jung Trio is comprised of sisters Jennie, Ellen
and Julia Jung, and has appeared in concerts all
across North America as well as internationally in
Asia, Europe and Africa. Initial successes include
top prizes in their native country at the Canadian
Music Competition and CIBC National Music
Festival. They have received their degrees from the
University of Toronto, New England Conservatory,
and all three graduated from Yale University School
of Music. The Jung Trio is currently Trio-in-Residence
at Vanguard University of Southern California.
Jungtrio.wordpress.com
Monday, November 24, 2014 7:30 pm
BEN GULLEY - tenor
Meet Opera award winner and PBS favorite,
who sings a program of well known operatic
arias, spirituals and Broadway. Up-and-coming
American operatic tenor Ben Gulleys career
is growing daily with lead and feature roles in
opera, solo engagements, concert work, lm
work and nationwide touring as well as prestigious
appearances abroad. Ben is also a member of the
SONY/BMG recording group The American Tenors.
Not only a fabulous singer but also a personable
young man.
Gulleygranner.com/ben-gulley
Friday, March 20, 2015 7:30 pm
THE LIMELITERS
For 50 years the Limeliters have entertained
standing-room-only crowds with their incredible
musical talent and zany sense of humor. They
rst made their mark in folk clubs and on college
campuses in the early 60sand with their energy
and enthusiasm undiminished and undaunted, they
remain as exciting as ever today.
www.limeliters.com
Monday, September 29, 2014 7:30 pm
THE NUTCRACKER
With the New York Theatre Ballet
The New York Theatre Ballet returns with the holiday
favorite, The Nutcracker. Founded in 1978 by artistic
director Diana Byer, the New York Theatre Ballet has
a mission to inspire a love of dance and to make its
performances accessible to all audiences. They will be
bringing the ballet in a 70 minute production of this classic
tale. Music by Peter Tchaikovsky, choreography by Keith
Michael and costume design by Sylvia Taalsohn Nolan.
www.nytb.org/calendar-and-
tickets/view/Keith-Michaels-THE-
NUTCRACKER/
Monday December 8th, 2014 7:30 pm
pp
SIX APPEAL Vocal Band
Swearing off instruments, the award-winning vocal
band Six Appeal takes you on a journey that spans
decades of music, performing classic oldies, current
chart toppers, and catchy original tunes, all sung a
cappella. With over 70 combined years of musical
training and experience, Six Appeal utilizes a diverse
arsenal of style and entertainment.
www.getsixappeal.com
Friday, May 15, 2015 7:30 pm
Complete and return with check made payable to West Central Concert Series.
P.O. Box 402, Willmar, MN 56201-0402. Tickets will be mailed in September.
Name _______________________________________________________________________________
For sustaining members, please print your name as you wish it to appear in the program.
Phone _________________________ Contact Person _______________________________________
If different than name
Address _____________________________________________________________________________
Email Address _________________________________________________________________________
Regular Memberships: Adult .................... $60 each _____# Tickets
Student (K-12) ....... $10 each _____# Tickets
Sustaining Memberships: J Co-sponsor ...... $500, 4 adult tickets
J Gold .................. $325, 4 adult tickets
J Silver ................. $250, 3 adult tickets
J Bronze ............. $175, 2 adult tickets
Questions, email WCConcertS@gmail.com or leave a message at (320) 584-WCCS.
www.westcentralconcertseries.org
-Dates Subject to Change-
Yovr 2O1+ 2O15 CoccH $crLc;
Savings should be considered a
monthly expense or youll find
nothing ever seems to go into
your savings account.
16 Live it! Magazine
Wild Hare Floral
& Garden Center
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Hwy 23 & Co. Rd. 2
Clara City, MN 56222
001108297r1
KRISTINE FLADEBOE-DUININCK
As good as it gets
BY DAN BURDETT
PHOTOS COURTESY OF KRISTINE FLADEBOE-DUININCK
W
When sitting across from Kristine Flade-
boe-Duininck, you pay attention.
Her every word is punctuated with a flail
of her taut and sinewy arms or a hearty guf-
faw.
She is chic, even now, clad in running
garb, and wears her 40 years with grace.
She hasnt run yet today. A good run, she
says, is the only way to clear her head.
She just returned from more than a week
of business in Kentucky to a full inbox on
her cell and the paperwork for what may
prove to be one of the biggest ventures of
her professional career.
Like most days for Kristine, it has been manic. The phone
hasnt stopped ringing, the appointments and errands seem-
ingly endless. Her husband, Jaime, had to pick up the kids,
Elsie, 13, and Harris, 10, from their afternoon escapades. And
then theres this whole interview thing.
She calls at 4:44 p.m. to say shes going to be late for our 5 o
clock appointment.
She apologizes profusely, offering sympathy for my family,
who may now have to wait a little longer for my return for
dinner.
I want to be respectful of your time, she implores.
Live it! Magazine 17
Its OK, I tell her: The job can have a propensity to be
an occupational hazard in terms of dinner time. Dont
sweat it.
But thats not her way: tardiness, in her eyes, has no
place in any equation.
Kristine may be the uppermost female auctioneer in the
nation, and its a role that cant be faked.
As she explains it, when she walks into a room, empow-
ered to coax an exorbitant amount of money from a bid-
der, its all about credence and assurance. Its about trust.
Im a big heart person, she says. Im in a business in
which I can make a difference in peoples lives. I want to
be a better person. I want to learn and tweak and grow.
To do this, I have to care about people and their lives.
They have to trust me.
Family affair
Kristine is a second-generation auctioneer. The family
business was founded by her father, Dale, in 1978. Today,
the business specializes in charity and land auctions. All
three Fladeboe children are auctioneers: the eldest, Kim-
berly, lives in Detroit Lakes and operates the companys
Perham office; the youngest, Glen, is based out of the
companys Minneapolis office. Kristine lives in Spicer
and is based out of Willmar.
Kristine became a professional auctioneer in 1996,
when, between her junior and senior years at the Univer-
sity of St. Thomas in Minneapolis, she attended the
World Wide College of Auctioneering in Mason City,
Iowa. Founded in 1933, the school has long been consid-
ered the finest of its kind in the world, its website states.
Upon graduation from St. Thomas, where she studied
business and communications, Kristine embarked on a
career in pharmaceutical sales. Unfulfilled, she joined the
family business in 2000.
Building a brand
As an auctioneer, Kristine has the world at her feet. In
2010 she was named International Auctioneer Champion
by the National Auctioneers Association, headquartered
in Kansas, edging out auctioneers from across the nation
at the associations annual conference in Greensboro,
North Carolina. The international competition also in-
cluded auctioneers from Canada and South Africa.
Kristine Fladeboe-Duininck and her father, Dale Fladeboe, ride in a parade waving and calling to the crowds.
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18 Live it! Magazine
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During the competition, auctioneers were judged by
a panel of peers on interviewing and bid-calling skills
including presentation, chant, voice quality, body lan-
guage and other elements of effective auctioneering.
Her auctions raise millions for more than 125 Min-
nesota nonprofits each year and other clients across
the nation.
Last year, she showcased her talents on the global
stage, auctioning a fundraiser for International Care
Ministries in Hong Kong, which offers programs to
help those living in poverty in the Philippines. She
helped bring in more than $1.5 million the most
money she has ever raised in an auction, and the most
money ICM has raised at its annual fundraiser.
At the time we meet, she is planning the final stages
of a major auction to be held during The Experimen-
tal Aircraft Associations AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wis-
consin. The event, which promotes and supports
aviation for thousands of recreational flyers, could
bring in millions of dollars and some heavy hitters.
A couple of years back, Harrison Ford was the guest
speaker, she says.
Its a good life
When Kristine was a child, her parents would fret
about her penchant for wandering off in stores to en-
gage everyone she came across in small talk. Shes
nurtured that innocent curiosity into genuine in-
trigue.
It seems every time I ask a question, she responds
with one of her own, her eyes fixed on me as she rocks
in her chair, soaking in each anecdote.
We talk about family. Its clear she cherishes hers.
She exudes devotion when the topic turns to faith
and her church.
Its so very important to me, she says, beaming
from ear to ear.
We talk about the region and the community.
Its the best place, she says. Life is so good.
We talk about her hobbies and her desire for athlet-
ics, the Boston Marathon she ran earlier this year in
3:33:15.
What an honor. What a blessing.
And with that, another hearty guffaw before she
bounces out of her chair.
Ive taken up enough of your time, she says.
The pleasantries are brief.
She extends her hand, her shake firm.
And then shes off.
Time for a run.
Live it! Magazine 19
BY JON HAEFNER, D.C.
The majority of people who exercise, work out all
winter to get in shape for the summer. People hit they
gym very hard and often get bored with the same rou-
tine. Once boredom sets in, they give up their gym
membership.
There are many options to stay in summer shape.
Many different routines can be utilized to break the
monotony of your gym. Many of those same routines
can be done in your own home, garage or driveway.
The best approach to maintain muscle mass and
strength is simple: resistance exercise. As I have re-
viewed in previous Live it! articles HIIT or high in-
tensity interval training is king of fat loss and muscle
gains. You should no longer be running for hours on
end or working out for two hours in the gym. Recent
studies show 12 weeks of HIIT not only result in sig-
nificant reductions in total abdominal, trunk and vis-
ceral fat, it can also give you significant increase in
fat-free mass and aerobic power.
Here a few exercise that you should try to break up
your regular routine:
Kettle Bells: They offer a whole body exercise rou-
tine that incorporates cardio vascular,resistance and
full range of motion into one workout. Kettle bells in
a HIIT routine can burn more calories per minutes
than just about any other exercise.
Foam Rolling: Foam rolls help warm up and recov-
ery. Foam rolling improves circulation, range of mo-
tion and balance while reducing pain and muscle
tightness.
Plyometrics: Exercises that exert maximum force in
short periods of time; explosive-type movements,
such as squat jumps, box jumps, plyometric pushups,
etc.
Functional Training: Exercises that lead to better
joint mobility and stability. Those exercises often
mimic what you would do at home or work; examples
include squats, pullups, tire flips, deadlifts etc.
The important thing to remember is to change up
your exercise routine often. Try new exercises, try a
group fitness class or change up your current routine
altogether. Willmar has many fitness options, so there
is no excuse to not be in shape. And, there
has never been a better time to get in shape.
Jon Haefner, DC; Meridian Disc Institute; Total Fitness;
320-214-0044
- Fitness & Health -
Exercise to stay in summer shape
20 Live it! Magazine
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t
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i
t
!
Summer transitions
into fall wardrobe
BY KAYLA PRASEK
T
The end of summer means back to school and a major
weather cool down is just around the cor-
ner. It also gives you an excuse to go
shopping to update your wardrobe with
the current fall trends.
One of the top trends for this fall is the
kimono. What looks like a house coat at
first glance is actually a kimono meant to
be worn outside of the house. Kimonos
come in a variation of lightweight fabrics,
including silk and satin, and can be
found in a wide variety of bold colors and
prints. Its a prettier alternative to a fall
jacket and pairs well with a great skinny
jean and white shirt.
This fall, the 60s are back and inspired
by the TV show Mad Men. Miniskirts,
knee-high boots, polyester, bold, abstract
prints and big, plastic accessories are all
the rage for fall. But the look can be a daunting one to pull
off, especially if you want to still look modern. Choose just
one 60s-inspired piece per outfit and youll look
trendy but not over-the-top and out of place.
This fall is also all about knit pieces, so dig out
your favorite cozy sweaters, as long as theyre part of
a neutral palette. All styles of white, gray, beige and
charcoal knitted pieces are in, whether big or intri-
cate knitting. While all types of sweaters from
long and short cardigans, tunics, turtlenecks and
tank tops are in, knitted pants are also popular.
While full knit outfits were all over the fall runways,
I suggest subtly enhancing your outfit with the use
of knit to keep the look appropriate for the office.
Another popular trend for the fall is oversize coats,
dresses, sweaters and pants. This can be a dangerous
trend, however, because it could leave you looking
sloppy and disheveled. To avoid this, look for over-
size dresses and coats that are architectural pieces,
meaning they have a solid structure to them so you
still look professional while rocking the oversize trend.
Carla Kahle Miller, Interior Designer | Tel/Fax 320.796.2888 | DesignWestLtd.com
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As we head into fall, we have to start thinking about which
outerwear trends were going to follow. One of the more pop-
ular options for the fall is the straight jacket, which isnt as
terrifying as it may sound.
These medium-weight jackets will keep you warm all fall
while also letting you wear a piece of art. These jackets have
architectural details across the chests that wrap around your
arms, which may leave you with a limited range of move-
ment, but youll look incredibly fashionable the whole time.
The Fair Isle print makes a comeback this fall, finding a
home on chunky sweaters, oversize hats and other knit
pieces. To ensure the print doesnt look cheesy, pair it with
dark brown or dark red leather leggings or A-line miniskirts
and a pair of ankle boots.
Urban style also comes to the forefront this fall, with metal-
lic and neon dresses and brightly colored oversize sneakers
and ankle boots. To make the look comfortable, choose one
urban piece and pair it with dark tights, jacket and acces-
sories, which will help tone down the outfit.
The Western theme is trendy this fall, but in a subtle, femi-
nine way. Wide-brimmed hats, riding boots, tweed and faux-
fur vests and button-up shirts, all in black, make up the
Western trend. Designers paired one or two of these items
with maxi dresses, pencil skirts or high-waisted A-line skirts
to complete the outfit and keep it professional for the office.
The turtleneck has been given a facelift for fall with an ex-
treme neck. The extreme turtleneck has a wide opening that
comes up almost to the chin and is in chunky oversize knit
fabrics. Popular colors lean toward a neutral palette. This up-
dated sweater looks best paired with skinny jeans or a slim
skirt and a simple ankle boot.
Sneakers are also a hot trend for fall. Most popular styles are
brightly-colored options, which pair well with a neutral out-
fit. While sneakers may never be office-appropriate, theyre
perfect for a casual Saturday shopping. To draw attention to
your trendy sneakers, pair them with a mini skirt or leggings.
Remember, theres no need to revamp your entire wardrobe
for fall. Just pick two or three of your favorites and buy a cou-
ple pieces that will enhance what you already have.
Live it! Magazine 21
Make Your Dream Kitchen!
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22 Live it! Magazine
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Roast
BY
MICHELLE
GAUER
i
t
!
Campfire
food frenzy
G
Gather family and friends around the campfire and
enjoy the beautiful summer evenings making memo-
ries. Every year we go to the same resort and we have
a campfire in the evenings. Weve come up with
recipe ideas to enjoy sitting around the fire. Some of
our cabin neighbors have shown us new ideas
through the years too.
The ideas you can create for campfire food are re-
ally endless. There are a number of variations to the
campfire pie iron pizza and/or dessert, using slices of
bread, buttered on the outside (toward the iron).
Using pizza sauce and various pizza fixings, create
your own pizza pie over the fire. Or use pie filling of
your choice, toast over the fire, remove and sprinkle
with cinnamon and powdered sugar.
Try even the simplest ideas of changing up your
standard marshmallow, graham cracker, chocolate
SMores ... add sliced banana or strawberries, use
cookies instead of graham crackers, try a sliced candy
bar or a Reeses Peanut Butter Cup, or caramel-filled
chocolate instead of plain chocolate bars.
Try some of these recipe ideas for your next camp-
fire. Invite some friends, build a campfire and make
memories with your family. Make It ... Roast it ...
Toast it ... Enjoy it!
Campfire Roasted Cinnamon Twists
By Michelle L. Gauer
1 tube of refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
Smooth wooden stick
This is so very easy. Build a great campfire, then open the tube of cinnamon
rolls. Gently unroll a cinnamon roll. Starting about 1 inch from the tip of the
stick wrap the roll around the stick. Pinch the start and stop of the doughs ends
on the stick in order to hold them together.
Roast over the campfire, just like you would a marshmallow by turning,
turning and turning. Hot coals are the best not a flaming fire. Youll have to
be patient because they take longer to cook than marshmallows. Wait until they
are golden brown and the inside is cooked.
Gently loosen the cooked, twisted roll and slide it off the stick. Drizzle with
icing and devour. Or you can eat it right off the stick.
Live it! Magazine 23
Toasty Banana Boats
By Michelle L. Gauer
Serving size: 1
1 large ripe banana (unpeeled)
1 teaspoon miniature chocolate chips
1 tablespoon miniature marshmallows
2 teaspoons crushed graham cracker or cookies
Foil (2 heavy duty layers or 4 regular layers)
Stoke up the campfire. Cut banana peel lengthwise about 1/2 inch
deep stopping short of ends with about 1/2 inch to spare. Gently push
down and inward on ends to open peel wider and form a pocket. Fill
each with chocolate chips, marshmallows and graham crackers.
Crimp and shape layered foil (about 12-inch square) around banana
with the foil opening at the top, forming a boat. Place in the side
campfire coals (not directly in the flames) or on a grill set on low for
about 5 to10 minutes until marshmallows melt and are golden brown.
Dig in with a spoon you can eat right out of the banana boat.
Note: Banana peel will blacken some but banana is perfect inside.
Ham and Cheese Potato Boat
By Michelle L. Gauer
Serving size: 1
1 medium or large baked russet potato (can be leftover)
1 slice ham lunch meat sliced into 6 even pieces
6 small slices your favorite hard cheese (I like monterey jack, pepper jack or
cheddar)
6 1- to 2-inch pieces cooked bacon (can be leftover)
1 teaspoon butter, softened
salt and pepper to taste
sour cream, optional topping
green onion, optional garnish
Foil (double layer)
Build a great campfire or light your grill. Place potato in the center of a large
double layer square of foil. Cut 6 slits across the top of the potato through the
skin. Cut down about 7/8th of the way, leaving the bottom connected.
Gently insert a piece of ham, slice of cheese and piece of bacon between each
cut slit. The meat and cheese can stick out above the potato a little. Divide the
butter out evenly in little dabs across the top of the slits. Add the salt and pepper
to taste if desired.
Wrap potato in double layer of foil loosely on top. Place on hot campfire coals
or your grill for about 15 minutes or until potato is hot and cheese, ham and
bacon have melted together. Top the potato with sour cream and green onions
as desired. Enjoy!
Marshmallow Cream
Campfire Strawberries
By Michelle L. Gauer
Fresh strawberries
Marshmallow cream
Roasting double-tined fork
Build a cozy campfire. Rinse and dry your strawberries. Place two
strawberries, one on each tine of a roasting fork, side by side, insert-
ing into the greens and through the center to the end. (Placing two
on the fork close together helps keep them from spinning.)
Using a spoon or a knife, coat the bottom half of the strawberries
with a generous coating of marshmallow cream. Roast over the fire
just like you would a marshmallow, gently turning as the marshmal-
low cream is melting. It looks like it will drip off but it begins to turn
golden brown and stiffens.
These are so refreshing. Eat them right off the stick and enjoy.
Creamy Delicious Campfire Cones
By Michelle L. Gauer
Waffle sugar cones
Mini marshmallows
Mini chocolate chips
Nutella
Chopped nuts or candy bar pieces
Peanut butter or butterscotch chips
Foil (heavy duty or 2 layers of regular)
Build an amazing campfire. Start with a waffle cone and fill it with a
mixture of your favorite ingredients. I like to put some mini chocolate
chips in the very bottom first.
Wrap the cone in tin foil and place it in the side campfire coals for about
5 minutes. I like to turn them a few times to make sure they melt evenly.
Try to keep the top of the cone tipped upward to keep all the goodies in-
side. Remove from campfire, then unwrap and enjoy. You can also make
these treats on your outdoor grill (keep the heat on low).
Y O U R S E L F
New York
BY RON SKJONG
I am a bit of a sentimental realist.
One of the bits of wisdom I usually give new parents is this:
You must begin now to let go of your child. Sounds counter
intuitive, doesnt it? However, as someone with almost 40
years of parenting experience, I have learned that in order for
your child to grow into the person he or she wants to become,
we, as parents, have to let go. And invariably, we learn some-
thing from our children.
Let me tell you a story.
When our daughter, Ingrid, was about 3 years old and we
were visiting New York City, she declared that one day she
would live in The Big Apple. No fuss, no discussion, she was
going to live in New York. About two years after she gradu-
ated from the University of Minnesota and after working at a
leading Twin Cities magazine, she told us she was moving to
New York.
My wife is from New Jersey so we are acquainted with the
area but ... move there?
What part of being a Minnesotan didnt she understand?
The part that this is Gods Country (perpetuated by her
born and raised Minnesota father) or the part that this state is
still a land of opportunity (also perpetuated by the same fa-
ther)?
Thankfully she is her mothers daughter, too. Her mother
loves to stretch to visit new places, eat new foods and ex-
perience new and exciting cultural activities. Ingrid didnt fall
very far from her maternal roots. She was going to the big city
and it was time for me to stretch.
And so, on a cold December morning in 2003, I found my-
self driving our daughter to the Humphrey Terminal in Min-
neapolis. As she confidently walked to the gate to her waiting
plane, she stopped, looked at me, smiled, waved and was on
her way. My aching heart learned something that day: Ingrid
was stretching more than I was letting go. It was time for me
to stretch, to smile back at her and wave. I needed to believe
in her abilities and the amazing opportunities awaiting her in
New York City.
Opportunities present themselves in many ways. Recently,
our family gathered in Minneapolis to celebrate my birthday
and it was a joyous time as we walked, talked, ate and enter-
tained ourselves through the weekend.
I am usually rather reserved about my birthday but the kids
stretched me and thankfully, they did. At the celebratory
dinner at the Warehouse Districts 112 Eatery
Restaurant, two bottles of wine appeared. The first was a 1997
bottle of California Chardonnay and it was delicious. The sec-
ond bottle of wine was a 1957 vintage bottle of Australian
Coonawarra Estate Cabernet. It was a moment I will never for-
get and neither will my family because of my enthusiastic re-
action. The Cabernet was so different and I found myself
experiencing tastes I had never tasted.
So, as the summer progresses, why not try a different bever-
age stretch yourself a bit. If you are a beer drinker, try a
glass of hard cider. Cider is making a heady return to our ta-
bles and a welcome return it is. Depending on the apple vari-
ety used to make the cider, your cider will taste tart or sweet,
have a high or low acidity there is a taste for everyone.
Forget the beer glass! Pour your cider into a white wine glass
and enjoy the spectacular sight. I would recommend Angry
Orchids Green Apple Cider for a tasty thirst quenching
drink.
When did you last taste a ros? At this time of the year, they
offer a bit of color, some sweetness and enough acidity to
soothe your summer parched throat. A reasonably priced bot-
tle of Benziger Dry Ros sparkles in the glass and its minty
strawberry taste will do its best to please you.
And for a spirit what would the summer be without gin?
Gins versatility whether straight or in a cocktail is a wel-
come addition to everyones list of summer beverages. Play-
wright Noel Coward famously said: A perfect martini should
be made by filling a glass with gin and waving it in the gen-
eral direction of Italy.
However you drink it and to whatever direction you wave it,
try gin. An Urban Cowboy (basically gin, bitters, a sugar cube
and a maraschino cherry) will lighten your day and be a wel-
come cocktail for your guests and family.
Yes, our daughter went to live and work in New York City
and she continues to stretch us to this day. She and her hus-
band, Noah, are expecting their first child (and, our first
grandchild) this November.
Isnt being stretched grand?
As always, eat and drink responsibly but laugh with reckless
abandon.
Cheers!
Ron Skjong writes primarily about the wonderful world of wine but
likes to explore various spirits and beers, too. He is married and has
four grown children. While stationed in Germany, he was introduced
to German wines and from that introduction, a lifelong pursuit devel-
oped to find that perfect bottle of wine.
- Spirits -
24 Live it! Magazine
Live it! Magazine 25
BY CLAUDETTE LARSON, LICSW
As a therapist, I spend a lot of time helping people find
healthier ways to manage stress.
We all experience stress. You simply cannot escape it no
matter if its day-to-day irritations or major life meltdowns.
Ive never met anyone who hasnt succumbed at one time or
another to finding short-term relief by smoking a cigarette or
eating half a bag of potato chips in front of the television. In
the moment, you achieve that instant ah you were desper-
ately in need of, but doing this long term sets you up for an
addiction or a larger pant size.
Often times, we have to be open-minded and creative to
finding those healthier alternatives.
We may have limited time because of work and family de-
mands, or we simply dont have the budget to include weekly
massages or manicures at the local nail salon.
The truth is you dont need a lot of time or money to give
yourself a much needed mental timeout. There are vast op-
portunities all around you to explore and experiment with
what may work for you.
I encourage my clients to explore the local library because
its a great place to find books (audio included) and DVDs for
free that can be used as entertainment or as a means of learn-
ing about meditation, yoga or other forms of relaxation.
Local thrift stores are also creating craft sections where you
can purchase very low-cost materials such as yarn, scrapbook-
ing or DIY projects that keep your mind and hands occupied
while celebrating your creative side.
But the most accessible resource, and one that doesnt cost a
dime, can be found right outside your front or back door this
very moment a Minnesota fall. Taking 10 minutes at the
end of a day to sit quietly and breathe deeply as the end of
summer plays out around you is strong medicine for stress.
I like to take off my shoes and walk barefoot in the cool
grass for a few minutes every night as the sun sets, or throw
on a light jacket and go hunting for the brightest hues of red
and orange foliage.
Theres nothing like experiencing nature to remind you
just how insignificant we humans really are in the whole
scheme of things. And nature is the greatest teacher in show-
ing us that everything has its cycles and seasons including
the ebb and flow of lifes joys and sorrows.
To sit in the shade on a fine day and look upon verdure is the most
perfect refreshment. ~ Jane Austen
Claudette Larson of New London is a licensed independent
clinical social worker with 15 years of experience helping individ-
uals, couples and families work on personal growth and positive
real-life solutions.
- Life Happens -
Some things we cannot control
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t
!
out
?
Check
Whats happenin
August - September 2014
City celebrations
New London
Aug. 6-9
28th annual New London to New Brighton
Antique Car Run; Saturday run features cars
from 1915 and earlier; country tours Wednes-
day, Thursday and Friday leaving daily from
New London.
Starbuck
Aug. 8-9
Dragon Boat Racing, co-ed races on Lake
Minnewaska; boats provided.
Belgrade
Aug. 9-10
Augustfest, grand parade Saturday.
Bechyn
Aug. 10
23rd annual Czech Heritage Festival with
ethnic foods, music, folk dancers, children ac-
tivities.
Grove City
Aug. 14-17
AugustFest celebration.
Montevideo
Aug. 15-17
34th annual
Heritage Hill
Antique
Threshing
Show fea-
turing
Min-
neapolis-
Moline
tractors;
Heritage
Hill, four
miles east of
Montevideo;
gates open 7
a.m. daily.
Forest City
Aug. 16-17
Stockade Rendezvous, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
daily.
Raymond
Aug. 23
Harvest Fest, parade Saturday.
Atwater
Sept. 6-8
Threshing Days, experience farm life in the
by-gone days; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, east of
Atwater off U.S. Highway 12.
Appleton
Sept. 20-21
Applefest celebration.
County fairs
Willmar
Aug. 6-9
Kandiyohi County Fair
Morris
Aug. 6-10
Stevens County Fair
Glenwood
Aug. 6-10
Pope County Fair
Bird Island
Aug. 13-15
Renville County Fair
Appleton
Aug. 13-17
Swift County Fair
Madison
Sept. 4-7
Lac qui Parle County Fair
Music concerts and more
Jazz-N-Java
Every Thursday
Willmar, 6 to 6:45 p.m., Jazz-N-Java, 913
Business 71 N.; free music concerts by differ-
ent individuals and groups, followed by sing-
along with house band.
Glacial Ridge Winery
Every Thursday through Sept. 11
Spicer, 6:30 to 8:30 pm., Glacial Ridge Win-
ery, state Highway 23 between New London
and Spicer; free music concerts by different
individuals and groups.
Hinterland Vineyards
Every Friday
Clara City, 7 to 9 p.m., Hinterland Vine-
yards and Winery, 3060 120th Ave. S.E., free
music concert by different individuals and
groups.
Music in the Park
Aug. 10 and 17
Spicer, 4 to 6 p.m., City Park Deck, free
concert by various groups.
Music Festival
Aug. 16
New London, noon to 7 p.m., Neer Park;
family-friendly day of eclectic live music, food
and a kid-zone; www.newlondonmusicfesti-
val.com.
Danube
Aug. 26
Danube, 7 p.m., bandstand by the water
tower; Mikko Cowdery singing good old
tunes of yesteryear and Irish songs; bring a
lawn chair or blanket; freewill donation,
sponsored by the Danube Historical Society.
Terrace Mill
Sept. 28
Terrace, noon Sept. 28, 36th annual Fall
Festival and Fiddlers contest: gate opens at
noon, contest begins at 1 p.m.; crafts, troll
shop, food stands and vendors.
26 Live it! Magazine
Live it! Magazine 27
Misc.
Little Crow Water Ski Show
August
New London, 7 p.m., Neer Park,
Aug. 1, 2, 15, 22 and 29; 320-354-5684.
Mid-Week Farmers Market
Every Wednesday
Willmar, noon to 6 p.m., KEC park-
ing lot, 500 19th Ave. S.E.; high-quality
produce available that is grown within
100 miles of Willmar.
Becker Market
Every Thursday
Willmar, 3 to 6:30 p.m., Becker Av-
enue between Fourth and Fifth streets
downtown; experience Willmars mul-
ticultural flavor in an outdoor atmos-
phere of farmers, growers, producers,
artisans and entertainment.
Farmers Market
Every Saturday
Willmar, 6:30 a.m. to noon, YMCA
parking lot; homegrown produce,
farm-raised meat and handmade items.
Sperry House
Aug. 14
Enjoy a summer evening on the
Sperry House lawn; games, food and
fun for all ages to enjoy.
Chairs Gone Wild
Aug. 15
Spicer, 5 p.m., Glacial Ridge Winery;
the artist-decorated Adirondack chairs
that spent the summer in Spicer will be
auctioned off; music at 5 p.m., auction
at 6 p.m.
Prairie Pothole
Sept. 6
New London, 32nd Annual Prairie
Pothole Day outdoor celebration be-
ginning at 9 a.m.; Stoney Ridge Farm
near the intersection of state Highway
9 and U.S. Highway 71 north of Sibley
State Park.
Grape Stomp
Sept. 13
Sixth annual event from noon to 8
p.m. with wine tasting, stomp contests,
food, entertainment and more at Gla-
cial Ridge Winery between New Lon-
don and Spicer.
Harvest Fest
Sept. 27
A day for kids and families from
noon to 6 p.m. at Glacial Ridge Winery
between New London and Spicer.
Arts/Drama
Barn Theatre
Aug. 13-16, 19-22
Willmar, 7:30 p.m., The Barn The-
atre, 321 Fourth St. S.W.; performance
of Charleys Aunt; for tickets call
320-235-9500.
Little Theatre
Aug. 22-24, 29-31
New London, Aug. Friday and Sat-
urdays, 7:30 p.m., Sundays, 2 p.m., Lit-
tle Theatre; performance of The
Wonderful Toto of Oz; tickets avail-
able at Mords Hardware in New Lon-
don and Whitney Music in Willmar.
Barn Theatre
Sept. 10-13, 17-20
Willmar, 7:30 p.m., The Barn The-
atre, 321 Fourth St. S.W.; performance
of The Rainmaker; for tickets call
320-235-9500.
Celebrate Art! Celebrate Coffee!
Sept. 20
Willmar, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., down-
town Willmar; annual festival with
demonstrations by artists, childrens
tent activities, juried art exhibition and
sale, food court, free coffee and enter-
tainment on the outdoor stage.
Meander
Oct. 3-5
Five-county Upper Minnesota River
art crawl, self-guided tour of 42 indi-
vidual artist and 34 studios in and near
the western Minnesota communities of
Ortonville, Appleton, Madison, Milan,
Dawson, Montevideo and Granite
Falls.
Dances
Tuxedo Junction
Aug. 17
Glenwood, 4 to 8 p.m., Lakeside
Ballroom; summer dances open to all,
music by Tuxedo Junction; $15 per
person, $10 ages 17-30; no jeans or
shorts.
Cosmos
Aug. 30
Cosmos, 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.,
Cosmos American Legion; Labor Day
Street Dance featuring Maiden Dixie to
raise money for the Cosmos Space Fes-
tival Days.
Jerry OHagan
Sept. 14
Glenwood, 4 to 8 p.m., Lakeside
Ballroom; summer dances open to all,
music by the Jerry OHagan Orchestra;
$15 per person, $10 ages 17-30; no
jeans or shorts.
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Divine Hope Counseling
Chemical Dependancy/Mental Health Treatment
Non-Residential Treatment
Pamela Kubesh, Mental Health Director, MSW, LICSW
Lori Hanson, Administrator, LADC MA
Jeanine Porter, Clinical Director, LADC BS
Divine Hope Counseling
Hours: Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm
328 SW 3rd Street, Willmar MN 56201
phone 320 231-9763 fax 320-235-0334
divinehopecounseling.com
Divine Intervention
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A
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lt Help
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is
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ervices
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Modern romance meets classic
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your style at our store in the
Kandi Mall, Willmar.
320.235.2053
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www.riddlesjewelry.com
Riddles
Come enjoy the last two productions
of our 2014 Summer Season.
Charlies Aunt August 13-16,
19-22, 2014 all performances
at 7:30 pm. The Rainmaker
September 10-13, 17-20, 2014
all performances at 7:30 pm.
Tickets are on sale now.
Adults $20, Students $10.
The Barn Theatre
320.235.9500
321 4th St. SW, Willmar
www.TheBarnTheatre.com
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28 Live it! Magazine
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Call us today for more information about
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320.214.5643 | www.bethesdawillmar.com
901 Willmar Ave. SE, Willmar, MN 56201
DANCE.