Stillwater Living September 2013

New Horizon Academy • Stillwater Turf & Power

SEPTEMBER 2013

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meet the columnistsStillwater Living is adding faces to our columnists!

Watch for new content from these folks in coming issues.

Help us put a face with the category.

C’mon, it’ll be fun!A B

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I J KGo to www.stillwaterliving.net to connect these faces to their topics, do it!

Thanks to local artist Tim Nyberg for his caricatures!

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2 STILLWATER LIVING SEPTEMBER 2013

September 2013

Departments

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EDITOR’S NOTE

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

MAINSTREETNews and Views from the ValleyBY JESSIE WADE

PARENTS CORNERNew Horizon Academy

IN PERSONMallards on the St. CroixBY JESSIE WADE

ON STILLWATERStillwater Turf & PowerBY JIM REYNOLDS

ARCOLA MILLSOur Hidden TreasureBY KIRSTEN STILLMAN24

Features

COVER PHOTO BY AIMEE CHRISTENSON

A CANCER STORYTreatment Tears and Chemo ChucklesBY ABBY BROWN20

contentscontents


With September it seems that we all get back into the “non-summer” routines of life. The business community can get busy planning 2014, the kids are back at school, the campgrounds clear out, Main Street saves hussle and bussle for the weekend. It comes every year, but I don’t give in willingly – ever.

Our first department this issue takes a look at New Horizon Academy. Stillwater’s own Meghan Chandler is the director of this great option for your little ones to plug in and develop.

In Person takes a look at Mallards on the St. Croix, the new restaurant at the Bayport Marina. Owned by David Suddath, a man with extensive hospitality industry experience, Mallards brings something back to the old Clyde’s space – great food. Chef Taylor Kneubuhler, another Stillwater native, talks with us about his exciting new menu.

We first met Abby Brown years ago as she was pioneering standing desks for her 6th grade classroom at Marine Elementary. Today she is contemplating publishing a book comprised of her Caring Bridge journal entries. In February Abby was diagnosed with cancer – she accepted the news, prepared a battle plan and executed it with courage, faith and hope. Read more on page 20.

Arcola Mills is widely regarded as a sacred, peaceful place. Many of us don’t have the full story. We’ve done our best to bring you a snapshot of the early days – I mean the very early days. We walk through the history of this wonderful site along the gentle banks of the St. Croix and contemplate the future. Will the National Park Service remain partnered with the Foundation?

On Stillwater rounds out this issue with a look at Art Crain’s Stillwater Turf and Power small engine repair business. Art is a customer service throwback who works tirelessly in an effort to satisfy his customers. My experience with Art replicated my experience with our neighborhood hardware store when I was a little boy.

It’s a rare occasion when I envy the seniors in our community. As we all get back to school or work, the older among us just keep enjoying themselves. They don’t talk much about summer vacations or back to school shopping, they just shift from one thing to another and keep on keeping on…. Something to look forward to.

Real Good Then

Peter McNiffPublisher and Editor [email protected]

VOLUME 9, NUMBER 7 SEPTEMBER 2013

ABBY BROWNJIM REYNOLDS

KIRSTEN STILLMANJESSIE WADE

JEFF BAGGOT

STEVE (SHOWCASE) SKALMAN

HAWK


editor’s note

New Horizon Academy • Stillwater Turf & Power

SEPTEMBER 2013

FREE

Arcolaexperience

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Julie Bourman

Peter McNiff

Jessie Wade

Curtis Dale

Copyright 2013Watershed Publishing, Inc. all rights reserved.

Stillwater Living is published byWatershed Publishing, Inc.

P.O. Box 2302 Stillwater, MN 55082651-430-3143 [email protected]

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letters to the editor

Why Cross The River For Art?

I enjoy the magazine each and every month and Stillwater Living rarely gives me a reason to complain. However, the August 2013 issue did cause me to get a little concerned about your choices.

We have a bounty of talented artists in Stillwater/Marine/Afton, etc – why would you lavish so much praise on a Hudson artist? Caminito Art Gallery is not a proven entity and her work is somewhat pedestrian. Remember the name of the magazine IS Stillwater Living – please keep that in mind.

Meg B.Stillwater

Right On Rick

Rick Chapman is the best to happen to Sunnyside in decades. He has the place running smoothly and we’re about as happy as we can be with him as a GM. His work on the clean marina program is understated in the story last month, he did a great deal of the heavy lifting and now carries the burden of oversight.

I couldn’t agree more with his take on the no-wake zone having a negative effect on boat traffic in Stillwater and parts north. It’s going to be a tough couple of years for transient business at the gas docks north of the new bridge construction no-wake zone.

Charlie PBayport

Commercial Real Estate Goings On About Town

Lumiere Beauty Lounge

Health Source

Jon Whitcomb:

651-430-0016 Officejwhitcomb@greystone-commercial.comwww.greystone-commercial.com

The Whitcomb Report

We’ve never seen the likes of Lumiere Beauty Lounge in the valley before. Kristia Krueger left sunny, southern California behind to bring us a wonderfully unique beauty offering. Steph Beedle is well known in this area for bringing Japa Salon to life – and it’s thriving. Lumiere Beauty Lounge is a polished, well conceived quality offering that doesn’t seem to take itself so seriously that they forget to enjoy (check out their Face book page – listed below).

Kristia and Steph have created, and these are their words “a beauty haven, with personal well being in mind, for women that want to be glamorized.” Lumiere puts an emphasis on carrying product lines that are organic, vegan, free from animal cruelty in testing, paraben and mineral oil free. Kristia says “clients can feel good about themselves and good about there choices.”

>>> Check them out on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LumiereBeautyLounge

Two tenants new to the Valley Ridge Mall were showcased in the last Whitcomb Report. This high value retail destination has fast become a hot bed of great service and unique retailers.

Again this month I put the focus on two new offerings at Valley Ridge Mall – the renaissance continues.

The next time you are asked the question “Do You HealthSource?” You can honestly respond with a yes. Dr. Matt Fiebelkorn has tapped into the HealthSource system and is open for business in the Valley Ridge Mall.

Dr. Matt stands ready to offer chiropractic care. His mission for all of us is to make our personal health our number one priority. We all get bogged down by the stresses of life and with Dr. Matt’s help we can feel like our old selves in no time.

>>>888-977-6734 https://www.healthsourceofstillwater.com

NEWS AND VIEWS FROM THE VALLEY


By Jessie Wade

mainstreet

september 21-29Saturday, Sept. 21 through Sunday, Sept. 29 Times VaryFreetakemetotheriver.info

It’s time to go barn hopping while exploring the art of the St. Croix Valley during Take Me to the River. There will be twelve major art events this year, all taking place during the last two weekends in September. The tour kicks off at the Rustic Road 13 Pottery Event and Sale at the historic St. Croix County farmstead in Hudson. Guests can explore the gardens and tour the barn, which will be filled to the brim

with art from celebrated potters. Live music, raku firing demonstrations, and the potter’s wheel will make this event a memorable experience for the whole family.

Another weekend event not to miss is the Abnet Farm Art Show & Sale, located a few miles north of Stillwater. Showcased in the restored barn will be paintings of Edie Abnet, the photography of July Abnet, and other displays by guest artists. After viewing such wonderful art, don’t forget about the production of Never Too Late at the St. Croix Art Barn in Osceola, which features a 108-seat theater in the transformed dairy barn. With so many delightful events occurring during Take Me to the River, you are sure to have a great time!

BARN HOPPING & ARTGO HAND IN HAND


HOME GROWN& HANDMADEARTISAN’S MARKETseptember 21-22Saturday, September 219:00 am - 5:00 pmSunday, September 229:00 am - 5:00 pmFreethebigredchair.com

Featuring home grown and handmade wares, Woodstock Furniture is hosting an artisans market for “2 days of Art & Craft” that will feature 20 artists. Everything knit, felted, woven, painted, drawn, scupted, built, dipped, baked, edible, speadable, and more will be offered for patrons to enjoy and purchase. Parking is located on Pawnee Avenue.

Woodstock Furniture has been building leisure class Adirondack Furniture for nearly 25 years. They are proud to provide the finest hand crafted products for its customers.

A Truly Unique Valley ExperienceCarol Carver – Artistic Director

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This activity is funded, in part, by appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the State's general fund, and its arts and cultural heritage fund that was created by a vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.

A FREE SEASON KICK-OFF LATIN RHYTHMS - A musical collaboration between

the Valley Chamber Chorale and Music St. CroixOctober 5, 2013 at 7:30 pm at Trinity Lutheran Church, Stillwater, MN

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WORDS TO LIVE BY

CHORAL SINGING – THE MAGIC OF WORDS & MUSIC2013-2014 Season

Words make us think, music makes us feel. Words and music together make it possible to feel a thought.

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THE LANGUAGE OF LOVE

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A MARATHON TO BENEFIT OTHERSseptember 21Saturday, September 2110:00 am - 6:00 pm

The Jon Francis Foundation Half-Mar-athon is a fun, family geared event you don’t want to miss this fall. The 13.1 mile course is a delightful and somewhat chal-lenging course that takes participants through rolling hills, past pleasant lakes and farms, and close to the forest. The 8K race will circle around the blissful Square Lake, and is designed to be a tad easier. The Fun Run 1K for kids and families, is sponsored by PowerUp and will be held in Square Lake Park.

The Jon Francis Foundation race honors the life of Jon Francis, a Stillwater High School graduate, four-time state champion, and a national champion runner. On July 15th, 2006, Jon climbed the rugged Sawtooth Mountains in Idaho, reached the summit, and never returned. The vital mission of the Jon Francis Foundation is to reduce incidents of loss through wilderness safety education, support families who have suffered the loss of a loved one in the wilderness, and to improve the public response for missing adults. All proceeds from this event will support the mission of the nonprofit Jon Francis Foundation.

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It’s that time of year when the air is fresh and crisp, and the leaves change to those beautiful deep red and ochre hues. While you’re outside, don’t forget about the 28th Annual Fall Colors Fine Art and Jazz Fest hosted in Lowell Park right along the St. Croix River. It is a juried fine art show, so artists from far and wide will be attending to showcase and sell their pieces.

Unique artwork including wonderful glass and metal work, detailed beadwork, beautiful pottery, stunning paintings, amazing photographs, and spectacular fiber works will all be featured throughout the weekend. Musicians from all over will also be performing and delicious food will be available at all times.

Jazz, Fine Art, & the Colors of Fall October 5-6Saturday, October 5Sunday, October 610:00 am - 5:00 pmFreestillwaterfallartfair.com

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september 28-29Saturday, September 2810:00 am - 5:00 pmSunday, September 2911:00 am - 4:00 pmFreeaftonartfair.com

What began as a small art fair hosted in Afton by a group of local artists in 1979 has now grown to an event that attracts thousands of visitors annually. Afton Art in the Park is now in its 35th year and will be taking place by the river in the Afton Town Square. The two-day art fair includes over 90 vendors that will showcase pottery, woodwork, sculpture, fiber, jewelry, and more.

Food vendors will join in to make the festivities even more enticing with Rueben sandwiches, Greek and Chinese food, kettle corn, and other delectable options. Afton Art in the Park also features a children’s art tent, beer garden, small business fair, and live jazz/folk music.

35 YEARS OF EPIC ART IN AFTON

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september wed/thursEvery Wednesday & Thursday evening in September6:30 pm - 8:00 pmFreenps.gov

Team up with a National Park Ranger for an evening of history and exploration on the St. Croix River! The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway is offering weekly programs on the river through the end of September. Travel through the narrow, tree-covered islands, and along the steep bluffs of the valley while looking back and exploring the interactions that people throughout the ages have experienced in the Stillwater Islands area. From Native Americans, artists, loggers, writers, and recreational users, the river has seen many changes through the centuries. Life jackets will be provided for the pontoon boat tour.

This is limited-time opportunity, so make sure to call ahead to get your family and friends’ names on the list to explore the St. Croix River’s rich and colorful history.

EXPLORE THE ISLANDS ON THE RIVER

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www.stillwaterliving.net

StillwaterLiving.net has a new robust web site that you’re going to love. Check out the videos, the columnists and feature stories from the magazine extended online.

If you enjoy playing in the social media sphere, then like us and tweet us and pin cool images that we can all share. Come on - it’ll be FUN!

september 14Saturday, September 14th4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.Freewww.aechurch.org

Stillwater’s Ascension Church will hold its fourth Bagpipes and Bonfires Saturday, Sept. 14. While caber tossing may not be a staple of this celebration, you can count on kilt wearing, Old World games, and other festive thrills that will more than make up for it. The legendary Minnesota’s Police Pipe Band will kick off the event, while other Celtic minstrels will wow the crowds through the rest of the evening. Pub Grub, jugglers, dancers, and a “wonderful prizes” raffle are also the order of the evening. This is one family-friendly party that you won’t want to miss!

Held in the spirit the Celtic peoples’ great clan gatherings, Bagpipes & Bonfires is a community celebration thrown by the Episcopal Church of the Ascension. It is an event where Anglican history and lore meets raucously good fun. All funds raised will support Ascension-sponsored community projects.

BAGPIPES AND BONFIRES


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THE MAGIC OF WORDS ANDMUSICoctober 5Saturday, October 57:30 pmTrinity Lutheran ChurchFreevalleychamberchorale.org


The Valley Chamber Chorale is kicking off its 39th season by collaborating with Music St. Croix to provide a free concert as a gift to the St. Croix Valley community. Held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Stillwater, the Latin Rythms theme is sure to have you and the family dancing right out of your seat.

In keeping with reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the St. Croix Valley, and in providing performances of the highest caliber, this

season promises to be just as spectacular as others. The Valley Chamber Chorale is holding “Lessons and Carols for the 21st Century” themed concerts in December, “The Language of Love” themed concerts in February, and a “Words to Live By” themed concert in April. For more information on purchasing tickets for these future concerts, please visit The Valley Chamber Chorale’s website.

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parents corner

he Valley is now home to a New Horizon Academy. Located on Neal Avenue near Kowalski's, New Horizon

Academy offers families an exceptional early education experience.

New Horizon Academy was started in 1971 by Sue Dunkley. A former Minnesota public school teacher, Ms. Dunkley felt nothing was more important than the self-esteem of each child. She wanted to provide a nurturing place for children, and that is why New Horizon was born. She chose the name "New Horizon" because she believed each child deserves a new horizon, a place where he or she can say, "I like me!"

Although New Horizon Academy has since grown to include many locations across the state, employees are still inspired every day by Ms. Dunkley’s passion for early education and commitment to excellence. New Horizon decided to open a school in Stillwater because, “It’s a wonderful, family-oriented community unlike any other,” said Meghan Chandler, Director. And Chandler knows this first-hand, as she hails from the Stillwater area and graduated from Stillwater Area High School.

Safe and Spacious Facility The Stillwater New Horizon Academy, which opened its doors in the summer of 2012, was carefully designed to nurture self-esteem in children. It features colorful, age-

appropriate classrooms filled with child-size furniture, and educational toys and materials. The center prides itself on its wide array of creative, interactive learning centers for each age group, and at playtime, children can hop, skip, and explore in large outdoor play areas that feature climbing structures, riding toys, and more. The center even has its own garden. Finally, since safety is of major importance to parents, the center features a state-of-the-art security system with keypad entry, security cameras, and more. New Horizon Academy Stillwater is licensed by the State of Minnesota.

Proven Curriculum New Horizon Academy believes it’s important to address the needs of the whole child. Therefore, the curriculum emphasizes social-emotional development and learning in the core areas of literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and the arts. Using the acclaimed HighReach Learning®, curriculum, New Horizon Academy successfully prepares children for elementary school. New Horizon Academy also utilizes the SEEDS of Early Literacy emergent literacy program. Developed by the University of Minnesota, SEEDS uses literacy-rich environments and incorporates specific pre-reading activities into children’s daily routine. New Horizon also follows the ezWrite method, a research- based handwriting program, to teach children to write. Company-wide, New Horizon Academy has a strong

New Horizon Academy

TDevoted to developing a healthy sense of self in every child.

Meghan Chandler, Center Director and Stillwater Area High School Graduate

commitment to fostering lifelong, healthy habits. Their onsite cook prepares nutritious meals, and physical activity is integrated throughout each day. This year, New Horizon Academy introduced a Farm to Child Care program, which brings healthy food from local farms to its classrooms. “And we are so pleased to partner with the local “Power Up” initiative to promote healthy living in the Valley,” said Chandler.

The staff at the Stillwater New Horizon Academy was carefully selected. “Simply put, we only hire teachers who love to teach,” said Chandler. “Our educators must demonstrate that they truly care about helping each child reach his or her full potential.”

Proud to Be Part of StillwaterThis summer, you may have seen New Horizon Academy at Stillwater events such as Night to Unite and Summer Tuesdays. Chandler believes it’s important to support the local community and enjoys meeting area families at events. “I am a Pony-girl through and through,” said Chandler. “I am thrilled to be back in the community and to be bringing the high quality programs of New Horizon Academy to Stillwater.”

New Horizon Academy offers programs for children ages 6 weeks through 12 years. Full-time, part-time, and flexible schedules are offered to accommodate the needs of working families.

Ms. Chandler encourages you to visit Stillwater New Horizon Academy to fully appreciate the advantages offered. For more information or to schedule a tour, call 651-209-0093 or visit www.NewHorizonStillwater.net.


Stillwater New Horizon Academy5903 Neal Avenue NorthOak Park Heights www.NewHorizonStillwater.net651-209-0093 Hours: M-F, 6 am to 6:30 pm

hen you think of a restaurant right off the docks at a marina, what do you envision? Burgers, fish, and beer, right? The recently opened Mallards on the

St. Croix, right in the heart of the Bayport Marina, puts a twist on the usual harbor grub.

Though they do offer classic options like walleye and burgers, the walleye is really a pecan walleye pan fried in a creole cream sauce, and the burger is the “Le Grande Fromage Burger,” which is a hamburger patty cooked to your liking and topped with brie cheese, caramelized onions, arugula, and Dijon mustard. They even serve mac and cheese with a unique twist, adding chopped lobster and truffle bread crumbs on top. There are no boring menu items to skip past and nothing too scary to try either. “The menu has a New Orleans Creole feel to it with some Midwest flair” according to Chef Taylor Kneubuhler.

The inspiration for Mallards came from owner David Suddath’s travels around the country and his 30-plus years in the restaurant industry. His extensive managing experience at Crave, Buca di Beppo, and The Cheesecake Factory brought the idea of Mallards to life, in the process forming one appetizing place to dine right off the water.

The melt-in-your-mouth options on the Mallards menu are crafted by Chef Taylor Kneubuhler, a Stillwater native who has been with the restaurant since the grand opening this past Memorial Day. Kneubuhler graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York and undeniably brought his classical background with him, while adding his own zest to the recipes. “Everything is fresh and we work on letting the ingredients speak for themselves, not adding much to them,” he says. Kneubuhler says they buy their ingredients locally whenever possible, stopping at farmers’ markets to check their selections and making decisions from there on what to get during those seasons when the items are available.

Though young, Kneubuhler has been in the industry 12 years already. After being immersed in the culinary cultures of New York, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina, Kneubuhler knows how to create unparalleled flavor. One of his personal favorite dishes is the lobster roll which is made up of butter-poached fresh lobster on a bun with celery and a dollop of mayonnaise. Another oft-ordered favorite of his is the seafood cocktail, which is prepared with avocado, shrimp, peppers, and tomatoes: a fresh and light southwest-style dish.

An important detail that makes Mallards Restaurant stand out is how they cater to their customers. Mallards owns the 150-foot dock on the backside of the restaurant, which includes eight slips. They encourage guests to come tie up their boats free of charge (on a first-come, first-served basis) and enjoy dining at the restaurant inside the air-conditioned building, out on the screened-in porch, on the deck outside, or even right at their boats on the dock.

Whether you are looking for a classic risotto seafood stew, a veggie wrap with high quality ingredients, or an all-you-can-eat crab legs feast on a Thursday night, Mallards on the St. Croix is the place to experience succulent flavor in an inviting atmosphere.


in person

Mallards on the St. CroixA whole new waterfront experience

By Jessie Wade, photo by Aimee Christenson

W


By Abby BrownPhotos by Aimee Christenson

A Cancer Story: Treatment, Tears and ChemoChuckles

A Cancer Story: Treatment, Tears and ChemoChuckles


My StoryFebruary 9th, 2013

On a Friday in early January, my primary doctor found a lump during an annual check-up for my heart medication. The following Tuesday a mammogram was done, leading to a biopsy on Wednesday, and news that confirmed a cancerous breast tumor was delivered on Friday. (Bam.)Additional tests were ordered: an MRI of both breasts and a bone scan. Both of these were negative for cancer in any other area and allowed me to make the decision to proceed with a lumpectomy. (Simple.)

This surgery took place on January 22nd. A clear margin around the 1.5 cm tumor was obtained, and the single lymph node that was removed tested negative for cancer. We were encouraged and optimistic that treatment of radiation and hormone therapy would be the end of it. (Nope.)

As we anxiously awaited the report from California on tumor specifics, I added in a colonoscopy during my recovery time. Though I was very aware of the presence of the scope during this procedure (that’s another story) my intestines were given a “clean” bill of health. (Wink.)

On February 7th, Tony and I made the trip to Regions Hospital in St. Paul for a radiation consultation. At this point, I was debating the necessity of radiation and hoping hormone therapy would prevent future recurrences. Little did we know that this simple option would not even be a consideration later in the day. (Dang.)

That afternoon, the oncologist’s appointment provided information that we had not even considered. The HER2 positive, “comedo” ductal tumor was given a high risk rating for distant recurrence elsewhere in the body. This added the word “chemo” into the necessary treatment plan. We were caught completely off guard. The box of tissues was emptied as the reality set in. The nasty cancer

When given a cancer diagnosis and faced with treatment decisions, your loved ones factor into how you proceed with your days. I’m a mother of two teenage boys, have a wonderful husband of 31 years, and I love my job as a teacher of 25 years at Marine Elementary School. Add to that mix the family and friends I love, and I decided to do what I could to stick around a while longer. I am not afraid of dying. My gentle Lutheran upbringing and past personal challenges have brought me to this place in faith; a place where you understand that in our grand universe, to believe that humans on “little Earth” are it, and life ends after our time here, just doesn’t make sense.

Yet, despite a diagnosis and months of treatment, I still feel cancer is something that happens to other people. It seems unreal to me that I now belong to an exclusive club and have an instant bond with the members I meet everyday. There are many of us. It’s not a journey; it’s a bumpy road trip. Unfortunately, these days it is not a road less traveled.

Journaling through the Caring Bridge website turned out to be a way to keep my family

and friends abreast of what was happening in my life regarding my treatments. It allowed me to share real stuff and occasionally add some comic relief to this serious subject.

While pulling together material for this feature, I kept myself updated and aware via Caring Bridge on the condition of the first member of my Breast Cancer’s Bitchin’ Club, Sue Moran. Sue was a band teacher in the Stillwater Area schools, one of them being Marine Elementary. She brought her love of music to the children of our community. Diagnosed 4 years ago, she fought the good fight, as we are told to do. Her spirit was strong, but her body failed us. At 46, she died in August.

Needless to say, I understand this disease from an inside perspective, and an outside-looking-in perspective. Cancer hurts. It breaks hearts.

“Sharing your journey has taught us to have hope, to believe that our bodies are incredibly strong vessels, even when fighting off disease, that hair is just that ... and even in the times that we may feel alone, we are not.” – Terri, high school friend and Breast Cancer’s Bitchin’ Club sister.


tumor they had removed may have sent small cancer cells out into my body, and now they need to be dealt with aggressively. (Crap.)

The journey has taken an uphill climb … I’m getting fierce! Thanks so much, to all, for the love and support already given to allow me to proceed with grace. Angels watch over us! (Amen.)

True Love – In Sickness and In HealthFebruary 14th, 2013

I've been poked and prodded so many times over the last month that the prep for today's first chemo session felt like my status quo. Most of the time today I was able to be positive and share jokes, though it didn't go past without the emotional floodgates opening as well. These will come unexpectedly; we've been told to expect them.

Rather than dealing with work stuff, Tony brought a Scrabble Board for us to pass the time. It's an activity we

started doing together on one of our anniversary dates and isn't something we find time to do between these special occasions. It seemed fitting - it is Valentine's Day, after all.

Ironically, the second word I placed on the board was LOVE. (What is the chance of having all the letters for that?) Tony added an R for LOVER and on my next move I spelled ONLY. At that time, Tony had gone to the cafeteria for a bite, and I hit an emotional stage. Despite all of the anti-nausea medication, I was feeling stuff move conspicuously through my stomach. It signaled the reality of these drugs as a part of my new challenge. I was not liking the start of the anticipated crappy-feeling.

When Tony returned from lunch, he hadn't expected me to be upset. I had him take a “real” photo of the moment. The plan is to take them at each session. I didn't get one with his tears today; I’ll always know they were there.

Mary, my nurse, put on her protective, blue coat to administer the chemo. Most of you may not realize that the toilet a chemo patient uses after infusions must be flushed twice with the lid down. Pets need to be kept out of the bowl – drinking out of the toilet could kill them. Yep. Add your own thoughts to that one.

Tonight Tony organized the bottles of medicine and put them in their own box. I have some for anti-nausea, constipation, steroids of sorts, a combo drug for anxiety, nausea, and sleep medicines. I need to make a solution to rinse my mouth to prevent sores. I was told to anticipate the Monday after chemo as being the lousiest. I will let you know.

One day at a time. Love to all.

Getting Felt Up There!July 25th, 2013

I often find my hands checking out the new growth of hair on my head. I have moved into the stage of being “felt up there” by others as well. It started with the boys at home. Matthias, who has always been tentative about my baldness, is a head taller than me. The other day we stood next to each other in the bathroom at the lake. He has a good view from above and wanted to visually measure the one-fourth inch accumulation lying there. He asked if it hurt as he pulled a tuft up. I think he was afraid if he tugged too hard, he would pull it out; heaven forbid! Tim and Tony have done their inspections, too, but it’s also friends and strangers who can’t resist reaching to


touch and commenting how soft it is … like a baby chick. I am still working on being a “chick” but a baby I am not!

My hands also check for breast tenderness, which is a result of the radiation. Applying ointment to treat the skin-burn that is occurring there is also needed. That body part is left untouched by others, thank God, though Tony is privy. I do need to say; it is nice to hear the excited comments about this sign of recovery. Add eye and eyebrow liner with a smile, and I do feel better!

Hair is growing elsewhere, too. There used to be tweezers in a compartment near my steering wheel in the van. Lately while I drive, I have been using my stubby thumbnail and finger to pull out the new stubbles I’ve discovered on my chin and upper lip. My belly and back feel bumpy, a bit like a rash, but it is just prickly little hairs. When I wear my cheaters, I can see them on my arms, too. Yeehaw! Another sign of healing is visible in my fingernails. Though they are short, they seem to be toughening up, with potential to grow out, rather than peel easily away.

22/33 radiation treatments completed equals two-thirds done! More days than I had planned. I have been continuing to make the drive from Mallard Lake to New Richmond, but being at the lake makes summer feel more “normal” and is a place for better relaxation. If I feel

social, there is instant companionship in friends, but it also allows the alone time I need. The boys have a gaggle of kids to hang with, too.

While there, I think we all forget a little about the cancer I have been dealing with for the last six months. In looking ahead, I feel a special excitement about the start of the school year with my fifth and sixth graders. Being back in my classroom, in the small community I love, will also return me to somewhat of a state of normalcy.

For now though, my bed-head in the morning is tended to by being quickly smoothed down by my hands. It will be interesting to see how my cowlicks spring up. I may need to add some spit before rubbing.

The neuropathy has caused stiffness in the joints. I look like Grandpa McCoy (The Real McCoy’s, for those of you old enough to picture him hobbling) when I get up after sitting or driving, but time will take care of that. And one day at a time, it is!

Abby Brown can be reached at [email protected]. You can visit her Caring Bridge site at www.caringbridge.org/visit/abbybrown. She is pursuing publication of her cancer road trip.

riving up the gravel road, one of the last things you’d expect to emerge from behind the trees is a stately Greek revival-style house that was

completed in 1847. Surrounded by trees, babbling springs and streams, and the faint rushing sound of the river just beyond the back porch’s view, it isn’t unusual for visitors to feel completely awed by the magnificent beauty of the Arcola Mills property.

Walking in the front door of the house, which also doubles as a visitor’s center for guests, the grand architecture and hand-laid floors immediately command attention. But not for long, since the plaques and information panels scattered throughout the house invite a tour of the house and the gorgeously stunning views that surround it.

It’s not hard to picture the area as it was before there was a house overlooking the river. Arcola Mills volunteers Jim and Dian Gardner feel the same way and, like all the other

volunteers, are eager to share the history of this land and the surrounding area.

The history of Stillwater starts long before the St. Croix Valley was considered a place of peace by the Native American tribes that lived in the area. But, let’s skip to the early 1800’s when the fur traders started trapping and trading with the Native Americans. Some of the area’s beaver pelts were even shipped off to Europe, Jim says, “specifically England, and were made into beaver top hats.”In 1837, the United States formed treaties with the Native American tribes. As a result of the treaty, the government acquired the land that ranged from the Western Wisconsin area to as far west as the Brainerd area, and the Native Americans were moved to a reservation. After the Mexican-American War, land warrants were issued as payment because the United States didn’t have the money to pay the soldiers.

D

Our Hidden TreasureBy Kirsten StillmanPhotos by Aimee Christenson


“The soldiers were generally unskilled, unpaid, and saw no value to the land,” Jim says. “They didn’t know what to do with [it, but] the lumber barons recognized the value.” Saloons and towns were erected to help settle the area and the lumber barons “offered [the soldiers] five to ten cents to the dollar on the land. The lumber folks came in, cut the timber, and developed the sawmills. One of those families was the Mower family.”

“It was a very welcoming area,” Dian adds, “both when the [Native Americans] were there (it was an area that was designated as non-warring, a safe haven) and when the Mowers established their village. Steamboats stopped there; it was self-sufficient, and it was friendly. They had schools, blacksmith shops, a general store, [etc.].” The stream was the reason they chose their location on the river, Dian says, since they could make their sawmill, run it, and also access the river to get around with the steamboat they built.

Martin Mower “thought the sawmill was the way to go. He was a mover and a shaker,” Dian says. Martin’s brother, John, “was also a strong business man, they were a team, but as the lumbering went away, so did the village.”

After the Mowers left the property, the house stood empty for many, many years. At least, until the day a young couple was walking down by the river and saw what they thought was a mirage. Dr. Henry Van Meier and his wife, Katharine, instantly fell in love with the house and the peacefulness of the property.

Dianne Storti, another Arcola Mills volunteer and a self-proclaimed lover of the Van Meier years, says the couple “determined that they wanted to buy it. [But] they didn't have enough money to purchase the whole place. It was 55 acres, and it was $9,000. So they prevailed upon Katharine's mother for the money and she was very reluctant to do so because this Minnesota was so primitive,” Dianne says with a laugh.

“So Katharine hatched a plan to invite her mother out and took her to every social event she could; to every concert, to every museum, she took her everywhere. She convinced her mother that this was indeed a very civilized place, so her parents lent them the money.”

WWW.STILLWATERLIVING.NET 2524 STILLWATER LIVING SEPTEMBER 2013



Then it was time to restore the house, which had fallen into ruin due to the years of abandonment. They ended up doing most of the work themselves. “And [being] this well-to-do, beautiful woman,” Dianne explains, “she had skills; she had carpentry, plumbing, and electrical skills. She was up [in the house] doing everything. The two of them together, side-by-side – it really characterizes their relationship.”

With a lot of loving, hard work, the house became an oasis that they used for holidays, weekends, summer vacations, parties, and symposiums. But, because of Henry’s profession as a doctor, they continued to live in Stillwater where he could more easily treat his patients.

“They were such gregarious, outgoing people,” Dianne says of the Van Meiers. They would often invite people to come and discuss different issues, literature, art, contemplation, and spirituality; it was a big reason people would gather here. “And that was what brought Gertrude Stein, Alice B. Toklas, and [Katharine’s] brother-in-law (Sherwood Anderson) to come and have these wonderful symposiums.”

So many of the guests visiting the Van Meiers also fell in love with the house and the property. Since many of them didn’t want to leave, Henry and Katharine decided to expand to accommodate the influx of people. “They added nine very eclectic cabins around the property where people could come and stay in,” Dianne explains. The additional ‘housing’ attracted various non-traditional guests, which suited the nature of the additional spaces – especially since one space is literally a gypsy wagon. A 1930s wooden houseboat is also among the collection of eclectic living spaces still parked on the property today.

Both Katharine and Henry were very involved in Stillwater until their respective deaths, Henry in 1979, and Katharine in 1991. “There are stories of [Katharine],” Dianne says of the years after Henry’s death. “She continued to dress in her flamboyant dress for her entire life. And every Saturday, as an elderly woman, she would get dressed up, and she would put on her jewelry and her make-up, and walk down to Vittorio's (which was a restaurant in the caves in Stillwater) every Saturday night. She would sit down and have dinner [while] having an imaginary conversation with someone. And that's how a lot of people remembered her in her latter years.”

After Henry died, Katharine didn’t return to visit the house that had been their special oasis of happiness. In her will, she bequeathed the property and all its buildings to the nonprofit Arcola Mills Foundation to be made into: “a museum of lumbering days of the beauty and usefulness of wood made at Arcola,” adding that “the site be used as a retreat or a place of study and contemplation.”


“She wanted to make sure that this was not turned into a housing development,” Dianne adds. And in keeping with Katharine’s will, the Arcola Mills Foundation’s mission is to restore and preserve the natural history of its place on the St. Croix River and encourage people to gather to connect, learn, create, and renew their spirits.

But, while Katharine entrusted the foundation with the property, she didn’t leave any money for them to utilize in repairs and upkeep. The eclectic gypsy wagon and houseboat, for instance, have fallen into disrepair to the point of being safety hazards. They are now “closed off to the public,” Dianne says. “They're so beyond repair that there's no historic value in redoing them.”

Arcola Board member Jim Maher explains that other parts of the property still need repairs; like restoring the lumber mill. All the upkeep and restoration efforts have been funded by donations. It’s a challenge, he says “… but it’s a big priority for our board to find ways to get more sustainable funding.” He hopes that potential corporate donors, foundations, and future members will help with supporting Arcola Mills. He adds, “we have a lot of work to do.”

Next on the to-do list is repainting the house in the fall and looking into possibly expanding the parking lot. And in talking about Arcola Mills’ partnership with the National Park Service, Jim M. explains that it’s “been instructive, I think, in terms of seeing some potential of what we can be in terms of giving the public more access to this place than they typically had in the past. It's probably not a coincidence that a lot of people around here didn't know about it [before] because it was somewhat limited in terms of what Arcola offered in the past.”

Three years ago, the National Park Service partnered with the Arcola Mills Foundation to conduct an experiment to see how such a partnership could benefit Arcola Mills. Jonathan Moore, a Park Ranger working at Arcola Mills during this time of partnership, adds that the first year’s month-long period of experimentation attracted 4,077 people to the site. Last year, as the experiment was repeated over two months, 4,040 people visited Arcola Mills.

“Arcola Mills affords us the opportunity to have a visitor center on the Minnesota side of the river, which we don't currently have,” Jonathan explains. It also allows the National Park Service to reach visitors much closer to the Twin Cities than their next Park location in Taylors Falls.

The National Park Service considers “helping a park partner … provide public access and interpret their story to the public,” a benefit of the partnership, Jonathan says. And in the process, Arcola Mills is also benefiting because more people are learning about the history and the site’s story.

An exposed panel of the original exterior of the home.


“This is probably the most robust volunteer center within the Park,” Jonathan adds. “Meaning that we have over 50 volunteers trained and staffing the site. So it’s actually volunteers that man the visitor's floor and make contact with visitors … one could say that volunteers are the backbone of this operation.”

In terms of continuing a partnership with Arcola Mills, Jonathan explains that so far “we're running a working experiment. We say we're trying it out, kind of as a pilot to see how it goes. Naturally we have to wait until the season’s done to see how things went and for both partners, and to assess if the benefits work and what that means for the future.”

“I think both partners, the National Park Service and the Arcola Mills Historic Foundation, are very interested in continuing the partnership provided they both … are able to identify the resources to sustain it,” Jonathan says, referring to both funding and volunteers.

Arcola Mills, Jonathan concludes, affords a place for “people to come and connect with nature and experience solitude. At the same time it's also a vibrant community space where groups have a history of gathering.” Arcola Mills is not only a place to come and explore the region’s history, but also the history of Minnesota and the United States. Much of the lumber that originated in the sawmills was hauled across the country, for building cities like St. Louis, houses on the prairies, and settlements in far off states.

Every volunteer shared that their hope for Arcola Mills is that it continues to be a place for the public to experience history and the peacefulness that many people throughout the centuries have found in the site. That unanimous wish, along with the history and the stunning beauty of the site adds a quality that is entirely unique and special to the St. Croix Valley.

For more information on Arcola Mills and visiting hours, go to ArcolaMills.org.

Kirsten Stillman is a freelance writer and contributor to Stillwater Living magazine.

Jim Maher and Jonathan Moore


on stillwater

s you drive down Greeley Ave, just north of Curve Crest, you will notice the building photographed

above. The man on the lawn tractor is Art Crain, the proprietor of Stillwater Turf & Power. Art has taken a page from the Rockwellion era of customer service – he knows all of his clients by name and treats them as friends.

If you have a piece of equipment that is powered by a small engine then you’ll want to get to know Art and his repair business.

So, tell us Art, were you one of those kids that took everything around the house apart just to see how it worked?

I wouldn’t quite say that, but, I’ve always tinkered with power equipment. When I was eleven I made a go-kart out of a snapper

rear engine riding lawn mower. A few years later my neighbor and I rebuilt a YZ-85 (off-road motorcycle) to ride around. From there it just kind of snowballed.

Do you live in the area?

Yes, all my life. I am one of the lucky people around here, my wife and I were fortunate enough to purchase my parent’s home – the house I grew up in after my folks retired. We have kids at Stillwater Junior High and out at Withrow Elementary. There is no other place we would rather call home.

What were you doing professionally before opening the doors of Stillwater Turf & Power?

I’ve been able to work in every aspect of the power equipment industry. In my early years I worked the parts and service

So Much More Than A Repair Service

AArt Crain Revives Old-Time Customer Service

By Jim Reynolds, photo by Aimee Christenson

counters and then I was a bench technician. Later, once I could handle the responsibility, I earned the service manager position. A while later I became the operations manager. Along the way I spent some years working for American Honda and Kohler Company.

Was this business concept rolling around in your mind for a while, or did you move quickly to open the doors?

This has been in rolling around my head for over 10 years. Throughout my time in this business I have been able to witness many of the other dealers out there. I saw more bad than good. I was motivated to open a shop where customers knew they were going to get quality repairs with exceptional service.

Tell us about your customers. Who is bringing in what for repair?

It's really all over the board. We’ve worked with commercial contractors to Axdahl’s garden center’s equipment. To mowers from Karen and George Thole, Dick Klein and the list goes on and on. We have been open only 17 months and have helped over 600 different customers. For equipment, anything from a walk behind mower to a 35 hp tractor and everything in between. We are glad to work on anything from any manufacturer. That’s

one of the things that make us different than our competition – we’ll repair anything. Is there anything that you think people would be surprised to learn about your business?

People have expressed appreciation for the service that they have received, they have seemed almost surprised. It’s very important to me to be able to help each and every customer that walks in my door. If I can’t take care of something I will be glad to point the person in the right direction. One last thing… information is always free.

Jim Reynolds is a frequent contributor to Stillwater Living magazine.


316 White Eagle Trail • Hudson, WI 54016 • 1-888-465-3004 • 715-549-GOLF (4653)www.whiteeaglegolf.com

Northwoods golf experience, 5 minutes from the lift bridge!

Stillwater Turf & Power1778 Greeley Street SouthStillwater, Mn 55082651-430-4944

www.stillwaterturfandpower.com


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perspective

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Stillwater Living September 2013