The

15th Annual

A look back at some of the best—read: weirdest—stories from 2021.

Murder at the Hospital for the Insane

Financial health through (your) ages

Area experts give you an investment
checklist—for every stage of your life.
BE U NSTOPPABL E
P E LV I C H E A LT H & S P E C I A LT Y C A R E

You’re always there for the people in your life. So the OMC Women’s Health Pavilion is always
there for you — from pelvic health and mental health to breast health, heart health, weight
management, and beyond. As your lifelong healthcare partner, we’re here to see you, hear you,
and support you — and help you be there for you. For comprehensive, easy-to-access care for all
women at every stage of life, visit olmstedmedicalcenter.org/women or call 507.529.6605.

© 2021 Olmsted Medical Center

Per-Agent Productivity data from RISMedia Top 500 Power Broker 2020

Data from BrokerMetrics 2021, RMLS, All property types

B E T TE R AG E NTS .
B E T TE R R E SU LTS .
RE/MAX Results is the nation’s leader in agent productivity
and Rochester’s top brokerage in number of transactions
and market share. When it comes to real estate, nobody
knows Rochester better than our agents.

FIND YOUR PLACE AT RESULTS.NET

Embrace the new when you win at Treasure Island Resort & Casino! Play with
your Island Passport Club card now-January 30 to earn entries into our $498,000

IS OPEN
New Year, New Ride Giveaway on January 28-30. One lucky winner each night
will start 2022 by winning a Luther Hudson Chevrolet gift card! Plus, we’ll name
winners of FREE slot play. Visit The Island today to start earning entries!

TI ca sin o.co m | 1 - 8 0 0 -2 2 2-707 7

© 2022 Treasure Island Resort & Casino
You have countless options.

We have one responsibility:

To serve as your financial steward and help you
use your wealth to accomplish your goals.

Visit carlsoncap.com/steward
and we’ll take it from there.

See Carlson Capital Management’s Form ADV Part 2A for a complete summary of services and a discussion of the limitations on services.
 823 Clover Lane SW 3138 Yellow Rose Ln SW
$799,999 $799,900
Charming & updated 4828 sq. ft., Beautiful New Construction, 3900 sq ft ranch,
4 Bedroom, 5 Baths, Ranch style home on 4 bedrooms, 3 baths
private cul de sac lot

Visit my website for my most

up-to-date listings
nitakhosla.edinarealty.com

Wishing Everyone Health & Happiness in 2022.

Nita Khosla
REALTOR®, CRS, GRI, CNHS, ABR
507-254-0041 • nitakhosla@edinarealty.com
 We look at mortgages
from a different
perspective: Yours.
You have a career path unlike any other. Shouldn’t your
mortgage be the same? At Bremer Bank, we understand
new medical professionals have unique financial needs.
So we built a mortgage program that helps you buy a home,
become part of the community, and still save for tomorrow.

Let’s see what we can do together.

Contact a Bremer Mortgage banker
today for more information.

bremer.com
Member FDIC

8 JANUARY 2022 ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

 CONTENTS
28 JANUARY 2022

The

ROCHIES
15th Annual
30

36 Features
26 Murder at Rochester’s State Hospital for
the Insane
How an 1889 killing changed the city.

30 The Rochies
A look back at some of the best—read: weirdest—stories from 2021.

36 Master Class
How Mayo Clinic genetic cardiologist—and Rochester taekwondo mainstay—Dr.
Michael Ackerman became a Taekwondo master instructor.

46 Financial Health Through (Your) Ages,

Part I
Area experts walk you through an investment checklist—for every stage of your life.

10 Inside Story (“There is some disagreement about 56 Rochester, Retro

13 Short cuts
(Social) Ice is back, baby!; Soldiers Field
Memorial, By The Numbers; The best
meal you make (in Six Words or Less); 31
things to do in our Januray calendar; more.
14 Oddchester
16 Random Rochesterite
Shawn Mitchell tells us about arriving in
Rochester on the five-year plan (“Twenty-
eight years later, I’m in the same house
in the same lab”), how he met his wife
that”), and why his marriage proposal
included “the cookie and Earl.”
21 Nonprofit spotlight
One group doing good in Rochester. And
how you can help.
42 Home Show,
Sweet Home Show
Your design idea go-to.
44 The Walk Through
Inside one cool home you could own right
now.
How Rochester—and IBM—changed
chess forever.
58 Ten (or so) questions
Allissa Song—Mayo medical student and
co-founder and CEO of Nanodropper—
talks about reconnecting with her Korean
heritage, her band (Ectopic Beats), and
finding out she and her team had made
Forbes’ “30 under 30” list (“We found out
with everyone else. I woke up and there
was so many messages.”)

On the cover: The Rochies. Photo by Andrew Link. Design by Lisa Houghton. See our story on page 30.
ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM JANUARY 2022 9
 Inside Story
A look back at 2021. In covers.
Rochester real estate, 2020: A lookback; Get financially fit; more PLUS: Our Ultimate Area Golf Guide; Outdoor Living, Outdoor Life
PLUS: Fitzgerald in Frontenac; Pat Carroll is retiring, right?

THE POST BULLETIN COMPANY

It’s been called
“ The Greatest It’s time to ditch
the sweatpants
Medical Resource real local fashion
You’ve Never Heard Of.” for spring Publisher

io n
And you’re probably part of it.

CAN FORUM COMMUNICATIONS CO.

ash
THIS WOMAN

gF
REVIVE THE ‘We about fell to the
‘We’re Editor
ART CENTER?
stronger

r in
floor in disbelief’
More feel-good stories

STEVE LANGE

Sp
(Pamela Hugdahl is the RAC’s sixth from Rochester restaurants

together’
new leader in a dozen years.)

Get (financially) healthy in 2021

These tips are money.
A Celebration of Rochester Restaurants.
507-285-7770
Should you buy or should you sell now?
Rochester’s real estate forecast, 2021 From left: Gareth Russell,
Michelle Provance,
ROCHESTER’S
Pl us FAVORITE
Brenda Berg models for
Style by Hanny’s
slange@rochestermagazine.com
Josue Cruz RESTAURANTS P LU S : T h e S h o ot o u t o n B r o a dway, 1 87 9 ; W h at k i n d o f b ac k ya r d e r a r e y o u ?

Advertising
do
sp ble

KATI COOLEY
u
ec is
ia su
l e

IGOR V.
TESSA OLIVE
Our America’s tallest man
carried a heavy weight. LISA SCHELL
Ultimate
Best New Restaurants

507-285-7608
Your five favorites
TACO THE TOWN
Antenna? App? Box? Cable? Rochester’s best tacos.
How locals watch TV
SENIOR LIFE,
advertising@rochestermagazine.com
Guide to
SENIOR LIVING
The Boats of the
Mayo Brothers
Advice to (and from)
the wise.

Summer Art Director

‘Take risks. FALLHotFASHION
Business leaders share

Face fears.
Yes. A Real Summer. what they’ve learned
from 500 days that LISA HOUGHTON
looks for cool days.
lhoughton@rochestermagazine.com
changed everything
100 Days of Summer, Make your bed.’
‘Rochester Stands
100 Can’t-Miss Events
Together
Advice for HS grads (from college kids).
pullout the
Calendar
Our Guide To Higher Ed
’
Hang it on your fridge RCTC student
Maimuna Aden
Rachael Feece and
Jennifer Feece

Associate Editor
JENNIFER HAUGEN KOSKI
jkoski@rochestermagazine.com
DECEMBER 2021

Staff Writer
ANNE HALLIWELL
“T H I S I S N’T A S P R E T T Y A S O WAT O N N A .”
“T H I S I S A D A N DY L I T T L E T O W N, B U T S O Q U I E T.”
“A M S T I L L A L I V E , T H O U G H T H I S T O W N I S D E A D.”

Postcards Contributing Writers

FROM ROCHESTER
CINDY PARSONS
THOMAS WEBER

Photo Supervisor
JOE AHLQUIST

Contributing Photographers
ANDREW LINK
OLIVE JUICE STUDIOS
TRACI WESTCOTT

(E)Mail Bag
Letter to the Editor:

GET HOME DELIVERY!

“Dear Team at Rochester Magazine: For $29.95, you’ll get a year’s subscription to Rochester
I am writing you because I just re-upped the Rochester Magazine subscription that Magazine. Or $50 for two years. $65 for three years.
I buy every year for my mother, and I wanted to tell you how much it means to us Just call 507-285-7676.
both. She lives in [a care facility], and when she gets the magazine she talks about
the stories and even tells me about the ads and what restaurants my family and I
should go to. She doesn’t even live in Rochester anymore, but wants to stay close to
my community. Thought you would like that story.
Jennifer L.”
Volume twenty-three I Number one
Rochester Magazine is produced monthly by the Post Bulletin Co., L.L.C.
Editor’s note: We do like that story, Jennifer. More than you can imagine. and distributed throughout Rochester, MN. No part of this publication
may be reproduced without written permission.
Editor, Rochester Magazine,1700 Greenview Dr. SW, Rochester, MN
55902 or SLange@rochestermagazine.com. Call 507-285-7676 for home
delivery ($29.95 for 11 issues).

10 JANUARY 2022 ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

 507.361.4649

FORGET THOSE
WINTER WORRIES
We’re here to keep your loved
one social, safe & snow-free!
From accidents and falls to
social isolation, winter brings
new concerns for loved ones.
Find the care and comfort they
need and the peace of mind you
deserve at Shorewood.

ASK ABOUT JOINING

OUR WAIT LIST TODAY!

Change is Good
S
| EXPLORE SHOREWOOD
RESERVE YOUR NEW HOME TODAY! Call 507.252.9110
or visit shorewoodcampus.com for more information.

INDEPENDENT LIVING • ASSISTED LIVING • DEMENTIA CARE • RESPITE/SHORT STAY • 2115 2ND STREET SW, ROCHESTER MN 55902
 Jennifer Sanneman Brooke Sanneman

BOTOX FACIALS, MICRONEEDLING, WAXING SPA SERVICES, LASER SERVICES

FILLERS

EssenceMedSpa.com | 507-285-5505 | 1640 Center St. W, Rochester

Visit Essence Med Spa at our new location by Miracle Mile Shopping Center.
shortcuts
(SOCIAL)ICE IS BACK
The coolest weekend in Rochester is back—SocialICE returns
to Peace Plaza Feb. 3-5.
SocialICE celebrations, which consist of sculpted ice bars
run by local restaurants and bars, have long been at home
in Peace Plaza. Previous years have drawn between 38,000
and 67,500 attendees, according to the Rochester Downtown
Alliance (RDA).
This year, the festivities begin at 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3, and
run through 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4.
We don’t yet know the bars and restaurants participating, or
the themes of the ice bars themselves. But it doesn't really
matter. It's cool no matter what the theme. 2020 offered us
“Star Wars,” “The Simpsons,” and “Stranger Things.”
The festival's kid-friendly "Fam Jam" takes place Feb. 5.
Many of us remember SocialICE 2020 as one of the last big
ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM
gatherings we attended pre-COVID.
“SocialICE was the last major event we hosted prior to the
pandemic,” says Holly Masek, the executive director of
the RDA, in a press release. “We’re thrilled to bring this
celebration back to the community again, and look forward,
as always, to bringing folks together downtown.”
Although details are slim, the Rochester Downtown Alliance
says the ice festival will return to pre-pandemic form.
Or as close to that as COVID-19 guidelines will allow. (Last
year, the RDA held Improv-ICE, a self-run tour of a few ice
sculptures downtown.)
SocialIce takes place 5-9 p.m. Thursday, 4-10 p.m. Friday and
Saturday, Feb. 3-5. The SocialICE Fam Jam, geared toward
chill-dren, is 1-4 p.m. Saturday. This event is free and open
to the public.
JANUARY 2022 13
shortcuts
TURNING MINNESOTAN
(WE REALLY THINK SO)
By Steve Lange
Twenty-two years in Rochester.
The 22nd year of Rochester Magazine.
And 22 chronological moments that, for
whatever reason, have made us appreciate
where we live, and have, slowly, turned us
into Minnesotans.
1. Lindy and I, with 1-year-old daughter
Hadley, move from Michigan to a
Rochester apartment in early 2000. We
figure we’ll be here for a “two-year stint,”
tops. Before we leave, a group of Michigan
friends give us a going-away package: a
box covered in photos of Jesse Ventura and
filled with wild rice, chokecherry jelly, and
electric socks. They make us watch “Fargo.”
2. I drive to Pine Island to look at houses.
Because I think it’s an island.
3. A coworker tells me my first Ole and
Lena joke. He does both voices.
LENA: Hey Ole! I made ya two dishes for
supper. Vun is Svedish meatballs and da
utter is lime Yell-o. Here dey are!
OLE: Vich is vich, Lena?
ME: I honestly have no idea what the hell
you’re talking about.
4. Lindy and I eat our first meal at
Michael’s, the restaurant classic. Lindy,
when taking her first bite of the au gratin
potatoes, moans with pleasure in a way that
makes others around us uncomfortable.
5. We try lutefisk for the first time. Lindy
is silent.
6. We take daughter Hadley, 4, to her first
Hal Martin All-Comers Meet, the kid-
friendly races with a 50-year tradition. She
stops halfway through the race to tell us
how much fun she’s having.
7. Hadley tells us that, at a friend’s party,
she played a game called “Duck Duck Gray
Duck.” I’m tempted to call that child’s
parents and explain that the game’s official
name is “Duck Duck Goose.”
14 JANUARY 2022
8. The most Minnesotan Craigslist ad
imaginable, posted on the morning of
the Rochesterfest Parade: “Free! Tons of
blankets and chairs left abandoned on side
of the road along the Rochesterfest parade
route. First come first serve!”
9. Son, Henry, 9, is playing second base in
an RYBA game, and a line drive hits him
in the throat. Henry’s coach is a general
practitioner. The opposing team’s coach is
an emergency room nurse (with a medical
bag in her trunk). A parent in the stands is
an Ear/Nose/Throat specialist. Henry, lying
in the infield, gets better treatment than
he would have at many small-town ERs.
Spoiler alert: He turns out fine.
10. In 2011, the Weekly World News runs
a story with the following headline: “Cap’n
Crunch at Mayo Clinic for Diabetes.”
11. On April 30, 2013, the temps are in the
70s. On May 2, we get 14 inches of snow.
12. We eat our last meal at Michael’s, just
before it closes for good. We show our kids
the wall of celebrity photos. “Look, kids,
there’s Danny Kaye! And Jason Robards!”
13. When Lindy orders the au gratin
potatoes (see above), I’m tempted to warn
the adjacent tables.
14. My sister-in-law Tammi is two years
into fighting brain cancer. My brother
calls from Michigan and asks if I know
any docs doing experimental treatments.
Just something to give Tammi some hope.
Because I live near Mayo Clinic.
15. That night, our city-league volleyball
team is at Whistle Binkies after a game. I
mention the longshot of the brain cancer
research thing. Then, after 5 years of playing
alongside him, find out our middle hitter,
Jann, is a renowned glioblastoma researcher.
He gets in touch with my brother.
16. From the police blotter (and, yes, it’s
during a school snow day): “14-year-old
ODDCHESTER
boy has foot stuck in a guinea pig cage.”
17. A Mayo endocrinologist calls to ask
about a photo of a woman in a recent issue
of the magazine—concerned about a bump
on her neck. I have to call a stranger and
ask about her throat. She does, she tells me,
have a thyroid issue that is being treated.
That night, I breathlessly explain to my
family how I saved someone’s life.
18. Daughter Hadley, after three years
of auditioning, lands a coveted—well,
5 a.m.—spot at one of the city’s great
fundraisers, the Eagles Cancer Telethon.
She gets to tell the story about her aunt
Tammi, who put up one of the greatest
fights any brain tumor has ever faced.
19. From the police blotter, during a long
snowstorm: “Man reports that neighbor is
snowblowing snow into caller’s driveway.
Reporting party feels it is intentional.”
20. In 2020, during the heart of the
pandemic, the Plummer Building is bathed
in “Mayo” blue. In the Hilton Building,
they hand-switch on lights nightly to form
a 16-story-high heart. At Charter House,
they hoist a 24-foot, 100-light star to the
top of the building.
21. In 2020, during the heart of the
pandemic, local restaurants, too numerous
to mention, offer free food—no questions
asked—to kids in need. “Just call ahead and
order the ‘School Lunch Special.’ However
many you need.”
22. On Christmas Eve of 2021, with all
of the kids home, we drive downtown to
see the Plummer Building, now lit up like
a Christmas tree. And the heart-shaped
lights of the Hilton. The star at Charter
House. On the way back home, we pass
the site where Michael’s once stood, and I
wonder if any other restaurant in town still
uses that au gratin potato recipe, if only for
Lindy’s sake.
ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM
 Why was Tilda’s mom riding a cow in 1959?
Visit Tildaspizzeria.com for the story.
Open daily from 4 pm - 9 pm
300 1st Ave NW • 507 361-3636 • tildaspizzeria.com
Located across from Hyatt House and above the Redwood Room.
 shortcuts
RandomRochesterite
One resident, numerous anecdotes
By JENNIFER KOSKI Photo by JOE AHLQUIST
Name: Shawn Mitchell
Age: 56
Occupation: Senior product manager at
Mayo Clinic Laboratories
Where we found him: Holiday party
Are you originally from Rochester? No,
I’m from central Wisconsin—Marshfield.
My dad was the lab director of
microbiology at the medical center there.
How did you make your way to
Rochester? I went to school in Eau
Claire for a medical technologist degree,
then went to Iowa City for two years
for work. I went on to get my masters at
Emory University in Atlanta. At Emory,
I learned about molecular microbiology,
and about PCR—polymerase chain
reaction—which was coming to fruition,
and which we all know about now because
of COVID. There were a couple of labs
wanting to build up their molecular
microbiology program when I was coming
out of graduate school, and it was between
Iowa City and Mayo. We chose Mayo.
I was hired to establish the molecular
microbiology lab here.
When was that? Fall of 1993, and we’ve
been here ever since. We were on the
five-year plan like everybody else. Twenty-
eight years later, I’m in the same house in
the same lab as when I started.
You followed the footsteps of your dad.
Did you ever work with him? I think we
did publish one scientific paper together.
My mom is a med tech—she got to work
on the human genome project. So we’re all
lab geeks in a way.
A memorable travel experience? I was
offered to be part of an advisory board
for a company that’s headquarters are
in Switzerland. As part of that board, I
got to travel there half a dozen times. A
couple of times, I got to take [my wife]
Gina and our daughter Claire with me.
Highlight? Mount Pilatus. You take a
tram up, and at the top is this huge resort-
like building. Then you go on another
tram down the other side. We stopped
halfway down for Claire to do a ropes
course. What kid wouldn’t want to do a
ropes course in the Alps?
16 JANUARY 2022
What’s Claire doing now? She just
graduated from UW-Madison as a
biomedical engineer with honors and
is starting up a one-year graduate study
program.
So how’s the empty nest? It’s bittersweet.
There are opportunities to pick up and do
anything we want—but I do miss the extra
noise, and the conversation that takes place
when she’s home.
How’d you meet your wife? There’s some
disagreement about that! My college
roommate was in the same program that
she was in, and there was a fall meet and
greet at Carson Park. My buddy
had the stereo system for the
party, and I went with him.
After that is where it differs.
What’s your story?
Gina was the life of the
party—I like to say she
was hanging by the
rafters!—and I thought,
“I love that gal.”
And her side of the
story? She says we met
walking around the party.
She didn’t like the gal I was
dancing with, so she wanted
to butt in.
How’d you propose? We
were in Atlanta, and I got
one of those big cookies in
the pizza box that said, “Will
you marry me?” and also this
little stuffed gorilla—I’m not
even sure why—and named
him Earl. I went to the floral
shop where they put Earl
in a balloon along with
the ring box. And I can’t
believe I did that—left
the engagement ring
overnight in a floral shop
in downtown Atlanta, and
expected it to still be there
the next day! But it was.
When she came home
from work, I said, “I’m
making supper, you go
relax.” And then dessert
was the cookie and Earl.
Any unexpected adventures? I was on
a work trip out West that was cut short
because of a snowstorm. It was the first
week of April, so no one expected this
weather. Flights were getting delayed,
but I eventually got one that got me into
Minneapolis around midnight. Because of
the storm, the shuttle wasn’t running. I was
thinking I was going to have to
sleep right there in the shuttle
welcome area. But then a
gentleman asked, “Anyone want
to share an Uber to Rochester?”
He was connected to that new
hotel across from the Redwood
Room—the Hyatt—and he
was coming down for
the groundbreaking
ceremony, so he really
needed to get here. He
calls the Uber and
gets a Jeep Cherokee,
only en route to the
airport the driver
called off the ride.
So he gets another
one and it’s a
Toyota Prius. In
a snowstorm. We
get in this Prius and
we’re OK until we hit
where 52/55 split. And
we’re like, oh boy. It was
really coming down. There’s
no one on 52. We’re using
the fences that MNDot
put in with reflectors to try
to stay on the road. At one
point we pull off because
the windshield wipers iced
up and we couldn’t see. We
finally got home at 2:30 a.m.
Advice you’ve been given?
“Give everyone five minutes.”
That came from my dad.
We know we’re busy in this
field, but if he had reps or
technologists or consultants
who wanted to talk to him, he
always gave them at least five
minutes. And that extends
outside of work, too.
ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM
Help Them Build
Their Savings. Online scheduling
now available!

Open a Certificate!

4.50% APY* 5.50% APY*

YOUTH CERTIFICATE TEEN CERTIFICATE
Available for Members age 0-12 Available for Members age 13-17 Convenient morning
Minimum Deposit of $100 Minimum Deposit of $100 and evening hours
Maximum Amount of $5,000 Maximum Amount of $8,000
Rochester Doctor-owned, locally loved
3780 Marketplace Dr NW
507-535-1460 Suite 112
Rochester, MN 55901
mayocreditunion.org 507-288-1633
Insured by NCUA
*APY = Annual Percentage Yield. The Youth Savings Certificate matures on the child’s
13th birthday. The Teen Savings Certificate matures on the teens 18th birthday. Add-ons
available, minimum additional deposit is $100. Any withdrawal prior to maturity will result parkdental.com Trusted dentist for the
in a penalty of all dividends earned. Rates effective as of 1/4/2022.

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM JANUARY 2022 17

 2022 sunday monday

Sponsored by
tuesday

JANUARY minnesotasrochester.com

2 3 4

MANDALA EFFECT. This

Rochester Art Center exhibition
features 50 glass mandalas—spiritual,
usually geometric figures—by
“older adult” community members
(50-plus) created during a series
of workshops led by artist Debra
D’Souza. rochesterartcenter.org,
507-282-8629
SERVE A MEAL, HELP A
CAUSE. This one also takes some
prep, but it’s worth it: First contact
the Dorothy Day Hospitality House,
which provides short-term housing
for people in crisis. They need
volunteers for all sorts of tasks.
dorothydayrochestermn.org
DASH THROUGH THE SNOW.
(On a two-horse open sleigh.)
Ironwood Springs offers sleigh rides—
book for your group or check out their
schedule for individual dates—along
the Root River. ironwoodsprings.com,
507-533-4315

9 10
GET NORWEGIAN. The
Vesterheim Norwegian-American
Museum displays 24,000 Norwegian-
related artifacts in 16 historic
buildings in Decorah, Iowa. The
museum includes Norwegian
arts and crafts, like hardanger
(embroidery), hedebosom (bobbin
lacemaking), and svidekor (burned
wood decoration). 563-382-9681;
vesterheim.org.
HARK, HEAR THE BELLS!
That’s downtown, every Monday
through Friday at 4:45 p.m. (and again
at 7 p.m. on Mondays). Pick a spot by
the entrance of the Gonda Building
and Kahler, or in Peace Plaza, and
listen for the music of the carillon
(that’s the bell tower).
history.mayoclinic.org
11
CATCH A HIGH
SCHOOL BASKETBALL
DOUBLEHEADER. Tonight, Mayo
hosts Century in a girls (6:15 pm) and
boys (7:30 pm) matchup.
mhs.rochesterschools.org

16 17 18

IT AIN’T BAROQUE. TOUR A “WINTER

(ACTUALLY, IT IS.)
Pack your bags and dust off your
passport for a musical journey to
Paris, Rome, Leipzig, and London
with The Grand Tour featuring violinist
Chloe Fedor at Mount Olive Lutheran
Church. lyrabaroque.org
PHENOMENON THAT
BRINGS FAIRYTALES TO
LIFE.” Previous Ice Castles have
featured bridges, tunnels, and a slide.
And plenty of cool lighting. This year’s,
in New Brighton, promises the same.
icecastles.com, 888-407-4054
JUDGE A BOOK. The Rochester
Public Library’s Cover To Cover Book
Club will be reading “How to Stop
Time” by Matt Haig. Cover to cover.
rplmn.org, 507-328-2300

23 24 25
EXPLORE SOCIAL BE MYSTERIOUS.
INJUSTICE. AND BE Well, not really. But at
ENTERTAINED.
30 least read an Edgar Award-
winning mystery at The
31
The Rochester
Repertory Rochester Public
Theatre stages Library’s Mystery LACE
“Radium Girls.” Book Club. UP YOUR WATCH HOCKEY LIKE IT
rochesterrep. VISIT rplmn.org, SKATES. WAS MEANT TO BE PLAYED.
org THE MMAM. 507-328-2300 When Soldiers The U.S. Pond Hockey Championships
That’s the Minnesota Field freezes over, it take place on Lake Nokomis Park in
Marine Art Museum. turns into a cool (heh) Minneapolis from January 21-30, and
Trust us. Get to Winona wintertime attraction for feature plenty of family-friendly fun.
today! mmam.org Rochesterites. uspondhockey.com
18 JANUARY 2022 ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM
 wednesday
5 6
SHOW OFF THAT BIG BRAIN.
Both Little Thistle and Kinney Creek
host trivia every Wednesday night.
littlethistlebeer.com, 507-226-8014;
kinneycreekbrewery.com,
507-282-2739
12
SHARE THE STORY OF
YOUR NAME. “The Names We
Change,” a Rochester Art Center
exhibit by Katayoun Amjadi, features
installations and interactive artworks
about naming, identity, otherness,
and community. rochesterartcenter.
org, 507-282-8629
19
WHAT MAKES A
COMMUNITY? Learn how the
African American community in
Rochester developed in the 1960s and
1970s with an in-depth display at the
History Center of Olmsted County.
olmstedhistory.com, 507-292-9447
26
TRAVEL DANGEROUSLY
FAST ON A THIN PIECE OF
PLASTIC.
The city lists two official sledding hills,
Judd Park (3812 Third St. NW) and
Schmidt Park (622 24th Ave. NW).
Judd can get a little crazy. Schmidt
seems a bit milder. This is just old-
school sledding, which is just how
we like it.
ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM
thursday
FEEL GOOD. WITH FICTION.
Rochester Public Library’s Feel Good
Fiction Book Club, which meets
tonight, focuses on uplifting novels
and stories. rplmn.org, 507-328-2300
13
ROLL FOR INITIATIVE. Stop
into D6 Games tonight for Thursday
Night Table Top Board Gaming. Bring
your own or try out something new.
d6gamesmn.com
20
REMIND YOURSELF WHY
WE’RE THE “STATE OF
HOCKEY.”
You can do that by taking a seat at one
of our intracity high school hockey
games, which are regularly packed.
We’ll pick tonight’s boys’ Mayo versus
Century game at the Rec Center.
rochestermn.gov, 507-328-2500
27
REMIND YOURSELF WHY
WE’RE THE “STATE OF
HOCKEY” II. You can do that by
taking a seat at one of our high school
hockey games, which are regularly
packed. We’ll pick tonight’s Century
versus Winona girls’ game at the Rec
Center. rochestermn.gov,
507-328-2500
friday
7 8
GO OLD-SCHOOL SNOW
TUBING. The snow tubing at
Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch (in
Stewartville) feels like something we
would have done as kids in the late
‘70s. Which is exactly why we love it.
ironwoodsprings.com, 507-533-4315
14
LUNCH. AND LISTEN. AND
LEARN. Listen to a noon violin
and guitar performance—and
talk—by the Shank-Hagedorn
Duo at Zumbro Lutheran Church.
rochestermusicguild.org
21
GET HOOKED ALL OVER
AGAIN. We couldn’t stop watching
it. And now “The Untold Stories from
the Cast of Tiger King” comes to the
Mayo Civic Center. Hear firsthand
from cast members—like Saff!—about
the Joe Exotic, Carole Baskin, and
more. mayociviccenter.com,
507-328-2222
28
HOLD ACTUAL ARMOR FROM
THE DARK AGES. Alma, Wis.—on
the Great River Road—is home to a
bastion of old-school weaponry and
armor. Built in 2011, the Castlerock
Museum displays helmets, armor,
maces, spears, swords, chain mail,
and more from the early Greeks to the
Dark Ages to the Renaissance. 608-
685-4231; castlerockmuseum.com
saturday
PUT YOUR BEST FOOT
FORWARD. Rochester’s
Resolution Run: separating the
fitness-committed wheat from the
couch-potato chaff for 35 years.
This year, it’s virtual—so you have no
excuse. resolutionrun.ca
FILL UP A BASKET. Channel
One’s food shelf is open on the second
Saturday of every month, from 9 to
11:30 a.m. If you don’t need the help,
consider this a reminder to donate.
helpingfeedpeople.org,
507-287-2350
15
WATCH LIVE ACTS. FIGHT
CANCER. The Eagles Cancer
Telethon has lasted that long—this
is year 68— because of its nonstop,
topnotch talent (20 straight hours’
worth, starting on Saturday and
ending on Sunday). Watch the
action (and fundraising, maybe $1
million) live at Mayo Civic Center.
eaglescancertelethon.org
22
CELEBRATE, WITHOUT ANY
WORDS AT ALL.
The Rochester Chamber Music
Society will play a concert today at
Christ United Methodist Church with
pianist Ora Itkin, clarinetist David
Townsend, and cellist Laura Sewell.
rochesterchambermusic.org,
507-287-9765
29
CELEBRATE WINTER. IN
PINE ISLAND. The 8th-annual
Pine Island Winter Fest features
snowshoe and cross country ski
rentals, a luminary walk, cardboard
sled race, ice-skating and more “let’s
give in and celebrate the season”
events. pineislandmn.com
JANUARY 2022 19
 HELLO ROCHESTER! Wishing you a
At Minnwest Bank we believe it is important to build
long lasting relationships with our customers. We
Happy and Prosperous
are small enough to give our clients the individual New Year
attention they need and big enough to do the larger
deals. I typically work with small businesses and
real estate investors who are looking to grow their
business and need a strategic partner who can
think outside of the box.

One of the things I hear over and over from people

in the community is that they don’t know who their
banker is. For small businesses, this can create
many problems. When they are ready to expand,
need financing, are having issues or need advice,
they need someone in their corner that understands THE DREAM MAKER
their financial position, goals and ambitions.

I have been involved in community banking in

Buying or Selling Your Home?
Rochester for 15 years in various commercial Let me help.
banking roles and have developed a unique way of Yeimy L. Reintanz
understanding my clients and creating personalized Bilingual Spanish/English
solutions for them and making the process as Realtor®
smooth as possible. The two most important things 507.271.6552
to me are transparency and follow up. I never want yreintanz@counselorrealty.com
my clients to feel like they are waiting on me for
anything.

How important is relationship banking to you?

Do you know your banker?

Things are looking UP at ABC!

The starting wage for Direct Support Professionals has

increased to $15.00 an hour!
ABC offers flexible schedules, opportunities for career growth,
and generous paid time off.
Get started in a new, rewarding career today!
Visit the ABC website at www.abcinc.org for more information
around applying.
MEET BENNY THE BANKER

VP - COMMERCIAL BANKER

SCAN TO
VISIT ME
ONLINE! MEMBER FDIC FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT ABCINC.ORG

20 JANUARY 2022 ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

 NONPROFITSPOTLIGHT

6 (or less) WORDS

SPONSORED BY
At ONB Bank, we’re proud to give back to our
community. As a locally owned and managed
bank, it is so important to us to support our
local non-profit organizations through
sponsorships and hundreds of volunteer
hours through our employee volunteers. WE ASKED:
This month, we’re proud to support...
BEST MEAL YOU MAKE? (WE’LL
LET YOU CHEAT: NAME THE MEAL, THEN
SIX WORDS TO DESCRIBE IT.)

ABILITY BUILDING COMMUNITY

Things are looking up at ABC. In the fall of 2021, disability services nonprofit
Ability Building Community decided to invest in their staff, after the extreme
challenges the last two years presented. And they did it in a way everyone can
appreciate—with a retention bonus to all the current staff, based on years with
the company. And starting this month, ABC implemented a new wage scale that
increases the hourly pay of
all direct care staff.
Wow! But why? In March
of 2020, ABC employed
245 people. In the fall
of 2021, they had 173
staffers—a 29 percent
decrease in less than
two years, brought on
by challenges stemming
from COVID-19. Now,
ABC has had to limit its
programming options, and
they haven’t been able to
serve as many individuals
with disabilities as they
hoped.
So what’s the net increase? The starting wage for Direct Support Professionals
and Drivers is now $15 an hour—up from $13 an hour. There was also a wage
increase for current ABC staff. The hope is that the new wages will help attract more
employees, and keep the nonprofit competitive in a challenging job market.
How can I learn more about working with ABC? Check out their website:
abcinc.org/history-of-abc/careers-at-abc, or call Anne Winfrey at 507-535-7116.
ABC has been serving individuals with disabilities through community inclusion for
65 years. If you know someone looking for a new career, volunteer opportunity, or to
donate, send them to ABC now!
Reservations. Enough said.
— Lynn K. W.
Crème Brûlée Croissant French Toast w/raspberries.
Kid’s birthday breakfast of choice always.
— April D.
Fried chicken, MacNCheese, potato wedges.
Kids pretend we went to KFC.
— Margaret Y.
Pulled pork, jojos, bean salad.
Roscoe’s old recipe (sort of ).
— Dennis L.
Grandma’s three-bean chili:
Make gallons, freeze, ready to go!
— Chuck B.
Hotdogs w/special treat: toasted buns!
(I can’t cook.)
— Sarah T.
Non-applicable: doesn’t everyone’s husband do the
cooking?
— Whitney W.
Three words: Bleu Duck take-out.
My plates. Hide boxes.
— Renee W.
We actually changed the name of “Renee W.” for her own
protection. But we may be using that trick as well. To get
in on our Six Words (Or Less), check us out on Facebook.

BY THE NUMBERS
SOLDIERS FIELD MEMORIAL
With its groundbreaking in 1997, this marks the 25th year of the Soldiers Field Memorial (and the 95th
year of Soldiers Memorial Field).

1927 50 MILES 6,300

Year the William T. McCoy Post The radius from Rochester Number of pavers donated to
#92 of the American Legion that includes the deceased honor veterans on the Walk of
bought the property from Dr. servicemembers on the Wall of Remembrance.
Graham for $30,000. Remembrance.
Source: soldiersfieldveteransmemorial.org
ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM JANUARY 2022 21
At ONB Bank, community has always been important.
Now more than ever. That's why we wanted to help Rochester
restaurants by sponsoring these Local Table pages. We're your
community bank. And we're here for you.

Proud Sponsor of Local Table—

Supporting local restaurants.

507.216.9590
3rd St SE
Locally Owned. Locally Managed. Local Decisions. Rochester
terza3.com
Rochester Main (507) 280-0621
Rochester Elton Hills (507) 280-0028 Terza was created in the spirit of Dell’ Anima which means “soul of
Stewartville (507) 504-1060 the pasta” and celebrating the bountiful flavors of Italy with friends &
family. We are committed to Organic Glen plum tomatoes, sustainable
Your Community Bank Norwegian salmon, fresh fish, and wild caught calamari. All of our
fresh pasta and desserts are hand-crafted in-house with amoré!
bankonONB.com

507-361-Ribs
2291 Commerce Dr. NW
Rochester
smoakbbqmn.com
SMOAK is part of the Rocket Restaurant Group. We offer a wide array
of menu items featuring, burgers, sandwiches, salads, broasted fried
chicken, SMOAK’d Meats, and more! We have the perfect atmosphere
for happy hour 7 days a week. We also offer brunch on Saturdays
& Sundays, as well as catering services!! Come dine in, or take out
today!!
318 1st Ave SW and
3801 Marketplace Dr NW
Rochester
potbelly.com
Dine in, pickup, delivery and catering . We continue to wake up every day
with one goal: Make people happy through good vies and delicious, craveable
food. Put those awesome ingredients together, and there’s no telling what we’ll
cook up next! Get our App and earn points towards free food.

Downtown -216 ½ 1st Ave SW

120 Elton Hills Dr NW
South- 1201 S Broadway
1340 Salem Rd SW
North- 5231 E Frontage Rd NW
Rochester
Express- Downtown Skyway
order online at
creativecuisineco.com
Dunnbrothers.com
We are a locally owned coffee shop that is committed to flavor and freshness.
A local tradition since 1980, is the only place for great burgers and cold Small batch single origin coffees are artisan roasted on-site daily. Stop in to
beer. Hand pattied fresh burgers, grilled to perfection, piles of nachos, experience live coffee roasting—taste the difference. In addition to beverages
tasty sandwiches, loaded bloody mary’s and much more! Newt’s North and fresh baked pastries, you can also enjoy all day brunch or made to
serving breakfast every Saturday & Sunday 8-10:45! order meat and cheese sandwiches. Dine in or drive thru. Delivery through
DoorDash.

22 JANUARY 2022 ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

 Get $20 For Yourself!
December 1, 2015 – December 31, 2015

THE
LOCAL TABLE
That’s Legit... Word.

Where we eat
Call, Stop In,
or Go Online What Helps People rough Har
Love... But, You Can’t Buy L
Today! ________________________
Ristorante & Wine Bar 507.280.6232 So Buy em Beer Instead
507.280.6232 507.258.9064
7 1st7Ave. SW SW • Downtown
1st Ave Rochester
808 Broadway Ave. S.
Rochestervictoriasmn.com Rochester
Gift Cards Now Avai
victoriasmn.com Stop in and Get One! 507.258
TacoJed.com
Locally owned for 20 years. Specializing in traditional Italian. All sauces are Voted Best Taco 2020 & 2021. Live Music Friday & Saturdays. Great Brunch
scratch made. Victoria’s has four private dining rooms for all your events. Sat & Sun 11 -2. We believe that good food and friendly faces bring a
Looking for a quick lunch? Victoria’s Express (Grab and Go) is adjacent to the community together. We are locally-owned and love living in Rochester!
restaurant and is open Mon through Fri from 10 am to 1:30 pm. Hours: Wed & Thur 11am–1:30pm & 5–7:30pm; Fri 11am–1:30pm & 5–9pm;
Join us Wednesdays for Bottomless Wine. Sat 11am–9pm; Sun 11am–7:30pm; Closed Mon and Tues.

507-361-1208
507.285.9229
10 East Center St, Rochester
1654 Hwy 52 N, Rochester
Hillcrest Shopping Center skyway level
charlieseateryandpub.com benedictsrochester.com

Outside dining available on 5th floor Terrace. Benedict’s is the place for
Charlies Restaurant is a Rochester favorite offering homemade
warm, approachable food with new takes on familiar dishes and killer
breakfast, daily lunch and dinner specials, appetizers, soups & salads.
morning cocktails (it’s never too early). Great food and hospitality
Stop over to Charlies Pub if you’re looking for a great place to catch a
shouldn’t be relegated to dinnertime, and at Benedict’s, we are ready to
game on one of our many TV’s.
champion the morning. Bring your family, become a part of ours.
Open 6:00am - 3:00pm daily.

507.226.8885
2280 Superior Dr NW
507-289-1949
507.206.6799
216 1st Ave SW
4576 Maine Ave SE
Rochester
Rochester
creativecuisineco.com
roostersbarngrill.com
A creative take on Mexican food in a playful modern space. Lots of
Swing by Rooster’s for a delicious breakfast 7 days a week starting at 7am.
Tequila, margaritas and fresh craft cocktails. Tap Mexican and American
Try our daily lunch specials or order off our great menu featuring burgers,
beers.
sandwiches, wraps, broasted chicken and so much more. Weekday happy hour
11 am to 6 pm. We’re home of the GOLIATH 34 oz. draft beer mug on special
every weekend. Voted Best Take-Out Meal by Rochester Magazine readers.

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM JANUARY 2022 23

THE
LOCAL TABLE Where we eat

507.361.5144
507-258-4663
3708 N Broadway Ave
14 Fourth Street SW
Rochester
Rochester
creativecuisineco.com
bleuduckkitchen.com
Bleu Duck Kitchen and Oyster Bar, where the kitchen is the focus by
We are a family-friendly restaurant serving familiar items in a creative
sourcing local ingredients as much as possible. We strive to be innovative
chef-inspired way. We are home to one of the biggest outdoor patios in
and welcome each customer as a friend hoping to create a memorable
Rochester and have interactive games for both children and adults. It’s
experience. Join us for happy hour every day from 4pm-6pm.
a fun place for all ages!
Reservations are preferred but not required. Voted Rochester’s Best
Restaurant 2019 - 2021.

507.282.6572
507.424.7800 1203 2nd St SW
130 5th St. SW (Across from St Marys Hospital)
pnpizza.com Rochester
2021
For over 30 years, the Powers family and the Canadian Honker
Chef Pasquale Presa is serving the food he grew up with....authentic Restaurant have taken great pride in serving fresh, home-cooked
NY style pizza along with simple, traditional Italian food including fresh meals to you and your family. Whether you enjoy our award
salads and amazing desserts. Daily lunch and dinner specials. Dine- winning Eggs Benedict, Walleye Sandwich, or Filet Mignon, one thing
in or carry out. Voted Best Pizza Place 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 by is for sure, you will not leave hungry! Stop by today, and don't forget to
Rochester Magazine readers. order a piece of our world famous Bunnie Cake.

507-536-4748
1610 W Center Street 212 1st Ave SW
and 412 3rd Ave SE Rochester
Rochester creativecuisineco.com
Visit Fiddleheadcoffee.co
Voted Rochester’s Best Deli and Sandwiches. A bustling, urban deli
Specialty coffee cafes with world-class pastries, serving up delicious set in the heart of downtown Rochester, featuring big New York style
locally sourced food, Rochester-roasted specialty coffee and a whole sandwiches, filled with large portions of fresh sliced meats, gourmet
lot of love. cheeses, crisp vegetables, and one-of-a-kind spreads on bakery-fresh
breads. Signature salads and soups, a terrific coffee bar, with quicke
and easy delivery service. Catering as well as box lunch delivery.

24 JANUARY 2022 ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

THE Fresh &
LOCAL TABLE Locally Sourced

THE Where we eat

LOCAL TABLE
ortant.
ity has always been imp
At ONB Bank, commun hester
eve r. Tha t's why we wanted to help Roc
Now more than We're your
by spo nso ring thes e Local Table pages.
restaurants
we're here for you.
community bank. And

l Table—
Proud Sponsor of Loca
aurants.
Supporting local rest 507.226.8885
507.424.7800 2280 Superior Dr NW
507.206.6799
130 5th St. SW
4576 Maine Ave SE
pnpizza.com Rochester
507-285-4991
120 Elton Hills Dr NW 2021 roostersbarngrill.com 7am.
sions. days a week starting at
Rochester a delicious breakfast 7
lly Managed. Local Deci grew up with....authe
ntic Swing by Rooster’s for menu featuring burger
s,
Locally Owned. Loca blueplatedinermn.com Chef Pasquale Presa
is serving the food he fresh Try our daily lunch specia
ls or order off our great
so much more. Weekd
ay happy hour
280-0621 Italian food including chicke n and
Rochester Main (507) g fresh, locally source
d comfort with simple, traditional Dine- sandwiches, wraps, broast
ed
34 oz. draft beer mug
on special
Smooth Brew. Servin NY style pizza along and dinner specials. of the GOLIA TH
(507) 280-0028 Day-Brightening Eats, salads, and all-day desserts. Daily lunch and 2021 by 11 am to 6 pm. We’re
home
Rochester Magazine reader
s.
Rochester Elton Hills pizza, sandwiches, soups, salads and amazing 2018, 2019, 2020 Best Take-Out Meal by
le (507) 504-1 060 food favorites including , and delivery available through Waiter
s
in or carry out. Voted
Best Pizza Place every weekend. Voted
Stewartvil online
breakfast. Dine-in, order full menu. Rochester Magazine
readers.
k atedinermn.com for our
Your Community Ban Express. Visit bluepl

bankonONB.com

507.635.2331
502 N. Main St.
Mantorville
507.346.7300 ant.com
507.282.6572 16 hubbellhouserestaur
1203 2nd St SW 78757 State Highway
s Hospital) Spring Valley
507.424.0080 (Across from St Mary rd.com Hubbell House has been
fourdaughtersvineya A designated Nation
al Historic Site, The
30 miles winner for the
last
1190 16th St. SW Rochester is an experience not to
be
Best Restaurant within iches & salads,
Four Daughters Winer
y and Loon Juice Cidery
to the Sundance Film Rochester Magazine’s features appetizers, sandw
Rochester as the Official Provider Our extens ive menu
a vegetarian and a gluten
m Canadian Honker missed. They were chosen #2 “Best Winery Restaurant” by USA Today. eleven years. & seafood, along with
hotchipburgerbar.co Powers family and the as the prime & choice steaks , chops, fish
Tuesday - Sunda y, closed
For over 30 years, the g fresh, home-cook
ed
Festival and recognized week, as well as wine by the Friday - Sunday and dinner
great pride in servin s available 7 days a
free menu. Open for lunch
both located in one space!
Get Restaurant have taken enjoy our award Local wine and cider tasting covered patio outside or spacious seating inside. appreciated.
and Vegan Hot Chip are family. Whether you Mondays. Reservations
Better Together! Hot Chip g vegan burgers. Not your meals to you and your ich, or Filet Mignon, one thing glass or bottle. Enjoy the
large
burgers or equally amazin winning Eggs Bened
ict, Walleye Sandw
don't forget to
your fix of diner-style beef blem fries, or cheese curds. leave hungry! Stop by today, and Check out our new menu!
some vegan nachos, loaded and take out is for sure, you will not
thing? Then munch on Open for delivery
famous Bunnie Cake.
akes, even VEGAN ones! order a piece of our world
Full bar and boozy milksh
as well!

101 1st Ave SW

Marriott Subway -
Mayo Clinic chesterskb.com
Rochester pescarafresh.com
507-361-3333 terza3.com
507.252.9400 Saladworks.com
120 Elton Hills Dr NW
1340 Salem Rd SW 4040 28th St. NW Seven Locations. Unlimi
ted
TASTE. One Gift Card.
Rochester healthy easy. 60+ GIVE THE GIFT OF GOOD on Us. Purchase online
Rochester option. We make eating Cards, Get a $20 Bonus
northmrpizza.com A fresh, fast, casual dining Bowls, Sandwiches, Flavor. Buy $100 in Gift card promotion availab
le
Dunnbrothers.com Ingredients. Endless Combi
nations. Salads, Grain le at at novarestaurantgrou
p.com or stop in. Gift
your order for pick up or Online ordering availab
like a couch potato? Place Panini s. Dine-in or Carryout. November 1 - December
31, 2021.
Dining room is open! Feel delivery partners! Daily
lunch Soup, Wraps , and Best Salad Place and
itted to flavor and freshn
ess. to your door through our Monday - Friday. Voted
coffee shop that is comm have it delivered right Convenient grab and go
frozen pizzas, Saladworks.com. Open ster Magazine reader
s.
to
We are a locally owned d on-site daily. Stop in specials Monday - Saturd ay 11am - 2pm. r’s delicious Best Take-O ut Place by Roche
coffees are artisan roaste ges full. Don’t forget Heathe 27
Small batch single origin nce. In addition to bevera garlic bread, and more
to keep your fridges NOVEMBER 2021
ence live coffee roasting—taste the differe or made to order by the slice,) cookies, or
bars.
experi
pastrie s, you can also enjoy all
day brunch cheesecakes (whole or
and fresh baked

LOCAL TABLE
thru.
iches. Dine in or drive ROCHESTERMAGA
ZINE.COM
meat and cheese sandw
ZINE.COM
ROCHESTERMAGA

26 NOVEMBER 2021

is featured as a
flip-through guide
Did you know... on rochestermagazine.com,
76% of readers have used Rochester Only $125 with live links

Magazine to choose a restaurant. to your website!

per issue
(11 issues) based on an
DECEMBER
2021
Tell our overannual commitment.
56,000 monthly readers, both
locals and visitors,
Includes print, online is the
why your restaurant
must-dine experience.
and social media.
Hurry! Limited space available.

Contact Tessa Olive

tolive@rochestermagazine.com
507-281-7469
26 JANUARY 2022 ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM
 Murder at Rochester’s
State Hospital for the Insane
How an 1889 killing changed the city
by Thomas Weber
photos courtesy of History Center of Olmsted County

Hospitals of all kinds are supposed to be places of comfort and healing.

In 1889, however, a patient at Rochester State Hospital for the Insane was killed in a case that
involved patient neglect and substandard staffing. It cost one man his life, caused the hospital
superintendent to resign, and damaged the reputation of the institution.
And the crime came to light only because a witness overcame his fear and finally told authorities
what he had seen.
The Rochester State Hospital was originally established by the state Legislature in 1876 as an
institution for inebriates. It was to be funded by a $10 annual tax on all establishments that sold
liquor. The tax was challenged in the state Supreme Court, where it was ruled to be constitutional.
But given the unpopularity of the tax, the whole idea was dropped by the state, and the mission of
the new hospital was changed to the treatment of mental illness.
With the $36,000 of the liquor tax that had already been collected, the state purchased a 160-
acre farm from Jacob Rickert east of the city—the current location of Rochester’s Federal Medical
Center—and began construction of the main hospital building.
Dr. Jacob Eaton Bowers, assistant superintendent at the St.
Peter State Hospital, was named superintendent of the new
Rochester facility.
Bowers had taught French and German at a high school in
Canada before attending and graduating from medical school at
the University of Michigan.
“There has never been at Rochester a gentleman more highly
respected or more greatly esteemed by all who know him,”
according to Joseph Leonard’s “History of Olmsted County,”
published in 1910.
On January 1, 1879, the new Rochester State Hospital for the

Above: Dr. Jacob E. Bowers served as superintendent of

Rochester State Hospital from 1879–1889.
Opposite page: The Rochester State Hospital, shown in this undated
photo, sat on what is now the Federal Medical Center grounds.

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM JANUARY 2022 27

Insane welcomed its first patients—100
patients transferred from the facility in St.
Peter. Over the next decade, Bowers and
his staff set high standards for operation
of the institution.
The Hospital ran a farm on what is now
Quarry Hill Park. In 1882, what is now
the Quarry Hill Caves were carved to
serve as a cellar for the storage of many
vegetables grown on the farm. A crew of
six men from the State Hospital dug the
series of caves out of the soft sandstone.
However, “A most unfortunate
occurrence,“ as Leonard described it, took
place on April 1, 1889.
Two attendants on the staff of the hospital
reported that Taylor Combs, a 37-year-old
patient they were supervising, had fallen
from a scaffold while cleaning the ceiling.
According to the attendants, August
Beckman, 25, and Edward Peterson, 23,
Combs asked for a drink of water after his
fall, and then went to lie down. A short
time later, he was found dead.
An apparently superficial examination by
the county coroner determined Combs
had suffered a broken breast bone and had
died of internal bleeding.
Combs, a Black man born in slavery in
Missouri, had been serving a 30-year
prison sentence for rape when he was
sent to the state hospital for treatment of
“mania.” He was reported to be a polite
patient but was prone to outbursts of
violence. He and Beckman had a dispute
of some sort just days earlier.
The story of the “accident” was accepted
by hospital authorities and the body of
Combs was returned to his family in St.
Paul. Word soon got around, however,
that John Date, a 20-year-old workman,
had been painting in a nearby hallway and
had witnessed what happened to Combs.
Date, though, was afraid of retribution
from Beckman, and initially declined to
tell what he had seen.
Eventually, Date revealed to authorities
that he had observed Beckman and
Peterson beating Combs with a broom
handle and cane, and then kneeling on the
victim’s chest.
Superintendent Bowers, when informed
28 JANUARY 2022
Administration Building of the Rochester
State Hospital, circa 1930.
This 1889 Rochester Post newspaper
clipping of the Combs’ trial describes the
courtroom as “crowded with spectators at
the opening of court.”
of Date’s version of events, fired Beckman
and Peterson, but didn’t bother to report
what had happened to the hospital’s board
of trustees, or to law enforcement. It just
so happens, as reported in “History of
Olmsted County,” that the legislature
was at the time considering a large
appropriation for the state hospitals, and
any unfavorable publicity could have put
that funding in jeopardy.
But as news of Date’s story spread, Bowers
was suspended, Beckman and Peterson
were charged with manslaughter, and a
state investigation was begun. The body of
Combs was exhumed and an examination
revealed that the fatal injuries were much
more severe than originally thought.
In a trial in June, Beckman and Peterson
were found guilty and sent to prison.
Beckman was given a four-year sentence,
and Peterson was sentenced to three years.
Meanwhile, officials began a lengthy
investigation of conditions at the hospital.
The investigators appointed by the
governor interviewed dozens of witnesses,
including both hospital staff and patients.
A pattern of abuse of patients by poorly
paid and undertrained attendants was
uncovered. Bowers, though, was absolved
of any wrongdoing in the Combs case.
In fact, the investigators “highly
commended his ability and his
conscientious faithfulness” in running the
hospital, according to Leonard’s book.
Now that he was exonerated, though,
Bowers resigned his position. He entered
private practice, first in St. Paul, and later
in Duluth.
Before he left Rochester, Bowers was feted
with a reception held at the Cook Hotel,
where he was given a gold watch, and
where “highly commendatory addresses”
were delivered by, among others, attorney
C.C. Willson (who had represented
Beckman and Peterson in their court
trial), and Dr. William W. Mayo.
The hospital closed in 1982. Rochester’s
Federal Medical Center was built on the
BEST
former hospital’s grounds in 1984.
BEST
OF THE
WINNER!
20 21
ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM
 BEST BEST
BEST BEST
OF THE OF THE

WINNER! WINNER!

THANK YOU
20 20 20 21

FOR YOUR
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORT!
YOUR SUPPORT!
#1 Mortgage Team in Rochester. Purchase and Refinance

#1 Mortgage Team
507-328-0505 in Rochester.
• 2876 Superior Dr. NW Rochester
Purchase and Refinance.
primesourcefunding.com
 The

ROCHIES
15th Annual

AN ORONOCO MAN WAS CHARGED WITH

STEALING $1,250 WORTH OF GIRL SCOUT COOKIES.
T H E 10-Y E A R-O L D B OY S P E D AWAY I N H I S PA R E N T S ’ M I N I VA N,
L E A D I N G P O L I C E O N A C H A S E T H AT R E A C H E D S P E E D S O F 50 M P H.
“T H E S U R R O U N D I N G A R E A WA S A F F E C T E D B Y M O L A S S E S
T H AT WA S E J E C T E D B Y T H E E X P L O S I O N.”

I T ’S O U R A N N U A L L O O K B A C K AT T H E B E S T (R E A D : S T R A N G E S T ) S TO R I E S O F T H E PA S T Y E A R.

30 JANUARY 2022 ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

 “H E L L O. I WA N T T O R E P O R T A
S T O L E N V E H I C L E . L E T ’S S E E . I T ’S
A 2009 A U D I A 4. C U R R E N T LY
G O I N G A P P R O X I M AT E LY 100 M P H
T H E W R O N G WAY D O W N E A S T
C I R C L E D R I V E . H M M M . W H AT
E L S E ? O H, Y E S . I T H A S A L O U D
SCREECHING SOUND COMING
F R O M T H E T R U N K A R E A . T H AT
W O U L D B E M E .”
In December, a 27-year-old Rochester
man stopped into an auto repair shop
to supposedly pay the $4,000 he owed
for repairs on his Audi A4. The man,
though, jumped into the car and drove
W I T H MY LU C K , T H E Y W O U L D A L L B E T H O S E
away without paying. A 31-year-old
COCONUT ONES.
repair shop employee then jumped
In March, a 43-year-old Oronoco man was charged with stealing
into the trunk of the vehicle. And called
23 cases—roughly $1,250—worth of Girl Scout cookies from a
police from inside the trunk. An Olmsted
Rochester warehouse.
County Sheriff’s deputy found the vehicle
After receiving a door alarm warning from the business, on Olmsted County Roads 2 and 11
Rochester Police arrived at the location and spotted a vehicle Northeast, and the driver led officers
pulling away from the loading dock. When police stopped the on a chase that included speeds up to
vehicle, they found “an open sleeve of mixed flavor Girl Scout 100 mph and went down a private road,
cookies in the front seat.” through a field, and westbound down
A search revealed 23 cases of cookies in the back seat and trunk. the eastbound lanes of East Circle Drive.
The vehicle was eventually stopped and
Officers also found two stolen license plates, a pry bar, bolt the driver was arrested. The repair shop
cutters, a used meth pipe, and heroin. employee was also found, relatively
unharmed.

L O O K S L I K E I W O N’T H AV E T O R E W I N D A N D
R E T U R N “M R. M O M” A N D “T O O T S I E ” A F T E R A L L .
In January, Rochester’s last video rental store—Family
Video—closed its doors.

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM JANUARY 2022 31

 “A L S O, F O R A
‘P I C K M E U P ’
AT T H I S Y E A R ’S
C O M PA N Y H O L-
J U S T P L E A S E D O N’T T E L L U S T H O S E T O P- I D AY PA R T Y, W E
PINGS WERE HAM AND PINEAPPLE. SHOULD JUST “N O, P O L I C E ! G E T AWAY ! WA I T,
F I R E S O M E O N E !” POLICE! COME HERE AND
In April, a 34-year-old Rochester man called a local In December, seven H E L P M E !”
pizza delivery place and asked for his toppings “on managers at Tyson In September, police stopped a woman
the side.” When he was told the restaurant could not Foods in Waterloo, they recognized as someone with
do that, the man ordered the pizza anyway. When Iowa were fired for an outstanding arrest warrant. The
he arrived at the drive-thru window and picked up betting on how many 23-year-old suspect fled on foot and
his order, the man allegedly “began to throw slices of their workers jumped into the Zumbro River near
of the pizza at them” and “pointed a gun at them” would contract the Third Avenue SE Bridge. The
before driving off. Police arrested the man at his COVID-19. One of woman then crawled 200 feet into
apartment, where he admitted picking up the pizza the fired managers— a storm drain, where she had to be
and denied having a gun. Though he did allegedly in what may have rescued by Rochester Police and Fire
ask officers, “What if someone made it look like they been a misguided Departments.
had a gun?” attempt to “clear his
name” and to show
that he was “not the
L O R D K N O W S W H AT T H I S K I D W I L L D O evil people” being “A L L U N I T S , B E O N T H E
WHEN HE FINDS OUT ABOUT FROOT portrayed—clarified L O O KO U T F O R A W H I T E
L O O P S O R LU C K Y C H A R M S that the pool was PICKUP TRUCK TOWING AN
“simply something ATM M A C H I N E .”
In April, Stillwater police spotted a 10-year-old fun. Kind of a morale At 5 a.m. on June 8, Rochester
boy—the lone occupant of the vehicle—driving a boost.” Police received a report of a
minivan at 9:30 p.m on a Sunday white pickup truck using yellow
night. tow straps to pull an ATM out of
When the officer activated its location at a credit union in
his emergency lights, the southeast Rochester.
boy sped away, leading “A L L U N I T S , B E O N T H E
police on a chase that L O O KO U T F O R A W H I T E
reached speeds of 50 mph. At PICKUP TRUCK TOWING
one point, the boy drove through
T W O ATM M A C H I N E S .”
an intersection and a residential
At 6 a.m. on June 8, Rochester
yard in reverse, narrowly missing a tree. Police
Police received a report of a
eventually blocked his path, ending the chase. No
white pickup truck using yellow
one was hurt. His parents told police they were
tow straps to pull an ATM out
sleeping and had no idea their son had taken their
of its location at a bank in
van. The boy told police he was headed to Target to
northwest Rochester.
buy Cheerios for the next morning’s breakfast.

32 JANUARY 2022 ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

 M AY B E ‘I M A G I N E I F YO U R G R A N D PA R E N T S
WERE IN THEIR SHOES’ SHOULD BE THE
MOTTO FOR ALL OF US.
In July, a 60-year-old man from India landed on
a flight into Rochester International Airport. The
man, it turned out, had been robbed in the airport in
India. He had no money or credit cards. And he was
supposed to be flying to see his wife in Rochester,
New York.
That’s when RST skycap Mick Bullerman, 20, stepped
in to help. Bullerman explained the situation to the
man’s wife, who decided to fly to Minnesota the next
morning to meet her husband.
Bullerman then set the man up in the airport’s “quiet
room,” which includes a bed and private bathroom.
Gave the guy the microwave meal he’d brought for
his own dinner. Showed up the next morning with
granola bars and reunited the man with his wife when
she flew in.
“She was shaking when she came up to me,”
Bullerman said. “She said, ‘You’re an angel,’ and gave
me a scarf and some chocolate.”
“Imagine if your grandparents were in their shoes,”
he said, “so that’s kind of what I thought the whole
time.”
L U C K I LY F O R U S , W E H AV E P E O P L E L I K E
M I C K B U L L E R M A N (S E E A B O V E ). B E C AU S E
O F T H E F O L L O W I N G C R A Z Y FA C T O I D :
Bullerman said people mistakenly fly to Rochester,
Minn., instead of Rochester, N.Y., at least twice a
week.

“H E Y, YO U F O U N D MY P H O N E ! I’V E B E E N L O O K I N G
E V E R Y W H E R E F O R T H AT ! N E V E R M I N D!”
In November, 11 catalytic converters were stolen from an Oronoco RV business.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found a cell phone under one of the
RVs. The phone was registered to a 36-year-old Dodge County man who
police say has long been considered to be “one of the two top catalytic
converter thieves” in the area. The phone, it turns out, contained
numerous photos of catalytic converters. And text messages
about selling catalytic converters. And phone calls to scrap
metal dealers that buy catalytic converters. The suspect
was arrested soon after. The Olmsted County Sheriff’s
Office said the phone will be able to tie the man to
more than 100 recent catalytic converter thefts
worth more than $100,000 in damage and lost
property.

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM JANUARY 2022 33

 T H I S C O U L D B E T H E FA S T E S T M O L A S S E S H A S
E V E R M O V E D.
In March, a rail car carrying molasses exploded in Cannon
Falls. There were no injuries, although authorities said that
“the surrounding area was affected by molasses that was
ejected by the explosion.”
Multiple agencies responded to the incident, including
the Cannon Falls Police Department, Cannon Falls Fire
Department, Goodhue County Sheriff’s Office, and area
grandmothers planning to make cookies.

‘B U T H O W C O U L D T H E Y
H AV E F O U N D M E ? A L-
EXA, UPLOAD ANOTHER
ILLEGAL VIDEO OF ME
O N T I K T O K .’
In October, a Dodge Center
man was arrested for
impersonating a federal
agent with the Department of
Homeland Security. He was
also, after the FBI raided his
home, charged with being
a felon in possession of
firearms, a felon in possession
‘YO U C A N R E A L LY TA S T E T H E H I N T S O F E X O - of explosives, possession of
S K E L E T O N. A N D T H E C O M P O U N D E Y E S M A K E unregistered firearms, and
F O R A N I C E F I N I S H.’
possession of an unauthorized
badge.

In September, Forager Brewing Co. released an imperial The 52-year-old, who had
stout that had been aged in barrels with roasted ants. The nearly 10,000 followers on
beer, called Chicatanazzzzz, was “conditioned with Oaxaca TikTok, was caught after
Chicatana ants.” repeatedly posting a profile
photo that showed him
wearing law enforcement gear
and holding law enforcement
equipment, badges, and
firearms. He also referred to
himself as a federal agent on
TikTok.

34 JANUARY 2022 ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

Invested in a meaningful journey.
At Thrivent, we believe money is a tool–not a goal. As a holistic financial
services organization, and a membership-owned fraternal organization,
providing financial advice, investments, insurance, banking and generosity
programs, we are committed to helping you achieve financial clarity.
We are here to help provide the guidance you need to live the life you want.

Emerald Financial Group

116 Elton Hills Ln NW, Ste 200
Rochester, MN 55901
507-289-1682

Eric Funk, Financial Consultant

Colin Aldis, Financial Consultant

28304 R3-21
 MASTER
CLASS
How Mayo Clinic genetic
cardiologist—and Rochester
Taekwondo mainstay—
Dr. Michael Ackerman
became a master instructor

by Cindy Parsons and

Rochester Magazine staff

Photos courtesy of Mayo Clinic

and Michael Ackerman

Dr. Michael Ackerman receives his Master Instructor of Taekwondo

title from mentor and Taekwondo Grand Master Robert Jager.
36 JANUARY 2022 ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM
One might say the direction of Dr. Michael
Ackerman’s future was forged in the eighth
grade.
It was then—at Sheldon Middle School in
the small town of Sheldon, Iowa—that fate
intervened in the form of two pivotal events.
The first was when the then-13-year-
old Ackerman was invited to shadow a
gallbladder surgery as part of a school
program. And then fainted. (“For crying out
loud, he fell into the surgical field!” a nurse
yelled.)
The second, at 14, was when he injured his
knee playing football—ending his boyhood
dream of becoming a quarterback.
It might be expected that these events
would’ve kept Ackerman from pursuing
medicine or athletics. As it turns out, they
had the opposite effect.
and a distinguished career
as a Mayo Clinic genetic
cardiologist.
And when his knee had
recovered from that football
injury, Ackerman decided to
channel his athleticism into a
new dream—Taekwondo. But
the Korean form of martial arts
quickly became more than an
athletic outlet for the teen.
“Taekwondo provided a
brotherhood (for men and
women) to grow up, and
provided a fellowship,” he says
now.
It would also provide an avenue
for Ackerman to mentor and
inspire thousands of others.

After Ackerman recovered from his fainting

spell—sitting on the floor, head between his
knees—the operating surgeon encouraged
the science-loving kid to persevere. “He said
to me, ‘Many a man has fallen at my table!’”
remembers Ackerman. “He encouraged me.”
Ackerman would go on to a medical school
Pursuing dreams
Ackerman began his Taekwondo training under Robert Jager—a man who would
not only mentor the teen in the American Taekwondo Association (ATA), but
would also become a role model and father figure to Ackerman for the next 40
years.

L
A
C
I
N
A
SIDING
& WINDOWS, INC.
Because it’s your home.

February 4-6, 2022

Mayo Civic Center

Learn More
RochesterAreaBuilders.com/Home-Show

Date Night • Family Fun • Kitchens for Kids • Seminars • and More
ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM JANUARY 2022 37
Jager, a local farmer, would later go on to be one of the first Americans to earn
a ninth-degree black belt before becoming an ATA Grand Master. But back in
1980, Jager was still just a seven-year veteran of the art—and a role model to
many.
Under Jager’s instruction, Ackerman was drawn to the six essential tenets of
Taekwondo: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, indomitable spirit, and
victory.
“Robert Jager showed me a wise road map to follow in life of how to conduct
oneself. Many parents enroll their kids for discipline, focus, and respect, and
to develop life skills for a focused life, a respectful life,” says Ackerman. “It’s
amazing when you don’t give children an alternative and you expect great things
of them.”
Ackerman was, by all accounts, achieving great things.
Just two years after his arthroscopic surgery on that injured knee, Ackerman,
at age 16, earned his first-degree black belt through the ATA. By 18, he’d
earned his second-degree black belt. And by his second year at Luther
College in Decorah, Iowa—where he was double majoring in chemistry and
mathematics—he launched the Luther College Taekwondo Club.
From 1988 to 2015, Ackerman’s program reached
more than 3,000 students. More than 500 of
those students—including dozens of Mayo Clinic
physicians and Dr. Ackerman’s own three sons—
earned their black belts.
Ackerman became known for his ability to inspire
students. But he continued to pursue his own
growth and development, as well. By the summer of
2000—the year he officially joined the Mayo Clinic
faculty—he attained his fifth-degree black belt.
He went on to be recognized by the ATA as
Regional Instructor of the Year on three different
occasions. Led his club to National Club of the Year
in 1990, 1992, and 2000.
And then, in October 2021, Ackerman received
the title of Master Instructor of Taekwondo. It’s an
honor recognizing his body of work, and 30-plus
years of master-level excellence in teaching.

Following graduation from Luther, Ackerman was accepted into the M.D./PhD
Program at Mayo Clinic Medical School. Med school is, of course, infamously
intense and demanding. There are few better excuses for taking a break from
extracurricular activities.
Yet, in the midst of his studies, Ackerman started yet another ATA club from
the basement of St. Marys Hospital. And it was there, for the next 27 years—
through graduate school, through residency, through fellowship, and through
his first 15 years on staff with Mayo Clinic—that Ackerman and his team of
instructors taught Rochesterites the art of Taekwondo.
“This is one of those lifetime, milestone achievements
where the level of satisfaction is extraordinary,”
he says. “This recognition is not an Ackerman
achievement at all. This is a recognition of all of the
instructors that have been together with us all these
years. This is about the privilege of teaching a child,
who taught their child, who taught their child.”
“We’re not just trying to teach Taekwondo,” he says.
“We’re trying to teach life.”

2022
The year for YOU!
We would love for you
to become our customer.
Improve your space with
beautiful hardwood floors
Sanding | Installation | Refinishing
Custom Designs | Free Estimates

to be
Proud
wned
fam
and
ove
il
o
r
y
p
2
o
e
0
rated
y
for
ears.
bankonONB.com
507.280.6282 • creativehf.com • 3532 Hwy 63 South, Rochester (507) 280-0621
38 JANUARY 2022 ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM
 WINTER
CLEARANCE

SALE
......................................................

JANUARY
19-22, 2022
......................................................

111 South Broadway

Downtown Rochester
.....
GalleriaRochester.com
.....
Connected by Subway and

Located In Downtown Rochester Skyways

Rochester’s Best Shopping & Dining... All Under One Roof!

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM JANUARY 2022 39

 RESOLUTION

REDUCE DEBT FASTER

SOLUTION

BALANCE
TRANSFER
Ditch your high rate cards for a Low,
Fixed-Rate Altra Visa Credit Card
with No Transfer Fees!*

BALANCE
TRANSFER

5
RATES AS LOW AS

.9%
FIXED APR*

3833 Cascade Creek Rd. NW

123 16th Ave. SW, Suite 500 • Rochester, MN
507-258-4500 • 800-755-0055 • www.altra.org

*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. No Fee Balance Transfer offer is valid for telephone or in-office balance transfers posted to a new or existing Altra Visa. Offer valid 01/01/22-03/31/22. Balance transfers are
sent by mail and may take up to 10 days to reach their destination; please be sure to make all minimum payments on any account from which you are transferring a balance until the balance transfer is credited
to that account. Balance Transfers may not be used to pay off Altra credit cards or other Altra accounts. If you are ineligible for the top tier Altra Visa card, you may receive a card with a fixed promotional balance
transfer rate: from 5.9% to 9.9% based on your card program and creditworthiness. Your balance transfer rate will remain fixed for the life of the balance transfer as long as your account remains in good standing
or until your balance transfer amount is paid in full. Balance transfers do not earn Reward Points. Rate not valid on new purchases; new purchases based on current rates and card selected. Limited time offer.
Contact Altra Federal Credit Union for complete details.
Federally insured by NCUA.

40 DECEMBER 2021 ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

 TRAVEL | FOOD | ADVENTURE

Home Show,
Sweet Home Show

The Walk-Through
Inside one cool house you
could buy right now

Rochester Retro:
How Rochester—
and IBM—changed chess forever

Financial Health
Through (Your) Ages
Your investment checklist—for
every stage of your life.

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM JANUARY 2022 41

Home Show, Sweet Home Show
Get Inspired at the 43rd Annual Rochester Area Builders Event
by Rochester Magazine Staff
There are few things in life that are as exciting as building or
remodeling a home.
Whether you are a first-time home-buyer looking to broaden your
horizons or a retired couple looking for simpler living choices,
the Rochester Area Builders Home Show, being held February
4-6, 2022 at the Mayo Civic Center, is an ideal setting that will
inspire, excite and cultivate new ideas for your home building or
remodeling projects.
The year 2021 will go down in the history books for myriad
reasons. But within the home building and remodeling industry,
2021 will be remembered for the “good” it brought as consumers
found themselves spending more time in their homes, resulting in
an increased interest in home building and remodeling projects.
That’s why the annual Rochester Home Show gives the public an
opportunity to view the latest in building design and architecture,
state-of-the-art technology, new home products and services,
and picturesque landscape design. The Home Show also gives
42 JANUARY 2022
Rochester’s area builders and suppliers a venue to display their
talents and services.
As John Eischen, executive director of Rochester Area Builders,
Inc. explains, the annual show is a one-stop home buying and
remodeling experience.
“The great thing about our Home Show is it’s everything you
need to build or remodel your home all in one place,” Eischen
says. “From builders and remodelers, to banks and subcontractors,
attendees can meet everyone on the entire team needed to
complete their project. And it’s inside, which is nice in February.”
The Home Show typically features 80 to 100 exhibitors, all of
whom bring new products, ideas or services to help consumers find
exactly what they’re looking for.
“It’s a new experience every year, which is why we’ve been able to
hold it for 43 years. We are the largest and longest running home
show in Southeast Minnesota,” Eischen says.
ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM
From state-of-the-art kitchen designs to
innovative home office remodeling concepts
to various design elements that will
breathe new life into an existing home, the
Rochester Home Show truly has something
for everyone.
In fact, thanks in part to the increased
time being spent in our homes during
the ongoing pandemic, decks, patios, and
porches have become our sanctuaries—
prime spots to relax or entertain others.
These outdoor living spaces are essentially
extensions of our homes and as consumers
of new and existing homes look to
incorporate outdoor areas into their abodes,
they will find innovative design and
construction elements at this year’s Home
Show.
In addition, many of today’s new and
renovated home idea celebrate ‘living green’
while also offering the ideal place where
family and friends are made to feel regal
and welcome. From classic to contemporary,
from subdued to eccentric, the ideas and
products being featured at this year’s Home
Show offer a mixture concepts—all of
which work with today’s lifestyles. Designed
for casual living and entertainment, the
ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM
products and services being featured by the
Home Show’s exhibitors offer something
for everyone and will inspire, delight, and
surprise visitors at every turn.
Although visiting with the wealth of
exhibitors will provide ample opportunities
to learn about the latest and greatest in
home design, attendees to the show can
also enjoy a series of 30-minute seminars
featuring insights from various local
companies. These seminars will be held
on Saturday and Sunday and the specific
topics being featured can be found on
the Rochester Area Builders app by mid-
January.
While attendees will revel in the amount
of key information available about home
building and remodeling, visitors to the
Home Show can also enjoy some unique
experiences including a Friday Night
Date Night, which includes a two for
one admission, cooking demonstration
with celebrity chef Shari Mukherjee from
“MasterChef,” and The Spiced Up Mom on
Friday, February 4 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in
the Ballroom Lobby South.
And on Sunday, the popular Family Fun
Proudly Providing Compassionate
Care for Thousands of Rochester
Families since 2009
BEST
BEST
OF THE
FINALIST!
20 21
Best Home
Healthcare
Day will include a Bloody Mary bar for
adults and the first 200 children at the
Home Show can participate in a bird feeder
building activity, sponsored in part by Kruse
Lumber.
And while helping home owners with their
home building and remodeling projects is
the cornerstone of Rochester Area Builders,
the organization also strives to help
community members in various ways. This
year, the team at Rochester Area Builders is
excited to be partnering with the Jeremiah
Program and raising funds for their
programs. The Jeremiah Program disrupts
the cycle of poverty for single mothers and
their children, two generations as a time. As
such, the Home Show will be featuring a
“Kitchens for Kids,” which are play kitchens
built by Rochester Area Builders members
(and community members) on display at
the show.
“Attendees can buy raffle tickets for the
kitchen they want to win and take it home
at the close of the show,” Eischen says.
To learn more about the upcoming Rochester
Area Builders Home Show, visit www.
rochesterareabuilders.com/home-show/.
Assistance with bathing,
personal care, homemaking,
companionship, meal
preparation and shopping.
Dementia trained care team
and hospice support. Up
to 24-hour care with
flexible hours.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
507-289-1147
VisitingAngels.com
JANUARY 2022 43
The Walk-Through:
Inside one cool home that you could buy right now.

The home: 4 Bed, 5 Bath. 6,277 sq. ft. 20 acres. 437 feet
of shoreline. Cedar Island Lake (near Biwabik).
The info: A private estate that was constructed by
a Master Builder on Cedar Island Lake! This home is
secluded in the towering pines on the lake and river,
and is just 3 miles to town, 7 miles to Giants Ridge
Golf & Ski Resort, and 29 miles to a commuter airport.
A grand entrance brings guests into a two-story timber
frame trussed great room with cherry wood flooring and a
Rumford woodburning fireplace. The kitchen features Wolf
and SubZero appliances and Verde Labrador granite. It is
open to the great room, dining room and expansive deck,
all lakeside. The lakeside master suite features a private
lakeside deck, a walk-in closet and a marble bath. There

Local Professional Expertise

Global Network | Unrivaled Personal Service | Ethics Committee Members

We listen to our clients and make

We listen
buying to our clients
or selling and make
a straight-forward
buying or selling a straight-forward,
transparent experience. Give us a
transparent experience. Give us a
callcallororsend
send ususanan email
email andgetlet’s
and let’s
getstarted
started today!
today!

44 JANUARY 2022 ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

 Your Best
Friends in the
Mortgage Industry
Where honesty counts

• Purchase • Refinance • New Construction/Perm

are two spacious main floor bedrooms and baths as well.
Downstairs features a huge rec room, a sauna, a workshop
that could be a wine cellar, and glass doors to another
lakeside deck. The stone and cedar home also includes an
attached 2-stall garage with 1 bedroom and bath guest
quarters above. The adjoining two cabins on the lake and
23 acres are also for sale.
Virtual Tour Link: https://my.matterport.com/
show/?m=PixpYV8UkdA&mls=1
• Conventional/VA/FHA/Rural Development/MN Housing
• Over 200 loan options! No money down programs too!
• We make the application process easy for you—by phone,
in person, or on-line.
• 24/7 Service & Support through the loan process
• Quick close: 30–45 days or less!
Eric
Habberstad
Branch Manager
P (507) 216-5160 F (507) 216-5160
E ehabberstad@hancockmortgage.com
Online: erichabberstad.floify.com
Licensed in FL, IA, MN, SD, WI
NMLS #644123

The price: $698,500.

roxanne
hellickson
Senior Mortgage Loan Officer
P (507) 216-4266 F (507) 216-4266
C (507) 259-2000
E rhellickson@hancockmortgage.com
Online: roxannehellickson.floify.com
Licensed in MN, WI
NMLS #524079

NE Minnesota & Lake Superior

Lake Vermilion - Ely - Giants Ridge

218-780-6644 3273 19th St NW, Suite 3

info@janischrealty.com Rochester, MN

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM JANUARY 2022 45

 Financial Advice Through (Your) Ages
“Get honest with yourself.” “Put your plan in writing.” “Follow the 1-1-1 rule.”
Area experts pass along their financial checklist for every investing age (and stage).

46 JANUARY 2022 ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

This month, Part I: Those Investing Universals.
Your Foundation Stage (up to age 20 or so).
And Your First Career (your 20s)
The Universals
(What everyone
should be doing,
regardless of age.)
Set goals.
“When it comes to financial health
and wellness, it’s important to set goals
and to continue to pursue them over
an entire lifetime. Financial success
is not something that happens once
and is forever guaranteed; it takes
sustained effort and a continued desire
to improve. Becoming financially
healthy is not an easy journey, but
it’s a worthwhile and rewarding one!”
(Jackie Urban, Altra Federal
Credit Union)
Strive for that home
ownership.
“Owning a home is incredibly
valuable in today’s market. The
wealth comparison for renters and
homeowners is quite substantial. The
average wealth of a renter in 2021 is
approximately $8,000, whereas the
The Experts
JACKIE URBAN,
Financial Counselor, CCUFC,
Altra Federal Credit Union
ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM
average wealth for a homeowner is
about $297,000. With this in mind,
I highly recommend pursuing and
maintaining real estate ownership
or investments. To those who feel
that they may have missed one of
these milestones or stages, my advice
to you is that it is never too late to
invest in real estate. If owning a home
seems daunting to you, start with a
townhouse and ease your way into
home ownership. You will be glad you
did!!” (Debra Quimby, RE/MAX
Results)
Categorize your
finances.
“These are the main categories of
financial health:
1. Saving: education, car and home
maintenance, retirement, travel/fun,
rainy day due to loss of job, etc.
2. Establishing credit.
3. Building wealth: diversification of
investments.
4. Estate planning and preservation of
assets.
5. Retirement.” (Heather Donovan,
Sterling State Bank)
DEBRA QUIMBY, HEATHER DONOVAN,
Broker Associate, RE/MAX Assistant Vice President
Results Home & Commercial
Lending, Sterling State Bank
Give yourself a break.
Then get honest with
yourself.
“We may look around our
neighborhood and see a lot of
similarities from our homes to our cars,
but the financial story inside every one
of those homes is very different. The
most important piece of advice I can
offer is to give yourself some grace if
you’re not where you want to be. Some
of us have student loan debt to focus
on, or had a difficult life situation that
cost our savings, and some may have
been gifted financial security from
family. I recommend taking an honest
look at your finances right now and
figuring out what your top priorities
are. Is it becoming debt-free? Early
retirement? Or do you want to build a
new home? Taking a very real look at
where your finances are right now and
what your goals are for the future is
a critical first step.” (Randy Brock,
Wightman-Brock Real Estate
Advisors)
RANDY BROCK,
Realtor, Wightman-Brock
Real Estate Advisors
JANUARY 2022 47
 Get quality credit.
“At age 18, start establishing positive
credit immediately. Insider knowledge:
I’ve originated auto and home loans.
For mortgages, the score is just a
qualifier. What’s behind the score
doesn’t matter. I had 740+ FICO
buyers get turned down for auto loans
because they did not have enough
‘quality lines of credit.’ That same buyer
would be qualified to buy a home.
Getting established on the bureaus is
as simple as a few timely credit card
payments.” (Maxwell T. Weisheipl,
PrimeSource Funding)

Get into a good

relationship ... with
finances.
“We need to teach our children about
a healthy relationship with finances. If
you are feeling inadequately prepared,
a great first step is to hire a financial
planner. This planner would not sell
you products, but instead ask you what
your goals are for each stage in your life,
The Foundation Years (0-20) and structure a plan to help you achieve
these goals.
Create a basic spending (and saving) plan. Up until age 18, the focus should be
“Learning Stage: This phase starts in childhood, before a child’s or young adult’s financial on learning to save, balance funds,
journey has even begun. Before earning a paycheck, it’s important to have knowledge on learn what things cost, learn about
how to create a basic spending plan that can take care of priorities, while also creating alternatives to save money, and establish
some room for saving money. It’s also never too early for a child or young adult to think good credit.” (Heather Donovan,
about what they’d like to do in the future and what education or experience will they Sterling State Bank)
need to get there. Know that plan is fluid and can change. The more knowledge an
individual has at this initial stage in life, the better and more successful they will be when
they start earning money.” (Jackie Urban, Altra Federal Credit Union)

The Experts

MAXWELL T. WEISHEIPL, ROXANNE HELLICKSON, COLIN ALDIS, SOKHA YOUS,

PrimeSource Funding Senior Mortgage Loan Financial Advisor, Emerald Financial Wellness Coun-
Officer, Hancock Mortgage Financial Group selor at Mayo Employees
Partners Federal Credit Union
48 JANUARY 2022 ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM
 Morgan Stanley Rochester
From left to right: Kathleen Allison, Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor; Zen Kuzyk, Financial Advisor; Michelle Blackholm,
Registered Client Service Associate; David A.Olson, Managing Director - Wealth Management, Financial Advisor; Jana Holst, Wealth
Management Associate; Paul Peterman, CRPC© Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor; Cathy Olson, Senior Client Service Associate

You define success, we help you achieve it.

Since our founding in 1935, Morgan Stanley has consistently delivered first-class business in a first-
class way. Everything we do at Morgan Stanley is guided by our five core values: Do the right thing,
put clients first, lead with exceptional ideas, commit to diversity and inclusion, and give back.

With a full suite of services, our objective is to deliver the resources that can best accomplish each
client’s unique goals. We look forward to working together.

Retirement Planning • Saving for College • Business Strategies • Traditional Investments

Insurance Services •Investing with Impact • Legacy Planning

14 Second Street SW, Suite 201, Rochester, MN 55902

507-281-0403 • 800-328-8191 • advisor.morganstanley.com/rochester-branch-2361978
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC and its Financial Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals should seek advice based on their
particular circumstances from an independent tax or legal advisor.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates.
The investments listed may not be appropriate for all investors. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC recommends that investors independently evaluate
particular investments, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a Financial Advisor. The appropriateness of a particular investment will depend
upon an investor’s individual circumstances and objectives.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC # 4043633 01/2022
Look at alternative
education plans.
“Alternatives in education is a major
topic of discussion for 17-22 year
olds. Many individuals are not focused
on saving money when it comes to
education because they were never
advised on this topic. If the career
choice allows, technical programs
and junior colleges will save enough
money for individuals to be able to
purchase a home and build their
wealth much earlier in their lives and
this can make a huge impact on their
financial future. It could mean earlier
retirement, more leisure activities,
earlier financial freedom, and the ability
to set themselves up for a comfortable
financial future.” (Heather Donovan,
Sterling State Bank)
The First
Career Stage
(your 20s, hopefully)
Start early with home
and retirement plans.
“At age 19-24, it’s not too soon to
look at buying a home. Try to qualify
with a 20-year mortgage—rates drop
significantly at the 20-year mark and
much more of your payment will
go towards the principal balance vs.
interest. At age 21, start thinking
towards retirement. It sounds silly, but
the monies that are put away in your
20s have the longest time to grow
gains.” (Maxwell T. Weisheipl,
PrimeSource Funding)
Start that long
relationship with
money management.
“First Income and Setting a Foundation
Stage: This is the start of a long
relationship of managing money and
earning a paycheck. During this stage
it’s a good idea to set up a savings
account if that hasn’t been done already,
and possibly a checking account to
help manage, protect, and grow money.
Having a plan for income that includes
some money set aside for savings is ideal.
Starting an emergency fund may be
easiest at this stage because there may
not be too many obligations yet. An
emergency fund should cover three to
six months of living expenses and should
be in an account that’s easily accessible
because the future can be unpredictable.
It’s also important to have the discipline
to stick to a spending plan that does not
overdraw a checking account or dip into
savings too often. When comfortable
managing a checking account, it can
be a good idea to open a credit card or
take out a loan to start a positive credit
history which will be useful in the future
for larger purchases. It’s important not
to use credit to enhance lifestyle and live
beyond the means of the borrower.
Protection of assets and wealth
preservation is important during this
stage and is done by having insurance
for a car or an apartment. Those in
this stage are young but will still need
medical insurance because accidents and
illness can still happen, so it’s best to be
protected.
Beginning to allocate money for
investments for retirement is an
important task at this stage even though
the goal may seem too much in the
future to be relevant now.
Setting short- (a year or less) and long-
term (a year or more) goals for finances
are important during this stage, which
can help determine priorities that need
to be in a spending plan. Those in this
stage should research what they’d like
to do in the future (education needs,
travel, start a business, help others, etc.)
and what’s the best way to get there.”
(Jackie Urban, Altra Federal
Credit Union)
Hit your 30s with
retirement savings in
full swing.
“By the time you hit your 30s, you
should hope to have 1x of your
salary saved in a retirement account.
Consider saving towards your Roth
IRA/401(k)/403(b) if income is likely
lower now than it will be in later
decades. Pay off your student loans.
Also, now is the time to create a

The Experts

MATT MOREHEAD, J.D., NITA KHOSLA, Realtor, NATALIE SLAGLE,

CEBS, Senior Integrated Edina Realty CFP, Founding Partner and
Wealth Advisor, Carlson Financial Advisor, Fyooz
Capital Management Financial Planning
50 JANUARY 2022 ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM
 FYOOZ
FINANCIAL PLANNING

a fee-only firm

NO COMMISSIONS.
NO PRODUCTS.
Schedule your complimentary consultation to learn more.

Elder Law Office of

Julianne Kocer, P.S.
Over 20 Years Experience

Masters of Law in Elder Law

Offering a range of legal services in:
Estate Planning • Elder Law • Disability Law
Services...
• Will and Trusts • Supplemental Needs Trusts • Advocacy for Quality Care
• Asset Preservation Trusts • Medical Assistance • Elder Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation
• Financing Long Term Care • Complex Estate Planning • Bed Sores, Care Facility Negligence
• Veterans Benefits • Probate • Trust Administration
• Powers of Attorney / Living Wills • Guardianship

“Asset Preservation For Every Age!” 507-218-0118

2434 Superior Dr. NW, Suite 103, Rochester, MN 55901
www.KocerLawRochester.com
ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM JANUARY 2022 51

household budget for two main reasons:
Eliminate the possibility of having a
credit card balance and give some clarity
and comfort around where your dollars
go each month.” (Natalie Slagle,
Fyooz Financial Planning)
Establish credit.
Keep financial
flexibility.
“From age 18-25, work on getting
credit established. Open a credit card or
get a car loan (secured credit is better).
Make sure payment is affordable and
minimal so more monies can be used
for your house payment. For example,
stretch out the car loan payments to
four years instead of two years, or eight
years instead of five years. You can
always prepay, so you still can pay it
off earlier, but gives you more financial
flexibility and afford more to purchase
a home.” (Roxanne Hellickson,
Hancock Mortgage Partners)
52 JANUARY 2022
Look at buying a
home. Find that
predictable income.
“First Time Home Buyers: If you are in
this stage of life, consider the stability
of your job. Do you have a predictable
income? Many of my first time home
buyers initially believed they were
not ready to purchase a home simply
because of their age. You can certainly
own real estate in your early 20s and
30s. In our area in Rochester, we have
many medical residents, nurses, and
associated medical professionals who
have both financial security and access
to affordable housing. Additionally,
there are an abundance of financing
options to assist first time home
buyers. Upon contrary belief, you can
even purchase your first home with as
little as 3% of the sale price!” (Debra
Quimby, RE/MAX Results)
Find your balance.
Interview financial
advisors.
“22-30 year olds have typically found a
career they enjoy and are at the point
of paying down debt on education,
homes, starting a business. At this
point it is important to find a balance
of paying down debt and improving
their savings, and beginning to save for
retirement. I would advise people in
this age range to interview two or more
financial advisors to find one that is a
good fit for them. In these interviews
you should discuss your financial goals
through each stage of life, and get
recommendations from the financial
advisors on where the best place to
invest your money is, to produce the
most wealth over time, and allow you
to strategically have multiple sources of
income in retirement.
It is also very important to have
contingency plans in place if something
traumatic happens to you or a family
member. Long term and short term
disability insurance and a healthy
savings should be priorities.
During the period of growing families,
it is very important to meet with an
attorney to establish a will. This is
important because in the instance of
your passing, you will want to have
preparations made for the person that
will care for your children.” (Heather
Donovan, Sterling State Bank)
Learn to live within
your means.
“For 20-somethings just starting their
financial life, we recommend learning
to live within their means, avoiding
bad debt (like high interest rate credit
cards), and establishing a savings target
of at least 15% of their gross income.
This savings target should initially be
focused on building an emergency cash
reserve equal to at least three months of
total monthly expenses.
Beyond this emergency cash reserve,
we recommend aggressively paying
down any student or car loan debt
while also contributing to an employer
401(k), 403(b), or 457 plan, up to the
maximum needed to get the employer
match. With any remaining savings,
we recommend fully funding a Roth
IRA at $6,000 each year to harness
the immense power of tax-free
compounding as early as possible.”
(Matt Morehead, Carlson Capital
Management)
ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM
 Considering Divorce?
What everyone needs to know.

Follow the 1-1-1 rule.

“Increase retirement savings by at least 1% a year. My 1-1-1 Rule
is this: On the first of the year, increase your retirement savings
by 1% and do this every year. These are, of course, minimum
guidelines—3% to 4% is better. Set up automatic increases each
Unbiased. Informative. Supportive.
year for your retirement plans so this is on auto pilot. Most of us
don’t save well and are not proactive so do all you can so this just Brought to you by the non-profit WIFE.org
happens.” (Colin Aldis, Emerald Financial Group)
Check out the schedule via
sensibledivorcesolutions.com
Practice making that house payment. or on Facebook at
“For 25-30 year olds: Practice making a house payment before Second Saturday Divorce Workshop
you are contractually committed. If you are renting, and your rent Rochester, MN
is $600/month, figure out what your house payment would be
including real estate taxes and homeowners insurance. Let’s say
that ends up being $900/month. Take the extra $300 and put it
into savings. This way you are practicing making the payment to Workshop Presenters
make sure it fits into your lifestyle, plus you are saving monies for
a downpayment or things you may need for your new home. It’s
also nice to have a nest egg when owning a home! Also, take out a
30-year mortgage to give you more financial flexibility as you may
have student loans and other expenses that will come up during this
time of your life. Make sure your first home is a good investment
and can be re-sold to a large market, as most people don’t stay in
their first home more than seven years.” (Roxanne Hellickson,
Hancock Mortgage Partners)

Cathy Jones Rhonda Keith Jill Minette

Attorney MA, LPC, LADC Certified Divorce
Rochford Langins ReVision Financial Analyst
Jarstad Counselling & Sensible Divorce
LLC Wellness Solutions
EmPower CTC

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM JANUARY 2022 53

Put your plan in writing.
“Create a budget. Now is a great time to
start tracking your expenses, and establish
a written plan. Build an emergency savings
fund, with a goal amount of three to six
months of living expenses (or more).
Prioritize paying off your student loan
debts and/or other debts. Establish credit
and maintain a healthy credit report. Start
contributing to your 401(k), 403(b), Roth
IRA, and the likes that your employer
might be offering.” (Sokha Yous, Mayo
Employees Federal Credit Union)
Get advice from the
experts.
“When it comes to how you buy a home,
in case that’s high on your priority list,
there are many different ways to go about
that and you may be pleasantly surprised
to find out how you can get that done.
Consulting a lender at your favorite bank
can be very enlightening if you haven’t
taken that step yet. Then give yourself a
break if you feel like you’re not where you
want to be. Some people can buy homes
right out of high school or college, and for
others it may take some more time. There
is no rule for when or even if you need to
do that. The simplest and oldest pieces of
advice are still solid. Save for emergencies,
pay off debt, and prepare for your goals
and retirement. It is most beneficial to
get a handle on those things earlier than
later, but as I mentioned before: Everyone’s
story is different, and the best time to
make your financial goals is right now.
No matter where you are, consulting
professionals for financial planning,
retirement savings, and home financing is
a key step to setting up those goals. Just
know that whatever stage of life you’re at,
it’s always a good time to buckle down and
start planning ahead if you haven’t already.”
(Randy Brock, Wightman-Brock
Real Estate Advisors)
Find financial stability.
“Each person and each family, of course,
has different financial needs, circumstances,
goals, and priorities. In the first phase, the
goal could be to achieve financial stability
by paying off student loans, buying a
home, and striving to paying off the home
mortgage early.” (Nita Khosla, Edina
Realty)
Save $1,000.
“Have at least $1,000 in savings for
emergencies—things break down, folks
get sick. Better yet, build to have three
months in savings so you could pay your
basic bills! (We all need to keep the lights
on.) Open small savings accounts at credit
unions and save $20-$50 per pay period
for the A: Hawaii Fund, B: Car Repair, C:
Vacation, Etc.” (Colin Aldis, Emerald
Financial Group)
Next month: Investment advice for
your 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond.

Looking at Your Retirement Options?

Meet with a Representative Today!
Whether you are interested in rolling over assets from a
workplace retirement plan or making more customized
selections with your current plan, we can help.

Martha Macken Donald J. Gary J. Michelle E.

Elliott Christenson Reiland Kennedy
Certified Wealth Strategist
Investment Investment Registered
(CWS)
Advisor Advisor Representative
Investment Advisor
Representative* Representative*
Representative*
507-293-8087 507-293-8088 507-293-8029 507-293-8085

INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS | ROLLOVERS | INVESTMENTS

Located at: Mayo Employees Federal Credit Union | 507-535-1460

Investments are:
Neither Cetera Advisor Networks LLC nor any of its representatives or agents give legal or tax advice. For complete details, check with your tax • Not NCUSIF Insured
consultant or attorney. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC is located at Mayo Employees Federal Credit Union, 130 - 23rd Avenue SW, Rochester MN 55902. • May Lose Value
• No Financial Institution Guarantee
Phone: 507-535-1460. Martha Macken Elliott, CWS, Donald J. Christenson, Gary J. Reiland and Michelle E. Kennedy are Registered Representatives of
• Not a Deposit
and offer securities and *investment advisory services through Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, member FINRA/SIPC, a broker-dealer and a Registered • Not insured by any Federal
Investment Advisor. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC and Mayo Employees Federal Credit Union are not affiliated companies. Government Agency

54 JANUARY 2022 ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM JANUARY 2022 55
 ROCHESTER
RETRO
(ONE IMAGE, ONE MOMENT IN THE CIT Y ’S HISTORY)

How Rochester--and IBM--changed chess forever.

(And it’s not what you think.)
In 1958, Rochester hosted the prestigious U.S. Open Chess
Championship at the relatively new IBM site, the state-of-the-art,
Eero Saarinen-designed building covered in groundbreaking blue
glass panels.
And while chess phenom Bobby Fischer did not play (the 15-year-
old defending U.S. Open champion opted for a trip to play in
Yugoslavia), the event is considered a breakthrough moment in
modern chess history.
Prior to the Rochester event, tournament directors and a team
of assistants had to hand-figure the laborious and complicated
tournament pairing and tiebreaking systems. Portable computers
with the kind of power to calculate these systems were still a few
years away.
“[Computers in chess] had to begin somewhere, and that was the
1958 U.S. Open in Rochester, Minnesota,” wrote chessgames.com.
“Computers weren’t exactly portable in those days, but when the
event was held at the world headquarters of the IBM Corporation,
proximity to the latest behemoths was not a problem. Resident
geeks programmed one IBM computer to do dirty work like
figuring pairings and printing out results, which made tournament
director Georges Koltanowski’s job so easy he could have done it
blindfolded.”
Underdog Cuban player Eldis Cobo-Arteaga won the tournament,
winning 9 games, drawing 2, and losing just one of the 12 games
against some of the top players (including Larry Evans, Robert
Byrne, Arthur Bisguer, and Robert Steinmeyer).
Mayo endocrinologist and chess expert Dr. Giles A Koelsche also
played in the tournament, finishing 26th (with 7 wins, one draw,
and 4 losses) in the 139-player event.

sources: IBM archives; chessgames.com; Rochester Chess Club historian Bob Frisbee, and above (The New York Times, 1958)

56 JANUARY 2022 ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM

MARKETPLACE a selection of shops & services
Specialty Stores
Galleria, 111 Broadway S. Shoppers
will find a range of unique gift items,
home decor, housewares, men’s
apparel, games, and fashions for all
ages. Clothing stores include: Hers,
Chico’s, Counterpoint, The Nordic
Shop, and others. Gift items and
housewares can be found at The
Nordic Shop, Counterpoint Home, and
Games by James. (See ad page 39)
Tangerine, 110 First Ave SW. Where
the fun never ends! Shop unique
greeting cards, fun socks, awesome
books, baby cuteness, adorable
plush and so much more. Hours
Mon-Fri, 10:00-5:30. 507-252-8119.
Tyrol Ski & Sports, 1923 Second St
SW. Rochester’s local outdoor gear
store since 1965. Featuring ski and
snowboard equipment, snowshoes,
winter clothing and footwear. Online
at tyrolskishop.com. Winter Hours:
Mon - Thurs. 10-8; Friday 10-6; Sat
9:30-5:30; Sun 11-5. 507-288-1683.
Deli & Sandwich Shops
Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches,
The Kahler Inn & Suites, 9 Third Ave.
NW and Marketplace Mall, 2986 41st
St NW and Crossroads Plaza, 90 14th
St SW. Jimmy John’s is unlike any sub
shop in the industry; no games or gim-
micks, just old-fashioned, homemade
sandwiches made from fresh-baked
bread, all-natural meats and vegeta-
bles that are sliced daily. Downtown
location hours: 10:30-8; 507-289-9900.
NW location hours: 10:30-10;
507-424-0100. SW location hours:
10:30-10; 507-424-2000. Catering
and delivery available. Order online
at jimmyjohns.com. V, M, D, and AE
accepted.
BANKING
Home Federal Savings Bank. When
it comes to your personal, everyday
banking needs, Home Federal has
you covered. Ask us about the great
advantages of our personal checking
accounts. Start saving smart with a
savings account, IRA, CDs, and more.
Finance any of the larger purchases in
your life with a customized personal
loan. Manage your accounts at any
of the four convenient locations in
Rochester or in the comfort of you
own home via your smartphone or
computer—24 hours a day, 7 days a
week—with Home Federal’s mobile
banking. All of the amenities of a
national chain, along with the
personalized, friendly service you
expect from a community bank. Local
bankers. Local service. Local decisions.
Bring your banking home. Find out
more at JustCallHome.com. Equal
Housing Lender. Member FDIC.
ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM
Mayo Employees Federal Credit
Union. We are dedicated to helping
members achieve their financial
goals. 100% financing to qualified
borrowers, first-time home buyer
programs, fixed rate conventional
mortgages, FHA and VA financing,
competitive rates and fair fees, up
to 100% home equity financing,
residential loan program. Apply at
mayocreditunion.org. 507-535-1460.
(See ad page 17,54)
ONB Bank. Where community banking
means more than a new account; we
build relationships! Offering a wide
variety of banking products for both
your personal and business needs.
Three convenient locations with expe-
rienced bankers to assist you with your
financial journey. Call us today at (507)
280-0621! bankonONB.com Member
FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. (See ad
page 38)
ENTERTAINMENT
Rochester Civic Theatre, 20 Civic
Center Dr SE. Just off Broadway
in downtown Rochester, the Civic
Theatre delivers a year-round slate
of musical, drama, comedy, and
young people’s theater productions.
Their Civic Live collaborations and
performances create opportunities
for local, national, and international
writers, dancers, musicians, poets,
and performance and conceptual
artists to collaborate with the
Theatre’s directors, designers,
technicians, and teachers in the
creation and presentation of new
work. For a schedule of events, go to
rochestercivictheatre.org, or call the
box office at 507-282-8481.
Treasure Island, just minutes
north of Red Wing. Whether you’re
looking for great food and drink, big
cash drawings, a new car or free
weekend entertainment—odds are
you’ll find it at The Island. For more
information call 800-222-7077.
treasureislandcasino.com. The
Island is calling! (See ad page 5)
WHERE TO WORSHIP
Autumn Ridge Church, 3611 Salem
RD SW, Rochester. We exist to lead
people to be fully devoted followers
of Jesus and love to welcome
curious, skeptical, or hurting people
to not only visit but belong. Join us
on Saturdays at 5:30pm or Sundays
at 8:30am and 10:00am for dynamic,
live teaching and meaningful
worship. AutumnRidgeChurch.org,
507.288.8880
First Presbyterian Church, 512 Third
St SW. Worship Sunday: 10 a.m.,
507-282-1618, fpcrochester.org.
Please visit our website for up to date
information.
Grace Lutheran Church, LCMS 800
East Silver Lake Dr NE. Worship
services: Wednesday 6 p.m.; Saturday
6 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m. Sunday School
and Bible Class 10:30 a.m. “For it is by
grace you have been saved through
faith...” Eph.2:8 NIV. We welcome you
by God’s grace, will help you grow
with God’s love, and prepare you
to do His work. In addition to many
mission projects in Rochester, Grace
supports Lutheran Hour Ministries
and is a member of Rochester Central
Lutheran School Association.
507-289-7833, gracebythelake.org.
Email: office@gracebythelake.org.
Redeemer Lutheran Church, 869
7th Ave SE. Saturday: Worship 5:30
p.m. Sunday: Worship 8 and 10:40 a.m.
Sunday School & Education Hour: 9:20
a.m. Welcome to Redeemer Lutheran
Church where you’ll find a small
neighborhood church atmosphere of
friendship and fellowship. Redeemer’s
members are dedicated to doing the
Lord’s work. Our mission and purpose
at Redeemer are to glorify God through
the gifts of the Holy Spirit and to provide
opportunities for spiritual
growth. 507-289-5147,
redeemer-rochester.com. Email:
office@redeemer-rochester.com.
ADVERTISERS INDEX
Altra Federal Credit Union ............ 40
Benedict’s ................................23, 39
Bleu Duck ..................................... 24
Bremer Bank .................................. 8
Canadian Honker .......................... 24
Carlson Capital Management ......... 6
Carpet One ................................... 59
City Market .................................. 24
Charlie’s Eatery & Pub ................. 23
Creative Hardwood ...................... 38
Dunn Brothers Coffee 2 .................. 2
Essence Skin Clinic ....................... 12
Fiddlehead Coffee Co .................. 24
Fyooz Financial ............................ 51
Hancock Mortgage ...................... 45
Hefe Rojo ..................................... 23
Hyatt House .................................. 11
Janisch Realty .........................44-55
J & J BBQ ...................................... 17
KFG Coaching ................................. 8
Kocer Elder Law .......................... 51
Local Table .............................22-24
Mayo Federal Credit Union ......17, 54
Minnwest Bank ............................ 20
Morgan Stanley ........................... 49
Newt’s .......................................... 22
Nita Khosla-Edina Realty ............... 7
Olive Juice Studios ......................... 4
Olmsted Medical Center ................. 2
ONB Bank ................................ 22, 38
Park Dental .................................. 17
Pasquale’s .................................... 24
Potbelly’s ..................................... 22
PrimeSource Funding .................. 29
Purple Goat .................................. 24
Re/Max Results ............................. 3
Rochester Area Builders .............. 37
Rooster’s Barn & Grill .................. 23
Second Saturday ......................... 53
Shorewood Senior Campus .......... 11
Smoak .......................................... 22
Sterling Bank ............................... 55
Taco Jed ....................................... 23
Terza ............................................ 22
The Galleria .................................. 39
Thrivent Financial ........................ 35
Tilda’s Pizzeria .............................. 15
Treasure Island Resort & Casino ... 5
Victoria’s Ristorante & Wine Bar .. 23
Visiting Angels ............................. 43
Wightman Brock .......................... 60
Yeimy Reintanz, Counselor Realty .. 20
JANUARY 2022 57

Rochester Magazine: Wait a
second! You’re not the same Allisa
Song who wrote “A Dynorphin
Projection From the Dorsal
Raphe Nucleus to the Ventral
Tegmental Area Mediates Stress
Potentiated Cocaine Reward in
Mice” are you?
Allisa Song: Oh, my gosh! Yes!
That is me!
RM: And they’re turning that into
a movie now, correct?
AS: Yes. In theaters January 2050.
RM: So who would play you?
AS: I’ve never even thought about
that. I love the actress from To All
The Boys I’ve Ever Loved. Have you
seen that?
RM: Um, no. I have not seen that.
AS: The actress is Lana Condor.
I love her energy on screen. I feel
like she could emulate my person-
ality. And she’s Asian-American.
RM: OK. But the cocaine mouse
would have to be voiced by
Christopher Walken.
AS: Yes. Absolutely.
RM: You mentioned that she’s
Asian-American, and you describe
yourself as Korean-American.
AS: I was born in Seoul, South
Korea, and lived there for the first
few years of my life. I moved to
the United States in 2001, when
I was in second grade. And when
we first immigrated, we ended up
in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
That’s not usually the typical
place that Korean immigrants
set as their home base. But that’s
where we ended up. I think I grew
up not feeling super confident
about the Korean part of me. My
priority was to be as American as
possible, and assimilate, and like
the things that my friends like.
RM: Makes sense.
AS: It does. It did. But I feel like I
had a self-realization or reckoning
not too long ago where I really
started to be really proud of my
58 JANUARY 2022
10 (or so)
questions with...
Allisa Song, Mayo medical student and co-founder
and CEO of Nanodropper
Korean heritage. I started to learn
a lot about the Song family his-
tory, which is from my dad’s side.
Learning about the 28 generations
that came before me and all the
jobs that people held. Things like
that.
RM: I’m going to give you some
self descriptors you’ve given. You
just give me a sentence or two
about each. Seafood connoisseur.
AS: I think my three favorite
foods are seafood. I love oysters
and clams and crab.
RM: Best seafood in town?
AS: I have to give Bleu Duck
a shout-out. I feel like [owner]
Jennifer Becker is a true embod-
iment of what it means to be a
restaurateur.
RM: Another self-descriptor:
Mom to three bunnies and two
dogs.
AS: We’ve had a lot of bunnies
in our house over the years. I was
a foster mom for critters for the
Seattle Animal Shelter. I helped
birth, like, 10 baby guinea pigs.
RM: Dancing enthusiast.
AS: I used to dance competi-
tively. I was trained in Russian
ballet, and then I did a few years
of dancing with a Korean dance
company in the Bay Area. That
was one of the influences that
Photo courtesy of Nanodropper
made me really proud of my Kore-
an heritage. Now it’s more like
dancing for fun.
RM: Keyboard player.
AS: I learned piano when I was
younger like a lot of Korean kids,
but I kind of lost it for a while.
And then rediscovered my love for
it through my med student band.
We’re called the Ectopic Beats.
RM: OK. Aspiring homestead
farm—and cow—owner.
AS: Yeah, that is my ultimate goal
in life. I have this picturesque
retirement plan, like in Hawaii.
I want to learn how to free dive
and hunt my own fish and go boar
hunting and grow my own food
with a couple of cows, chicken.
RM: Wow. That’s a specific retire-
ment plan. Are you married?
AS: No, but I am engaged. A lot
of people already know this, but
I’m engaged to Elias, the COO of
Nanodropper. We’re high school
sweethearts.
RM: Excellent. So, Nanodropper
is a device that goes on to current
eye drops and allows you to meter
out a fraction of what would
normally be metered out for eye
droppers, right?
AS: Exactly.
RM: Forbes recently put you and
By STEVE LANGE
your Nanodropper co-founders on
their “30 under 30” list. That must
have been a humbling call.
AS: It really was. But they didn’t
call. We found out with everyone
else. I woke up and there were so
many messages and emails from
other people who had seen it.
RM: And all of this is happening
alongside medical school.
AS: This is my last year of medical
school. I’m in the interview cycle
right now for a residency.
RM: So do you like Rochester? Is
this someplace you would consider
staying?
AS: Oh, my gosh, yeah. I’d love to
stay in Rochester. Nanodropper
headquarters is here. The majority
of our employees are here now,
and we’ve gotten so much support
from Minnesota.
RM: And you’re still looking for
the next big invention?
AS: Well, yes, we’re always ...
RM: Great! Because I’ve got a
bunch of ideas that just need
someone to turn them into actual
inventions. Pop-A-Lens. Boot
Scootz. Attach-A-Patch.
AS: I love the names. Especially
Attach-A-Patch. I’d love to know
what that is.
RM: I can’t tell you unless you
agree to take it on.
AS: We’ll look into it. I’ll talk to
my partners.
RM: That’s awesome! If you do
that, then I’ll let you add whatever
you want to the end of this inter-
view. Even a blatant plug.
AS: OK. Well. You can purchase
Nanodropper directly on our
website at nanodropper.com. It’s
$15 for patients, and it can pay
for itself for what it saves you in
wasted eyedrops.
RM: And then next time, you can
plug Attach-A-Patch!
AS: Yes. Next time.
ROCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM
 New Flooring Made Easy!
18 months, No Interest, Minimum Payments

5139 Highway 52 North • 282-3434

M-Th. 9-7; Fri. 9-5; Sat. 9-5
ALWAYS Free Pre Measures | Special Financing | Free Estimates
 wightmanbrock.com
507-509-2879

Let us help you find a welcoming home, or

let us help you sell your home to the right
buyer. We’re happy to help you weather
the storm in whatever transition you may
be making this season. Reach out to us with
questions at info@wightmanbrock.com