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Life Community Family in Summertime in Bemidji! What to do, where to go to get the most out of the season A true ‘Leap of Faith’ The Character Challenge Course in Park Rapids pushes your limits Up in the air Learn about the growing sport of kiteboarding Summer 2014 FREE

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Page 1: inMagazine Summer 2014

LifeCom

munit

y

Familyin

Summertimein Bemidji!What to do, where to go to getthe most out of the season

A true ‘Leap of Faith’The Character Challenge Coursein Park Rapids pushes your limits

Up in the airLearn about the growing sportof kiteboarding

Summer 2014

FREE

Page 2: inMagazine Summer 2014
Page 3: inMagazine Summer 2014

Summer 2014 in magazine | 3

Page 4: inMagazine Summer 2014

4 | in magazine Summer 2014

Volume 1, Issue 3

Email in magazine [email protected]

[email protected]

1320 Neilson Ave. SEBemidji, MN 56601

218-333-9200

A BEMIDJI PIONEER PUBLICATION

Consulting Committee

Administration

Questions and Feedback

To Advertise

Staff

Copyright © 2014 Bemidji Pioneerin magazine

All rights reserved. Although some parts of thispublication may be reproduced and reprinted, we

require that prior permission be obtained.

LifeCo

mm

unit

y

Familyin

EditorCreative Director

Design Lead

Bethany WesleyAbby RandallDeborah Bradseth

DesignerReporterDesignerBusinessReporter

Advertising

Mollie BurlingameJillian GandseyChris JohnsonLarisa SeversonMaggi StiversSarah Winkle

PublisherEditor

Advertising DirectorBusiness ManagerCirculation ManagerCustomer Service

Supervisor

Dennis DoedenMatt CoryJohn SvingenTammie BrooksTim WebbEve Rongstad

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Visit www.bemidjipioneer.com, then click on in magazine near

the bottom of the page.

Cover photo by Misty Moments PhotographyAbove photo by Jillian Gandsey

Life

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Familyin

An Axe-kicking good timeThe Bemidji Axemen bring energy and fans into the Sanford Center

Take it outside!Lake Bemidji State Park is the perfect venue for outdoor fi tness

Hair today,gone tomorrowThe ins and outs of hair donation

Spring 2014 | Complimentary

inLife

Com

munit

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Family

Love Buena Vista?Meet the family behind Bemidji’s popular ski destination

The lure of ice fishingLearn what draws people to local lakes in the wintertime

Conflicting priorities?Tips for improving your work-life balance

Winter 2014

An Axe-kicking good timeThe Bemidji Axemen bring energyand fans into the Sanford Center

Take it outside!Lake Bemidji State Park is the perfect venue for outdoor fi tnfi tnfi ess

Hair today,gone tomorrowThe ins and outs of hair donation

Life

Com

munit

y

Familyin

Summertimein Bemidji!What to do, where to go to getthe most out of the season

A true ‘Leap of Faith’The Character Challenge Coursein Park Rapids pushes your limits

Up in the airLearn about the growing sportof kiteboarding

Summer 2014

FREE

20

Page 5: inMagazine Summer 2014

Old-style ice creamStep into Big River Scoop and visit Bemidij’s ice cream shop.

Challenge CourseCome along with John Andringa as he shares his experiences on the Character Challenge Course near Park Rapids.

Disc golfA look at Bemidji’s 18-hole disc golf course from the view of one of its most dedicated players.

KiteboardingMax Kelsey discusses how he went from sailing to “kiting” and what you should know about the growing sport.

HoneyberriesJim and Bernis Ingvaldson discuss their honeyberry farm, located out near Bagley.

Features

In this issueDIY ideas

Fish stories

Itasca

in style

Summer reading

Summer festivals

in shape

Grilling tips

Fresh foods

Chattin’ with Dennis

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insideSummer 2014

Summer 2014 in magazine | 5

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Page 6: inMagazine Summer 2014

6 | in magazine Summer 2014

$5.00 OFFPurchase of $25.00 or more

Expires Aug. 31, 2014

AUTHENTIC GIFTS HAND PAINTED BY YOU!

311 3rd Street NW Downtown Bemidji218-333-6880

www.myglazedandamused.com

Glazed & AmusedPaint Your Own Pottery Studio

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and try a few do-it-yourself projects at home. Here, we share a project idea from Nicole Kanani, owner/

designer of Shabby to Chic Plus Antiques.

You will need:

Directions:

clothespin p h o t o f r a m e

“I love all things ordinary, broken and old,” she tells in. “They have such character and with a little creativity it can become refreshed, renewed or something a ltogether d i f ferent .”

For more ideas from Nicole, visit

www.facebook.com/shabby2chicplusantiques

an old frame or windowpaint of your color choicewire (medium weight) needle nose pliers wire-cutter

small screws (if frame is old and there are no metal tabs that hold backing)a small clothespin measuring tape or rulerpencilfi ne-grit sandpaper

1. Take your frame/old window and remove the backing and glass.

2. Paint it the color that you wish or leave it the way it is. For a rustic look, lightly sand the edges.

3. On the backside of the frame: If your frame has the little metal tabs that hold the backing, bend them out. If you don’t have the little metal tabs, then measure out how many wires you will run and add the screws on the back of the frame accordingly.

4. Wrap the wire around the metal tab or screw once you have the wire wrapped around a couple times, bend the tab down. Needle nose pliers come in handy here as the end of the wire is sharp.

5. Now hold the wire taut. You don’t want a wimpy wire! Run the wire to the other side of the frame. Repeat step 4.

6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 as many times as your frame allows.

7. Final step! You can either leave your frame as you painted it or add crafty details like a fl ower in the corner. Grab those pics and clothespins and display those memories!

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We’d just stopped the boat at a good little spot, one I knew well, where bass could be caught.My young nephew Matt, then just 6, was ready to cast, his wheels were turning, as he smiled and asked,“Papa taught me to use his bait caster, didn’t you hear?” eyeing my bait caster, lying so near.I smiled to myself, thinking that must have taken time, “I suppose now you think, you should use mine?”He smiled hugely, and traded me rods, he threw out the line, with a confi dent nod.I wasn’t surprised when he got a backlash, he smirked at me and said, “Huh, it must just be Papa’s, that I can cast.”

Ten years after I untangled that knot, I was fi shing with Matt’s little sister, a lot.Sunnies, crappies, and bass we would chase, Haley used whatever rod would fi t the case.She preferred panfi sh most often, but one day she said, “Hey Shell, I can use a bait caster.” I just shook my head.“I’ve heard that before Sis, your brother thought so too.” I looked for a setup that she would be able to use.Haley held that ol’ bait caster just like a bat, the northern she hooked didn’t care about that.As her casts became smoother, her confi dence it grew, she had me watch the casts that she knew.There was a serious cast and a fun cast that got the job done, one of them was normal, the other could hurt someone.The “fun cast” looked like roping a calf, as she whipped the lure around I couldn’t help but laugh.When she reeled in that popper, I heard a small splash, Haley shocked even herself, as she caught a nice bass.

While summer wound down, coming on to September there was a day many years ago, I couldn’t help but remember.The morning sun lazed off to the east, I wasn’t quite awake to say the least.I watched my dad demonstrate a different technique, one he wanted me to use, to help us compete.I picked up my bait caster, and let the lure fl y it didn’t travel far, so I gave it another try.I reeled the lure back, and it walked across the water, it didn’t quite move as it had for my father.I stared intently, waiting for the strike, fi nally it came, and I jerked with all my might.I’d set the hook too soon, and true to my luck, the lure came at me, too quickly to duck.Thank goodness for the glasses and hats we would wear, or the scar on my forehead might still be there.

All Tangled Up, Waiting for a Biteby Shelly (Newell) Willison

It was just another day on the lake fi shing with my dad. The sun was shining but it was cooler outside, shorts and sweatshirt weather. My dad is typically the one who reels in the bigger fi sh while I tend to catch the small ones.

This day would be different. I cast my line in and started off just like normal,

pulling in a few sunfi sh. I put my line in the water and something instantly pulled the bobber under the surface level and was pulling hard. I tried to reel my line in as fast as I could while keeping it under control. I couldn’t tell what was on the end of my line but I expected it was just another sunny who wanted to fi ght. However, at one point the fi sh managed to get itself to the surface, and the splash indicated this was much more than a sunny. At this point, my dad had set down his pole and grabbed

a net. With his help, I was able to get the fi sh into the boat.

It was a largemouth bass, for which the season started the next day. After snapping a photo of the fi sh, I returned him to the lake. The same day I caught three more bass, but had to let those go too.

I spent the rest of the summer hoping to catch another, but it never happened.

Maggi, with the fabled largemouth bass.

Used with permission. Nature’s Calling comics — “inspired by nature and the artist’s own ill-fated attempts to match wits with it” — are drawn by Aaron Anderson of Bemidji. You can view more of Anderson’s comics at www.facebook.com/NaturesCallingComics.

Fishing funniesby Maggi Stivers staff writer

Page 9: inMagazine Summer 2014

Summer 2014 in magazine | 9

• For early-season walleyes you can’t beat a jig tipped with a minnow, and on many area lakes the minnow of choice is the spot tail shiner. A slow presentation usually works best in cold water. Experiment with the angle of the line. Sometimes vertical jigging near or under the boat is best. Sometimes a longer line fi shed at a steeper angle works better. The key is to let the walleyes tell you what they want and how they want it.

• As the season extends into June other natural walleye baits, including the leech and the nightcrawler, can be very effective. They can be fi shed on a jig, on a plain hook under a bobber, combined with a spinner or on a live-bait rig. Walleyes can still be found shallow along the shoreline breaks but they also will migrate to the lake structure areas which can be rock, humps, fl ats and weeds.

• Some days walleyes can be very fi nicky and almost impossible to coax into biting, especially during the daytime hours. On those occasions anglers may consider switching tactics and targets. Panfi sh, perch, northern pike and rock bass often can be much more cooperative to the angler and can provide hours of fun and fi llets for the table when the walleyes are tough to fi nd. Inexperienced anglers and youngsters can become bored and lose interest if the fi sh are not biting so never hesitate to head to the weedlines and target the pike or panfi sh.

• To catch large panfi sh, don’t be afraid to use jigs as large as 1/32nd or 1/16th an ounce. A bull sunfi sh will

have no trouble inhaling a piece of nightcrawler or a panfi sh leech slowly worked on a jig. Depending upon the day, the conditions, the structure and the mood of the fi sh, the jig can be slowly trolled, vertically worked under the boat or suspended under a bobber. Use light line for the best action and be prepared for a workout because a bull sunfi sh or slab crappie will put up a fi ght on light tackle.

• For a change of pace, grab the waders and head to one of the area’s trout streams. Bemidji Area DNR Fisheries offi cials, with help from volunteers (including members of the area Trout Unlimited chapter), have improved habitat in the area streams and many of them now boast self-sustaining brook trout water. That list includes the Necktie River, Bungashing Creek and Kabekona River in Hubbard County a few miles south of Bemidji. Rainbow and brown trout are stocked each spring in the Clearwater River west of Bemidji near Pinewood and those fi sh provide excellent action and tablefare for the angler who can read the water. The Battle River north of Bemidji near Kelliher also is stocked with rainbow trout while Sucker Brook near Itasca Park contains both stocked and naturally reproducing brook trout.

Pat Miller is the outdoor editor of the Bemidji Pioneer

and has been toting a pole to likely fishing spots in Minnesota for 50 years, including the past 33 in

the Bemidji area.

Good things come

those who bait

to

For a successful summer of fi shing, follow these tips from in magazine resident fi shing guru, Pat Miller.

by Pat Miller staff writer

Page 10: inMagazine Summer 2014

10 | in magazine Summer 2014

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&

www.watermarkartcenter.org218-444-7570

426 Bemidji Ave N. Downtown BemidjiOpen Tue-Fri: 12 Noon - 5 pm | Sat: 10 am - 2 pm

Watermark Art Center & Shop 426 - features exhibits and fi ne art and craft for sale by local & regional artists

Present the 47th Annual Art in the Park Fine Art & Craft Fair

July 19th & 20th, 2014Find original handmade fi ne art & craft, food and fun in Library Park,

Downtown Bemidji

We all scream for ice cream!

If you’re visiting Paul and Babe this summer, a sweet treat is just across the street.

The new Big River Scoop offers hand-scooped premium ice cream products, including non-dairy items. It also has handmade New York-style pizza with large “Paul’s Pepperonis” and other baked items for customers.

Big River Scoop opened in March and is located right across the street from the Lake Bemidji waterfront. It is owned and operated by Dan Rice and his wife, Mayana. Through the Big River Scoop Facebook fan page, they promote daily sales and reach out to the community with polls for possible new flavors.

Dan Rice said he personally tried a lot of the flavors to see what he would be interested in offering.

There is an assortment of toppings, including Oreos, peanuts, almonds, pineapple, strawberry, sprinkles, Snickers, hot fudge, chocolate chips, and others. The store makes its own cones that can be dipped in chocolate as well.

Outside of the treats, Big River Scoop also showcases works from local artists and books by Minnesotan authors. There also is a philosophy room where students can study. Dan Rice, an author himself, said he wants the shop to be a presence on the local arts scene.

by Joseph Froemming staff writer

Page 11: inMagazine Summer 2014

Summer 2014 in magazine | 11

Chill out at Big River Scoop, and try their hot-menu

items like New York-Style Pizza.

*All natural

THE FLAVORS!•Birthday Cake

•Blueberry Cheesecake•Cookie Dough

•Kitty Kitty Bang Bang•Mint Avalanche•Salted Caramel

•Scotch Ale Caramel Crunch•Zanzibar Chocolate*

•Black Cherry•Blue Moon

•Strawberry•Butter Pecan Soy

•Espresso Oreo Soy•Vanilla Chocolate Chip Soy

•Carrot Mango•Italian Ice

•Raspberry Lemon Twist•Fat Elvis

•Heaps of Love•Maple Nut

•Pistachio Nut•Rocky Road

•Snickers and Fudge•This $&@! Just Got Serious

•Yippee Skippee•Iced Latte-Da Bang!! Caffeinated Ice Cream

•Old Fashioned Vanilla*•Vanilla Bean*

Page 12: inMagazine Summer 2014

ExploreItascaWhat to do, what to see while spending a day, weekend or longer at Minnesota’s fi rst state park.

Photography by Monte Draper

Coborn’s Lake Itasca Tours welcomes visitors for tours on the Chester Charles II on Lake Itasca.

Itasca boasts 16 miles of

paved cycling trails and

49 miles of hiking trails.

(Note: The 6-mile bike trail is under

construction. It is expected to

reopen in July.)

There is something special about Itasca State Park.Established in 1891, Itasca is Minnesota’s oldest state park. Today, the park totals more than 32,000 acres and includes

more than 100 lakes, including Lake Itasca, from which the mighty Mississippi River begins its 2,552-mile journey to the Gulf of Mexico.

The park, covering 33,235 acres, beckons more than 107,000 overnight guests a year and hosts more than 550,000 annual visits.

Itasca State Park itself is a National

Register Historic District and has many historic sites withinthe park.

12 | in magazine Summer 2014

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From fi shing to swimming to kayaking to exploring, Itasca offers a variety of activities to appeal to all ages.

While visitors rarely forget to skip across the

rocks or walk across the log bridge indicating the source of the Mississippi River, there are plenty of other attractions to entertain the whole family.

Visit historic sites such as the Itasca American Indian Cemetery and Wegmann’s Cabin, climb the fi re tower, explore Wilderness Drive and the 2,000-acre Wilderness Sanctuary, walk among the tall pines in Preachers Grove, or just fi nd a quiet spot of earth, lay out a towel and take in the peaceful serenity.

Itasca has been named among

the America’s best 10 state parks by Fodor’s Travel!

Page 14: inMagazine Summer 2014

14 | in magazine Summer 2014

inby Maggi Stivers staff writer

Jeans and a white T-shirt: a simple classic look that will never go out of style. But this outfi t can also be a blank slate, a chance to add a necklace, throw on a cardigan and have a completely new and different look. Summer is a great time to consider adding accessories to complete an outfi t.

Alex Gerchy, a nursing major at Northwest Technical College, agreed to let us take her to visit a handful of area retailers and use their accessories and products to achieve very distinct looks, all based off the same classic template.

A c c e s s o r i z i n gyour look

style

Our fi rst stop was at Morell’s Chippewa Trading Post in downtown Bemidji.

Here, we focused on jewelry all in the same color family. We added a chunky brown necklace and several bracelets with a pair of short fringe moccasin boots to make a more earthy look.

To add more color, we started over, focusing on teal with a two-strand necklace paired with a caramel feather necklace with a teal accent bead on a leather strap. We also added several rings, teal and brown colored to complete the outfi t, and a pair of regular moccasins.

Page 15: inMagazine Summer 2014

Summer 2014 in magazine | 15

We Love What We Do, And It Shows!

Our Experienced & Creative Design TeamCan Assure You High Quality Service

www.hairteasersstudio.comHours: Mon 8am-3pm • Tues-Thurs 8am-7pm • Fri 8am-4:30pm Sat. 8am-2pm

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Our second stop was at Barbwire Clothing Company in Blackduck for a country look, where it was all about the bling.

Our last stop was at Trendy Chics Boutique in Wilton for a casual, clean look.

Page 16: inMagazine Summer 2014

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This outfi t was based on a teal and pink necklace with a sparkly pink bag. We included a belt that would be sure to catch someone’s eye, along with a classic pair of cowboy boots. We also included a teal ring and bracelet to bring it all together. The tan hat with a little sparkle on the side topped off the look.

We added several accessories: a necklace, bracelets and moccasin boots, all in a similar color fi eld. Each piece is a different shade of brown but they complement one other. This outfi t is simple and can be worn to any summer event.

We were inspired by an adorable blue patterned top and a red purse to create a Fourth of July outfi t. We added a red watch with a necklaceand sandals that also included red.

Barbwire Clothing Company

Trendy Chics Boutique

Morell’s Chippewa Trading Post

Page 17: inMagazine Summer 2014

Summer 2014 in magazine | 17

SUMMER READING IDEAS!Helping to usher in summer for the fi fth year in the

row is the Bemidji Public Library Book Festival, an event that celebrates literature and brings to town a range of accomplished writers to speak about their work and share their talents with local audiences.

While the event itself only lasts one week — this year from June 16-21 — we offer the following recommendations from this year’s Book Festival authors to keep the spirit of the festival going all summer long.

For the adults

For the kids/family

Capitol Hella humorous novel about life as a Capitol Hill staffer

by Jayne Jonesand Alicia Long

My Heart is Like a Zooa picture book

by Michael Hall

Soup Stonean established favorite

by Ann McGovern

Turn Left at the Cowa mystery novel

by Lisa Bullard(a one-time Bemidjian)

Vacationlanda collection of linked stories about a fi ctional northern Minnesota fi shing resort

by Sarah Sontich

The Devil May Carea new mystery about a missing man

by David Housewright

Don’t forget!The Summer Reading Program at the library

kicks off in early June and will last all summer, encouraging children to continue reading while on break from school. Also, storytimes will continue all summer long, inviting young children to come hear books and create crafts. Storytimes are held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Page 18: inMagazine Summer 2014

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6-7 Paul Bunyan Downtown Days Kraus-Anderson Walleye Classic | Bemidji

8Bark for Life | Bemidji Enjoy the K-9 unit demo, doggie games and a walk with your dog.

13Hubbard CountyRelay for Life | Park Rapids

14• Lot 6 Art Fair | Bemidji• Emmaville Annual Centennial Celebration | Games for kids, rhubarb pie contest and live music

16-21Bemidji Book Festival

20-21Moondance Jammin Country Fest | Walker

21Bike Bemidji Loop the Lake Festival

27-29Paul Bunyan Days | Akeley

28Northern Cass County Relayfor Life | Walker

20-22Waa Wiye Gaa Maag (Round Lake) 9th Annual Traditional Pow Wow | Squaw Lake

2-6Bemidji Jaycees Water CarnivalFood, rides and games

8Sweetheart Days | Hackensack

11-14Deer River Wild Rice FestivalRides and games

12• Relay for Life of Beltrami County | Bemidji• Art in the Park | Bagley

134th Annual Bite of Park Rapids

4-6Fourth of July traditional Pow Wow

Cass Lake

5Fourth of July | Laporte

66th Annual Nevis Pig Races

4Fourth of July events- Bemidji

- Debs- Hackensack

- Park Rapids- Walker

Bemidji Area • Park Rapids Area • Walker Area

18 | in magazine Summer 2014

Page 19: inMagazine Summer 2014

JULY

30-Aug 3• Beltrami County Fair Bemidji• Clearwater County Fair Bagley

31-Aug 2Lake Bemidji DragonBoat Festival

1-3Lake Itasca Family Music Festival

2-322nd Annual Field DaysPark RapidsTractor parade, tractor pull, music, sawmill activities and more

3Taste of Dorset

7-9Legends & Logging DaysPark RapidsWater wars, lumberjack show, kids events and more

9• Depot Day | Bemidji• Laporte Days

14-16Cajun Fest at Northern Lights Casino | Walker

16-17Forestedge Winery Art Fair Weekend | Laporte

22-24Cha Cha Bah Ning Annual Traditional Pow WowDeer River

29-31Wee Gitchie Ne Me I Dim Contest Pow Wow | Cass Lake

2• Bemidji Crazy Daze• Walker Bay Days

17-19Moondance Jam | Walker

18-20Mii Gwitch Mahnomen Days 521st Annual Traditional Pow Wow

19-20Art in the Park | Bemidji

24-26Cass Lake Rib Fest

25-27Lake George Blueberry Festival

26Blackduck WoodcarversFestival

25-27• Onigum Annual Traditional Pow Wow• 64th Annual Muskie Days Festival | Nevis

Summer 2014 in magazine | 19

AU

GA

UG

Page 20: inMagazine Summer 2014

What happened over the next few hours was a swirling concoction of laughter, fear, relief, and thrills. relief, and thrills. ”

What happened “

Page 21: inMagazine Summer 2014

Summer 2014 in magazine | 21

My day at the Character Challenge Course in Park Rapids was one of the best experiences I’ve had living in the Northwoods. I sort of agreed to this adventure blindly. I knew the Character Challenge Course had a zip line and a rope swing, but didn’t really know to what scale. When convincing my roommate to come with, I described it as a bunch of toys in the woods. I also knew it was a character-building camp, but what comes to my mind when hearing that is falling backwards blindly into someone’s arms. It’s hard to draw a parallel from my preconception of what the Character Challenge Course was to what it actually is.

Without realizing it, you’ll be asking your friends for help and encouragement, all while overcoming your own fears. What happened over the next few hours was a swirling concoction of laughter, fear, relief, and thrills. I’ve done a few high-adrenaline stunts before: skydiving, snorkeling, surfi ng, wakeboarding, a few snowboarding trips and a decade worth of skateboarding. This is different.

Travis Guida, director of operations, welcomed us to the course. We fi tted ourselves into safety harnesses and helmets and learned how to use the self smart belay, a self-harnessing system that uses a series of pin-like keys to ensure you’re always harnessed without the need of instructors. We then headed to the High Ropes Course. After volunteering my roommate to go fi rst and watching him climb up to the fi rst platform and make his way across the Burma Bridge, I was all gung ho to start the

MY ‘LEAP OF FAITH’AT THE CHARACTER CHALLENGE COURSE

by John Andringa special to inPhotography by Jillian Gandsey

The Character Challenge Course Co. is known as C4, a metaphor of sorts as that is the acronym also used to describe an explosive that can change the shape of rock or structures. The elements found within the Character Challenge Course offer participants the chance to do that themselves, to push themselves beyond what they think they are capable of and learn to trust their teammates.

The Character Challenge Course, located just outside of Park Rapids, offers a range of elements, from low-ropes to high-ropes, to encourage and foster team-building. The course, which most recently added an obstacle course, also for the fi rst time will be open daily for any thrill-seekers who want to test their limits.

Learn more at characterchallengecourse.com

Page 22: inMagazine Summer 2014

22 | in magazine Summer 2014

challenge myself. Climbing the tree was easy, but I was quick to ask

for advice on how he made it across the Burma Bridge so gracefully. The fi rst few steps weren’t so bad, but as I reached the midway point things became shaky. Keeping a nervously tight grip on the ropes helped, and I eventually made it to the next platform. At this point it was decidedly fun. I knew the obstacles would be challenging, but my mindset was on enjoying them, not fearing them. The next few obstacles, the Jungle Line Walk and Postman’s Walk, were easy enough to overcome.

While standing on the platform before the Indiana Jones bridge, watching my roommate fl y down the zip

High Ropes Course

It starts with climbing 35 feet up a red pine tree. This is the main course of the high ropes challenge, combining four obstacles and a zip line.

The fi rst obstacle, the Burma Bridge, involves walking across a cable with nothing but some loose ropes for support, lots of shaking involved.

The next element, Postman’s Walk, forces you to lean in and get lateral. A rope sits a few feet away from the cable for balance, inevitably you’ll end up staring down at the ground as you stride your way across.

The Jungle Line Walk again forces you to walk across a cable, but this time the only thing supplied for balance are a series of hanging ropes, so hold on tight.

The last obstacle resembles that of the bridge from Indiana Jones, a series of wooden planks that stretch between two platforms with no railings or rope for support.

Finally you get to the 370-foot zip line, the icing on the cake. After overcoming the previous elements the zip line is like a reward, a long wind-in-your-face celebratory reward.

3G Swing

The 3G Swing is a big test in courage and commitment. First, you climb up to the platform using staples driven into a tree.

Then, you attach your harness to the swing, a series of cables that run out to two freestanding trees. Below the platform is a clearing in the woods, providing you a narrow path to swing through. It’s not a physically demanding challenge, but plucking up the nerve to step off the platform requires all of one’s bravery.

After committing, you may briefl y regret it, the fi rst swing back and forth is scary. So let out a few screams. The relief will swell over you quickly as you fl ashback to your favorite childhood swingset.

line, I thought about how no one in our group had failed. We were obviously all scared at some point, but all of us had made it across the obstacles without falling. It was at this point I decided I would challenge myself to make my way across the Indiana Jones bridge without the help of my hands. It was a slow process, carefully making one step at a time from plank to plank. The bridge was about twice the length of the earlier obstacles, and by the time I reached the middle it was indeed shaky, the whole bridge would shift as I stepped. I did eventually reach the end, and I’m happy that I challenged myself and succeeded.

The zip line to me was like the reward for completing the course. The Character Challenge Course sits in a pine tree growth between Potato Lake and Eagle Lake, and

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Summer 2014 in magazine | 23

the zip line provides a nice overlook of the property. The zip down was exhilarating and almost relaxing compared to the other obstacles.

After completing the High Ropes Course and arriving back on the ground we set our sights on the 3G Swing. After watching my girlfriend climb up to the platform and climb back down without swinging, I knew it would be a challenge to commit. I made my way to the platform. Our instructor, Guida, was waiting to strap me in and give me instructions on where to stand. It was hard to comprehend what he was saying, as I was busy staring down at what was my impending doom. All of a sudden everyone is counting down “3, 2, 1,” and I perform this little scoot off from the platform, and here I am falling to the ground, scared for my life. Finally, the swing comes into effect and it felt like all the fear has been lifted. I’m flashed back to the swingset across the street from my parents’ house, although on a much larger scale.

We then moved on to the Leap of Faith. At this point in the day I was getting exhausted, but this seemed like the easiest obstacle of the day. Guida told us that the Leap of Faith is meant to represent a life goal, one that we proclaim to our group as we stand at the top, and that jumping to the trapeze bar signifies our commitment to that goal. As I started to climb, I was more worried about what to say than about the leap itself. In the end I made some generic point about how I wanted to exercise more. I made the jump and as I hung there I was overcome with relief that I made it through all of the day’s obstacles.

Leap of Faith

The Leap of Faith is a solo act consisting of climbing a 25-foot telephone pole, perching yourself on its peak, and jumping out to a trapeze bar. It’s surprisingly challenging to get yourself perched on top. With nothing around to reach to for support, you’re left in an odd squatting stance while working your way to standing on the top.

The trapeze bar sits far enough away that without fully committing to the jump you won’t make it, but not so far that you really have to stress yourself leaping out for it.

The leap is a metaphor for a life goal, and completing the leap is seen as a commitment to achieving that goal.

·

To view a video montage of John’s experience at C4, visit inmagazine.areavoices.com.

Page 24: inMagazine Summer 2014

24 | in magazine Summer 2014

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RIDING THE WIND“I did it backwards,” Kelsey confessed.

“I started with a huge kite. It’s best to start small and grow with experience.”

He said there are a lot of how-to videos on YouTube and articles online with advice on kiting.

Kelsey uses a 4-line 14-foot kite in which a person is attached to two middle lines and two outer lines are used to steer. The outside lines are connected to a bar that slides up and down the two middle lines.

“This is such a new sport, in the early 2000s the technology wasn’t there,” Kelsey said. “Since about 2008, 100 percent de-powering is happening.”

De-powering is needed for a safe landing and new technology is preventing cable tangling which allows for relaunch, Kelsey explained.

Kelsey kites with a partner on Lake Bemidji and Leech Lake most often. He said Lake Bemidji has ideal “gnarly” west winds, but lacks big beaches and

You don’t need gnarly waves to surf Lake Bemidji, just a gnarly wind.

Max Kelsey has been surfing across Lake Bemidji for the past three years — with a kite. Kiteboarding and kitesurfing have been gaining momentum on bodies of water across the nation.

“It’s kite anything,” Kelsey explained. “It’s adaptable to anything you can wear or put on your feet or ride.”

Kelsey, 31, grew up sailing Lake Bemidji with his father, Michael. He now keeps his own 15-foot sailboat on the lake. Three years ago, Kelsey broadened his love of wind sports to include kiting.

“The core of kiting is sailing, harnessing the wind,” Kelsey said. “The mindset is riding and being one.”

Kelsey describes kiting as a silent, meditative, “green” sport. He said after researching kiting for a few years he taught himself how to glide across water and ice. He, however, advises learning from a certified instructor.

In big winds a smaller kite is best. A larger kite can be used in light winds.

Water kiting should be started from shore and always with a rescue

boat on scene.

Kite with a partnerfor safety.

Research and plan before you launch.

Kiting Tips

by Crystal Dey staff writer

Page 25: inMagazine Summer 2014

Summer 2014 in magazine | 25

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green space around the edge of the lake. Space is needed to set up safely.

“I’ve been doing this for three years but I’m still novice, I’m still learning,” Kelsey said. “Every time you go out and set up, it’s a learning experience and it’s always new. You always gain experience that you take to the next launch.”

Kiters need to understand the wind, be strong swimmers and know how to de-power and steer their kite. Kiting is a sport anybody can do and can be done year-round. Kelsey has seen children as young as 6 kiting safely next to shore.

Kelsey’s most memorable launch was in the winter.

“One winter day I could have gone forever. It was so windy and I had an oversized kite,” Kelsey said. He added that kiting isn’t about catching air for him, it’s about the ride.

“I’m not a freestyler. I’m a free rider,” Kelsey said.

Ice skates, skis, snowboards, rollerblades and wakeboards are some things Kelsey said will work for kiting. He buys most of his equipment on eBay and said a person can get started for around $1,000.

Separate equipment for winter and summer can be bought, but the same gear can be used also. Summer-specific kites are inflatable to maintain rigidity. In winter, danger of elements and cold can cause equipment to break. He said in the last decade a lot of technical advancements have been made with equipment as far as

materials.“You don’t want to sacrifice

on equipment. You have got to be responsible in what you buy,” Kelsey said. “You have to be careful and plan. People have lost fingers, it can really be dangerous.”

He cautions to beware of “kitecidents.” A lot of his gear was used once by inexperienced people and sold after a bad experience.

“Mother Nature is so powerful, she can pick you up and slam you down,” Kelsey said.

But, once a kiter gets acclimated to the sport, it can be

enjoyed in the Bemidji area anytime.“As soon as the ice goes out, if you’ve got a dry suit,

you’re out there,” Kelsey said. “I’ve seen people in Minnesota on YouTube go from water to ice with a metal blade on their wakeboard.”·

Page 26: inMagazine Summer 2014

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As soon as all the snow melts, sometimes even before, you can fi nd Wade VanKempen playing a round on the Bemidji disc golf course, which opens each spring as soon as the trails are dry.

The Bemidji disc golf course shares its home with the Montebello Ski Area, tucked behind the Bemidji Curling Club and Neilson Reise Arena at Bemidji City Park.

VanKempen was driving past the course toward the end of April, itching to get back on it.

“I saw them putting up the targets, so I just pulled in and waited for them to fi nish,” he said.

The disc golf course was expanded from nine holes to 18 holes in 2010, when City Park as a whole underwent extensive renovations. Tee pads, signage and a small parking lot were added for disc-golfers at that time. The City of Bemidji also added a sign at the entrance to the parking lot and course this year.

There is no fee to play; the only cost is that to purchase a disc.

A walk in the woodsby Maggi Stivers staff writer | Photography by Monte Draper

Above:Wade VanKempen aims at a target.

I’m here every day after work.

Page 27: inMagazine Summer 2014

Summer 2014 in magazine | 27

Although he has only been playing for three

years, VanKempen has found a love for the game. “In the summer, I’m out here every day after work,” he said.

VanKempen started playing casually with a few friends but independently he took his game to the next level.

“I did go online and watch a lot of videos of the pros and learning how to throw,” he said. “It takes a lot of work to get the throws down.”

The best piece of advice he can offer to a beginner is to throw across the center of your body, resulting in a more straight throw.

“I see a lot of people throwing at waist level, with their wrist like a regular Frisbee, so that’s where they go wrong,” VanKempen said.

VanKempen uses several different types of disc golf discs, including a fairway driver and a putter.

“I have 15 (discs) in my bag and I use probably 12 of those, every round,” he said, adding that those who play at the professional level often carry 50 to 100 discs.

The type of disc used is important, especially on the

Bemidji course as it is fi lled with trees. A disc made from star plastic is the best, he said, in terms of the durability while still having a high performance level including a high speed and longevity.

“You can hit all those trees, and bang up a disc pretty easily,” he explained. A disc that has been thrown against a tree can cause trouble later as it will fl y differently.

VanKempen participated in the Minnesota Majestic, the

largest disc golf tournament in the state, last year and plans to do so again this year.

“The fi rst couple of days, I was impressed with myself, I was in the top 20, and then the last day, it was raining and horrible, and I didn’t do well,” he recalled.

His fi nal placement was in the top 50 in the amateur division.

VanKempen’s favorite part of playing the game is

being able to spend time outdoors.“It’s very calming to walk around,” he said.Yet, he admits there is a difference between playing a

round by himself and playing with friends,“If I by play by myself, I’m pretty relaxed, but if I play

with somebody else, it gets pretty competitive.”In Bemidji, where he plays often on the disc golf

course, VanKempen has inevitably come to know others who share his enthusiasm for the game, often developing friendships with them.

“When you’re out here every day, you meet other people that are out here every day too,” he said.·

If I play by myself, I’m pretty relaxed, but if I play with somebody else, it gets pretty competitive.”

Above: VanKempen keeps 15 discs in his bag and uses about 12 each round.

Page 28: inMagazine Summer 2014

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DISC GOLFALL ABOUT A Frisbee will only fly about 175 feet, but a disc golf disc

can fly 400 feet.

Here are the different types of discs:

1

2

3Driver: The most common and longest-flying, with a sharp edge. The driver has the style and shape more like a discus than that of a Frisbee.

Mid-range: Used for fairway shots, has added control and edges that are bevelled yet slightly blunt. They are used for shorter approach shots, those that need to be more accurate than a driver and land near the basket.

Putter:The slowest and shortest-flying. They usually have a good glide and are very easy to control and finesse. They, generally, are the most accurate discs and closest to a traditional Frisbee shape, in order to slow the disc down and catch hold of the chains to fall into the basket.

The target: A disc golf basket, also referred to as baskets, where the player aims. Disc must drop into the basket to end play.

The jargon: • Ace: a hole-in-one.• Tee pad: where play begins

for each hole.• Lie: the spot where the

player’s throw has landed. Players can mark a lie with a mini disc or turn over the thrown disc. The player’s subsequent throw is made from directly behind the marked lie.

Course courtesy: • Remain quiet and avoid movements

while others are throwing.• Stand behind the player who is

throwing.• Allow faster groups to play through

when possible.• Pick up trash and put in proper

receptacles.• Do not alter the course in any way.

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Page 30: inMagazine Summer 2014

30 | in magazine Summer 2014

berry businessThe by Zach Kayser staff writer

For Jim and Bernis Ingvaldson, the American dream consists of purple berry majesties.

Since 2010, the pair has grown fruit on their 7-acre farm near Bagley, and selling plants from their nursery to customers across the United States as “Honeyberry USA.” The product that attracted all the attention is the one the Ingvaldsons named their company after: the honeyberry, a shrub that can survive temperatures of up to 55 degrees below zero.

Bernis described the oblong fruit’s taste as a cross between a blueberry and a raspberry.

“There’s a special ‘zing’ to it,” she said. “They’re wonderful for … fresh eating as well as jams, jellies, syrups, ice cream topping, pies, anything you’d use a blueberry for.”

This year the farm plans for the fi rst time to have “U-pick” days where visitors can harvest berries to take home with them. Although the shrubs can live for 50 years, it takes about fi ve years for them to mature into optimal berry production, and only now is the orchard productive enough to support U-pick customers.

Their task now is to protect their plants from birds, deer and quackgrass until harvest season through natural practices, meaning no chemical pesticides or weed killers. Chemicals are lethal to the bees that the farm relies on to pollinate the plants, Bernis said.

Instead, they attach special tillers to their tractor or pull weeds by hand and put up netting to keep birds from the plants.

“They’re resistant to insects and disease, but birds will devour them if they discover them,” Bernis said.

To supplement the wild honey bees that naturally

come to the orchard, the Invaldsons have ordered bumble bees to be shipped to the

farm since the larger bees are active earlier in the year. “They actually ship a hive of buzzing bees to

you,” Bernis said of the process. The most challenging part of raising

honeyberries, according to the Ingvaldsons, is that the product is still novel and there aren’t many farms to model theirs after. However, the farm has been supported by the University of Saskatchewan in Bernis’ native Canada, and North Dakota State University’s extension center at Carrington, which both hold open houses on growing honeyberries.

There’s a specialzing to it. They’re wonderful for ...

fresh eating as well asjams, jellies, syrups,

ice cream topping, pies,anything you’d use a

blueberry for.”

Page 31: inMagazine Summer 2014

They’re resistant toinsects and disease,but birds will devour

them if theydiscover them.”

Summer 2014 in magazine | 31

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As to advice for aspiring honeyberry growers, they said you should have,

at a minimum, two plants of different varieties so pollination can occur. The

plants don’t have to be adjacent to each other but should be in the same yard.

Hummingbirds can help pollinate the shrubs, but once plants bear fruit, growers should put up netting to keep larger birds from stealing

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·

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In anticipation of the Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon weekend, to be held Oct. 10-11, we spoke with Kay White, a reporter/photojournalist for FOX 21 News Duluth-Superior, who plans to run her first half-marathon at the Blue Ox.

for theof

for thefor thelove ofloverunning

in shape

in: Why did you start running?

Kay: I started running for a couple reasons. One, I wanted to improve my lifestyle. I have asthma and sitting around doing nothing wasn’t making my lungs any stronger. Ever since I’ve been running I’ve noticed a drastic change in how much my asthma has improved. I also gained weight in my last couple years of college and I wasn’t happy with how I felt. So, I decided to get myself into shape and I haven’t had a problem since!I also started running because my boyfriend (who graduated from Bemidji State University) and a lot of my friends are runners. I always saw how happy they were after accomplishing a goal like a half or a full marathon and I decided I didn’t want to be just the cheerleader on the sidelines anymore. I wanted to be a part of the race. Now I just have to hope I can keep up with them!

in: Why did you choose the Blue Ox Half Marathon as your fi rst Half?

Kay: I chose the Blue Ox as my fi rst half because I’ve been told by experienced runners it’s a great fi rst half to run because of the area. It’s not too hilly and it’s a good level for a beginning runner like myself. I love the area of Bemidji as well, with the lake and the trees all over the place, just seems like a great place to run!I also chose the Blue Ox as my fi rst half because my dad has recently decided he wanted to run a half marathon as well and after talking with him we decided we were going to run our fi rst half together. He’s coming all the way from where I grew up in Royal Oak, Michigan, so I’m very excited for him to see Bemidji in the fall and I’m honored to have the opportunity to run a race with my dad.

in: What other races have you ran?

Kay: I’ve only ran two other races. I ran the “Ugly Sweater 5k” in the

Twin Cities this past November and I’ve ran the “Turkey Trot 10K” two Thanksgivings ago in Detroit, Michigan.

in: What is your current training schedule like?

Kay: Currently my training schedule is to run between 3.5 and 5 miles, at least fi ve days a week. My actual training will begin the fi rst week of June when my mileage will go up. (Hopefully I’m ready!) And I am also doing arm, leg and ab workouts to keep building muscle.

in: Do you run to music? If so, what’s on the top of your playlist?

Kay: I can’t live without running to music! As of right now Ariana Grande and Pitbull are taking over my running playlist. Along with a band called All Time Low. Their song “The Beach” ALWAYS makes me run so fast! And being

If you stop r�nning ... it’ll get harder to move for�ard.“ ”

Page 33: inMagazine Summer 2014

Summer 2014 in magazine | 33

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a country music lover, I have to add some Eric Church and Miranda Lambert to the playlist, too!

in: What’s your best advice for people who want to start running?

Kay: My best advice would be DON’T STOP RUNNING. It’s hard to get going, but if you stop after a couple days it won’t get any easier to keep running consistently. My hip always hurts after I run but I always tell myself to not give up because if I do I won’t achieve my goals. If you stop running you’re just setting yourself back and it’ll only get harder to move forward. Keep those legs moving!

in: When you’ve hit the wall, what gets you out of it?

Kay: Those days when I hit a wall running I always tell myself to keep going because if I give up I know I’m just going to be disappointed for not reaching my goal for that day and I’m going to feel like I failed. And who wants to feel like a failure? So I go

to my favorite songs on my playlist and just keep going so I can feel accomplished at the end. Plus, if I accomplish my goal for the day I allow myself to have something sweet after dinner, like a brownie or ice cream. And a girl can’t say no to that!

in: What is your ultimate goal for running?

Kay: My ultimate goal for running would be to eventually run a full marathon in my lifetime. I’d love to

My best advice would be DON’T STOP RUNNING.“ ”

be able to run a marathon with my boyfriend (who got me into running in the first place). Sharing and accomplishing something like that with him would be amazing. But if that doesn’t happen I’d love to concentrate on half marathons and improving my times with those.· KAY WHITE

Page 34: inMagazine Summer 2014

34 | in magazine Summer 2014

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Whether it’s a barbecue, barbeque, Bar-B-Que or even BBQ, summer is the ideal the time to move your cooking outdoors and get the grill going for the season.

This time of year, while driving along the north side of Bemidji, you will often fi nd the crew of Stittsworth Meats gathered around the grill, preparing an assortment of meats for the public’s consumption.

We asked Mychal Stittsworth, second-generation owner of Stittsworth Meats, to share a few tips and recipes with readers as the summer grilling season comes into full force.

Mychal’s top tip: Cook by temp, not time!

You defi nitely need to use a cooking thermometer or meat thermometer.

Cooking thermometers and meat thermometers take the guesswork out of cooking, as they measure the internal temperature of your cooked meat and poultry, or any casseroles, to assure that a safe temperature has been reached, harmful bacteria have been destroyed, and your food is cook perfectly. A cooking thermometer or meat thermometer should not be a “sometime thing.” Use it every time you prepare foods like poultry, roasts, hams, casseroles, meat loaves and egg dishes.

Also, consider your grillStittsworth Meats has become known for its bright-

pink pig grill. Mychal, though, says that it is its insides

— or what the grill runs on — that truly should get the attention.

He has become a major advocate for wood-pellet grills, fi rst introduced more than 20 years ago by Traeger

Pellet Grills, which are all-electric: no fl uids, no lighters, and no gas. They are powered by pellets of wood shaped much like a large pill capsule.

Unlike charcoal grills, which take up to 30 minutes or more to heat up, wood pellet grills can give off an even heat quite quickly. And, unlike propane grills, which heat up quickly but lack fl avor, foods cooked on pellet grills are rich in smokiness and succulence.

Some pellet grills even come with a thermostat so that you can actually set the instrument on the exact temperature you desire. You can also "smoke" your food at a very low

temperature to create fall-of-the bone tender items like ribs or ham.

Pellet grills are also special because they give you the option of playing with different types of wood, all of which give off a unique smoke and fl avor. There is a variety of woods available — think oak, hickory, apple, maple, cherry, mesquite, and peach. Each wood will give your food a different smoke and bite, and it's really fun to be creative and play with different combinations. (One suggestion: Most people advise against using conifer wood such as pine and the like.)

S u m m e r t i m e G r i l l i n ’

Page 35: inMagazine Summer 2014

Summer 2014 in magazine | 35

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Start your pellet grill on smoke with lid open for 5 minutes to get started.

Turn grill on high for 10 minutes, then place ribs uncovered on the grill.

Cook ribs on high for 15 minutes, then reduce heat to medium for 2 hours.

At 2 hours, look at the ribs and check that the meat has pulled back from the end of the bones ¼ to ½ inch; the rib color should look awesome.

Mix up about 1 cup of BBQ sauce into a bowl. Apply liberally to the top of the ribs. Cook 15 minutes more.

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Ingredients • 6 to 8 pound brisket • Your choice of rub

Directions8 a.m.Turn on the grill to smoke with the lid open for 10 minutes. Rinse brisket and pat dry with paper towels. Trim any excess fat, but leave a fourth-inch or so.Apply your choice of rub generously all over the brisket. Place directly on the grill, fat side up and close lid. Cook on “smoke” from approximately 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Turn every 2 hours.

3 p.m.Take the brisket off grill and place on a disposable foil roasting pan. Cut up a whole onion and cover the top of the brisket. Fill bottom of roasting pan with a half-inch of your favorite beer. Turn grill up to medium (350 degrees). Cover pan with foil. Cook on medium from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.Take foil off brisket (optional: cover with your favorite BBQ sauce) and cook until approximately 5 p.m.

Page 36: inMagazine Summer 2014

36 | in magazine Summer 2014

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by Jillian Gandsey staff writer

One of my favorite summer snacks is homemade chips and salsa, and one of the best places to find the ingredients is your local farmers market.

I am lucky enough to live a block from one of Bemidji’s, but beyond convenience, shopping at a farmers market has a number of perks.

I sat down with Duane Hayes, president of Bemidji’s Natural Choice Farmers Market and owner of Paradise Valley Buffalo Ranch in Bagley, to learn why it’s so important to shop at local farmers markets.

CONTACT WITH GROWERSHayes said one of the greatest benefits for those

shopping at a farmers market is the direct contact they get with the people growing their food.

“A lot of people do come and ask a lot of questions and they’re really concerned about how their produce is raised,” Hayes said. “They get a better handle on the quality that goes into the food.”

FRESHNESSAnother reason that is nearly as important is the

freshness. Hayes said a lot of the produce brought to the farmers market has likely been picked that morning or the night before.

“It’s a lot like having your own garden and going down and getting it,” Hayes said. “It’s the next best thing to raising them yourself.”

LOCAL ECONOMYBuying from a local farmers market stimulates the

local economy. Hayes said the objective is to make a little

money and growers do try and keep the prices fairly competitive with area

grocery stores. “Some prices will be a little

higher,” Hayes said. “But the quality makes up for it.”

AND MORE!Farmers Market’s frequently have a lot more to offer

than just produce. Hayes said that Natural Choice Farmers Market has live music on Saturdays with a great family-friendly atmosphere.

The market also serves freshly brewed coffee with beans straight from Columbia roasted right on site, jams and jellies, handmade lotions and soaps, woodwork, fresh bread, meats, honey and fresh eggs.

Visit your local farmers market!Bemidji Area Farmers MarketIn the Pamida & Subway parking lot11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays10 a.m. to 5 p.m. TuesdaysNoon to 6 p.m. Thursdays9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays

Bemidji’s Natural Choice Farmers MarketIn the Union Square parking lot11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays

Walker Farmers Market617 Michigan Ave. in Walker9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every day

Bagley Farmers MarketOne block south of the stoplight in Bagley3 to 6 p.m. Fridays

Blackduck Farmers MarketBlackduck Wayside Rest9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays starting July 19

Park Rapids Farmers MarketCorner of Main Avenue South and Fourth Avenue9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays

Page 37: inMagazine Summer 2014

The Old Schoolhouse

Art Supplies • Handcrafted Gifts • Picture FramingLarge Selection • Reasonable Prices • Original Artwork

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mile west on Carr Lake Road SW & Co. #11

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H OM E M A D E S A L S A

Summer 2014 in magazine | 37

by Jillian Gandsey staff writerPhotography by Jillian Gandsey

I prefer to chop all of my vegetables by hand as opposed to using an electric chopper.

Personally I enjoy a drier, chunkier salsa, but it is way more time-consuming. I also like fewer tomatoes than those called for in typical salsa recipes that is part of what’s great about making your own: You’re in charge!

Usually, I’ll use four tomatoes, two green peppers, a cucumber and a red onion.

Once I’ve chopped all my vegetables and have them mixed together, I add kosher salt and dried cilantro. I don’t add an exact amount, but I usually give it a few taste tests as I go.

My favorite part of homemade salsa actually isn’t the salsa at all, but the homemade chips.

I rip apart tortillas and make a mixture of extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt and dried cilantro in a bowl.

Once the tortilla is in small pieces and covering a baking sheet, I spread the extra virgin olive oil over them and put them in the oven, baking them at 350 degrees until they’re crispy and golden brown.

Page 38: inMagazine Summer 2014

Chattin’with Dennis

Dennis Doeden, a news reporter at heart, is the publisher of The Bemidji Pioneer.

“Golf is a diffi cult game, but that’s what makes it so great.”

Mitchell Mackedanz says he grew up about 100 yards from the second green at Koronis Hills Golf Club in Paynesville, Minn. It’s no coincidence that he uses golf measurements to tell that story.Mackedanz is the assistant golf professional at Bemidji Town & Country Club. He fell in love with the game at an early age and qualifi ed for the state tournament as a high school golfer. He went on to play collegiate golf at Bemidji State University under former coach Don Niskanen. Now his job is to help others enjoy the game.

in: To the outsider, golf appears to be such a diffi cult game. What advice would you have for an adult who is thinking about taking up the game for the fi rst time?

MM: Golf is a diffi cult game, but that’s what makes it so great. There are simple things that can be done to make the game easier. Having beginners start from the forward tee, regardless of gender, instead of using the “men’s tee” that many men think they have to play from. Teeing the ball up no matter where you are on the golf course can make it easier for a beginner to make consistent contact. Forget about keeping score in the traditional way. Don’t count how many shots it took you on the hole, rather refl ect on the hole according to your ability, and was it a good hole or a bad hole. At the end of the round count how many good holes you had compared to bad holes.

in: Is that advice any different for children just getting started in golf?

MM: Junior golfers must have fun or they will fi nd something else to do very quickly. Most kids love to be competitive, so fi nding little games to play with juniors not only on the course but on the practice facilities can

help them improve rapidly. There are companies making oversize, lightweight clubs and balls that make it much easier for the youngest of kids to get started in the game.

in: Golf is a lifetime sport. Which golfers have been an inspiration for you personally?

MM: I have always admired the big three of golf -- Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player. I love watching those three compete each year in the par 3 contest at Augusta National. It’s great to see the competitive juices fl owing in those guys this many years past their prime.

Growing up I was always around the golf course in Paynesville. I’m not sure whether it was the small-town atmosphere or just the character of people around there, but it was almost as if I had multiple grandparents at the golf course who were looking out for me. As a kid all I had to do was show up at the course and there was always someone there who was willing to let me tag along and play with them. Many of those people had been playing the game for years and loved passing on things that they had learned in the game to a young junior golfer. There are not many sports in which a kid not old enough to drive himself to the course can compete against someone who has decades of experience.

38 | in magazine Summer 2014

Mitchell Mackedanz, the assistant golf professional at the Bemidji Town & Country Club, helps equip a guest for his his next round at the Club.

Photos by Monte Draper

Don’t count how many shots it took you on the hole, rather refl ect on the hole according to your ability, and was it a good hole or a bad hole.

Mitchell’s advice for new golfers

Page 39: inMagazine Summer 2014

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Page 40: inMagazine Summer 2014