Photo Courtesy of the Mower County Independent, 135 E Main St. LeRoy, MN 55951, (507)-324-5325
Things are abuzz at The Broadway Hive, Spring Valley
Original article published in the Mower County Independent, Thursday, October 12, 2023, Reprinted with permission and gratitude.
By Gretchen Mensink Lovejoy
What’s the October buzz in Spring Valley?
It’s the Hive, baby.
Jenn Slifka’s opened a place to shop, create and bee happy—because why not, once one already owns three other businesses? The hum of each is getting into individual rhythms, so once those were established–Chateau de Chic Salon, Chic by Chateau Boutique, and Stellar 181, the taproom and restaurant she co-operates with her husband, Alex—it became time to use the building that they own across the street, the former Hop and Barrel Brewery in what was previously the Phil Sheldon Plumbing and Heating building, and prior to that, the True Value and Coast to Coast hardware stores.
Jenn related, in between giving haircuts and checking on things happening in the boutique next door, that “it is a collaboration of a lot of fun things in one building.” She expounded, “We have a home décor section, a retro/vintage section, and a shared art space for classes and community members to use. Our goal is to allow it to be open to people who want to come in and craft or do artwork, but also host a variety of classes, such as painting, potting, pottery, macrame, whatever people want to do. It is a huge building, so we tried to incorporate a lot of fun ideas that we feel Spring Valley is lacking… home décor, thrift store, antique store, vintage shop, consignment shop, art gallery, slight museum feel, art space, event space, shopping, et cetera. Sarah Kohn will be running it along with myself. Our hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 10 to 6, and open later the nights we have classes or events.”
The Broadway Hive opened during the September Wednesdays on Broadway farmers’ market, and so far, there has “been a lot of good feedback.” Slifka and Kohn will be available for a longer exchange in the coming weeks, so more information on what the October buzz is in Spring Valley will be forthcoming in an upcoming issue of the Mower County Independent. Meanwhile, curious individuals are encouraged to stop in on the corner of Broadway and Jefferson streets or log onto Facebook to find the Broadway Hive and what’s inside.
Courtesy of the Mower County Independent, 135 E Main St. LeRoy, MN 55951, (507)-324-5325
Ody’s Country Meats adds second location
Photo Courtesy of the Mower County Independent, 135 E Main St. LeRoy, MN 55951, (507)-324-5325
Kolling’s new venture is safe, versatile…fun!
Original article published in the Mower County Independent, Thursday, September 25, 2023. Reprinted with permission and gratitude.
By Gretchen Mensink Lovejoy
What’s Matt got?
A swingset for the ages.
“They are for all ages. They have many options for baby swings all the way up to two-person swings for adults so they can sit and hang out right there with their kids or grandkids,” said Spring Valley business owner Matt Kolling, pointing out that the swingsets that he now sells on his lot behind Racks Bar & Grill, just off County Road 8, are not just for the littlest jungle gym junkies.
He has long been part of his family’s businesses, including Valley Home Improvement, and has since developed his own ventures. This one just happened to evolve from his own kiddos growing into their jungle gym backyard adventure years and the accompanying terrible tangle of playset parts and the patience it requires to pick out what’s most versatile, safest and fun.
“I was looking for another product offering, and I remembered how hard it was to find a quality swingset when our kids were younger. I thought it would be a good fit with some of the other areas of our business. I think there is a big need in the surrounding area. Besides buying kits that need to be assembled, there are not many–if any–local options available that can be delivered, assembled and ready to use the same day.”
Kolling stated that he “did extensive research” before investing in playground equipment to sell to other people. “We wanted something that was top quality that was also reasonably priced. We chose to go with Adventure World because they had some great designs, topnotch quality and were a more affordable option than the other ones we researched. They also have a great online designer option where you can create your own custom swingset. They are 100% maintenance-free. With so many customers looking for maintenance-free options in every other area, I figured swingsets would be no different. No one wants to spend a weekend staining a swingset every couple of years to make it look good. There is no exposed wood, no exposed fasteners to catch a leg on, so they are extremely safe as well.”
He’s certain that “parents will love how safe and sturdy the playsets are…the quality of construction, the 20-year warranty…no maintenance, and the fact that they can be delivered and installed in your yard.” Also, he said, “The color schemes are really nice and they look super sharp sitting in someone’s yard.”
Kolling has long owned the plot on which the new playset business now stands, and with that addition, he also chose to build a new structure on the parcel for various uses. “The new building is multi-use. It is extra storage for the lumberyard; a place to assemble the playsets; and also, a shop for our equipment. We do have room on that property. With storage complexes becoming more popular, we could build multiple buildings there that could be purchased or rented. People could run a business out of theirs, use it for storage, a shop, man cave… many options. Not everyone has the space where they live, or maybe zoning won’t allow them to build. So, it is an affordable way for someone that would like some extra space for a multitude of options.”
For those who’d like a multitude of options for their play spaces, Kolling feels confident that he’s made the right choice in becoming a sales outlet for Adventure World swingsets and is looking forward to seeing babies, parents and grandparents playing outside together on the very same jungle gym.
For more information on Kolling’s new business addition, stop by the lot on County Road 8 or call 507-259-6464.
Courtesy of the Mower County Independent, 135 E Main St. LeRoy, MN 55951, (507)-324-5325
Artist brings Gospel to life at Our Savior’s, Spring Valley
Original article published in the Mower County Independent, Thursday, September 25, 2023. Reprinted with permission and gratitude.
By Gretchen Mensink Lovejoy
Our Savior’s is Drawn to the Word and ready to see the big picture.
“See the Bible story come to life before your eyes as Paul Oman paints throughout the service on a large-scale canvas…bringing the Word to life before your eyes,” shared an invitation posted to the Our Savior’s Lutheran Church (OSLC) Facebook page, highlighting that the congregation will hold a very unusual service on Sunday, Oct. 1, as it hosts Wisconsin artist Paul Oman, who sketches and paints the stories of the Gospel as he speaks about what God’s purpose is for humanity and heaven, among other messages.
The Drawn to the Word website shares Oman’s biography, citing that he was born in the beautiful state of Wisconsin, where he currently resides with his wife and children, and continues, “He had a strong interest in art early in his life, inspired by the landscapes and nature surrounding him on the farm where he spent his childhood years. At age 10, he began receiving personal instruction in acrylic, oil, and watercolor painting. During this same year, Paul was the Wisconsin elementary youth selected to present an original watercolor to the governor at the State Capitol for Youth Art Month, a significant milestone in his life. His passion for painting and drawing continued to grow. He studied drawing in college (along with science education, and later, divinity at seminary).”
His biography continues, “In 2011, Paul and his wife, Jana, decided it was time to take the next step in this journey by moving into this developing artistic ministry full-time, giving it the time and attention it needed if it was to grow. There was risk involved, yet promise, as well. If this is what God had in mind, then he and his family would follow where it would lead. Since that leap, Paul has painted with many churches of all denominations across the United States, in China, and in both public and private schools, with nonprofits, camps, seminaries, colleges, and with inmates at correctional facilities. ‘The greatest joy of it all,’ Paul says with a smile, ‘are the people I meet along with way. I hope that what I do gives even a small amount of hope to anyone who is in need of hope.’ Paul continues to seek out and implement new ways in which the arts can revitalize congregations and communities.” It goes on to cite, “Receiving national and international recognition for his work in watercolor, painting worldwide as a live-audience mural and performance artist, as well as demonstrating, teaching, speaking and consulting, Paul shares his joy of painting and its power to communicate with people of all ages.”
OSLC Pastor Jolene Knudson-Hanse shared why it’s so exciting to have Oman at the front of the OSLC sanctuary. “Paul Oman is a talented artist, and it is mesmerizing to watch him paint a Bible story on a large canvas in 50 minutes. He does a lot of prep work before the event. We will have amazing music during this service to correspond and complement Paul’s live painting. Jordan Buchholtz will provide captivating pieces on both organ and piano. Jordan grew up in the Our Savior’s Lutheran congregation and now serves as the principal organist at Mount Olivet Lutheran in Minneapolis. Our Savior’s bell choir and senior choir will also be offering special music.” She continued, “We invite all ages to come. Children enjoy this service – it is very memorable. It is joyful and engaging. Paul is a seminary classmate of mine, and he is a joyful, faithful, talented painter and pastor. He has brought his art to many countries, including China’s underground church. Our Savior’s is able to offer these special events because of the generosity of Clifford Kumm and the members of OSLC. We love preparing special events that bring renewal and joy to our Christian faith. Paul will explain the images in his paintings and why he chose certain colors, following the painting’s completion.”
The pastor continued, “Another pastor has shared a testimonial about Paul – ‘Featuring Paul in our worship was one of the most engaging, meaningful experiences our congregation has had in years. Paul’s gift of painting and presence are amazing, and the good news shines through him.’ My parents are driving seven hours to see Paul paint in Spring Valley! They have seen him at my previous congregations and say the event is worth the drive. Stay for pancakes, muffins, sausage and fruit following in the fellowship hall.”
The congregation issued an invitation to the community to join them on Sunday, Oct. 1, at 9 a.m., relaying, “You don’t want to miss the Drawn to the Word experience – bring friends and neighbors, and anyone who might need an invitation.” A pancake breakfast is slated to follow the service. The church’s members included that “a gluten-free griddle is available” and that an offering will be taken to help cover expenses.
Our Savior’s Lutheran Church is located at 805 S. Broadway Ave., Spring Valley, and it holds services on Saturday evenings at 5:30 p.m. and Sunday mornings at 9 a.m. throughout the fall to spring; summer services take place on Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. and Sundays at 9:00 a.m. For more information, log onto the OSLC website at oursaviorsspringvalley.com, email oursaviorsspringvalley@gmail.com, or call the church office at 507-346-7251.
Courtesy of the Mower County Independent, 135 E Main St. LeRoy, MN 55951, (507)-324-5325
Kiwanis Club of Spring Valley to Honor 2023 Citizen of the Year October 22nd
The Kiwanis Club of Spring Valley has selected Stacey Rath as their 2023 Citizen-of-the Year. Club president Dave Phillips said many great nominations were submitted but that Stacey stood out because of her long service to the community.
Stacey will be recognized by the Kiwanis Club on Sunday, October 22, at the Spring Valley Community Center with the event starting at 1:00 pm.
Kiwanis International is a world-wide service organization with its’ guiding principle being, “improving the world one child and one community at a time”. As such, the public has traditionally donated money to the club in honor of the selected Citizen-of-the-Year to be used for the clubs yearly Citizen-of-the-Year Scholarship which is given to a graduating Kingsland senior. Donations this year may be brought to the community center on the 22nd or sent to: Kiwanis Club of Spring Valley, P.O. Box 133, Spring Valley, MN 55975, in recognition of Stacey.
