Chris Hahn

Original article published in the Mower County Independent, Thursday, January 26, 2023.   Reprinted with permission and gratitude.

By Gretchen Mensink Lovejoy 

 

The Spring Valley Kiwanis Club has selected Garrison Hubka as one of its Kiwanis Academic Excellence Award recipients.

The Kingsland senior has a busy schedule. He related, “For sports, I run cross country and track. I also play basketball. For clubs, I am active in the National Honor Society (NHS) and Key Club. My favorites are cross country and track. I used to participate in Knowledge Bowl, HOSA, Math Wizards and football. My favorite subject from school is probably History, or Physical Education in the past.”

Garrison is employed at Home Federal. “I work at Home Federal in Spring Valley. I like the work environment and how everyone is friendly to one another. Outside of school, I am active in my church community, and in my spare time, you can find me running, watching or playing sports, hanging out with my friends, or playing video games. My favorite hobby is going for a run. My favorite movies are either the ‘Maze Runner’ series or ‘The Lord of the Rings’ series. I enjoy the action and the made-up worlds. My favorite book series is the ‘Maze Runners’ series because of how unique and intriguing it is. I listen to whatever is on the radio stations 106.9 or 93.3, and I could live on pizza for the rest of my life, but olives are just nasty.”

He added, “My biggest pet peeve is probably when people chew with their mouth open when they eat. If I could travel to any country, I’d probably go to Switzerland because of all of the mountains. Florida is probably my favorite state to visit because of the beaches and Disney World.”

The 18-year-old most admires three people who have shown him best qualities and characteristics through their actions. “I admire my father, Steve Prefontaine, and George Washington the most because of their views on life and the world and how they treat(ed) others.”

If he could do one thing to change the world, he’d try to make a difference by tackling one of two very important issues. “I would either take away weapons of mass destruction or fix pollution.” He’s currently uncertain of what he’d like to become after he graduates, but that’s left him plenty of options for his future. “I am not sure what job I want to do after I graduate, but as a kid, I wanted to be a scientist.”

The Spring Valley Kiwanis Club will recognize Garrison and his parents during the club’s Feb. 1 noon meeting at the Spring Valley Community Center. The club welcomes prospective members to join them for more information on club activities.

 

 

 

Courtesy of the Mower County Independent, 135 E Main St. LeRoy, MN 55951, (507)-324-5325

 

Being drawn by the flourishing audiobook market, Tom and Ben Kelley bring their exciting vision of The Audio Bakery to Spring Valley. The transformation of the old Spring Valley Bakery is underway with the introduction of this new audio-bakery business.  “Our audiobook production facility offers a real ‘baker’s dozen’ on Broadway Avenue with a lovely glass store-front and all of the original confectionary cases inside, creating a warm, sweet inspiration for those making and reading history in the audio booth and recording studio,” states co-owner Tom Kelley.  This family team of Tom, Carin and Ben offers readers the ability to record or publish many subjects or interests ranging from “grandfather’s photos and recollections of exploits; a rock band’s stories, with their music; tales of home or family history; wartime service, or that yet unpublished great American novel.”

Tom elaborates, “Our ability to take a dream and turn it into a reality is at the core of our business. The Audio Bakery can make these dreams come true in either a printed word – traditional – book form (words and pictures) or the recently popular audiobook (spoken words, sounds and audio effects) using audio booth software developed by Ben which is also available for businesses to purchase.”

Read the full story by Mary Whalen from the January 9th edition of Fillmore County Journal here!

 

Nick Kappers started archery under the humblest of circumstances. In November of this year, he won two gold medals while representing his country – one for individual and another for the men’s compound team at the Pan American Championship Games in Chile.

The gold medals

Kappers explained there are three categories that a person can medal in at a world tournament, but many different classes in which a team can compete. Each country has a team of four top archers from that country who goes to the event. Kappers was part of the men’s compound division, which included himself, fellow Minnesotan Sawyer Sullivan, Jimmy Lutz of Wisconsin, and Tate Morgan of Montana. Together, in the team gold medal match they won with a 234 to 233 out of a possible 240 against Colombia. In the individual gold medal match against Miguel Becerra of Mexico, Kappers won with a 149 to 148 out of a possible 150.

The team Kappers was part of is selected by a combined national point system shot at five different qualification events throughout the country. They take the top four ranked shooters to form the United States World Team. “Each of us that are on the team have known each other long before making the team as we all mostly shoot the same tournaments together through different organizations such as National Field Archery Association (NFAA), Archery Shooters Association (ASA) etc. so building friendships had happened long before we were on the U.S. Team together.”

Read the full article by David Stoeger in the Filmore County Journal here! 

Original article published in the Mower County Independent, Thursday, December 8, 2022.   Reprinted with permission and gratitude.

By Gretchen Mensink Lovejoy 

Oat, oat, oat! Merry Christmas! “We always enjoy cookies and milk, and sometimes people try to give us vegetables and fruits, but I give them to the reindeer because they can’t have the sweets. Some cookies, I take home to my wife and the elves who couldn’t get out to ride in the sleigh with me…oatmeal and raisin and oatmeal and butterscotch. If I see those, I try to take them home with me and eat them after Christmas because that’s my favorite cookie…oatmeal and raisin and a big glass of milk,” said Santa Claus, making a stop at the Spring Valley Community Center last Saturday evening, Dec. 3, during the Christmas on Historic Broadway celebration’s Supper with Santa.

The Jolly One was dropping hints–but not crumbs–about what he’d like to find on plates at every few stops throughout the night on Christmas Eve as he delivers toys to local children. The crumbs all land in his long, curly white beard, which he said he’s spent growing “all year long” to be looking his best for his night out.

“There are always little mice and birds that want to stop by and perch on my shoulder so that they can have the crumbs that I missed in my beard, but we have to be careful because there’s sparkly glitter that goes with my beard, too – it’s the same glitter that helps my reindeer fly. Rudolph is coming along this year, of course. I love all my reindeer, but he’s a special reindeer who can help guide my sleigh, so he’s a good asset to me.”

Mr. Claus noted that preparations are underway for his flight through the cold sky, and he cited that there is work to do before he can imagine sitting down to pick up the reins and crack the whip to signal his team that he’s ready to go. “We’re working on finishing up the naughty and nice list and making sure that the equipment is ready, that it’s not torn or broken so that the sleigh stays together. And the night before Christmas, I make sure that my outfit fits so that people know it’s me, and Mrs. Claus and I might have some hot cocoa and go over the list one last time…sometimes closer to Christmas, kids can be more naughty than nice because it’s so hard to wait, but mostly, they’re all nice. There’s people who get coal, but they’re few and far between.”

His stop in Spring Valley to hear Christmas wishes was a very busy one, and the children– and grownups–who sat on his knee had plenty of requests for him to bring them the things on their wish lists. “It’s always fun to see that when I go to supper in Spring Valley, all the kids like to sit on my lap and tell me what they want. I think all kids like electronic things that make noise, gadgets to play with, things like games and PlayStation. Some want a whole bunch of things or just one thing. The last few years, I’ve heard a lot of kids who want their parents to come home from the military.”

He hasn’t quite figured out what to get for the town’s re-elected mayor, however, because they’re so well-acquainted with one another. Santa’s not to be stymied, though, because it seems he and Mr. Tony Archer share an affection for oatmeal cookies. He added that perhaps he’d save a few just in case there are none left at the Archer household on Christmas Eve, and if he does so, it might make it easier for him to get down chimneys and into the little crannies that he uses as portals to deliver toys to homes that do not have chimneys. “I always get into the house if there’s no chimney…I sneak into little holes, into vents, sneak the elves in, and then we make the vents bigger or smaller. There are ways of doing that, but sometimes parents leave doors unlocked just on Christmas Eve for me. But as for chimneys and houses without chimneys, there are a lot of secret ways to get into a house, but we don’t tell because if everybody knows how I’m going to get in, they’ll know I’m coming in that way.”

He maintains a “leave few traces” policy, especially in the case of dirt tracked into houses…and in the case of reindeer poo if the team has a rooftop or front yard accident while awaiting his trip into and out of houses.

“Usually, if we spill anything, the elves clean it up while I’m in the house delivering toys. We have rails on the sleigh so that things don’t fall out, and if the reindeer leave pieces of carrots while they’re munching away up there, we try to get it all. It is hard to clear our tracks, however, and the elves do their best, but we do leave some glitter behind so that people know that we flew in.”

He addressed the Spring Valley city ordinances and the courtesy of cleaning up after one’s four-leggeds, saying, “We keep a special container for that in the sleigh…for reindeer poop. We have little reindeer bags that we use, and I make the elves do that as well while I’m inside the houses.”

Of course, he appreciates all that his elves do for him to keep the work of delivering mittens and snowpants and…even underwear—but especially toys— to stockings in homes everywhere, and he looks forward to a night with a few flurries and a whole lot of magic.

Santa concluded that his own wish for Christmas is for peace, goodwill and just a few more cookies, please, and make them oatmeal.

 

 

Courtesy of the Mower County Independent, 135 E Main St. LeRoy, MN 55951, (507)-324-5325

Original article published in the Mower County Independent, Thursday, December 1, 2022.   Reprinted with permission and gratitude.

By Gretchen Mensink Lovejoy 

It’s been “curtains” for BCT for half a century, and the incredulity of its lifespan is in what happens in the opening and closing.

“If someone had told me that it would be alive and well in 50 years, I wouldn’t have believed it!” declared longtime Spring Valley resident Debi Neville, now of Rochester.

As she was upon BCT’s 40th anniversary a decade ago, Neville was incredulous that the theatre company she founded while just three years out of high school was still in existence, producing plays throughout the year that engage people of all ages and interests who may not necessarily have a future on New York City’s Broadway but are certainly willing to act out boldly on Spring Valley’s Broadway.

At that time, she said, “I can’t believe it. Never in my wildest dreams did I think it would not only still be around this long, but it’s flourishing. I am so proud of the people who made it happen. It is an incredible group on the board, and the talent from the area is wonderful, dedicated, giving.” And she felt, and likely still does—as BCT finishes its 50th anniversary year by presenting, in cooperation with the Spring Valley Chamber of Commerce, its 17th annual Christmas on Historic Broadway town celebration this weekend, Saturday, Dec. 3 –that people might be surprised that a little town like Spring Valley has a long history of community theatre, that “it’s the longest self-supporting community theatre in a town of this size in Minnesota,” operating on ticket sales and donations, sans subsidies from the City or other organizations.

“It has been a major part of my life and that of our family. It is so rewarding to hear from past cast and crew and learn what it has meant to them. It is very rewarding to learn that many are involved in theatre and performance in some way in their present lives.”

She has explained, “BCT was formed in the summer of 1972, and our first performance was in the old movie theatre downtown. Joe Mlinar allowed us to perform on the old vaudeville stage–I wish it was still there– and our first ticket price was 50 cents.” She recounted that she started the company simply because “I loved theatre!” She continued,

“The only thing before BCT was the junior and senior class play at school, and perhaps a one-act competition. I had been bitten by the ‘theatre bug’ when my older sister was in high school plays, and I read her lines with her. Then I did theatre in high school and college and wanted to be a theatre major but dropped out to get married and move back to Spring Valley. I needed it, and I thought others might enjoy it as well.”

Because there was no theatre company to join when Neville returned to Spring Valley, she “just asked for a few donations, got $150, bought scripts, and away we went.”

The infant Brave Community Theatre took on “Roaring Twenties Scrapbook” as its first production, sporting a cast of 15 women to fill the roles, “so we cast women in the men’s roles, sort of a reversal of the ancient Greeks.” The dressing room was parked behind the old State Theatre, formerly located in what is now [2012] one of Spring Valley’s fitness centers, and it was a mad dash out of the motor home to be onstage on time.

True to form, the company traveled…just around Spring Valley’s performance neighborhood – including the high school, old elementary school on South Broadway, parks and even Forestville – and it evolved from an idea with some direction to a non-profit organization with a board of directors, meaning that it had become “an established theatre able to do large and small shows, draw people from the area to perform, do original works and bring people in from a tri-state area or more.”

BCT has produced at least 80- 100 shows and “helped or sponsored about a dozen more.” Neville cited that “Annie” or “Fiddler on the Roof” may have had the largest casts and most elaborate costuming and sets, and she suspects that the smallest show may have been “A View From Up Here,” a Christmas show that she wrote for one of the first Christmas on Historic Broadway celebrations that BCT co-hosted.

“Some of the most memorable for me are ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ because it is the only show I, my children, husband and mother were in, ‘Robber Bridegroom,’ ‘Annie,’ ‘Night of January 16,’ ‘The Remarkable Mr. Pennypacker,’ ‘Blithe Spirit,’ ‘Alice in Wonderland,’ Hello, Dolly!,’ ‘Plaza Suite,’ ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,’ ‘Tied to the Tracks,’ ‘Sweet Charity,’ ‘Ten Nights in a Barroom,’…so many fun ones, a big variety of silly, sad and serious.” The board chose to reprise “Paint Your Wagon” as its 40th anniversary show “because it had been over 30 years since I directed it, it holds the record for the largest audience, it’s a terrific show, funny, has super songs, and is not done over and over by other theatre companies.” She added, “Also, we chose it because Laurie Helmers said she would direct it, and it takes a strong cast and director. I also think the size of our undertakings, like the big musicals – ‘Paint Your Wagon’ being a perfect example – is also rather astounding. Whether you are a ‘theatre person’ or not, it is quite an achievement.”

She continued, “BCT has also produced a number of original scripts. Many were written by me, but others have approached BCT about an original piece, and we are open to doing that, taking a chance. It is a rare theatre that can do that. In the past, we have taken the show on the road, performed dinner theatres – also a rarity – and done a variety show. The choice of shows has been met, for the most part, with enthusiasm. But seeing friends and family onstage is the big draw. Not much compares with the talent and humor and drama which is presented…it amazes people over and over. Big thrill for all of us to get compliments and the look of wonder and astonishment or hear the applause and laughter.”

BCT’s founder credits family participation as one of the keys to its survival and thriving, sharing that the list of families acting or providing technical support is “just huge,” and “with each show, the group becomes a family in itself.” In 2012, she cited, “There are people I worked with 40 years ago who still stay in touch…it’s awesome.” She stated that “the number of people who have performed onstage for BCT and have continued in some manner, shape or form in theatre…it is overwhelming… and the families that are now seeing third generations on stage…are my personal reward.” “We have more people volunteering for all roles and jobs, and a fact BCT is proud of is that we have given new, inexperienced people the opportunity to act or direct. Many continue on that road…some have gone on to make their living in theatre or a related activity. An important fact is that people have performed with BCT or volunteered in another way and have gone on to get degrees in theatre. Several have started community theatres in other areas, and people have become a professional in some aspect of theatre, like Todd Copeman, Gary Johnson, Jennifer Carlson, Mary Lindsay, and more.”

Neville acknowledged that even as BCT had flourished, it faced challenges that in turn forced its creative growth, such as “space – we began at the movie theatre on Broadway, and we’ve been at the grade school, high school, community center, the old Legion, performed in the park and such, and also, some shows, we have had a heck of a time getting enough cast members – particularly males, and had to change shows, rewrite, or been really creative. Sometimes we have struggled to engage musicians, but we have been so blessed to have strong musical talent who are generous with their support…not usual for the arts. Money has been an issue, but we’ve made it through.” Money is certainly always a worry, even though actors and directors are unpaid. “I’ve written grants through the years to help us. The Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council (SEMAC) has been a source for the grants, and in fact, we received one for ‘Wizard of Oz.’ There have been a couple businesses we have turned to many times, too, and they have aided us. But by and large, we subsist on ticket sales and hope it covers expenses. Sometimes we have had volunteers put up their own money for the next show.”

Nearly every single BCT show has gone on, even in the face of no spare change, rain, blizzard or temporarily blinded lead actresses–as was the young lady portraying “Annie” in the namesake play. However, the global COVID pandemic caused the company to cancel its planned 2020 production of “The Wizard of Oz,” but that simply made way for the classic story to be produced this year as an Ag Days anniversary show. “We cancelled ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and other performances, as did everybody, but we’re no worse for the wear.”

Board members who helped BCT resume production and mark its 50th anniversary included Neville as president, Jeff Thauwald , who “has been on the board forever…and still serves as a major force behind BCT” and who made the best “Cowardly Lion,” Megan Hammon, Rob Johnson, Amanda Geer and Julie Mlinar, “and we always have a drama club student – this year’s was Josie Sanford…the addition of a Kingsland Drama Club member has been a terrific asset because fresh ideas and energy and the involvement of younger people was much needed.”

She noted that past board members include Thauwald, Carol Gross, Maria (Kujawa) Klingsheim, Linda Niemeyer, Sharanne Calabrese, her late husband Andrew “Pat” Neville, Rita Hartert, Suzie Stier Hansen, Sarah Kohn, Jack Blink and Novella Meisner. “Our strong board of directors takes things in stride. They have dedication to the purpose of BCT…all are dedicated to bringing the community another fine year of productions. Our 50th anniversary is a testament to the dedication and talent we have been able to maintain. Sometimes I’m not sure the community still knows what to think of us – many people shake their heads and wonder, ‘How do you do that?’ meaning they are amazed that we can pull off what we do…they come to see us, volunteer for ticket-taking, sewing, painting, singing, tech support and more. There were many people and obstacles that initially presented roadblocks, but we stayed persistent and proved we could do it. I also want to say that we had a couple board members who served tirelessly for 40 years – Carol Gross, who is still our historian, and Rita Hartert, who still wrangles volunteers… and Jeffrey Thauwald. My gosh, what a labor of love!”

BCT has, through lending props, advice, set pieces, equipment and costumes to the school district, returned the favors that the community has contributed because the company attempts to foster “community coordination and cooperation,” and as she pointed out several years ago, presenting a stage show draws visitors to Spring Valley and the surrounding area, providing economic opportunities for local restaurant owners, gas stations that employ local residents, and even results in an occasional overnight motel stay, “showcasing our community. Most recently, BCT’s thespians took part in the Spring Valley Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting, during which Thauwald announced, “We’re going to be acting out what some of the local businesses do, and you as our audience have to guess the names of the businesses.”

Perhaps, as the founder, one of the hardest lessons Neville learned was how to let go of BCT and let the shows go on without her direction after she and Pat moved to Rochester in 2000. “For 25 years at least, I did most of the directing, and I always hesitated to ask people to help with costumes, publicity, et cetera, so I did a lot. My own shortsightedness! When we moved to Rochester 22 years ago, I didn’t know how BCT would fare and hoped for the best. You know what? It’s better than ever! It’s grown and expanded and spread its wings to include a great many more talented volunteers in all aspects. I look forward to it continuing growing by having more people involved! We’re on social media–we have a website and Facebook and an e-mail address, or I get calls since I’m listed as a contact person, and I get calls now and then asking, ‘What’s next?’ People can contact us via those, let someone know that is involved, and they will forward to the board.”

Several years ago, Neville established that her wish for her theatre company is a simple one, even after taking the initiative to pursue her ambitions, start that tiny stage company to make Spring Valley the town of under 3,000 in which over 1,000 people in 50 years have either donned tights and sung a solo or built a barroom for the Fandango Girls to can-can in. “It is a proven fact that the quality of life is increased substantially by the arts, and I know that is true of BCT. People remark about looking forward to the next production. They want their children involved…it makes for a better life. I hope it goes on long after my voice is but an echo. My dream would be that it serves the area for many, many years to come…so when the lights are off and the curtain is closed, I remember the show and the applause, of course, but it’s the individuals and their accomplishments that are the best for me. BCT is about people, and that’s why we are celebrating 40 years!”

And upon the half-century anniversary of the very same theatre company, she concurred with her past statements, saying, “BCT is something Spring Valley should be very proud of. Its quality, longevity, self-sustaining performing arts is outstanding. It draws people from miles around, including all ages, all talents, and does so with pride. A true treasure that is here because of and for the pleasure of participants and audiences.”

Courtesy of the Mower County Independent, 135 E Main St. LeRoy, MN 55951, (507)-324-5325