Her Voice Magazine - Fall 2019 by Brainerd Dispatch and Echo Journal

ith W n i g ckin e h aine C r r â&#x20AC;&#x201D; o L da Maran Fall 2019

PLUS!

Foster + Holistic Health + Ella Pusc, Money +Families

For Your Pets

By Women. For Women. About Women.

For Alzheimer's

A BRAINERD DISPATCH PUBLICATION

Welcome home

“

I can’t say enough great things about my experience at Lakewood. -Jonna Seibert

OUT OUR ON K C

Visit our website to read Jonna’s full pregnancy story and check out our new 360° guided virtual tour where you’ll learn all about the Lakewood OB experience. If you’d like to set up a personal tour, call 218-894-8525. You have a home at Lakewood. lakewoodhealthsystem.com

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IR T U A L T O

OUR VOICE

HER VOICE By women. For women. About women. PUBLISHER

Pete Mohs ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Susie Alters Eller

CONTENT COORDINATOR

Sarah Herron COPY EDITOR

DeLynn Howard GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Lisa Henry

PHOTOGRAPHER

Joey Halvorson Downtown Brainerd looking west on Laurel Street. Photo by Kelly Humphrey, Brainerd Dispatch.

BY SARAH HERRON When you enter downtown Brainerd you’ll feel the spark of excitement. This is a community alight with the positive changes being made within it. Lisa Henry and I went to as many downtown businesses as we could to tell them about the article Sue Ready was writing and asked them if they would like to support it. The response was incredible! Thanks to all those who participated, including those who shared their stories with us! Please check out our Downtown Special on pages 19-24. But that’s not all! This edition of Her Voice is jam-packed with pieces to make you think, laugh and possibly even cry. I lost a grandmother and a grandfather to Alzheimer’s and those were tough times for my family. I applaud everything Ella Pusc and her family does to honor “Gramma Tiny.” Read the inspiring story on page 26. Animal acupuncture? I shook my head at first, but after reading the article Carissa Andrews wrote about two amazing women who are helping fourlegged friends, I was in awe. We also asked Maranda Lorraine for a check-in about her off-grid life and she delivered. Maranda is a fascinating storyteller. You will want to read her article on page 10, (and be introduced to her large, but adorable, new family member!) So many more articles and advertising make up this fabulous fall edition of Her Voice. You won’t want to put it down.

Next Issue of Her Voice: Winter - publishes Nov. 12 You can also find Her Voice Magazine in over 100 Discover Rack locations in the area or read it online at:

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Advertising: (218) 855-5895 Advertising@BrainerdDispatch.com Comments/story ideas:

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Sarah.Herron@BrainerdDispatch.com Mail: ATTN: Her Voice Brainerd Dispatch, P.O. Box 974, Brainerd, MN 56401 Quarterly publication of the Brainerd Dispatch. Printed by Forum Communications. copyright© 2003 VOLUME 16, EDITION 3 FALL 2019

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CONTENTS Fall 2019

For Her Me Time

By Michelle Oie

Her Travels Travel By Bike

Her Table

The Sweet Life

By Sheila DeChantal

By Cynthia Ransom

Her Story

Comparing types of sugar sources.

Off-Grid with Maranda Lorraine

By Maranda Lorraine

Her Career Women in Business

Submitted

Her Family Mine...For A Minute 33 By Jennifer Froderman

Her Community Won't You Be My Lunch Buddy 44 By Maureen Farnsworth

Her Passion Ella's Mission

38 Her Family

Up North Parent By Rebecca Flansburg and Laura Radnieckie Featuring a tile photo DIY project!

Her Community Kindred Spirits Channel Downtown Vision 19 By Sue Ready The downtown Brainerd business owners — many of whom are women— appreciate the beauty and history of the area and are on a mission of revitalization.

Her Health 26

By Sheila Helmberger After watching her "Gramma Tiny" suffer Alzheimer's disease, young Ella Pusc made it her mission to help others. She's raised so much money, the White House took notice!

Lakewood Health System's Fertility Program 16 By Cara Lanz

Couples who sought the help of Kelly Thompson, Nurse Practitioner at Lakewood Health's Fertility Clinic share their success stories.

4 her voice | Fall 2019 • Share your voice with us

Her Career Holistic Health— Pets

By Carissa Andrews Meet the doctors offering integrative medicines such as acupuncture and chiropractic services to pets in the lakes area.

Everything you need is right here.

L IK E N OW HE RE E LS E Our neighborhood clinics are staffed with care teams who get to know you and your family. As our patient, you can also access our Nurse Care Line 24/7 and view your health information online via MyHealth. Same-day appointments available. Schedule online at EssentiaHealth.org or call 218-828-7100.

Join our team: EssentiaCareers.org

To find a provider who is a good fit for you, view profiles at EssentiaHealth.org

FOR HER + me time

Me time A tip for new moms... and everyone else BY MICHELLE OIE

When my husband and I had our first child, I resolved my life was no longer my own. It belonged 100% to my child because that’s what I believed being a mother was all about. While perhaps noble, over time I have realized this is not the best way to think.

6 her voice | Fall 2019 • Share your voice with us

WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY

AND WHEN IS THE LAST TIME YOU DID IT?

What was the error in my thinking? It allowed zero “me” time. Since becoming a mom I’ve fought guilt whenever I have taken time for myself because I feel like I'm not being a good mom when I do. This is simply not true. I am still a good mom even when I take time for myself. Why? In order to give love, I need to have love in my "tank" to give. In order to have love in my tank I need to fill it by taking time for me. Giving and giving without recharging is not the way it's supposed to go. I need time to not be a wife, not be a mom and just be me with no expectations or obligations. Wait. Where did the expectations and obligations come from? Well, if I’m honest they came from me. This is where the guilt comes from. “Me” time doesn't fall into the “expectation” or “obligation” category. Being a mom does. Here's what I mean. If I think a good mom should clean the house (expectation) but instead I sit down to watch ”The Notebook,” I feel guilty because I'm not being a good mom by my own definition. I feel the need to do something constructive instead. I am more than a wife and a mom. I need to play in mud puddles with my Jeep and do other fun things that make me happy. What makes you happy and when is the last time you did it? I realize I need to take “me” time before I yell at a child who just wanted some water, before I snap at my husband, “There's just not enough of me to go around!,”

before I decide to get in my car and just keep driving wondering if anyone will ever notice or care that I am gone, before I start down the dangerous path of thinking I married the wrong person and that I would be happier with someone who understands me, before I regret having kids, regret my life, regret everything I’ve done and just want to leave it all behind. Before you reach your limit and do something you can't undo, recognize the path you are on and tell your family, "Mommy’s love tank is almost empty. I need to ______ so I can fill up my tank with lots of love. Then I can come home and shower you with hugs and kisses. Would you like that?" Don’t wait for someone to give you permission. No one can pour from an empty cup. We all need to recharge so we can be successful in our families, careers and daily life. Please don't lose yourself in this season of motherhood. You are worth the time it takes to become your best self so you can be the best mom you can be. Your family (and others) will appreciate it.

Michelle Oie is a motivational speaker, blogger, freelance writer and soon-to-be author whose passion is letting people know how awesome they are. She loves Jeep Wranglers, peanut butter and hitting all green lights driving through Brainerd. Learn more at www.michelleoie.com.

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HER TRAVELS + biking

TRAVELING

Left to right: Wendy Reed, Belinda Dawn, Sheila Wokson, Farrah McKinney and Sheila DeChantal.

There was once a time I thought a 50-mile bike ride was a big bike ride. BY SHEILA DECHANTAL

I’m

a good signer-upper, meaning I love to say yes to new adventures and they sound absolutely amazing when they are some distance out. As they get closer, I often second guess myself wondering often if I have what it takes. This would be, by far, my largest bike ride. Such was the signing up for RAGBRAI the summer of 2018. RAGBRAI stands for Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa and is now the largest bike tour in the U.S. and takes place at the end of July. It starts on the west of Iowa and travels to the east in this seven day ride. Yes, seven days.

8 her voice | Fall 2019 • Share your voice with us

It was my friends Belinda Dawn and Sheila Wokson who started throwing the possibility of doing this ride around. As we decided we were all doing this, Farrah McKinney also joined the group, as well as a new friend, Wendy Reed. Farrah and I being from the Brainerd lakes area planned most of our training on the Paul Bunyan Bike Trail and then moved on to biking a part of County Road 77 to get in some hills. You can sign up for RAGBRAI and be part of the big movement where they haul all your stuff for you from town to town, campsite to campsite and you camp with the masses. Or, as in our case, you connect with a team that has its own bus, hauls all your camping gear and personal items and sets up other camping site options. I was lucky enough to know someone who had completed RAGBRAI before and was able to connect us with his team, The Barking Spiders. Each RAGBRAI’s route is different and our starting point was Onawa, Iowa. I rode with friends from Minneapolis to this town a full day before the ride started to secure a good spot for camping for myself and my friends who would be joining me. I loved the energy of the people and watching this quiet town come to life as it prepared to host close to 10,000 riders from all over the world. On the night before the start of the ride our spot on a church lawn was dotted as far as the eye could see with colorful tents. I could not wait. RAGBRAI starts each day whenever you want to get up and get going. You need to tear down your tent, pack up all your stuff, and load it onto the bus before you take off. Blurry eyes but excited as you see bikes already on the road, we were usually taking off by 7 a.m. This first day our route was scheduled to be 43.5 miles. Not a bad day at all. As you bike through small towns, vendors are available for food,

BY BIKE bike gear, water refills, repairs, RAGBRAI swag, games, the occasional beer garden and more. We were like a moving weeklong carnival. You could make of the ride whatever you wanted. If you wanted to be a diehard biker and finish as quickly as you can you could. If, like us, you wanted to be more leisurely, you could enjoy the small towns and what they had to offer as well as take the time to meet some amazing people. When we arrived at our destination for the evening, our team would be secured on a church lawn or in someone’s backyard. We would have the chance to use the bus shower or a local high school or YMCA would open its doors for showers, get into some clothes other than biking gear, set up your tent and visit the town. Each night a band played and while we did see some of the bands while walking through the town in search of dinner, we never stayed up to listen to them, although often even though the bands were blocks from where we were camping, we heard them

as we went to sleep. Often we set up chairs around our camp area, chatting away and usually passed out by 9 p.m. as the next day was another day of riding. While the weather was hot during our week of riding and the hills were plentiful (don’t let anyone ever tell you Iowa is flat!), it rained a few times at night and a sprinkling once during the day. Each day we experienced more towns, more people, more great food. We traveled from Onawa to Denison, then Jefferson, then Ames, Newton, Sigourney, Iowa City and our last day and last city stop was Davenport. I liked to joke that of course we would end on the couch. One of my goals during the ride was to never walk my bike up a hill. Some of the hills were long and steep and many riders slipped off their bikes and walked along the side of the road. I would get in my lowest gear and watch my bike speedometer. I told myself that if it ever dropped below 5 MPH I would walk as that was dangerously slow with that many bikers on all sides of you. I am proud to say, I never fell below that speed on a hill and I rode every one of those hills, often getting to the top exhausted yet triumphant. Four hundred twenty eight miles in seven days. Eight days sleeping in a tent. Hanging out with great friends and having an amazing experience together. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

If you go: • Be sure to do the tire dip.

You dip your tire in the river where you start (for us that was a bonus 22 miles added to the ride as the river was 11 miles from our camp area.) And you dip your tire in the river when you are done with the ride. • Enjoy the bands and the festivities. • Do not think you cannot do this. Each day’s miles are completely doable and there is no time you need to finish.

Sheila DeChantal is a freelance writer and book reviewer. She writes about life meanderings and books at the website Bookjourney. net. She is president of the Friends of the Brainerd Public library and is on the City Library Board. When not reading or writing, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, biking, hiking, mud runs, kickboxing, and finding any excuse to wear a costume.

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HER STORY + off grid

1,460 Days 10 her voice | Fall 2019 â&#x20AC;˘ Share your voice with us

without electricity or running water. One thousand, four hundred, sixty days of living off grid in the swamp.

aine r r o L a d ran a M h t i W â&#x20AC;&#x201D; STORY AND PHOTOS BY MARANDA LORRAINE

life in the swamp is an unconventional one -a lot of people don't understand why I would want to live like this. People have told me I'm crazy or a glutton for punishment or that I'm being stubborn for not bringing in electricity.

To these people I don't usually reply and continue to smile politely as they go on and on about how crazy I must be. Although there are a few people who understand why I would want to live so simply without modern amenities. They can relate to my desire of not wanting a television or fancy gaming system or even a radio. To these people I also continue to smile politely and don't usually say much but at least I don't have to listen to remarks about how crazy they believe that I must be. Because only a crazy person would want to live in peace and solitude in a small cabin in the woods, right? Life in the swamp is simple and deliberate; it is what I make it, literally. Survival is hard work and without a consistent routine, none of this would be possible. There is always something that needs to be done or gathered or organized. I heat my small cabin with a woodstove and the eternal search for firewood is a constant responsibility in my life. I try to gather a little bit from the woods everyday so that by the time the snow flies I have enough to last through the winter. Last year I challenged

Maranda and Maple. myself by not using my chainsaw at all for the last four months of winter. I used my hand saw instead. Some of you may remember the polar vortex that settled over this area. It was 60 below zero for what seemed like forever. The cold went on and on. It was so cold it was like my body couldn't even register the temperature anymore. I kept wondering if it was getting warmer when in fact the temps were dropping. Through the entire polar vortex experience I trudged out into the 4 feet of snow and cut all my firewood using a hand saw and hauled Like us on Facebook â&#x20AC;˘ Fall 2019 | her voice 11

. e f i L e l p m i S e h T it back to the cabin in a sled. Originally I had challenged myself to make sure I could survive if something happened to my chainsaw. I wanted to make sure I wasn't relying on a piece of machinery just in case it broke. But after the temps hit 60 below zero, the challenge turned into more of a survival activity than merely a personal goal. Those times in the woods marching through the snow and meticulously cutting wood with my saw were some of the warmest times of the whole winter. Gathering firewood was such hard work that by the time I had hauled it all back, I was ready to go inside and cool off. The old saying about cutting firewood will warm you twice is absolutely true. I live alone at the swamp with all my animals. Life is good most of the time. I raise chickens, ducks and goats. On average I get a dozen fresh chicken eggs every day. I also have three cats and two dogs. The goats are silkie fainting goats; they have long hair and will faint if scared. They make great pets and are a natural tool for brush and pasture clearing instead of using herbicide. The goats will clear an entire forest of underbrush if they are allowed to graze freely. My goats have had two batches of babies so far and I've sold the kids to farms all across Minnesota. My mamas are set to give birth any day now and I'm excited for another new group of baby goats at the swamp.

A Visitor

The swamp was ransacked by a bear last spring. It came in the night during a terrible rain storm and I didn't hear it outside. I woke up to a giant mess and a terrible feeling of violation. The bear broke into my cook shack and got into my food cache and ate all my snacks. It tipped over my rain barrels and set them upside down, spilling the water out onto the ground. The bear tried to eat my bright red gas can and punctured huge holes into the plastic. The worst part of the damage was knowing how close the bear was to me and for some reason I didn't wake up. It had destroyed the fence surrounding my house, climbed up onto my porch and sat on my couch! My house is only 10 feet by 20 and I'm amazed that I didn't feel the house shake when it climbed up the steps! The first thing I noticed was my blankets on the porch were missing. Later I found them out in the

woods in a big pile with my half eaten chapstick next to them. Why would a bear want to sit in the woods on my blankets and eat chapstick? One time I saw a commercial somewhere about a bear snuggling up to soft, comfy toilet paper, but that's different. Why my blankets? Bears don't need blankets. I miss that chapstick too; it was my favorite. Shortly after the bear shenanigans, a new puppy came into my life which brings me to the introduction of Pyree Du Mont. Pyree is a Great Pyrenees livestock guardian dog and will grow to be a huge asset to the swamp. Her job is to protect us and keep a vigil during the night. I never want to wake up to find my house trespassed and destroyed again. I needed help and here she is in the form of a giant puppy who will grow up to look like a furry polar bear.

Why would a bear want to sit in the woods on my blankets and eat chapstick? 12 her voice | Fall 2019 â&#x20AC;˘ Share your voice with us

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With the absence of utility bills or any sort of bills for that matter, I have been able to save most of my money. I have been extremely strict about remaining debt free most of my life and last winter I was able to buy another cabin in the north. This cabin is completely off-grid as well and is far more remote than the swamp. There is no cell reception and the only way to reach it is by four-wheeler or miles of sled dog trail in the winter. By the time you read this. I will be gone. The animals and I are moving to the cabin in the north in search of new adventures. I cannot guarantee what the future will hold or if I will be back. I love the swamp but I know the best stories are the true ones, and if I don't go live them, I have no business writing about them.

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You can find more articles by Maranda Lorraine in previous issues (Fall 2017 - Summer 2018) of Her Voice Magazine at: Brainerddispatch.com (Scroll to the "magazine rack").

knutenelson.org | 218.454.1542 Like us on Facebook â&#x20AC;˘ Fall 2019 | her voice 13

tch

ZINE

VOTED

ST AREA M

A AG

a en isp ted by the Brainerd D

Thank you for nominating Her Voice for Best Magazine in the 2019 contest!

On behalf of Her Voice magazine, we were humbled and honored to be nominated again this year for Best Area Magazine in the 2019 Best Of the Brainerd Lakes contest after winning the title in 2018. It’s been a wonderful 16 years so far and we aspire to continue sharing inspirational stories of women who are our neighbors, community members and friends. We couldn’t be the No. 1 magazine without the support of our communities, loyal advertisers and fabulous contributors. Thank you! ~ DeLynn, Sarah, Lisa DINING AND DRINKS

ENTERTAINMENT

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Be sure to mention Women In Business section Sarah Herron, Her Voice Magazine 218-855-5898 | Sarah.Herron@brainerddispatch.com

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The Curl Master Lisa Hamrick has been with Belle Cheveux salon for over nine years and in the industry for 38 years.

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Lisa has been a master colorist and trainer in In her time away from previous salons and is exceptional with curly hair. the salon she enjoys gardening and being Lisa started in the industry a grandma to her two beautiful granddaughters. 38 years ago with the hopes of learning how to tame her red curly mane.

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Helping customers reach financial goals Rachel Gross

Rachel Gross understands customer service is an important part of any job. Rachel, a loan officer with First National Bank North of Walker, improved her customer service skills through her first job bagging groceries and being a cashier at her grandparents’ grocery store. “It helped to build confidence communicating with customers,” said Rachel, a Northland (Remer) High School graduate who added the favorite part of her job is “helping my customers reach their financial goals.”

Rachel, whose proudest career moment was being nominated for Employee of the Year in 2006, said her company is “first and foremost” about its customers. “They are extremely involved in the community and encourage it,” she said. In her free time, Rachel said she “lives for lake time and bonfires.” “I also enjoy snowshoeing and snowmobiling in the winter months,” she said. “I love to travel, and entertaining with family and friends is something I do throughout the year.”

Rachel and her husband, Jamey, have a 21-year-old son, Logan, and 17-year-old daughter, Mackenzie. Her other family is her coworkers. “No surprise here; they are my second family,” she said.

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Lakewood Health System's

Infertility Program BY CARA LANZ

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Erica & Casandra Erica Castillo always knew she wanted children, but she also knew having them would be challenging. So, the year after Erica and her wife, Casandra, were married, they enlisted the help of Kelly Thompson and her team at Lakewood Health System in Staples, Minnesota. Kelly Thompson is a Nurse Practitioner

Kelly Thompson, Nurse Practitioner who helped bring infertility and reproductive services to Lakewood after experiencing her own journey of in vitro fertilization to have her five children. Frequent trips to the Twin Cities were inconvenient and she realized outstate Minnesota was vastly underserved. The team, comprising Dr. Carol Uhlman, OB/GYN; Kelly Thompson, NP-C; Kelly VanVickle, NP-C; Sandy Paskewitz, LPN; Jeannie Huff, LPN; and Vanessa Bettis, scheduler, offers a full

“It was emotional when we finally got the news.” - Erica Castillo

Casandra, (left), and Erica Castillo.

range of services including education, intrauterine insemination (IUI), IVF monitoring, and gestational carriers, serving patients from International Falls to St. Cloud. For Erica and Casandra, Kelly helped them find a sperm donor and begin IUI. Erica and Casandra were expecting a baby girl on July 8, 2019.

16 her voice | Fall 2019 • Share your voice with us

“It was emotional when we finally got the news,” says Erica. “We were losing hope, but Kelly did a phenomenal job of telling us to keep the faith.” Casandra adds, “Erica did a great job of keeping positive thoughts.” According to Thompson, patients like Erica, who have a support system and a positive attitude have higher success rates. “I don’t like the cliché, ‘just relax, and it will happen,’” she says. “I like to talk about healthy ways to destress like listening to music, running, praying, meditating, doing yoga — even cleaning.” “It’s not easy, but it’s rewarding because you get a beautiful baby,” Erica says. Casandra laughs, “She’s going to be one spoiled baby.” Success stories like this are common at Lakewood. “Over 15 years, I can count on one hand the patients who haven’t had success,” Thompson says.

"I don’t like the cliché, ‘just relax, and it will happen." - Kelly Thompson

“That doesn’t mean it’s been easy, but it’s been successful.” So successful, it’s resulted in nearly 3,000 babies. Everyone’s story is different. Some want to be pregnant in six months. Some just want to know it’s possible. Thompson says the process typically takes 6-12 months, so she encourages patients to relax their expectations and have faith.

HER HEALTH

Lakewood Health System Reproductive Services: Bringing Hope {and 3,000 Babies} to Outstate Minnesota

+ reproductive

"Taking the first step was the hardest." -Melissa Dooley

Melissa & Paul Melissa and Paul Dooley’s journey to growing their family helped strengthen their faith in God’s plan. They already had one son, Gavin, but knew they wanted more children. When a miscarriage caused infertility, they sought treatment in the Twin Cities. But cost and travel time were deterrents. When they heard about Lakewood’s infertility program, they canceled their appointments in the Twin Cities. “Taking the first step was the hardest. I was embarrassed, but the embarrassment went away once I walked through the door,” Melissa says. She was also reassured Kelly had been through it, felt the pain, and had success in her journey. In the Dooleys’ case, infertility was due to both partners, a common occurrence. Thompson explains, “People don’t realize how common it is. one in eight people will have infertility. Thirty percent of the time

Two sisters for Gavin (right). Paul and Sarah Dooley added Ariel and Margo to their family with the help of the Lakewood team. it’s a male factor, 30% of the time it’s a female factor, 30% it’s both, and 10% both are perfect.” The Dooleys began IVF through Lakewood’s partnership with Reproductive Medicine Infertility Associates (RMIA) in the Twin Cities. They traveled to RMIA for egg transfers but went to Lakewood for monitoring,

Kara and Ryan Kloss holding their daughters Aubriella (left) and Cambria, both born with the help of the Lakewood team.

blood tests and ultrasounds. “Kelly was their hands and ears, so if they told her to do something, she did it,” Melissa says. And thanks to the Lakewood team, Melissa and Paul have welcomed two daughters: Ariel Faith and Margo Grace. “From where we started to where we ended brought us together as a couple. It helped us grow in our faith and realize it may be our bodies, but we don’t have control of it,” Melissa say.

Kara & Ryan Kara and Ryan Kloss tried to start a family right after they were married. And when well-meaning friends and family asked when they were going to have a baby, they were open about their infertility. After spending a year working with another infertility clinic, they were about to start IVF when a friend suggested they get a second opinion at Lakewood. Like us on Facebook • Fall 2019 | her voice 17

There, the team started from scratch and determined Kara needed medication to ovulate. They traveled from their hometown of Royalton to Staples once a month for ultrasounds and to make any necessary changes to their plan. The process was stressful, but being outdoorsy people, Kara and Ryan de-stressed by doing things they love. “We spent every spare moment outside snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, 4-wheeling and hanging out with family and friends. It helped ease our minds and kept us busy,” Kara recalls. Within a few months, they were pregnant with their daughter, Aubriella. And two years later, Kara and Ryan welcomed another daughter, Cambria. Kara and Ryan encourage others to be open about their struggles.

“Talk about it because someone else may have experienced it, too, and have advice to share.” Thompson agrees. “Your friends and family want to support you. It doesn’t need to be a deep, dark secret; you’re only burdening yourself.”

Cara Lanz is a freelance writer who is passionate about food, finances, and the fascinating people and places that make our community thrive. Originally from Lake of the Woods, she has called the Brainerd lakes area her home for over 20 years. When she isn’t writing or blogging recipes at caralanz. com, she can be found boating on Gull Lake or hiking the East Gull Lake trail system rain, snow, or shine with her husband Scott and their golden retriever Penny.

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HER COMMUNITY + revitalization

Rebekka Paskewitz, Princess Kay

Nancy Gates, Arlene's Bridal

Theresa Woodward, CatTales

Nancy Williams, Fancy Pants Chocolates

Kris Hochmayr, Bargains on 7th

Nila Patrick, V.I.P. Weddings and Floral Brenda Billman-Arndt, Purple Fern Bath Company

Marie Kirsch, Knotty Pine Bakery

Jessica Doud Monroe, Manager, The Gallery

Lisa Jordan, The Crossing Arts Alliance

Kindred Spirits Channel Downtown Vision

BY SUE READY

owntown Brainerd has a new energized vibe where lots of exciting things are happening. There's a rekindled local interest with the emergence of new business owners forming partnerships with other businesses and organizations to keep the momentum building. This new movement has created a sense of optimism redefining the downtown area.

ED MENK (MAYOR OF BRAINERD), OWNER OF E.L. MENK “I have owned a downtown business for 40 years. I have seen negatives and positives and right now it’s the most positive attitudes I have seen. I am proud of the businesses and consumers that frequent the area. Every business fits a niche. Downtown is on the upswing."

Her Voice Note: Though we would have loved to have each business downtown showcased and included in the article and advertising opportunities, we were limited due to time and space constraints. Like us on Facebook • Fall 2019 | her voice 19

A key catalyst in revitalizing downtown Brainerd has been the Destination Downtown Business Challenge, organized by the Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce and led by Chamber president Matt Kilian. This year marks the third and final round of the competition, which seeks out entrepreneurs looking to start or expand a business in downtown Brainerd and awards the winner a prize package of business services to help with start-up. The competition has fueled the entrepreneurial spirit of those wanting to be a part of the growth in the downtown area. For Kilian, success will be measured “when all stores are filled.” CatTale's Book and Gifts, a new and used bookstore, gift shop and rock shop, owned by Theresa Woodward, offers a unique shopping experience. “I am proud of the efforts of business owners and organizations who have all put forth efforts to create a thriving heart to

NILA PATRICK, OWNER, V.I.P. FLORAL AND WEDDINGS Nila has worked and owned a downtown business for 50 years. "I chose the job I loved so I never had to work a day in my life. The downtown is the heart of any community...we welcome more independent businesses coming to make it a unique shopping area."

their community drawing people with a sense of community.”

“Everyone in this area wants a vibrant and healthy downtown Brainerd. I am excited to be a part of just that.” - Brenda Billman-Arndt

Sarah Hayden-Shaw, owner of Sage on Laurel restaurant and Rumbly Hall Event Venue, sees a unique phenomenon occurring in historic downtown. Hayden-Shaw notes 80% of downtown business owners are women. “These women value irreplaceable buildings and businesses that preserve history and cultural activities. The proximity of buildings being close together promotes people moving place to place with their shopping and dining experiences. If we develop growing healthy businesses it will attract other owners to look

SARAH HAYDEN-SHAW, OWNER, SAGE ON LAUREL “The long term coalition focus is to help fulfill historic downtown potential with economic and cultural activities.”

20 her voice | Fall 2019 • Share your voice with us

at downtown as an option.” Lisa Jordan, Executive Artistic Director Crossing Arts Alliance, has found her new downtown location an opportunity to do more for the community by being able to serve more people. The Crossing Arts Alliance has played a significant role in revitalization efforts with their classes, workshops, exhibitions and music camp bringing in a lot of traffic to the area. Jordan is excited for the potential downtown has to offer. Brenda Billman-Arndt is the owner of Purple Fern and was the winner of the 2017 Destination Downtown Challenge, which provided her the opportunity to open her bath boutique retail shop. Billman-Arndt is enthusiastic to be a part of this revitalization movement and the downtown coalition. “Everyone in this area wants a vibrant and healthy downtown Brainerd. I am excited to be a part of just that.” The number of Brainerd businesses continues to grow with the

NANCY WILLIAMS, OWNER, FANCY PANTS CHOCOLATES “My customers are investing in me as a business which in turn actually is investing in a whole and benefits the entire community.”

addition of Knotty Pine Bakery, a scratch-made bake shop owned by 2018 Destination Challenge winner Marie Kirsch set to open late summer 2019. Kirsch is excited to be joining the downtown business community. “It feels like there is a spark in the air, with people wanting more and more to shop locally and support the community they live in.” Knotty Pine Bakery's new storefront will be located in the east side of the historic Koop building, home to Rumbly Hall, a space owned by Hayden-Shaw. Kirsch and Hayden-Shaw's collaboration shows the positive impact of business owners coming together and supporting one another. Although the final Destination Downtown competition wraps up in November, a group of passionate women entrepreneurs have been coming together to form a Downtown Brainerd Coalition to help carry forward the successes of the competition and keep the momentum going. The Coalition is made up of local business owners working side-by-side with other organizations and individuals who care about preserving and promoting a healthy, vibrant downtown for all. Work is underway to establish non-profit status, set up a board of directors to help carry out the Coalition’s

TONI CZECZOK, OWNER, MICKEY'S PIZZA

vision and create a downtown Brainerd website. Their mission is to revitalize, preserve and promote historic downtown through collaborative planning, advocacy and action. New events and activities are being planned to provide additional opportunities for locals and visitors to experience all that downtown has to offer. HaydenShaw views “the long term coalition focus is to help fulfill historic downtown potential with economic and cultural activities.” Jordan sees this as an opportunity to engage more with the community and raise awareness on what downtown has to offer. She does caution “the need to be judicious on how we structure what we build so we are able to carry on.” Student demographics have been addressed and business owners are looking at ways to attract them downtown with a variety of social events at local restaurants and in-store events. Marketing has become a key strategy to overcome people's misconceptions of the downtown area regarding safety issues and places to park. Kilian feels consumers need to realize what strides have been made downtown to make it a clean and safe environment with improved lighting, video cameras installed,

RICK BJORK, OWNER, THE GALLERY "I'm excited for the future with so many visible signs of improvements. A lot of efforts by many. What's good for downtown is good for everyone."

“The decline of our downtown area hit its peak when the 371 bypass was installed. Being in our same location for over 30 years we watched and felt this decline in many ways. As new leaders and entrepreneurs in our community realized the importance of a healthy and vibrant downtown, ideas were born and efforts have been put into place to help bring our downtown area back to a destination where people want to shop, eat, drink, gather and support our local small business owners. Very close to our downtown corridor we have schools, our YMCA, parks, and the local library, all where the children (our future business and political leaders) in our community can be seen. A vibrant and supportive downtown in especially important for our young people to see as an example of how community, government and local business owners all come together to make a positive impact on where we all live.” Like us on Facebook • Fall 2019 | her voice 21

Special Thanks! We want to give a special thank you to the following downtown businesses who supported this article and Her Voice Magazine with their advertising. -Her Voice Staff Virginia Knudson, Named “Top Attorney” by Minnesota SuperLawyers Magazine for

10 YEARS IN A ROW!

many new storefronts filled and plenty of places to park in lots or on streets. Billman-Arndt noted a variety of Lakes Area Music Festival performances are a good draw to the area as well as the concerted effort of business owners offering their own in-store events. Bev Abear, resident, feels “downtown has become a more welcoming place.” Look for these upcoming advertised events: Downtown Brainerd Art Walk, Hometown Holidays, Halloween Spooktacular, Brainerd Farmers's Market on Laurel, Touch-A-Truck October 5 and The Crossing Arts Alliance Kringle Market starts Nov. 9. Other scheduled special events and exhibits can be found on TCAA website. Residents and visitors will discover downtown Brainerd to be a vibrant and vital cultural and economic hub for the Central Lakes region with its unique shopping, dining, arts and entertainment. Sue Ready is a freelance writer for several local publications, a poet and former middle school teacher. She is the president of the Northwoods Arts Council in Hackensack and chair for the Annual Northwoods Art and Book Festival in August. She blogs at http://sockfairies.blogspot.com/ with recipes, travel adventures, book reviews and The World According to Bella stories. Sue writes a food column for the Pilot Independent, Walker, Great Northern News and Lakes Area Living Magazine.

22 her voice | Fall 2019 • Share your voice with us

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HER PASSION + Alzheimer's

Ella's Mission

BY SHEILA HELMBERGER SUBMITTED PHOTOS

ome of the most important relationships we have in our lives will change us forever. Ella Pusc may

have just become a teenager, but that’s a lesson she’s learned already.

s 201

tma Chris

Ella Pusc and Gra

mma Tiny.

26 her voice | Fall 2019 • Share your voice with us

Photo (left): Gramma Tiny Eckman (center) with family: great-granddaughters Ella, (bottom left), and Rachel Pusc along with Eckman's daughter, Sara Pusc, and son, Dave Eckman.

en).

iny Eckm

Tiny (T Gramma

Ella was only 8 years old when her great-grandmother, Gramma Tiny, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. She remembers it being a sad and confusing time for her family. Gramma Tiny passed away in 2015 and ever since, Ella has honored her memory by participating in the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Brainerd. With impressive energy and drive, Ella’s memories and love for Gramma Tiny have inspired her to raise more than $20,000 used to benefit others affected by the disease. While her mom, Sara, helps with some aspects of the fundraising she says it is truly Ella that’s the driving force behind their team and its efforts. “People are surprised to see that I am so young when they hear how much money I’ve raised,” says Ella. Gramma Tiny, Matilda Eckman, was 96 years old when she was diagnosed in 2014. When Ella’s mother would go to the nursing home to visit, Ella would often tag along. “I just liked to see her and sit with her,” says Ella. Eight years old at the time, she remembers trying to think of things she could do that might help her great-grandmother feel better. Ella says she seemed to enjoy it when she would comb her hair and paint her fingernails. Visits from the young girl seemed to cheer other residents at the nursing home who started to look forward to her visits, too. Often Gramma Tiny was confused about who her young caregiver was, forgetting her name and sometimes confusing her for a boy, but Ella didn’t mind, says her mother. The bond between the young girl and Gramma Tiny was a special one to watch, she says, and family members agreed a visit with Ella would visibly cheer her up and comfort her.

Kudos from the White House She has received letters from both United States Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump congratulating her on her impressive efforts in the fight against Alzheimer’s. “That was really cool,” she says, about receiving mail from the White House. This spring she received an invitation from Vice President Mike Pence to stand on the tarmac when he arrived in Minnesota for a visit.

“It was a truly amazing day,” says Sara Pusc. “Ella didn’t know how significant it was until we got there and saw the motorcade and the Secret Service and how we were escorted onto the tarmac to watch the plane land.” A painting donated by Mrs. Pence was presented to Ella for this year’s silent auction and the day culminated with a tour of Air Force Two.

See more photos of Ella and Vice President Pence on our Her Voice Magazine's Facebook page.

Ella Pusc meeting Vice President Mike Pence on the tarmac in front of Air Force 2.

Like us on Facebook • Fall 2019 | her voice 27

“People are surprised to see that I am so young when they hear how much money I’ve raised.” - Ella Pusc

Before the diagnosis, Gramma Tiny raised nine children and remained sharp and active, even returning to waitressing at a cafe located in Little Falls, when she was in her 80s. Strong in her faith, Sara says she was rarely without her Rosary and would talk about driving some of the “old people” who needed rides to church. At just a little over four-and-a-half feet tall, Gramma Tiny’s nickname was well deserved. Sara says her home was custom built with low cabinets and food was never kept on the top shelf of the refrigerator, where it would be out of her reach. She loved gardening. “Ella just thought she was so lovely,” Sara says of her paternal grandmother. The year following Gramma Tiny’s death, Ella’s aunt joined her own local Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Ella was inspired to participate in the one in Brainerd, closest to her home in Little Falls. The first time Ella participated in the walk she raised more than $1,000.

Bravery Story By Ella Pusc The time I was most brave was when I went to my great-grandma's house. We were having fun, then it was lunch time. The nurse said, "Tiny, do you need help?" She started to feed herself, then she started wheeling herself back and was falling asleep. My mom asked if she wanted me to feed her? I was like, I guess if I have to. It was so sad to see someone you love so much not be able to feed themselves. I didn't like feeding her, but I loved her so much I had to. That was the time I was most brave.

Ella presented with the Top Individual Fundraiser award.

28 her voice | Fall 2019 • Share your voice with us

“Every year I try to raise more than I did the year before,” she says. During last year’s walk she raised over $3,800 and for this year’s fundraiser Ella initially set her goal on raising $5,000, but has since set her sights on $8,000. “We work on fundraising almost all year long,” says Ella. Even though the walk is in September, some of the be-

hind the scenes work starts early in the year. “We write letters and make fliers that we send out in the mail to ask for donations.” While doing her own good deed, she has had a chance to experience the kindness and generosity of others, too. When she contacts area businesses and sports teams from the state, she said most are happy to donate an item for her silent auction.

Ella was able to meet one of her Gramma's favorite Minnesota Twins baseball players, Tony Oliva.

Ella meeting her Gramma Tiny's favorite baseball player, Tony Oliva.

“We have gotten some really cool things,” she says. They have also held a garage sale with the proceeds going to Alzheimer’s and has participated in fundraising nights at local restaurants. Gramma Tiny was a big fan of the Minnesota Twins and got to meet one of her idols when the team’s winter caravan promotional tour stopped in Little Falls where she was waitressing in 1964. She had her picture taken with team favorite, Tony Oliva,

Tony Oliva w

ith Tiny Eck

and it was one of Gramma’s favorite possessions. A few years ago, Ella had the chance to meet Tony Oliva down on the field at a game and had her own photo taken with him. She says she was excited to meet someone she knew her grandmother had admired so much. The Little Falls eighth-grader plays soccer and skis when she isn’t thinking about ways to raise funds for Alzheimer’s. She says she would love to see more kids get involved with

man 1964.

the walk. “It doesn’t matter how old you are, you can still raise a lot of money for something you believe in.” That’s just one more important lesson she’s learned because of Gramma Tiny. Sheila Helmberger lives in the Brainerd area and is a frequent contributor to Her Voice.

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Forever young. Forever fun. Like us on Facebook • Fall 2019 | her voice 29

HER CAREER + pet medicine

PHOTOS BY JOEY HALVORSON

Holistic Health—Pets

Kendall Sawyer and his dog with Dr. Sara Hooge. She uses acupunture and Chinese herbal medicine treatments to help animals "enjoy life a little more with less pain."

Integrating Alternative Therapies with Veterinary Care

BY CARISSA ANDREWS

Two

women with extraordinary talents for helping animals

moved into the Brainerd lakes area in 2018. Each bring their own unique brand of alternative therapies to area pets. Over the past few years, holistic and integrative medicines, such as acupuncture and chiropractic services, have been on the rise. Residents are not only seeking these therapies for themselves -- but now they can provide them for their pets, as well. If you’ve been looking for an alternative or complementary treatment for the animals in your life, Animal Care Center in Baxter now provides referrals and a space to seek them out. 30 30 her her voice voice || Fall Fall 2019 2019 •• Share Share your your voice voice with with us us

Two Saras with a common love of holistic healing. All animals want to be in balance. When they’re not, behavioral issues arise and problematic symptoms increase. Dr. Sara Hooge and Dr. Sara Curell-Graber are two new area doctors who now provide alternative therapies to animals of all kinds in the lakes area. Not only do they share a love of integrative medicine and the same first name — they’re also good friends who have worked together for the past decade in southern Minnesota.

Meet Dr. Sara Hooge (Acupuncturist) Dr. Sara Hooge is a traditionally Western trained veterinarian with a passion to marry together Eastern and Western medicine for her patients. Her brand of alternative therapy specializes in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. She is trained and certified in both animal acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine. According to Dr. Hooge, when Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) is combined with Western medicine, treatment options expand, and quality of life goes up. The two complement each other beautifully. She considers them another tool in her toolbox for helping care for animals in a manner that’s not only safe, but effective. Common clinical conditions treated with

to deal with because our pets are family. “Most animals, young or old, can benefit from acupuncture by using it preventatively or for treatment,” Dr. Hooge said. “I want them to enjoy life a little more, with less pain.” Depending on what works for her patients (and their humans), Dr. Hooge works out of the Animal Care Center or offers in-home and on-site care. You can find Dr. Hooge through a referral from Animal Care Center, or by contacting her directly at her holistic veterinary business, Northern Hope Animal Acupuncture. If you want to see all the options for how Dr. Hooge’s animal acupuncture or Chinese herbal therapies may help your pet.

Meet Dr. Sara Curell-Graber (Chiropractor) Dr. Sara Curell-Graber is a board certified chiropractic neurologist with a specialty in Chiropractic Pediatrics, as well as Animal Chiropractic Care. She is the founder of Curell Animal Chiropractic Connection and when it comes to her brand of alternative therapy for animals, she obviously specializes in chiropractic services. A Brainerd native, Dr. Curell-Graber grew up on a quarter horse ranch, which is where her love of animals, and specifically, horses came in. Her father is a master Farrier and her brother Cody continues on the tradition by working collaboratively with Curell’s Animal Chiropractic Connection to build better producing performance horses from the foundation up. She is the first board-certified animal chiropractor in Minnesota. In addition to a number of specialties, Dr. CurellGraber is the 14th board certified chiropractic neurologist acupuncture and herbal medicine include osteoarthritis, kidney disease, anxiety, urinary incontinence, seizures, and liver disease. Diagnosed herself with a skin condition which would have meant being on prednisone her whole life, Dr. Hooge sought out acupuncture as an alternative. Ultimately, she was treated with multiple supplements, acupuncture, chiropractic, and other alternative therapies. “It absolutely changed my life,” she said. “I knew then I could do the same for my patients.” Dr. Hooge has been offering acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine treatments for five years. While acupuncture can treat many ailments, she is most passionate about her geriatric patients because often they are considered “hopeless cases” or there is nothing else left to do for them. As a pet owner, that can be one of the hardest things

Dr. Sara Curell-Graber, uses her board chiropractic specialties on animals as well as humans.

Dr. Sara Hooge Providing animal acupuncture and Chinese herbal therapies. You can work with her by calling directly or by visiting her website.

Dr. Sara Curell-Graber Providing chiropractic care at Animal Care Center or onsite for larger animals. You can also reach her at various clinics by visiting their prospective websites.

Direct Line | 218-821-5835

Animal Care Center | 218-822-6000

www.northernhopeaa.com

www.northernhopefnc.com www.curellsconnection.com Like us on Facebook • Fall 2019 | her voice 31

in Minnesota and utilizes her specialties to work collaboratively with all types of healthcare providers in treating both animals and people. She currently treats people in Nisswa, Minn., at her clinic, Northern Hope Functional Neurology and Chiropractic. “My premise between Northern Hope FNC and CACC is to touch as many lives as possible — both twolegged and four-legged — to create a community of awareness that there is more than one way to treat a problem globally. My specialty just happens to be in healthcare and chiropractic pairing with like-minded individuals in both Eastern and Western medicine. And yes, we do pray over our patients, great and small, and beautiful outcomes oc-

“...there is more than one way to treat a problem globally."

"My specialty just happens to be in healthcare and chiropractic pairing with like-minded individuals in both Eastern and Western medicine." - Dr. Sara Curell-Graber

an issue within yourself bio-mechanically, you can bet your furry friend is, or has, experienced much of the same. “My original intention was to work exclusively on humans and equine, following in my family’s heritage. It wasn’t until a new patient came into my chiropractic clinic with a sore arm, stating she was a veterinarian, that I thought about other animals. The conversation started about chiropractic and Western medicine and the endless possibilities. Dr. Hooge presented me with an offer to work with her exclusively on canines and I continue to learn how to blend the two cultures. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to learn from a passionate veterinarian that could obviously see the big picture… and the rest is history,” Dr. Curell-Graber said.

Caring for our pets through the various stages of their lives can be challenging. Sometimes ailments don’t respond how they should to traditional Western veterinary medicines and taking another route might be the only alternative. Both Dr. Hooge and Dr. Curell-Graber work in conjunction with their clients’ current veterinarian so they can collaborate as a team while providing the best complementary care for the animal.

Carissa Andrews is a freelance writer and graphic designer, as well as the young adult science fiction author of the Pendomus Chronicles. You can learn more about Carissa at her website: www.carissaandrews.com

- Dr. Sara Curell-Graber

ADVENTURES

cur when the intention is correct!” Chiropractic assessment and adjustments often bring much needed relief to the structure and nervous system of an animal, offering freedom to perform better and react positively. The chiropractic therapy can be considered for, but not limited to, behavior changes, post -injury, gait analysis and performance problems. If you can find 32 her voice | Fall 2019 • Share your voice with us

for every member of the family!

www.isd181.org (218) 454-6924 Fall 19 Her Voice-CE.indd 1

7/12/2019 8:17:02 AM

MINE... HER Family + fostering

for a minute BY JENNIFER FRODERMAN

Raising someone else’s child is not an easy feat, especially when they are only yours for “a minute,” yet these foster providers give it their all each and every time and do what is needed to meet the needs of the children and families of this community. Here are some of their stories.

Elizabeth (back left), Chery l, Cindy "Cynthia," Spencer and dog Princess; and Khloe (front). PHOTOS BY JOEY HALVORSON

Cheryl and Duane They have been licensed for one and a half years. They were initially licensed as a relative placement, but after those kids moved on, they decided to continue to help their community. Cheryl and Duane are one of the few shelter homes in Crow Wing County. This means they take placements outside of normal business hours (nights, weekends and holi-

days). They have cared for 23 kids of various ages and adopted two. Cheryl and Duane have a very busy household that includes teens of their own. Often times, the entire family pitches in to help with meals, transports and babysitting. This experience has inspired one of the children (a recent graduate of BHS) to be a foster parent in the future. Cheryl’s advice, “If you are considering it, give it a try and remember to ask for help when

you need it.” The kids gave some advice of their own, “Everyone deserves a home and every kid deserves a chance. The kids do lash out, but it’s not directed at you. It’s often because of the situation. Don’t take it personally and push through. The kids will come around. They just need to know you won’t give up on them, which is every kid’s biggest fear.”

Like us on Facebook • Fall 2019 | her voice 33

Steve and Iris Shively

Steve and Iris (center) Shively.

“You can’t always change the behaviors, but you can understand them and change your response.” - Steve & Iris Shively

CROW WING COUNTY CURRENTLY HAS

150

CHILDREN

IN OUT-OF-HOME CARE

34 her voice | Fall 2019 • Share your voice with us

The Shivelys have been licensed foster care providers since 1991. In that time, they adopted one child and saw more than 100 children come and go. Most of them were teen girls, some were homeless youth, some had mental health disorders and others had physical handicaps. Steve and Iris began their foster care experience by providing respite (weekend foster care) for a specific child. From then on, they began their work in the community as foster parents. They state that foster care has “made [them] more aware of issues in the community.” They feel, “[they] tend to take things for granted in life that a lot of the kids have never experienced.” For example, many of the children in foster care have never experienced eating at a dinner table and sharing about their day. Most of the kids have suffered severe trauma, which tends to come out in behaviors. They have learned, “you can’t always change the behaviors,

but you can understand them and change your response.” Many of these kids have reunified with their biological families. They state, “Reunification is hard for any foster parent, but it is the goal of foster care. Prayer helps.” They also have a strong support system, which for Iris, includes a standing coffee date with friends. Steve and Iris’ advice for people considering foster care is to “accept children for who they are. You can’t love someone out of their situation or change their past, but you can give them a fresh start. Foster care is what you make it. It can be life changing for you as well as the children you help.”

Lorena Tougas

Lorena has been a licensed foster care provider for six years. She initially became licensed after she lost her job. She wasn’t sure what she wanted to do at the age of 59, but she knew she liked

These children are placed in relative and traditional foster homes, group homes and/or residential facilities. The placements can last anywhere from 72 hours to over a year. Crow Wing County foster parents are loving and compassionate people. They open their homes to children who have suffered extensive trauma and care for them as their own.

being a grandma. That’s when she talked to a friend about foster care and began the process. Since then she has cared for 40 children. The amount of time ranges from 24 hours to three years, but the age range of the kids stays the same (infants to school age). She looks at her role as being a grandma to everyone. She states, “They already have a mom, they don’t need another one. Kids often have many grandmas nowadays and that’s OK. Grandmas can be strict, but you know they love you no matter what.” In regards to reunification or the kids moving on, Lorena summed it up like this, “They are only borrowed to me for as long as they need me.” She states these kids can be tough, but her advice to

any prospective foster parent is don’t be judgmental and don’t give up. “It’s easy to think everything is going to run smooth, but it’s not. Be OK with that. Look for the good things and keep looking because they are there somewhere.”

Arnie and Peggy

Arnie and Peggy have been foster parents together for 23 years, although Peggy has been a foster parent with her previous husband and on her own since 1976. She also adopted her daughter in 1978. Peggy and Arnie only take school age kids due to their own age. They love seeing the kids thrive with rules and structure and enjoy being able to provide the kids with some sort of normalcy.

However, as with any children, they state, “Life isn’t your own anymore. You are busy with transports, therapy sessions, medical appointments, etc.” However, their family is very understanding. Peggy and Arnie offer this advice to new providers: “Keep an open mind. Be consistent and follow through. Realize they haven’t had a good life and that they don’t know what normal is.”

Jennifer Froderman, is a southern MN transplant who is in awe of the beauty of lakes country. She is the Child Foster Care Licensor for Crow Wing County, a BSU grad (Go BEAVERS!), and a dedicated dog mom.

Crow Wing County is currently seeking foster care, respite care and shelter care providers. If interested, contact Jen at 218-824-1154

IF YOU GIVE A MOM A MINUTE… …she’ll use it wisely. She’ll burn calories. She’ll strive for progress, not perfection. She’ll set goals, and a good example. She’ll let go of the thoughts that don’t make her strong, and hold onto the idea that she can do anything.

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t e e w s The

HER TABLE +sugars

Life

The Worst:

BY CYNTHIA RANSOM

Cakes, pies and cookies. Chocolate, ice cream and candy…. Why are we so nuts for sweets? Studies have proven sugar to be more addictive than cocaine. Given this fact, it’s no wonder diabetes and other metabolic disorders are epidemic in America. Let’s explore the various sugars available — which to choose when you want that occasional sweet treat, and which to avoid.

Aspartame: An artificial sweetener

that is classified as an Excitotoxin; it stimulates your brain cells to death. It is also on the EPA’s list of potential carcinogens. Found in most diet sodas.

Sucralose: A chemical sweetener

shown to interfere with healthy gut bacteria. Also linked to liver, kidney and thymus damage and cancer. Beware! Artificial sweeteners have been shown to affect blood sugar levels the same as sugar. They are not a healthy substitute for those with insulin issues.

HFCS: High Fructose Corn Syrup is a cheaply made sugar. Humans are not built to process large doses of fructose from soda or sweets — this can overload the liver and be converted to fat. The food companies are getting sneaky: they decided to change the name instead of taking out HFCS.

Relabeling HFCS

It is now called:

Corn Sweetener Corn Sugar Fructose Syrup

36 her voice | Fall 2019 • Share your voice with us

Stevia: A natural alternative made from the leaf of the stevia plant. It will not affect blood sugar. You only use a tiny amount in comparison to sugar. It does have a bitter aftertaste is you use too much (try different brands — some are better than others.) Fruit: Fresh fruit, especially organic berries, are the best choice for a sweet treat. Avoid fruit juice (bottled juice is pasteurized which kills nutrients. Additionally, you miss out on the whole fruit fiber). Choose Nutrients! Several sources of sugar contain valuable nutrients: Honey and real maple syrup contain antioxidants and other nutrients. They are both sweeter than white sugar so you will use less.

other options Coconut Sugar: Derived from

the coconut palm tree and contains a fiber called inulin, along with a few nutrients. It has a lower glycemic index than regular table sugar.

Turbinado Sugar: From sugar

cane, less processed than regular sugar.

Monk Fruit: A natural sweetener that can have an odd aftertaste.

Agave: A natural sugar from a cactus- yet it is extremely high in fructose and should be avoided.

Sugar Alcohols:

Derived from sugar, but not a true ‘alcohol’ like alcoholic beverages. The biggest drawback is that they can cause digestive upset (i.e.; cramps, diarrhea) for some people. There are several forms used:

Erythritol is generally considered one of the healthiest sugar alcohols. It’s calorie-free, doesn’t raise blood sugar They even have a powdered sugar version that is handy for some recipes. Maltidol and Sorbitol: These two are the biggest offenders for gut problems.

Xylitol has shown to promote dental health. Warning: Xylitol is deadly for pets. Truvia: A mixture of white sugar and stevia with a bit of sugar alcohol. It’s an easy substitute when baking.

Cynthia (Schmid) Ransom is a Traditional Naturopath who has moved her practice to Brainerd. Check out her book, The Blue Sheep Movement, which contains stories from her private practice, encouraging people to create health using both holistic and medical care. A BHS graduate, she is delighted to be back in Brainerd with her husband and furry children. www.CynthiaRansom.com

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HER FAMILY + parenting

Up North Parent It started as an idea between friends. BY REBECCA FLANSBURG AND LAURA RADNIECKI

It was Spring 2017 when local moms Laura Radniecki, Becky Flansburg and Beth Hardinger gathered together to enjoy some quality “mom time” while also getting some exercise in the form of mall walking at the Westgate Mall. The trio had much in common, and three of the threads that wove their friendship together was the fact they were all mothers, bloggers and had a deep love for the Brainerd lakes community. As they took a break from walking to watch the little kids play, Laura voiced a question that set the wheels of brainstorming into motion. “I remember wondering out loud if there was a fun and unique way we could collaborate on something that shared the journey of parenthood while also shining the spotlight on how amazing this community is, “ Laura recalled. “Suddenly, it all seemed obvious. At that moment, Up North Parent™ was born.” The three busy moms set their plan into motion, and soon, a website was created, and a business outline was formed. “We knew what we wanted to

achieve and how we were going to do it,” Becky added. “Our initial plan for Up North Parent was to spend the summer testing the waters with this concept and seeing how the path would unfold. We knew from the very beginning that our goal and vision for this new site was to encourage thriving families and strong communities. The fact that all three of us were writers, two of us were born and raised here, and that both Beth and Laura were professional photographers gave us an edge and a level of uniqueness not found elsewhere in the area.” By June 2017, the women were ready to launch what they dubbed as their Summer Beta Test to see if their

38 her voice | Fall 2019 • Share your voice with us

“We knew what we wanted to achieve and how we were going to do it.” - Becky

idea for informing and inspiring parents would fly. The plan was to focus on showcasing local businesses and organizations in the lakes area, while also creating blog post articles that would appeal to parents nationwide. The response was positive and exciting. Readers and website visitors loved learning more about the local

gems and resources in their own backyard and the “UpNoPa Moms” shared fun blog posts on everything from local park reviews and reading recommendations to parenting hacks and motherhood reflections. “All of the excitement and positive responses inspired us to keep going,” Laura noted. “It also made us seriously look at making Up North Parent™ a permanent business. By late fall, we had learned a lot and fine-tuned our vision. We also became a two-some as Beth chose to step down due to the demands of going back to college while being a single mom to her three daughters. We were sad, but we all agreed that family always comes first.” By November of 2017 Up North Parent™ became an official business which included the long process of trademarking the business name. The web traffic grew as did their online presence on social media sites like Instagram and Pinterest. Several large advertisers came on board. Laura and Becky spent hours researching topics that would appeal to readers and creating content to keep them coming back for more. “As this business continues to grow and evolve, we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported Up North Parent™ so far,” Becky shared. “Our goal from day one was to build this site up, and then set it free. We know we can only take Up North Parent™ so far, so we are always on the lookout for a potential buyer that can take this site Get up to $2,055 to the next level. UpNoPa has been, and will always be, a prepaid card byviamail you viawatching a Visa®your prepaid card by mail when you a Visa® when passion project for Laura and me, but it’s like purchase select KitchenAid brand * appliances* Get up to $2,055 child grow up and then sending them purchase off to college. This KitchenAid brand appliances select business has a bright future and we know it will be an excitvia a Visa® prepaid card by mail when you Visit Kitchenaid.com/100YearEvent for details ing one as well!” purchase select KitchenAid brand appliances* To learn more about UpNorthParent.com, visit them on Visit Kitchenaid.com/100YearEvent for details JULY 25–SEPTEMBER 25, 2019 the web, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

Get up to $2,055

Visit Kitchenaid.com/100YearEvent for details

See their DIY project JULY 25, 2019 JULY 25–SEPTEMBER 25,25–SEPTEMBER 2019 on the next page!

*See sales associate for rebate form with complete details. Only valid at participating KitchenAid brand retailers. Rebate in the form of a KitchenAid brand Visa® prepaid card by mail. Additional terms and conditions apply. ®/™ © 2019 KitchenAid. All rights reserved. The design of the stand mixer is a trademark in the U.S. and elsewhere. NCP-26066.

Rebecca “Becky” Flansburg is an author, freelance writer, and blogger from Minnesota who writes about parenthood topics *See sales associate for rebate form with complete details. and being a mompreneur. Her two non-fiction books on working Only valid at participating KitchenAid brand retailers. Rebate from home, FREElance FREEdom: Creating the Work-From-Home *See sales associate for rebate form with complete details. Only valid at participating KitchenAid retailers. Rebate in thebrand form of a Visa® KitchenAidprepaid brand Visa prepaid mail. in the formbrand of a KitchenAid cardcard bybymail. Additional terms and conditions apply. ®/™ © 2019 KitchenAid. All rights reserved. The design of the stand mixer is a trademark in the U.S. and elsewhere. NCP-26066. Life You Crave and Mom Bossing: The Freedom to Create the Additional terms and conditions apply. ®/™ © 2019 KitchenAid. Business You Love, are available in both physical and e-book All rights reserved. The design of the stand mixer is a trademark in the U.S. and elsewhere. NCP-26066. form. Her children’s book that she co-authored with fellow BHS grad, B.A. Norrgard, Sissy Goes Tiny, will be released in late July of 2019. Becky is mom to two humans and critter mom to way too many pets. She is also a proud member of the Lakes Area Writers Alliance. Readers can also find her at BeckyFlansburg.com or on Instagram.

Laura Radniecki is a mama who makes stuff. Whether it’s making crafts, taking photos, or writing words, she’s always working on something (or more like five things at the same time!) She’s married to her high school sweetheart, mama to their toddler son, infant daughter, and 5 lb toy poodle, and has big dreams of living in an RV part time. She writes at LauraRadniecki.com.

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218-829-3624 SCHROEDERSAPPLIANCE.COM Like us on Facebook • Fall 2019 | her voice 39

DIY PROJECT + Up North Parent

Tile Photo Coasters

Combine tiles with a few favorite photos and some Mod Podge and you can make a set of coasters perfect for your living room, or to use as a thoughtful gift. To begin, you’ll need to locate some small white square ceramic tiles. You can buy them at home improvement stores

or better yet, at The Habitat ReStore. This is a great family-friendly activity though we do advise adult supervision since this project involves glue and Mod Podge.

Supplies

Square white tiles like the ones used in kitchen or bathrooms Photos (or old maps, Bible pages, hymnal music, etc.) Mod Podge Clear acrylic sealer Glue Felt Scissors (or rotary cutter and cutting mat) Small paint brush

Be sure to:

Clean tiles to remove any dirt or dust

Cut photos to size. You want the square photo to be slightly smaller than the tile, so that when it’s all finished, you will see the edge of the tile as a frame around the photo.

Brush Mod Podge onto a bare tile. Lay photo on top and let dry. Paint another Mod Podge layer on the top of the photo. Let dry. Optional: You can paint a second Mod Podge layer on top of the photo as an added layer of protection.

40 her voice | Fall 2019 • Share your voice with us

We did two coats of Mod Podge on top of each photo, letting them dry in between. Spray photo surface with clear acrylic sealer and let dry.

Cut felt and glue on bottom of tile. Cut the felt squares to a similar size as the photos that have been cut for the top of the coasters. Glue the felt to the bottom of the tiles with glue and let dry. Repeat for rest of tiles.

Do you have a (218)DIY 855-5895 PROJECT to share?

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HER COMMUNITY + volunteer

Won't you be

My Lunch Buddy SUBMITTED PHOTOS

BY MAUREEN FARNSWORTH

“Won’t you be my neighbor?” asked Mister Rogers on the PBS Children’s show “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” You might say the Lunch Buddies Program through Kinship Partners is asking the same question by inviting members of the community into neighborhood schools to have lunch with a child in need. Lunch Buddies is a new school-based mentoring program provided by Kinship Partners designed to introduce children and adults to the art of mentoring. The object of the program is to improve a child’s social skills and self-esteem to foster a better attitude for learning and school success. Twice a month mentors meet their student at school, take them through the lunch line and go to a special room with others in the program to eat lunch and engage in meaningful conversation. They may play games, talk, read books, do a craft or work on a project. The focus is on fostering a caring and supportive friendship. “It’s a very positive environment we provide while having fun and letting kids just be,” says Miranda Aulie, Brainerd Kinship Partner Coordinator. “Kids feel special participating. Other kids hear about it and want to know how they can participate!” Brittany Fyock is a lunch buddie to Grace at Garfield Elementary. Brittany spoke of how Grace has grown 44 her voice | Fall 2019 • Share your voice with us

“Every child who is successful can identify at least one adult in their life that made a difference.” - Cathy Nault, Harrison Elementary Principal

in courage and self-esteem and how she herself has discovered aspects of herself through their relationship and the program. “At first Grace was disconnected socially but then she started to open up, share her excitement about gymnastics and became comfortable sharing her thoughts and feelings.” “One time she talked about being made fun of and so we asked the group if they had ever been made fun of. Everyone in the group raised their hands including the adult mentors. The group helps kids build resilience as they are able to see that no one is alone in their struggles.” “For me, being able to step away from a stressful job and just laugh and have fun with a kid helps me see a part of myself I maybe wouldn’t see otherwise. I’m not a mom but I may want to be someday and these kids encourage that in me.” Anyone can be a Lunch Buddies mentor; however, Kinship Partners is building a unique relationship with local businesses that sponsor an employee to mentor over their lunch hour.

“It’s a very positive environment we provide while having fun and letting kids just be.” - Miranda Aullie, Brainerd

Brittany Fyock (right), is a Lunch Buddy to Grace at Garfield Elementary.

Kinship Partner Coordinator

‘It’s a way to support youth without the greater commitment of regular mentoring and fosters the idea of community businesses supporting the neighborhood and the children in it.” Says Miranda Weizenegger- Engel sponsors employee Seante Sibbert. Seante, like Brittany, spoke about the changes she has seen with the children, the compassion and joy she experiences and how it overflows to her place of employment. Seante is Lunch Buddies with Isabelle at Riverside Elementary, who initially was very quiet and who Seante now refers to as “my little butterfly” because of the way she has

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come out of her shell socially. “Miranda organizes everything and gathers fun games that foster positive connections. We have a lot of fun. I always go back to work with a big smile on my face and in such a good mood.” Because of her positive experience and seeing the impact she was having through Lunch Buddies, Seante and her family chose to mentor Levy full time through the Kinship Communitybased program. “It is the best thing we have ever done,” said Seante. “Seeing these kids and how their personalities emerge in a positive environment … it’s amazing.” “These kids did not choose their circumstances; it was handed to them. I believe it takes a village to raise a kid and we are all part of this community.” Approximately 40% of the Brainerd/ Baxter community falls into the poverty rate with a high number of children in schools facing risks and challenges that undermine learning and well-being. “...which is why we started the schoolbased program in Brainerd two years ago at Harrison Elementary followed by Riverside, Garfield and Lowell. It is our goal to be in every public school

Mentors meet their student at school, take them through the lunch line and eat lunch with others in the program. Afterwards, they play games, read books or work on crafts.

in Brainerd/Baxter this fall!” said Miranda. Kathy Nault, principal at Harrison Elementary, said, “Every child who is successful can identify at least one adult in their life that made a difference.” The Lunch Buddies program is one way to make a difference in a child’s life and one way to allow that child to make a difference in yours. Mister Rogers says it like this. “All of us, at some time or other, need help. Whether we’re giving or receiving help, each one of us has something valuable to bring to this world. That’s one of the things that connects us as neighbors -- in our

own way, each one of us is a giver and a receiver.”

Maureen Farnsworth is a retired Occupational Therapist, Yoga Therapist and full time Mother to 2 Sons who are now successful adults, recently married and starting families of their own. She now is a contributing writer for Her Voice and active volunteer in the community. She lives in Nisswa with her husband Michael of 34 years. She enjoys her time at the lake, travelling and time with friends.

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HER

VOICE We speak to women.

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WOMEN.

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Brainerd Office: 218-270-5905 SERVING PEOPLE STATEWIDE 48 her voice | Fall 2019 â&#x20AC;˘ Share your voice with us