Her Voice Magazine - Spring 2021

By Women. For Women. About Women.

A Brainerd Dispatch Publication

Rise Above

THE CHALLENGES Spring 2021

PLUS!

+ Embracing 2021 Helga’s Way

+ Hospice: Bon voyage a day at a time

+ The Abnormal Year

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her voice | spring 2021 • share your voice with us

Women’s Health

MY VOICE

HER VOICE By women. For women.

About women.

PUBLISHER

Pete Mohs ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Susie Alters Eller

SPECIAL PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR/ COPY EDITOR

DeLynn Howard

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Sara Slaby

PHOTOGRAPHER

Joey Halvorson

BY DELYNN HOWARD Well, if we learned anything from 2020, it’s how to be stronger mentally and emotionally, to be more resilient, to love harder, to live life to the fullest and always do your best to find the silver lining.

Columnist Michelle Oie talks about appreciating the valuable time she was afforded to play board games and eat sit-down suppers with her family because of the restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She says no matter what happened in 2020 and whatever is to come in 2021, we should always be mindful to look for the silver lining.

Unfortunately for some, 2020 was about goodbyes. In the Fall/Winter issue of Her Voice, Sarah Nelson-Katzenberger wrote about the impact teacher Voni Larson had on two of her former elementary school students. Little did Sarah know Larson would have an impact on her as well. Read her column “Saying Goodbye to Voni.”

We also had to say goodbye to Kim (Karn) Braun, also known as the “Pie Lady.” Sue Smith-Grier interviewed Kim for an article about her pie baking in our Summer 2020 issue. Kim battled with numerous health conditions and in order to raise extra money for expensive treatments and surgeries, she started a pie baking business. Smith-Grier writes: “On Nov. 17, 2020, Kimberly Braun, aka the “Pie Lady,” was called home to Heaven. For those of us who knew her and loved her she epitomized two important concepts: Be the change you wish to see and smile in the face of adversity until it surrenders (from Og Mandino’s “The Greatest Success in the World.”) Kim’s death is deeply felt by friends and family. Kim was a beloved mother and devoted grandmother to Caden, Julia, Ireland and Finland Frasier. Their trips to the berry farms to pick fresh ingredients for pies will be missed by all.”

The Clear Vision with Confidence conference is a prime example of how we should view 2021 and our future. Sheila DeChantal writes about the women behind this event coming to us virtually in March.

Throughout these pages you will definitely find resiliency, examples of living life to the fullest, examples of loving harder, becoming stronger in all aspects and finding that silver lining.

It can be done. We just have to look for it.

Next Issue of Her Voice: Summer 2021 - publishes Brainerd Dispatch and Echo Journal: June 16, 2021 You can also find Her Voice Magazine in over 100 Discover Rack locations in the area or read it online at:

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

218-855-5850

delynn.howard@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 19, EDITION 1 SPRING 2021 like us on facebook • spring 2021 | her voice

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CONTENTS

Summer 2021

My Voice Things we Learned From 2020 3

By DeLynn Howard

Her Art The Art of Adaptability 5

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Her Community Clear Vision with Confidence

By Sheila DeChantal Clear Vision with Confidence is a conference created by women, for women and is 100 percent virtual this year, set for March 1.

By Sue Smith-Grier

Her Goodbye

On the cover— Katie Rollins (front) and Sara Olmanson paddled on South Hegman Lake, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, on a Mind Body Spirit trip by Guiding Spirit Journeys in 2017. Photo by Laura Knudsen

Saying Goodbye to Voni 10

By Sarah Nelson Katzenberger

Her Home Living Alone: Learning strategies to adjust 25

36

By Audrae Gruber

Her Table

For Her

Take a Healthier Step into 2021 Cauliflower & Zucchini

Searching for the Silver Lining 26

Her Career Rise Above the Challenges 14

By Cynthia Bachman Melissa Olson’s Guiding Spirit Journeys was created for the seeker in us. Find out how her journeys can transform and change us despite challenges.

By Sue Ready

By Michelle Oie

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Her Health

Her Story

Her Family

Embracing 2021 Helga’s Way 18

Hospice: Bon voyage a day at a time 28

The Abnormal Year 32

By Sue Sterling Meet Helga Fleischhacker, a 79-year-old woman who has been leading a Bone Builders class at The Center in Brainerd for 13 years.

By Jan Kurtz Jan Kurtz writes about the journey she and her mother, Phyllis, took while Phyllis was put on hospice.

her voice | spring 2021 • share your voice with us

By Sheila Helmberger A grandma, a daycare provider and a teacher: The struggles and successes of navigating through a strange year.

Cindy Miller stands on the steps of The Landing, a small house in Emily, Minnesota, that has been repurposed and redesigned to make shopping experiences cozy and enjoyable.

The Art of Adaptability

HER ART + adaptability

BY SUE SMITH-GRIER | PHOTOS BY JOEY HALVORSON

W

hen Cindy Miller and MaryDe Hanson brought their economic development project for Emily, MN to fruition in May of 2017, they had no idea of the hurdles that awaited them. Getting The Landing, a marketplace for local artists, off the ground would be challenging enough. Adapting this important business and resource to the onslaught of a global pandemic only three years later would test the mettle of these courageous women. continued on page 6

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A metal art piece hangs on the wall at The Landing, an artists’ marketplace where a wide variety of unique, vintage, up cycled, repurposed, collectible items including household items and furniture can be found.

THE RIGHT COVERAGE AT THE RIGHT PRICE.

continued FROM page 5

THE ART OF CREATIVE ENDEAVORS

The Landing is an artists’ market-

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hannekeninsurance.com Serving Little Falls: 320.632.6592 Pine River: 218.587.2722

Brainerd: Pierz:

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BUSINESS

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FARM BUSINESS LIFE & HEALTH AUTO HOME FARM BUSINESS LIFE HEALTH | LIFE AUTO | HOME | FARM | BUSINESS & &HEALTH

her voice | spring 2021 • share your voice with us

The kitchen area of The Landing displays household items and crafted hand towels for sale.

THE ART OF NAVIGATING ROADBLOCKS

Businesses in Emily suffered through a summer of road construction in 2018.

Traffic was rerouted as the main part of town was closed for road repairs.

Some, including The Landing, lost main street accessibility. Fortunately, there was an alley behind the building through which customers could gain access to the little shop.

Despite the summer of construction, the artists marketplace continued to grow. Classes were offered on Wednesdays during summer months and outdoor market events were well attended. Then came the threat that caused so many businesses to close, some of them forever.

THE ART OF CREATIVE THINKING

In March, one week before the state mandated that businesses close due to the pandemic, Miller and her partners closed The Landing for the wellbeing of

volunteers and customers. Finding financial help was challenging. Miller finally found help through the Small Business Administration where she procured an economic disaster loan. “This allowed us to catch up on our rent and because of the fear of the unknown we actually paid our rent forward until the end of our lease term,” said Miller. “That was step one in being closed and how we managed to survive because your bills keep going. Your expenses are your expenses whether your door is open or not.”

Social media proved to be a lifeline for the marketplace, according to Miller.

“The second piece for The Landing is we went full social media to promote what our artists had to sell,” said Miller.

Customers came from as far as Fargo and Hibbing to purchase items they saw on the social media pages. “That’s just amazing where they literally made that trip specifically to The Landing. And what it also does is creates a lot of interest for custom artwork,” Miller said.

Some of The Landing artists have been offered commission work as a result of social media. Though it is a wonderful tool, it has a downside too. “Social media is not easy work. It takes a lot of time, not just to post but more importantly to interact with customers. And honestly, it can be 24/7 even when the brick-and-mortar store is closed. That’s just the reality of it.”

“The next step, when we could reopen, was to do a lot of research to make our place a safe environment for shopping. When we reopened in May, we immediately required masks. If you didn’t have a mask on, we would ask you not to enter. We did get pushback, but we persevered because we wanted to keep this a safe shopping environment for our customers and our staff.”

continued on page 9

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7870 Excelsior Rd., Baxter 218-828-9545 • 877-338-3957 8

her voice | spring 2021 • share your voice with us

continued FROM page 7 Only a limited number of people were allowed in the store at one time and they continued contactless payment methods.

“We also started something at that time that we’d never done before — shop by appointment,” said Miller. This was the first time The Landing was available for private viewings.

THE ART OF SUCCESS

The community, artists and The Landing partners worked together to make this marketplace a success in the midst of the pandemic. Miller confides, “With this whole opening I will say we were afraid to open. A lot of us are older and part of the fear is we didn’t want anybody to get sick; we didn’t want to get sick. And then you worry, is anybody even going to come out and shop?”

They opened in the summer and indeed had shoppers. Late summer they took a

hard look at the circumstances. “Now that we realized COVID-19 is probably going to stick around for a while, we just decided we’re going to work through the pandemic.

We’ve learned that social media is an excellent business tool. We’ve tried a couple of Facebook Live events to promote our artists,” stated Miller.

The hard work Miller and the others put into The Landing in 2020 has paid off. Going forward, the ladies of The Landing plan to grow the business, recruit new artists and have fun in the process.

“Honestly, we’ve had a very successful year. We promoted shopping small and shopping local and my advice is to believe in what you do and persevere. Always think outside the box and entertain new ideas even if it’s something you’re not comfortable with,” Miller said.

Susan J. Smith-Grier, mother, grandmother, writer, storyteller, blogger, and Reading Corps tutor of early elementary kids, enjoys the changing seasons of Minnesota lake country. She lives for those moments when the possibilities light up the eyes of her awesome school kids and delights in the power of words and story.

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HER GOODBYE + reflection

Melissa Rogers (left), Voni Larson and Cynthia Bunting are pictured with a framed version of the Her Voice story Sarah Nelson Katzenberger wrote for the Fall/Winter issue of Her Voice. A week or so before the story ran, Cynthia called Sarah and said Voni wasn’t doing well and they were worried she wouldn’t be able to see the story in print. An early copy of the story Cynthia and Melissa had framed was presented to Voni and her family so they could share it together.

goodbye to Voni SAYING

BY SARAH NELSON KATZENBERGER

T

here are a handful of stories in my years of journalism and freelancing that have stuck with me. Voni Larson was one of them. When I was pitched the idea of writing about the reunion between Voni and her two former students, Melissa Rogers and Cynthia Bunting, the tone I was presented with was a little sad and reflective — more of a goodbye than the uplifting reunion I actually wrote about.

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her voice | spring 2021 • share your voice with us

I met with Voni, Cynthia and Melissa via Zoom last summer from my in-laws’ basement. Not exactly the normal interview process I was used to, but we made it work.

I had a ball cap on because COVID hair. Everyone else joined in from their own homes across central Minnesota.

Cynthia and I had a background phone call ahead of time and when Voni got on our group call, all faces lit up. I scribbled feverishly while Voni fondly recalled her years as a teacher — a deeply loved teacher at that.

She didn’t have to say it, but from the looks on the faces of her long-grown up students, it was evident the impact she made was deep and lasting. I learned a lot about Voni that I was unable to fit into my maximum word count, but still smile thinking of all of her experiences and passions. She was really involved in her church. She spearheaded tons of community fundraisers. She had a knack for finding coins on the ground.

She was a mother and grandmother, a beloved wife to her husband, Stephen. She was part of a singing group.

And my personal favorite, her nickname was “Tootsie.”

Voni had what I think can only be described as a grav-

itational pull to her. When she talked, people listened.

I’m a veteran reporter and I had to remind myself to keep taking notes a few times because she was just a captivating storyteller. I just wanted to listen.

Before I met Voni last summer, I learned she was battling an aggressive form of cancer. She was diagnosed in 2015 and beat it, only to have it return in the spring of 2020. This time it was particularly devastating because of the early unknowns of treatment availability because of the developing pandemic. Honestly, I had already kind of planned in my mind the crux of my story and the inspiration it would provide. But when I gently asked Voni about her diagnosis, she bravely held back tears and with all the grace and dignity she could muster, said, “Oh, I don’t want that to be the feature of the story. I’m just so grateful for every day I have and that I get to share my love for teaching and for these girls and our very special friendship.” So I left it alone. And I left it out of the story.

Within a few weeks after our Zoom call, I had a Facebook message from Voni.

Hello, my Dear & Sweet Friends. Wow, it’s already two weeks since we did the interview with Sarah... So Thank You, Sarah, for time spent with us, & the work you do.... As You write the article, Keep me humble... no need for pedestals... as there are so many wonderfully gifted people out there changing the world, one person at a time... that would be equally or more deserving to be written about...We are all called “to be the change we wish to see in the world”. Cindy & Missy I am so grateful for your presence in my life & your belief in me that you’d want to have Sarah write a news article about US!!! I was passionate about my career...wanting to help children/people & by motivating them to rise up out of feelings of inadequacy, not being able to measure up to others who were successful. I wanted ALL to believe in themselves, because then anything is possible!!! ...& you have BOTH PROVED THAT... in your very own SUCCESS STORIES! You both have so many areas of strengths & are extremely empathetic young women.. How You do Your work is changing lives every day...Talk about ‘IMPACT’! Cindy, Your students are so fortunate to have You as their college level teacher... You are helping them refine their communication and organization skills forming a foundation for anywhere they desire to be in the workforce. Know that You ARE AMAZING! Melissa, You too, hold a very important job..

You are specially trained to cut samples from organs or other pieces of tissue and stain them with materials such as dyes, which can aid in microscopic tissue analysis. The lives of many hang in limbo while you perform your job, so correct analysis can provide information leading their physicians to cures or appropriate treatment. Know that YOU TOO ARE AMAZING! ....& I Look Up to YOU BOTH..

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-Voni continued on page 12 like us on facebook • spring 2021 | her voice

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continued FROM page 11

Voni Larson and Cynthia Bunting share an embrace when they were together in October 2020. Larson was Bunting’s favorite elementary school teacher years ago. They were reunited in the summer of 2020.

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her voice | spring 2021 • share your voice with us

To three grown women, these encouraging and guiding words from a teacher still hold a lot of weight. She was never my teacher, but I felt the same sense of affirmation and genuine kindness as her once-upon-a-time students and now treasured friends.

Our story was set to publish in Her Voice on Oct. 30, 2020. A week or so before our story ran, Cynthia called me and said Voni had taken a turn and they were worried she wouldn’t be able to see the story in print. We worked together with the Brainerd Dispatch and a Forum Communications Company page designer to get an early copy to Voni’s family so they could share it with her. Cynthia and Melissa had the story framed and were at Voni’s home with her while her daughter, Dani, read the story to the entire family.

On Nov. 28, 2020, Voni died. She passed peacefully at home surrounded by her family who she loved and treasured so deeply. I never had the chance to meet Voni in person, but I wish I had.

Even as she bravely battled cancer, she was full of life. She was kind, true to herself. She loved her family and she loved these two little girls who grew up to be incredible women who she was immensely proud to call her friends.

And to me, too. Her story will stay with me forever, I have no doubt.

Voni was beloved by her community and though she did not want anyone to pity her or be grieved by her tough diagnosis, she is undoubtedly missed deeply by the community she made such an immense impact on.

Voni, I know you told me not to put you on a pedestal and I think I did a pretty decent job of complying, but you are truly so special and impacted so many lives — we just wanted others to know how truly extraordinary you were. You are already deeply missed by those who were lucky enough to know you personally, but I think there are many others who were moved by your story and would have loved to have had the opportunity to tell you. Thank you for your courage and your wisdom and your love for others.

Even though I knew you such a short time, you will always be a gift to me.

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-Sarah Sarah Nelson Katzenberger is a displaced Californian who had no idea there were four seasons until she moved to Minnesota. She is a former missionary, law school drop-out, high school teacher and award-winning journalist with the Brainerd Dispatch. She continues to write for local and national publications and provides unsolicited grammar correction as needed. Sarah lives in Brainerd with her husband Chad and their three baby Vikings, Ellis, Meredith and Truett.

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HER CAREER + challenges

Rise Above

THE CHALLENGES

BY CYNTHIA BACHMAN | PHOTOS BY MELISSA OLSON

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her voice | spring 2021 • share your voice with us

W

e all know the virus has given us an entire new world with unending challenges and restrictions: shelterin-place, work from home, essential workers, quarantine, lock down, social distancing, etc.

All phrases and discussions which most of us never thought of before, but now every child and adult is included in these concepts as COVID-19 restrictions have altered the world forever. On a day-to-day basis all is unpredictable because of medical concerns/ uncertainties, unprecedented government rules and governor mandates, etc. continued on page 16

ADVENTURES for every member of the family!

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continued FROM page 15 So many changes lead us to seek answers of comfort and to deal with the overwhelming uncertainty and expectations.

It can be a challenge to keep energy up and deal with negativity and changing daily life.

Ideas to achieve positivity and move forward with confidence can be found on Melissa Olson’s blog. On her website www.guidingspiritjourneys.com, Melissa shares, “By creating resolutions, we resolve to do life better, to do something good for our health, to start a new habit or get rid of a bad one. To create a realistic goal and follow through can be achieved with planning.

• WRITE THEM DOWN: Writing your goals on a piece of paper is one of the surest ways to increase the probability of it coming to fruition. Some statistics state you are 42% more likely to achieve your goals if you write them down compared to keeping them in your head. It can be as simple as one word goals that are easy to remember and focus on.

• CREATE A VISION BOARD: I started utilizing vision boards many years ago and have even facilitated a yoga weekend retreat with a vision board workshop and intention setting to start the new year on a good note. I am a visual person and vision boards are a wonderful collage of pictures that can represent your goals. If a large board in your office or room doesn’t appeal, simply take a blank 5x7 index card and colored pencils with which to draw a picture or symbol on it representing your goal to focus your attention on.

• MEDITATE AND VISUALIZE: Now sit down comfortably in a quiet place and take that piece of paper with your list of goals or drawn symbol or your entire vision board and set it in front of you. Choose one thing at a time to focus on. Close your eyes and start to visualize yourself reaching that goal and becoming that person. A key is that, in this moment, you act as if it has already happened, as if you are celebrating success; your desires are already made manifest.

TOP: Carol Wenner (left) and Marcie Wagner used teamwork to lift a pack while at Lower Pauness Lake in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

LEFT: Melissa Olson (front), Cindi Zwicky and Chris Austin were on a Women in the Wilderness adventure in 2017 on Oyster Lake in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

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her voice | spring 2021 • share your voice with us

While all these ideas create the perfect set up, it will be the energy, intention and passion behind your goals that will ultimately make them come alive. Your mind is powerful.

Stay passionate, stay fired, stay inspired and keep creating.”

Melissa Olson’s Guiding Spirit Journeys was created for the seeker in us, by utilizing a transformational wilderness experience with earth-based spiritual undertones. Her spiritual journeys offer fully outfitted and professionally guided adventures/retreats for individuals and small groups. All is sacred. Spending time in the wilderness, immersed in nature, can be a life-changing event. Journeys, adventures, retreats and workshops allow a person to connect with the earth, themselves and other like-minded spirits. This can transform you.

Olson is trained in Wilderness First Aid and is ARC Lifeguard Certified. She is an Army National Guard veteran, MN Master Naturalist and Guide registered with the U.S. Forest Service. Further credits to Melissa: Yoga instructor, NASM Certified Personal Trainer. She has owned her business Guiding Spirit Journeys since 2016.

In my research I have found that what Melissa has to offer is a practice known to the Japanese culture as forest bathing. This means to ‘take in’ the forest, to connect with nature through sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch which can become a spiritual experience, a soothing experience. But Olson takes it to the next level by teaching outdoor skills during 4-6 day wilderness immersion experiences, such as proper knot tying to secure your canoe or tent. Participants will learn about trees and plants, as well as to navigate, paddle and portage a canoe, work as a team, build and cook over a campfire and much more. Creating confidence by learning new skills helps us to overcome uncertainty when navigating new territory.

In daily life, as a way to cope with uncertainty, focus on self-care — realize how special and important you are. It is healthy to put yourself first by ensuring you get adequate sleep, exercise and have a healthy diet. Fend off boredom and stress by discovering yourself through restful sleep, meditation or yoga practice. Meditation can be as simple as a mindful walk in the woods.

Allow yourself to disconnect from social media and technology and to connect with the natural world/rhythms of nature. Learn to pace yourself to gain/maintain your health through alertness, mindfulness and loving self-care. Prioritize yourself: allow yourself to slow down, be grateful, hopeful, peaceful and thrilled with life.

Cynthia Bachman grew up and lives in the Brainerd area with her husband, Brian. She recently retired from the medical field.

Cynthia enjoys nature walks and bike riding in rural Minnesota.

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HER HEALTH + exercising

EMBRACING 2021

Helga’s Way

BY SUE STERLING | PHOTOS BY JOEY HALVORSON

I

Studies have shown that adults age 55+ who participate in a weight training program twice a week for a year gained bone density. After age 50 a person loses 3% of muscle strength per year, and the average women loses up to 16% of bone mass over her lifetime.

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her voice | spring 2021 • share your voice with us

f you’re reading this article then you have lived through the dreaded lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Your life was turned upside down as you struggled to survive the loneliness and sometimes heartache that the social distancing laws demanded.

With 2020 now behind us, what is your vision for 2021?

What are you going to do to help your mind, body and spirit thrive in the “new normal” that has been thrust upon us?

Here’s some inspiration.

Let me introduce you to Helga Fleischhacker, a 79-yearold woman who makes it her goal to help others become healthier and happier.

For 13 years, Helga has been leading a Bone Builders class at The Center in Brainerd. When asked why she does this, she said, “to stay in good shape, and because I like people.” Helga’s class meets three times a week at The Center (for active aging) on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 11-11:30 a.m. In preCOVID days, her class attendance was 15-25 people – mostly women, but some men. Post-COVID, the class size varies from 4-8 people.

What is Bone Builders? It’s a low-impact class that uses hand-held weights and exercises to protect against fractures caused by osteoporosis by increasing muscular strength and bone density. Bone Builders helps improve balance and enhances energy and well-being. Those who come build more than bones, though.

They build friendships, they build confidence, and they build hope that they can maintain a more active lifestyle than their parents did during their retirement years.

Helga is an inspiration to everyone who knows her. Every day is an adventure for

For 13 years, 79-year-old Helga Fleischhacker has been leading a Bone Builders class at The Center in Brainerd.

her. As the weather permits, she bikes, walks, snowshoes and does cross-country skiing. Even when she’s at home watching TV she pedals her Cubii, an under-desk elliptical, for a 1,000 steps a day to help keep her energy up. Energy was important to her in taking care of her partner who died this past December. She took him into her home and cared for him until his last breath. Still, she says to think positive. I asked her what advice she would give to others to stay positive. Her first piece of advice is to wear a smile.

Her second piece of advice is to stay busy; don’t sit idle. But, she says, “to make friends, you have to be friendly!” Volunteering, she finds, keeps her mind occupied and helps her make new friends.

The highlight of Helga’s life was receiving the Outstanding Citizen Award in Crow Wing County in 2016. Her upbringing in Germany set her on a path to healthy living. At 21 she married an American soldier stationed in Ettlingen, Germany, and came to the U.S. with him. They raised two children as they settled in Brainerd. Life had its ups and downs, but Helga does not focus on the past. She’s looking forward to a healthy, happy future that includes helping others through her Bone Builder class at The Center. She’ll tell you that it’s a great place to make friends.

DeAnn Barry, director of The Center, says Helga is a wonderful instructor, and Bone Builders is a huge offering they would not have without her.

Helga’s class is instrumental to individuals who can’t work out on equipment, and it adds to the quality of life for those who participate,” Barry said.

As this world spins faster and faster around the sun, society’s perspective of old age has changed. Women are no longer rel-

egated to a rocking chair, nor are men just sitting on the porch swapping stories with their cronies. Better medical care and a healthier lifestyle find them pursuing new careers, hobbies and participating in community functions more than ever before.

So take Helga’s advice and embrace 2021 with a positive outlook. Instead of longing for how things used to be, learn new ways to explore what the world has to offer. Overcome your fear of the unknown and step outside your comfort zone to embrace a new paradigm.

How? Take an online class, join a fitness class or reach out and find a place that needs some help — a neighbor, a food shelf, a nursing home — the opportunities are there if you look for them.

Become more health-conscious because it’s your choices that will improve your health. Body, mind and spirit are all connected; improve one and you’re on your way to improving them all.

Try it the “Helga Way.” Think positive, keep busy and smile.

Embrace 2021 and leave 2020 to the history books.

Sue Sterling is a freelance writer, computer tutor, professional calligrapher and amateur photographer who lives in Brainerd. She is currently working part-time at The Center as their Outreach Coordinator. Sue is also the president of the Lakes Area Singles organization and a member of the Brainerd Area Art Guild, as well as the Lakes Area Writers Alliance. She has three sons and seven grandchildren. When she’s not at home at her computer or art table, she loves spending time with her family in the metro area.

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HER COMMUNITY + vision

CLEAR VISION WITH

CONFIDENCE

BY SHEILA DECHANTAL

20

her voice | spring 2021 • share your voice with us

C

lear Vision with Confidence presented by CTC is a conference created by women, for women. This annual event brings together local panelists that are the best of the best in the Brainerd lakes area along with national inspirational and motivational speaker Kindra Hall, best selling author of “Stories That Stick” and chief storytelling officer of Success magazine.

Originally started in 2020 as a vision of Sarah Smith’s, the events and marketing director of Confidence Learning Center, the idea for Clear Vision with Confidence started to come together. Smith envisioned a mix of amazing influential female leaders at both a national and a local level.

“I had attended the conference with Rachel Hollis when she was in Alexandria a couple of years ago,” Smith shared. “It was such an incredible empowering event for women. I knew something like this would be a great asset to our community. We have so many strong motivational women with great stories right here that could take part to create a unique and uplifting experience.”

In 2020, Smith secured Rachel Cruze, best selling author and daughter of Financial Peace University’s Dave

Ramsey, along with a group of local speakers to launch Clear Vision with Confidence as a half day event. The event sold 400 tickets and raised nearly $10,000 for the Confidence Learning Center.

“The event was everything we had hoped for,” Smith says. “The women who attended loved it. One of the biggest take-aways was they wanted more. We were encouraged to offer a full day event so we set to work to see what that could look like.”

The 2021 event is looking exciting. This now full day event will take place from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday, March 1, 2021. Having taken suggestions from last year’s attendees, Smith has packed the 2021 event with not only the keynote speaking of Hall, but also local panelists including

continued on page 22

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Angie Nelson (left), Julie Vandeputte, Sarah Smith and Erika Misenko take a break from prerecording some clips in preparation of the Clear Vision with Confidence virtual conference set for March 1.

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CLEAR VISION WITH CONFIDENCE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: 8:45-9:30 a.m.

“Transform your habits, transform your life” by Julie VanDeputte, Personal Trainer/Health & Fitness Coach

9:45-10:30 a.m.

“Discovering the You in ‘You Do You’”

by Pam Finch, Executive Mentor, Red Ribbon Consulting, LLC

10:45-11:30 a.m.

“Women in Retirement Readiness – Will YOU Be Ready?” by Erika Misenko, Manager, Ascensus

11:45-12:30 p.m.

“Leading a Business Through Difficult Times” by Kristi Westbrock, CEO/ General Manager CTC

12:30-1 p.m.

“Luncheon LIVE Auction”

by Sarah Smith, Marketing Director Confidence Learning Center

1-2:15 p.m.

continued FROM page 21 Abbey Pieper of Madden’s Resort, Sarah Barrett of Barrett Petfood Innovations and Kathy Sell of Essentia Health, for this one day women’s conference.

This year's event will be 100% virtual, available online.

You can gather a group and watch from your office, create your own mini conference space or engage from the comfort of your home. Attendees will be able to interact with the speakers in several ways, including the ability to submit questions ahead of time when you register, take part in the breakout sessions, as well as utilizing the materials that will be offered along with some of the sessions. Anyone can take part in this virtual experience and it is exciting to think you can watch from anywhere and really make this time your own.

Panelists Sell, Barrett and Pieper are humbled and thrilled to take part in this year's conference. Sell shared, “I am excited to be part of an event and discussion that encourages and connects women in our community. I am continuously impressed by the brilliant women who are part of the Brainerd lakes area business community. This event provided a format to learn from each other while growing on a personal level.”

Barrett adds, “Confidence Learning Center is a unique and special place. To have an event focused on inspiring women while benefiting camp is simply incredible. The panel discussion will be an opportunity for all of us to speak

“Developing your Story” Panel Discussion Moderated

by Tess Taylor, WJJY featuring: Kathy Sell, Marketing Manager, Essentia Health Abbey Pieper, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Maddens Resort Sarah Barrett, Partner/VP Operations, Barrett Petfood Innovations

2:30-3:30 p.m.

“Stories that Stick” Keynote speaker & best selling author, Kindra Hall

3:30-3:50 p.m.

VIP Meet & Greet Session with Kindra Hall

4-4:30 p.m.

Tito’s Handmade Vodka Virtual Mixology Session

OTHER INFO:

Mystery Purse Silent Auction will run all day and close at 5 p.m.

Side chat rooms with other participants available throughout the day. Chat with participating partners throughout the day.

22

her voice | spring 2021 • share your voice with us

24719 Hazelwood Dr, Nisswa 218.961.0095 www.bellecheveuxnisswa.com

about our career paths, work/life balance and what advice we may offer others as they think about the shape of their future.”

Other sessions will fill in the day from local leaders including health and fitness coach Julie Vandeputte, strategic consultant and executive mentor Pam Finch, CTC CEO Kristi Westbrock and strategic account manager from Ascensus Erika Misenko.

Vandeputte, who participated in last year's conference is thrilled to take part again this year. “It’s incredible to have a day on your calendar that is filled with positivity and growth. This year’s theme of “Stories that Stick” is all about the story that creates opportunities to learn and to grow. What an amazing way to do it, supporting women and supporting our local charities.” This year Vandeputte will be sharing 10 habits that healthy people incorporate in their lives. She is excited about the virtual aspect of this year’s conference and the ability to reach out to even more women.

Finch will be speaking about living a balanced life. “Often, as women, we think it is about learning how to balance between life and work, when in reality, it is all life and work is part of that life as is your wellness, mental and physical health, faith and relationships.” Finch is excited to share steps to connect attendees to their own sense of purpose and balance.

“After last year's incredible success, it is amazing to think that this year has even more potential to reach beyond our community, said Westbrock. “Anyone from anywhere can participate. We are so proud of what Sarah and the Confidence Learning Center has created.”

Misenko will be sharing her knowledge about retirement readiness. “Now more than ever women are realizing the important role they play in supporting their families. This conference is an

opportunity to do something for ourselves. Together we will learn how to support other women in our community and empower ourselves to be well equipped for the challenges life may throw our way. I highly encourage all women to attend.”

Included with the conference will be a purse auction as well as a small live auction. Attendees will have the opportunity to bid on these items. The purses will have items hidden inside such as gift cards from local businesses. The winner of the purse will also win all of the things hidden inside.

Tickets are available now through clearvisionwithconfidence. com. General admission is $50 and includes the full day conference with both live and pre-recorded sessions, as well as break out sessions and all PDF materials to enhance your experience.

The VIP ticket is $75 and includes all the general admission items as well as a grab bag and an exclusive live video chat with keynote speaker Kindra Hall. Grab bags will be mailed prior to the event date so attendees will have them for the conference.

Proceeds from this event will support the Confidence Learning Center.

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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23

March 1, 2021 PRESENTED BY

Key-Note Speaker

KINDRA HALL

Kindra Hall is President and Chief Storytelling Officer at Steller Collective, a consulting firm focused on the strategic application of storytelling to today’s communication challenges. Kindra is one of the most sought-after keynote speakers trusted by global brands to deliver presentations and trainings that inspire teams and individuals to better communicate the value of their company, their products and their individuality through strategic storytelling.

Kindra is a former Director of Marketing and VP of Sales. She is Chief Storytelling Officer at SUCCESS Magazine and was guest faculty at the Harvard Medical School. Her book, Stories that Stick: How Storytelling can Captivate Customers, Influence Audiences and Transform Your Business debuted at #2 on the Wall Street Journal Bestseller List and Forbes said it “may be the most valuable business book you read.” Kindra’s message spans all industries and her clients include Facebook, Hilton Hotels, Tyson Foods, Target and Berkshire Hathaway and many others.

Like us on Facebook • Summer 2019 | her voice 47

What began as a storytelling assignment in 5th grade, grew into a passion for not only telling stories, but a mastery for teaching others the methods and science of storytelling so they can better tell their own.

She was a National Champion storyteller (yes, they have those), a former member of the Board of Directors of the National Storytelling Network and has her master’s degree in communications where she conducted original research studying the role of storytelling in defining and revealing organizational culture.

Regardless of the industry, Kindra has become a conference favorite for her clients. The blend of inspiration and education in her keynotes mean that audiences leave feeling excited and equipped to finally put their stories to work in a tangible way. Kindra lives in Manhattan with her husband, young son and daughter. When she is not traveling around the world speaking, Kindra can usually be found at spin class or in Central Park with her family.

Save the Date...

TICKET INFORMATION

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Ticket Information can be found at: www.ClearVisionwithConfidence.com or Facebook

her voice | spring 2021 • share your voice with us

HER HOME + strategies

BY AUDRAE GRUBER

Living alone LEARNING STRATEGIES TO ADJUST

I

t is a known fact that women will be most likely to age living alone. On average, women are younger than their husbands throughout the world. Many younger women have chosen an alone lifestyle and the recent pandemic has also influenced their choices.

Living alone requires a different life adjustment. Recently, studies of behavior and the brain have developed definite strategies for a lifestyle that improves and aids that process.

Public television recently presented a doctoral program on the needs of the brain for those of us living alone that requires consideration. I thought it was worth sharing with the Her Voice readers.

It’s probably not something we give a lot of thought to.

I have been a list maker which probably goes back to working days with family. These are the daily suggestions recently presented.

1. Engage with someone verbally at least once a day – this requires a certain part of our brains which is only used in conversation with someone else. The computer often keeps some of us from having actual conversations but the value comes in terms of actually making use of your voice which uses different parts of our brain. We need to keep in touch verbally every day.

2. Exercise like walking, yoga, body movements.

3. Intentionally learning something new: brain games, (there are some on the computer), puzzles, reading new books, reading new recipes, anything to exercise the brain with, something new that requires new thoughts and behavior.

4. Meditation of the past: lifetime history, goals for the future, needs of family and friends, whatever is on your mind and needs processing.

We seldom think of our brains needing nourishment and we often go about our daily routines. These four intentions give us a pattern and lifestyle that meets special needs.

Living alone has become a new pattern for me and many of my friends. Keeping in touch with others besides family has become a major goal at 89 years old. Fortunately for me, some friendships go as far back as high school.

Give it some thought. Savor the journey. Stay well.

Audrae Norris Johnson Gruber, retired St. Paul elementary teacher, mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother, Brainerd resident of 15 years, poet, writer, nature lover, former volunteer for hospice, suicide prevention, library board, Brainerd Dispatch advisory, member of Homer’s Writers group and happy camper.

Let's end the STIGMA about MENTAL HEALTH. IMMEDIATE OPENINGS

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Contac t Us Today to Schedule! 2 1 8 - 8 2 0- 7 6 7 1 like us on facebook • spring 2021 | her voice

25

FOR HER + reflection

SEARCHING FOR THE

2

Silver Lining

BY MICHELLE OIE

020. What a ride. I think we can all agree it was a year of difficulty and frustration, suffering and great loss. Was it better pre-2020?

Was everything about 2020 awful? I dare say that a small silver lining, however faint, was present amongst all the negative chaos.

26

her voice | spring 2021 • share your voice with us

I believe 2020 would only be a waste if we didn’t learn something positive from it. Have you ever known someone who went through a tough time only to come out the other side stronger? Gold is tested in fire. Coal under pressure creates diamonds.

My 2020 taught me a lot. It woke me up.

I now appreciate toilet paper... very much.

I was afforded valuable time to play board games and eat sitdown suppers with my family.

My “If I want it I can have it” self-entitlement came to a halt as I realized my consumption of goods is made possible by hard working people. People who, like me, can become sick and if they do, are not able to work to make those goods. Just because I want something doesn’t mean I can have it.

Driving past my favorite restaurants unable to take a seat and have smiling wait staff do what they do best was tough for everyone involved. A delicious, fresh, cheesy sausage and mushroom pizza or a grilled mushroom Swiss burger is difficult for me to imitate at home.

Friends and family over a certain age were suddenly on my radar. Would they get sick? If so would they make it through? I realized every day before 2020 could have been their last. How presumptuous of me to think I’d always have one more day with them.

Folks who were on the front lines are people I never really thought

about before 2020. Now I have definite admiration for them.

My faith in humanity grew as I watched people gather to support those who needed it most. Good news was hard to find but if you looked, the stories were there. Awesome stories.

If ever there was a time I didn’t think the community mattered, it matters to me now. My townspeople, neighbors, fellow church goers and coworkers are all people I dearly missed. I never thought I would.

Nature is truly a blessing. Stepping outside to see the blue sky, feel the breeze on my cheeks and hear trumpeter swans honk as I walked my dog was like my own precious treasure — definitely food for the soul.

So... was it better pre-2020? Maybe. But if 2020 taught us valuable (and hopefully unforgettable) lessons that will make us better people, I say it could be better now than it ever was.

My thought for you as we start 2021: Never stop looking for the elusive silver lining.

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.

like us on facebook • spring 2021 | her voice

27

HER STORY + family

In Loving Memory: Phyllis Kurtz

March 17, 1926 Nov. 14, 2020 Reading an average of three books per week, Phyllis had the opportunity to speak to author Jean Aspen after finishing one of her last reads.

28

her voice | spring 2021 • share your voice with us

HOSPICE STORY AND PHOTOS

BY JAN KURTZ

BON VOYAGE A DAY AT A TIME

A

rainy October Saturday morning reveals fading yellow leaves pasted to the sidewalk. The gray sky matches my mood. The cooling temperatures and encroaching seasonal darkness reflect my new reality. Mom’s diminishing figure is curled inside a fluffy duvet on the couch in the back sunroom. I’m in the front room, waiting for her to ring the bell.

A month ago, the sun shone brightly on my trip to the family cabin for one last fall hoorah and seasonal closing. The day before leaving, I noticed Mom’s breathing was labored. I insisted on a doctor’s appointment. This 94-year-old woman who had not been on any medications for years, who walked around the block with her hiking sticks, who read several books a week, and still tried new recipes – this woman left that appointment signed into hospice.

Hospice! Now there is a word to change your day! I watched the social worker attach a DNR – Do Not Resuscitate – bracelet to her wrist and we walked out the door, down the hall and down the road of our last journey together.

“We better get busy,” Mom stated when we got back to her condo. “There is so much to do.”

“Make a list,” she began, handing me a paper and pen. “It will give us the illusion that we are in control of something.”

continued on page 30

Home Care and Hospice

by KNUTE NELSON

like us on facebook • spring 2021 | her voice

29

continued FROM page 29 “I’ll go through my closet and dresser drawers. You make the calls,” she directed. “Let’s see. The financial advisor, the funeral director, church eldercare, family members.”

Then, pointing to the bookshelves, “My personal files are there. Start with the funeral home. I have a pre-paid funeral packet. My church isn’t open with this COVID going on, so I should be getting a refund on the minister, organist, soloist . . .” she clicked off her potential savings.

“See if Hannah can stop by with my beneficiary documents. I want to review for any possible tax events. And,” she added, “ask her which documents I need to save and what we can shred. Get excesses out of here.”

Thus began our last stage. Within a week, the news of her situation brought in an outpouring of friendship.

“What? The phone ringing again?” she said as I was again headed to answer the front door.

“Do you think your mom might want to read ‘Furious Hours?’” Pam inquired from the door stoop. “She told me she was interested in Harper Lee,” she explained, handing over the book.

Back in the sunroom, Mom was on the phone. “Do you like minestrone?” Connie asked, “I’ve made a big pot and a loaf of French bread. I could bring it right over.”

The first visits were calculated at one per morning and another in the afternoon, with an estimated stay time of 30 minutes. Two visitors max, wear masks and

Phyllis arranged her “treasures” for friends to choose as a “going away” gift while on hospice.

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her voice | spring 2021 • share your voice with us

Mom was hosting her own Celebration of Life. What good are stories told over an urn, when you can hear them yourself, laughing, crying and holding court right in your own condo?

terioration. I corralled my thoughts and tried to lock them away.

The jingle of my maid’s bell brought me back.

“Would you bring me yesterday’s mail and my checkbook?” she managed to croak through a dry throat. “I want to donate to the Alzheimer’s Walk. And, I need the address for that prayer chain letter.”

I look at her. This woman, still guiding me through the paths of life. I’m so grateful. This is a sacred time to prepare and celebrate.

We know how this story will end for her; we just don’t know when.

Hospice. Bon Voyage. A day at a time. Bon Voyage.

Jan’s roots are in the north country, but Spanish continues to add extra dimensions to her life’s journey. Since retiring from teaching Spanish, her travels cycle between family, the Wisconsin cabin and the occasional foray across borders. She is writing a book about the surprising places and unexpected adventures opened to her by virtue of speaking Spanish. Find her writings at: www.janetkurtz.com.

bl ic Schools

limit the amount of talking politics.

Yet, when Paula showed up, that suggestion had no teeth. I could hear regular gasping, “Horrors!” or “How can it get any worse?” and “Well, I never!” ending with, “Did you vote already?” “Yes, I’ve already voted,” Mom reported, but added pensively, “Does my vote count if I’m dead?”

After each visit, she beckoned her friends to peruse the garage where she had tastefully arranged various jewelry, scarves, crystal dishes, ceramic napkin holders from Spain, alongside collectibles from her shelves. “You must find something you want. It is my gift to you and I don’t want Janet to have to deal with all of this stuff!” she finished emphatically.

Mom was hosting her own Celebration of Life. What good are stories told over an urn, when you can hear them yourself, laughing, crying and holding court right in your own condo? She distributed chocolates and invited them to sign her guestbook, a ritual dating from the 1950s.

Today, things slowed down – a lot.

Yesterday, despite CDC guidelines, we gathered for an early Thanksgiving. My daughter-in-law, Cindy, prepared the entire feast, transferring it four hours from her kitchen to Mom’s. We used the good silver with seasonal paper plates. My son, Greg, read the prayer traditionally shared by my father. Mom, the matriarch, was losing her voice.

After lunch, Greg shared some “Hamilton” tunes with his grandmother and Cindy sent me to the basement with Ella, 11, and James, 7. Who knew that a flashlight, a yardstick and a Jell-O mold could be a campfire, sword and helmet?

For a few hours, Mom and I escaped into a playful world of make-believe.

Reality returned the next day complete with a fall on the bathroom floor, the change from cane to walker and an additional syringe of morphine – a foreshadowing into that foggy future of de-

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HER FAMILY + 2020

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her voice | spring 2021 • share your voice with us

abnormal year THE

BY SHEILA HELMBERGER

2. “Some days our dining room table is a makeshift elementary school. There are online meetings with teachers, meet-ups with each girl’s class (Lucy with back to camera and Audrey facing camera) and reading groups to log on to at specific times,” Sheila said.

3. Sheila Helmberger’s granddaughters Audrey (back left), Lucille and Clara posed with Disney character Anna while on a family vacation just a few weeks before the pandemic mandates were put in place.

4. Audrey (back), Lucille with her back to the camera and Clara enjoyed their neighborhood walks with their grandma Sheila Helmberger. The Little Free Library was always a favorite stop.

W

hen 2020 first arrived, things were pretty exciting around our house. We had just had our fourth grandchild and the whole family was packing for a weeklong trip to Disney World in January. The year ahead looked like it was going to be a good one. continued on page 34

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continued FROM page 33 While in Florida we waited in lines for rides talking and laughing with people we didn’t even know. We chatted with people from not just our own country, but all over the world. Even my husband befriended a gentleman from the UK who couldn’t have been more excited to learn we were from Minnesota. (“You just drive your car right out to the middle of the lake and fish? Bloody hell!”)

Each day on vacation, baby Otto, 7-year-old Audrey, 6-year-old Lucille and 3-year-old Clara all marveled wide-eyed at the parades while standing shoulder to shoulder with thousands of other children. They hugged countless characters. We rode buses to and from the parks each day, crushed against other families. One of my grandkids may or may not have been busted licking a handrail.

Eight weeks after our trip, mingling in large groups of strangers was a terrifying thought (and the cringe-factor on the handrail lick went way, way up).

Restaurants and schools closed, playgrounds were roped off and cancellations were announced for the spring sports our granddaughters had been so excited to start.

We have always helped my daughter Kirstin, and her husband, Ben, with daycare. Thankfully, this year that meant while many of our friends heartbreakingly went weeks and even months without seeing their own grandchildren, ours were in our ‘bubble’ and we were still able to spend a couple of days a week with them. Their parents did the hard stuff like finding the balance between answering their questions honestly but also trying not to scare them.

When everything closed, time stood eerily still. The kids really weren’t sure what was going on, why they were no longer seeing their friends and why none of us were going anywhere. We agreed the changes to our everyday lives were prob-

ably hardest on them. Hopefully we did a good job of keeping things as normal as possible during such an abnormal time.

My husband and I decided early on that being around a three-year-old is the best possible way to weather a worldwide pandemic. Clara could be counted on to make us laugh daily with something she wore or something she did, but mostly because of the things she said.

Clara decides on her way over to our house who she will favor for the day. Translation: she'll remind you several times that day that you're her 'bestest' friend and you'll be at her beck and call for the day.

You will get all her sweetness, too.

On the other hand, I accidentally pinched her locking her in her car seat 10 months ago, making her cry. I felt terrible but she uses it when she needs to. Almost a year later, once a week, she'll stare me down and say, "’Remember when you pinched me with my car seat, Nana?’"

When she shows up each time there's a bit of fanfare. She comes in first. Always. The door swings open, she marches in, her coat goes flying, she kicks off her footwear and declares, "NANA! I'm here."

Afternoon walks around the neighborhood together became my favorite activity. If we timed it right, Otto would nap. Sometimes the girls created a scavenger hunt by making a list of things they wanted to spot like a green car in a driveway, a bird in a tree or a brown dog. Sometimes they kept a tally of chipmunk sightings. We discovered a neighbor down

But, hopefully, their best memories will be of all of our time spent together and that somehow, it really wasn’t that bad after all.

34

her voice | spring 2021 • share your voice with us

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the street had a little free library and we made it a regular stop.

When we turned the last corner and Clara could see the box in the distance, she would scream, “I see it! I see it!” Some days we took books home with us to read; some days we donated.

When the beach finally opened for the summer, we packed a picnic lunch a couple of times and spent the afternoon there. The older girls missed their friends and my daughter busted them in the early stages of a plot to write down their names and phone numbers to pass out to other kids the next time we went.

Grandpa (my husband, Kirk) arrived home from work each day with our 3 o’clock treat under his arm. Usually it came from an ice cream cooler at work and we’d eat them together sitting on the front porch.

Whether it meant not being able to go into a store, eat at a restaurant or attend a family wedding, Audrey and Lucille trusted that their parents were making decisions in their best interest.

“It’s because of the germs,” they would say.

In August, Kirstin and Ben decided the older girls would participate in distance learning for the school year. Some days our dining room table is a makeshift elementary school. There are online meetings with teachers, meet-ups with each girl’s class and reading groups to log on to at specific times. I have notes on papers and alarms set in case I get sidetracked by the 1-year-old or the 3-year-old and we miss something. And we have. More than once.

And I’m doing only so-so in second grade math.

None of us were sure what to do about Halloween last year. In the end we decided to have our own party. Kirstin sewed and cut and glued to create costumes for the family to dress as characters from Harry Potter. The girls wore their costumes to celebrate online with their classes. Halloween night we had food and we played spooky music and had trick-or-treating. My husband, my older daughter and my son and his girlfriend each stationed themselves in rooms in our house the kids could visit for candy. We used strobe lights, a fogger and lighted pumpkins to make each room different.

I dressed as a witch in an upstairs bedroom. They seemed to have fun. They ended up with buckets of candy and said it really wasn’t too bad to trick-or-treat inside the house because it was warm.

I imagine we won’t know for some time what memories Audrey, Lucy, Clara and Otto will have of this past year. They will probably remember they went to Disney World. I know they’ll remember wearing masks, using a lot of hand sanitizer and that they went to school sitting at dining room tables.

But, hopefully, their best memories will be of all of our time spent together and that somehow, it really wasn’t that bad after all.

Sheila Helmberger lives in the Brainerd area and is a frequent contributor to Her Voice.

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HER TABLE + ingredients

TAKE A HEALTHIER STEP INTO

SKINNY SHRIMP SCAMPI OVER ZUCCHINI NOODLES A skinny version of your favorite classic shrimp scampi recipe served over zucchini noodles rather than using traditional pasta. With the simple garlic, white wine and butter sauce you won't miss the pasta and you'll save on the carbs. Zucchini noodles can be purchased in the produce store of larger grocery stores or made with a spiralizer machine. Recipe adapted from givemesomeoven.com and recipe serves 2.

Cooking Tips:

To avoid soggy zucchini noodles, line a baking sheet with paper towels. Spread out noodles on a baking sheet and salt generously.

Place another baking sheet on top for 15 minutes. This will help take out the moisture from the noodles. No need to cook zucchini noodles just stir into warm sauce and serve immediately.

INGREDIENTS: 1 dozen large cooked, deveined shrimp with tails on 4 cups prepared zucchini noodles 1 tablespoon butter 2 shallots, peeled and thinly sliced 3 garlic cloves, minced 1/2 teaspoon salt Grinds of black pepper 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1/4 cup chicken stock 3 tablespoons dry white wine 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon zest 1/2 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese Fresh chopped parsley

DIRECTIONS: Heat butter in a large sauté pan over medium high heat.

Add shallots and garlic and sauté 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Add red pepper flakes, broth, lemon juice, zest and wine.

Let the mixture continue cooking for a minute to boil down.

Add in shrimp and cook just until warmed.

Remove pan from heat and toss the noodles with shrimp and sauce so they are coated.

Divide among two plates.

Add grinds of black pepper and salt to taste.

Grate Parmesan cheese over the top and serve immediately.

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

36

her voice | spring 2021 • share your voice with us

2021 RECIPES AND PHOTOS

BY SUE READY

SMOKY PARMESAN ROASTED CAULIFLOWER Cook’s Notes:

Some might say cauliflower is a bland vegetable. But then maybe they haven’t tried Smoky Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower. It’s a savory side dish or an appetizer with plenty of flavor but light on the calories. Roasting the cauliflower adds deep flavor and an irresistible crunch. Serve with your favorite low calorie dipping sauce if desired.

INGREDIENTS: 1 tablespoon smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/4 teaspoon each cumin and garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 head cauliflower, cut into small florets

DIRECTIONS: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

In a small bowl whisk together all the spices and set aside.

Prepare a baking sheet with foil and spray with a non stick spray.

Remove the leaves from the cauliflower and break the head into small florets.

In a large bowl mix florets with olive oil and mix in spices making sure the florets are well coated.

Mix in 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.

Spread out on a baking sheet.

Sprinkle with salt, cracked pepper and rest of Parmesan cheese.

Roast the cauliflower for 35 minutes then check for doneness.

The florets should be al dente not mushy.

Turn florets once during roasting time.

Make 2021 the year to keep those resolutions maintaining a healthy eating lifestyle with healthier food choices. Add more fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and whole grains to your diet. Reduce salt, sugar and harmful intake of fats. Explore recipes that make smart food choices. Be more observant on nutrition information found on packaging and limit serving sizes.

Zucchini and cauliflower recipes offer new possibilities for healthier food choices.

CHICKEN FRIED CAULIFLOWER RICE This rice will satisfy your Asian take-out cravings as a low-carb, low calorie alternative. Cauliflower rice contains fewer calories. One cup is 25 calories compared to one cup of white rice is 206 calories.

Cook’s Notes:

A dish your family will enjoy and they won’t even miss the white rice. It’s packed with flavor and lots of healthy ingredients. Chili paste gives the dish a bit of a kick. A timesaver is using 1 1/2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken.

Recipe adapted from cookingclassy.com and serves 4.

INGREDIENTS: 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1 1/2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided 3/4 pound boneless chicken breasts, diced into bite sized pieces 3 garlic cloves, finely minced 3/4 cup diced sweet red peppers 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger 1 tablespoon chili paste 2 tablespoons sesame seeds 4 cups cauliflower rice (either prepared frozen package slightly thawed or a cauliflower head pulsed in food processor) 1 1/2 cups frozen peas and diced carrots (frozen and don’t thaw) 1/3 cup green onions, diced 3 teaspoons soy sauce Salt and pepper to taste 3 large eggs

DIRECTIONS: Place three eggs in a screw type jar, cover, shake well to mix, set aside.

To skillet, add half the sesame and olive oil. Sauté chicken with garlic, ginger and diced red pepper 5 minutes or until chicken is cooked on a medium low heat.

Remove chicken and place on a paper towel lined paper plate, cover.

Add cauliflower with the rest of the oils, soy sauce, chili paste and peas and carrots.

Stir well and cook for 3 minutes or until rice is softened.

Add in chicken mixture or shredded chicken.

Push rice mixtures to the side and scramble eggs on a medium low heat in the same skillet.

Season with salt and pepper.

Stir scrambled eggs into the rice mixture, add chopped scallions, sesame seeds and cook 1 minute more.

Do not overcook.

Sue Ready is a freelance writer, poet, food writer, book reviewer and former middle school teacher. She is the president of the Northwoods Arts Council in Hackensack and one of the chairs for the Annual August Northwoods Art and Book Festival. Sue blogs at http://sockfairies.blogspot.com with recipes, up north living and travel adventures. Her book reviews are posted on Facebook under EverReady Book Reviews and on her blog.

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HER VOICE

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