Area Woman Magazine Dec'11/Jan'12

SKYLOFT PHOTOGRAPHY

JODI BECKMAN OF REDFORDS

CLASSIC PHOTOGRAPHY

areawoman.com

PUBLISHER

Area Woman Publishing, LLC

EDITOR

Mike Sherman | 701-306-5119

ASSIGNMENT EDITOR

Jill N. Kandel

EDITING | PROOFREADING

Marie Offutt

Jill N. Kandel

Mike Sherman

Anna Hettenbaugh

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Anna Hettenbaugh | 701-729-1910

Patty Nystrom | 701-412-4109

DESIGN | LAYOUT

Dawn Siewert

Mike Sherman

Becky Sherman

PHOTOGRAPHY

5Foot20 Design Lounge | Classic Photography

Haney's Photography | Legacy Photography

Michael K. Smith | Milestones Photography

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meet our CONTRIBUTORS

KITSY RADERMACHER

Katharine (Kitsy) Radermacher is co-owner of Beyond Boundaries Therapy Services, which serves the community from infant to geriatrics in the area of speech-language, occupational, and physical therapy. Kitsy received her masters degree in speech-language pathology at St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud MN, and her undergrad degree at University of Denver, Denver Co. She has practiced for over 30 years with experience in various settings: hospital, nursing homes, schools, and clinics. Her love for people fuels her passion for “making the difference” in the lives of the clients she serves. On occasion, Katharine speaks to groups about speech and language issues. Please see the website www. beyondboundaries.us. Kitsy is the state reimbursement representative for the national association for speech-language pathologists and audiologists (ASHA). She lives in West Fargo with her husband.

Gina Gould, Chick, and her husband, Eric Baker, are the third generation owners of Baker Garden & Gift. While Eric is maintaining the greenhouses and keeping the plants looking rich and beautiful, Gina is growing 3 Chicks Boutique in the front gift shop. Gina is also a talented florist and uses design in all aspects of the business. You may see their two children at Baker’s, Eloise, 9, and Atticus, 7, who love being a part of the family business.

Carrie Warren, mother of Cooper, 4, and Chloe, 2, started out at Baker’s four years ago as the Office Manager. She has now grown to be one of the Sassy Store Managers and fellow Chick. Carrie loves all things bling and loves picking out great new treasures.

Katie Beyer has been at Baker’s for the past four years, starting out part-time while going to school full-time. Katie has grown with the business to be a Chick, finding the trendiest items to keep us current! Katie is our voice of youth while keeping us young!

Dawn Hoffner has more than twenty-five years of health related communication, development and policy consulting experience. A former full-time Minnesota State University Moorhead faculty member, she taught undergraduate courses in health care administration, community and school health, as well as guest lecturing at Concordia, NDSU, MSCTC, U Mary and UND.

A member of the executive leadership team, Hoffner serves as Community Liaison Department, Marketing & Business Development Director for Prairie St. John’s hospital and two clinics.

DAWN HOFFNER

She resides in Fargo with her son and two daughters and enjoys music, travel and spending time with her family and their dogs and horses.

Maureen Holman is a native of Fridley, Minnesota, and a graduate of the University of North Dakota School of Law. She is licensed to practice law in all North Dakota and Minnesota state and federal courts. Her areas of practice include alternative dispute resolution, divorce and family law. She is a past president of the State Bar Association of North Dakota and is a frequent speaker at continuing legal education seminars.

CARRIE WARREN, GINA GOULD, KATIE BEYER

AREA LIFE

Ho ho ho! Celebrate the holidays with activities the whole family will enjoy: music, art, sleigh rides, and visits with Santa. Then, turn the pages of Area Life to read about two photo journal projects that serve as a reminder of our blessings this holiday season: one that depicts the many joys of life, even those at its end, and one that introduces children who are looking for forever homes to prospective parents. Warm up with a bowl of soup to benefit premature babies through the March of Dimes, or schedule a visit to the MSUM Planetarium and immerse yourself in the wonders of the universe.

Friday, December 2

THE UNIVERSITY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA HOLIDAY CONCERT

This combined MSUM and NDSU student orchestra will perform a holiday-themed concert of works with MSUM choirs.

7:30 pm

Hansen Theatre in the Roland Dille Center for the Arts on the MSUM campus

For tickets, call the MSUM Box Office Noon - 4:00 pm, 218-477-2271 or buy at the door.

Saturday, December 3

CHRISTMAS ON THE PRAIRIE

This is a fun family event, celebrating the Christmas season and the history of Cass County. Events include cookie decorating, musical entertainment by local schools, a silent auction, fundraising dinner, and an appearance by Santa.

1:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Free admission

Bonanzaville

1351 West Main Avenue, Fargo

Saturdays, December 3, 10, 17 SANTA FLY-IN

Noon - 2:00 pm

$5 Child, $7 Adult Fargo Air Museum

1609 19th Avenue North, Fargo 701-293-8043 or fargoairmuseum.org

Saturday, December 3

HOLIDAY VENDOR FAIR

25+ booths for your holiday shopping convenience. Lunch served (free will donation). Register for door prizes.

10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Admission is a canned food item for our food shelf.

Holy Cross Catholic Church

1420 16th Street East, West Fargo

For more info 701-277-9681

Saturday, December 3

SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO YUNKER FARM

10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Members Free, Non-Members $5 1201 28th Avenue North, Fargo

December 3-4

SANTA VILLAGE

1:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Rheault Farm

2902 25th Street South, Fargo

Free admission with donation — canned goods, new toys, cash donation. 701-499-7788 or fargoparks.com

Sunday, December 4

CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT SERIES: HOLIDAY BRASS

The Holiday Brass program is a glorious start to the festive winter season. The mighty trumpets, horns, trombones and tuba virtuosi of the Fargo-Moorhead

Santa Village

Symphony bring Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces and contemporary holiday favorites to life.

2:00 pm

$12 - $10 Adults/Seniors, $6 Students. Available at the door or online. First Presbyterian Church, Fargo fmsymphony.org

Sunday, December 4

WINTER CHOIR AND BRASS CONCERT

2:00 pm

Adults $5, Students/Seniors $2

NDSU Festival Concert Hall

Monday, December 5

JAZZ ENSEMBLE AND LAB BAND

7:30 pm

Adults $5, Students/Seniors $2 NDSU Festival Concert Hall

Tuesday, December 6 WIND SYMPHONY

7:30 pm

Adults $5, Students/Seniors $2

NDSU Festival Concert Hall

December 7-8

SANTA VILLAGE

4:00 - 8:00 pm

Rheault Farm

2902 25th Street South, Fargo

Free admission with donation — canned goods, new toys, cash donation.

701-499-7788 or fargoparks.com

Thursday, December 8

ALL IS CALM: THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE OF 1914

This highly-acclaimed collaboration between Minneapolis men’s chorus Cantus and Theatre Latte Da reenacts the remarkable World War I truce between Allied Forces and German soliders in the trenches on Christmas 1914.

7:30 pm

Hansen Theatre in the Roland Dille Center for the Arts on the MSUM campus

Tickets at mnstate.edu/perform or 218-477-2271 or at the door.

Bonanzaville

Saturday, December 10

THE BOOM: 1945-1960 IN CLAY COUNTY

MSUM professor Dr. Terry Shoptaugh will give a presentation on the Clay County home front at 2:00 pm.

1:00 - 3:00 pm

Free and open to the public. Historical & Cultural Society of Clay County at the Hjemkomst Center

202 1st Ave North, Moorhead 218-299-5511 or hcscconline.org

December 10-11

SANTA VILLAGE

1:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Rheault Farm

2902 25th Street South, Fargo

Free admission with donation — canned goods, new toys, cash donation.

701-499-7788 or fargoparks.com

Sunday, December 11

KAUNAU’S MAGNIFICAT AND SELECTIONS FROM HANDEL’S MESSIAH

2:00 pm

Adults $15, Seniors $12, Students $5 NDSU Festival Concert Hall

Monday, December 12

THE LIFE AND ART OF SNOWFLAKE BENTLEY

6:30 pm

Hot cider and cookies will be served.

Moorhead Library 118 5th Street South, Moorhead 218-233-7894

Monday, December 12

THE RED RIVER VALLEY CHAPTER OF AMERICAN GUILD OF ORGANISTS PRESENTS: A CHRISTMAS SING-A-LONG

A lovely evening of carols performed by area organists and ensembles.

7:00 pm

Monetary donations will be accepted for the Fargo-Moorhead Food Pantry St. John Lutheran Church 1710 5th Street South, Fargo

DECEMBER 2011

Tuesday, December 13

THE ARTS PARTNERSHIP BOOKFAIR

Enjoy authors reading and signing, actors giving performances, musical performances, calligraphy, visual artists and more fun to kick off your holiday shopping season.

Use coupon number 10589299 for your purchases in store and on line this day only.

Barnes & Noble

1201 42nd Street Street, Fargo

9:00 am - 11:00 pm

December 19-20

HOLIDAY POPS FAMILY CONCERT: CHRISTMAS AT THE MOVIES

The informal Fargo Theatre is a perfect place to enjoy sparkling holiday classics performed by a full symphony orchestra.

7:00 pm

$15 - $12 Adults/Seniors, $8 Students

Available at the door or online.

Fargo Theatre

314 Broadway in downtown Fargo fmsymphony.org

Black Friday - Christmas Eve

UNGLUED CRAFT FEST

This pop-up handmade gift shop features local and regional indie gifts for everyone from babies to teens to grandparents on your shopping list! The fest features kid/adult gift workshops, free hot chocolate, and giveaways.

Thursdays 5:00 - 9:00 pm

Fridays & Saturdays 10:00 am - 9:00 pm

Sundays noon - 8:00 pm

68 Broadway North, Fargo ungluedmarket.com

Thursday, December 29

MARINE FAMILY CHRISTMAS PARTY

6:00 - 9:00 pm

RSVP required. Please call Ruth Danuser 701-799-8946 or ruth@ calvaryfargo.com

December 4

DECEMBER / JANUARY / FEBRUARY

Chamber Music Concert Series: Holiday Brass

together to honor and recognize all people who stand strong in the face of MS. At the Little Black Dress for MS Luncheon, women are encouraged to wear a black dress.

11:00 am -1:00 pm

$35 in advance. Corporate tables also available.

Through Friday, December 30

UNCLE SAM’S NEW DEAL IN MINNESOTA (EXHIBIT)

Learn how the government created jobs for Minnesotans during the Great Depression through an “Alphabet Soup” of WPA and CCC Clay County programs. Projects include the murals of the old Moorhead High School, Buffalo State Park’s buildings, and the founding of our historical society.

Monday - Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Sunday noon - 5:00 pm

Regular Hjemkomst Center museum admission rates apply.

Historical & Cultural Society of Clay County at the Hjemkomst Center

202 1st Ave North, Moorhead 218-299-5511 or hcscconline.org

Through mid-January

ORDINARY VIKINGS (EXHIBIT)

A collection of 30 “bog stav” sculptures hanging as mobiles in this exhibit.

Mondays – Saturdays 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Sundays noon – 5:00 pm

Historical & Cultural Society of Clay County at the Hjemkomst Center

202 1st Avenue North, Moorhead 218-299-5511 or hcscconline.org

Saturday, January 21

MARINE MOMS

Join other Marine moms from SubStation Fargo for support, hugs, advice, stories, laughter, inspiration, and encouragement.

1:30 pm

Location varies each month. 701-799-8946 or ruth@calvaryfargo.com

Saturday, February 4

HOME IS WHERE THE ART IS Restore Recycled Art Show & Silent Auction to benefit Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

6:30 - 9:30 pm. Final bids end at 8:30 pm. Spirit Room Gallery 111 Broadway, Fargo Shelby Cochran 218-284-5253 or lakeagassizhabitat.org

Thursday, February 16 ON THE MOVE LITTLE BLACK DRESS FOR MS LUNCHEON

Join people who are passionate about the MS movement at a luncheon featuring a silent auction, a delicious lunch and motivational speaker Chris Linnares. This is an opportunity for women — and men — to come

December 8

Hilton Garden Inn, Fargo RSVP to 701-235-2678 or littleblackdressforms.org

February 24-26

RED RIVER VALLEY HOME & GARDEN SHOW

Learn how to bump up your home’s curb appeal straight from an expert. John Gidding, a designer on HGTV’s “Curb Appeal: the Block,” will be featured at the 51st annual event. The Home & Garden Show is organized by the Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead and offers the largest selection of home and garden exhibits in the region.

Friday 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Saturday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Sunday 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Fargodome

All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914

Quotable

“For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. Then you will seek me and find me: when you seek me with all your heart, I will be found by you, declares the Lord.”

JEREMIAH

-

29: 11-14

Awoman sneaking a peek at a neighbor’s stealthy cat through her sunlit living room window. A baby boy with twinkling eyes happily reaching for a mobile suspended above his head. A joyful lady smiling brightly as she’s assisted on to a bus in her wheelchair.

These are not exactly the heartbreaking and cheerless images most people think of when they hear the term ‘hospice.’ That’s precisely the point, say the organizers of a new photography exhibit called “Witness to Life: A Photo Journal of Hospice Care” showing now through February 5 at Plains Art Museum. As the exhibit’s opening plaque alludes, “Witness to Life” celebrates life, rather than the end of life that is commonly associated with hospice care.

“The goal was to illustrate, in words and pictures, the quality of life enjoyed by hospice patients, the reallife moments that families experience, the memories they create together, and the relationships that develop along the way,” said Mary Lou Dahms, director of marketing and public relations for Hospice of the Red River Valley (HRRV). “Witness to Life” was commissioned to help HRRV celebrate

A PHOTO JOURNAL OF HOSPICE CARE

WRITER: PATRICIA CARLSON

PHOTOGRAPHY: 5FOOT20 DESIGN LOUNGE

MARILYN JORDHEIM AND ETHEL AARHUS

its 30th anniversary and remind people of the good work its service providers give to families in need.

The collection of black-andwhite photos lining the second floor of the museum is the result of a twoyear partnership between HRRV and Minnesota State University Moorhead, from which the university also produced an online magazine (www.horizonlines. org). Student photographers were carefully chosen based on their talent and as well as their ability to show compassion and respect toward the three families involved with the project, said Dahms. “The students themselves were extremely professional and sensitive, and they learned a lot about end of life and the work of a hospice program,” she added.

“Witness to Life” follows three patients, including two elderly women and a baby boy, through their hospice journeys. Kris Kerzman, communication manager for Plains Art Museum, said the images certainly capture the beauty, grace, and even humor, with which these patients and their families face illness, but they are also extraordinarily poignant because there is a finality to the photographic subjects’ lives.

“I think people who come to view the exhibit are probably thinking about the circumstances behind these pieces very deeply because we all have these people in our lives, and we’re all aware of what’s happening but rarely do we get that glimpse as they go through the hospice process,” said Kerzman.

The organizers hope the exhibit illustrates that dealing with terminal illness does not have to be scary or lonely, and that it dispels the myth that hospice is only for the elderly. “Life is to be lived and these individuals certainly were, and in one case still are, going about the business of living even in the midst of a life-limiting illness,” said Dahms. [AWM]

EXHIBIT PAIRS CHILDREN WITH ‘FOREVER FAMILIES’

CHRISTOPHER GABRIEL

JAMIE MOCH, CHERYL JOHNSON, MARLYS BROWN AND LOIS BEDNAR

GEORGE KOECK AND MICHAEL OLSEN

CALEIGH

EMERALD, SONNY AND EXAVIER

ROSIE SAUVAGEAU

DANA PARKHOUSE AND JENNIFER LUEBKE

LINDA JAEGER

JOHN

MILA

KEVIN CEDERSTROM

WRITER:ROXANE B. SALONEN | MILESTONES PHOTOGRAPHY

Three hundred supporters and contributors of North Dakota Heart Gallery gathered to unveil six precious new portraits during the organization’s fourth gala event on November 3.

The traveling portrait gallery – which has landed in statewide libraries, malls, and churches – visually introduces children in North Dakota waiting for adoption. Most have been in foster care.

Radio personality Christopher Gabriel said the exhibit has featured 47 children, 35 of whom have been paired with families, since 2008. “Today you’ll be the first to view these stunning portraits and experience firsthand what it looks like to change the life of a child,” he said.

Justin Forde read a letter from Senator John Hoeven that challenges citizens to “open their hearts and homes to these children who hold so much promise.”

Casey and Valerie Anderson, local parents of five who adopted one of the children featured in last year’s exhibit, were in attendance at the event again this year. The Minnesota Twins mascot, T.C. Bear, also showed up to meet the children.

Linda Jaeger, regional supervisor at Southeast Human Service Center, said 13 children in North Dakota are currently waiting for forever homes. “Do you want to do something beautiful for God?” she asked, quoting Mother Teresa. “There is a person who needs you. This is your chance.”

The children and the photographers who took their Heart Gallery portraits:

Mila — Kevin Cederstrom

John — Jamie Rennich, Otis & James Photography

Caleigh — Alyssa Flaten, Mosaic Photography

Emerald, Sonny and Exavier — Abby Tow, Classic Photography

BOWLS FOR BABIES:

A SOUPER FUNDRAISER

THE MARCH OF DIMES HOSTS 9TH ANNUAL LUNCHEON

In 2003, March of Dimes volunteers hosted the first Bowls for Babies to raise funds and awareness of their mission to help all babies arrive on time …every time. Today, Bowls for Babies is a highly anticipated annual event. According to this year’s event chair, Kim Peterson, “Each year, people are waiting outside the doors. It’s crazy! They want to find their favorite bowl.”

AW: When and where is the luncheon?

Peterson: Wednesday, December 7, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Fargo’s Ramada Plaza and Suite’s Crystal Ballroom

AW: What happens at the luncheon?

Peterson: First, people usually pick a

ceramic bowl to take home. Then, they eat lunch, which includes soup, bread, and a beverage. There’s also a silent auction with a Buy it now option.

AW: How do you get your bowls?

Peterson: Corporate sponsors paint bowls with the help of their employees or donate them to a preschool or daycare to paint. Minnesota State University Moorhead and West Fargo art students also create pottery and painted bowls. The bowls are displayed with signs indicating who donated and painted them. We partner with Clay Your Way to glaze and fire the bowls, so they are event ready come December 7.

AW: What kind of soup is served?

Peterson: Eleven restaurants, who we call soupers, bring a variety of soups. Soupers include The Old Broadway, W.F. Maxwell’s, Basies, Granite City Food and Brewery, the HoDo, Grazies Italian Grill, Ramada Plaza & Suites Banquet, Nichole’s Fine Pastry, Texas Roadhouse, Bertrosa’s, and Doolittles Woodfire Grill. Bread is donated by Breadsmith.

AW: Can guests try more than one soup?

Peterson: Absolutely! We encourage it and provide paper bowls. You don’t have to eat out of the bowl you take home. That would get messy.

WRITER:KRISTY OLSGAARD PHOTOGRAPHER: MILESTONES PHOTOGRAPHY

KIM AND MATT PETERSON KNOW THE IMPORTANCE OF WELL TRAINED MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS AND WELL EQUIPPED NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNITS. THEIR FIRST TWO CHILDREN HAD EXTENDED NICU STAYS UPON BIRTH.

AW: What kind of support did you receive last year?

Peterson: In Fargo, 900 people raised $35,000 for our local March of Dimes. These dollars fund grants, education for health care professionals about the latest tools to treat their tiniest patients, and education for young women. In North Dakota, where one in nine babies is born prematurely, this information is vital.

AW: How did you get involved?

Peterson: In 2007 and 2008, my husband and I had two premature babies who had extended stays in a neonatal intensive care unit. Prior to that, another Lillestol employee had premature triplets. This charity had personal meaning to us, and our office began raising money with Blue Jeans for Babies on Tuesdays, which led to other March of Dimes events.

AW: Where can tickets be purchased?

Peterson: Tickets are available ahead of time at local Gate City locations and Lillestol Research, or at the door that day.

AW: Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Peterson: We want to acknowledge our major donors Gate City Bank, Essentia Health, and Lillestol Research. Their support is invaluable in helping us help babies. And we also want to thank the public for supporting the event.

Peterson asked her oldest son, Hunter, if he knew why he was painting a bowl this year. “Yeah, Mom,” he said. “It’s for the babies.” To show your soup-port for healthy babies, attend Bowls for Babies on December 7. [AWM]

MSUM Planetarium Gets New Digital Projector

EXPERIENCE WILL BE IMMERSIVE, DYNAMIC AND FAR REACHING

Imagine leaning back in a comfortable, climate-controlled room and diving into the depths of the ocean, flying to the mountaintops on Earth, or soaring out to the farthest known quasar.

This seamless visualization will soon be available in Minnesota State University Moorhead’s Planetarium with its new digital Elumenati projector and Uniview scientific software.

Today, the Planetarium provides public and school programming to more than 7,000 people annually. The installation of the new projector will

allow MSUM to provide shows that are more dynamic and far-reaching than traditional programming seen at the Planetarium since 1972, which was initially designed specifically for astronomy classes, but has been used since then to also provide public shows.

“Our current projector system is almost 39 years old, and even though it’s been well maintained, its capabilities are limited,” said David Weinrich, MSUM Planetarium coordinator and president of the International Planetarium Society.

The Elumenati projector was installed in October and is the first

WRITER: KRISTI MONSON

A TYPICAL UNIVIEW SHOW MIGHT FEATURE A VIEW INSIDE THE EARTH FROM ORBIT. PHOTO COURTESY OF JOEL HALVORSON, MINNESOTA PLANETARIUM SOCIETY.

DAVID WEINRICH

PHOTO BY DAREL PAULSON, MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY MOORHEAD

step in a much larger renovation to include an advanced Mediaglobe digital projector, a laser system, a new dome, speakers and lighting. Once the upgrade is completed, the Elumenati will travel to area schools, libraries and museums, benefiting thousands in the region.

Immersive Environment

The biggest and most exciting change for audience goers will be the dynamic and total immersion experience they will now have. Uniview is the most feature-rich astronomical visualization and universal data exploration platform on the market.

“This new projector and software will supplement our main astronomy projector and will also allow us to give shows that will take audiences to places that we can’t go to in real life, such as traveling inside a human cell,” Weinrich said.

MSUM becomes only the 100th installation of this software in the world. The world’s premier science institutions use Uniview for teaching, public shows, and outreach. The Planetarium joins a prestigious group of facilities utilizing this software— NASA, American Museum of Natural History, California Academy of Science, Adler Planetarium, and Hamburg Planetarium, among others.

Jessica DeJong, an 8th grade Earth science teacher at Discovery Middle School, takes about 125 students to the Planetarium each fall.

“The capabilities of the new projector will bring the reality of the vastness of space and our own solar system into perspective,” she said. “Its 3D-like effects will capture my students’ attention.”

More than Astronomy

Students will now explore topics that have been difficult to demonstrate before. For example, instead of presenting a series of abstract, logical arguments to explain the Milky Way, “we will go

to the planetarium, zoom out from the earth to outside the Milky Way, rotate around it, and get a better sense of what it looks like three dimensionally,” said physics professor Matt Craig.

Applications exist far beyond physics and astronomy, such as Earth science, biology, art history, marine biology, chemistry, geosciences, and more. Immersive programming may include diving in a coral reef, touring the Valley of the Kings, or exploring the Sistine Chapel.

The music department may show concerts in the Planetarium, and the cinema arts and digital technologies department may use the planetarium as a performance space for experimental 3D graphic animation and simulated holographic work.

“We will present many kinds of programs beyond stargazing,” Weinrich said.

“The new planetarium system will not only complement the already

excellent STEM curricula at MSUM, we hope it will also help foster an interest in STEM in students from area schools who visit our planetarium, and also our community members,” said Michelle Malott, dean of social and natural sciences. “It’s one way we can reach out to a broad audience.”

Local Issues

This technology can also provide a platform for discussing local issues. “We can download images to monitor the Red River during flooding or view the expansive growth of Devils Lake over time,” Weinrich said. “We can bring people together to talk about sustainability and energy at the local and global level and use satellite data to explore solutions.”

This new projector will expand the Planetarium’s power and reach exponentially. It’s not just astronomy programming anymore, Weinrich said. “What should we call it today?

Upcoming Shows

Visually rich and musically satisfying, Season of Light will show Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. December 1-22. Season of Light reveals the history of endearing holiday customs—from the burning Yule log and sparkling tree lights to the Star of Bethlehem and the Hanukkah Menorah.

The Little Star That Could will show Mondays at 7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. January 14 to March 5. This popular and well-loved story is about an average yellow star in search of planets of his own to protect and warm. Along the way, he learns what makes each star special.

For a listing of shows, go to the MSUM Planetarium website, msumplanetarium.com.

For more information contact David Weinrich, Coordinator, MSUM Planetarium, Regional Science Center at 218.477.2969 or weinrich@mnstate.edu.

Let’s Find Them a Home

The FM Humane Society is primarily a pound rescue organization dedicated to rescuing dogs and cats at risk of being euthanized at local impounds. Each year, we adopt out hundreds of wonderful pets that just need a second chance at finding a “forever” home. We have a variety of pets available for adoption, from puppies and kittens to senior pets and everything in between, and almost any breed, including purebreds. Next time you’re considering adopting a pet, please check out our shelter and consider giving a pet in need a home. Check us out at fmhs@f-mhumanesociety.org or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fmhumanesociety, or give us a call at 701-239-0077.

PHOTO BY SAM BACON

LINDSAY KAYE PHOTOGRAPHY

LINDSAY KAYE PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO BY LINDA LUCHAU

CarLee Sue

Asha

Charmaine

Carlisle

Ella

LINDSAY KAYE PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO BY LINDA LUCHAU Amelia Sammy

AREA STYLE

T‘Tis the season to shine! Add sparkle and flair to your holiday do with fabulous styles. Gifts galore fill the pages, with exciting finds for everyone on your gift list. After a day of shopping, relax and relish a magical meal at Redford’s Steak and Seafood. Awaken to enjoy the beautiful designs of Christelle Dominique, an emerging designer with a bright future.

LEGACY PHOTOGRAPHY

SCHERLING PHOTOGRAPHY

MILESTONES PHOTOGRAPHY

LEGACY PHOTOGRAPHY

SKYLOFT PHOTOGRAPHY

MILESTONES PHOTOGRAPHY

SKYLOFT PHOTOGRAPHY

HANEYS PHOTOGRAPHY

HANEYS PHOTOGRAPHY

RIALEE PHOTOGRAPHY

MILESTONES PHOTOGRAPHY CLASSIC PHOTOGRAPHY

LEGACY PHOTOGRAPHY

MILESTONES PHOTOGRAPHY

CLASSIC PHOTOGRAPHY

SCHERLING PHOTOGRAPHY

RIALEE PHOTOGRAPHY

SKYLOFT PHOTOGRAPHY

CLASSIC PHOTOGRAPHY

LEGACY PHOTOGRAPHY

SCHERLING PHOTOGRAPHY

CLASSIC PHOTOGRAPHY

RIALEE PHOTOGRAPHY

MILESTONES PHOTOGRAPHY

5FOOT20 DESIGN LOUNGE

Time to Shine

ANNA G. LARSON

Extra special and a little sparkly, winter fashion 2011 has styles to make you merry. From fabulous frocks to gleaming sweaters, dressing for holiday festivities and everything in between is a breeze with guidance from the fall/winter 2011 runways.

Ideal for everyday wear and casual gatherings, boots and sweaters are functional fashion for the frosty weather. A sequined sweater, as seen at Balmain and Carolina Herrera, adds a twinkly touch to an everyday ensemble. Knee-high is the “length to know” when it comes to boots according to Vogue, and Lanvin’s taupe leather boots or Yves Saint Laurent’s tobacco-color heeled boots add instant chic to winter outfits.

Daytime fashion is functional and stylish, but evening fashion radiates fun. The rich, jewel-tone colors of fall merge with hints of sparkle for looks that are perfect for New Year’s Eve and other winter parties. Dresses in prints like flowers, as seen in Miu Miu’s collection, offer a whimsical take on winter’s trends. Calvin Klein showed gold-sheen dresses on the runway while Matthew Williamson opted for fanciful feathered skirts and dresses.

Warm, classic daywear and playful, luminous nighttime attire make winter 2011 the most wonderful time of the year for fashion. [AWM]

WRITER:

‘Tis the season to be glamorous

Snowflakes may be flying, but that doesn’t mean your hair should stay folded beneath a wool hat. This winter, pair your chunky, cable knit sweater with a warm and attractive down ‘do.’ Celebrate the season with a cinnamon hue and smooth curls.

The rules: go long, go glamorous. Break out your big-barreled curling iron to create loose, luscious waves. This sweet style will hold up nicely no matter your mood — a ’60s-inspired updo with a deep side part, a shoulder-grazing bouncy and breezy look, or, if you must, peaking out from beneath a winter hat. And don’t forget your eyes: mix metallic gunmetal with smoky amethyst, and you’ve got looks to kill.

If you like to experiment with color in your hair, might we suggest a flash of shocking pink or purple, or a subliminal layer of black? This way, you can still experiment with vivacious hues without committing to an all-over dye job for which you may not fall head over heels.

Hat-head season is no excuse for the man in your life either. A short, tousled cut will hold up nicely under a cap without crimping his style. [AWM]

PHOTOS BY: HANEYS PHOTOGRAPHY

WRITER: PATRICIA CARLSON AND CRYSTAL TIBBETTS, HAIR SUCCESS STYLIST

alking into the fire lit entryway of Redfords

Steak and Seafood is a welcoming experience. One of the first people you will most likely be greeted by is Jodi Beckman. As Redfords’ front-of-the-house manager, Beckman is “The face of Redfords” for many people. “I’ve been in the service industry since I moved to Fargo in 2004,” Beckman said, “and I really love my job!”

“The questions I’m asked most frequently,” Beckman said, “are often about attire and children. Redfords is a fine dining experience, but we are not stuffy! We do have a children’s menu and love having families in. The dress attire is casual.”

The new menu at Redfords includes steaks, seafood, sandwiches, burgers, pasta, and salads. “We are no longer ala cart,” Beckman said. “Our new menu is on the web, and we post a weekly feature to watch for. We are open for lunch from 11:00 to 3:00, supper, and a Sunday buffet from 10:00 to 2:00. The pricing on our menus has changed also. It’s reasonable. It doesn’t have to be a large significant event for a family to come here to dine. We try to create a plate

WRITER: JILL N. KANDEL | CLASSIC PHOTOGRAPHY

of food that is a good value and is special at the same time.”

Redfords is known for its woodfire grilled steaks. “Our grill is heated with oak and hickory wood,” Beckman said. “Customers are free to ask questions and watch as executive chef Joe Volske expertly grills each steak.” The steaks are not only expertly grilled; before you watch them start to sizzle, they have also been trimmed by Redford’s own butcher. “Our in-house butcher, with 30 years experience, preps all of our proteins: the pork, beef, and ribs. The flavors of our steaks are amazing.”

Redfords is a Fargo exclusive— not a chain restaurant. “You can’t go to another city and find us there,” Beckman said. “Everything we serve is homemade. We consider the cooking and serving as a craft.

The sleek yet comfortable décor includes intimate seating by one of two fireplaces, a sit down lounge with booths, a large bar, a spacious dining area, and a private dining room section. “Our staff offers a very pleasant table service and experience,” Beckman said. “We take pride in our menu knowledge. We have an extensive wine list and are happy to discuss pairings with the meal of your choice. With fine dining, we take the time to be personable with each table. We get a lot of repeat customers, which I really enjoy.”

Many events have been celebrated at Redfords. “We’ve done a fund raiser for Farm Rescue and one for the United Way. We host engagement parties and wine and spirit tastings,” Beckman said. “We also do business lunches. We are taking Christmas party reservations, and have musical artists in our lounge area every Wednesday evening.”

To view Redfords’ specials, menus, and happy hour details, go to redfordsfargo.com.

WHERE TO

for SH P HOLIDAY GIFTS

1 Oh, Suzanne! | Pioneer Shopping Center | 1420 9th Street East, West Fargo | Ollipop Jewelry is made in the USA and features gemstones, enameling and antique glass beads. | Necklaces from $46

2 Holland’s Gift and Garden Shoppe | 1201 Center Avenue, Moorhead | 218-233-6131 | hollandslandscapingandgarden.com | Gifts and Greens | Shop for beautiful unique gifts, scarves, candles, vintage home furnishings, Christmas ornaments and décor, fresh greens, tree tops and Christmas trees from the northwoods of MN. | Local | Fresh | Natural

3 My Best Friend’s Closet | 11 9th Street South, Moorhead | 218-236-6937 | Fashion Jewelry | Add some color and flash to your winter wardrobe with jewelry from My Best Friend’s Closet.

4

Carol Widman’s Candy Co. | 4325 13th Avenue South, Fargo | 701-280-8664 | Holiday Dessert Tray | Carol Widman’s assorted handmade chocolates and famous chippers make them Fargo-Moorhead’s finest chocolatiers. They are proud 4th generation candy makers. Holiday Dessert Tray filled with Chippers and assorted chocolates. | 2.10 lbs - $43.95

5 McCulley Optix Gallery | 2553 Kirsten Lane South, Fargo | 701-373-2020 | optixgallery.com | Eyeglasses | Lafont Paris specializes in unique colors and interesting shapes. Combined, they make a frame that is truly one of a kind. See the entire Lafont Paris line at a Trunk Show, December 9, noon - 6 pm.

6 Real Deals Home Decor | 3401 South University Drive, Fargo | 701-212-0164 | Gun-Metal Vase | Add just the right amount of contemporary sophistication to your room with this oversized gun-metal vase with curled branch detail. A classic shape with a modern twist, it’s just one of the many unique decor pieces you will find to fit your style and your budget. | $42.99

7 Apricot Lane Boutique | West Acres Shopping Center, JCPenney’s Wing | 701-356-5080 | apricotlanefargo.com | Apparel | Shop for fashion forward, unique items for women of all ages, including premium denims, tops, shoes/boots & accessories.

8 The Crown Jewels | 25th Street Market, 1450 25th Street South, Fargo | 701-237-6809 | crownjewelsfargo.com | Custom Jewelry | Celebrating 50 years in business! Visit The Crown Jewels to see beautiful custom diamond bracelets in 14-karat white and yellow gold. Unique jewelry is the perfect gift this holiday season! 10 Exciting Windows by Design | Kari Bucholz | 701-237-5427 | excitingwindows.com/bydesign | Window Treatment | The proper window treatment can transform a space by adding color, controlling light, and enhancing privacy. With by Design, you can add a personal style to your space with a huge variety of custom window treatments to fit any budget. The possibilities are endless!

9 Intelligent Nutrients | Heather Wendell | 1201 1st Avenue North, Fargo | equipoisefargo@hotmail.com | Harmonic Shampoo & Conditioner | The shop offers 100% organic food grade salon products. | 15 oz. Shampoo $22, Conditioner $24

6 Dalbol Flowers | 1450 25th Street South, Fargo | 701-235-5864 | dalbolflowersfargo.com | Holiday Flowers | Dalbol’s lovely assorted roses and alstroemeria are accented with fresh evergreens and pine cones. | $42.95

7 Laurie’s | South Creek Center, 2511 Kirsten Lane, Fargo, ND | 701-282-8180 | Bracelet | Glamourize yourself in Brighton jewelry this holiday season! Find it at Laurie’s, your favorite Brighton retailer.

8 Pout Baby Boutique | 4325 13th Avenue South #6, Fargo| 701-356-POUT | poutbabyandkids.com | The Chop balance bike sells for $110

9 Centre for Hair and Wellness | Moorhead Center Mall | 218-236-6000 | centreforhairandwellness.com | “Pinky Promise” from Beijo | beijobags.com

Aquablue | 4955 17th Avenue South, Fargo | aquabluefm.com | Artwork Tiles | Vintage looking wood tiles are adorned with prints of original artwork by s.d.g. artistry. Tiles feature images, quotes, or letters – which can be used to spell your choice of words or names. | Prices start at $18

Stabo Scandinavian Imports | West Acres Mall, Fargo | 701-282-0421 | stabo-imports.com | Ekelund Linens of Sweden | Beautiful towels, runner, dishcloths and throws are all made by award-winning Ekelund textile of Sweden. 11

Ecce Art Gallery | 216 Broadway, Downtown Fargo | 701-298-3223 | ecce216.com | Willi NIlli by Susanne Williams | Jack and Jill bags are made by hand in reverse dyed leather.

Holiday Cooking

Total Recipe Time: 2-1/2 to 3-1/4 hours

1 well-trimmed beef ribeye roast, small end (4 to 6 pounds)

1/2 cup Dijon-style mustard

2-1/3 cups cheese and garlic or Caesar croutons, finely crushed (about 1-1/4 cups crumbs), divided

1-1/2 pounds green beans, trimmed

1 tablespoon olive oil

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Spread mustard evenly over all surfaces of beef roast. Press 1 cup crouton crumbs evenly onto roast over mustard.

2. Place roast, fat side up, on rack in shallow roasting pan. Insert ovenproof meat thermometer so tip is centered in thickest part of beef, not resting in fat. Do not add water or cover. Roast in 350°F oven 1-3/4 to 2 hours for medium rare; 2 to 2-1/2 hours for medium doneness.

3. Meanwhile toss green beans with oil on metal baking sheet. Add remaining 1/4 cup crouton crumbs; toss to coat. Roast in 350°F oven with beef roast 30 minutes.

4. Remove roast when meat thermometer registers 135°F for medium rare; 150°F for medium. Increase oven temperature

Makes 6 to 8 servings

ribeye roast with dijon crust and roasted green beans

Total Recipe Time: 1 to 1-1/4 hours

1 beef tri-tip roast (1-1/2 to 2 pounds)

1/2 cup prepared basil pesto sauce, divided

1-1/2 teaspoons pepper

1 can (14-1/2 ounces) Italian-style diced tomatoes, undrained

1/2 cup chopped onion

2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese

1. Heat oven to 425°F. Spread 1/4 cup pesto evenly onto all surfaces of beef roast; sprinkle with pepper.

2. Place roast on rack in shallow roasting pan. Do not add water or cover. Roast in 425°F oven 30 to 40 minutes for medium rare; 40 to 45 minutes for medium doneness.

3. Meanwhile combine tomatoes and onion in small saucepan. Cook over medium heat 15 to 20 minutes or until onion is tender and most of the liquid has evaporated. Stir in remaining 1/4 cup pesto. Keep warm.

4. Remove roast when instant-read thermometer registers 135°F for medium rare; 150°F for medium. Transfer roast to

pesto-rubbed tri-tip roast with warm tomato sauce

Makes 6 to 8 servings

to 450°F; continue roasting green beans 10 to 20 minutes or until tender and starting to brown.

5. Transfer roast to carving board; tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let stand 15 to 20 minutes. (Temperature will continue to rise about 10°F to reach 145°F for medium rare; 160°F for medium.)

6. Carve roast into slices. Season beef and green beans with salt and pepper, as desired.

Cook’s Tip: To make crouton crumbs, place croutons in food-safe plastic bag; close bag securely, squeezing out air. Crush croutons with rolling pin to form crumbs. Or, place croutons in food processor container. Cover; process until crumbs form.

carving board; tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let stand 15 minutes. (Temperature will continue to rise about 10°F to reach 145°F for medium rare; 160°F for medium.)

5. Carve roast across the grain into thin slices. Season with salt and pepper, as desired. Serve with tomato sauce and sprinkle with cheese.

You already know and love Baker Garden and Gift, now fall in love with 3 Chicks Boutique! About five years ago Baker Nursery transitioned to what you know today as Baker Garden and Gift thanks to Eric Baker, third generation owner. In making that transition, the goal was to carry more than soil and seed and to be the destination for one-stop shopping. We are building a new tradition based on an old one: quality and expertise! 3 Chicks Boutique is a store full of wonderful, and your new favorite place to shop!

Have you ever been on a power trip before? We have and ours started with a road trip to Minneapolis gift and accessories market. We knew what we wanted: in a word, Fabulous. After much laughter and wine, we were 3 chicks on a power trip with an open checkbook. Gina Gould, owner; Carrie Warren, store manager; and Katie Beyer, retail sales manager are the 3 Chicks who got all this started. You can ask for us by name, and it will be our pleasure to help you find the perfect gift or your favorite new treasure!

COLOR COMMENTARY BY THE 3 CHICKS

WRITERS: GINA GOULD, CARRIE WARREN, KATIE BEYER PHOTOGRAPHER: GINA GOULD

CARRIE WARREN, GINA GOULD, KATIE BEYER

The 3 Chicks were ready to take it to a whole new level by dedicating ourselves to having the most intriguing and personally selected items. We believe that 3 is never a crowd, and if we don’t want to wear it, spray and smell it, eat or drink it; it won’t be in our store! Beautiful jewelry, unique purses, yummy perfumes, and lotions along with soaps, rugs, stylish scarves and shawls, baby, bar tools and delicious gourmet food capture your attention and senses when you walk into the sunny boutique. There is no other store quite like ours in this area. We hope you love our treasures as much as we do! After all, shopping with us is not an errand, it’s an experience. We are building on the tradition of quality and expertise the Fargo/Moorhead area has come to expect from Baker Garden and Gift. We are still the most complete garden center in the F/M area, and we are still making beautiful gardens come alive! But, we are on the grow, and there is always something happening at Baker’s. We offer weekly classes and Ladies Nights. You can do all your holiday shopping while sampling hot coffee/tea and gourmet snacks. Find your holiday decorations and gifts along with your Christmas tree at Baker’s this holiday season. Baker Garden & Gift is located at 2733 S. University Dr. in Fargo; our store hours are Monday through Friday 9-8, Saturday 9-5, Sunday noon-5. You can reach us at (701) 237-6255, and don’t forget to check us out on Facebook and at www. bakernursery.com.

MEJEANNE COUTURE DESIGNER MAKES WAVES IN THE FASHION WORLD

FashioninG a Dream

Christelle Dominique is just getting started. The vivacious Dominique has designed dresses for pageant women, shown her MeJeanne Couture collections at Funkshion Miami Fashion Week and Atlanta International Fashion Week, and started working with a team on a company called Creative Marketing and Advertising — all while finishing school at NDSU and MSUM.

The Haitian born designer modestly calls herself a multitasker. “I really love what I’m doing,” Dominique said. “People liking my designs gives me the fuel to keep going.”

Six years ago, Dominique moved to New York City from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, hoping to pursue a career in fashion. Her parents suggested she study marketing instead since it was more practical and she could take weekend sewing classes at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). Dominique took her parents’ suggestion and also volunteered to work at a family friend’s clothing store.

Eventually she couldn’t muffle her passion for fashion and convinced her parents that full-time enrollment at FIT was exactly what she wanted.

“Once I was at FIT, I felt so at home,” she said. “I woke up extra early every morning wanting and waiting to go to school.”

After two years of studying sewing and fashion design at FIT, Dominique was offered an attractive scholarship to study marketing at MSUM. She optimistically accepted and also enrolled in fashion courses at NDSU.

WRITER: ANNA G. LARSON | PHOTOGRAPHER: LEGACY PHOTOGRAPHY

CHRISTELLE AND GERARD

CHRISTELLE DOMINIQUE

“New York already has a billion people trying to be designers,” she said. “In Fargo, I can make a name for myself and everyone is so supportive of me. I’ve never experienced any city like it.”

In addition to her friends and family from Haiti, New York, Fargo, and everywhere in between, Dominique credits the other half of MeJeanne Couture for its success. Gerard E. Beaubrun, Dominique’s long-time boyfriend and creative partner, has been by her side since the birth of the label.

“I’m very fortunate. Gerard is supportive and suggests ideas,” she said. “He even came up with the idea for one of the most successful pieces I’ve ever shown.”

Beaubrun is an NDSU graduate student who also moved from Haiti. He handles the technical aspects of MeJeanne Couture, such as the website at www.mejeannecouture. com, and communications. Beaubrun didn’t know much about fashion until he met Dominique.

“Her fashion sense set her apart from other women,” he said. “She helped me develop an eye for fashion — she feels fashion is a mirror into the soul.”

Dominique’s design philosophy, said Beaubrun, is artful simplicity. “She loves simplicity,” he said. “She thinks the dresses should speak for themselves.”

Dominique’s designs are elegant and feminine but still demand attention. She is inspired by fabric movement, color, and how a client will feel wearing the dress. “I design to fit a woman’s personality, flatter her body, and make her feel good,” Dominique said. “I want to make people comfortable in their own skin.”

Clients are incorporated into the design process, so they are absolutely satisfied with their garment. “At the end of the day I want to make my client feel special,” she said.

Lena K in downtown Fargo carries ready-to-wear from MeJeanne Couture and also offers madeto-order dresses (read: one of a kind) starting at $180 for a cocktail dress. “People flock to her and her designs. She is the sweetest thing,”

Lena K owner Karissa Newby said. Newby wanted to support Dominique because her garments are unique and her personality is magnetic. “Her stuff is really special and people can’t get over how gorgeous it is,” she said.

In the three years that Dominique has been a designer, her proudest moment came during a special day called Fashion Loves Haiti at Funkshion Miami Fashion Week.

“Showing my line that day was one of my best fashion moments — I was representing my country,” she said.

Dominique hopes to someday open a factory in Haiti and teach sewing classes. “It is my dream to help people while doing something I love,” she said.

Future aspirations for MeJeanne Couture include a line of unisex ties designed by Beaubrun and Dominique, corsets, hats, wedding dresses — and designing for senators’ wives. Dominique’s ambitious goals might spark fear of failure in the average young professional, but she has no doubts.

“I don’t get discouraged easily,” Dominique said. “Maybe New York will hear about me someday.”

[AWM]

Visit L ena K, 408 Nor th Broadway, or L ot 2029 in Bismarck, ND, to shop MeJeanne Couture. Reach Dominique directly at info@mejeannecouture.com. Find MeJeanne Couture online at www mejeannecouture.com and on Twitter (mejeannecouture) and Facebook.

“I want to make people comfortable in their own skin.”

MAUREEN HOLMAN

What You Can Do To Assist With Your Divorce

Once you have decided to obtain a divorce, the next step for most people is to hire an attorney. The attorney will help you negotiate a fair resolution of all the issues that must be addressed in a divorce. Fortunately, there are things you can do to make the divorce easier for you, and ultimately less expensive.

1. Be familiar with your assets. One of the issues in a divorce will be the division of your marital property. One way to learn about your assets is to review any financial statements you have given to banks or other lenders in order to obtain loans. The financial statements will usually list all of your bank accounts, financial investments,

real estate, and other assets. You should obtain copies of your latest bank account statements, investment account statements, and retirement account statements. You should also gather any documents you have related to your real estate. One source of information regarding real estate holdings can be the county register of deeds. Simply ask for copies of any deeds for real estate held in the name of you or your spouse.

2. Be familiar with your debts. It will be useful to make a copy of the most recent statement for all of your debts. This includes home mortgages, lines of credit, car loans, and credit card statements. Also let your attorney know of any debts to friends or relatives, and

provide documentation regarding those debts.

3. Be familiar with your income. Two documents provide the most information regarding income: pay stubs and tax returns. Obtaining the most recent pay stub will be useful to your attorney. Generally, it is good to make copies of the last two to four paystubs so that any variations in monthly payments can be noted. You should also make copies of one or more years of tax returns. All of the schedules to the tax returns should also be copied.

4. Get help for the emotional upheaval of divorce. Parties going through a divorce are experiencing some of the most difficult emotional times in their

lives. Regardless of whether the divorce is something both parties wanted for a long time, or is a sudden decision, obtaining the assistance of a counselor will help you through the difficult times. This will also minimize the number of expensive “support” calls you make to your attorney. Your attorney will definitely want to know all factual information regarding your divorce, but is not qualified to provide the kind of counseling that will help you get through this difficult process.

The more you can do to prepare for your divorce, the less you will have to rely upon your attorney and your attorney’s staff. Your attorney will be glad to help you with the divorce, but the above steps will help you better understand your situation, and help you to make better decisions regarding your divorce.

This ar ticle was written and prepared by Maureen Holman, a family law attor ney with the Serkland L aw Firm in Fargo, Nor th Dakota. For more infor mation call 232.8957, email at mholman@ serklandlaw.com or visit www serklandlaw.com.

AREA HEALTH

Area Health is chock full of information to help you lead a happier, healthier life. Page through to learn more about protecting your child’s hearing, improving your relationships, finding strength through challenges, attaining your ideal weight, supporting your friends with cancer, and treating medical issues through naturopathic therapies. Through innovative treatments and solutions, everyone can enjoy a healthy lifestyle.

CATHY HJELLE

Children are now being diagnosed with hearing loss at a very young age because they are listening to music, movies, and electronic games at high volume levels.

Your Child’s Hearing and its Impact on Speech Development

The incidence of noiseinduced hearing loss experienced by children has grown drastically over the past several years due to the increased use of headphones and ear buds.

Children are now being diagnosed with hearing loss at a very young age because they are listening to music, movies, and electronic games at high volume levels. Dr. Megan Bolda, a clinical audiologist at Catalyst Medical Center, said this is particularly worrisome in very young children. “Even a slight hearing loss above 15 decibels affects a wide range of consonant sounds (z, v, p, h, k, f, s, th),” she said. “Young children still learning the sounds of language may not be able to hear these sounds, which may impact their speech production.”

WRITER:: KITSY RADERMACHER AND MEGAN BOLDA

PHOTO BY: LADONNA BANNACH

School-aged children with a high frequency hearing loss that goes undiagnosed may have difficulty hearing the classroom teacher, and this may mean missing parts of instruction. Background noise in a typical classroom only exacerbates the effects of the loss, giving the child a disadvantage that may affect his or her ability to follow instruction and comprehend new information. Dr. Bolda compared this to reading a paragraph without consonants. The paragraph no longer has any meaning. Behavioral issues may show up in children because of their frustration.

Dr. Bolda reports that the high school population appears to have the highest incidence of hearing loss due to the loud levels of music they are listening to on their headsets. This too may affect how they comprehend presented materials.

Most importantly, parents and their children need to know that the body cannot repair a hearing loss — the damage is permanent — so prevention is key. Dr. Bolda recommends purchasing protective ear buds that will regulate and limit the sound pressure transferring to the ear.

Beyond Boundaries Therapy Services is available to discuss your concerns in the areas of hearing, speech production, and/ or language. The staff offers free screenings with a licensed speech-language pathologist and, if necessary, they will recommend a speech/language evaluation or referral to an Audiologist. For more information, contact Beyond Boundaries Therapy Services at 701-356-0062, 701-3565410, or at www.beyondboundaries. us.

This article was written in collaboration with Kitsy Radermacher, lead speech-language pathologist at Beyond Boundaries Therapy Services and Megan Bolda, clinical audiologist with Catalyst Medical Center.

CARING COUNSELING BY CATHY

PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING CAN CREATE POSITIVE IMPROVEMENTS

Acaring counselor can help an adult, child, or couple make positive improvements in their relationships. Cathy Hjelle, owner of Cathy Hjelle and Associates, is a licensed professional clinical counselor in North Dakota and a licensed independent social worker in Minnesota. Hjelle often focuses on women’s issues, including depression, anxiety, abuse/trauma, stress, mood disorders, and relationship concerns. Hjelle’s scope of practice also includes couples counseling and therapy for adolescents and children.

Hjelle helps children through play therapy. This intervention can assist with less conflicted interpersonal interactions, decrease in problematic behaviors, and better adjustment to transitions. “The goal is often to help

children adapt to changes in their environments, modulate their moods and behaviors, thereby improving the quality of relationships,” Hjelle explained.

Hjelle has more than 20 years of experience in professional counseling in a variety of settings. She has worked at Lutheran Social Services of MN, The Village Family Service Center, and Prairie St. John’s. Hjelle began her independent private practice in 2006.

Hjelle enjoys working with women and issues pertinent to them. This upcoming winter, Hjelle will facilitate a therapy group for women titled “Overcoming Self-Doubt: Trusting One’s Gut.” “Often a visceral reaction occurs and this is known as a “gut reaction” or an intuitive sense. I would like to assist women with honoring

and accepting the value one’s intuition provides and incorporating this into their lives,” Hjelle said.

Through the North Dakota Center for Sleep, operated by Dr. Seema Khosla at 4152 30th Ave. S. in Fargo, Hjelle will provide informal group sessions to help individuals develop healthier sleep patterns and reduce problematic sleep patterns that interfere with an overall restful feeling. The session will start in January of 2012.

Hjelle obtained her B.A. in English from Minnesota State University in Moorhead, MN and her Master’s Degree in agency counseling from the University of North Dakota in Fargo. To keep current in her career field, Hjelle obtains continuing education credits and renews her licenses every two years.

CATHY HJELLE

Hjelle said reasons for seeking therapy include a desire to improve relationships, reduce work related stress, and improve one’s mood whether symptoms relate to a depressed state, anxiety, or a fluctuating mood. With the onset of fall symptoms related to SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), patients are able to find relief through counseling. Symptoms may include moodiness, lack of energy, and a desire to sleep more.

“Professional counseling can provide a format in which an individual’s symptoms can be identified and a course of treatment can be applied to improve the quality of one’s life.” Hjelle said.

A typical course of treatment is usually six to eight sessions, with maintenance sessions provided as needed. Confidentiality is an important part of all treatment sessions, which are covered by most insurance plans. Hjelle provides day and evening sessions. Saturday appointments are available upon request. [AWM]

Cathy Hjelle and Associates is located at 1790 32nd Ave. S. #3 in Fargo, ND and Hwy 34 East, Suite B103 in Detroit L akes, MN. For more infor mation, call 701-2382938.

Ordinary Day, Extraordinary Achievement

LOVE FOR FAMILY DEFINES HEIDI FRIE’S CANCER BATTLE

Heidi Frie’s first thought when she wakes up each morning: her plan for that day. Not that month or that week — simply that day.

Often it includes getting the kids to school, attending their activities, and greeting them when they come home. Other times it’s about doctor appointments, medical tests, and more chemotherapy.

A Devastating Diagnosis

Heidi had just completed the school year as an academic counselor

at Concordia College in Moorhead when the unexpected changed her life.

After a couple weeks of vague abdominal pain and fatigue, she spiked a fever and had severe pain. A trip to the Sanford ER on June 2 led to a scan showing multiple abdominal masses. One had wrapped around her colon, causing an infection.

After several more tests, the diagnosis: late-stage ovarian cancer. Heidi was 39 years old.

“Shock is the only word that describes it,” said Jeremy, her husband of 16 years. “Just that morning she was

at the gym exercising.”

Heidi recalled her reaction. “Numb,” she said. “It didn’t seem real.”

One Step

at a Time

Reality set in with a daunting treatment plan: nine weeks of chemotherapy, major surgery to try to remove the cancer, and more weeks of chemotherapy.

“Early on, Dr. Snow told us it was important to celebrate steps along the way,” said Heidi. “That approach has really helped us.” Dr. Denise Snow is an oncologist at Sanford Roger Maris

Cancer Center in Fargo.

They celebrated in little ways: going out for a frozen yogurt treat after the infection cleared. And in big ways: participating in an ovarian cancer awareness run/walk after completing the first phase of chemotherapy and just days before surgery.

And after the 10-hour surgery?

“The next day she was up and walking,” said Jeremy.

“She knew the sooner she walked the sooner she’d have the strength to start her next phase of chemotherapy. It began shortly after.”

Meaningful Moments

Twins games, weddings, days at the lake…

Fighting cancer didn’t stop Heidi from good times with family this past summer. With chemotherapy scheduled early in the week, she knew she’d feel best on weekends and planned accordingly.

For now Heidi keeps her focus on the day, relying on faith and appreciating support.

“We have a terrific group helping us — family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and more,” she said. “They make life pretty easy with meal preparation, housecleaning, transporting the kids, whatever’s needed.”

Her spirit strong, Heidi struggles with how she feels physically. It varies widely, even hour to hour. But no matter how she feels, she strives to keep the days normal for her children, nineyear-old Anna and seven-year-old Sawyer.

“If I can be upright when they get home, that’s good,” she said. “I’m grateful for that.”

For Heidi, an ordinary day is nothing short of extraordinary. And she achieves it with amazing strength, courage and grace. She says that God will help her through it.

ENSURING HELP IS AVAILABLE

FROM

DIRECT CARE PROVIDER TO AN ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP ROLE, ELYSIA NEUBERT KEEPS IT ALL IN PERSPECTIVE

Isn’t it good to know help is there if you need it? When you need help for yourself or someone you love for a mental health or substance abuse concern, there is someone who makes sure the call for help is answered. That someone is Elysia Neubert.

Neubert is Prairie St. John’s intake department director—she’s responsible for hiring, training, and supervising the counselors who staff the department and provide needs assessment and referral services in consultation with the on-call physicians. The safety and facilitation of access to services for individuals who may

be experiencing psychiatric emergencies is important work, and Neubert takes it very seriously. As the person behind the people, she can frequently be found lending a hand wherever needed.

Neubert initially worked at Prairie St. John’s as a behavioral health technician during her undergraduate studies at North Dakota State University. “Working as a BHT is actually what inspired me to apply for graduate school, so I could be more directly involved with treatment,” she said.

“I love the department and the staff. The variety of tasks makes the role interesting, and we are able to connect so many people with the help they need. I am fortunate to work with a group of people who also finds our role very rewarding,” she said.

When opportunities arise, Neubert enjoys representing Prairie St. John’s as a member of the Safe Communities Coalition at meetings with other professionals as well as at community events.

As a licensed professional counselor since 2008, Neubert has also provided supervision for other professionals to advance to licensed professional counselors.

While growing up in Mahnomen, MN, family was very important to Neubert, and it still is today. Her parents continue to reside in Mahnomen. She has two siblings and seven nieces and nephews. “I’m very close with my family, and we are sure to plan parties/ meals for every single birthday and holiday. I don’t have children of my own, so I thoroughly enjoy having fun with my nieces and nephews,” she said.

From behavioral healthcare needs assessment and referral services provider, to her role on the organizational leadership team, Elysia Neubert works every day to ensure help is available when it’s needed. And that’s good to know. [AWM]

ELYSIA NEUBERT

BEFORE

IDEAL WEIGHT IDEAL PROTEIN

CHIROPRACTIC CARE CAN LEAD TO A HEALTHIER BODY AND LIFESTYLE

Looking to achieve the ideal weight? Ideal Protein may just provide the best method. Ideal Protein was developed more than 30 years ago in France by Dr. Tran Tien, who successfully helped the French Olympic team to lose weight while maintaining muscle mass. Dieters on the program combine their own protein sources and vegetables along with Ideal Protein food options. These Ideal Protein foods are available exclusively from accredited Ideal Protein Healthcare Professionals, such as Dr. Michael Jorgensen, at Red River Wellness in Fargo.

“Over the past 20 years or more in the healthcare field, I’ve noticed an epidemic of obesity and diabetes. I wanted to provide a solution through awareness and education,” said Dr. Jorgensen. In the fall of 2010, he changed his practice’s name from Jorgensen Chiropractic to Red River Wellness to reflect a focus on healthy lifestyles.

“The Food Pyramid, which most of us are familiar with, promotes approximately 55% daily consumption of complex carbohydrates,” Jorgensen said. “According to this recommendation, a 2,200-calorie daily intake would provide the equivalent of two cups of sugar. A high-level consumption of carbohydrates is the problem, which leads to obesity and diabetes because the body turns carbohydrates into sugar, which is then stored as fat in fat cells.”

“The average person has a three-day supply of carbohydrates stored in the body. With the Ideal Protein

WRITER: KAREN HALVORSEN PHOTOGRAPHER: CLASSIC PHOTOGRAPHY

STACY WAHL

DR. MIKE JORGENSEN AND STACY WAHL

weight-loss method, after the body consumes this supply, the fat begins to melt away,” Dr. Jorgensen said. ”Ideal Protein is basically a fat-burning, muscle sparing diet. The program ensures adequate protein consumption while resetting pancreatic function, which controls insulin levels.”

After being introduced to the Ideal Protein weight loss program at a chiropractic seminar in May 2010, Dr. Jorgensen was eager to provide his clients with this highly successful weight loss option.

Dr. Jorgensen became a certified wellness practitioner and has helped numerous clients lose more than 2,500 pounds through the Ideal Protein weight loss method.

Stacy, a current dieter on the Ideal Protein weight loss program, has lost more than 42 pounds, 52 inches, and five pant sizes in only 12 weeks. Typically dieters lose three to seven pounds per week. Four phases of the diet initially eliminate certain foods and gradually re-introduce them. The final phase is designed to maintain the dieter’s weight loss.

“It feels like the fat just melts off the body,” Stacy commented. “This program has also involved a lifestyle change for me by relearning my association with food. The focus on getting to a healthy weight helps me determine the reason for my eating.”

“In addition to the weight loss, I’ve experienced better sleep at night and more energy during the day, plus my migraine headaches haven’t come back,” Stacy elaborated.

Dr. Michael Jorgensen is a second-generation chiropractor with more than 23 years of experience. His father, Dr. Bill Jorgensen, practiced in the Fargo area from 1976 until 1994. [AWM]

To find out more about the Ideal Protein weight loss program or Red River Wellness, call 701-2352700 or go to redriver wellness.com.

HeartSafe Fargo Empowers Ordinary Citizens to Save Lives

NEW PROGRAM AIMS TO EXPAND COMMUNITY ACCESS TO LIFESAVING TECHNOLOGY AND TRAINING

The American Heart Association describes sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) as an abrupt loss of heart function, which quickly leads to death – often within minutes. Usually, SCA is caused by an abnormal heart rhythm called ventricular fibrillation, and odds of survival are greatly increased with immediate “defibrillation” of the heart.

An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a device that delivers an electric shock through the chest to the heart, which may stop an irregular rhythm and restore the heart’s function. Essentia Health and the Fargo Fire Department hope to expand community access to AEDs – and AED/ CPR training – through a new program called HeartSafe Fargo.

“This is a fantastic partnership because it’s truly about saving lives,” said Jon Benson, executive director at Essentia Health Regional Foundation. “It’s a natural part of our mission to make a healthy difference in people’s lives and to provide health and medical resources to our community.”

Essentia Health uses its medical equipment purchasing capability to provide AEDs to organizations at a reduced cost. They also promote the program, provide medical expertise, and host training.

The Fargo Fire Department will train citizens in the use of AEDs and in CPR for infants, children, and adults. Firefighters will examine and service registered AEDs during an organization’s annual fire inspection, to help ensure they are ready for use.

According to Fargo Fire Chief Dean Meyer, 248 AEDs are currently registered in Fargo; most are located in public spaces such as malls, churches, and schools. The partners hope to increase that to 500 over three years

and also to train an additional 1,500 individuals to use AEDs and perform CPR.

“In a fast call, a crew may need five to six minutes to arrive on scene with an AED,” Meyer said. “A victim’s chance of surviving cardiac arrest is reduced by 10 percent for every passing minute until defibrillation is delivered. Quick access to an AED can make a big difference.”

Training to use an AED and provide CPR can take as little as four hours. The units themselves are user friendly and only deliver a shock if

the device detects an abnormal heart rhythm. Most AEDs even talk a user through the process.

Meyer said successful programs in other cities will serve as a model for HeartSafe Fargo, noting that Sioux Falls, SD has deployed more than 1,000 AEDs around its community. An estimated 14 lives are saved annually as a result. [AWM]

For more infor mation, visit heartsafefargo.com, or call the Essentia Health Regional Foundation at 701364-8019.

Support These Girls

HELP FM BREAST FRIENDS BRING HOPE TO WOMEN WITH BREAST CANCER

PPam Knapper’s world collapsed in 2006 when she was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer. So she knew exactly what her high school classmate, Lisa Verworn, was thinking when Lisa got her own diagnosis that she was battling breast cancer, too.

“Within hours of disclosing my diagnosis, Pam reached out to me via email,” Lisa said. “I felt an instant connection. Her words were powerful, and they were exactly what I needed to hear.”

Turns out, scores of other women in Fargo-Moorhead were fighting breast cancer and were desperate to hear a similar message of support and friendship. After all, one out of eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer. Only there wasn’t anybody —

or anything — offering that message in town. When Knapper and Verworn were both healthy enough, they teamed up to establish the area’s first support group just for breast cancer — FM Breast Friends.

“When you are diagnosed with a major medical condition like breast cancer, it’s like going to sleep and waking up in a foreign country where you don’t know the language or the customs and no map to get home,” Knapper said. “Our support group offers that guidance. To get us back to ‘home’ and live with your new ‘normal’ or at least get to your new normal.”

Knapper said FM Breast Friends offers women with breast cancer a safe place to ask questions and share their emotions and concerns with women

who are on or who have shared the same journey. “The main goal of the group is to make the journey easier, less frightening. To listen and be heard,” explained Verworn. “To allow women to share their inner-most thoughts and know that someone else has had those same thoughts and knows exactly how I feel.” The group meets the first Wednesday of the month at 7 pm at the Moorhead Library.

Knapper and Verworn also have several other lofty goals they’d like FM Breast Friends to achieve in the next five years.

One is to help women pay for medical needs that arise from a breast cancer diagnosis. “Cancer treatment creates a huge impact on a family’s finances, and this impact does not

stop the minute you are done with treatment,” said Verworn. “It goes on for years and years.”

Last year, FM Breast Friends hosted its first-ever “Support the Girls” fundraiser, an event the group will continue in January 2012. It raised enough money to sponsor 10 members to travel to the Young Survival Coalition Conference, an annual gathering for women to learn all aspects of the fight against breast cancer.

Another goal the women are working to achieve is to establish the organization as a non-profit. Knapper feels this would enable FM Breast Friends to expand its community outreach. “We want to bring awareness and make sure that no women feel alone and that they know the resources that are available to them. I want FM Breast Friends to be a household name so when someone is diagnosed with breast cancer, people automatically think of us and know they have a place to go where they will not be alone on their journey with breast cancer,” said Knapper. [AWM]

A Conversation About Naturopathic Medicine

TThe following is a conversation with Dr. Molly Ferguson, a naturopathic doctor working at Prairie Naturopathic Doctors in Moorhead. Dr. Molly and her husband, Dr. Todd Ferguson, are members of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, the Minnesota Association of Naturopathic Physicians, and the Catholic Medical Association.

AW: Tell me a little about your background. What initially interested you in naturopathic medicine?

Molly: I grew up in Iowa, the oldest of seven children. My mom had an interest in nutrition and herbs. I grew up around some natural thinking. It was at Franciscan University in Ohio that I heard of naturopathy. When I learned it was medical training with a focus on diet, life style, and herbal medications, I knew it was what I wanted to study.

AW: What type of degree and work experience do you have?

Molly: After college I went to Bastry University. I met my Todd at Bastry, and we were married in 2005. I graduated in 2006 with a doctorate in naturopathic

medicine and a midwifery certificate. I was hired at a busy midwifery practice where we had 120 births per year. Todd finished his last year at Bastry during that time and our first baby, Lucia, was born.

AW: Why did you come to the FM area?

Molly: Todd graduated in 2007, and we moved here because there were job openings for both of us and Todd’s family lived nearby. We wanted to live in the Midwest to raise our kids.

AW: Would you define naturopathic medicine and tell me its primary tenants?

Molly: Naturopathic medicine is medical knowledge with a focus on supporting the body’s healing and health mechanisms. We look for things to support the entire person and all areas of health, including stress, diet, and digestive health.

On a basic level, if you skin your knee, it heals itself. The body cares for and heals itself. As a naturopath, I look at the ways a body does this on its own.

The six main tenants of naturopathy are using this healing power found naturally in our bodies, identifying and treating causes rather than symptoms only, to do no harm, to educate our patients using the doctor as teacher method, to treat the whole person, and preventative medicine.

AW: What do you believe are the benefits naturopathic medicine?

Molly: We try to get to the heart of what is wrong, not just treat the symptoms. We spend a lot of time listening to our patients and educating them. Our therapies target boosting the body wellness.

I’m not unappreciative of M.D.’s. Todd’s dad is a medical doctor. He is very well established. Our medicine has invigorated him to learn more about diet and lifestyle. I very much value, and refer my patients to, mainstream providers.

AW: Can you explain midwifery?

Molly: I am a CPM: a certified professional midwife, licensed in Minnesota. I assist with the birthing

LUCIA , MOLLY, KILIAN, TODD, CLARE

WRITER: JILL N. KANDEL | CLASSIC PHOTOGRAPHY

process in a home environment. Homebirth is on the rise in the United States. People want to feel more in control and have more say in their birthing environment. Homebirth is a good option for most women; however, some women would not qualify because of medical history or conditions.

AW: In what areas do you see naturopathy specifically helpful to women?

Molly: I see many women with PMS, menstrual issues, hot flashes, night sweats, and heavy cycles. I work with women who do not want to be on hormones and or contraceptives, and treat them with diet, nutrient, and herbal therapies. I’ve seen a lot of women normalize their cycles and general hormone balance, from teens to seventy year olds.

AW: You and your husband Todd share a practice?

Molly: We share an office space. A lot of our work is similar, but we are different doctors, so we might think differently, too. Our second daughter Clare was born in April of 2009. Our son, Kilian, was born in August 2011. Because of our growing family, Todd has longer office work hours than I do. He sees more of the male patients. I tend to see more children and women.

AW: What do you like the best about your work?

Molly: People come in saying there is no connection between what they are eating and their symptoms. In case after case, I see diet making a huge difference in people’s overall health. I love the midwifery and the relationships I build with my patients. The best part is when a patient comes in and says ‘I’m feeling better.’ [AWM]

For more information, visit prairiend.com.

AREA HOME

Celebrate in a festive home for the holidays, adorned with the sparkle of the season. Enjoy the wealth of decorating ideas created in a beautiful home in Charleswood. Be inspired to share your own holiday traditions with family and friends. And don’t forget to protect your valuable property and family with the proper insurance. Safety first!

Home for the Holidays

The elegant architectural structure of this spacious rambler in West Fargo’s Charleswood addition is beautifully enhanced, not hidden, with the festive holiday décor. The owners have incorporated their personal style, along with the many Heritage Homes’ Woman-Centric design elements, into their beautiful masterpiece.

The owners not only have a masterly touch in design, but have also catered to the needs of their young, busy family. “I like the contrast and visual punch, but it also needs to be kid-friendly,” she noted. The resulting holiday style in this residence is a beautiful statement where children are joyfully included in the celebrations.

Although lovely in its holiday “attire,” the home is structurally stunning any time of the year. The exterior features a warm contrast of tan dryvit, with brown, tan, and gray ledgestone, along with brick flowerbeds curving around the front. Two stone lions guard the driveway to the three-car garage, angled to take advantage of the cul-de-sac curve. Half-moon arches soar above the front pillared entrance, with matching arches above each window on the left.

The front art deco leaded glass door opens to a generous foyer with a 12-foot ceiling lit by pewter side sconces and inset can lights. Just to the left is a beautiful ironwork and blown glass art sculpture by Forest Edge artisans of Vergas, MN. The wall color is a relaxed khaki with light cream casements throughout the main floor. Natural maple hardwood, featured in the foyer, is also used in the kitchen and informal seating area.

Just to the right of the foyer is the dining room, decorated as a glamorous holiday scene. Natural maple pillars lit with alabaster sconces create the framework for the custom-designed round room. Between the pillars, the walls are painted in a black, high gloss finish for drama and

sparkle. Above, the dropped round ceiling has a silver leaf foil. The ninelight crystal chandelier softly glows beneath a sheer black shade. An oversize round maple table, custom-made by one of the owner’s father, is decorated for the holidays with silver placemats, set with platinum and pewter-edged bone china, and topped with silver napkin rings holding cherry-red napkins. A capizshell vase in the center holds shimmering silver leaves and is surrounded by a red-bulb wreath. Upholstered chairs in tan linen twill weave, outlined with brass studs, offer cozy seating. Tone-on-tone cream carpet with a zebra pattern finishes this sophisticated space.

To the left of the foyer is the hallway to the family quarters, with two bedrooms for the children and a spacious, tranquil master suite. Each of the children’s rooms has its own special theme, right down to the eclectic Christmas trees they helped decorate.

Living Well

“We loved to travel before we had the family,” the owner said. “So we wanted to incorporate some of that hotel feeling into our home,” hence, the large pillars that set off living areas in the home. Tiled in sparkling black squares, two of the pillars, one on each side of the living area, are accented with inset floor lights. The black tile is also used as the floor-to-ceiling surround for the gas fireplace on the north wall. This season, large sparkling snowflakes in white and silver are floating down the black tile.

Just to the left of the entry pillar is a 12-foot green tree decorated with large bulbs in red and white, white feathers, red florals, red glitter fronds, red and white branches, and a lovely antique angel ready to herald the good news. Behind the tree is a beautiful multi-media piece by artist Jay Pfeifer. Commissioned by the owners, the abstract superbly incorporates copper, plaster, and acrylic in shades of red, brown, tan, and cream.

The media center shelves on the west wall hold family photos. Above, white vases sprout twigs with red holiday bulbs with white feather garland accents. Red ironwork reindeer hold large red stockings, hinting of Christmas morning delights. A black transitional leather sofa, loveseat, and chair have holiday pillows in white, silver, and red, in addition to a set of pillows with large red bows and faux diamond clips. The maple end tables showcase the holiday spirit too, with white feather trees on one and a crystal bowl filled with white feathers topped with

solid red and black-and-white zebra bulbs on the other. Cream tone-ontone zebra-patterned carpet anchors the living space. Above, the dropped round ceiling detail is a favorite Heritage Home design element, and it’s accented with a brushed nickel fan with oval paddles.

Near the living area is a handy mini serving area with a wine refrigerator and glass rack. Black quartz accents the maple cabinets and a whimsical Santa and lime green trees add a holiday note.

On the far side of the great room is another pillar, shifting the attention to the kitchen and informal eating area. The ceramic tile used in the main hallway is the flooring of choice in the seating area, while natural maple hardwood is in the kitchen. Above, ceiling cutouts are deep taupe outlined by lighter khaki tones.

In the dining area, a small mahogany-stain oak table seats a cozy foursome. Red snowflake placemats set a holiday mood, as does the red berry wreath centerpiece with a red metallic tree. Near the sliding glass

door to the spacious back patio, two cream leather chairs offer a comfortable corner to relax while meal preparations are underway. Red pillows with snowflake accents add a holiday touch.

The kitchen, recently remodeled in natural maple, has flat panel cabinets with oversized brushed stainless hardware and appliances. Above the sand-toned quartz countertops, the backsplash is finished in black tile. Across the top of the cabinets is white feather garland with lime green polka dot and red ribbon packages. Decorative towels hung on the dishwasher handle offer playful choices of “Naughty” or “Nice.”

The center island has two tiers, with the lower level boasting a Bosch flat cook top. The upper level seats four on black leather padded chairs with stainless leg accents. Four blown-glass pendant lights in white, with a black ribbon accent, light the area. A painted metal Santa, who appears ready to make lists, complements red snowflake placemats on the counter.

Off the hallway leading to the kitchen is the home office space, beautifully set apart with double French doors of ribbed glass. Next door is the laundry and drop zone, with access to the garage.

Stunning architectural detailing, woman-centric design elements that make family life, work, and entertaining more enjoyable and stress free, and kid-friendly features are all wrapped up with an exquisite holiday theme in this home. It’s a showcase for the creative genius of Heritage Homes, but also a superb tribute to the owners’ ability to create a warm, inviting home for the family.

[AWM]

PROTECTING YOUR FAMILY

AN AGENT ANSWERS YOUR MOST COMMON INSURANCE QUESTIONS

Chris Kottsick has seven years of insurance experience and recently opened his own office with Nodak Mutual Insurance Company. Here, he answers five common insurance questions.

How often should I compare insurance companies?

Companies that offer auto insurance on-line encourage shopping because they might offer discounts up front, but I frequently see these companies increase premiums at renewal, sometimes as quickly as six months. Comparing companies every couple of years is a good recommendation, but

typically you’re rewarded for loyalty. For example, every year for being accident free, Nodak Mutual gives a 3% discount up to a maximum of 26%, and we will forgive the first claim if you’ve had no chargeable accident the prior five years.

Do I need flood insurance when the new flood map comes out?

If your home is placed into the new high-risk zone and you have a federally backed mortgage, you’ll be required to have flood protection. The protection will be optional for those without a mortgage. If you purchase flood insurance before the new flood map comes out, your zone will be grandfathered in, keeping your premium

down. However, if you wait until after the new map is released, that same policy premium will increase significantly — as high as $3,000 to $4,000. Another benefit of the grandfathering is when you sell your house you can transfer that flood policy over to the new owner.

How do I get protection for sewer backup or sump pump failure?

Water back up or sump discharge coverage is an endorsement that is added to a homeowner’s policy. Because we see this type of loss regularly each year, it is recommended for homes with a basement, particularly those with finished basements. Visit with your agent about the need for this coverage.

WRITER: KRISTI MONSON | MILESTONES PHOTOGRAPHY

What’s new in home insurance?

Equipment breakdown coverage (EBC). This insurance fills the gap in a homeowner policy by protecting many of the valuable items from just breaking down. Items include televisions, media or music systems, appliances, and most electrical items. This is so important that we offer it in all of Nodak Mutual homeowner policies. Discounts are another area in which companies are creating new and different ways for customers to save money. For example, not long ago we started offering a new roof discount in response to many of the weather-related claims of the last few years. If homeowners see their premiums increase as a result of claims and replaced their roof, this is another great way for them to save.

How can I reduce the premium for my teen driver?

It’s important to start by stressing safe driving — no claims or violations. There are several discounts available, including good student and defensive driver discounts. Make sure to take advantage of all discounts, including multi-vehicle and multi-line, in which you insure your car and your home together, or your car and life insurance together, for instance. I offer a discount just for paying via electronic funds transfer. Enroll your teen in Route 1000 offered by the North Dakota Farm Bureau. This safe driver program rewards teens with a $1,000 savings bond for being claims and violation free for 1,000 days. In addition, teens will receive a 7% discount on their Nodak Mutual Insurance policy. For more information go to Route1000. com.

For all your insurance needs, contact Chris Kottsick at 701-3645511.

AREA PROFILES

The Pride of North Dakota: Sam Stanke, Miss Rodeo North Dakota 2011. Read about this remarkable woman who fills her days with rodeo performances followed by glamorous modeling competitions. However, Sam and her family have also faced personal loss; the flood and subsequent fire which nearly destroyed their home. As the family rebuilds their lives, Sam continues to shine on the rodeo circuit, making all North Dakotans proud.

Living on the Edge

NOKOMIS SCHOLARSHIPS HELP YOUNG FAMILIES

In 2009, there were 14,000 females living in poverty in Cass and Clay Counties, and 12% of all children living in Cass and Clay Counties were living in poverty. Yet, 71% of all women in the area were working. Many single women with children live on the edge of poverty, working one or more minimum wage jobs. (U.S.Census)

In 2010, Nokomis Child Care Center provided $95,000 in scholarship funds to women. The fee reductions make a critical difference in their lives, and those of their children. Money for the scholarship fund comes from

individual and business donations and through grants.

The Women’s Fund Endowment of the Fargo-Moorhead Area Foundation was created to provide support to programs like Nokomis. Grants totaling nearly $100,000 have been awarded from the Women’s Fund Endowment to support programs that serve women and children in our community. This includes grants to Nokomis, where a fee reduction of $50 a week can make the difference for women living on the edge.

Women like Kaylin Beck, who came to Fargo at age 19, eager to go to

college. It was a big move, from tiny Britton, South Dakota, and she began her general studies at Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Moorhead.

Her son Maddix was born in 2005, and she left the technical college to take paramedic training through FM Ambulance and Bismarck State College. She then worked as a phlebotomist at Sanford Health, and returned to Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Moorhead to obtain a nursing degree.

Her daughter Kallie was born in 2010, as Kaylin was completing

WRITER: CHER HERSRUD

her training to become an LPN. Kaylin worked several jobs while attending school and was hired by Harmony Home Health Care of Fergus Falls, originally as an aide. She is currently employed by them as an in-home nurse for children in the F-M area. “I really like working with children and the hours are flexible, Kaylin explains. It is a family owned business and I like that.”

“The scholarship money available at Nokomis provides a fee reduction of $200 a month for me. That makes a huge difference in my ability to continue my education and build a life for myself and my children, says Kaylin. I am taking two online classes right now, so that I can enter the RN program at Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Moorhead. I would like to become a Trauma or Emergency Room Nurse.”

As a parent with two children, Kaylin still works two jobs. “I needed a different car and now I have car payments, so the tips I make at my second job make my car payments. Food has gone up, and all other expenses as well. “My kids have to spend a lot of time in a daycare and I want my kids in the best daycare possible. Friends recommended Nokomis Childcare Center. It is the best place for them to be; they learn so much and it is such a caring environment for them. They love it there.”

Sam Stanke was twelve years old when she got her first horse, and it’s been a love affair ever since. That same year, she went to the Valley City Winter Show and saw her first rodeo queen. “We have a video of me talking about the Winter Show,” Stanke said. “I had forgotten all about that video, and when I saw it, I was surprised. There I was, twelve years old, and saying that I wanted to be a rodeo queen.”

Sam Stanke, now twenty-two years old, is the daughter of Shannan and Greg Stanke. She has two sisters, Camryn and Grace, and the family lives in rural West Fargo where they raise hunting dogs and horses. The family owns and operates The Urban Ranch, a western boutique with a tack consignment component on Main Street in West Fargo.

On October 10, 2010, at the Badland’s Circuit Final, Stanke gave a two-minute speech on “Being a Cowgirl with Character.” She not only won the speech award, she also won the appearance and personality categories and was crowned with the title Miss Rodeo North Dakota 2011. Stanke was presented with a Billy Cook saddle and given the opportunity to compete in the Miss Rodeo America competition.

“As the reigning queen, I’ve traveled across the state to educate people about rodeo. I’ve been able to do so many interesting things. I helped raise funds for the Riding for Dreams therapeutic riding program. I appeared at The Disabled American Veterans and Auxiliary Annual Bike Rally and visited the Jamestown Buffalo Museum to help raise funds,” Stanke said. “I do weekly

radio spots and go to schools. I attend rodeos where I carry the flag and work behind the scenes. Recently, I made an appearance at the ND Cowboy Hall of Fame in Medora. I am an ambassador of rodeo, of the state of North Dakota, and a representative of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.”

Rodeo, also called America’s Original Professional Sport, is as old as the west itself. The PRCA, commonly known as ProRodeo is the largest and oldest rodeo-sanctioning body in the world. Annually, the PRCA sanctions around 600 rodeos. Attracting 30 million fans, rodeo is, according to the Sports Business Daily, the seventh in overall attendance for major sporting events, putting it ahead of both golf and tennis. The PRCA is proud of its rich traditions and values including a love of

animals, competition, excitement, and promotion of the western lifestyle.

“Rodeo is very patriotic and historic,” Stanke said. “I enjoy the western lifestyle, and the excitement of rodeo. I’ve never been to a rodeo where at some point I don’t get goose bumps from the national anthem, or the tributes, or the Cowboy’s Prayer. Rodeo is very American and very moving.”

Stanke’s first official appearance as Miss Rodeo North Dakota was at the National Western Stock Show in

Denver. “There were 26 performances in one month,” Stanke said. “The National Western Stock Show is like a massive Winter Show,” Stanke said. “I wanted to be known for working hard. I made up a motto for myself: It’s not about showing up and demanding what you deserve; it’s about showing up and asking how you can serve.”

While traveling to rodeos nationwide, a typical day for Stanke starts at 6:00 a.m. with feeding and watering the horses. After breakfast,

she is off to exercise and wash the grand entry horses. She has an hour off and spends the next four hours brushing and saddling horses, polishing the silver on their saddles, and warming them up. “After all that work, I’m looking pretty messy,” Stanke said. “But I can go from sweaty and icky to being ‘Queen-Ready’ in twenty minutes flat.”

During the rodeo itself, Stanke does whatever jobs are needed. “I help the judges, run score sheets, and settle horses down. I usually get to bed about

midnight. Then it’s up again at 5:00.”

At a rodeo, stock contractors provide the bucking horses, the bull, steers, and calves. They are businesspeople who Stanke said are hard to impress. But she is up for the challenge. “If a stock contractor has a horse that is being a stink, I get on the horse and work the kinks out. I love a challenge. I help unsaddle and cool-down horses, and I don’t fall off! Not all queens

can ride. Some are just out there to look pretty and carry a flag. I like being behind the shoots and helping out. I like getting my hands dirty.”

“Being a rodeo queen is time consuming and expensive,” Stanke said. “I have to balance my duties with traveling and also being home to teach riding lessons and take care of my own horses.”

“Sam is like the Mary Poppins of the horse world,” Shannan said. “Her students love her and name their stick horses after Sam’s horses.”

Stanke is quick to thank the many people in her life who have paved the way for her. “Sonya Hoffman was my trainer for many years,” she said. “And Lesa Wilm taught me about the pageant world. She comes over, throws questions at me, criticizes me, and encourages me.”

Rodeo queens not only need a working knowledge of the pageant world, they are also required to give speeches and to model. “Miss Rodeo Mandan was my first pageant that required a speech,” Stanke said. “I opened my mouth and said two lines, and forgot the rest completely.”

“I met two of the women who have really helped me because of the hunting dogs my family raises. One day a woman came to look at our puppies, and it turned out she was a professional modeling coach. Her name is Diane Albright. She has made a tremendous difference in my life.”

“A few weeks later, Janelle Combs came to look at puppies,” Stanke said. “Janelle is the owner of Speaking with Success. We negotiated puppy prices for speech lessons and she took me to watch speech competitions. She taught me what tones to use, what is good and bad in speech.”

“I’ve known Melissa Erickson, owner of Pearly Girly Designs, for many years and she offered to sew for me. Rodeo queens model full-length dresses made of lambskin. A lot of seamstresses are scared of working on leather. But she took my measurements and sewed a dress that fits like a glove.” “Each time I thought about giving up,

another door opened for me. I have to say, that all along the way God has provided for my every need.” Stanke’s hard work ethic paid off, and she was invited to be a part of the prestigious Houston Rodeo. But after spending the month of March in Texas, she returned home to a series of daunting challenges.

“In April, the floods began,” Stanke said. “We sandbagged our house five times. Everyone was so helpful, Sheriff Laney, the National Guard, our friends.” The Stanke home had four feet of water around it for seven weeks. “We lived in our home with no running water for a month. We boated everything in and out. On May 9, when we were all in Fargo,” Stanke said, “My dad went out to our house to pick up a litter of puppies. That day, when dad boated up, he saw flames coming out of the house.”

“My mom and I were standing on the road watching it burn,” Stanke said. “When everyone is safe, you start to think about the things in the house. My mom was thinking: The Dresses! And I was thinking: My Saddle! The upstairs had smoke damage; we had to pull out our flooring and our roof. We salvaged part of the house, but lost a litter of puppies.”

Friends came and helped with the initial cleaning, grabbing boxes of things to store. The Stankes rented an apartment in West Fargo and began the long process of cleaning up and rebuilding. Thankfully, Stanke’s saddle and all five of her full-length lambskin dresses were salvaged. “My biggest challenge at that time,” Stanke recalls, “was packing. I had all my gear, saddles, hats, buckles, crowns, and dresses, everything I needed to bring to a rodeo with me, in five different locations. I had to drive all over, and sort through boxes, and try to be prepared to leave for another rodeo.”

In a conversation at the Urban Ranch store, Stanke’s mother met

Ron DeTienne, a man who restores saddles and owns Haybelly Leather. DeTienne is also a leather artist who had won the National Chaps Championship in Sheridan Wyoming.

“Ron is the nicest man,” Stanke said. “Part of the Miss Rodeo America is a chaps competition, and Ron offered to make my chaps. I am going to Miss

Rodeo America wearing chaps made by a national chap’s artist!”

Aimee Schirado has done all of Stanke’s photography. “This year’s Miss Rodeo America theme is Vintage Cowgirl, and it sparked Aimee’s interest,” Stanke said. “Aimee wanted to shoot me indoors with lace and ruffles. She wanted an old west feel

to the photography. Aimee made my pictures out of the ordinary, and I’m very happy with them!”

Stanke has had many honors this year, including being featured in “Barrel Horse World News,” and being one of only two state rodeo queens to be invited to carry flags and help run Cervi’s grand entry performances at

the

In August, as the family continued to rebuild after the fire and flood, she spent a large amount of time preparing her application for Miss Rodeo America.

The Miss Rodeo America competition, December 3 through

Justin Boots Million Dollar Tour Finals in Omaha, Nebraska.

10, will be at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas. The annual Miss Rodeo America Pageant has been a tradition since 1956. Cowgirls will be judged in the major categories of personality, appearance, horsemanship, and rodeo knowledge. They must demonstrate skills in public speaking, personal interviewing, horsemanship, general equine science, and current event awareness. They are judged for their photogenic qualities, visual poise, and overall professionalism.

“This year the pageant is running the same week as the National Finals Rodeo, like the Super Bowl of rodeo,” Stanke said. “The fashion show has a Hollywood theme. I designed my dress and incorporated some velvet into the leather. It has crystals on it and is mermaid style.”

“Being Miss Rodeo North Dakota 2011 has been great,” Stanke said. “I’ve been able to see so many states this year. Traveling has been a highlight. I have a lot of North Dakota pride. I’m proud to represent our state. People who see me work rodeos have said ‘We’re very impressed with that North Dakota girl,’ and that is such an honor

STANKE FAMILY: CAMRYN, SAM, GRACE, GREG, SHANNAN

to hear. I’m glad to see the qualities of hard work and dependability being associated with our state.”

Since 1956, there have been only two Miss Rodeo North Dakota women who have gone on to hold the Miss Rodeo American title. 1983 Brenda Lee (Bonogofsky) Pickett was crowned in 1983, and Ashley Andrews was crowned in 2007.

The coronation for Miss Rodeo America 2012 will take place on Saturday December 10, 2011. No matter what the outcome of the competition, Sam Stanke will always be Miss Rodeo North Dakota 2011. She has represented the state of North Dakota and promoted rodeo, while triumphing over personal difficulties, flood, and fire. It’s been quite a ride!

For more infor mation visit missrodeoamerica.com or Facebook: SamStanke, MRND 2011. Read an issue online of Area Woman at www.issuu.com/ areawoman.