Area Woman Magazine Jun/Jul '17

celebrating all things woman

KATHY ANDERSON

→ TROLLWOOD Performing Arts School IMPACTS OUR COMMUNITY

CHRONIC PAIN AND FIBROMYALGIA SUFFERERS

Let our new computer technology help detect the cause of your pain.

FDA registered, computer aided technology is now being used to assist in detecting underlying nerve and muscle problems that can be responsible for:

Chronic Pain, Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

This painless, low cost, surface thermography procedure can assist doctors to diagnose many painful conditions without the use of needles. Misdiagnosis has been cited as a reason for chronic pain. Thermography is unique in that it has the ability to display areas of nerve irritation that can be the cause of pain associated with the above conditions. Call Dr. Matthew Christenson and make an appointment today. Limited spots available.

HOPE for Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Sufferers. YOU MAY BE A CANDIDATE FOR OUR SUCCESSFUL PROGRAM.

“I went through college depressed, exhausted, and not very involved because of my debilitating pain. This summer was the worst. I was unable to walk long distances without having leg pain and even having numbness in my toes and feet. I was beginning to become scared that I would have to suffer the rest of my life. Thankfully my cousin, Tara, had been seeing Dr. Christenson and was doing much better. So, I decided to make an appointment. Since about my third appointment, my life has completely changed for the better. I am able to work all day and take online classes. I no longer suffer from depression and my headaches are very infrequent. Also, I started dancing again. I just want to thank Dr. Christenson and his team for changing my life and helping me enjoy it!” — Bethany C.

A SPECIAL OFFER FOR NEW PATIENTS

We offer:

• Modern Diagnostic Equipment

• Gonstead Technique

• Answers to your Health Concerns (we will help if we can or if we cannot we will gladly make a referral)

• Friendly and Caring Staff

• Financing for the Uninsured (Care Credit)

Some Conditions we commonly see...

Headaches Migraines Dizziness

Numbness Pain in legs and arms

Don’t suffer needlessly any longer. Our proven methods have helped thousands regain their health and life back. Call today to see if you qualify for our program.

Limited Time Offer

For the next few weeks only, $20 will get you all these services you would normally expect to pay over $200 for.

● In-depth Consultation about your health concerns and well being

● A complete Chiropractic Spinal Examination

● Thermographic Check with Tytron Technology seen above

● Digital Full Spine X-ray (if necessary) and analysis (Normally $200 or more)

● Answers to your questions about what Gonstead Chiropractic Care can do for you.

*Medicare exclusions apply.

celebrating ALL THINGS WOMAN

PUBLISHER

Area Woman Publishing, LLC

EDITORS IN CHIEF

Mike Sherman

Becky Sherman

PROOFING EDITOR

Jill Ockhardt Blaufuss

ART DIRECTOR

Megan Elgin

ADVERTISING

Mike Sherman 701-306-5119

Debbie Trombley 701-729-1910

Marietta Hartze-Andresen 701-200-3010

Jon-Michael Sherman 701-306-1288

FIND US areawomanmagazine.com twitter.com/AWFargo facebook.com/areawomanmagazine pinterest.com/areawomanmag instagram.com/areawomanmagazine

READ IT ONLINE issuu.com/areawoman PHOTOGRAPHY

5Foot20 Design Lounge

Abby Anderson

Ben Nash Photography

Chalcee Shuck Photography

Crossroad Photography

Expressions by Ashton Photography

InFocus Images and Design

Jill Ockhardt Blaufuss

Kensie Wallner Photography

Lindsay Kaye Photography

Scherling Photography

Ten Little Chickens Photography

Thuen Studios

True Expressions, Kelsey Buchholz

Area

PHOTO BY TEN LITTLE CHICKENS PHOTOGRAPHY

Pulling

OUR WRITERS

are the voice of Area Woman Magazine. They bring to life the Fargo-Moorhead area and the incredible stories of the women we feature.

These are the talented writers showcased in this issue, including some new faces we're excited to spotlight. Learn more about these and our other contributors at areawomanmagazine.com

WASIFA » AHMAD HASAN

Wasifa is a dentistry graduate, full time blogger and makeup artist. She blogs and makes videos about beauty, makeup, fashion and lifestyle on her blog sifascorner.com

CAROLYN LILLEHAUGEN »

Carolyn wrote our cover story, page 80

Carolyn loves meeting people and learning their stories. After earning her bachelor’s degree from Concordia College in Moorhead, and a master’s degree in education from Linfield College in McMinnville, Oregon, Carolyn has spent the past 30 years teaching, building a health and wellness business, and writing about some of those interesting people she meets. Carolyn and her husband Mark are the parents of four young adult sons and enjoy having a new daughter-in-law in the family. Her additional interests include reading, traveling, hiking, biking and enjoying time with family and friends.

LINDSAY TRUAX »

Lindsay is the editor of the website Pink and Navy Stripes, a lifestyle and fashion blog. She loves to help others take the latest fashions trends and make them wearable. Lindsay and her husband have two little girls.

« KIM MALAKOWSKY

Kim Malakowsky relies on her deep background in publishing to bring to life stories of amazing people both locally and internationally. She travels annually to Chimbote, Peru as part of the Friends of Chimbote mission team.

ANDREA ARNTSON »

Andrea is a freelance writer, blogger, wife and mom whose days are filled with raising two girls, gardening and maintaining a modest farmstead outside of Barnesville, Minn. She enjoys writing, reading, blogging and copious amounts of coffee. writingmom81.wordpress.com.

« REBECCA MEIDINGER

Rebecca is a speaker, Bible teacher, writer, blogger and stay-at-home mom to four wild kids in south Fargo and wife to her awesome husband Paul. As a speaker and Bible teacher, it is Rebecca’s joy to bring messages of hope, joy and freedom in Christ to groups of teens and adult women. As a blogger, Rebecca shares the reallife challenges of marriage and motherhood. Rebecca loves a hot cup of coffee, a cool morning run, and warm sunshine on her face. Learn more about Rebecca at rebeccameidinger.com.

MARIAH PRUSSIA »

Mariah is the Owner of MPX Fitness, founder of the NOW Project (501C3), professional MMA fighter, Coordinator of Fitness at MSUM, motivational speaker, corporate wellness coach and single mother. Find her online at mpxfitness.com.

« CORI JENSEN

Livin’ the dream as mom of four and wife to a smarty pants teacher. She can’t live without self-deprecating humor and coffee! Fortunately, her day job is her dream job on the radio. Big 98.7 9am-2pm weekdays.

MELISSA DAVIDSON »

Melissa is a North Dakota native who loves to learn, live healthy and share the experiences, dreams and wisdom of others through her words. She’s happiest at the lake with her growing family and has dreams to publish her own children’s book, learn photography as well as travel the world.

ALICIA » UNDERLEE NELSON

Alicia is the creator of prairiestylefile.com, a website that explores the arts, culture, shopping, events and fashion of Fargo-Moorhead and the upper Midwest. She frequently travels across the region in search of what's beautiful and what's next.

MEGAN BARTHOLOMAY

A North Dakota native, Megan is a freelance writer and editor with an addiction to grammar, cats, wine and good food. She lives in downtown Fargo with her husband, Mike, and their bevy of fuzzy babies.

KATIE SCHILTZ »

Katie grew up on a farm with two of her best friends she calls her sister and brother. Living the country life as a youngster forces you to become creative with your surroundings and making something out of nothing. All grown up with her husband and 2 children, she gets to call her passion a career. In the happiest part of downtown Fargo, there's a small little Brick and Mortar that sits on Roberts St. that we call The White House Co. With love and high spirits, Katie is owner and operater of that little shop along with her Sister Samantha Klinkhammer and Sister from another Mister Amanda Rydell. A creative outlet for their diy lifestyles and a home to all their pretty things and vintage rentals.

« ASHLEY SORNSIN

Ashley is a local health, fitness and life coach with a passion for inspiring and motivating others to live their best life. She started her own business, BUFF Inc., teaches group fitness classes at the YMCA in Fargo, is a health and fitness writer, has appeared on local TV as a fitness expert, and share her life and expertise candidly on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. To work with Sornsin for nutrition, fitness and life coaching, contact her at ashleysornsin@gmail.com or eatlivebebuff.com.

ASHLEY HAM

Ashley is a full time wedding, lifestyle, and destination photographer with her husband Ryan at FloraPine Photography. She is passionate about documenting the every day, writing about home simplicity and renovation projects, and writing music.

« SUSAN A. STIBBE

Susan graduated from North Dakota State University with a major in English education and a minor in speech/communication. She is a former teacher who served on the Northern Cass School Board, the North Dakota State Board of Education, and the North Dakota State Board for Career and Technical Education. Susan and her husband, Bill, live on their farm near Hunter, North Dakota. They have one grown daughter, Emily.

PHOTO BY ASHLEY HAM, FLORA PINE PHOTOGRAPHY

THINGS to consider when buying a DRESS for SUMMER

Follow Lindsay on INSTAGRAM: @pinkandnavystripes

Finding the perfect dress for summer can be tricky! There are a few things to consider before purchasing which will ensure you make a great buy.

event

When deciding on what dresses to add to your collection you should always plan ahead. Think about the types of events you plan to attend this summer and buy accordingly. I hate when I wait until the last minute to look for a dress. I always end up with something that I don’t really like or with nothing at all. Planning ahead helps me keep my eyes open for dresses ideally suited for each event I have coming up, and for dresses that I can wear multiple times. If you are going to a wedding or special event, always double check the invitation to see if they listed a dress code. If they took the time to put it on the invitation, you want to make sure you show up dressed appropriately.

color

When picking a color for my dress I always consider how many times I plan on wearing it. When you pick a bold color or pattern, the dress becomes more memorable and you may end up wearing it fewer times than you had planned. One of my favorite dresses is a floral shift dress. It is a bold print so I have to keep track of what I wear it to. Also, follow proper etiquette. If you are wearing the dress to a wedding, do not pick a white dress! Another factor that should guide your color choice is your skin and hair color. There are certain dresses that will complement your skin tones better than others.

shape

When choosing the shape of your dress, think about your own body shape. Depending on your figure, some shapes will complement you better than others. There are times that I have picked a shape just because it’s the trendy look for that season and later regretted it because it wasn’t right for me. Wear what makes you look and feel good. If you don’t feel good in it then don’t buy it!

length

Whether you find your dress online or in store, try it on with the shoes you plan to wear with your dress. You always want to make sure you feel comfortable in what you are wearing. I have made the mistake of buying a dress too short and then never wanting to wear it. Spending the whole event pulling your dress down can be bothersome and look downright silly. However, if you decide to go with a dress which is intended to be mid-length (hitting your leg mid-calf) and it’s too long, you have missed the style altogether. Sometimes you’ll find the perfect dress but the length isn’t quite right. One solution I’ve found is to take it to my favorite tailor and get it altered to be the length that I prefer. You will feel much more confident wearing a dress that is the proper length.

style

Sometimes, when picking out a dress, I want my look to take on a specific feel. If I am going to a wedding, I may want it to have a more romantic vibe. One of my favorite wedding looks is a blush lace dress. I curl my hair and wear a nude pump paired with a neutral purse. Occasionally I’ll go for more of a rocker chic and pair my look with my leather jacket. Finding a dress with a unique accent, like one with a big bow or with tassels hanging down the back, can add something fun and unexpected. However, if you’re searching for a dress to wear to work, you may want a more structured look.

visit pinkandnavystripes.com for detailed guidance in navigating each of these factors for finding the perfect summer dress. [ aw ]

words by MARY D. KLABO photography by DENNIS KRULL, 5FOOT20 DESIGN LOUNGE before and after photography submitted by TAMMY BORK, SOLA SALON

Hair extensions are fun way to change your look within a few hours. If you want your summer cut turned into long locks, or want to add a bright accent color to your every-day look, or simply want to add fullness to thinning hair, the choices are endless.

TAMMY BORK at SOLA SALON

in Fargo has been placing hair extensions for over six years and is a certified hair extension consultant. She has trained under several experts in the industry and has tried many different systems. Her recommendation: Before you decide to glue, weave or tape something onto your scalp, evaluate the options.

1 DON’T MAKE an IMPULSE BUY. The highest quality extensions are made of real human hair and are reusable. Although the most affordable, synthetic extensions (or extensions with a mixture of human and synthetic hair) can melt with use of blow-dryer or curling iron. Research the options on the Internet. When you determine what you can afford, consider the number of visits to a hair salon for placing and replacing, and the time each visit will involve. If you want an extension for more than a few weeks, splurge on quality.

2 GET A CONSULTATION. Find a hair stylist or certified hair extension consultant who will give you a free consultation where you can determine a method that fits you and your lifestyle. When you find the product you like, have the extensions placed by a certified hair extension consult. Bork will gladly meet and discuss the options with any new customer.

3 HELP for MEDICAL HAIR LOSS. Although extensions can be considered an extravagance, they can bring a sense of normalcy to men and women with medical conditions that cause hair loss. Bork has applied extensions to many who have lost hair due to medical problems and appreciates the opportunity to help rebuild someone’s confidence and self-esteem with extensions.

4

BONDED EXTENSIONS. Through research and training with the experts, Bork’s preferred method is the “Evolve System” It is the latest in technology that bonds the extensions. The result is a very natural look and easy maintenance. The machine, the Hair Dreams Nano System, bonds the extensions quickly with a solid hold for 4–6 months. They are reusable.

5

TAPE EXTENSIONS. If you like to change your hair color often, or have fine hair, tapes might be the best option. The tape is sandwiched between the strands of your natural hair and your stylist can place and replace quickly and easily, and as often as you prefer. Temporary extensions are another reasonably-priced option for short term use.

6 GET the RIGHT COLOR COMBINATION. Strands of a different shade are a telltale sign of an extension. Bork suggests you match the extension to the ends of your hair, instead of the roots, and choose the color most prominent in your natural tresses.

Thanks to advancements in the industry, those with thinning hair no longer have to rely on wiglets and toupee’s to cover up what Mother Nature chose to expose. Hair extensions are an attractive and affordable option for nearly everyone.

For more information, call 701-799-5058

do’s DON’TS of summer

skin + hair hacks for warmer months

Follow Wasifa on INSTAGRAM:

@sifascorner

well, hello summer!

It feels like a blessing to enjoy the warmer weather of summer in Fargo-Moorhead. All we want to do is go outside and enjoy the warmth and bliss. But wait, aren’t you forgetting something? I’m talking about your skin, hair and overall beauty routine. Due to the increased sun exposure and ultraviolet rays, we need to be extra careful about our body in the warmer months. To make sure you can enjoy your summer activities to the fullest, I am going to share some do’s and don’ts for summer beauty.

SUN TAN or USE A TANNING BED

Skin is the largest organ of our body but tends to get the most neglect. Harmful activities like sun tanning or using a tanning bed can cause premature skin aging including wrinkles, lax skin, brown spots and even skin cancer.

SKIP SUN PROTECTION

Even if you work indoors near a window, the powerful UV rays can harm your skin. So use a good sunscreen with a high SPF (sun protection factor) before starting your day. There are many types — liquid, powder, spray, gel, cream. Pick one and reapply it throughout the day.

DON'T DON'T

FORGET TO MOISTURIZE

We often forget that our skin needs to be moisturized even in summer. This rule applies to all skin types. Just select a moisturizer appropriate for your specific skin type and concerns.

USE BRONZER or SELF-TANNER

Use a self-tanner instead. Some self-tanners get darker over time and some give instant results. Self-tanning products are available in liquid, powder and spray-on form. If you only want to warm up your face, lightly apply a bronzer on the areas where sun hits naturally … and voila! 1

CHOOSE DIFFERENT METHODS of SUN PROTECTION

Sun protection isn’t limited to sunscreen. If you are spending hours in harsh sunlight, use sunglasses, scarf and hat to provide extra protection. 2

DO DO DO

MOISTURIZE AND SOOTH

Use a mild and fast-absorbing moisturizer and apply it on your skin at least once daily. Also try “dry oils” which absorb quickly and leave skin smooth and supple without any greasiness. 3

Photo by Rosetta Ann Photography

NEGLECT WASHING SKIN PROPERLY:

All the sweat and dirt accumulating on our skin throughout the day should be washed off. Negligence of proper face-washing is one reason we get more breakouts in summer.

EXFOLIATE:

Use a face brush or face scrub at least 2-3 times weekly to get rid of the dead skin. Those who wear makeup, I will suggest to use a face brush with your cleanser every time you take off makeup. It will remove the makeup and impurities that collect on your skin. 4

FORGET TO WASH the CHLORINE or SALT OFF YOUR HAIR:

Most of the time we forget to take precaution or properly wash out the chlorine or salt from our hair after swimming. To protect the hair, wet it and use a swimming cap. After swimming, wash hair and scalp with a shampoo and conditioner specifically made for removing chlorine.

PROTECT YOUR HAIR and SCALP:

Use a deep conditioning mask once weekly (dry, curly hair) or twice monthly (thin, straight hair). Also use a leave-in cream to protect your hair. Want to bring back life to your tresses? Use a dry shampoo to take out the oiliness and create volume. 5

DRINK TOO MUCH COFFEE:

Just like you, I cannot start my day without caffeine. But too much caffeine will eventually dehydrate the skin. So at least try to minimize your caffeine intake.

STAY HYDRATED:

Staying hydrated is crucial in the warmer months. If you are looking to spice things up, make sugar-free juice at home with fresh fruits or lemonade with lots of ice. Sip it throughout the day to revitalize your body!

Finally, don’t get discouraged by all the “do this and not that” lists. Just take these few small steps, and get outside and have some fun under the sun!

Reduce the effects of aging, improve skin tone and create a younger-looking you at Sanford Dermatology & Laser Clinic.

Cosmetic services:

• Botox® Cosmetic

• Dermal fillers (Juvederm®, Voluma, Restylane® Silk, Lyft)

• Laser hair removal

• Tattoo removal

• Chemical peels

• Facials

• Cosmetic laser treatments

• Microdermabrasion

• Sclerotherapy

• Spray tan

• SkinPen®

• Dermaplaning

Lindsay Kaye Photography

Kensie Wallner Photography

STYLING:

MEN'S

BOWTIE:

wedding PLANNING TIPS from a WEDDING

PHOTOGRAPHER

CONGRATULATIONS! YOU’RE ENGAGED!

You’ve bought the latest wedding planning magazine, created your Pinterest board of ideas, and you’re now following your favorite Instagram accounts to give you the latest and greatest inspiration. But all of a sudden you’re overwhelmed, you’ve lost your vision, and wedding planning isn’t fun anymore. Take a deep breath, we’re here to help. We’ve curated four tips for you to keep your day about your love story:

1TAKE A BREAK from PINTEREST

You’re asking me what? Let me finish. I love Pinterest as much as the next woman, but I also love my sanity and I get a bit overwhelmed when I have too many options to pick from. Back in the day, weddings looked a lot alike. Couples were married in a church and had a candle unity ceremony. It wasn’t common to have a unique and out of the box wedding. But we are in 2017 where wedding planning isn’t cookie cutter anymore. You could have your wedding in a bathtub and it would be totally acceptable. That being said, it’s okay and encouraged to take breaks from Pinterest and realistically look at your love story and the look you hope to achieve on your wedding day.

2

STICK to YOUR GUT

In the process of planning a wedding, it’s very common to receive a lot of opinions on what you should and shouldn’t do in regards to how to plan your day. Some will be helpful, some just won’t fit your day. Some people will love your ideas, and some will think it’s the wildest thing they’ve ever heard. My husband, Ryan, and I were married in a row of pine trees, had our wedding reception in an old utility shed, and chauffeured people around on golf carts … but it was totally us It’s okay to respectfully decline advice and opinions. Remember, this is your day.

3

ASK for HELP

While planning a wedding takes a lot of creativity, it also has a lot of tedious tasks that can be designated to people that you love and want to be involved in your wedding planning process. Addressing and stamping all of those invitations? Invite your bridesmaids over for wine and cheese, and make it a girls night. Looking for custom invitations but you don’t have a design degree? Seek out designers on Etsy. You’ve got options, girl.

4

DATE your FIANCÉ

We cannot stress this enough. While the to-do list may be a mile long, your life after the wedding day is miles longer. Take a break from the hustle of planning and take a night out where you can’t talk about wedding planning. Talk about your day, your dreams and continue to get to know each other. You might just enjoy wedding planning again, and find yourself falling in love all over again!

Remember that this is your day. It should be a reflection of you and your love. Make it beautiful, make it unique. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, but don’t be afraid to turn down some advice too. You’ve got this. It’s going to be a beautiful day.

planning

Our wealth

process is centered around you.

Marit Haman Private Banking Manager NMLS #757206 492-2630

Bremer Bank Member FDIC. Products and services offered through Bremer Trust, National Association are not insured by FDIC, are not a deposit or other obligation of, or guaranteed by, the depository institution, and are subject to investment risks including possible loss of the principal amount invested. © 2017 Bremer Financial Corporation. All rights reserved.

Lorelle Olson Private Banker NMLS #757205 492-2607

Mona Tedford, CFP® Wealth Management Advisor 492-2632

Follow Ashley and Flora Pine Photography on INSTAGRAM: @florapinephotography

DALBOL FLOWERS

Fargo's wedding florist. We offer a wide selection of bridal bouquets, wedding ceremony flowers, floral cake decorations and centerpieces to fit any budget.

1450 25th St S, Fargo 701-235-5864 | dalbolflowers.com

CENTRE FOR HAIR and WELLNESS

Youngblood Cosmetics are one of the top mineral cosmetic lines in the world.  In their luxurious formulations, they use only first-rate ingredients. Try one of the silky-lightweight natural mineral foundations and you will see and feel the difference. Youngblood cosmetics is the preferred choice of numerous professional makeup artists.

Downtown Moorhead | 218-236-6000 centreforhairandwellness.com

TWYLA'S COSMETIQUE

Indulgent, on-trend lipstick shades. Hundreds of colors to choose from. Custom-blend lipsticks and lipgloss available.

2420 University Drive S, Fargo 701-282-5303

FOWLERS

Fall in love with Red Wing Shoe Company's brand new women's collection. These classic boots are handcrafted with genuine fullgrain leather. Available at Fowlers Heritage Company in downtown Fargo.

219 Broadway N, #101, Fargo | 701-356-7778

BLUSH SALON

Sexapeel instant exfoliating spray is a must-have before any special event. Gently exfoliate dead skin cells off your face and body and get clear, smooth skin. Look instantly brighter from head to toe.

1650 45th St S, Fargo 701-282-9594 blushsalonfargo.com

JANI ANNI JEWELRY

Light up your style with the starburst design ring. Sparkling with 31 individual CZs on a rhodium plated sterling silver band, this ring is available in whole sizes 6-9. Made in Italy.

406 Broadway, Fargo 701-809-1367 janiannijewelry.com

MAINSTREAM BOUTIQUE

Off-the-shoulder styles are a must for summer!

2603 Kirsten Ln S #103, Fargo 701-356-6684 mainstreamboutique.com

STABO SCANDINAVIAN IMPORTS

Try a pair for yourself and find out why Troentorp Clogs from Sweden are the best kept secret in the footwear industry. Your feet will thank you!

West Acres Mall 701-282-0421 | stabo-imports.com

Where to Shop.

LANEY’S

PINCH & POUR

La Quercia: A full selection of American-made dry-cured artisan meats available at Pinch & Pour in downtown Fargo.

210 Broadway N, Fargo | 701-356-7779

FREE INDEED

Worried about potential water leaks in your home? With the Honeywell Lyric water leak detector you can be notified of water leaks - directly to your cell phone! Great for water heaters, sump pumps, dishwashers, washing machines and other areas of your home that are vulnerable!

EXPRESSIONS BY ASHTON PHOTOGRAPHY

Decorate your home with the best things in your life... YOUR FAMILY. Expressions will help you create beautiful, heirloom wall art . These quality canvases will preserve your memories and last for future generations to enjoy.

55 South 27th Street, Fargo 701-237 -0543 laneysinc.com

TJ Maxx Shopping Center | 4340 13th Ave S, Suite D, Fargo 701-893-9178 | expressionsbyashton.com

WENDT CUSTOM CABINETS

Hit the refresh button on your kitchen or bathroom by having new quartz countertops installed. Countless brands, colors and patterns. Stop by our showroom today to grab some samples.

2720 22nd Ave S, Moorhead 218-227-0440

Sixth sized ad

BONANZAVILLE GIFT SHOP

Looking for unique hand-made gifts?  Visit the Bonanzaville Gift Shop for jewelry, embroidered dish towels, and much more!

Cass County Historical Society – Bonanzaville

1351 West Main St, West Fargo 701-282-2822

"Free Indeed: A Guide to Cooking GlutenFree, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free and Free of All Processed Sugars" is a doctor-endorsed cookbook that contains over 130 organic recipes that are truly "Free Indeed." It is a must read for those who struggle with chronic metabolic, inflammatory and neurologic ailments. It contains recipes that are not only free to the most common sensitivities, but are also nutritious and wonderfully delicious. "Free Indeed" is a much-needed appeal to the senses for the sensitive.

Find your copy at freeindeedcooking.com

LANEY'S

Worried about potential water leaks in your home? With the Honeywell Lyric water leak detector you can be notified of water leaks — directly to your cell phone! Great for water heaters, sump pumps, dishwashers, washing machines and other areas of your home that are vulnerable.

55 South 27th St, Fargo | 701-237-0543 | laneysinc.com

SKRIPTS PHARMACY

Summer is getting close. Get your pets medication filled while you shop.  SKripts sells pet medications and Crystal Rock Healing essential oils (for your pets).  Call or stop by today for a quote.

Located inside Costco. No membership needed to use the pharmacy. 750 23rd Ave E,  West Fargo | 701-281-2222 skriptspharmacy@gmail.com

NATURAL PET CENTER

No-Hide Chews are not only a delicious chew your dog will love, they are also a much safer alternative to rawhide chews.  Along with 3 varieties of No-Hide Chews, we also carry a large selection of durable, long lasting & natural chews for your dog.  Perfect to keep them busy, mentally stimulated and to help keep those teeth clean.  Come in and pick out a chew for your dog today!

3037 13th Ave S, Fargo | 701-239-0110 | naturalpetcenter-nd.com

divinely INSPIRED

story

s the summer sun sets and warm orange hues pour in throughout the cozy new home at Evergreen Meadows, a happy couple embraces all they have come to realize. The story-and-a-half Craftsman style home perfectly reflects homeowners Scott and Kristie Nielsen’s vision and lifestyle.

Scott sums up the experience of how they arrived at this place with one word — grateful. “If I had to say only one thing about this whole deal, it’s how God provided. From the lot, to design ideas, to just everything, we are astounded.” Scott regrets not journaling along the way as he states, “It would make quite a story.”

theAnd so, the story began when Kristie was invited to an adult Bible study Sunday school class. Scott was leading the class and as they say, the rest is history. With much in common, including long previous marriages, divorce, Midwest roots, and three children each, Scott and Kristie married in 2014 and began their lives together residing in Kristie’s twin home.

They soon began to talk of building a home together, a place where their children and grandchildren could come to visit. Many factors played into their decisions of finding the per-

fect builder, a location that would suit their needs, and a style of home where they could live for years to come.

Kristie’s work as a labor delivery nurse at Sanford connected her with co-worker Melanie Anderson, whose husband owns and operates Benjamin Custom Homes. “Because I knew Mel,” states Kristie, “I started paying attention to the articles about Ben and learning about him that way. I liked what I read as far as his quality, his work, his experience, and his philosophy. He just sounded like a real solid guy.”

Homeowners Scott and Kristie Nielsen

As planning continued Scott and Kristie turned to their faith to help them along the way. “This whole process was kind of interesting,” says Kristie. “With our thoughts about wanting to build a home together and our faith in God, we wanted to pray about it and see what he would have for us and so we both asked God to put his desires in our hearts.”

A few nights later, Kristie pulled out a piece of graph paper and started drawing. In a few hours time, she had drawn out the entire plan. “It just flowed; it came so easily,” says Kristie. “It was really exciting to be able to take that graph paper and give it to Adam at Benjamin Custom Homes.”

Adam LaPlante, designer and project coordinator with Benjamin Custom Homes worked extensively with Scott and Kristie bringing their vision into reality. The Nielsens fondly remember the day LaPlante presented them with a drawing showing the exterior of the home, based on the graph paper plan and the additions LaPlante contributed. “Adam brought it to life for us. When he showed us the picture of the front of the house, as it would look, we were so amazed,” says Scott. They knew in that moment that this was their forever home.

the home

The home is pure Craftsman style. The Nielsens and Benjamin Custom Homes worked hard to stay true to the style, knowing it was important for the home to be relaxed and cozy. Scott and Kristie are genuine in life and envisioned a home to reflect those attributes. They wanted it to be a place where friends and family walk in and know they are welcome and feel glad they’re there.

Entering this home one immediately feels at ease. Its soft natural colors are calming and the abundance of windows brings natural light into the home throughout the day.

The main floor boasts a myriad of living spaces including an office at the front of the house that can easily convert to a bedroom for accommodating family visits. The open floor plan of the main living areas offers a flow through the living room, dining area, and into the kitchen where a wide window affords a view of the pond at the back of the property.

The scenery was a big draw for the Nielsens in choosing this particular lot. “The evergreens and the water made it feel like being in the country,” claims Kristie. They find calmness in the nature sounds, the birds and the expanse of space.

The kitchen is finished with white custom cabinetry, white quartz countertops, and stainless steel appliances. The flooring in the first-floor main area is a lovely high-grade Quick-Step laminate in a dark wood finish.

A stunning master suite sits at the back of the house. The suite includes two large walk-in closets, a master bathroom with a custom walk-in shower and tub, private toilet, heated floors and dual sinks. The spacious bedroom area has large windows with a magnificent view of the pond.

Finishing out the main floor of the home are an additional bathroom, a large laundry room and a breakfast nook with built-in seating.

Two historic doors add a sentimental aspect to the home. A pocket door at the laundry room entrance and a barn door between the master bedroom and bathroom came from the original house of the family farm of Kristie’s sister and brother-in-law. “Ben and Adam welcomed the challenge of restoring these doors which have such special meaning for us,” shares Scott.

The real gem of the home is at the top of the stairs. Kristie tells the story of drawing out the design and having in mind two specific ideas. She wanted a place for the grandchildren to play and also wanted to find a place in the home that would serve as a quiet place for her and Scott to read, have conversations, or spend time alone.

The loft became the perfect place for both. In the original graph paper drawings, Kristie had included a large loft area for the children. But still, there wasn’t a perfect quiet place. As LaPlante reviewed the plans and added touches of his own he included a dormer with large windows. It faces the southwest giving expansive views of Midwest sunsets overlooking the water, and is set apart from the rest of the loft area. Kristie remembers her reaction to the addition: “As we sat in his office, I literally started crying; I said that’s it, that’s my quiet spot. I felt like it was a gift, for him to do that and it was confirming we were on the right track.”

“I feel like every step we needed to take, it felt like God had gotten there first and led the way for us, and then we were just walking forward in that direction,” Kristie reflects.

the builder

If ever there was a perfect match for a builder and a homeowner, it was the Nielsens and Benjamin Custom Homes.

The Nielsens express, “There’s something very comforting and exciting about knowing that the person building your house is excited about it too. It’s not just another house, and we really felt that from Ben, Mel, and Adam.”

Ben Anderson, owner and operator of Benjamin Custom Homes has years of experience. His own story is compelling.

Anderson’s face lights up when he tells about his beginnings in the home building industry. Ben grew up in the small town of Lisbon, North Dakota, and often passed by the local building center where the activity of building homes could be seen.

One day he commented to his father, “I wonder how hard those houses are to build. They look pretty easy.” It was that one conversation that began what would become his profession. “I cosigned my first loan for $65,000 when I was still 14,” says Anderson. His father took the summer off from his regular job and together they built a spec home. Many of the techniques he learned that summer, he continues to use today.

The home sold quickly and ignited a life-long passion in Anderson. He built another house the next summer enlisting the help of his best friend.

Stunning!

As the summer between his junior and senior year approached, his father wisely advised him to take a summer off before heading into working the rest of his life. Anderson agreed and enjoyed an unforgettable summer. “I just had the best summer ever and I met my wife (Melanie) that summer,” says Anderson. “When we graduated high school we walked down the aisle together.”

In March the following year he received a call to build a lake home on Silver Lake, near Battle Lake, Minnesota. Word of his quality and conviction spread and began a chain of custom homes and construction.

Over the years Anderson acquired a degree in business management as well as a background in law. He explains, “I graduated NDSU with a degree in business. I was not in construction management. I did business and I did law.

When you think about what a contractor is, a contract is business and it’s law.” He credits amazing instructors for giving him a foundation he leans back on in the business today.

Anderson admits the early years were sometimes tough. Now married and having their first child, Ben and Melanie dug in and worked hard.

Today Ben and Melanie continue working together in the family business. Melanie is the company’s interior designer working with clients on all the details of the home. Anderson smiles and proclaims, “She is the superwoman of my life and definitely my soul mate. Melanie and I have three boys: Jakobi, 7; Maks, 4; and Henrik, 2 — my three-man crew. I’m looking forward to the days of teaching them. My oldest is a heck of a nail pounder already!”

Also in the family business is Adam LaPlante, Melanie’s brother, designer and Anderson’s right hand man. Benjamin Custom Homes employs six full-time employees and two part-time employees, building 10-15 homes per year. The business is run with integrity and an old school sense of loyalty. “I run things in the way of Henry Ford,” states Anderson. “The people that work for you should love working for you. That’s the type of climate we try to build here.”

The Doormen has made replacing your interior and exterior doors the easiest upgrade you’ll ever do. You choose the style and color, we’ll measure, order, finish and install.

Innovation plays a role as well. The home in Evergreen Meadows is one of Moorhead’s first closed cell foam encapsulated homes. And with multiple comfort zones, humidity control, fresh air exchange, and redundant heating sources, the home features a robust comfort system.

Working closely to produce a home clients want is key to the success Anderson’s business has enjoyed. Homeowners, the Nielsens are a perfect example as they speak about Melanie’s expertise as she guided them through the process. Kristie remarks, “If I had several choices, I’d take samples over to Mel’s and say what do you think? She’s been so helpful.” Scott, too expresses, “She was such a good sounding board because I don’t have the skill set to be really creative. I was so thankful for her.”

They tell too how, often times they had pages of questions for LaPlante. Scott comments, “He would address everything to the nth degree and never made us feel like, ‘Oh, it’s them again.’”

As the house is now filled with the footfalls of grandchildren, the voices of family and friends, and the quiet of the dormer, the Nielsens find comfort in knowing the home fulfills all of the visions they started with at the beginning of the process. They know too that combining their faith in God and trust in all the people who had a hand in building this home, has made it the welcoming place it is today. [ aw ]

“

The people that work for you SHOULD LOVE working for you. That’s the type of climate we try to build here. ”

Ben and Melanie Anderson

a glamping WE WILL GO

Summer is coming and you know what that means … warm weather, cold drinks, and camping! If you’re looking to camp in style, we can help. Follow along as we recap how our little fish house got renovated into a sleek camping dream.

We had always dreamed of decorating a camper, and our dream finally became a reality last fall. When we got first saw Millie (yes, we named her) on a Facebook sell and swap page, we knew we had to have her. Our first step required our handyman, aka Dad, to fix the axels to function as a camper instead of a fish house. After Dad made some important functional fixes, it was our turn to make our camper into a glamper.

The first change that we made involved the exterior. We sanded her down and then bought the town out of white spray paint (no joke) and got to work. After we painted the entire exterior white, it was time to decide what color to paint the wings. We wanted them to stand out, so we chose gold. Gold wings? Yes, please! With the exterior done, it was time to work on the inside.

There was plenty of work to be done on the interior, but we were ready for a challenge. We patched up the ice fishing holes, ripped out the carpet, and did a ton of cleaning. Once that was done, we got right into making Millie pretty.

Given the small size of the camper, we wanted to make the interior white in order to brighten up the space, making it

The creatives behind Millie's renovation pictured from left to right: KATIE SCHILTZ, AMANDA RYDELL, and SAMANTHA KLINKHAMMER

For more from The White House Co., go to thewhitehouseco.com or find them on social media: INSTAGRAM: @Whitehouse.co

FACEBOOK: @thewhitehouseco

appear larger. Once she was all painted, we moved the appliances back inside. The fridge and stove had both been given a fresh coat of white paint as well, which made them shine just like new.

Next we were able to pick out some beautiful home selections from our friends at Wayfair. We chose their crisp white hexagonal tiles for the kitchen. They added the perfect touch to our Millie. We also picked out their wood-patterned vinyl flooring, which was the finishing touch she needed.

as we looked at Millie’s bare interior, we thought about what furniture choices we could make. Our first instinct was that she needed a cozy bench as a space to take a cat nap, read a book, or just chill out. We then got to decorating with colorful kitchenware, throw pillows, pictures, and a few other lovelies.

With the decorating behind us, our lovely Millie was ready for some glamping. We are so excited to share her with all of you, and hope that she inspires some future glamping adventures.

PHOTO BY KENSIE WALLNER PHOTOGRAPHY

ROADBLOCK AHEAD

stop running, carve your own path !

For more from Mariah, go to mpxfitness.com or find her on social media: INSTAGRAM/TWITTER: @mpx_mma

FACEBOOK: Athlete page: mariahmpxprussia | Gym page: mpxfargo

EMAIL: mpxmma@gmail.com

what is a

A roadblock is a situation or obstacle you encounter which can increase self-doubt or leave you second-guessing your path in making a life decision. So no matter what tree falls in your path, make sure you pack a chainsaw. Face your roadblock head on, drop your fear at the curb and be the last one standing. What you fail to face now will replace itself in a different form, until you choose to rise up and accept the challenge.

A positive mindset is your strongest asset in overcoming obstacles that fall into your path.

HERE ARE YOUR KEYS TO CONQUERING THE BEAST:

1. What roadblock?

STOP AVOIDING, START FACING. Avoidance is the most common response to a challenge, creating unnecessary anxiety in your mind, body and life; RELEASE IT-FACE IT-CONQUER IT. Stop holding onto something or someone who no longer suits your energy.

FIRST S TEP: Define your roadblock

2. List the PROS AND CONS

Writing a detailed list of pros and cons of your roadblock will provide clarity on which direction best suits your needs. You can never fully predict the outcome. However, by prolonging your decision, you are keeping your life in idle mode. Now why would anyone want to stay in neutral, when you have the racetrack ahead?

3. Make a decision AND FOLLOW THROUGH

The longer you wait, the more difficult it becomes. Move the tree out of your path and progress forward.

4. Release all forms OF NEGATIVE THINKING AND SELF-DEFEATING BEHAVIORS

Negative self-talk is an old habit that dies hard. Most individuals do not realize that their self-talk has become a self-defeating behavior. How can you overcome struggles when you keep telling yourself that you CAN’T? Drop the doubt, the drama and input the drive. Create a belief system in yourself and the rest is history.

5. Incorporate exercise to RELEASE ENDORPHINS

Roadblocks tend to form time restraints that hinder your current progress towards living a healthy lifestyle. When the high water rushes in, put on your rubber boots and make yourself and your fitness top priority. Picture exercise as your life preserver for growth, and without it you will sink.

You have the power to carve your own path and create change where needed, and control over the decisions you make. Avoiding roadblocks prolongs the inevitable, which is making a decision. How many decisions have you came across in your life, and how many more are going to come?

Your personal growth is reliant upon the roadblocks you FACE and OVERCOME which are the defining moments that create your “true identity.” SO CARVE AWAY!

1SMOOTHIE

Ashley's FIT KITCHEN RECIPES

There’s something incredibly refreshing about a cool treat on a hot day. However, many of them can undo your hard-work and otherwise healthy lifestyle. It’s healthy to practice moderation and balance, but what if I told you that you that you could indulge in a cool treat everyday and it’s actually good for you? Well, I’m giving you three ways to enjoy something refreshing, delicious and nutritious this summer. These are all versions of recipes that I enjoy at least once a week, if not once a day. I hope these recipes will inspire you to get creative and create your own healthy combinations!

This perfect on-the-go refreshing breakfast or snack will nourish your body. My recipe contains bananas and mangos which provide a healthy dose of fiber and an abundance of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. I added just a dash of turmeric, which has anti-inflammatory properties, and some healthy fats and fiber from avocado, which make it extra creamy. In addition, a smoothie is great way to get in more greens (spinach) and some superfoods like spirulina. Spirulina powder is a blue-green algae which is an excellent source of protein and iron. Your body will appreciate the addition of minerals and plant protein. Speaking of protein, I typically add a scoop of plant based protein powder to my smoothie, so go ahead and add a scoop for some additional protein and enjoy this even as a pre-workout snack.

Midwest Unicorn SUPERFOOD SMOOTHIE

(You heard it first here, folks. Go Bison!)

Makes 1 serving

1 frozen banana, cut into chunks

½ - 1 cup frozen mango, chopped

¼ avocado, chopped

1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional – I use a vanilla plant based protein)

1 cup coconut milk (or other non-dairy milk)

Handful ice

Pinch monk fruit or stevia (to taste)

Blend all ingredients, separate half into separate container.

ADD ½ teaspoon spirulina powder

½ cup packed spinach to other half remaining in blender, blend.

Layer Green and Gold smoothie into glass to create your very own Midwest Unicorn Smoothie!

2SMOOTHIE BOWL

The smoothie just got upgraded! This is my preferred way to make any smoothie. A smoothie bowl is essentially a smoothie that’s thick enough to eat with a spoon with the texture and consistency closer to ice cream. This is perfect for breakfast when you can sit down and relax for a few minutes, great as a post-workout meal or lunch, and even for dessert. It’s filling, delicious and nutritious, with endless of combinations of toppings — setting a smoothie bowl apart from a smoothie. I’ve chosen to add cauliflower (you read that right) to the base of my smoothie, giving it a super creamy texture and a ton of health benefits. I’ve also topped it with some healthy fresh fruit and some healthy fats and protein from the almonds and coconut. Again, our goal is to nourish our bodies while indulging in a refreshing summer treat!

Patriotic SMOOTHIE BOWL

Makes 1 serving

1 frozen banana

1 cup frozen strawberries

½ cup frozen cauliflower (or ½ avocado – either will make it creamy)

½ cup coconut milk (or other non-dairy milk)

optional – add 1 scoop vanilla protein powder

Handful ice

Blend ingredients and pour into bowl. Next is the fun part, the toppings!

TOPPINGS:

Fresh blackberries, blueberries and raspberries

Goji berries

Unsweetened dried cranberries

Unsweetened shredded coconut

Slivered almonds

NICE CREAM (aka Banana Ice Cream)

If you haven’t tried this already, prepare for your life to change! Ok, maybe that’s a bold statement, but you just may be a bit happier knowing you can indulge with this healthy nice cream recipe every night this summer. Now this is my kind of ice cream as it’s refreshing, delicious, nutritious, ultra creamy and naturally sweet. It’s also extremely easy and quick to make. The flavor combinations are endless, so any flavor you might be craving can be made into a healthy treat. Just combine the ingredients with my recipe and you’ll be impressed with your new found love of Nice Cream.

Fargo NICE CREAM

Makes 1 serving

2 frozen bananas, cut into chunks

½ tablespoon coconut milk

½ teaspoon vanilla

Add all ingredients into food processor. You may need to stop it a few times to scrape down the sides. Process until smooth, creamy and light texture. You can enjoy immediately as soft serve or place in freezer safe container and freeze for 1-2 days.

TOPPINGS:

Fruit, nuts, nut or seed butter drizzled, sprinkles, or any combination you can dream up. (I added 1 teaspoon of sprinkles)

frozen TRAILBLAZER

Bringing Cold Therapy for Chronic Pain to the Fargo Community

Negative 250 degrees doesn’t sound pleasant, however such temperatures surprisingly have very beneficial results for those managing pain or muscle fatigue. And freezing for therapy is what Pam Bradow has introduced to the FM area with Glacial Peak Cryotherapy.

PAM BRADOW, a Fergus Falls, Minnesota, native and retired dental hygienist, opened Glacial Peak Cryotherapy to bring relief to the community. A significant car accident left her searching for a method to ease the constant pain from her injuries — pain that wasn’t being fully managed through traditional means. “With soft tissue damage and a concussion, you can’t really do surgery. I did a lot of neuro-feedback, acupuncture, massage therapy, but still, I was hurting,” Bradow says when talking about the lengths she went to for recovery. “I went to the cryotherapy place in Colorado Springs just to humor my massage therapist to see if it would work and because people kept telling me to try it.”

By her fourth visit, she realized the many benefits of cryotherapy and made the decision to bring it home with her to North Dakota. In 2016, she was the first to bring cryotherapy to Fargo, North Dakota.

As you walk into the room where the upright sauna sits, cold fog spilling over the opening, it feels as if you are walking into a science fiction movie. The small screen overhead, which monitors the time and temperature, reads negative one hundred and seventy degrees — the temperature at which the machine is pre-chilled to when you step in the sauna.

“This is not as painful as what we understand cold during North Dakota winters to be,” Bradow explains. “There’s no wind chill. There’s no moisture in the air.”

Sessions in the cryotherapy sauna last for two to three minutes in which the temperature continues to drop until it reaches negative two hundred and fifty degrees. How each person handles those three minutes is never the same. “It’s fun to watch people experiencing it for the first time,” Bradow says. “The first minute or two is pretty comfortable — you can handle it. But that last minute, if you go the full three minutes, it gets people dancing in the sauna.”

Bradow remains in the room during each session, providing a comforting voice and constant observation to ensure that everything goes well.

The benefits of cryotherapy are mainly physical, however, there are ways it contributes to mental health as well and Bradow is truly informed when it comes to knowing every aspect of cryotherapy. “This is tricking your body into going into that flight or fight mode,” she says. “It releases endorphins, elevates your metabolism, and stabilizes your mood and hormones so chronic or acute pain is relieved due to the decrease in inflammation. When your body is in flight or fight, trying to keep you warm, the blood is circulating closet to your heart where it re-oxygenates, detoxifies and picks up nutrients.”

After having gone through a session during our interview, there was no denying that my mood was heightened afterwards. Throughout the day, I felt more alert, more determined and had a general overall sense of wellbeing. The irritating aches that I carry with me daily were hardly noticeable. Other services are available at Glacial Peak Cryotherapy as well, including cryofacials, local cryotherapy, and compression therapy. During cryofacials, cold air is swept over your scalp and face for ten minutes, assisting in revitalizing your skin and stimulating the roots of your hair. Localized therapy centralizes the cold air on a certain affected area, whether it be the lower back, arthritic hands, or a recent knee surgery.

Bradow also offers compression therapy which does not involve cold and is popular with athletes and individuals with poor circulation. Compression sleeves designed for arms and legs are provided in a relaxing setting where you are able to sit back in an easy chair and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in front of the fire, watching television while the compression massages and helps remove lactic acid.

Bradow is currently providing services at an introductory rate of $50 for the first two sessions. More information and pricing can be found on her website at glacialpeakcryotherapy.com.

JUNE 6 and AUGUST 1

6:00 – 7:15 PM

"Living with Grief" is our monthly drop-in meeting on the first Tuesday of the month held at Boulger Funeral Home. A topic on loss and grief begins our conversation for the evening. for more info: boulgerfuneralhome.com

These meetings are led by our Grief Support Coordinators Sonja Kjar and Ann Jacobson. 701-237-6441

griefsupport@boulgerfuneralhome.com

FLEXIBLE EDUCATION OPTION helps nurses advance their careers

says Holly Sandhurst, director of NDSU’s RN to BSN online blended program. “Courses in the program prepare nurses to adapt to these constant demands and to initiate changes that will benefit patients, families and the health care team.”

NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY

students balance careers, family while gaining advanced education

On any given day, Heidi Houska may be helping military veterans at a regional health system or traveling to provide care to residents of rural communities in North Dakota. Like many registered nurses, her schedule is jam-packed with her career, family and other responsibilities.

After she received her associate degree in nursing, Houska put her skills into practice. She has been working as a nurse for four years. She knew, however, that nursing as a career provides many opportunities and she needed additional education to take advantage of them.

“Earning my Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree has been a lifelong personal goal of mine. I was eager to advance my knowledge in nursing and strengthen my leadership skills to better serve those in need of nursing care,” says Houska.

She was the first student to enroll in the part-time, online blended Registered Nurse to Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing program available through North Dakota State University.

“They know nurses have busy schedules and they are motivated to provide students with the best experience possible,” says Houska. “I chose this program because of the ability to complete school without interrupting my work schedule.”

The NDSU online blended RN to BSN program is designed to transform nurses’ professional practice.

“Nursing is very complex work and nurses are consistently challenged to provide quality patient care in a rapidly changing health care environment,”

The five-semester online blended program through NDSU allows nurses with associate degrees the flexibility to earn a bachelor of science degree in a way that fits their schedules. Courses build on the knowledge that registered nurses learned in their associate degree program and their on-the-job experience.

There are also day-and-a-half on-campus immersions each fall and spring semester at NDSU. Clinical experiences can be completed in a student’s home community.

Nurses such as Houska and her online classmate, Lynelle Halling, find the program is tailored to their needs. Halling balances a career as an oncology infusion nurse in Minnesota and a family of six children. She also found the NDSU program to be a way to transform her nursing career.

“If we can get everyone to try harder and change a few things in their practice for the betterment of their patients and themselves and their co-workers, I think we could really do great things,” says Halling.

What’s more, Halling found that her NDSU online blended program courses were useful immediately. “The Essence of Nursing course included the Nursing Code of Ethics and it was a good refresher on what is expected of a nurse,” says Halling. “Everything I learned in this course I could directly apply to my work. The coursework is very applicable to my nursing practice, which makes it exciting to learn so that I can improve my skills.”

NDSU RN to BSN class.

HEIDI HOUSKA

The online blended program fits Halling’s busy schedule. “I’m able to juggle everything because I enjoy my work and I enjoy learning.” She also found the NDSU program provides opportunities to engage with her classmates.

“Activities we do as a class during immersion at the beginning of each semester are team building and we are able to develop a good rapport with our peers,” says Halling. “I have found it fascinating to read about each one because we have a very diverse class of nurses working in many different fields.”

Halling recognizes the importance of advancing her nursing education. “It seems that more and more institutions are looking for nurses with BSNs. Having this degree, I should be able to continue working as a nurse throughout my career,” she says.

The Health and Medicine Division of the National Academies recommends increasing the proportion of nurses with a baccalaureate degree from 50 percent to 80 percent in the U.S. by 2020.

“The most beneficial part of this program is the experience and knowledge gained,” says Houska. “I see myself seeking opportunities to improve the practice of nursing and to be a leader.”

Houska found the NDSU online blended RN to BSN program to be tailored to the needs of professionals working full time who want to transform their practice and advance their nursing career.

“You will not regret it. It is easier than you think,” says Houska.

Learn about NDSU’s online blended RN to BSN program at ndsu.edu/nursing or call 701-231-7886 for more information.

LYNELLE HALLING

WOMEN ON THE RUN

GOING FARTHER TOGETHER

In2003,

Dr. Renee Schwandt was a vibrant young OB-GYN practicing at Essentia Health in Fargo. When she unexpectedly passed away at the age of 38, her sister, Sue Knutson, was determined to find a way to not only preserve Schwandt’s memory, but to carry on her mission to empower and strengthen other women.

Schwandt, an avid runner, believed all women should be strong, but with a soft heart, a kind soul, with grit determination and a true love for all people.

Enter Go Far Woman — a race and expo celebrating the strength, determination and beauty of women and girls. In fact, their motto is: “There is no force equal to a woman determined to rise!” Knutson, who started the event in 2013 in honor of her sister, will kick off Go Far Woman’s fifth birthday on August 18 and 19 at Scheels Arena, and expects more than 2,000 participants, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the Essentia Health NICU. The event, which focuses on women and girls, features a half marathon, relay, 10K, 5K as well as a girls-only youth run. In addition,

the event offers a baby diaper dash and toddler trot, which are open to both boys and girls. Men are welcome, but usually appear in the form of a supportive friend or partner.

And although the goal of the race itself hasn’t changed, the event will unveil some new branding this year with the help of Knutson’s daughter and Go Far Woman graphic designer, Courtney Blinn. Traditionally the event colors focused on varying shades of pink and purple, but Knutson soon realized that not all women embrace and love those colors. She says, “We wanted to expand and not pigeonhole women into pink.” Blinn adds, “One of our goals is to be more diverse,” so this year’s colors are stronger and more varied than in the past. Knutson joked that she got her to start running several years ago when Blinn was required to run the mile for school. Now, Knutson, who also helps run the Fargo Marathon (fun fact: her husband Mark founded it in 2005 and proposed to her at the finish line in 2010) and Blinn, who does graphic design for that event as well, are both avid runners with the goal of empowering other women just as Schwandt did.

But Knutson and Blinn aren’t alone in delivering the race’s mission. In 2014, they found an ally in Rebecca Marshall, a former track and field coach, who started a running group called Moms on the Run. Marshall initially purchased the franchising rights with the intention of starting the group in the town where she was living in Minnesota, but her husband’s job brought them to Fargo instead. Generally, the training program is an 18-week session ending with a race, and Marshall’s hope was to find a race at the end of summer. When she researched races in Fargo, she found Go Far Woman, which was a perfect fit.

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Sue Knutson, Courtney Blinn, Rebecca Marshall

Moms on the Run focuses specifically on the Go Far Woman event and teaches race preparation methods such as training basics, nutrition, form, injury prevention and running education. This year marks the fourth year the group has participated in the race and Marshall says of Knutson, “It has been wonderful to work with her. And even though I direct a fitness group and she directs a race, it's been awesome to have that common bond of empowering and strengthening women across the FM area.”

This year the three women will join together with many others to see Schwandt’s vision through again, pushing themselves to face new challenges. Knutson says, “Her memory continues to live on every time we step up to that start line and every time we cross that finish line.” And every year she can feel her sister pushing her. “In my mind, I can hear her cheering me on.”

CONNECT WITH US IN FARGOMOORHEAD.

AARP is making it easy to connect with others and create a lasting impact on our community. From fun, free events like Movies for Grownups to educational lunches and volunteer opportunities, we’re bringing out the best of FargoMoorhead-West Fargo. Help us make our area an even better place to live, work and play for people of all ages.

Get to know us at aarp.org/fargo

FARGO’S WOMEN’S ONLY RACE

BABY DASH • YOUTH • 5K RUN/WALK • 10K RUN/WALK • HALF MARATHON • HALF RELAY

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Essentia Health NICU through Newt Running in honor of Dr. Renee Schwandt.

SAVING SHELSEY

new treatment removes dangerous blod clot

AS A HEALTHY

21-year-old, Shelsey Honer didn’t think the pain in her hip was life-threatening. When it got worse and spread to her thigh, she thought she might have strained a muscle. But when the pain became much worse and caused her calf to swell and turn purple, she headed to the emergency room.

An ultrasound at Essentia Health–St. Mary’s in Detroit Lakes discovered Honer had a massive blood clot that extended from her groin to her leg. Because such a clot can be life-threatening, prompt and aggressive treatment was needed.

“I’m a nursing student,” says Honer, who attends Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Detroit Lakes. “I’ve taken anatomy and physiology so I knew what the inferior vena cava is — it’s the biggest vein in your body. And I knew that a blood clot there is not a good deal.”

Honer was transferred by ambulance to Essentia Health–Fargo and into the care of Dr. Richard Coursey, a vascular and interventional radiologist. He explained the 8-inch clot was dangerous because it could break up, travel to her lungs and cause death.

“I really couldn’t process it — that this could be fatal,” recalls Honer, who lives in New York Mills, Minnesota. “I felt like a little kid again and kept looking at my mom.”

Lisa Honer says she wanted to make it all better, but felt helpless. “She’s my little ray of sunshine and it put me in a tailspin,” she says. “I didn’t want to lose my child.”

The Honer family turned to Coursey and the team in the intensive care unit. “All you can do is pray,” Lisa Honer says. “God answered my prayers through other people.”

Coursey began treating Honer with a clot-busting drug, the first line of therapy for people with large blood clots. Over three days, the drug dissolved the newer clot in her leg but an older six-inch clot in her pelvis persisted. The residual clot needed to be removed to prevent Honer from developing another one.

→ LISA HONER (left) insisted that her daughter SHELSEY HONER head to the emergency room when she had unusual pain and swelling in her leg and groin. They discovered Shelsey had a life-threatening blood clot that was treated by Dr. Richard Coursey, an Essentia Health vascular and interventional radiologist.

“We didn’t want to keep a foundation for a new clot,” Coursey explains. “Once we’ve removed the blockage, the blood can still flow slowly around the old clot and become so sluggish that the whole thing clots again.” Residual clots also damage veins, which causes swelling and pain that gets worse with activity.

Coursey offered a new treatment called AngioVac, which vacuums the residual clot out through a small catheter. Instead of traditional open surgery, the procedure requires only a few small incisions. The clot is filtered out by a device on a heart-lung bypass machine and the clot-free blood is returned to the body. Little blood is lost in the procedure.

“It was scary, but we had limited options and we had to do something,” Lisa recalls. “Coursey was drawing pictures and answering all my questions. I wanted to know every detail and risk.”

Honer says she chose the new treatment because Coursey did a good job of explaining it and she had confidence in him. “I trusted him,” she says. “Dr. Coursey laid out all the options and let me choose what I wanted to do. I suffer from anxiety but he was so relaxed and confident that I felt that it’s OK. That everything will be OK.”

After successful treatment with the AngioVac, Coursey inserted a stent in Honer’s damaged vein to help keep it open. Even so, she developed another clot soon after she was discharged from the hospital. “I knew I wanted to go right back to Coursey,” she says. The new clot was successfully treated with drugs.

Coursey referred Honer to a hematologist who performed additional tests and discovered the cause of her clots: She has two genetic blood-clotting disorders. A blood-thinning prescription now helps reduce her risk of another clot.

Honer and Lisa praise the care they received from Coursey and the staff at Essentia Health–Fargo. “They all were a godsend,” Lisa says.

Honer also credits her mother, who insisted she go to the emergency room instead of out with friends that October night. “She saved my life,” the daughter says.

For better or worse... vow to discuss your insurance

For better or worse... vow to discuss your insurance

For better or worse... vow to discuss your insurance

For better or worse... vow to discuss your insurance

For better or worse... vow to discuss your insurance

When planning the rest of your life together, it’s important you both understand how your insurance coverage needs will change as a newly married couple. Call today .

When planning the rest of

When

as a newly married couple. Call today .

When planning the rest of your life together, it’s important you both understand how your insurance coverage needs will change as a newly married couple. Call today .

When planning the rest of your life together, it’s important you both understand how your insurance coverage needs will change as a newly married couple. Call today .

Jessica Kalenze

Jessica Kalenze

Jessica Kalenze

Jessica Kalenze

Jessica

Financial Representative Fargo, ND 58103-5936 (701)235-5411

Financial

Financial Representative Fargo,

Financial Representative Fargo, ND 58103-5936 (701)235-5411

Financial Representative Fargo, ND 58103-5936 (701)235-5411

Life insurance policies issued by COUNTRY Life Insurance Company® and COUNTRY Investors Life Assurance Company®, Bloomington, IL. 0415-554HC-22558-5/3/2017

Life insurance policies issued by COUNTRY Life Insurance Company® and COUNTRY Investors Life Assurance Company®, Bloomington, IL. 0415-554HC-22558-5/3/2017

PHOTO BY EXPRESSIONS BY ASHTON PHOTOGRAPHY

container gardens kids love let their

Follow Cori on INSTAGRAM:

@corijensen�� and her backyard adventures with the entire family:

@mysunrisehill

Do you want to be that parent that has a stockpile of educational, creative and inspirational projects at the ready for the moment their child is “so bored”? Me too. But, for the record, I am not that mom.

I’m the kind of mom that thanks the baby Jesus for blessing me with Pinterest — because I can get inspiration when my wifin’, mommin’, fulltime careerin’ brain is fried and I need an auto start for a kid project.

Here is a project that I (gulp) didn’t need a Pinterest guide for, and you won’t either. The Fairy Garden.

You can make one in your garden, at the side of a tree, or in a container. I like the ease and fun of a project that will let our little people use their imagination. It can be as intricately detailed or as simple as you want. You can buy everything in a craft store. From containers, to faux gnome and fairy doors that screw into a tree trunk, to the most tiny and adorable furniture you ever did see. Pretty and easy. Con: spendy. For a more budget friendly DIY option, you can take inventory of what you have and make your own. This saves money and is still easy-ish. Con: Time consuming.

Confession: I bought a $19.99 gnome furniture kit in a big box store. It’s adorable and I wasn’t sure how much time we’d have. Then I decided, no. There is a weekend with my name on it and a herd of kids who will be thrilled when I say we are going to be resourceful and make our own. Boom.

imaginations take root!

Our promise

However, I did have to spend a little coin on some flowers and plants. Let me recommend going with annuals that have texture and small blooms. It fits the “miniaturized” theme.

Next up, picking your location. I am going with containers. I am using a basket and rattan bowls I already have.

Theme: A fairy garden is awesome, but not for every kid. A gnome theme is a great neutral. Or, if you are my littlest kids: dinosaurs. So, for what might be the first time in history … a fairy/dinosaur garden. Why not?

Accessories: We decided to really go “pioneer” and make something without a plan or direction. We picked sticks from our yard. And we rummaged my floral and craft bins — let me recommend a hot glue gun, some jute rope and floral wire. The fouryear-old volunteered dinosaurs out of his toy box. And then we just started eye-balling it. A swing, a bench, some signs and a lean-to. Then we glued little flowers and craft moss to our accessories for the fairy garden. I split open a vase filler ball and glued on moss to replicate a cave.

We lined our containers with grocery bags before adding our soil, and then planted our flowers. We arranged our furniture pieces and then added little rocks. A fun addition to our containers were the agate rocks that my husband had in a keepsake box from a camping trip with his dad in 1990. Another wonderful personal touch.

That’s it! This is a fun project that you can make on your own with no rules and your kids will have a blast.

Cori’s backyard budget tip:

Look for second-hand doll house furniture or statues that you can paint to use in your fairy garden.

You first banking focuses on you, the customer and your overall experience. We keep your best interests in mind and strive to provide smart financial solutions that improve and simplify your life.

If you are looking for a community bank that puts you first - call, click or stop by. We invite you to experience our style of banking that starts with you.

ways to SEIZE SUMMER MOMENTS

without bustinG the bank or LosinG your Mind

Theability

to spend the carefree days of summer with my kids is one of my greatest joys in motherhood. As cliché as it sounds, in the blink of an eye our kids will be applying for summer jobs and telling us they don’t have time to go on a camping trip or even a bike ride.

Yet we all know that not every minute is sunshine and roses. Summer can quickly become overwhelming; less structure causes sibling squabbling to multiply, mom’s attention spreads thinner, and summer activity fees add up. How do we make the most of our summer days when we’re all at the end of our wits? While certainly not an exhaustive list, these ten suggestions help me to seize summer moments without losing my mind or busting the bank.

1

GET in a GROOVE

It’s awesome to have a break from the school schedule, yet family life flows more smoothly with at least a bit of routine. Giving my kids a basic structure to our day, so that everyone knows what to expect for meals, snacks, outings, and screen-time, helps to reduce the repetitive questions that drive me bonkers.

2

TOUR the PARKS

A plethora of beautiful playgrounds fill our cities, offering a huge variety of play structures and equipment on which our kids can slide, swing, climb, jump, zip and use every muscle in their bodies. Just for kicks, try picnicking at a new park each week of the summer. In addition to providing awesome playgrounds, our local park districts offer such a surprising variety of fantastic family events (usually for free) that it’s nearly impossible to get bored. Check out the park district websites for event calendars.

3

PICNIC EASIER

One day as my kids were chomping at the bit to leave for the park, I realized that I can make sandwiches leisurely at the park rather than frantically before going to the park. Now, I

simply throw into my picnic bag some buns, peanut butter, fruit, chips, granola bars, paper towels, water bottles and a knife, and off we go. Upon arrival, the kids run and play while I find a table (or spread out the picnic blanket, which stays in the car all summer) and make lunch.

4HIT the POOL

Within the tri-city area are several beautiful pools with unique features, including climbing walls, waterslides, diving boards, and zero-depth play areas. For our family, the Fargo city pool pass is a favorite summertime non-negotiable purchase, allowing us access to all five of Fargo’s city pools for ten weeks. The music is great and the waterslides provide an unbeatable workout. Moorhead, in addition to their municipal pool, offers several wading pools that are open daily, free to the public, and perfect for young children. Likewise, in addition to the recently renovated Veteran's Memorial Pool, West Fargo's Shadow Wood Splash Park is open all day every day (for free!) and is a gem for young children. Simplify pool trips by keeping your pool bag packed at all times with sunscreen, water bottles and towels.

5

DIG YOUR TOES into the SAND

Many nearby cities, including Fergus Falls and Detroit Lakes, have sandy public beaches that make for easy, fun and free day trips.

6

VENTURE to the STATE PARKS

A small investment of $25 buys an annual North Dakota or Minnesota State Park pass for unlimited day or weekend trips to your favorite state parks. For an easy day trip with great swimming and/or hiking in Minnesota, check out Buffalo River, Maplewood or Glendalough State Parks. Fort Ransom, in North Dakota, offers gorgeous hiking and canoe rentals.

7

GO CAMPING

After trekking out to a state park, stay awhile. Campsites are inexpensive ($15–$25 per night), and the bonding that occurs while cooking hotdogs over a fire, roasting marshmallows and sleeping “outside” as a family is worth the effort. If tenting isn’t your thing, many state parks also now offer camping cabins — all the joys of camping but with a bed to sleep on and a roof over your head.

8

EXPLORE the RED

Some of our family’s favorite parks are those that make us feel like we’re not in the middle of a city. With the Red River running through our midst, abundant nature adventures await. Our local park districts do a great job of maintaining hiking trails along the river, and canoe/kayak rentals are available at the Hjemkomst Center.

9

VISIT the LIBRARY

Since our kids don’t have their school libraries at their fingertips, the city library provides a great break from the heat or a rainy day excursion. Check out the summer reading programs for kids as well as their other great (free!) activities for kids.

10

EMBRACE BOREDOM

Boredom is like a doorway to creativity. When we let our kids get bored now and then, creativity is almost always the result.

when you DON’T GET the fairy tale ending

It’s your wedding day. One would think the Fairy Godmother delivered it herself. Perfect weather; beautiful flowers; everything went off without a hitch. You vow to be with your spouse until death do you part. Yet, years later you’re in an attorney’s office contemplating divorce, kicking yourself for not being more prepared for this. Pulling from decades of family law experience, here are our

TOP-FIVE TIPS TO BE PREPARED FOR A DIVORCE

BE INFORMED.

Clients lacking knowledge about family finances is one of our top observations when meeting with people who initiate or want to discuss the ramifications of getting divorced. When you are asked to sign tax returns, financial statements, loan documents or any other financial document, read through and understand them. If your spouse is self-employed, ask questions to get to know the business. Know passwords to online accounts and review accounts frequently. Educate yourself about monthly expenses and finances. Read your mail. Whether you are employed or not, open a retirement account in your name and invest regularly. Obtain your own credit history. Establish financial independence so you are comfortable if you need to handle your own finances.

BEWARE of SOCIAL MEDIA.

We all enjoy sharing fun times and frustrations via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Yet, every word you post, every picture from a night out, and every reference to your children will be scrutinized and can become juicy trial exhibits. Our advice: scrub scintillating photos and commentary from your posting history and limit the content you share with your “friends.” Your divorce is not the time for your life to go viral. There is such a thing as “oversharing.”

DON’T PUT IT in WRITING.

While your spouse can drive you crazy and incite you to lash out, don’t text or email your spouse anything you will regret becoming “Exhibit A” at trial. Text messages are one of the most commonly used trial exhibits, often used to embarrass the sender or make them look demeaning, demanding or like a raving lunatic. If you feel like rant-

ing, call a friend or talk to your therapist. Know that people record phone calls too, and your words can be used against you in court. Install password protection on your electronic devices, such as phones, tablets or computers that you use to communicate with your attorney or anyone about legal strategy. And, of course, be sure to take screenshots or save any demeaning, haughty, accusatory or judgmental texts and emails you receive.

GET to KNOW YOUR CHILDREN.

This sounds simple, right? Yet many people do not know basic things about their kids. Know their birthdays; the names of their doctors and teachers; what activities they are involved in; if they have any special needs. Attend children’s appointments, teachers’ confer-

← Attorneys LEAH WARNER (left) and JERILYNN BRANTNER ADAMS give their top five tips to be prepared for a divorce.

ences, activities and events. Not only will this help your legal case, but you get the added bonus of having a better relationship with your kids. Involved parents often receive more parenting time with their kids when the divorce is final.

KEEP the KIDS’ BEST INTERESTS as YOUR

PRIMARY FOCUS. If you have children, your relationship doesn’t end when the divorce is finalized or when the youngest child turns 18. You will co-parent for the rest of your life. You may have weddings to attend and possibly grandchildren in common. As difficult as it may be at times, be decent to your spouse, their relatives and friends when the marriage dissolves. Don’t burn bridges since you will cross over them many times as you co-parent into the future. Importantly, avoid exposing your children to your marital conflict, as sharing too much information or bringing children into it can be emotionally damaging and can lead to higher rates of anxiety and depression in children. A healthy adjustment for children should be a primary focus for every couple contemplating divorce.

So go ahead and enjoy that perfect wedding day! Expect that your marriage will last forever. But take these proactive steps to prepare for the best outcome just in case the fairytale doesn’t end as expected. Hopefully, you’ll find you gain knowledge, independence and strength for the sequel: your own “happily ever after.”

A WOMAN’S PERSPECTIVE ON THE LAW

Attorneys Jerilynn Brantner Adams and Leah Warner lead the Family Law Practice group at Vogel Law Firm. They provide a wide range of services to clients in domestic matters, including complex divorce and custody issues. For more information call 701-237-6983 or visit vogellaw.com.

We employ 19 female attorneys bringing a woman’s perspective to the law in the office, courtroom, boardroom and our communities. We focus on a variety of specialized practice areas, including:

• Family Law

• Wills and Estate Planning

• Criminal Defense Law

• Business Law

• Personal Injury and Wrongful Death

• Employment Law

• Environmental, Water Law and Land Use

Brenda Blazer Jerilynn Brantner Adams

Lisa EdisonSmith Janel Frank

Valeska Hermanson Briana Hildebrand Whitney Irish Debbie Kleven

Angie Lord Vanessa Lystad Ariana Meyers

KrisAnn Norby-Jahner

Tami Norgard Jade Rosenfeldt Charlotte Skar Rusch Michelle Eaton Scimecca

Caren Wanner Stanley Leah Sonstelie Warner Diane Wehrman

The facility, operated by RON AND JODI HANSEN, offers a wide range of options and amenities for those who want to unplug and relax in nature, from primitive camping sites tucked among 116 acres of trees and rolling prairie to 20 RV sites with sewer, water and electric hook-ups. Camping and RV sites include a fire ring and picnic table for dining al fresco and relaxing under the stars. There’s a comfortable pine-walled shower house, coin laundry and a small store that offers ice, firewood and other necessities on site, and corrals for folks who bring their horses along to explore the nearby trails.

a relaxing RETREAT

sheyenne oaks offers a quiet oasis just outside of Fargo-Moorhead

For a romantic weekend in the country or an outdoor adventure in one of North Dakota’s most inspiring settings, look to Sheyenne Oakes Campground and RV Park. This quiet respite from the stresses of modern life sits just 45 minutes southwest of Fargo, just south of Leonard, North Dakota.

Those who crave a few more creature comforts along with indoor plumbing and electricity (or a kitchen to cook their purchases in) will love the house and cabins available on Sheyenne Oaks’ wooded grounds. Hopewell House is a charming farmhouse that sleeps 10 and includes a full kitchen, which makes it a popular gathering place for groups, retreats and reunions. Andrew’s Cabin pays homage to the first white settler in the region. He built a cabin in 1879 just down the road from this quaint log cabin that the Hansens constructed in 2012. It’s fully furnished and boasts a grill on the front porch and a hot tub in the back. It sleeps six. Families with young children should also stop by the working ranch, located just across County Road 23. You’ll find chickens, piglets, cattle from the family’s herd and a flock of more than a thousand sheep. A nearby farm stand sells eggs, meat and other products, so just open up the freezer or fridge and grab what you need. In an example of true North Dakota hospitality, the farm stand (and everything else in the campground) operates on the honor system.

Photos submitted by Sheyenne Oaks Campground and RV Park

Andrew's Cabin

Bertha's Cabin

For a little romance, try Bertha’s Cabin. Bertha was an early settler as well and her snug, tworoom cabin has been renovated into a sweet little hideaway for two. Just like Andrew’s cabin, it includes a small kitchen, a pretty little porch and an outdoor hot tub on the back deck, a wonderful spot to unwind after a long day of exploring the trails, the campground’s biggest draw.

“All of it sits on the north border of the Sheyenne National Grassland, 70,000 acres that people just hike and bike and ride their horses and ATVs in,” says Jodi Hansen. “People like the peacefulness of it all, the quiet.”

Sheyenne Oakes is just steps away from 40 miles of marked trails, including the North Country Scenic Trail, which begins in New York and ends in Lake Sakakawea State Park near Pick City, North Dakota, crossing seven states in between. The Sheyenne National Grassland is also a major draw for birders and nature enthusiasts intrigued by the native flowers, curious deer, wild turkeys and the huge variety of birds that favor the oak savannah and riverbed near the campground.

The majority of visitors come from North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin, but Sheyenne Oaks has also welcomed visitors from as far away as New Hampshire, Oregon, Washington and throughout Canada. Despite its close proximity to the Fargo-Moorhead metro area, this quiet little hideaway is still unknown to many in the region. The Hansens hope that 2017 is the year that changes.

For more information visit sheyenneoaks.com or call 701-361-8566

Ten Little Chickens Photography

Jill Ockhardt Blaufuss ↓

Kensie Wallner Photography

True

Scherling Photography

InFocus Images and Design,

Crossroad Photography

↑ Chalcee Shuck Photograpy

Sarah Tommerdahl

← Lindsay Kaye Photography

NOT PLANNING for a MIRACLE

a family’s nicu journey

Megan and Blaine Kummer’s journey to parenthood included ups, downs, hardships and miracles. They discovered they were blessed with twins, then received tremendous support and care when, unexpectedly, their sons were born four months early.

It was October 2015, and Megan was only 22 weeks pregnant when she began having what she assumed were contractions. After a call to the family birth center nurse line, she headed to the Sanford Family Birth Center in Fargo. She assumed the hospital would tell her to turn around and head back home, but instead Megan found out she was in labor and needed to start immediate bed rest.

She was given medication to stop her labor and placed on a clear liquid diet should an emergency C-section be necessary. Over the next several days, the couple remained at the hospital — Megan never leaving her hospital bed — while Sanford’s family birth center team worked to delay delivery as long as possible.

“At that point, there was really no question the boys would be premature, but the question was how premature. Every day, every week improved their chances of survival,” says Megan.

Each obstetrician coming on for their shift would visit the Kummers to discuss their plan and explain what would happen if labor could no longer be stopped. Detailed discussions provided a general overview of the process, risks and who would be part of the care team.

“Many hospitals don’t offer neonatal care that early, not until 23 or 24 weeks gestation,” explains Megan. “But Sanford’s team provided us statistics and told us everything our family would be facing with premature babies. They estimated the twins were decent sized, at least one pound, and they were willing to give our babies a chance.”

Megan continues, “We made it six days. Then on November 4, 2015, at 22 weeks and six days gestation, Owen (which means young warrior) and Liam (strong-willed warrior) were born. At 11 inches and just over one pound each, Liam and Owen were immediately admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).”

The twins didn’t have some of the issues premature babies commonly face, such as brain bleeds. Still, every day was critical. A whirlwind of care and procedures followed including PICC lines, head ultrasounds, X-rays, eye exams, blood transfusions, ventilators, labs, heart echocardiograms and more.

“There was never a single point we felt we were smooth sailing. Having babies that early, there is no normal course, no normal path. From birth, we knew we were going to be in the hospital a long time, and we knew the hospital was where we were going to make our home. Each day we’d spend hours — at first next to the Isolettes, later side-by-side in recliners — holding a baby each,” says Megan.

“We had Liam for four months — 130 days — before we lost him. He died 10 days after his due date,” continues Megan. “Respiratory-wise he just wasn’t able to keep up, and after he passed away, we also found out he had gotten sick.”

While grieving the loss of one child, the family had to keep moving forward with the other. Shortly after Liam passed away, the family made the decision that Owen needed long-term breathing support through a tracheostomy. This support would allow him to continue to grow, both physically and developmentally. Owen also had a gastrostomy tube (feeding tube) placed to optimize his nutrition, which was critical to his respiratory growth.

Owen remained at the Sanford Children’s Hospital for a total of 302 days before finally being able to head home. Now, Owen is 18 months and exceeding everyone’s expectations with his progress. Sanford provides in-home therapies four days a week including occupational therapy and physical therapy. Medically, Owen is slowly weaning off of his breathing support and continues care with Sanford pediatrics and several specialties.

Megan says, “I never wanted a miracle. Let alone two. I wanted a couple of fat, lazy babies that I waited on hand and foot, who couldn’t do anything for themselves, and that relied on us for their every need. But that’s not what we got. We got fighters. We got warriors. We got miracles. And that was in no small part because of support from our family, friends, community and the quality of care at Sanford Children’s Hospital.”

FORE Reasons to take a GOLF LESSON with LISA

LEARN the FUNDAMENTALS of the game

Whether you have been golfing for a while or just starting to play the game, with Lisa you will learn the fundamentals of the golf swing. Golf can actually become much easier when a personal coach can help you get the club in the right positions to make better swings.

YOU PROBABLY have been GIVEN BAD ADVICE

Have you ever heard: “Keep your head down;” “Keep your left arm straight;” “It’s all in the hips.” This might be exactly the bad advice you don’t need to hear. Lisa is a PGA professional who will give you the correct advice to play your best golf. Hundreds of golfers over the years have already trusted her as their coach. She will give you the right advice.

LEARN WHAT YOU ARE DOING WELL

Golf can be frustrating when you are only aware of what you are doing poorly. Lisa is a positive coach that helps you discover your strengths as a golfer. You will walk away from each lesson with positive thoughts and be inspired to play more golf.

ITS MORE FUN when you PLAY BETTER

When you take a lesson with Lisa you will get better. There truly isn’t a better feeling than hitting great golf shots on a beautiful day this summer with your friends. Golf should be fun, Lisa will help you get there!

Want a lesson with Lisa? Call for one lesson, set up a series of lessons or buy group lessons with a friend. Are you also looking for great golf clubs, shoes or apparel? Lisa has everything you need for you and your kids to look good and play well. Set up a lesson now at golfwithlisa.com, or by calling or visiting the Osgood Pro Shop.

Osgood Golf Course

4400 Clubhouse Dr. S., Fargo 701-356-3070

books kids love

6 WAYS to GET YOUR KIDS READING this summer

As a child, I remember racing out of school on the last day for the freedom of summer vacation, and would spend the following months outside reading in the sunshine. Of course, my son is a different story and when summer hits, reading tends to fall by the wayside. While books are abundant in our house, all the books he had to read for homework during the school year can make summer reading feel like extra work. If your kids are reluctant to read on their own, here are a few ways you can encourage them to turn off the TV and pick up a book this summer.

Area Woman’s resident Bookista, Megan Elgin

(pictured above reading with her family) serves you up with some great summertime reads. Search for Megan on GOODREADS or @meganann on LITSY and find out what she's reading now.

1Let them pick out their own books. It doesn’t seem to matter how many amazing books I bring home, my son is always more excited to read the ones he picked out himself. Bring your kids to the library or bookstore and give them plenty of time to browse for their favorites. Allow them free range to choose wildly and refrain from offering commentary unless they ask you for it. Reading is more fun if they feel free to choose anything that appeals to them. If they come up with too many to take home all at once, add the extras to a list so you can pick them up later. I have a running list of books my son has asked for on my phone to find later.

2Start a family book club. Book clubs don’t have to be about serious discussions and topics. Make it a fun family event complete with snacks and jokes. Kids love to voice opinions, so this is a great way to get them talking. Have a variety of reading levels and interests? Pick a topic and let each child choose their own book fitting that topic to discuss with the family. Mom and Dad should pick books too! Or, take turns picking the next book and help younger readers by reading the book aloud with them. Not sure where to start? Try books that have been made into movies. The number of movies that have been adapted from books is staggering and there is a good chance that one of your family’s favorites falls into this category. Oftentimes the book may be a little different than the movie and it makes for a fun discussion to see if everyone can spot all the differences.

3Look for books that match their interests. If your child loves sports or science or music, chances are there is a book out there that matches almost any interest they have. The options for animal lovers are endless, but the “Warriors” series, by Erin Hunter, is a time-tested kid favorite full of adventure, bravery and cats. Have a sports fanatic in the family?

Author Jake Maddox has titles featuring every sport imaginable and has written series for many different ages and reading levels. ↑

4 Join a summer reading program at the library. The Fargo Public Library offers the chance for kids to earn prizes and a free book as they track their summer reading. You can also create your own summer reading challenge and reward them for every five hours they spend reading (or set a number of pages depending on your child’s reading level). We all enjoy meeting a challenge and kids are no exception.

↗ Inspired the 2015 movie " HOME" by DreamWorks Animation

↖

The 2003 Disney movie "HOLES" is based on the Newbery Medal winning book of the same name.

Listen to audiobooks in the car. Better yet, make sure you have a copy of the print book so your kids can follow along or keep reading once they are hooked if you have to stop mid-story. Laughing aloud together while listening to an audiobook makes long trips much more fun.

Find things to read that make them laugh out loud. Everyone enjoys a great joke or a funny story and kids books are filled with hilarious hijinks. Introduce your kids to Calvin and Hobbes, the Sunday comics, or a favorite funny read from your childhood. The “Princess Pink and the Land of Fake-Believe” series by Noah Z. Jones is great for beginning readers. Your kids will love these mixed up versions of fairy tales with stories like “Moldylocks and the Three Beards.” The books are part chapter book, part comic book, with speech bubbles amongst the illustrations making them perfect reads for struggling or reluctant readers who might be turned off by text heavy pages.

← “Fortunately the Milk” by Neil Gaiman is another hilarious read for the whole family. A father goes to the store to buy milk and takes an excessively long time coming home. The story he tells his children about why it took so long contains aliens, pirates a time traveling stegosaurus and one outrageous adventure after another.

OTHER FAVORITE BOOKS

for the whole family:

“The Girl Who Drank the Moon” →

by Kelly Barnhill

Winner of the 2017 Newbery Medal and written by a Minnesota author, this middle grade book is a compelling tale of a girl who becomes “enmagicked” after being saved by a witch who then decides to raise her as her own. ←

“The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell”

by Chris Colfer

After receiving their grandmother’s heirloom fairy tale book as a birthday gift, twins Alex and Conner Bailey fall into the land of stories. While encountering many of the fairy tale characters they grew up reading about, the twins have to find a way to get back home. My family was completely hooked listening to this audiobook read by the author.

AN

INTERVIEW WITH

jozy BernaDette pursue your dreams

Jozy Bernadette is a North Dakotan pursuing her dream to be a musical artist. She succeeded in her audition for season 12 of The Voice. This interview took place right after her audition aired in February. To watch and see what happened this season check out nbc.com/the-voice.

AREA WOMAN: What was it like growing up in North Dakota as an aspiring musician?

JOZY BERNADETTE: My father was a successful athlete so he could have moved anywhere for his professional basketball career but they choose to be close to family in Grand Forks. I loved Grand Forks. You can run all around town and be safe, everyone knows everyone. It’s like a little movie town, you can go anywhere and see someone you know. L.A. is such a large place that misses out on so much of the benefits you have in a small town.

AW: Who is/has been your musical inspiration?

JB: I love Kelly Clarkson and Alicia Keyes (I have tried to play piano like her). Recently I am into Tori Kelly and I really enjoy Beyonce — her confidence, stage performance and how she carries herself.

AW: What has your experience been like so far on The Voice?

JB: Two years ago I auditioned and didn’t make it. This second time I have the experience and confidence that I needed to be here again. I know who I am as an artist more. I have so much more confidence this second time.

AW: What is the biggest difference for you this time around on The Voice?

JB: My confidence and knowing who I am as a musician. Having the experience of failure the first time helped me keep going forward and try again. I want to prove to myself more than The Voice that I can go after my dreams. I have wanted this for so long, and for it to actually be happening … I am so thankful. I keep saying, “Wow this is the craziest thing ever.”

AW: For your audition, you sang “American Woman” and Adam Levine turned his chair around. What was going on in your mind?

JB: I was singing, at one point in the song, no one had turned around, and I gave myself a pep-talk: “Just keep going, keep singing.” Then Adam turned his chair around. “I heard myself say, “You just made it on ‘The Voice’!” I had to keep singing, I closed my eyes, when I opened my eyes and saw that both Gwen and Adam had turned their chairs I felt my legs get weak and dropped to the ground in excitement. Best day of my entire life.

AW: So both Adam and Gwen Stefani turn their chairs for you! Why did you pick Gwen?

JB: On TV it looks like a very quick decision, but there was about an hour of conversation between Adam and Gwen, and Blake Shelton chimed in as always. In the end Gwen really connected with me and who I want to be as a musician. She wanted to help me with my writing, my fashion, she really said everything I wanted to hear. And I mean it’s hard to turn down Adam Levine ... but she really said what I wanted to hear.

AW: What would you say to the young women who are pursuing their musical dreams?

JB: Being from a North Dakota small town, there’s this idea that you can’t make it big, or the odds are small. I want every little girl to know in North Dakota that you can go after your dreams. Put yourself out there, you never know what might happen. Don’t take no for an answer. Keep going after the things you love, you never know who you might be able to meet. I have been able to be mentored by Adam, Gwen, and I just got to meet and be mentored by Celine Dion! I mean, amazing! If you go after it, no matter where you are from, you can make it.

AW: What would you say to the person who was in your shoes two years ago, recently rejected, grinding it out and trying to make it in music.

JB: When God closes one door, keep knocking, he might open a few doors and maybe even a window. The music scene is really hard, but if you put yourself out there and keep trying, it’s amazing what can happen. When I lost the first time it was really difficult, but I have made the determination to never give up.

AW: What do you feel like is going to be your biggest impact with your time in The Voice?

JB: Well, showing others that you can come from a little town and make it big. I talked to one person here (in L.A.) that said she didn’t know there was a North Dakota. Music really does change people’s lives. Without my family and North Dakotans supporting me, I know that I couldn’t make the impact I am right now. I want everyone to know, just go for it!

For more from Jozy go to jozybernadette.com or follow her on INSTAGRAM: @jozybernadette

MSUM offers new ENTERTAINMENT DEGREE from BACK OFFICE to CENTER STAGE

Minnesota State University Moorhead is offering a new degree in Entertainment Industries and Technology (EIT) beginning this fall.

“MSUM’s 30-year history of offering entertainment-related programs began in the music industry and has evolved to meet the needs of our students in relation to the direction the industry is moving,” said Ryan Jackson, associate professor and coordinator of the School of Entertainment Industries and Technology (SoEIT).

MSUM is the only program in a five-state region to offer a degree specific to entertainment and is one of very few accredited programs nationally that offers the flexibility of specialization within the entertainment field.

The U.S. media and entertainment (M&E) industry is comprised of businesses that produce and distribute motion pictures, television programs, commercials, music and audio recordings, books and video games. But the field isn’t just for artists, per-

formers and musicians. The industry also needs accountants, marketers, managers and designers. “The beauty of MSUM’s program is the dynamic partnerships with the Paseka School of Business, School of Media Arts & Design, School of Performing Arts, and the College of Humanities & Social Sciences that lets students focus on their unique career preparation within the context of the entertainment industry,” Jackson said.

Linsi Boe is double majoring in EIT and accounting to prepare for an accounting career working for a record label or a music nonprofit.

“EIT allows me to explore many areas of the industry,” Boe said. “The core classes are all-encompassing and teach about all aspects under the umbrella of EIT, and the electives allow for individualization by collaborating with other

→ Seniors EMMA ALLEN (left) and SHOTA MIYASAKI fine tune a recording in the MSUM SoEIT recording studio

teachers, departments and majors. Personally, it’s perfect for me; I can study the entertainment industry while also taking classes that fulfill my plan to become an accountant.”

The U.S. M&E market, which represents a third of the global industry and is the largest M&E market worldwide, is expected to reach $771 billion by 2019, up from $632 billion in 2015, according to the 2014-2019 Entertainment & Media Outlook by PriceWaterhouseCoopers (Pw).

“This program is designed to advance diversity of people and occupations within the entertainment industry and to promote career paths considered outside the ‘norm,’” Jackson said. “There are numerous pathways for students to pursue careers in this dynamic and growing field that might not always be apparent. Since we work in the industry ourselves, we can help students fine tune their careers to focus on the unique.”

Students can get relevant and professional industry experience in all areas of entertainment through on-campus opportunities such as helping to produce music and theatre productions or university events or working with Dragon Athletics GO! TEAM.

Jenna Wawers discovered her passion for working big events with large audiences through her work with GO! TEAM, a student-run organization that promotes quality experiences at athletics events and gives students hands-on promotion experiences.

“I gained valuable, real-world experience under the mentorship of the GO! TEAM coordinator Jon Wepking,” Wawers said. “He taught me a lot and I feel exceptionally prepared for a career in this field.”

Wawers graduated in May with a music industry degree (now the EIT degree) and is expected to intern this summer with radio host and deejay for the LA Clippers.

For more information about the program, contact Ryan Jackson, Chair, School of Entertainment Industries and Technology at jacksonr@mnstate.edu or 218.477.2001.

s T ory of f rankie Valli & T he foUr seasons

CRAFTED from SCRATCH

KAREN WILLS

knows that where there’s great food, there are great memories to be had with family and friends. As the owner of K’s Bakery and Loren Lee’s she uses her food to help craft warm memories for others daily.

It’s a passion that has evolved from the kitchen of her childhood home in Waubun, Minnesota, where flour-dusted hands, the sounds of whisks scraping the sides of mixing bowls, and the smell of fresh-baked goodies were an everyday occurrence.

Home cooked foods continue to remain a large part of Wills’ life, but these days she takes it up a notch. From the delectable treats and savory lunches at K’s Bakery to the polished dishes on Loren Lees’ menus, customers get a new take on home cooking.

“I’ve always loved food, which is one reason I spend a lot of time in Chicago and downtown Minneapolis,” says Wills. “These are places where fine dining lives and breathes, and it’s also where I go for inspiration on new dishes and flavors to bring to Fargo.”

Loren Lee’s offers a wide variety of dishes that pack flavor and flare, and nothing says flare quite like fondue. Since the restaurant opened in August of 2016, the smoked Gouda dish, paired with tangy sour dough croutons, fresh steak, apples and grapes, has become a customer favorite.

The dinner menu also offers showstoppers that pay homage to France with delicate sauces such as citrus beurre-blanc, which is often paired with pan-seared

scallops. Loren Lee’s doesn’t leave pub grub out of the mix either. Spicy duck flatbread and a grown up ham and cheese, croque monsieur, go great with one Fargo’s local beers on tap.

Wills has also brought back more than flavor inspirations during her travels. It’s where she learned about the Gotham Project, a wine-on-tap movement, which not only eliminates bottle waste, but also delivers high-quality, flavorful glasses of wine day after day. Loren Lee’s is currently the only place in North Dakota where wine lovers can enjoy it. The restaurant offers 16 wines on tap, in addition to several bottles on the menu.

Another first for Fargo that Wills looks forward to implementing is a dog-friendly patio. “We will have treats and water dishes in our patio so people can enjoy a fine meal in the company of their furbabies,” she says. “We are a family-friendly place, even if those family members are a little furrier than others.”

LOREN LEE’S and K’S BAKERY take home cooking to a new level

She also offers kid-friendly menus and accommodations for events, birthday celebrations and even tea parties.

“The English tea party at K’s Bakery is such a fun experience for the little ones,” Wills says. “We can offer the traditional tea and crumpets or customize the party with sweet treats the kids are more accustomed to.”

K’s Bakery knows how to bring the fun and the comfort food. What started in 2006 as a place that only offered home-baked sweets has evolved into a lunch hub and catering business, which continues to offer the sweet goodies for which the location has become known.

From bars, cakes and cookies, to BLTs and chicken dumpling soup, the food evokes memories of lazy Sunday mornings and warm family gatherings.

Like Loren Lee’s, Wills and her team at K’s Bakery create every dish from scratch and often source local ingredients, such as rhubarb and tomatoes. The menu also changes with the seasons to give customers the best flavor experience.

In addition to baked goods and lunches, K’s also specializes in bringing comfort food to special events.

“We can cater any gathering and work one-onone with customers to develop a menu that suits their tastes and budget,” says Wills. “From graduation parties to family reunions, we do it all.”

“Doing it all” also seems to be words Wills lives by. Most days you’ll find her bouncing between locations, answering phones, serving dishes and taking reservations. She has a hand in it all and it comes from her deep passion for great food and a strong desire to spark that same passion in others. “I have the best customers, which makes me love what I do even more,” she says. But she doesn’t work alone.

“I couldn’t do it without my husband Dean and my dedicated team, including Jerra Sjolander and Maggie Swenson. These guys rock.”

And rock they do, from making great food to crafting great memories.

K’s Bakery

2301 University Dr S, Fargo

Loren Lee’s

3179 Bluestem Dr, West Fargo

MBA

NOT JUST FOR BUSINESS GRADUATES

MSU

MBA will improve your effectiveness as a leader in your industry. No prior business degree required!

MSUM’s MBA bolsters skills that stand the test of time— creativity, innovation and problem solving. Offered both online and hybrid, giving you the choice of how you want to learn. An excellent option for distance learners.

“I chose to earn my MBA degree from MSUM because of the online course flexibility and international accreditation. Online flexibility allowed me to juggle my career, family life, and coursework, simultaneously to complete my degree in 1.5 years. MSUM successfully integrated rigorous coursework with real-life business situations to provide meaningful learning experiences.” –

Paul Younger, 2015

Moorhead’s AACSB-accredited

Minnesota State University Moorhead is an equal opportunity educator and employer and is a member of the Minnesota State system.

brady’s legacy

Brady Oberg seemed to be the perfect American veteran. He had always wanted to join the military and in 2009, he did. He served in the 10th Mountain Infantry Division. He was deployed to Afghanistan as a part of Operation Enduring Freedom. He loved being an American soldier and took great pride in being a part of the military. Because of his skills and leadership abilities, he was chosen to be a sniper. He married Katie McCollum in February 2012 wearing his dress blues. After his deployment, they lived at Fort Polk, Louisiana, until he finished his service. They then returned to Minnesota. And on August 6, 2015, Brady Oberg committed suicide.

The 124th Regiment returned home from this deployment with no fatalities. It has since lost 11 combat veterans to suicide.

Oberg’s sister Tracy Oberg Dunham says, “We want people to know our story. We don’t focus on the suicide part, we don’t focus on the last ten seconds of insanity. We focus on the way Brady lived his life.”

Tracy and a board of eleven volunteers have established the Brady Oberg Legacy Foundation to honor Oberg and help other combat veterans who are struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). “We know now that Brady was suffering. People had told us to be careful about PTSD but the signs of depression and PTSD are very different. We were looking for him to be sad or shut in,” Tracy continues. “The signs were there, we just didn’t recognize them. In fact, Brady and Katie had just signed a purchase agreement to buy a lake lot at 6:30 that night.”

Oberg had begun seeing a counselor but he felt it was difficult to connect with him. He told his sister, “He [the counselor] had never killed anyone.”

“The day I thought he might be struggling was the day he died,” says Tracy. “Six of his brothers-in-arms came to the funeral and they told us of Brady’s heroism in saving four of his brothers. They described Brady coming over the mountain with his MK 48 and 1,000 rounds to rescue those four.”

Tracy remembers her brother at his high school graduation bonfire. “I can still see the fire and the glow and Brady saying he wanted to do something that was bigger than himself. Something that would make a difference,” she continues.

Shortly after his death, she reminded the other members of the family of that conversation and realized if they were in such shock and didn’t see the signs, maybe they could help others. That is when the idea for the foundation was born.

The Brady Oberg Legacy Foundation is hosted by the Dakota Medical Foundation and is dedicated to creating a happy and healthy life for combat veterans.

“We want to focus on things that were important to Brady,” says Tracy, with tears in her eyes. “He is the inspiration for every decision I make on the board.”

The foundation has three major goals:

1. PTSD Awareness

In June, they hold a golf event to make people aware of the signs of PTSD.

2. Scholarship

The foundation has worked with the University of North Dakota to establish a scholarship for combat veterans studying for a Master’s Degree in Psychology to counsel other veterans.

3. Connection

They host an all-expense-paid, action packed weekend retreat where combat veterans can tell their stories and connect with each other. This year’s retreat will be over Labor Day at Holbrook Farms near Detroit Lakes.

Applications for the Labor Day retreat and the UND scholarship are available on the website bradyoberglegacyfoundation.com.

“If Brady was there — coming over the mountain for his brothers-in-arms — then he can still be there for his fellow vets, through his legacy,” concludes Tracy.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: bradylegacyfoundation.com

facebook: bradyoberglegacyfoundation oberglegacy@gmail.com

NESTLED ALONG the RED RIVER

in south Moorhead, Bluestem Center for the Arts boasts beautiful river views, grassy meadows, woods and wildlife. With its gorgeous 2500-seat outdoor amphitheater, and unique indoor educational center that serves multiple purposes, including hosting community festivals, business conferences, trade shows, private events and concerts, Bluestem is a world-class facility. Each day as she arrives at work, Kathy Anderson, Executive Director of Trollwood Performing Arts School and the Bluestem facility, feels blessed to work in this wonderful setting. →

photo by MJOY PHOTOGRAPHY

Anderson grew up on a farm near Clifford, North Dakota, with her parents Robert and Mary Motter, older sister Susan, and younger brother Larry. Music was always an important part of her life. She played trumpet and baritone in the band, as well as piano and guitar, but her absolute favorite musical activity was singing. Anderson was a school choir member, worship leader at church, performer for many area concerts, and soloist for more than 100 weddings through the years. This love for music naturally led her to look for ways to integrate that passion into her adult life. While considering college and career plans she learned of the music industry program at Minnesota State University in Moorhead. Its combination of music along with business, marketing and accounting seemed a perfect fit and indeed it was. Anderson flourished as she studied vocal music and participated in choirs, ensembles and opera workshops. She also studied business fundamentals for the music industry, and event venue management. As Anderson recalls her education she explains, “That preparation was very fortuitous. The daily management of Bluestem Center for the Arts requires me to incorporate all of those varied skills.”

INTERESTING and VARIED CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

During the summer of 1990 Anderson had her first exposure to Trollwood Performing Arts School when she accepted an internship with the program at its original home in north Fargo. It was the beginning of a relationship that would span nearly 30 years as an intern, employee, parent and loyal supporter. Following graduation with her Bachelor of Music degree from MSUM, Anderson began working full time at Trollwood as an assistant to then director Vicki Chepulis. Their relationship was warm and nurturing and Anderson learned so much from Chepulis’ guidance.

In 1997, Anderson transitioned to a position as Executive Director at Bonanzaville. With forty-seven buildings on 12 acres, Bonanzaville is a living history museum of the Cass County Historical Society. This experience was rewarding and helped Anderson learn many skills that would enhance her abilities in each step of her career, including fundraising and budget management for a non-profit, as well as site development and maintenance. During those years Anderson and her husband Jim welcomed daughter Jessica into their family and Anderson opted to be a stayat-home parent for a season. Before she was even really considering re-entry in her career, a friend suggested that Anderson’s skills would be well suited for a position open at Microsoft. It sounded interesting so she applied. Soon Anderson began work as a technical support engineer, eventually transitioning to technical lead for the accounting package Great Plains. Describing her time at Microsoft, Anderson says, “I am so thankful for the phenomenal training and leadership development that Microsoft provided. I learned many valuable things during my time there and appreciate the ways that time in the tech industry continues to impact my career in the arts.”

A 2005 call from friend and mentor Vicki Chepulis invited Anderson back to the Trollwood organization as Director of Administration. The Trollwood campus was experiencing damage due to repeated flooding, and plans were in the works for the purchase and development of a completely new space within the Fargo Moorhead metro area. With many administrative details requiring attention, Anderson became a key facilitator in making the plans become a reality.

↘

photo by KENSIE WALLNER

BLUESTEM becomes a NEW HOME for TROLLWOOD

Moving Trollwood, a program of the Fargo school district, from the residential north side of Fargo to an available plot of land on the south side of Moorhead to seemed like an implausible choice when the idea arose in the early 2000s. It took a great deal of cooperation among different sponsors including Fargo Public Schools, the City of Moorhead, and generous donations from individuals and businesses to make the dream a reality. Bluestem Center for the Arts became the new home for Trollwood when it opened in 2009. As with any big transition like this, there were bumps in the road, but Anderson is pleased to announce that the debt was paid off in 2012 and “it is awesome to have every dollar of income being reinvested in programming that can be enjoyed by so many.”

Trollwood is unique in the way it serves the community. A look at the statistics shows that Trollwood provided opportunities for more than 1,120 youth to participate in 12 different programs in 2016. With an astonishing 28 percent increase in attendance from the previous year, the programs entertained nearly 85,000 people. The 16 concerts provided by touring acts ranging in style from 3 Doors Down, Switchfoot and Boyz II Men to the retro group Herman’s Hermits performing hits from the sixties, Weird Al Yankovic’s parodies of popular tunes, and the annual Symphony Rocks concert, span a broad spectrum of tastes. With over 420 arts activities and events, there is literally something for everyone and the whole community benefits from the diversity of programs.

photo by KENSIE WALLNER PHOTOGRAPHY

photo provided by TROLLWOOD PERFORMING ARTS SCHOOL

photo by MJOY PHOTOGRAPHY

Recognizing that Anderson coordinates both the programming for Trollwood Performing Arts school and the Bluestem facility, it is natural to wonder, how does she handle the logistics and attention to detail needed to coordinate all of that activity? She will be the first to recognize that it is the work of her team. “We have a fantastic staff,” says Anderson. The seven yearround staff members attend to program coordination, marketing and communication, business management, community relations, and building and grounds maintenance. During the summer months when rehearsals are in full swing for the mainstage musical, the staff increases to over 125 people. Many of these staff members are local teachers, musicians, directors and choreographers, but a substantial number are also from outside the area. Directors, designers, and professional musicians from New York, technicians from Hawaii, Louisiana, Florida, Ohio, Kansas, and Pennsylvania, filmmakers and actors from California, and choreographers from Wisconsin are among those who have heard of the quality of the program and have chosen to spend weeks of their summer here to become immersed in the production. As a testament to the loyalty people feel once they’ve become connected to Trollwood, nearly one third of the staff members are alumni of the program. Dr. Jeff Schatz, Fargo Superintendent of Schools, is proud of the leadership and guidance Anderson provides for Trollwood and Bluestem. “She manages two diverse programs effectively and efficiently, always looking for ways to make positive things happen.”

This summer the mainstage musical will feature the beloved “Beauty and the Beast.” Because of Disney’s 1991 animated movie, and the more recent 2017 live-action re-telling of the classic tale, this is a story many know and love. With a gorgeous stage set against the prairie night sky, beautiful lighting, exquisite costumes and incredibly talented local young actors and actresses, this production is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Anderson explains, “The heart and soul of Trollwood’s purpose is to connect people, especially youth, to arts education.” Although the mainstage production is certainly the most visible of the educational programs, Trollwood also offers many other youth programs. Children ages six to 11 can become involved with ArtSpark, a week-long performance based workshop that kindles kids’ confidence and ignites their creativity. Elementary school students can also participate in a full scale musical designed especially for kids through Trollwood Children’s Theatre. Middle-schoolers can take courses in early summer through Totally Trollwood Academy to learn the basics of acting, vocal performance and movement and more, and if they wish they can continue in July taking their place on stage as part of a junior Broadway musical. Upper level students, ages 16 through 20, can participate in a two week intensive study program at Trollwood Conservatory, or some may even take on a leadership role within the performing arts school and be mentored by professional artists, as they, in turn, mentor other youth. Because the Trollwood programs are school sponsored and supported, care is taken to

“ The HEART and SOUL of Trollwood’s purpose is to connect people, especially youth, to arts education.

↖ family photography left and above by KENSIE WALLNER PHOTOGRAPHY

photo provided by TROLLWOOD PERFORMING ARTS SCHOOL

↑ Above: A scene from Trollwood’s 2016 production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid.

← Left: JESSICA ANDERSON (right) as Jetsom in Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Also pictured are Alanna Snortland (left) as Flotsam and Andie Peterson (center) as Ursala

photo by MJOY

make sure the courses align with curricular standards and benchmarks appropriate for arts education. With the summer scheduling and outdoor spaces it is possible to provide unique, performance based differentiated instruction tailored to the needs of every individual student.

One unique component integrated into all of the youth programs at Trollwood is a nationally recognized initiative called the STAR program designed to empower Students At Risk to use the arts as a tool for empowerment. Through STAR, students who have learning, physical or other challenges, who might not otherwise have the resources, receive arts training and other needed support such as transportation, supplies, meals and adult mentorship. It is the hope that these art experiences will inspire them to find success in school, in work and in life.

BALANCING MANY ROLES

One of the factors that contributed to Anderson’s ability to balance career and family responsibilities through the years is that her family has embraced Trollwood as an integral part of their lives. Jim, Anderson’s husband, is the assistant director of admissions at MSUM. As Anderson describes it, “that is his paid day job,” but he also “puts in a lot of unpaid hours as a volunteer at Trollwood.” On the evenings of mainstage productions he can be found donning a neon green vest for parking detail and helping with miscellaneous jobs on the campus.

Daughter Jessica was naturally drawn to theatre and she has had the fortunate opportunity to be part of six Trollwood productions. As a third grader she got her first chance on the mainstage as a member of the children’s choir in the 2008 production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” the final show at the north Fargo campus. A few years later she again earned roles in the ensembles for “Shrek the Musical,” “How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying,” and “Mary Poppins.” Jessica loved her time growing up as a Trollwood kid, “Although Mom was very busy, she always made time for me and I learned to appreciate the arts by spending so much time at Trollwood.” Last year Jessica donned a slippery green costume and roller skates to portray Jetsom, one of Ursala’s evil eels in “The Little Mermaid,” and this year she will become a personified feather duster as Babette, the enchanted castle maid, in “Beauty and the Beast.”

Jessica has also been very involved in theater and speech at Moorhead High School. She won a prestigious Minnesota Spotlight Award for her role as Kala in “Tarzan” and Ronette in “Little Shop of Horrors,” and has been recognized as one of the top speakers in the nation in original oratory. This June, she’ll be returning to the 2017 National Speech and Debate Tournament, and next year plans to attend MSUM majoring in communications. Her mother admits that being a parent to Jessica helped her gain insight for ways to greater serve students at Trollwood. “There are many kids in this community, who, like Jessica, gain so much benefit from participation in the arts, and we need to provide a variety of age appropriate programming,” Anderson says.

Certainly Anderson, her husband Jim and daughter Jessica have given a tremendous amount of time and commitment to Trollwood, but they are not unique in their dedication. As Anderson describes it, “Parents come out in droves to support not only their own children, but the entire community of young people. The adults genuinely care for the students and want what is best for each individual.”

The mission of Trollwood Performing Arts School is “to inspire those we serve through the arts to realize their full potential and be a positive influence in the global community.” Superintendent Schatz is continually impressed with Anderson’s relentless positivity and vision, “Kathy has the ability to see the big picture while simultaneously giving attention to the daily details necessary for running this venue. Under her leadership and guidance Bluestem has become a well-functioning, tremendous amenity that truly does serve our entire community.”

TO LEARN MORE about programming or ways you might connect with Trollwood and Bluestem Center for the Arts go to trollwood.org.

[ aw ]

FOOD FAVES

PORTER CREEK

In the spirit of wine country, Porter Creek features a fresh, contemporary menu. Signature dishes include fire roasted meats and rustic vegetables such as rotisserie chicken and duck, oven roasted halibut and salmon, and handcrafted flatbreads. We offer 40 wines poured by the glass, scotch and tequila flights, and a four-season outdoor bar to compliment the experience. Explore Porter Creek today!

1555 44th STREET SOUTH, FARGO 701-369-3669 | portercreek.com

The VIP ROOM

The VIP Restaurant and Catering has been serving the city of Fargo like VIP's for 24 years in the historic Block Six building at 624 Main Ave. The VIP Restaurant offers a quick affordable lunch with great service and can also cater to your private dining needs, onsite up to 60 people or offsite for parties ranging 15 people and up.  Stop in today and try our famous tomato basil soup or anything off of our rotational menu.

624 MAIN AVENUE, FARGO 701-293-1999 | fargo-vip-room.com

DOOLITTLES Woodfire Grill

Featuring woodfired rotisserie cooking, Doolittles Woodfire Grill is an experience that ignites all your senses!  The woodfired rotisserie grills meat over an open flame for a savory wood roasted flavor.  The rotation of the rotisserie creates self-basting and slow roasting skewers resulting in juicy and succulent meats.  Doolittles boasts over 40 wines by the glass.  Come as you are, Doolittles is a dining experience for all occasions.

2112 25th STREET SOUTH, FARGO 701-478-2200 | doolittles.com

the MADE MARKET

The Made Market located in the DoubleTree by Hilton in West Fargo is the best kept secret in town. Featuring simple but elegant dishes, nightly specials and a full bar that serves anything from craft beers to a broad variety of wines and spirits.  Beautiful weather is here, stop by and enjoy dinner on our patio where we will be featuring live music and a warm fire.

825 EAST BEATON DRIVE, WEST FARGO 701-551-0120

LOREN LEE'S

Loren Lee's invites you to dine with all your senses. Try Loren Lee's Fillet, succulent Sea Bass, tender Duck 2 Ways, or Lobster Mac & Cheese. Gather with friends and family to enjoy a sensual, casual dining experience. The entrées are varied but not overwhelmingly so. Reminisce and smile as you travel home after being spoiled by great service, tantalizing drinks and amazing food.

3179 BLUESTEM DRIVE, WEST FARGO 701-356-8356 | lorenlees.com

experience some of the best food and drinks in the area

RESTAURANT WEEK

The local dining scene in Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo is thriving. The area has nearly 400 restaurants and over 150 of them are uniquely local. Restaurant Week is the perfect opportunity to try a new restaurant or visit one of your favorites.

Restaurant Week first began in New York City in 1992, and has since been adopted by many communities throughout the United States as a way to showcase a destination's culinary scene.

In 2014, the Fargo-Moorhead area had its first-ever Restaurant Week. Many people loved the opportunity to try out some new restaurants, and said Fargo-Moorhead Restaurant Week should definitely happen again. So, we've decided to make it an annual event.

Go on a foodie adventure in Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo, and indulge in this event celebrating the area's culinary scene!

June 8-17, restaurants will be offering 10 days of dining deals with discounted 2-course and/or 3-course prix fixe meals.

For more information, visit fmrestaurantweek.com.

PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS:

BARBACOA

EVEREST TIKKA HOUSE

FARGO BREWING

ALE HOUSE

GREEN HOUSE CAFE

HENNESSY'S IRISH PUB

HERD AND HORNS

HI HO BURGERS AND BREWS

HOTEL DONALDSON

— HODO

INDIA PALACE

RESTAURANT

LABBY'S GRILL AND BAR

LUNA FARGO

OLD BROADWAY

RADISSON HOTEL FARGO

ROSEY'S BISTRO AND BAR

SPICY PIE PIZZA — MIDWEST REGION

THE BOILER ROOM

FARGO

THE TOASTED FROG

— FARGO

THREE LYONS PUB

TWIST

SHERMAN

FirstLink 9th ANNUAL BREAKFAST CALL 2-1-1 for HELP

Real stories of relatives and friends affected by the devastation of suicide were highlighted as FirstLink hosted its 9th annual breakfast at the Hilton Garden Inn.

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, one person dies by suicide in North Dakota every 71 hours, the leading cause of death in people age 35–44 in the state. During the program, Jenny Neset told her story of finding out her twin sister had committed suicide. “Jenny you need to come home,” her father said on the telephone. After coming home, being in shock and trying to cope with the pain, she reached out. “The first thing I did was go to FirstLink,” says Neset. “I wanted to know what I could learn, what I could do.”

FirstLink is leading the way in help, support and prevention with their 24/7 2-1-1 helpline. FirstLink has answered thousands of calls assisting our neighbors in the most vulnerable moments of their life. FirstLink now has a follow-up phone call program. In the first 24–48 hours, outpatients who are at a higher risk for relapse are called by a team member. This service has saved and served countless lives already, as the unsung heroes at FirstLink make a difference answering and making phone calls in our community.

Speakers at the event included Dr. Madelyn Gould, professor of epidemiology in psychiatry at Columbia University Medical Center; Jeff Herman, CEO of Prairie St. Johns; and Alison Trainer, ND Suicide Prevention Program Director.

You can help make a difference by donating to FirstLink so that this incredible service can continue to serve our community’s friends, family and neighbors in North Dakota and Clay County, Minnesota. In addition to providing resources, as well as listening and support, FirstLink offers a variety of suicide education and intervention trainings.

Call FirstLink anytime by dialing 2-1-1 or 701-235-7335, or visit myfirstlink.org for more information.

summer!

How enjoyable is this time for us and for our pets. But it can be a not so enjoyable time if we do not have a prevention mindset. There is a lot of information online from very questionable sources, including tips and even homemade medication for pets. The Internet can be a great source of information, but it is also a major source of misinformation. My advice is to question any information found on social media. Make sure you are reading information from a reputable veterinary organization or veterinary professional.

To keep your pets healthy this summer, you also need a lot of common sense. Always contact your veterinarian’s office if you have questions or concerns.

pet care

TICKS, FLEAS AND HEARTWORM PREVENTION:

Our pets loves outdoors, we know that. But be aware that ticks, fleas and mosquitoes are waiting for them when they venture outdoors. Ticks transmit dangerous diseases like Lyme, anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis, just to mention a few.

I’ve highlighted some information to make this season easier for you, and your pet:

HEAT EXHAUSTION:

We know that temperatures in this area can be extreme. Pets love to be outdoors and sometimes puppies in particular can’t stop playing. Keep them hydrated and never leave them in an overheated place like a car. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, hundreds of pets die every year because they are left in parked vehicles. The temperature inside your vehicle can rise 20 degrees in just ten minutes, leading to deadly temperatures. It doesn’t have to be a warm day, and cracking the windows doesn’t completely help. Think about different alternatives. For example, you can take advantage of numerous dog daycares in the area. They offer shady indoor areas and temperature-controlled indoor areas. Plus, they offer supervision. You can leave your pet for a few hours to run errands or participate in activities where your dog is not allowed. It’s also a great opportunity for your dog to socialize. Make sure that your pet is current on all vaccinations and that the daycare facility is strict about their vaccination policy.

Fleas are very uncomfortable for pets and if they are not controlled soon enough can lead to severe dermatitis and in the worst case scenario, where the infestation is uncontrolled: anemia. Pets can also become infected with certain types of tapeworms if they eat fleas that carry tapeworm eggs. Heartworms, according to the American Veterinary Association and the American Heartworm Association are a geographically a potential threat in every state. Once your pet gets heartworm disease, it is a serious condition. The best you can do for your pet it is prevention with a monthly dose of adulticide.

Replenish your supply of monthly preventive medication, and keep a current prescription from your veterinarian.

INTOXICATION WITH RODENTICIDES:

As mice populations increase worldwide, so do sales of rodenticides. These products are highly poisonous to any animal that ingests it. Unfortunately, they can also be used to intentionally poison domestic animals. If you don’t trust the area where you and your pet enjoy the outdoors, take walks with a short leash, and get to know neighbors to find out if rodenticides are used in your area. Ingesting rodenticides is potentially life-threatening to pets.

TRAINING:

Because you will be enjoying the outdoors more with your dog, make sure your dog is trained to obey basic commands like “sit,”“stay,” “no” and “come.” If your dog learns them properly, you can avoid inconvenient situations like dog bites or fighting between dogs. Teach them in a fun way. Along with learning discipline, it’ll create a greater bond between you and your pet. If you have limitations, like time or inexperience, there are several obedience school for dogs in the area that offer great training. Keep in mind that you will need to be present at the classes, or, if you have kids, you can designate one of them to be part of the training.

Enjoy this beautiful time of the year with your family and pets. And, as always, be a responsible pet owner.

Patricia Diaz Baasch

Born and raised in Bogota, Colombia, Diaz Baasch obtained a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the National University of Colombia. She came to Minnesota nine years ago, and at that time worked mainly with dairy cows. She now works with small animals as an assistant at the Detroit Lakes Animal Hospital. She is working to fulfill her dream of becoming certified in the U.S., and loves to spend time with her beloved husband, also pet lover. They have four crazy cats.

SOMETIMES ANGELS

homewardonline.org

facebook.com/HomewardAnimalShelter 1201 28th Ave N | Fargo 701-239-0077

Homeward Animal Shelter is a local and community-funded, nonprofit animal shelter. Its mission is: “Rescue. Shelter. Protect. Rehome.” It provides a second chance at happiness to lost, abandoned and owner-surrendered animals and educates the community in the proper, loving and kind treatment of animals.

choose fur instead of wings. These are just a few of our furry angels awaiting their forever homes.

LEO

PETRA

DELTA by MARRIOTT

formerly the Ramada | 1635 42nd Street South, Fargo

There will

appetizers and a cash bar along with a short program. Come enjoy music and fun while helping those affected by suicide.

BE A PART OF THE TRADITION

Enroll Now 2017-18 School Year For information or a tour call 701-893-3271 • jp2schools.org

We are a community that inspires excellence through faith, learning, and service.

jp2schools.org 3 yr old Little Deacons - 12th Grade

ALL THINGS WOMAN

— 2017 SPECIAL EVENTS —

4th of July Celebration · July 4

Pioneer Days · August 19 & 20

Ghost Tours · October weekends

Christmas on the Prairie · December 2

Christmas Dinner & Concert · December 3

Fun for the Whole Family!

1351 West Main Avenue, West Fargo, ND 701-282-2822

Note: All events are subject to change. Confi rm dates and times before attending.

JUNE JULY

JUNE 5

TROLLWOOD BOX OFFICE OPENS

for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Tickets available at the Trollwood box office, trollwood.org or 218-477-6502.

10:00 AM

Bluestem Center for the Arts

801 50th Ave S | Moorhead

JUNE 10

SHARE A STORY FAMILY LITERACY EVENT

Kids and parents are invited to SHARE A STORY, a free family event that encourages literacy and fun. Kids can get a photo with PBS Kids character Jet from "Ready Jet Go!" and sing and dance along with stage acts, hear stories from different cultures, do art and science projects, play with the Fargo Fire Department Knock-down House, get free lunch and books, and much more.

9:30 AM – 3:30 PM

Rheault Farm

2902 25th St S | Fargo prairiepublic.org/events

JUNE 15

CURRENTS: CONVERSATIONS ON WATER

Wren Walker Robins: Exploring the Intersections of Science, Spirit, and Water

This series of conversations explores the social, ecological, and poetic power of water, inspired by Truman Lowe’s exhibition Cultural Confluence. Free and open to the public.

6:00 – 7:00 PM

Plains Art Museum

704 First Ave N | Fargo

701-551-6100

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

JUNE 28

SUN CELEBRATION

Join us for an outdoor family picnic and experience a wide variety of performances from the entire roster of Trollwood summer programs. It’s summer fun for the whole family. For tickets call 218-477-6502 or visit the front desk. Quantities limited.

$8 IN ADVANCE, $10 AT THE DOOR

5:00 – 10:00 PM

Bluestem Center for the Arts

801 50th Ave S | Moorhead

JULY 11–16

Gooseberry Park Players presents JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT.

With theatrical hits such as “Close Every Door,” “Go Go Joseph,” and “Any Dream Will Do,” Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Weber is one of the most enduring musicals of all time. Gooseberry will tell this timeless story in a new modern light.

7:30 PM

Hansen Theatre, MSUM

1104 7th Ave S | Moorhead gooseberryparkplayers.org

JULY 14, 15, 18–22, 25–29

TROLLWOOD MAINSTAGE MUSICAL:

DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Trollwood Performing Arts School is proud to present Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. “Be our guest” for a live musical experience you won’t want to miss! Group ticket sales open now.

8:30 PM

Bluestem Center for the Arts

801 50th Ave S | Moorhead

Tickets at trollwood.org or 218-477-6502

JULY 22

MOMENTUM DANCE CONVENTION

Founded in 2013, MOMENTUM Dance Convention was created to bring dancers from around the region to dance together to learn from experienced instructors. The convention has classes for mini/junior, teen and senior level dancers. Classes range from ballet, tap, musical theater, jazz, contemporary and more. For details and registration visit momentumdanceconvention.com.

Bluestem Center for the Arts

801 50th Ave S | Moorhead

musiC By AlAn menken

lyriCs By howArd AshmAn & tim riCe

Book By lindA woolverton

July 14, 15, 18-22, 25-29 • 8:30pm

July 15 & July 21

Bluestem Center for the Arts

tiCkets www.trollwood.org

reservAtions & Group sAles 218-477-6502

GenerAl Admission on sAle June 5 and at the gate

Originally Directed by Robert Jess Roth | Originally Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions direCted By miChAel wAllinG

JUNE 7-10

HAPPY HARRY'S RIBFEST

It's back! Happy Harry's RibFest at the FARGODOME and we are excited for this year's entertainment line up. Hitting the stage on June 7: Collective Soul; June 8: Night Ranger; June 9th: Diamond Rio; June 10: Little Texas. ADMISSION $5 AT THE GATE.

11:00 – 11:00 PM EACH DAY

FARGODOME

1800 North University Drive | Fargo happyharrysribfest.com

JUNE 19-20

ALL CITY WOMEN’S GOLF TOURNAMENT

JUNE 8-17

RESTAURANT WEEK

Go on a foodie adventure with 10 days of dining deals at some of the best local culinary establishments in the Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo area. 701-282-3653

fmrestaurantweek.com

Women with a handicap compete in a two-day event. For more information call Kari at the Fargo Country Club 701-237-6746. Sign up at Edgewood, Fargo Country Club or online find entry form at golfwithlisa.com.

8:00 AM

Edgewood Golf Course and Fargo Country Club Fargo

JULY 30

PIE & ICE CREAM SOCIAL 35th Pie and Ice Cream Social. Homemade pie, ice cream, lemonade and coffee for $5.

1:00 – 4:00 PM

First Congregational UCC Church 406 8th St S | Moorhead 218-236-1756

JUNE 9 & JULY 14

DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENING

Early Intervention Partners free developmental screening. Any age or concern. Walkins welcome, appointments appreciated.

8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Pediatric Therapy Partners Building

3060 Frontier Way S | Fargo 701-364-3945

JUNE 17

CCRI SUPERHERO 5K & SIDEKICK YOUTH RUN

This family-friendly event is perfect for runners, casual walkers, people of all abilities and children of all ages. Start a team and recruit friends and family to join you, or register as an individual. There will be a costume contest, free picnic, and family activities. Make your miles count while supporting kids and adults with disabilities. SuperHero support makes the difference between a house and a home, a van ride and an adventure, a gathering and a celebration, an existence and a life. Join us to provide opportunities that help people with disabilities achieve their potential and thrive as members of our community.

5:30 PM REGISTRATION OPENS

6:15 PM SIDEKICK YOUTH RUN

6:25 PM COSTUME CONTEST

6:30 PM SUPERHERO 5K FUN RUN

Gooseberry Park

100 22nd Ave S | Moorhead creativecare.org

JUNE 21

WOMEN’S FUND BREAKFAST RISE UP: SIDELINES TO CENTER COURT

Join us for breakfast and discover how local nonprofits are transforming lives of women and girls in our community. Keynote speaker Amy Ruley will share her message on leadership. This fundraising event supports the mission of the FM Area Foundation Women’s Fund of improving the quality of life for all people by enriching the lives of women and girls in the Fargo-Moorhead area communities. Tickets $40. Visit womensfundbreakfast.eventbrite.com.

7:30 – 9:00 AM

Courtyard By Marriott

1080 28th Ave S | Moorhead

JUNE 22

SANFORD MEDICAL CENTER FARGO COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE

Join Sanford Health to see firsthand how health care in our region will change forever with the opening of the new medical center. Bring the whole family for tours, games and fun. Parking is limited. Free shuttel services will be provided from Scheels Arena.

10:00 AM — 8:00 PM

NEW Sanford Medical Center Fargo

5225 23rd Ave S | Fargo sanfordhealth.org

JUNE 25–26

ROGER MARIS CELEBRITY GOLF

TOURNAMENT

The 34th Annual Roger Maris Charity Golf Tournament will take place June 25–26 at Rose Creek Golf Course. To view the schedule of events or to register to golf, visit rogermarisgolf.com. Proceeds support Hospice of the Red River Valley, Shanley High School and the Sanford Roger Maris Cancer Center.

Rose Creek Golf Course | Fargo

JUNE 27

GO HAWAIIAN FOR HOSPICE

Choice Financial invites the community to “Go Hawaiian for Hospice.” Join us for the fifth annual luau lunch. For a suggested donation of $5, attendees will feast on a pig roast, baked potato, fresh pineapple, Hawaiian Punch and a frozen treat. All proceeds directly benefit Hospice of the Red River Valley. See you at the luau!

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Choice Financial, 4501 23rd Ave S | Fargo

JUNE 8 & JULY 20

MUSIC MONTAGE

Join in an interactive evening of music outside on the park plaza. An open mic format invites talented local musicians to perform to a crowd of all ages. Get your shot up on the stage or just enjoy the up and coming talent in our community.

7:00 – 9:00 PM

Great Northern Park

JUNE 11

CLASSICAL MUSIC FESTIVAL

Experience the sounds of excellence while enjoying a wonderful afternoon outside. Listen to free performances from the FM Kicks Jazz Band, Fargo Moorhead Choral Artists, Lake Agassiz Concert Band Post Traumatic Funk Syndrome and Penny and Pals. Try your luck in the “Music Listening Contest” and experience the “Instrument Petting Zoo.” This event also features additional family activities and concessions.

1:00 – 6:00 PM

Rheault Farm

CONCERT IN THE PARK

Local bands will entertain families with lively music. Get your face painted, jump in the bouncy castle and take home a craft project. This is a free event and there will be limited concessions for sale.

JUNE 14, Trollwood Park

JUNE 28, Village West Park with Dog Park (Band: Someday Hero)

JULY 12, Roosevelt Park (Band: Ditching Delmer)

JULY 26, Island Park (Band: Winter Park)

7:00 – 8:30 PM

JUNE 16

TEDDY BEAR PARADE

The Teddy Bear Parade is held at Island Park. VFW Post 762 will lead the parade with their Honor Guard and hand out flags. In 2016, over 500 kids and adults walked the short half-mile course with their favorite Teddy Bear Buddy. Bring a canned food item to benefit the Great Plains Food Bank and decorate your wagon, bike or stroller. FREE REGISTRATION 10:00 AM, PARADE 10:30 AM

Dike West

JUNE 16

MIDWEST KID FEST

Island Park will be filled with music, laughter, and bright colors as children play and learn. The fest hosts 30 interactive educational booths, many carnival games, an entertainments stage, petting zoo, inflatables, and strolling entertainment. FREE

11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Island Park

JUNE 21

SKATE BOARDING DAY

Come out for the annual Skateboarding Day where you can celebrate with free food and pop while supplies last. Enjoy a day of skateboarding with your friends and listening to music.

4:00 – 5:30 PM | Dike West

JUNE 25

BMX JAM

Bikers, show off your tricks at the BMX Jam. Twin Cities 3rd Lair will judge the competition and show off their skills. Skill levels: beginners, intermediate and advance. The top three in each age group will go home with awesome prizes. Equipment required: bike and helmets.

1:00 PM

Dike West

JULY 9

SUMMER GRIND

Come out and win great prizes while showing off your skills! Equipment: Bring your own skateboard and helmet. Helmets are required to compete in the event.

4:30 PM

Dike West

PEPSI APPRECIATION DAY

Free pool admission all day. Free Pepsi products and hot dogs will be served at the beginning of the first session while supplies last.

JUNE 26, Island Park Pool

JUNE 28, Southwest Recreational Pool

JUNE 27, Northside Recreational Pool

JUNE 29, Davies Recreational Pool

JULY 10, Madison Pool and Splash Pad

JUNE 12

TROUT FEST

Youth age 15 and under will learn about fly fishing, casting, entomology, conservation, equipment demonstrations, and more at Trout Fest. An awards presentation will follow the derby. Trout Fest is a catch and release event. Bring your own rod and reel. Night crawlers are provided. Complimentary Pepsi products available, while supplies last. Adult supervision is recommended.

REGISTRATION 5:30 PM, DERBY 6:15 PM

Woodhaven North Park and Fishing Pond

TIME: 1:30 – 4:30 PM (or 5:00 PM at some locations) and 6:00 – 8:00 PM

WATERAMA

Spend an afternoon having fun with water. Play water games and do all sorts of activities that involve water and getting wet.

JULY 10, Madison Park

JULY 31, Clara Barton Park

NOON – 3:00 PM

PARK IT!

Meet the Xcellent Art staff at the park and create take home arts and crafts. The fun travels weekly to different neighborhoods. All supplies provided. This program is free thanks to a grant from Xcel Energy. Adult supervision required. FREE

JUNE 8, Village West Park with Dog Park

JUNE 15, Brunsdale Park

JUNE 22, Bennett Park

JUNE 29, Roosevelt Park

JULY 6, Jefferson West Park

DATE: JULY 13, Clara Barton Park

JULY 20, Elephant/Percy Godwin Park

JULY 27, Kennedy Park

1:00 – 4:00 PM

PARTY IN THE PARK

Join us in a different park each Tuesday night for an evening of family fun. Sing your favorite karaoke song, play in the bounce house, create a craft project, get your face painted and take home a balloon animal. Enjoy free hot dogs and Pepsi products while supplies last. All are welcome.

JUNE 6, Roosevelt Park

JUNE 13, Clara Barton Park

JUNE 20, Osgood School Park

JULY 11, Westgate Park

JULY 18, Bennett Park

JULY 25, Trollwood Park

5:30 – 8:00 PM

JULY 29 GERMAN FOLK FESTIVAL

Dance and socialize with German music. Additional German American stage performance held throughout the day. Explore German displays, presentations and crafts. German/ American foods available for purchase.

11:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Rheault Farm

MOVIE NIGHT

Bring a blanket, pillow or lawn chair and enjoy a starlit night of fun. The featured film will be announced closer to the event date. The fun starts when the sun goes down and the show starts. Complimentary popcorn and Pepsi products will be available while supplies last.

JUNE 19, Island Park

JUNE 26, Trollwood Park

JULY 10, Island Park

JULY 31, Island Park

TIME: DUSK

LISA SCHWINDEN PGA Head Professional

CHELSEA THORSON

OCCUPATION: Owner / Director, Make Room ROLE MODELS

My sisters, my mom, my grandmas and my great-grandmothers all are, and were, strong, creative women. Nobody ever really told me, "You can be anything you want," but I witnessed them being just that.

IN THE NOW

My commutes to and from work are majorly meditative. I bike or walk all year long, taking the time to breathe and be present before entering into a workday or before returning home.

CLOSET MUSICIAN

I love music, singing and playing instruments, but I have never really performed for anyone besides my cats in the last 10 years.

IT'S HER BUSINESS

A wise businesswoman friend of mine always says that taking risks is fi ne, as long as you can aff ord to lose.  So I never put myself in a situation in business where I'd be devastated by the losses. I haven't borrowed a dime, and I have gotten most of my supplies and tools from friends.

THE APPLE DOESN'T FALL FAR

My grandma Shirley is my hero, and I hope I end up just like her. She is strong, creative, a little goofy, and defi nitely marches to the beat  of her own drum.

"THERE'S NO SUCH THING AS A NON-CREATIVE PERSON"

…there's just a person who has not yet learned to trust their own inner creativity. It’s necessary for survival, and you wouldn't be here if it weren't for your creative ancestors. Young and old, we all have a story to tell, and art can help us communicate about ourselves and our world in a way that language can't.

HELLO FUTURE

UNPARALLELED PEDIATRIC SPECIALTY CARE

NEW SANFORD MEDICAL CENTER

• Only Level II Pediatric Trauma Center in North Dakota

• Only Level IV NICU in North Dakota

• Private NICU and PICU rooms

• Over 20 specialties

This is where compassion, expertise and technology all meet to provide you and your child with advanced care when you need it most.

OPEN JULY 25

sanfordhealth.org/hellofuture

Scott Engum, MD Pediatric Surgeon

“The new hospital takes care to the next level.”

SCOTT ENGUM, MD, PEDIATRIC SURGEON