Preventive screenings detected Nicole Rude’s cancer at 38. She expected complicated paperwork, sleepless nights and worrying about bills. To her surprise, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota helped her stay focused on getting well, and today she’s one-year cancer-free.
I was expecting a battle. Instead, I got a partnership.
Essentia Health is a certified comprehensive stroke center in North Dakota; the highest level of stroke certification available.
BALANCE:
Is their balance or coordination suddenly gone?
FACE: Does their face look uneven?
SPEECH:
Does their speech sound strange?
EYES: Did their vision suddenly change?
ARM: Does their arm drift down?
TIME: Every second brain cells die, call 911.
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 contributors showcased in this issue. Learn more about these and our other contributors at areawomanmagazine.com
Kristy grew up in Buhl, Minnesota, and graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead. She spent 16 years in the banking industry. After moving to her husband Kevin’s family farm, she has had the privilege to be a stay-at-home mom, a title she is proud to wear. It has given her time to pursue a career in writing. With two sons, Nick and Tyler, the family keeps busy attending their activities. Their family spends time golfing, snow skiing and mowing a large yard.
photographer
Lindsay is a full-time family, wedding, and birth photographer in the FM area. When she’s not behind a camera, she’s reading, sewing, and chasing her busy 4-year-old. She single-handedly keeps Caribou Coffee in business.
Our cover story was written by Kristi and photographed by Lindsay Kaye, page 64
Lindsay is the editor of the website Pink and Navy Stripes, a lifestyle and fashion blog. She loves to help others take the latest fashion trends and make them wearable. Lindsay and her husband have three little girls.
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. BOB 95 with Chris, John and Cori in the morning.
Megan is a NICU registered nurse with a passion for food, fitness & furry friends. She is a graduate of Concordia College and enjoys exploring the FM area with her fiancé and family.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Siri is a former Miss Minnesota, media personality, and current RN health coach at Sanford Health. She focuses on helping people living their best life possible and enjoys gourmet cooking, hot yoga, and the occasional (vegan) burger.
celebrating all things woman
publisher
AREA WOMAN PUBLISHING, LLC
editor in chief
JON-MICHAEL SHERMAN
proofing editor
JILL OCKHARDT BLAUFUSS
art director
MEGAN ELGIN
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MIKE SHERMAN 701-306-5119
DEBBIE TROMBLEY 701-729-1910
JON-MICHAEL SHERMAN 701-306-1288
photography
5FOOT20 DESIGN LOUNGE
ABBY ANDERSON EXPRESSIONS BY ASHTON PHOTOGRAPHY
JILL OCKHARDT BLAUFUSS
LINDSAY KAYE PHOTOGRAPHY
LINCOLN NYBLADH PHOTOGRAPHY
MIKE SMITH
SCHERLING PHOTOGRAPHY
STACY KENNEDY TRUE EXPRESSIONS, KELSEY BUCHHOLZ
iving in Fargo for the last four years has made me appreciate the warmer months more. I am sure you can relate to this too. So at the first sign of warmth, most of us want to go outside and enjoy the sun.
With prolonged exposure to the sun there comes the painful sunburn, brown spots, skin irritation and such. To protect our skin from these adverse effects, today we are going to talk about eight easy ways to have a sun-safe summer.
In the summer we like to choose light-colored, lightweight and loosely-woven fabrics. But unfortunately, these do not offer much sun protection. Clothing made of tightly-woven fabric is best to protect our skin from the sun.
How do you test if a fabric can protect your skin? Hold it up to the light. If you can see through it, then UV radiation can penetrate the fabric and your skin. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, sarongs, long maxi dress and cover up any exposed areas from the sun as much as possible.
We often forget four areas of our body to protect from the sun: the tops of the ears, the back of the neck, hands and feet. Did you know, 80 percent of skin cancers occur on the head, neck and hands? Scary, I know!
Try bucket, outback or tightly woven canvas hats, oversized sunglasses, and umbrellas. These are cute and essential for sun protection. To protect your hands and feet, apply a good amount of sunscreen.
Although you need to use sunscreen all year round, during the summer this is a must. Think of it like this: your body needs food and water, and, just like that, it also needs sunscreen when exposed to the sun.
Choose a non-comedogenic sunscreen with a higher SPF, even if it's cloudy outside. Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen.
Apply it to your entire body at least 20 to 30 minutes before sun exposure to allow the skin to absorb it.
If you wear makeup, choose products with SPF for additional defense.
The sun can burn the sensitive skin on the lips. So use a lip product with SPF as well.
Can you apply sunscreen before going out and forget about it for the rest of the day? Nope.
You have to reapply it every 2–3 hours — more often if you're sweating or getting wet. A great way to reapply sunscreen is if you choose a product in powder or spray form. Like Derma E Sun Protection Mineral Powder SPF 30 or Kate Somerville UncompliKated SPF 50 Soft Focus Makeup Setting Spray. These are great for reapplication.
Repeat with me: “I shall not sunbathe.”
Sunbathing, along with tanning oils, enhances the effects of ultraviolet rays and creates serious sunburn and skin damage. If you must be tan, use specially-made products for self-tanning; which brings us to the next point.
Tanning beds, tanning booths and sunlamps are nothing but the enemy to our skin. These increase the chance of skin damage and cancer. Use self-tanning products like Vita Liberata Fabulous Self-Tanning Lotion, Jergens Natural Glow Firming Daily Moisturizer or St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse.
The sun's rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Stay indoors during this time. Plan your outdoor activities early in the morning or later in the afternoon. If you must be outdoors, use protective measures mentioned above.
Some specific types of antibiotics (tetracycline), anti-inflammatories, antifungals, blood pressure medications, and chemotherapies increase skin sensitivity and risk of sunburn. So it’s wise to consult with your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking medications.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in the United States. But a day in the sun doesn't have to risk your health. By being smart about the sun and protecting yourself from the ultraviolet light you are going to lower the risk factor tremendously.
The team of experts at Sanford Reproductive Medicine has been focused on making the dream of parenthood come true for couples for more than 20 years. Our success rates consistently rank higher than the national average. And with outreach and telehealth services, we can help couples throughout the region.
keyword: RMI.
Our summer issue is chock full of inspiration from our favorite area stores, with summer colors and ideas to brighten even the dreariest of days. From rompers and dresses to destructed and embellished denim, floral and tropical prints, and all shades of the rainbow from pink to blue — take a peek at our favorite looks, then hit the streets to shop for your favorites.
FUSION BOUTIQUE
LEELA & LAVENDER Shoppes at BLU Water Creek 3265 45th St S, Suite 116, Fargo leelaandlavender.com
LEELA & LAVENDER
FUSION BOUTIQUE Inside SCHEELS Home & Hardware 3202 13th Ave S, Fargo scheelshomeandhardware.com
FUSION BOUTIQUE
MAINSTREAM BOUTIQUE 2603 Kirsten Ln S, #103, Fargo mainstreamboutique.com
MAINSTREAM BOUTIQUE
LEELA & LAVENDER
SCHEELS
4 5
MAINSTREAM BOUTIQUE
SCHEELS
4550 15th Ave S, Fargo scheels.com
6
SCHEELS
1. 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
2. MCCULLEY OPTIX GALLERY
Dior combines timeless style and current trends to make glasses and sunglasses for every woman.
Available exclusively at McCulley Optix Gallery. 2553 Kirsten Ln S, Fargo 701-373-2020 optixgallery.com
3. CENTRE FOR HAIR AND WELLNESS
Offering yet another great product line from Surface: CHAR Instantly cleanses 100 percent of unwanted elements from the surface of hair and skin, while simultaneously moisturizing, protecting color, and adding volume with texture. Simply amazing! Come see us for all your hair care needs.
Downtown Moorhead 218-236-6000
4. FOWLERS HERITAGE COMPANY
Locally made, beautiful one of a kind pieces. A perfect gift for loved ones, or for you to enjoy yourself! 210 Broadway Suite A, Fargo 701-356-7778
2. NATURAL PET CENTER
Spruce up your pet's bed with a duvet cover! Use the duvet to cover an existing bed or make a brand new bed by stuffing the duvet with old pillows, blankets or even clothing. Multiple sizes and many patterns to choose from. 3037 13th Ave S, Fargo 701-239-0110 naturalpetcenter-nd.com
2. TWYLA'S COSMETIQUE
Indulgent, on-trend lipstick shades. Hundreds of colors to choose from. Custom-blend lipsticks and lipgloss available. 2420 University Dr S, Fargo 701-282-5303
I am so glad summer is finally here! Two of my daughters have birthdays in June and it seems like they figure out a way to make the whole month their time to celebrate. One of their favorite things to do is to go to our favorite donut spot downtown. I’m sure we’ll be making it there to pick up some unicorn donuts a few times this month. Downtown is one of my favorite places to go in the summer. I love the restaurants and wandering in and out of shops. I wanted to share with you some of my favorite downtown looks.
There are so many fun places to eat downtown. I love grabbing lunch or coffee when my girls are in school. I make it a point to try and meet friends to try something new. And I love wearing a casual dress to switch things up.
A casual dress is perfect when you want something a little more dressed up than shorts. I get in the habit of not wearing them because I forget they can be casual too. I normally try to find one that has a mid to longer hem so that I can wear it all day without feeling like it’s too short. You could get a lot of use out of a jersey knit t-shirt dress as a casual dress. You can wear it with sandals, wedges or your favorite sneakers.
I love dressing up to go out to dinner with my husband. I find it fun to take the time to get ready for a night out. I like to be able to grab dinner and then go for a walk and enjoy the warm weather. We also really like to find live music. Normally when I think of dressing up it seems to always involve heels. I try to find a cute pair of wedges every summer that I can actually walk in. Finding a dress can be hard too. It’s one of those things that when you’re not looking you find the perfect one. So, if you find a dress you feel cute in, grab it!
There are so many cute stores downtown. It is fun to try and get something unique that you can’t find anywhere else, whether that be a piece of decor for my house or a cute piece of clothing. When I shop for clothes I always like to wear pants. That way if I want to try on a top, I have a pair of jeans that I know fits well. For shoes, you want to wear a pair that you can walk in comfortably. If you’re not going to go with a cute pair of sandals, look for a pair of mules or some shoes with a bow on them.
There is a certain donut shop downtown that my girls are obsessed with. I think they just feel a little bit cooler going to that location every now and again. One of my favorite casual looks is distressed jeans with a shirt that has a tie on it or a knot to keep the front part up. It’s supposed to give the look of your shirt being tucked in. I love trying to find some cheerful gingham pieces to add to my closet for summer. It is such a great pattern for swimsuits, tops, shorts or a dress. I love this backpack. It is perfect for carrying all of the items you need as a mom, but it's also so cute!
upon a time there was a boy who loved a girl, and her laughter was a question he wanted to spend his whole life answering.
— NICOLE KRAUSS, The History of LoveScherling Photography Lincoln Nybladh Photography Abby Anderson True Expressions, Kelsey Buchholz
Every spring as the snow melts and the flowers begin to bloom, I emerge from my winter hibernation and resume my exploration into all the unique events and places that the Fargo-Moorhead area has to offer. Unique coffee shops, museums and parks cover the area and I am always eager to discover a new gem. This spring, I had the opportunity to rediscover I venue I had visited years before in a new light. Bonanzaville is our very own pioneer village residing here in Fargo, North Dakota. This historical venue, known for tours and field trips, is spreading the word about another reason to take a trip into history: wedding season.
STYLE words by MEGAN DICKERSON photography provided by BONANZAVILLE
Photo: Ashley Ann Photography LLC., Breckenridge MN
Photo: Ashley Ann Photography LLC., Breckenridge MN
There are many perks to choosing a wedding in a historic village. The first is the sheer amount of space offered at the venue. Twelve acres gives couples and their guests ample space and flexibility. The site includes forty buildings including two event centers able to accommodate 350 guests, as well as four additional ceremony sites including a church, gazebo, courthouse and a beautiful front porch. The picture opportunities are endless and couples will be satisfied with all the historic charm the setting has to offer.
Another reason Bonanzaville is an excellent choice for a wedding venue is affordability. Compared to hotels and other wedding venues in the area, the village gives couples many opportunities to stretch their dollar without stretching their budget. Couples are able to choose their own catering and there is no food or beverage minimum for the event. The venue also includes many extra opportunities such as a space for gift opening the day following the wedding and a full day for decorating at no extra cost. To make the wedding planning process even easier the venue offers linens, a full decorating package, and carriage rides. Setup and tear-down is included as well.
Looking to plan your special day? Missy Warren, Bonanzaville’s event coordinator, would love to help. If the historic charm of Bonanzaville is what you desire for your special day, she will help you every step of the way. From planning the event to being on site for the full day, Warren loves helping brides bring their vision to life. Not currently planning a wedding? Bonanzaville is also a great venue for corporate events, reunions, and other special events. The venue is open year-round and is already filling dates for the remainder of the year. Schedule a tour today and find out how Bonanzaville can bring the historic charm to your special day.
on booking Bonanzaville for your wedding or event visit bonanzaville.org
RONALD H. MCLEAN
BERLY D. NELSON
ROGER J. MINCH
PETER W. ZUGER
MAUREEN HOLMAN
KASEY D. MCNARY
JANE L. DYNES
JAMES R. MARING
TIMOTHY G. RICHARD
IAN R. MCLEAN REBECCA S. THIEM
JACK G. MARCIL
VERITY HOMES’ new design studio makes home building fun again
alking into the new Inspirations by Verity, the North Dakota-based homebuilder’s new custom home design studio located on the south side of Fargo, your eye doesn’t quite know where to start. Or stop, rather. There’s so much to see. But the new state-of-the-art studio isn’t just for looking.
“Yes it’s a stunning space from the moment you walk in, but it’s really all about the customer experience,” explains Ashley Anderson, Verity Homes’ assistant sales manager and lead design consultant. “We built this space to be completely interactive, fun and immersive. Everything you see, from floor to ceiling, is an option you can put into your new home. And our displays are hands-on, so you can walk through Inspirations with your flooring samples, your kitchen cabinet samples, your paint samples, and match everything up and make sure your new home is going to come together perfectly.”
Anderson makes Inspirations by Verity sound a bit like the homebuilder’s version of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, except instead of everything being edible, everything on the walls is an available option — and every available option is on the wall. That, according to Anderson, is what really separates Verity Homes’ process from other builders.
Traditionally, a customer works with a builder to choose a floor plan, find a lot and pick out the basic finishes like exterior siding. At that point, the customer is set free and given what the industry calls an “allowance” to go purchase everything else like carpet, tile, bathroom fixtures and lighting all on their own. It can be a haphazard process, leaving the customer feeling a bit lost.
“I hear that all the time from our customers who have friends who’ve built with other builders and get a budget to go to Menards or Lowes and pick their stuff out,” Anderson says. “I can’t imagine how overwhelming that would be. You need guidance when picking things out, and that’s what we provide. Plus, when you have everything right in front of you and you can match up samples and make sure everything works together, it’s a lot less time consuming. In the end, a place like Inspirations by Verity leads to a happier, more excited homebuyer who is much more confident in their choices.”
← ARTHUR GOLDAMMER (left) and ASHLEY ANDERSON welcome you to the new Inspirations by Verity.From an early age, Arthur Goldammer, owner and CEO of Verity Homes, showed signs of his future path as a homebuilder. His favorite toys to play with growing up were all tools of the trade.
“I was known to wear a carpenter’s tool belt around the house at the ripe old age of 2,” Goldammer says. “My parent’s couldn’t keep me away from construction sites when I was a kid, and I’ve been building things ever since. I’m just lucky to have discovered my passion and even more lucky to be able to pursue it each and every day.”
Goldammer launched Verity (Latin for "honesty plus truth") about ten years ago in Bismarck, North Dakota, after a sudden realization that hit him as he sat through a business class at the University of Mary. He looked around at his peers, all future mid-level managers, and imagined what his life might look like post-graduation.
“I just couldn’t imagine spending the rest of my life sitting in a maze of cubicles in some high-rise in downtown Minneapolis,” Goldammer says. “I decided to follow my passion right then and there, and set my focus on building this company.”
Goldammer’s passion and determination has since paid off. The company is the largest by volume homebuilder in the Bismarck-Mandan area, and Verity has seen steady growth in the Fargo-West Fargo-Mapleton area since expanding eastward in 2015. The opening of Inspirations by Verity, the region’s most modern custom home design studio, will help the company further establish itself in the Fargo market and give area buyers a fresh experience.
“At the end of the day, Inspirations is all about the customer experience,” Goldammer reiterates. “That was the plan since day one more than a year ago when we first put this idea into motion. The hardest part about building your own home is all the decisions involved. Being able to simplify that process and provide the hands-on experience and expertise like we now can with this new space, it’s really going to delight our customers and make the whole process fun for all involved.”
Inspirations by Verity may have been the brainchild of Goldammer and the Verity Homes team, but knowing the kind of experience they wanted to provide for their customers, they realized they wanted that same experience for themselves. Specifically, they wanted to enjoy the help and guidance of a home design studio expert instead of struggling through the process on their own. So, they enlisted the help of Jane Meagher of Opt for Success, a nationally recognized and multi-gold award winning consultant specializing in design studios.
With Meagher’s help, Verity conducted in-depth market research that validated Goldammer’s belief that the Fargo market was thirsty for something new. The study revealed that several homebuilders in the area had studios and were doing a good job with what they had, but there was room for this vision that would become Inspirations by Verity.
“That’s our goal, that’s our target niche — to bring this higher-level experience to buyers in Fargo instead of just throwing homes out there,” Goldammer says. “We obviously wanted something to set ourselves apart, but we also wanted to prove to our customers — past, present and future — that we’re here to stay and are committed to this community.”
In the year-long planning process for Inspirations, no details were overlooked. Meagher and her consultant team wove in the latest home design and industry
trends into a layout developed from careful study of consumer and retail psychology. Together, Meagher and the Verity team created an entire system focused on customer experience.
“Jane helped us from the early stages of research and planning all the way to helping us design the exact layout so everything flows together nicely,” Anderson explains. “If things aren’t where they need to be it gets confusing for the customers. It’s got to be easy for the customer to walk through each kitchen, each bathroom, etc. to see and feel all of their options along with clear and transparent pricing. So, when our customers walk out of their selections appointment with me, they will know exactly what they’re getting and exactly how much the final cost will be.”
Early on in Verity’s history, Goldammer and his team chose to bring everything in-house to ensure every question gets answered and no surprises pop up. It’s a more intensive, hands-on approach compared to other similar-sized builders, but it gives their customers a much easier and much less stressful experience start to finish. They call it a “boutique homebuilding experience” that places the customer at the center of everything.
“We give our buyers the fun, unhurried, personal experience that you typically only find with the very high-end homebuilders — builders that will only work with customers with blockbuster budgets looking to build their second or third home, versus the new homebuyer looking to stay in the $200,000 to $400,000 range,” Goldammer explains.
Today, that process revolves around Inspirations by Verity, a truly one-stop shopping experience unmatched in the area. There customers will experience that relaxed, fun atmosphere as Anderson and her design team guide them through the process of fine-tuning and customizing their new home.
“We know our customers aren’t the experts — we are,” Anderson says. “So we developed a much more personal process here at Verity that frees us up to spend as much time as needed with each individual customer. We don’t rush anything. Instead, we let our customers guide us and allow time for contemplation — and for fun.” [ aw ]
Let’s just paint the room,” you think. Seems like an easy fix, but there are so many color choices. There are probably 50 tones each of tan, beige, gray, “griege” and brown at the paint store. Where do you start?
First of all, think about your room. Do you want to relax and chill, or is it an active play area? Color will affect the mood.
What colors in your accessories currently stand out in the room? Is there a particular color you’d like to highlight for some pop? Neutral colored walls can be accented with color for that pop. For example, blue colors are a favorite for many people because of its subtle, soothing feeling. Bright blues are more electric and stimulating, while light blues feel pensive and thoughtful. Greens remind us of nature and help us to feel calm and connected. Reds and oranges are confident, warm and welcoming. Brown tones are solid, dependable colors because of their associations
with the ground beneath us. Richer browns feel robust and inviting, while lighter neutral browns are wholesome and calming. Grays feel stylish but unobtrusive and can be used in various shades for a tonal look.
One of our favorite neutral colors from Sherwin Williams is Accessible Beige (SW7036). It’s a perfect combination of tan and gray, and leans toward the warmer tones. Another favorite is Knitting Needles (SW7672). This color is cooler and leans more toward the gray family.
Currently, there is a trend where many shades of neutral colors are used to create the soft, “tone-ontone” look. While watching trends is important, keep in mind that the environment in which you live should reflect you and not what’s currently the new look. You can elect to add just a touch of a new trending color to see if it works for your area and lifestyle.
Keep in mind that paint is not permanent and is relatively inexpensive. So, changing color in a room is an easy fix!
JULIE ERICKSON
is a partner with designingwomen2, located at 3223 13th Avenue South Fargo. She has worked in the design industry for the last 25 years. Go to designingwomen2.com to see more projects created by the team. [ aw ]
Today’s society has shifted gears when it comes to diets, lifestyle adjustments and fitness components needed to reach optimal health. There are a variety of elements to explore when deciding which plan to incorporate into your life. For example: the benefits/risks; your needs; your goals; and the potential challenges you will face. Is this a lifestyle that will be conducive to your family, schedule and mindset? Defining potential roadblocks ahead of the game can better assist you on what program or programs may work best to be successful in obtaining your goals. Let’s break down each style of eating from vegetarian, vegan, keto and paleo in terms that are easy to understand. Each of these nutritional programs has gained a huge media presence in the last couple of years due to their health benefits, different movements, and perceptions about consuming animal and plant-based foods and weight loss. Every program will have its pros and cons depending on the consumer’s needs. The key, however, is to choose a program that works best for you, your lifestyle and family. Some programs require a very strict regimen, so if you struggle with drastic changes, focus on choosing a program where you can gradually make the adjustments needed.
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
Vegetarians eliminate meat from their daily intake, however may still consume dairy products and eggs. You may have also heard of subtitles or subcategories of vegetarians such as lacto-ovo vegetarian or lacto-vegetarian. Lacto-ovo vegetarians consume milk products and eggs, whereas lacto vegetarians will consume dairy products and eliminate eggs along with all meats to stay within the vegetarian diet.
Vegans choose to eliminate any food sources that may derive from an animal. Their nutrition is strictly plant-based sources. Listed are a few items that are not part of a vegan’s nutritional plan: milk products, honey, eggs and gelatin. Neither vegetarians nor vegans eat meat.
The keto diet is a nutritional plan that incorporates high fat, adequate protein, and low carbohydrate intake. The goal of ketosis is to utilize your fat as fuel, instead of using carbohydrates as your main source of energy production. Key foods consumed on the keto diet are avocado, fatty fish, eggs, nuts, vegetables, heavy cream, salted butter, bacon, full-fat cheese and beef, to name a few.
The paleo diet focuses on eating only foods that are high in nutrients, unprocessed, and based on the foods from Paleolithic times. The belief is that with industrial agriculture, the processing of foods and domestication of animals, our bodies are unable to adapt to the modifications made, unlike in Paleolithic times when foods were in their natural state. Foods included in the paleo diet are nuts, wild plants (fruits and vegetables), fish and meat. Foods that are excluded are legumes/beans, grains, all dairy, processed sugars and high salt intake.
The diets listed above are not the only nutritional programs available; however they are just a few of the highlighted programs on the market today. Again, when choosing a program, the key is to look for eating as clean as possible. However, when you find yourself in a bind, sometimes making the healthiest choice available is essential. Provided in the link below are balanced protein, fat and carbohydrate snacks that may not be the most clean snacks, however they will keep your blood sugar in check.
HACKED SNACKS will be available for purchase at mpx.hackedsnacks.com
Physician assistant Jamie Zink has a new way to meet patients. An alert on her smartphone tells her another patient is waiting for her via an Essentia Health E-Visit.
Instead of walking into an exam room at the Essentia Health-West Fargo Clinic, Zink logs into a secure computer network. There, the experienced physician assistant reviews information that a patient has submitted by answering an online questionnaire. It asks much the same questions that Zink or a colleague would have asked as part of a clinic visit.
“The E-Visit questionnaire asks a thorough set of questions that not only helps with a diagnosis, but also makes sure that an online appointment is both appropriate and safe for this patient,” explains Zink. “I have all the information I need to make a diagnosis and offer treatment.”
Essentia E-visits are available for 20 common health concerns and take five to 10 minutes for a patient to complete. Within an hour, an Essentia Health physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner reviews the information and connects with the patient. People who are Essentia Health patients or Minnesota residents receive an email reply with a diagnosis, treatment plan and, if appropriate, a prescription. The email also includes advice on self-care measures and other information, such as a medicine’s potential side effects. North Dakota residents who aren’t Essentia Health patients have a video visit with the provider before the email is sent.
Essentia Health offers E-Visits for 20 common health concerns, which means you can get care from the comfort of your home or office. Just log in to essentiahealth.org/onlinevisit from your smartphone, tablet or computer.
An electronic visit begins with you answering an online questionnaire about your symptoms and medical history. It takes about five to 10 minutes.
An Essentia Health physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner reviews the information and responds within an hour, anytime day or night. You receive an email with your diagnosis and care plan and, if appropriate, a prescription will be sent to your pharmacy. North Dakota residents who aren’t Essentia Health patients have a video visit with the provider before the email is sent. If you need to schedule a clinic appointment to address your condition, you won’t be charged for the E-Visit.
E-Visits are available for adults, ages 18–64. An adult must start an E-Visit for patients who are age 17 or younger. An E-Visit costs $30.
ESSENTIA E-VISITS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THESE CONDITIONS:
w Acne
w Burns (minor)
w Canker or cold sore
w Cold, sinus infection, or sore throat (upper respiratory infection)
w Constipation, diarrhea and/or irritable bowel syndrome
w Diaper rash
w Eczema or dermatitis
w Female bladder infection (UTI)
w Hay fever/allergies
w Influenza (the flu)
w Lice
w Lower back pain
w Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
w Shingles
w Stye (bump or bumps on the eyelid)
w Tick bite
w Tinea (fungal skin infection)
w Tobacco cessation
w Vaginal yeast infection
“The conditions we’re treating on an E-Visit are much like what I see working walk-in care at our West Fargo Clinic,” Zink says. “The questionnaire itself helps determine if a patient needs to be seen instead at a clinic because I can’t make a diagnosis without a physical examination or something else, like a lab test.”
Since she began working on E-Visits last November, Zink says her most frequent diagnoses have been sinus infections and bladder infections.
“Many patients know what they had before and now are having the same symptoms,” she explains. One helpful feature, especially when it comes to rashes and pink eye, allows a patient to submit a photograph to help with a diagnosis.
“If there’s any ambiguity and we can’t confirm symptoms, we’ll recommend that you be seen at a clinic to make sure you get appropriate care,” Zink explains. “You’re not charged for that E-Visit so it’s always OK to go through the questionnaire and process.”
As last winter’s flu season peaked, patients used E-Visits to share their symptoms and get expert advice on whether they had the flu and needed a prescription or were at risk for complications. “A nice thing about an E-visit is that when you’re feeling really bad, you stay home and have an appointment,” Zink says. “And during influenza season, patients with other illnesses don’t have to come into a clinic where we’re treating flu patients.”
Zink sees many benefits for patients. E-Visits are available 24/7 by simply logging on with a computer, tablet or smartphone. Not only are they convenient, they save time traveling to an appointment and waiting to see a provider.
If only he’d listened to me SOONER!
A nice thing about an E-visit is that when you’re feeling really bad, you stay home and have an appointment.”
— physician assistant jamie zink —
when I was a little girl I wanted to grow up to be a confident woman.
Naturally, I looked to the women around me to find examples of what confidence meant. Before long I had some lofty goals.
First of all, I needed to wear fancy socks. My best friend’s mom always wore beautiful trouser socks. My socks came in a plastic bag. If I was going to be a confident woman, I needed to invest in fancy socks.
Second, I had to be quiet and calm like my mother. She didn’t raise her voice very often and was cool under pressure. I was the opposite of quiet. I was artistic and emotional. That would have to change if I wanted to be a confident woman.
Finally, I needed to be pretty. I saw beautiful women all around me, and they seemed like the most confident women I knew. I was sure I needed to be beautiful to be confident.
Oh, goodness! I was convinced confidence was within my grasp if I was pretty, calm, quiet and wore beautiful socks. Now at the ripe old age of 36, I know better. Here is what I’ve learned.
Cultivate your confidence at the next Beautiful Wholeness event, August 25, Holiday Inn, Fargo. DETAILS
RAYCHEL CHUMLEY
is funny, wise and tells it like it is. She is a gifted teacher who helps women recognize and change unhealthy behaviors in unique ways. She is a speaker, author, certified life coach and president of Big Blue Couch Coaching. Raychel rocks the mom life in North Dakota with her three children and her fur baby, Bela.
It turns out you don’t need to wear fancy socks to prove you have your life together. A confident woman is genuine and sincere. She doesn't surrender to perfectionism, but works with excellence in everything she does. Authenticity speaks volumes.
I’ve learned you can be assertive and calm at the same time. A confident woman tells the truth, embraces her creativity and speaks her mind. She learns how to speak up for herself and others when the time is right. Confidence can't be quiet in the face of injustice.
Audrey Hepburn said, “The happiest girls are the prettiest girls.” A confident woman learns to let things go. Bitterness makes for ugliness inside and out. Confident women forgive what needs to be forgiven and get over the things they cannot change. This is what makes them prettier.
I’ve learned so much about confidence in the past decade. I chuckle now when I look back at my childish ideals. Clearly, confidence and outward beauty went hand-in-hand back then. Thankfully, that is not the truth! What really makes you confident is what is on the inside, however cliché it sounds. Practice being authentic, speaking your mind, and letting things go. You will become a more confident woman.
kallodcarpet.com
Abigail Vetter had every intention of becoming an astronaut. The Florida native began her career as an environmental engineer and then started pursuing a master’s degree in space studies. While attending school in North Dakota, her life changed trajectory. She married a North Dakota boy, happily had four children and was a stay-athome mom for a decade.
Then, her little girl, Caroline, changed everything. Vetter’s third child had a rare and severe neurometabolic disorder. “She spent her whole life going in and out of hospitals,” says Vetter. “So much was rare and difficult to understand. I had to learn a lot about it in order to educate the physicians that were caring for her and to advocate for her to make sure she got the care she needed.”
Vetter found challenges and purpose within the journey, even through the difficult loss of her child at age 5 1/2. After taking time to grieve and focus on family, Vetter’s husband encouraged her to think about the future.
“Would you consider going back to be a nurse? I think you would enjoy it,” she remembers her husband saying. She was reticent at first.
“Well, I’ll just take a class or two,” she recalls thinking. “And the next thing I know, I was enrolled in nursing school,” she says, laughing. “I don’t ever remember making the decision that this was what I was going to do. It just kind of happened.”
She took things step-by-step, starting as a nurse aide. Then she achieved an associate degree in nursing. She studied more and achieved her bachelor of science in nursing degree, working in pediatric critical care and neonatal intensive care. “I got to work side-by-side with a lot of nurses and physicians who took care of Caroline,” says Vetter, “so that was really meaningful.”
Vetter took her passion to help others a step further. She went back to school again to become a pediatric nurse practitioner. “I wouldn’t have been able to do it if I didn’t have an absolutely fantastic supportive husband and family,” she says, mentioning that her youngest child has no recollection
of a time that her mother wasn’t in school. Vetter is now pursuing her doctorate degree in nursing.
“Sometimes I’m at the table doing homework and the kids are around doing theirs. That’s just what we do,” she says.
Vetter also teaches future nurses at North Dakota State University and works part-time as a pediatric hospitalist, caring for children and their families. “So I get to go there when I’m not here and take care of children, and I just love it.”
“Get to” is a phrase that Vetter often uses. Despite her busy schedule, there is never any mention of “have to” in her conversations.
In the past, she also volunteered with Make-AWish and HOPE Inc., both of which help children and their families.
“I feel that when we needed the help, there were so many people around us to help. We were given so much in our time of need,” says Vetter. “So for me to be able to give back and do those same things for other families, it’s important to give back.”
Vetter also has advice for anyone going back to school and juggling family, work and studies. “Resist the urge to compare yourself to others,” she says. “Focus on the few steps in front of you to avoid becoming overwhelmed. I took it one semester at a time, one class at a time, and often one day at a time,” says Vetter, who also recommends a stress outlet. “Nothing helps to decrease that more than laughter and spending time with those we care about.”
The North Dakota Nursing Students’ Association named Vetter the Nurse Educator of the Year in 2018. She also takes nursing students on self-funded medical mission trips to countries such as Haiti and Belize so they can experience transcultural nursing.
“Abigail teaches students lessons that books don’t offer,” says NDSU nursing student Lauren Gietzen. “She is an inspiration to many and reminds students that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible if you believe and set goals for yourself.”
Vetter encourages others to consider a nursing career. “There are so many ways to become a nurse and there are so many things you can do,” she says. “And you don’t have to be one thing within nursing.”
Curiosity, organization, compassion and determination are some of the qualities that Vetter believes make an exceptional nurse. North Dakota Labor Market Information Center projections estimate more than 4,000 openings for registered nurses in the state through 2024.
North Dakota State University offers nursing programs including online educational opportunities to part- and full-time students and working professionals. More information is available at ndsu.edu/nursing.
Abigail Vetter forged her own unconventional path to nursing and encourages others to find their passion.
“Caroline taught us a lot of lessons and showed me who I needed to be and what I needed to do with the rest of my life,” says Vetter. “Being a small part of educating future nurses and assisting them to reach their fullest potential is a significant part of my life’s journey. For that, and the little girl that helped me get there, I will be forever grateful.” [
there is no shortage of news stories and warnings dedicated to cautioning parents about the risks of juveniles using a cell phone and/or social media. Warnings are good, but information is even better. The intersection between technology and the law is a moving target. Technology evolves and the law does its best to “catch up.” Staying informed could prevent a youth from finding him or herself in the criminal justice system marred by a conviction/ adjudication or label that follows him or her into adulthood. While 86 percent of teens say that they have received general advice around online use from their parents, researchers at Common Sense Media found 30 percent of teens who are online believe their parents know “a little” or “nothing” about the social media apps and sites they use. Here is a smidgen of what you ought to know:
Anything and everything online is there forever. Our children, teenagers and young adults need to be told over and over again that every tweet, “like,” and photograph becomes an endless record that, as of today, cannot be erased. Just one post, message, photograph, “like” or tweet can derail a career, an education, and/or relationships. Just last year, at least 10 students accepted to Harvard had their offers rescinded after the administration discovered offensive Facebook meme posts in a “private” group. A private group may seek to limit who can see posts and messages, but in reality many private groups often are managed by one person who allows access to hundreds of unknown and unidentified individuals. There are endless stories of students suspended from high school as a result of social media use. While many of those suspensions were later overturned in lawsuits contending that the
social media was protected speech under the First Amendment, these students endured a suspension from school, a disruption to their education, and media attention that no vindication in court will ever erase. This topic would not be complete without the mention of the infamous screenshot. Your child may believe that a post or photograph has been removed, but in all likelihood someone took a screenshot. A joking threat posted online and removed within minutes can still result in law enforcement at your front door.
One of the most dangerous behaviors by young folk today is the sending and receiving of sexually explicit photographs and videos (i.e., sexting). The current research suggests that
one out of every five seventeen-year-olds has sent an explicit image of themselves to someone else during their lifetime. Should your child send such a photograph or video, it could be considered dissemination of child pornography. And if your child should receive such a photograph or video, it could be considered possession of child pornography. There are serious criminal consequences, including sex offender registration, if a prosecutor decides to prosecute a juvenile for distributing a sexually explicit image or video of him or herself or another person. And, it is not a defense to possession/distribution child pornography that the juvenile consented to the activity. Sexting and other online activity can lead to cyber bullying and/or harassment. There are criminal penalties, as well as educational consequences for bullying and/or harassing.
Cell phones and driving do NOT mix, but all too often our children have witnessed adults using cell phones while driving. In both North Dakota and Minnesota, drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using any electronic communications devices, including cell phones, while driving a motor vehicle. A juvenile cannot use a cell phone to talk, compose, read, or send an electronic message when a vehicle is in motion or a part of traffic unless the sole purpose is to obtain emergency assistance, to prevent a crime about to be committed, or in the reasonable belief that an individual’s life or safety is in danger. According to Minnesotan for Safe Driving, distracted driving accounts for 20% of crashes a year – resulting in 70 deaths and over 350 injuries in Minnesota alone. The message is simple – put down the phone.
There are hundreds of apps that are downright dangerous for juveniles. The app Yubo (formerly Yellow) is called the “Tinder for kids” because it is marketed to 13- to 17-year-olds as a way to make friends, but it allows kids to swipe left or right to “hook-up.” Law enforcement departments have even issued warnings regarding this app. The app Sarahah, while not available from Apple and Google stores, allows users to send anonymous direct messages to friends through other apps such as Snapchat. This app has been dubbed the “number one cyberbullying app.”
In summary, have continuing dialogues with your children about social media and their cell phone use. Keep yourself informed, know what your children are doing online, and be a good example for your children.
Attorney Jade Rosenfeldt provides a wide range of legal services to clients in criminal defense and family matters. Her areas of specialty include:
Criminal Defense / Expungements Divorce / Paternity / Child Custody
Jade is very active in the community. She is currently the Vice-President of the Clay County Bar Association, a member of Moorhead Rotary Club, and sits on a variety of boards for local organizations.
is a member of the Criminal Defense and Family Law practice groups at Vogel Law Firm. She provides a wide range of services to clients in both criminal and domestic matters. For more information call 218-236-6462 or visit vogellaw.com.
Phoebe and Madalyn are twins but they are as different as two 15-month-old girls can be. Rambunctious, sweet and total Daddy’s girls, they have brought a whirlwind of joy and happiness to their parents, Stephanie and Norman Tupper.
But the path to becoming parents wasn’t always clear for this North Dakota couple. The Tuppers aren’t alone. In fact, one in eight couples struggle with infertility. When things weren’t happening for them, they visited a nearby clinic for some tests to see what was going on.
“Essentially the doctor said that we were young and should keep trying,” states Stephanie. “That was kind of devastating, because I knew in my heart that something wasn’t right. So I said I was done with them and we found our way over to Sanford Reproductive Medicine.”
Once at Sanford Reproductive Medicine, the Tuppers learned a bit more about why they might not have been successful on their own. The Sanford team created a customized treatment plan to help the Tuppers become parents. They started down the path, but after some time, they decided to put pregnancy on hold.
... I want other women to not be scared to go to your doctor and get answers. AND IF YOU DON’T LIKE THEIR ANSWERS, GO SOMEWHERE ELSE. BECAUSE IF THIS IS SOMETHING YOU WANT, IT MIGHT BE HARD, BUT IT IS SO WORTH IT.
“We actually considered adoption,” says Stephanie. “We went through counseling and were just about ready to get approved to start meeting families. But everything we had been through had placed an incredible strain on both of us and we knew that we needed to pause and work on us first.”
After spending time focusing on their health and their relationship, they returned to Sanford Reproductive Medicine a few years later, stronger than ever and ready to try again.
“We started the process for in vitro fertilization,” explains Stephanie. “I did the shots, they extracted 35 of my eggs and then they started the fertilization process. I had 22 become fertilized. So, there was a bit of a moment of panic when my husband thought I was going to turn into Octomom,” jokingly laughs Stephanie. “But of those 22, only four made it through the five day culture period.”
And even though Stephanie had four successfully fertilized eggs waiting for implantation, she began to experience feelings of worry and doubt.
“After starting out with so many and then ending up with only four, it kind of wrecked me,” confides Stephanie. “But the team at Sanford Reproductive Medicine helped relieve some of that worry and told me to not let that matter. The team assured me that I still had a very good chance.”
A Sanford Reproductive Medicine policy only allows for the implantation of two eggs at a time to decrease the chance of multiples. Stephanie underwent the procedure with two eggs and after almost 10 years of waiting, the Tuppers were just nine months away from meeting their twin girls.
With their two little girls here now — happy, healthy and right on track — Stephanie wants to encourage other women who may also be struggling with infertility.
“This is so common and I don’t think it’s something we really talk about enough,” says Stephanie. “I know I didn’t want to talk about it at first when I was going through it. Your hormones are off the charts and your emotions are everywhere. But I want other women to not be scared to go to your doctor and get answers. And if you don’t like their answers, go somewhere else. Because if this is something you want, it might be hard, but it is so worth it.”
TRAVELING AS A FAMILY can expose your kids to new places, people, cultures, and things. Most kids live in a bit of a “life bubble.” What they experience is often their perception of the world. By taking them outside of that daily bubble you are giving them new experiences that can reshape how they view the world. There are destinations regionally that can help you create memorable experiences with your family without traveling long distances.
Now you might think it’s odd to take a vacation to Winnipeg, but what you don’t know is that it’s a really family-friendly city and there are lots of fun things to do.
1. BEACHES
I know most do not think of beaches in Winnipeg, but Grand Beach and Winnipeg Beach offer amazing sand and water. Collect seashells, splash in the water and dig in the sand.
2.
This is one of the best parts of Winnipeg for visitors. It boasts a market, local vendors and restaurants, a river, activities, live music, a spray park and trails. Rent a family bike for extra fun.
3. CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
Kids experience an actual train, splash water lab, arts and crafts, and a tumble zone to build skyscrapers. It is a wonderful place for kids to have fun, be active, learn and spark their imagination.
4. ASSINIBOINE ZOO
The zoo is a year-round attraction. Do not miss the Journey to Churchill. This 10-acre exhibit was designed to recreate the terrain in Churchill, Manitoba, one of the few human settlements where polar bears can still be observed in the wild.
5.
Enjoy scenic and historically informative half-hour tours of Winnipeg's downtown waterways. Boat captains provide commentary and historical insights on many points of interest along the way.
1. GREAT LAKES AQUARIUM
What more do you need to say, except water park capital of the world! There are literally countless things to do in Wisconsin Dells with kids.
1. WATER PARKS, WATER PARKS & MORE WATER PARKS
Indoor for when it is cold and outdoor for the summer months. Too many to name — pick one and enjoy.
2. FESTIVALS
There is a festival almost every other weekend during the summer in the Dells. Choose a favorite and go.
3. DUCK BOATS
A total Wisconsin Dells staple. You cannot come and not ride the original Duck Boats! The Ducks are amphibious WWII boats that can go in water and on land.
4. COUNTRY BUMPKIN PARK
It is the perfect place to run around and play without worry of water. They have train rides, animals, an obstacle course with zipline, rock climbing — and the best part — they have kid-size playhouses.
5. LANDSCAPES
Wisconsin Dells' sandstone rock formations can be viewed all along the Wisconsin River, which bisects the town. Ride a WWII amphibious vehicle down the river for the best views.
Explore the species living in the Great Lakes basin through a variety of interactive exhibits. Watch otters or feed trout in the Baptism River.
2. BEACHES
Rock-skipping is a must while in Duluth. A smorgasbord of stones awaits you at beaches like the picture-perfect Brighton Beach on the edge of town. Dip your toes in the lake, watch ships make their way toward the Aerial Lift Bridge, and enjoy a family picnic.
3. SPIRIT MOUNTAIN
All kinds of kid-friendly fun awaits you here: the Timber Twister alpine roller coaster, zipline, mountain bike rentals, mini golf and chairlift rides.
4. EDGEWATER HOTEL AND WATER PARK
At 35,000 square feet, this indoor water park offers everything from leisurely river rafting to a four-and-a-half story drop via the Tiki Tumbler. Poolside meals, a large arcade and mini golf round out things to do at this hotel — just minutes from the heart of Canal Park.
5.
Everyone in the family will find the right vehicle, whether it’s a surrey, tandem bike, kid’s bike or low-to-the-ground quad sport. Jump on and off as you explore the lakeshore, cruise down the pier, or tour the Lake Superior Marine Museum.
Perched on the northernmost ridge of Coteau des Prairies, where the breathtaking view is second to none, immerse your family in true North Dakota culture at this rustic, yet refined lodge.
1. FARM TOURS
A one-of-a kind experience, your guide will bring you and your family on an immersive excursion on a modern family farm operation. Included in every tour is the opportunity to learn about agriculture with a farmer.
2. NATURE, NATURE, NATURE
Hike through the native prairie grasses and wild flowers, bird watch in the “prairie pothole” — which is a bird watcher’s paradise — and with the Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge next door there is abundant wildlife.
3. TRAP SHOOTING
There is nothing quite like shooting clay pigeons from the ridge of the coteau.
4. HUNTING AND FISHING
This is waterfowl country and there are many ponds and lakes to enjoy.
5. RELAXATION
You cannot help but relax. The family atmosphere and the lazy drifting clouds passing overhead bring a smile to your face as life’s stress makes way for a new state of mind.
TAKING TIME TOGETHER to share experiences and activities creates memories that will be recalled and reminisced about. These are memories that are created together and can be shared as the years go by.
So, plan a trip! Detach from your daily stress; teach your kids how to adapt to unplanned situations; expose your kids to new experiences; connect as a family; and create memories for the future — all accomplished with a family vacation. [ aw ]
I don’t need to compare then to now. However, I have a confession: I love what we do today. It might seem that I really set this up to get preachy about how we parents are going ballistic on the parties — how we are only renting the giant jump houses, reserving the pottery paint place, hiring the photographer and live petting zoo to get more social media likes. That’s not the point of this article. We may be guilty of that to a degree, but I have a different direction to go today.
up in a wig, makeup and dress so that she could surprise her seven-year-old granddaughter in the middle of her fancy birthday tea party. I’m doing my best to really paint a picture here. Other examples would include sewing stuffed animals, because they fit the theme; making the piñatas with crepe paper; hauling a vintage dresser to a pavilion because that was the cake stand I had envisioned. I have done all these things and more. I’ll spare you the dirty details for a never-to-be-published book.
They are now bigger, better, more expensive and elaborate than ever before. I am a mama of four ranging from 13 to 3. By the time you read this article I will have hosted approximately 30 children’s birthday parties. Hi, my name is Cori and I’m a party-aholic. I am admitting to being part of the monster we’ve all created. I have fallen hook, line and sinker into the wonderful racket that is children’s birthday parties.
Remember what the scene was like when we were kids? It was a sheet cake and Kool-Aid, a house full of cousins, and a friend from school. You invited them by calling and telling them to write it down and set it next to the phone book. Decorations were streamers, a few latex balloons taped to a chair, and, if you were lucky, a Mylar balloon that said “Happy Birthday” that you begged your mom for and ransomed your allowance for while in line at the grocery store. You probably played tag, rode bikes, used squirt guns, played on a swing set and maybe played duck, duck, goose. (I’m a South Dakota girl. It’s duck, duck, goose.) You sang “Happy Birthday” and the birthday kid opened their hand-wrapped gifts because gift bags were expensive. Nobody else got a gift and nobody left with a favor bag. You may even have “a” picture documenting the event. Mom would remind you that film was expensive and to use an entire roll of 24 shots for a birthday party was a waste. I’m assuming that if your childhood parties went like that you feel incredibly fortunate. I know I do. Why? Because it was your birthday. And that, in and of itself, was terrific. It was “theme” enough.
I readily admit that I am part of the overdoing-it-ness of today. Since my first child’s first birthday I enjoyed the more, more, more of today’s party culture. It’s all in that elusive effort to give them more then what we had. Ami’right? Personally I can pinpoint the beginning of the “over the top” at the very beginning. My eldest’s first birthday: We rented a hotel party room and hosted a pool party complete with painting crafts, matching expensive decorations with helium balloons, and fancy printed invitations. The party snowball avalanche began.
I love it. I love planning a theme. I love using the smidge of creative talent I’ve been blessed with to create an experience for my kids. Sounds cliche, but I really am doing it for the kids. I may be a sucker for social media likes just like the next gal, but in my defense, my number one reasoning is selfless. How often can we say that we are able to give our children an experience that will likely remain with them for their entire lives? I may be justifying a bit, but regardless I find joy in these parties and the only real “problem” that I want to fix is to manage the stress and expenses. When I asked my mom recently if she could have spent, designed, created and executed the parties we do for our kids, would she have for us? It was a resounding yes. This grandma was also all too willing to travel eight hours, purchase an expensive queen of hearts costume in order to dress
For the sake of balancing my time, bank account and my marriage (turns out, planning all these parties stresses my husband out), I decided not to do what I typically do for the next party. I challenged myself to host the next birthday party using what I had. You heard that right. Using what I had. *gulp*
The caveat was to use what I had in my party storage and to keep my expenditures as low as possible.
“Using what you have” starts by keeping it at home. Using our own large backyard to save on the rental room/ venue and since we have a Rainbow Play System and trampoline, the entertainment had a great foundation. Each guest was costumed with a cape and mask that doubled as their takehome party favor. I included a cityscape backdrop as a decoration and for use in a “photo booth.” Do one small art craft that goes with the theme. But the big event, aside from the cake, was a superhero obstacle course. Ours included a tunnel, a spiderweb ball toss, a fire plank walk, a Hulk smash wall, a capture the villain, and a prize smash. Pinterest for the win on game ideas!
We had many dress-up capes and fun props that helped fit the theme. I used all existing cake stands, serving platters, etc. I also had a very large arsenal
Use those 10 free invitations coupons you get from your favorite picture places. Only pay for shipping on the invites!
of balloons, streamers and poster board (thanks to the before mentioned 29 birthday day parties and science fair leftovers).
MAKE THE DECORATIONS, props and games and crafts
I have a fancy craft cutting machine and a large inventory of cardstock with which I made banners, cake toppers, signs, etc. I’ve hoarded many boxes for this reason to be used for party props and games.
FAVORS AND FOOD
This is an area that I had to spend a little cash on. My aim was to keep it simple and thrifty. Think hot dogs and lemonade!
A CRAFT THAT IS FREE:
Superhero cuffs from toilet paper rolls
I painted empty toilet paper rolls with acrylic paint, cut along the edges and rounded them. Do this ahead of time so the cuffs will be ready for the kids to personalize with stickers during the party. We’ll use paint and stickers from my stash.
I did use 50 and 60 percent off coupons from my favorite craft stores so that I could get the fun background paper for my cake stand and photo booth.
Total: $10. I used up my brown shipping paper supply for all my prop buildings and table covers. I also bought dollar store paper for the obstacle course needs, tissue paper for the prize punch game, and a fire plank — but only after I used everything in my stock. New paper, cups and napkins came to about $12. The highest amount spent was on the guests party favors. Economically it was more affordable to buy the capes and masks (purchased in bulk) for around $40 for 18 guests.
The one area that we set out to save money on was having Daddy bake the rainbow cake the little kids requested. We did a practice round for about $6 in supplies. However, we ran out of time and used a fabulous baker. Stick with what you know folks! Cake and cupcakes came out to about $50.
I hosted a child's birthday party honoring two kiddos for around $100. I am proud of my savings. However I have to be real with you too. Making all the decorations, games and crafts was very time consuming. My recommendation is to start weeks in advance and to let the kids help. They’ll love painting the windows on the tiny buildings. [ aw ]
Often remembered about the Vietnam War are the soldiers who didn’t return and the lasting impact it had on those who did, or the antiwar movement and media influence on civilian perspectives. Often overlooked are the stories of women involved during this volatile time in the world’s history, including those of three fearless women connected to Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM), who functioned in differing roles during the conflict.
CCamilla Wilson, a lifelong history buff and MSUM professor, knows about the lasting impact of war. In 1967, she witnessed the rapidly unfolding events in Southeast Asia firsthand.
“Almost every male I knew at that time was either in Vietnam or on their way,” Wilson says. “I understood the Vietnam War was going to be a major issue for my generation, so I decided I wanted to see it for myself.”
Though finding a way to Vietnam was nearly impossible, Wilson was undeterred. She found an in with an American Red Cross volunteer program.
“A friend of mine says that I defied gravity and went to Vietnam, which is just about close,” Wilson says.
After spending much of 1967 volunteering in Vietnam, Wilson returned home. Again, she felt pulled into the conflict, this time to tell the stories of those on all sides. Around 16 southern U.S. newspapers agreed to purchase Wilson’s stories for $25 a piece. She returned to Vietnam months later as a journalist, where she remained for the next two years.
“I didn’t really have a support system because I was a single journalist,” Wilson says. “I didn’t have an office. I didn’t have a support staff. On the other hand, I was freer to do what I wished, to go where I wanted, to cover what I wanted.”
Like Wilson, Jan Jorgensen ’95 (social work) wanted to act. She enlisted in the Navy after high school graduation.
“I wanted to go to Vietnam and work on the hospital ships. Fortunately, the war ended and I didn’t become a hospital corpsman for a cou-
ple of years, so it didn’t work out,” Jorgensen says. “I was disappointed I couldn’t go over there and do something to help the wounded soldiers.”
Instead, Jorgensen held various positions within the Navy, including being one of the first women assigned to a tugboat.
“Even though we were in the United States we still did our jobs and supported the country while [others] were fighting the war in Vietnam,” Jorgensen says.
Although Jorgensen and Wilson strongly desired to serve in the midst of the action overseas, their families strongly opposed.
“[My parents] were disappointed I wasn’t going to be that young daughter who went to college and got married. That was the norm,” Jorgensen says.
“My family was appalled,” Wilson says. “My grand-
Women share stories of contradictory roles during the Vietnam War
father became consumed with how to get my body back because he was convinced I was going to get killed. In fact, I did not tell my mother until the weekend before I left because I didn’t want her to try to set in motion anything to thwart me.”
Others supported these families’ protective instincts. Kim Stenehjem ’74 (English education) grew up in a military household; her father a proud, lifelong service member. It was unsurprising to her father when she became active in the antiwar movement in her late teens.
“A lot of fairly heated conversations took place at the dinner table around the war, but he never tried to force me into being quiet or not taking part,” Stenehjem says. “We didn’t respect each other’s opinions, but we respected each other’s rights to have differing opinions.”
Throughout the conflict, Stenehjem was uncertain about her involvement in the antiwar movement. She was well-educated about what was happening halfway around the world and didn’t identify with the notion protesters were “leftover hippies looking for a new cause.”
We envision a world in which aging is viewed and understood in radically different ways.
When she visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial years later, she knew she’d been in the right.
“As conflicted as I was about whether our protests were doing any good, if we kept a single name off that wall, then it was worth it,” Stenehjem says.
Looking back on their war involvement, these women understand the lasting influence this conflict had on their lives.
“It profoundly impacted the way we look at ourselves as a generation,” Stenehjem says.
“Like many people who spent combat time in Vietnam, it has affected every element of my life,” Wilson says.
JOIN MSUM AS THEY HONOR AND remember the experiences of all affected by the conflict in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Visit mnstate.edu/minnesota-remembers.
JUNE 5, JULY 3
AUGUST 7 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
“AS CONFLICTED AS I WAS ABOUT WHETHER OUR PROTESTS WERE DOING ANY GOOD, IF WE KEPT A SINGLE NAME OFF THAT WALL, THEN IT WAS WORTH IT.”
— kim stenehjem
— 2018 SPECIAL EVENTS —
4th of July Celebration · July 4
Pioneer Days · August 18 & 19
Paranormal Investigations · Sept. & Oct. weekends
Ghost Tours · October weekends
Christmas on the Prairie · December 1
1351 West Main Avenue, West Fargo, ND 701-282-2822
bonanzaville.org
For more information and how you can participate, visit: www.homewardonline.org
Olympic gold medal. It is beyond what most of us could ever imagine achieving. A feat most of us would define as our proudest moment.
But for the Lamoureux twins, Jocelyne and Monique … it’s not.
Don’t get the ladies wrong, "Monique and I are so proud to win a gold medal,” says Jocelyne. But their proudest moment would change many more lives than just their own.
Their story began in the frozen tundra of North Dakota. Beyond the winters and plentiful ice it provided for practice, the budding hockey stars found many more advantages to calling the Midwest home. “We
were able to be in so many different activities, which really helped us as athletes,” Monique points out. She explains that in larger cities, youth typically focus on one sport due to population size and time it takes to navigate rush hour traffic. But in North Dakota, Jocelyne proudly shares, they could do it all, “Dance, swimming, soccer, cross country — whatever season, that was the sport we played.”
But beyond the external, growing up in the Midwest developed something even greater internally. The very spirit of the region of the country — hard work and determination — was instilled in the women. And it was from the very moment they first hit the ice. “We would go to different tournaments growing up and in women’s hockey no one came out of North Dakota,” Jocelyne remembers. “We didn’t [even] have girls’ teams growing up so we played hockey with the boys.” They were not going to be cut any slack, “We grew up with a mentality that we were going to be given the same opportunity.” Little did they realize how much this would prepare them for the purpose and mission they find themselves called to serve to this day.
the Lamoureux Twins mission for women
WE GREW UP with a mentality that we were going to be given the same opportunity
2017, a year prior to their third Olympics and hope at finally attaining gold, the sisters risked it all. Jocelyne and Monique were playing for USA Hockey. But as Jocelyne points out, that was far from the only thing they were doing. “I was working 40 hours a week in addition to competing as a pro athlete,” she says. There was not a lot of outside support to play. I got sick a lot [that year] and I remember looking over at Monique and being like, 'It shouldn’t be this hard to continue to play.’” They saw many of their male equivalents able to earn a decent living as they focused solely on the game. The memory of equal opportunity during their younger years in the rink, playing just as hard alongside those same peers, weighed heavy on their minds.
That’s when they took the bold step of pursuing equality for women in hockey. This included a livable wage, flying business class, and disability insurance. Essentially, to be given the same treatment and opportunity as their male counterparts; the very principle that had just been the norm growing up.
So they laid it all on the line. They boycotted the national championships for two weeks. It was hard. It was uncertain. But it was life changing. They realized the power in numbers, as women, as public figures, and members of the men’s hockey team even banded together to support them. And it worked.
Such a victory changed their lives and the future of women’s hockey forever. But it hasn’t ended there. The sisters began traveling, non-stop, after the 2018 Winter Olympics — and have been for months — spreading their message of equality and value. But that value isn’t just demanded as Jocelyne points out. "Know your value, but take initiative to earn your value,” she says. This is what they hope to impress upon women. And how to have those tough conversations; how women may go about voicing their concerns and expectations is exactly what the twins intend to share at their upcoming TEDx Talk in July. “We are going to speak to what we’ve gone through and share the advice we’ve been given and give it to others,” Monique shares.
So what is the two incredible women’s proudest moment? Jocelyne smiles, “We are so proud to win a gold medal, but our most proud moment is standing up for what is right. [That] will be our most proud moment."
When I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer; I went to Centre for Hair and Wellness and I was very nervous. Violet and the rest of her staff were very professional, friendly and caring. I was put at ease right away by their kindness and knowledge of the products. I would definitely recommend them to anyone. Exceptional customer service!!!
Fresh, local and affordable. When it comes to summer produce and grilling season, it is exactly what we want. Is it possible to find this outside of having to raise and keep up a backyard garden? At Prairie Roots Co-op, the answer is absolutely. Thanks to some exciting changes in the new year, the co-op is ready with the freshest local produce that is also reasonably priced.
Never been to a co-op before?
Besides the Plain Foods Co-op that existed for only a few years, Fargo-Moorhead has not had a co-op in the area since the 1980s. For those new to the co-op experience, it can be a little intimidating at first.
Am I allowed to go in if I’m not an owner?
Is it only for vegans and hippies? KAYE KIRSCH, general manager of the full service grocery store that opened in July of 2017, says, on the contrary, “Everyone is welcome!” So the real question is: How is it different than a typical grocery store and what can you expect when you walk in?
"It’s locally owned — this is our store,” Kirsch explains. The store is owned by the community, who get to choose the board of directors by voting. Any member of the community can become an owner. Owners also get special discounts and benefits. But, as Kirsch assures, "Even if you’re not an owner, you can still shop here. And for every dollar spent in a food co-op, $1.60 is generated in the local economy.”
What kinds of items will I find at the co-op?
“We’re a full service grocery store, so you come with your shopping list and you’ll be able to get everything in the store,” she promises. "We work with lots of local farmers and producers and try to prioritize local products whenever possible."
The co-op is also been good for the wellbeing of the community. The co-op opened in what was once a food desert. Kirsch says they were well aware of the lower income families that live in the neighborhood while planning. “We are very cognizant of the low income families by us, so we really want to be inclusive and provide for their needs. We’ve reviewed all our pricing and lowered prices on over 600 items in the store this January. We have a new of line of co-op essentials, staple products you need every week, like milk, bread, eggs, that we offer at great values every day. We’ve also partnered with Essentia Health and currently have a Double SNAP program that provides vouchers for free fruit and vegetables for SNAP recipients," she explains.
Prairie Roots Co-op offers a full deli, hot and cold food bar, kombucha on tap (four different varieties, as well as growlers to refill) plus seating outside and inside the store. The store also has family-friendly features including a mother’s room for private nursing or a quiet moment with your kids, free fruit for kids and special kid-size shopping carts that make a trip to Prairie Roots fun. Prairie Roots also offers free coloring books and a kid’s table in our café seating area.
"If you want to shop our popular bulk section, you are welcome to bring your own containers to refill,” says Kirsch. The co-op also offers containers that you may use. Bringing your own bags is also encouraged, however, bags are available in the store.
"Never. We always welcome new owners. It’s a way to get some savings on your groceries and to support local food, local farmers and Fargo’s only community-owned grocery store. In fact 80 people just joined the co-op in April and we now have over 2,000 owners,” Kirsch says. You can check out more information on the various ownership options and payment plans on their website, prairieroots.coop , or stop in the store. And Kirsch hopes you will, "I love the local ownership aspect. This is our store, owned by and committed to the people in this community.”
he evening of May 5 is warm and sunny. It seems like everyone in the city has streamed out onto the streets and sidewalks of downtown Fargo. Patrons at the sidewalk tables along First Avenue North set down their glasses to watch a steady stream of revelers dressed entirely in black and white flock to the Plains Art Museum — where a brisk prairie wind ruffles the flowing trains of formal gowns and a line stretches out the door, around the building and halfway down the block.
In line, the mood is merry. Couples dressed in their finest pose for photos, while groups of friends emerge from vehicles, greeting each other with hugs, handshakes and little spins to show off their outfits.
The theme and the dress code for the Plains Art Museum Gala this year is “Black and White.” A quick glance at the partygoers reveals just how creative this group of artists, art supporters, philanthropists, business and civic leaders can get.
There are dozens, perhaps hundreds of little black dresses on display, a dizzying array of styles and shapes, from sleek lace numbers to vintage-inspired, full-skirted silhouettes. Ladies in flowing maxi dresses and funky blazers chat with friends in elaborate hats. The gentlemen in the crowd have donned everything from tuxedos to black and white Mexican sombreros to a wrestling singlet, while striking women channel Bianca Jagger in slim white pantsuits and sleek, black jumpsuits with daring necklines.
There were floor length gowns in delicate white lace and white Converse sneakers and black knee socks and sequined dinner jackets — occasionally as part of the same outfit. Revelers dressed up as pantomime characters and images from famous works of art, while others came in full period costume, their eyes obscured with masks.
And the patterns — oh, the patterns! The galleries of the Plains Art Museum were a cacophony of florals, stripes, polka dots and paisley, mixed with luscious embroidery, brocade and bejeweled accents. The stage was set for a spectacular evening.
Alli Borshiem of Moorhead admires the art with her friend, Julie Larson of Fargo. Both women gaze out from behind origami masks made from a template by artist Steve Wintercroft. They had previously served Dunn Brothers Coffee at the gala (the company provided coffee this year as well), but decided to buy tickets this year.
“We thought, ‘How fun would it be to come here as guests?’” says Borshiem. “And just immerse ourselves in the experience,” finishes Larson. Then they are off, whisked into the swirling mass of partygoers in a swish of sparkle and cheeky, cherry-printed skirts.
There is much to see, taste and try. The menu (served by Concordia, Chef’s Table Catering, Mosaic Catering, Urban Foods and VIP Catering) echoes the black and white theme. Dainty cups of ceviche mingle with deviled eggs (their yokes dark and flavorful, thanks to a squid ink infusion) along with heaping platters of fruit and other tempting nibbles.
Upstairs, decadent chocolate truffles and tiny cups of lavender infused mousse from Nichole’s Fine Pastry prove that a simple palette of black and white can produce spectacular results. Partygoers fill up their plates in between sips of wine and cider, provided by Happy Harry’s Bottle Shops and Wild Terra Cider and Brewing.
Shadow dancers from Red River Dance and Performing Company set the mood, while mood lighting from Livewire took the funky, mysterious vibe of the gathering to every nook and cranny of the museum, carving out busy social areas for drinking and dining and quiet spots to unwind. Fan favorite Post Traumatic Funk syndrome took the stage later in the evening, serving up supremely danceable classic rock with a healthy dose of horns as Rhombus Guys pizza arrived to combat late night munchies.
The unique atmosphere, great food and unparalleled people-watching make the Plains Art Museum Gala one of the best parties in town. But the real draw for many is the silent art auction, where art fans gather to bid on the perfect piece to take home.
“As the leader of the museum, and as someone who has worked at the Plains for many years, it has been amazing to see the growth in this event,” says Plains Art Museum director Andy Maus. “In the beginning, it was a relatively small event, and today, it engages hundreds of people and nets close to $100,000. I love seeing the generosity in people!”
It’s all for a good cause. “Proceeds support arts access and education,” explains Maus. “Specifically, support is split between our PlainsArt4All General Fund, which keeps the museum general admission free, and sponsorship of educational programs, which keeps the museum educationally-driven.”
For a great night for a great cause, the Plains Art Museum Gala delivers. [ aw ]
Melissa Rademacher is making downtown uniquely intriguing
words
by KRISTY OLSGAARD photography by LINDSAY KAYE PHOTOGRAPHY
alt Disney said “curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” Last November, adventurous Melissa Rademacher boldly set out on another new path when the Fargo Downtown Community Partnership (DCP) selected her as their fourth president/CEO.
Rademacher says, “Back in college, downtown was not a destination, so being invited to the table with city leaders, developers, business owners and residents that all want one thing — a vibrant and safe downtown – is exciting. I’m blessed to be able to lead it and look forward to making it an increasingly more attractive destination.”
The day of our interview Rademacher appears approachable, professional and energetic. Her commitment is visible in a brilliant smile and sparkling blue eyes that say she’s ready to keep downtown, the heart of Fargo, pulsating. Dressed in Converse high tops, she reveals a bit of her personality: unpredictable, unique and confident. These qualities will lend themselves well to making downtown uniquely intriguing.
Rademacher’s journey to this position took an unforeseen path. And she has enjoyed every step.
Rademacher is the daughter of Lynn Hanson, and Gerald and stepmom Ginny Hanson of Fargo. She is also a sister to Jeremy Hanson.
She grew up on Fargo’s south side, attending Lewis and Clark Elementary, Agassiz and Fargo South High School. As a devoted athlete, she lettered in four team sports: soccer, volleyball, basketball and golf. She also played cello for eight years.
Mom Lynn says, “Melissa was always involved in something. It took some convincing but we got the school to allow her to be in sports and orchestra at a time when they made students choose between them. She proved she could handle both.”
Rademacher’s love with the fashion industry began in high school. She says, “In the ‘90s, some trendy stores opened in West Acres and I was hired by Express. While there, I became their first manager-in-training (MIT). Then they asked me to help write the MIT handbook. I quickly was drawn to the fashion world and leading others.”
That led to her attending North Dakota State University to pursue a degree in fashion merchandising with a business minor. The summer of her junior year, Rademacher interned at Abercrombie & Fitch (A&F) in Minneapolis. After graduation, they offered her a position. “I loved the brand, the company and the people, so knew I’d love working for them.”
She quickly advanced at A&F stores in Minneapolis. Under her guidance, her stores exceeded sales expectations and things were going well. Then one day her boss called when she was on the golf course. He wondered if she’d be interested in moving to the east coast the next month to run some stores that needed help.
Rademacher took thirty minutes to consider the opportunity, called back and cheerfully asked, “Where am I going?” In Hartford, Connecticut, her staff was larger and sales results again exceeded expectations.
She says, “I’m grateful I had leaders that saw something in me that I didn’t necessarily. But I’m not afraid to take on a challenge, which is what motivates me everyday.”
Soon another national retailer noticed her enthusiastic work ethic and recruited her. That path led to Westport, Connecticut, to manage stores for Anthropologie of URBN. Again, things were going well.
One day just after helping with a Westport philanthropic event sponsored by Paul Newman and his family, her manager called. How would she like to work in Newport Beach, California?
“My immediate thought was Newport Beach and fashion. Sure.” So she moved to the opposite coast.
“I loved southern California. I loved working for Anthropologie. Wendy Brown, a global co-president there, was an inspiration for me. She was confident, beautiful, fashionable, classic and a very strong leader. It made me think I could be a CEO and want to mentor young women. I thought I’d always work for them, grow with them and never come back to Fargo.”
Never say never. Shortly after her ten-year class reunion, Rademacher moved back to Fargo, got married and jumped right back into her career track.
By now Rademacher possessed a solid resume of retail experiences. She had turned around struggling stores, whether by hiring, firing or motivating staff. She had opened a new store in a new market. And she took on many challenging opportunities along the way.
She credits her mentors for challenging her again and again. “I may not have been perfectly qualified for every position I had, but for some reason, they saw something in me which spurred me to learn how to infuse positive change into each challenge.”
Locally she found work with Scheels and Vanity. She bought clothing lines, implemented marketing strategies, and planned promotional events.
Then Rademacher plunged into the challenge of managing the Moorhead Center Mall (MCM). Along with familiar marketing and event responsibilities, she handled leasing and tenant relations. But she realized something was missing. Thinking back to high school sports, she missed working with a larger team.
During that time she discussed business development with the Kilbourne Group and became interested in downtown development. Then she began working with the Kilbourne Group where team collaboration was amazing. It was a perfect fit. She worked with leasing and design teams and honed skills to attract and retain businesses for downtown Fargo. Naturally her position placed her on projects with the Downtown Community Partnership. Things were going great.
And, of course, that’s precisely when things were about to change.
Several people suggested Rademacher apply for the DCP’s president/CEO position. She’s not even sure who they were. More than a little surprised, Rademacher weighed her abilities and interest.
She says, “I enjoyed what I was doing at Kilbourne, but this was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”
She had been readying herself for this position for years. She just didn’t know it. But after completing the national search, the DCP did. They hired Rademacher.
The DCP began addressing retail community issues in 1969. Today the DCP’s vision is “to promote and expand the downtown as the preferred destination with a strong sense of place filled with vibrant culture, art and commerce.“ The group is comprised of over 150 partners, mostly business representatives, but also some downtown residents.
Because Rademacher embraces teamwork and creative networking, it motivates her to work with such a large group. “I’m a people pleaser. I know there’s no such thing as a silver bullet, so making everybody happy will be a challenge. But I really look forward to finding solutions and trying out new ideas.”
DCP board member and past co-worker
Adrienne Olson of the Kilbourne Group appreciates Rademacher’s positive approach to growing and changing downtown Fargo.
Olson says, “Melissa is driven to see small businesses succeed. I accompanied Melissa on a scouting expedition to downtown Sioux Falls. We visited with storeowners and learned how their downtown organization helps drive traffic to businesses. I appreciate her approach to continuous learning and benchmarking to keep our DCP growing in the right direction.”
Of course the street fair is downtown’s largest event. Rademacher says, “We expect about 275 vendors and up to 150,000 visitors. We’re highlighting local artisans, makers and artists to exhibit together in what we call the Local Block. Our hope is that this concept continues to expand, spilling over into additional blocks.”
At the end of 2017, the DCP began a downtown gift card program. Almost 60 retailers already are signed up to accept the cards. The overall purpose is to support downtown businesses.
Olson also says, “Melissa has approached the recent Fargo InFocus downtown comprehensive plan with enthusiasm and ownership. One action item it outlines is the need to encourage outdoor dining, food trucks and pop-up uses to activate downtown streets and support local businesses. Also we need to encourage more people to live downtown so we grow in a healthy manner. Melissa is partnering with city leaders, residents and business owners to ensure this plan is executed properly.”
A list of the other good things happening downtown is so long it would fill this entire issue.
Rademacher is thankful for the supportive people in her life — especially her parents, her 10-year-old son Caden, and Tyler Brandt, her significant other. She says, “My parents have always been my rock.”
While her parents are very proud of her professional success, Gerald and Ginny say she also has a good heart. “One year a maintenance man working for her didn’t have Thanksgiving plans, Until Melissa found out. He was grateful for being included in our gathering.”
Caden is proud of his mom too. He says, “My mom works a lot but still has time for me. And she never gives up. I think she’s good at making the right decision and making people happy.”
When Rademacher is developing downtown, Brandt does the same type of work in West Fargo.
Brandt says, “While some might think of us as competitors, in truth we’re more allies. When a big box store is considering a move here, the first thing they want to know is if our downtown is thriving. So Melissa and I play off each other’s ideas and we definitely cheer each other on. She works hard to find a balanced solution for all parties involved in an issue. I really appreciate Melissa’s empathy for others in all aspects of life.”
Aside from work, they enjoy downtime together whether it’s on the golf course, just preparing a meal, or time at the lake.
Six months since commencing on this newest path, Rademacher is grateful. “To be chosen from amongst other very well-qualified candidates is humbling. I just plan to maximize the forward momentum already here.”
Curious. Motivated.
Forward thinking. Rademacher will keep the momentum going.
Finding a stage and enjoying live music. Downtown Fargo has a vibrant music scene and offers many music venues featuring a different genre of music almost every night.
If you need another reason to get excited for summer, experience the Downtown Street Fair, July 19-21. Almost 275 vendors take over seven blocks of Downtown Fargo filling the vehicle-free streets with crafts, local art and marketplace goodies. Mingle in and out of vendor booths and local businesses while enjoying eats and drinks from local food trucks, existing restaurants and food vendors from all over the country. Free event for all ages.
Love culture and sightseeing? Downtown Fargo is the place to visit. Every corner offers something different ... everything from a local food truck to street art to a museum. Grab your family and explore.
Visit local taprooms, tasting rooms and distillers. Craft beer and spirits are well represented in Downtown. It's an opportunity to try locally created beer and alcohol made on site along with learning about the history alongside great friends.
Sip, shop and stroll the beautifully unique shops offered throughout Downtown Fargo, 8th Street and Main. Corks & Canvas, occurring three times annually, kicks off in June. Great event to meet and support local artists while learning about wine.
SEE WHAT’S HAPPENING DOWNTOWN. Follow Downtown Fargo on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Access of the Red River Valley’s 11th Annual Golf Classic will be August 7, 2018, at the Meadows Golf Course in Moorhead. All tournament profits go to programs and services designated to enable children and adults with developmental disabilities and mental illness to live a full life. The tournament begins at noon with a shotgun start.
Access of the Red River Valley is a local nonprofit committed to providing care and support to disabled individuals in their right to lead dignified, independent lives in the community. It was named the 2017 Not-for-Profit of the Year by the Fargo, Moorhead, West Fargo Chamber of Commerce. “I found my mission is to make a difference in people’s lives,” says Kathy Potter, executive director. “Our clients are like family. We want our clients to be individuals.”
Access specializes in one-on-one services. They assist clients with daily living skills such as mentoring, independent living, social skills and setting life goals. They also provide respite services and in-home family support. “We coordinate with the case manager, the guardian and/or parents, and the day provider to come up with goals and plans and meet regularly to maintain and accomplish these goals,” says Krista Svobodny, human resource manager.
Access also has its own specialized activity center. The Michael Czichotzki Learning Center (MCLC) is a triplex, built in partnership with Heritage Homes in 2007. It includes space for socializing with peers and families. It is named for Michael Czichotzki whose parents founded the not-for-profit agency in 1984. The MCLC also offers events such as the Inspire Lab and many other field trips, such as Red Hawks games and the Red River Valley Zoo, in the community.
All of the proceeds from the golf tournament will provide for the extra expenses for the clients. “We had a client who arrived with only a t-shirt and two mismatched socks in a Hornbacher’s bag,” says Potter. “Some clients need additional support to purchase things like clothes or shoes, so our golf tournament helps to defray those costs. What we want for our clients is what we want for our own kids. That is the bottom line.”
The Access Golf Classic started in 2007 and came out of a conversation between Potter and Matt Blair. Blair was an outside linebacker for the Minnesota Vikings for all 12 seasons of his career from 1974 to 1985. The Vikings are still great supporters of the tournament. Rickey Young, a former running back, played in the first tournament and has never missed one since. The event includes a burger lunch, a silent and live auction, and an awards ceremony. The live auction often includes autographed jerseys and footballs donated by the Minnesota Vikings. There are many sponsorship opportunities for companies and individuals.
“Almost everyone chooses to come back and enjoy the tournament,” states Potter. “Its about helping the clients. Lots of teams come to have a good time and help a good cause.”
about the 11th Annual Access Golf Classic contact Michelle:
Email: michelle.pearson@accessrrv.org
Phone: 218-233-3991
Website: accessrrv.org
If you want to learn the fine art of living and talking Minnesotan (even if you’ve lived in Minnesota all your life!), come join Ed and Lucy Humde up at the Lost Walleye Lodge. The Humdes and their friends will teach you all you need to know, like the positive power of the negative, how to accept food on the third offer, the basic uses of “You bet,” “Whatever,” and “That’s different,” and the perfect recipe via the song “Hotdish Hallelujah.”
JUNE 5 – 8
GAEDE STAGE | MUSICAL
All-singing! All-dancing! All-big band! Based on Bob Hope’s 1942 USO tour to the troops in the field, All Hands on Deck! features the songs, dances and laughs that America has loved since the ’40s. Packed with over 40 classic songs, including, “Chattanooga Choo-Choo,” “Don’t Fence Me In,” and “America The Beautiful,” this show will have you humming along and tapping your feet.
Jason Robert Brown’s Drama Desk winner, The Last Five Years, has been translated into a handful of languages and was named one of TIME Magazine’s ten best shows of 2001. The Last Five Years, is an emotionally powerful and intimate musical about two New Yorkers in their twenties who fall in and out of love over the course of five years. The show’s unconventional structure consists of Cathy, the woman, tells her story backwards while Jamie, the man, tells his story chronologically; the two characters only meet once, at their wedding in the middle of the show.
HANSEN
Hailed as one of the perfect musical comedies, this awardwinning classic gambles with luck and love under the lights of Broadway. Set in Damon Runyon’s mythical New York City, Guys and Dolls is an oddball romantic comedy. Join Nathan Detroit, his girlfriend Adelaide, Sky Masterson, and Sarah Brown, as they ride the rollercoaster of love and all that goes along with it. Featuring such popular tunes as, “A Bushel and Peck,” “Luck Be a Lady,” and the title song, “Guys and Dolls,” this show will have you falling in love all over again.
BUY TICKETS NOW! Purchase online at mnstate.edu/tickets or call the MSUM Box Office at (218) 477-2271 M-F from noon to 4 p.m.
the Fargo Air Museum will be holding its 10th Annual Air Museum Celebrity Dinner and Auction on September 8, 2018, at 4:30 p.m. Guests will arrive in the new Beck-Odegaard hanger and enjoy tasting beverages as they tour historical aircraft at the museum. The event includes both a silent and live auction, live music, delicious food, and a speech from Brigadier General Robert J. Becklund, the pilot of the celebrity aircraft for the evening. The auction prizes include a six person private flight to Minneapolis with tickets to attend the 2019 NDSU football game at Target Field, beautiful art, fine wine, aircraft rides, and a progressive hangar hop around the airfield.
enter the Fargo Air Musuem you find a recognition of women. You can go no further than about 50 feet and you will encounter a display, ‘Women in Early Aviation.’ But we recognize this is but a start, and we have plans for some exciting new ways to show their importance in the present and future too.”
The celebrity highlighted at this year’s event is a local hero: an F-4 Phantom II fighter jet. (Pictured above) In late December of 1986, this jet from the North Dakota Air National Guard raced to California with lifesaving cargo. At the tender age of five months, Andrew De La Pena was in desperate need of a heart transplant. Word came from Fargo through the Red Cross that a 4 month old had died from crib death — his heart had been resuscitated. It opened the door for a lifesaving organ donation for Andrew. Because of the great leadership of General Alexander MacDonald, and the North Dakota Air Guard, a life was saved.
TO HEAR MORE ABOUT THIS STORY, to give generously, and to attend the event, go to fargoairmuseum.org. Purchase your tickets and table for the celebrity dinner and auction today. [ aw ]
I HAVE A PASSION
for this place, my dad owned an aviation business, my brother flies commercial aircraft, so I guess you could say I come from a prop family. I have a love for aviation. I love the history — how it has given us our freedom and what it is going to do for our future generation. I want the next generation to know how our past has got it to where we are today and where it is taking us forward.”
I AM A VOLUNTEER AT the Fargo Air Museum. I work with tours and education. We average 30 to 50 kids once a month for our fun and free camp. Our goal is to generate interest in aviation jobs. This could be in any number of related areas. I have been working this program for the last three years, and have 39 years in aviation. I have been working with the Scouting Merit Badge Program for the last 15 years. This is why we use a modified syllabus and offer the merit badge also. We have nearly 5,000 service hours in projects at the museum ranging from education to history.”
is a touchstone to the marvels of aviation, aerospace and history for our community. It has become a gathering place for young and old to share their curiosity and enthusiasms about the world of flight. The museum has welcomed veterans, pioneers in local aviation history, and folks who have connections to the joys of flight — whether those connections be large or small. It has evolved into a unique, one of a kind venue for the celebration of milestone events. Weddings and funerals have all been held at the museum. As I like to say, ‘There is no place for a party like a hangar full of airplanes.’”
air show, co-chair Dick Walstad and I were having a discussion, and it was brought up that maybe Fargo should have an Air Museum. We did a feasibility study, formed a board and with a lot of local support and enthusiasm, went for it. It has grown to one of the best museum/event centers in the upper Midwest. Without the support of the board members, volunteers and community, this could not have happened.”
General Darrol G. Schroeder
Rex Hammarback former chairman fargo air museum
Note: All events are subject to change. Confirm dates and times before attending.
JUNE 1 – 3
BLUE GOOSE DAYS in Wahpeton
Show your wild side in Wahpeton at the parade, street fair, rib cook-off and street dance.
ALL WEEKEND
Downtown Wahpeton and Chahinkapa Park
1004 RJ Hughes Drive, Wahpeton, ND 701-642-8744 wahpetonbreckenridgechamber.com
JUNE 2
BREAKFAST ON THE FARM
Join us at the Dave and Joann Herbranson farm south of Hawley on Co. Hwy 31. Free will donation for a full farm-country breakfast. Free ice cream, farm animal zoo, barrel train rides, bouncy houses, horse drawn wagon rides, commodity group displays and samples. Milk Daisy May, local entertainment, and more.
7 AM – NOON
Dave & Joann Herbranson Farm
12402 260th St S, Hawley, MN Keith Aakre at 218-937-5514 or both.hawley@gmail.com
JUNE 7– 9
SPECIAL OLYMPICS NORTH DAKOTA State Summer Games
Special Olympics North Dakota is kicking off its State Summer Games on Thursday, June 7, with an opening ceremony. Competition runs Friday–Saturday. Visit specialolympicsnd.org or call 701-746-0331 for more info and full event schedule. FREE and open to public.
OPENING CEREMONY:
JUNE 7, 6:30 PM
Fargo Civic Center 207 4th St N, Fargo specialolympicsnd.org
701-746-0331
JUNE 7– 16
Fargo-Moorhead RESTAURANT WEEK
Local restaurants across the city offer 20–25 percent discounts on specially-crafted 2–3 course menus to celebrate Fargo-Moorhead’s local dining scene and show customer appreciation. Sponsored by the Fargo-Moorhead Convention and Visitors Bureau. No tickets required. Like the F-M Restaurant Week Facebook page for a chance to win gift cards, get an inside look at the local restaurants involved, and participate in the #FMRestaurantWeek photo contest. See fmrestaurantweek.com for a list of participating restaurants. fmrestaurantweek.com
701-282-3653
JUNE 28
SUN CELEBRATION
40 YEARS of TROLLWOOD
Trollwood is celebrating 40 years of performing arts education and entertainment. Enjoy an outdoor summer BBQ and experience a wide variety of theatrical, vocal and dance performances throughout the night. Fun for the whole family: inflatables, face painting, slime station, magic shows, door prizes and a special preview of our upcoming Mainstage Musical, Hello, Dolly! Food and concessions available for purchase.
GATES 5 PM, PERFORMANCES 6 PM –THROUGHOUT THE GROUNDS Bluestem Center for the Arts 801 50th Ave S, Moorhead trollwood.org
Nelson County Arts Council is celebrating the Pekin Days Art Show’s 25th year! Artists and art collectors come from all over North Dakota and surrounding states to be a part of this spectacular event. Visit nelsoncountyarts.com for full event schedule or email ncac@gondtc.com for more info. NCAC Pekin Auditorium and Pekin Park 121 Main St, Pekin, ND
Join us for the Fargo Ride to Fight Suicide on Saturday, June 30, West Fargo Harley Davidson. Registration begins 10 a.m. Proceeds benefit local and national suicide prevention and awareness programs of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Registration and info at afsp.org/fargoride.
10 AM – 5 PM
West Fargo Harley Davidson
701 Christianson Dr, West Fargo
4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION at Bonanzaville
Celebrate July 4 with activities for the whole family from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. PARADE, 2 PM; FIREWORKS, 10 PM Bonanzaville
1251 West Main Ave, West Fargo 701-282-2822
JULY 12 – 14, 18 – 21, 24 – 28
TROLLWOOD MAINSTAGE MUSICAL: HELLO, DOLLY!
Trollwood Performing Arts School is proud to present Hello, Dolly! With a revival of this classic musical currently on Broadway, we’re celebrating 40 years of Trollwood by bringing this timeless musical experience full of humor, romance, high-energy dancing, and some of the most memorable songs in musical theater history to the Mainstage. Tickets on sale June 4 at trollwood.org or 218-477-6502. General admission tickets sold at Hornbacher’s and at the gate.
8:30 PM
Bluestem Center for the Arts
801 50th Ave S, Moorhead
JULY 24
28TH ANNUAL PAWS WALK
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Fargo Moorhead Community Theatre presents: XANADU
It's hilarity on wheels! Based on the 1980 cult classic movie starring Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly, XANADU is an electrifying roller disco tale of endless fun featuring chart-topping tunes by Electric Light Orchestra.
Adults: $23, Seniors: $18, Students: $15
JULY 11–14 AT 7:30 PM, JULY 15 AT 2 PM
Fargo Moorhead Community Theatre 333 4th St S, Fargo fmct.org | 701-235-6778
Join us for this half-mile fun walk and pet party to support the homeless pets of Homeward Animal Shelter. There will be music, games and food for all family members — both two-legged and four!
REGISTRATION, 6 PM; WALK, 7 PM Rheault Farm
2902 25th St S, Fargo homewardonline.org
JULY 26
TED x FARGO 2018: FORTH
TEDxFargo is a day of sharing ideas worth spreading. Listen to new ideas, find topics you’re passionate about and then go forth and take action to enable those ideas.
8 AM – 5 PM
Fargo Civic Center 207 4th St N, Fargo tedxfargo.com
"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
with west fargo parks summer events!
JUNE 7
BOOKFEST
Join the West Fargo Park District for this new event that brings the love of reading to a local park. During this interactive evening at North Elmwood Park, participants will read books, create crafts, meet a local author and more.
5 – 7 PM
North Elmwood Park 500 13th Ave W, West Fargo
JUNE 12
BARK IN THE PARK
Enter your dog in this fun and family focused dog show! Awards will be presented to Cutest Puppy, Best Groomed, Owner Dog Look-A-Like, Best Dressed, Best Trick, and Most Unusual Breed.
5 PM – 7:30 PM
North Elmwood Park 500 13th Ave W, West Fargo
JUNE 14 & JULY 12
BIG SCREEN MOVIE MATINÉE
Escape the summer heat and join the West Fargo Park District for a free movie on the big screen. Popcorn, pop and snow-cones will be available for purchase for $1 each.
1 PM Veterans Memorial Arena
1201 7th Ave E, West Fargo
JUNE 19
WILD WEST JAMBOREE
Round up the family and join us for an entertaining evening at Rendezvous Park. Enjoy a performance from Slamabama, take a ride in the horse-drawn carriages, visit the petting zoo, learn the basics of roping, check out the barrel car rides and more.
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Rendezvous Park
1055 32nd Ave E, West Fargo
JULY 17
HAWAIIAN BEACH BLAST
Come out and say Aloha to your neighbors and friends during this fun-filled evening. Dance to your favorite hit music with Platinum Plus DJ. Activities include a limbo contest, face painting, kite flying, barrel car rides and giant lawn games.
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Rendezvous Park
1055 32nd Ave E, West Fargo
JULY 31
WEST FARGO PARK’S SCAVENGER HUNT
Teams will be given a list of clues and sent to explore West Fargo’s parks. At each location, all team members will need to capture their visit on camera to show judges when they return.
6 PM Veterans Memorial Arena
1201 7th Ave E, West Fargo
summertime events in our neighbor city
ART ON THE RED
Over 120 quality artists and crafters from around the nation will be selling their wares: ceramics, drawing, glass, jewelry, metal, naturals and painting. Dozens of food vendors on hand to tantalize your taste buds.
Check out NoVAC’s Arts in Action, Fine Arts Avenue, Kids’ Corner and the Main Stage.
FREE
10 AM – 6 PM
Downtown, Town Square and The Greenway
BLUES ON THE RED
This annual three-part summer music series brings in top musicians from around the country for an evening of great tunes, brews, food and fun.
$5 Admission
5 – 11 PM
Town Square
SERTOMA FUN – 4TH & FIREWORKS
This annual family-friendly festival features a parade, various kids’ activities, games, contests, live music, food concessions, the area’s largest fireworks display and more.
FREE
11 AM – 11 PM
Town Square and The Greenway
Come to Sanford Heart where we have a comprehensive team of cardiologists, surgeons, electrophysiologists, inventors, geneticists and researchers to customize care for your heart. No matter what your heart needs, you can rely on our team to find the best solution to keep your heart safe, healthy and strong.
THINK HEART THINK US COM
SARASWATHY MANICKAVASAGAM, MD Cardiac Electrophysiologist
