Area Woman Magazine Jun/July '20

Community Heroes

Why choose BCBSND?

One thousand North Dakotans working for you. Whether taking member questions or making a home away from home at Ronald McDonald House, Tracy Farahmand makes North Dakota and our members a priority.

This is health insurance, North Dakota style. bcbsnd.com/NDStyle

Tracy Farahmand

Customer Contact Center Team Leader, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota

our writers

are the voice of Area Woman Magazine. They bring to life the Fargo-Moorhead area and the incredible stories of the women we feature. These are the talented contributors showcased in this issue. Learn more about these and our other contributors at areawomanmagazine.com .

WASIFA AHMAD HASAN

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

ASHLEY SORNSIN

Ashley Sornsin, is the founder and CEO of BUFF, a plant-based protein bite company that’s built on her values and passions. BUFF = Believers Uniting Fitness + Food. She’s a faith-based fitness, nutrition and lifestyle coach who is passionate about helping others live their best lives and be their best selves. BUFF began when her passion for baking, nutrition and fitness collided to provide nutritious and delicious protein treats, and a “food is medicine” approach to health issues, which was another way she could encourage others in their health, fitness and faith. Checkout eatlivebebuff.com.

ASHLEY HAM

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

ANGEL EVENSON

Driven by her goal of leaving you happier than before you met, Angel's main goal in life is laughter. She owns her dream, AKA, where she is a multifaceted consultant and coach. Her expertise ranges from sales and marketing to writing, educating and fitness. Her man-bun wearing husband and two precious kids keep her grounded, fulfilled and grateful. Stop by for a daily dose of yoga, motherhood and all things life-inspired on her blog angelskeenangles.com and instagram @angelskeenangles.

MEGAN ELGIN

Megan grew up on the family farm in small town North Dakota and graduated from MSUM. She loves all things creative including her job as the art director here at Area Woman Magazine. She is passionate about reading as many books as possible and loves discussing them with others. Megan lives in Horace with her husband and son, loves camping with her family in the summer, and snuggling on the couch with them in the winter.

with you during these stressfultimes by increasing Telehealth in most of their services. Telehealth is available in Early Intervention, Behavioral and Mental Health Services, Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Occupational Therapy.

To contact Anne Carlsen services please email us at telehealth@annecenter.org or call us at 1-800-568-5175. We will get through this together.

Anne Carlsen will stay connected

Anne Carlsen Services

JON-MICHAEL SHERMAN

art director

MEGAN ELGIN

proofing editor

JILL OCKHARDT BLAUFUSS

advertising

MIKE SHERMAN 701-306-5119

JON-MICHAEL SHERMAN 701-306-1288

TAMIE ZACCHEA 701-306-7932

find us

areawomanmagazine.com

photography

ALICIA MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY

ASHLEY OBERHOLTZER PHOTOGRAPHY

BRITTA THE PHOTOGRAPHER

DAVE ARNTSON

ELENA K PHOTOGRAPHY

EXPRESSIONS BY ASHTON

FLORAPINE PHOTOGRAPHY

JILL OCKHARDT BLAUFUSS

JUSTIN EILER

SCHERLING PHOTOGRAPHY

STACY KENNEDY

TAYLOR JANE PHOTOGRAPHY

TRUE EXPRESSIONS, KELSEY BUCHHOLZ read

surviving or thriving IN CHANGE

WORDS : WENDY REGNER

If there’s something we’ve all experienced in recent months, it’s CHANGE!

Our lives have been upended in many ways. We’ve adapted to different rhythms, expectations, stresses, schedules, access to people and (ironically) the ability to get time alone. Whew!

So ... How are you doing?

How is your marriage/relationship holding up under the strain of all the change it’s been asked to carry recently?

As a couples’ counselor I get a front-row seat to those new and aggravated issues couples are dealing with in their marriages and families. I also get to see the creative ways they conquer those challenges and thrive. I’d like to offer some encouragement and some tools for keeping your relationship strong and healthy based on the issues I see most often in my practice these days.

One of my favorite tools for that is Drs. John and Julie Gottman’s Strong Relationship House Model. The model has seven layers. I know, it sounds like a lot. And, to be honest, it can be a little dry. I’m going to try to put them in relatable, “real life” terms, so hang with me.

THE SOUND RELATIONSHIP HOUSE, Wendy style:

1. Knowing one another’s world

Are you checking in with each other? Simple questions like, How are you? What do you need? and How can I help? show that the condition of your spouse’s heart is important to you.

2. Shared fondness and admiration

What are some of your favorite things about your partner? Have you told them that lately? Never underestimate how much meaning there is in a simple, You’re amazing! I can’t wait to spend time with you! or, I’m so thankful you’re my partner in this life.

3. Turn towards, instead of away

When you’re feeling pressure, tension or disappointment from your spouse it’s easy to back away. But that can backfire and leave you both feeling isolated. What would it look like if instead you said, Wow, this is so hard but I’m glad we’re in it together? You know, I like you! or, Hey, can we talk?

4. Positive perspective

Are you an optimist or a pessimist? The answer to that question will directly influence your ability to have a positive perspective when faced with challenges. But when you show some hopeful determination and have a “we’ve got this” approach, it will affect not only your mindset about the situation but be a boost to your partner and family as well.

5. Manage confl ict

There are several different conflict styles: collaboration, avoidance, compromise, accommodation and competition. Knowing each other’s conflict style will help you manage it more effectively and cut down on frustration. Talk about these styles and see which resonate for each of you. How do they mesh (or not)?

6.

Make life dreams come true

Dreaming as a couple creates excitement and knits your hearts together. This season of slowed-down life has been a great opportunity to revisit some of those dreams, maybe even dust them off and put them into motion. Now, not every dream can come true. But why not ask each other, If we could embark on one of those dreams today, what would it be?

7. Create shared meaning

What are some things you’ve always loved doing together? Are you still doing them? It could be as simple as going for walks, cooking together or watching movies. Or as big as a home improvement project (yes, some couples love doing them together), working on a car, or learning a new language. Don’t stay in my box here, come up with your own!

Finally, those layers are held in place by the sturdy walls of trust and commitment.

Now it’s time to do an inspection and see how your relationship house has weathered the recent winds of change. If it’s in great shape, awesome! Way to go! If not, don’t panic or get discouraged. Today is a new day and the perfect day to start rebuilding. And I’d love to partner with you in doing so.

WENDY REGNER To Have and To Hold Couples Care

Wendy is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice in Fargo. She is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC), American Counseling Association (ACA), a Certified SYMBIS Pre-marital Preparation Facilitator, and a Certified Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy practitioner. She has a passion for helping couples and individuals navigate the challenges life brings and learn to bravely live life to the fullest.

common makeup mistakes (and how to fix them)

EASY STEPS YOU CAN FOLLOW FOR FLAWLESS MAKEUP

WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY : WASIFA AHMAD HASAN Follow Wasifa on INSTAGRAM: @sifascorner

How do you feel about makeup? Do you like to try the latest trends on Instagram or do you like to stick to your “au natural” look?

Makeup may sound redundant in times like these, but it can be therapeutic for some. The touch of soft brushes on the skin and the variety of eyeshadows and lip colors can be the artistic escape we need to feel happy right now.

Most of the time, when we are trying a new makeup look, it doesn't translate the way we want it to, especially if you are following a tutorial from Instagram or YouTube. Due to time constraints, when influencers are making a video tutorial, they cut some parts to keep it from getting too long. The small steps which are omitted in a tutorial may be causing the troubles you are facing when you are recreating that look.

This is why today I am going to talk about the five most common issues and mistakes and how to fix them.

DRY, TEXTURED UNDER-EYES:

Believe me when I say this, we all have texture on our skin. Due to built-in smoothening filter effects on the latest cameras and editing software, we only see the smooth and "flawless" finished result. But there are some steps you can follow to truly achieve smoother looking skin in real life.

In picture 1, you will see how dry and textured my under-eye area looks. It's because I have not used any moisturizer underneath. If you are very young, you can get away without an

eye cream under your concealer. Because of our age, most of us need the extra moisture due to the general dryness and loss of collagen in our under-eye skin. You will need less than a pea-size amount to cover the area around your eyes (picture 2). Now if you look closely to picture 3 you can see the same concealer looks much better with an eye cream underneath.

OILY UPPER LID:

Oily upper lids can cause smudged eyeliners and faded eyeshadows. If you have oily eyelids, skip the eye cream on your eyelid (use only on the under-eye area). Now what you can do is dab some concealer on your upper lid and blend it with a damp sponge using a tapping motion (picture 4). After the concealer is blended well, press on a small bit of translucent setting powder using the same damp sponge. Once it's set, go on with your liner or eyeshadow.

ASHY/GREY CONCEALER:

Often you’ll notice that while your concealer looks good on the rest of your face, it looks ashy or grey under your eyes. The main reason for this is your undereye circles. You should be using different shades of concealers on different parts of your face, as our face is not just one color. First and foremost, apply a small amount of eye cream to prepare the area, then use a brush to apply a corrective concealer (with an orange or peach undertone) under the eye (picture 5).

Also, pay attention to your skin undertone. Warmer skin tones should look for yellow or orange undertones, while cooler skin tones will look better with pink shades.

Be sure to get the sides of the nose that hits the inner corner of the eye. Make sure to blend the concealer outwards so it’s not too thick. After you have covered any darkness, take a translucent powder and dust over top to keep creasing at bay.

LIPSTICK IS NOT SHOWING TRUE COLOR:

If you have pigmented lips or the area around your mouth is pigmented like mine, the lipstick will not show its true color. If you look at picture 6, the right side shows how this pink lipstick looks normally on my lips. On the left, you will see how the same color looks when I have prepped my lips to show the true color.

The key is to balance out the darkness on and around your lips so that the lip product has a clean surface on which to show the actual color. To achieve this, just dab your lips with a bit of your foundation or concealer with a damp sponge and blend it with a tapping motion. Do not overdo the product here, you will only need a tiny amount. After blending well, apply the lipstick on top.

EYELINER IS NOT DARK ENOUGH:

Sometimes the darkest liquid eyeliner you own can end up looking not dark enough or patchy on your eyes, especially if it's a black liner. In this case, add a cream liner of the same color before you add the liquid one (picture 7). I have seen many makeup artists following the layering technique to get a depth of color. You can layer a cream liner with a powder shadow, a cream liner with a liquid liner, or a liquid liner with a powder shadow on top. Whichever method you choose, you will get a beautiful and long-lasting result.

There are many small steps like this you can follow to get a beautiful and flawless makeup. Performing the small steps in each stage are the main difference between looking like a makeup artist or a makeup-beginner. To get more tips like this you can follow me on Instagram and YouTube (@sifascorner). Stay safe and healthy! [ aw ]

Confidence: THE MOST ATTRACTIVE TRAIT ANY WOMAN CAN HAVE

WORDS : ANGEL EVENSON PHOTOGRAPHY : ASHLEY OBERHOLTZER PHOTOGRAPHY

The pointed end of the drumstick stared at her as her green eyes found their way to meet his. His voice bellowed through the room like the bass drum near the exit requesting that she play her trumpet solo to prove she knew the notes. She nervously picked up the instrument, licked her lips and began to play. Everyone sat silently and stared as she stumbled through the notes.

“Did you even practice?” He huffed in mockery form.

Self-confidence can easily be diminished at an early age. Simple phrases that are said to you as a child can be carried with you throughout your life, thus becoming the critical phrases you start saying to yourself.

Do you see yourself struggling to find the confidence you need to excel?

Confidence, or lack thereof, is a common feeling women wrestle with. We are expected to be confident, yet no one has taught us how or given us a reason to feel that way. We are left to figure it out on our own or be inspired by women who have embraced confidence because of the struggles that have built it up within them.

There have been many times in my life that I have felt extremely confident and other times where I have really struggled. Situations and circumstances change but that does not mean your confidence needs to ebb and flow with them.

After I lost my job in 2013 my confidence was at an all-time low. My career had been taken away from me and I felt like a complete failure. Subconsciously, I knew my worth wasn’t tied to my title, but I still felt like I needed a career to have confidence. At that point I started learning how to focus on other things in order to build my confidence back up.

How can you boost your confidence right now?

EXERCISE.

When I start mentally spinning, I exercise. Exercise releases endorphins and endorphins send positive waves throughout your body. You will naturally feel more confident once you exercise.

DO SOMETHING FOR SOMEONE ELSE.

Lacking in self-confidence can quickly be stopped by genuinely doing something for someone else and not expecting anything in return.

GET OUT OF YOUR OWN HEAD.

Overthinking never helped anyone, so let that stuff go, honey! If you are fearful of judgment, let that fear motivate you to follow what brings you joy.

GRATITUDE.

Each day find one thing about yourself that you are extremely grateful for. Write it on a Post-It note and stick it on your mirror. You will be surprised how quickly your confidence is boosted when you start focusing on how amazing you truly are.

You, my friend, are awesome. I hope the next time I see you that you are walking around as confident as a naked toddler with her underwear on her head. Always in love,

distinctly designed

FOR A BEAUTIFULLY FUNCTIONAL HOME

Nothing like being stuck at home over the last several weeks to make one really take a look at their surroundings. Not only are we thinking about all of those updates we have been wanting to make, but more importantly, this time has many considering how their own personal environment is functioning for them as well.

Designer Andrea (Drea) Coleman, of Distinctions by Drea, has always believed that design should not only be beautiful, it should be highly functional with an emphasis on reflecting the personal style of every homeowner. For the past several years, Distinctions by Drea has operated in Fargo, Grand Forks and the lakes region, assisting clients in meeting their personal goals for their homes.

Although Distinctions by Drea has always been known for assisting clients with color selection, home furnishings, space planning and accessories, the business expanded when Coleman became the exclusive designer for Kitchen Refresh in the area. This collaboration allowed for Distinctions by Drea to not only assist in kitchen design, but it eventually grew to encompass full-scale remodeling projects. Current functional trends Coleman has been focusing attention on as of late are the installation of beautiful walk-in showers, cozy gathering spaces and kitchen updating. Although help in these specific areas is predominantly being requested, Coleman still loves to help clients with all aspects of their home. Sometimes clients need someone to simply help them pick out the best flooring to coordinate in their home, to assist in choosing counter tops, or help them find which organizational features will make their home environments more efficient.

Coleman has always felt that great design doesn’t need to break the bank. Unfortunately, many people overlook the financial advantage of having a designer assist in a home project, thinking they can’t afford the services. Not only does a designer help clients navigate through a project, maintain overall budget goals,

Without

and offer creative alternatives to customize the design to their client’s own personal style and budget, but they also help clients avoid costly mistakes. One of the first things Coleman does when meeting with a client is discuss their goals in their home, then offer an estimate on her time to complete the various elements. Once this is done, the plan is created for the client. The great part about the plan is that it never has to be done all at once, and it can be tackled over time. “I have clients call me once a year to move on to the next project on their list, and I love it,” says Coleman. More often than not, clients love having a goal to work toward in their home because it eliminates the stress of not knowing what steps to take, and in what order those elements need to happen.

“I always smile and shake my head when clients tell me they don’t have a style,” says Coleman. “We are all creatures of habit and tend to make similar unconscious choices all the time in our homes because they make us feel comfortable. Everyone has a style, and one of the best parts of working with a client is when I see everything click for them, and once one area is functioning well for them, they are able to move forward with confidence about making selections for their home.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION, visit distinctionsbydrea.com.

EXPERTS!

Working with Andrea was an absolute treat! She has helped me on three different projects and with each new project she impresses me more. There are no surprises. She is upfront about costs and provides options for areas you can spend less.

hesitation, I will look to Andrea when my next projects presents itself.”

it's the little things...

THE GAPING MAW

Tobacco basket in an earthy green.

Arched and latticed window frame, in a variety of sizes.

Definition: The space above kitchen cabinets before the ceiling starts. In modern construction, the maw is not limited to just the kitchen, but can also be found randomly throughout the house — above the coat closet or in the stairwell, for instance. Someone thought it would be a good idea to have a display space 8-14 feet off the ground, making cleaning it an unpleasant affair involving extension poles and ladders. Conversely, maybe you didn’t have to clean it, because it’s 8-14 feet off the ground and no one can see it anyway. See what I did there?

Back when I lived in a house built in 1926, I didn’t have this problem. The cabinets went all the way up to the ceiling. Fast forward to my 1992 split level, with a big kitchen featuring three gaping maws created by the airy cathedral ceilings. Happily, the rest of the house is maw-less.

What to do? I left it empty for a while, which contributed to the overall feeling that no one lived there. I put my treasured collection of midcentury hand-blown glass vases and pitchers up there, but they looked like shot glasses from normal viewing height. So, with scale foremost in mind, I began my quest for something the right size, unique and easy to remove and clean. Here’s what I found.

Both from Burlap. burlapfargo.com Antique botanicals in black and white from Eco Chic. iloveecochic.com

WORDS : TAMIE ZACCHEA

Fringe and tassels, for the boho kitchen.

Super modern and clean black metal wall hung sculpture. [below]

Both from Dash + White. dashandwhite.com And here’s my actual gaping maw, nicely filled with stoneware pitchers from Burlap. burlap.com

where the old is always new

FRESH FROM The FARM

WORDS : KRISTI MAUL-BIXBY PHOTOGRAPHY : AREA WOMAN STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

If you’re a vintage enthusiast or collector, you know the saying “buy it when you see it, or it will be gone when you come back” is true. I can promise you this is true at the Fargo Antiques and Repurposed Market (the FARM), where we’re getting in fresh vintage, antique, collectible and repurposed items literally every day. The 60+ small businesses housed in the FARM are all back and open for business.

Have you ever wondered where all this stuff comes from? It’s a different answer for most of our small businesspeople. I and my partners assist in cleaning out entire houses full of goods. People frequently need help with this when they’re moving, down-sizing or have had a death in the family. We help pack, move and haul away everything. After sorting and cleaning, many of these items then go to the FARM, where we hope they find a new home and purpose.

Some of the small businesses at the FARM are also crafters and creators. Most of our creators use old and discarded items to create new and beautiful things, keeping them out of the landfill and breathing new life into them. We have artists, furniture painters, lamp makers and shelf builders — just to name a few. Old

wooden window frames become quaint farmhouse shelves. Lengths of discarded lumber become “welcome” signs. An ugly old dresser with a broken drawer gets repaired and brought back into use with a fresh coat of paint and an entirely new look.

We also have lifelong collectors at the FARM, who bring their vast collections and knowledge to the market for other collectors to enjoy. Toys, pottery, Depression glass, vintage tools — all can be found at the FARM. The FARM is also a treasure trove for crafters and creators who enjoy making their own repurposed treasures. We just unpacked about 100 vintage sewing patterns, some dating back to the ‘40s. The collection included men’s pajamas, doll clothes,

oversized ‘80s women’s tops, and they’re all still useable. You never know what you’ll find, but they may be gone soon.

The FARM is celebrating summer and the reopening of our state and area. Join us for a flea market in the parking lot on June 20-21 and September 19-20, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Local author Amelia Lemar will be at the June flea market, signing a limited quantity of her new book “It’s OK: The 8 Things All Children Need to Hear,” available from Amazon. Bring your own copy if you can! The FARM’s small businesses will be set up outside and inside. Stalls are also open to anyone on a first come, first served basis.

We’ll also be doing special events in the coming months, including a furniture painting class, junk journaling and visits from local authors and crafters.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, visit us at farmantiques.net or call the FARM at 701-356-9199. The FARM is located at 5258 51st Ave. S. in Fargo. It is open daily 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Sundays noon – 6:00 p.m. Happy Summer!

why we love our community +

During this difficult time, I’m proud to be part of a community working hard to support local business. I love seeing the partnerships forming between businesses and the community becoming more conscious of supporting small local business. We may not all be in the same boat, but we’re all in the same storm and WE’LL GET

ANNE, Artisan and Owner Kidderbug Kreations : kidderbugkreations.com

TALULA

701-532-1134

Directly

I love Fargo and the people. Throughout our community I see happy people, working hard and wanting the best for their family, our community and one another. This attitude makes me so proud to live in Fargo!

TINA ASHTON, Expressions by Ashton expressionsbyashton.com

Stacks on Stacks. Create yours at GUNDERSON’S 5601 28th Ave S, Fargo 701-532-3020 : gundersons.com

At HERO we have a vision for a world where people join together and ensure that no person goes without necessary healthcare products that they need to thrive. The key is join together. This is what we love about the FMWF area, that community spirit to join together, help each other out and get things done. We work together across organizations to problem solve on how we help people in our community who need it so that no one feels alone.

MAREN GEMAR, Executive Director HERO : 701-212-1921 : herofargo.org

Repurposed leather earrings. "Petra," Dear Survivor $42

OTHERS

218 Broadway, Fargo 701-478-8722

othersshop.com

Embrace the heat with the perfect wear everywhere shorts.

MAINSTREAM BOUTIQUE

Blu 32: 4600 32nd Ave, Suite 108, Fargo 701-356-6684 mainstreamboutique.com

"Liverpool", Great for work and play. LEFT: Ponte striped blazer, with coordinating pull on pants. RIGHT: Chloe pull on crop, with an unfinished slit bottom.

FUSION BOUTIQUE Inside Scheels Home & Hardware 3202 13th Ave S, Fargo : scheelshomeandhardware.com

Out of the many aspects of the FMWF community that I love, one of the best is the diversity in business in our area. From big companies, to small, family owned businesses; there's a strong work ethic and dedication to make our community have a thriving and vibrant economy.

Fargo and West Fargo are great supporters of small businesses and have stuck with Ole & Lena's through many di cult times. Thank you to all our customers, past and future, you're the best!”

JON LONG , Owner : Ole & Lena's Pizzeria : 701-356-8102 3330 Sheyenne Street, West Fargo : oleandlenaspizzeriand.com

As a person who lived in different countries, I found the most friendly and helpful people here. Feeling happy to call this place home.”

GUNEL HUSEYNOVA, Owner : Mainstream Boutique

We love the culture and the people of the Fargo-Moorhead area. Making women look and feel good is our passion.”

MARY GESSELE & KELLY HOOVER Fashion Consultants at SCHEELS Home & Hardware

BILL JANSON Ameriprise Financial Advisor

Retro Roadtripper Bouquet. $60

DALBOL FLOWERS : 1450 25th St S, Fargo 701-235-5864 : dalbolflowers.com

We celebrate the diversity and abilities of our clients every day, and Anne Carlsen has always embraced family-centered services to help each individual we serve flourish. Fargo is a perfect match for Anne Carlsen because it is a family-focused community that honors and supports a unique blend of cultures.

STEVEN REZAC, Anne Carlsen Center : annecarlsen.org

Your one stop shop for summer shorts, dresses and accessories!

PRIMROSE BOUTIQUE 1115 9th St E, West Fargo primroseboutiquefashion.com

ADVANCE

YOUR

Quality, convenience, flexibility

“I love the 8-week course plan the MBA program follows. You are able to set your own pace and enroll in however many classes you think is manageable.”

- Brittany Gapinski, St. Michael, Minnesota

Specialize in areas such as:

• Leadership and Managerial Skills

• Digital Marketing and Innovation

• Business Analytics

• Investments and Applied Portfolio Management

I love how supportive our community is of small businesses, and in a time of crisis we all stand together.

INDIRA KOVACI

PrimRose Boutique

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT MANAGING AGING PARENTS’ FINANCES

Making financial decisions takes time, attention and energy at any age. In the case of elderly adults, it can become increasingly difficult to manage daily finances, particularly if their health is declining or they’re experiencing a cognitive issue. If you’re providing support to aging parents — or plan to in the future — here is some advice on how to handle the situation and prepare for

what’s to come.

Don’t wait to start talking about finances.

While it may be uncomfortable to ask your parents to discuss their finances with you, it’s essential that you are familiar with their intentions for care and what plans they have in place. The first time you broach the subject, emphasize that you are looking for only a high-level overview so that you can have more peace-of-mind that your parents will be well cared for. This initial conversation can then help set the groundwork for future discussions.

Create a contact list.

If your parents experience a sudden change in a health that affects their ability to manage their own affairs, it’s important to have a game plan for what happens next. If you anticipate stepping in to pay bills, make insurance claims and handle other financial tasks, start by asking your parents for a list of contact information for the professionals they work with and where their accounts are held. Keep in mind that you may need to be an authorized user or power of attorney to be allowed access to certain accounts. Consult a lawyer to talk through what permission may be necessary for you to step in if the need arises.

Build a support network.

Talk with siblings or other trusted family members about what a possible care plan could look like for your parents. While this conversation can be tough to initiate, know that it’s often easier to bring everyone together while your parents are still healthy and in good mental capacity. Discuss who can realistically provide support — and in what way and at what cost. Proactively deciding who can drive your parents to doctor appointments, manage financial affairs, care for their home, and handle other tasks can help avoid a strain on your time and energy down the road.

Anticipate future lifestyle changes and challenges.

Even if they aren’t yet needed, explore the options and costs of various assisted living and memory care services. And, check your parents’ insurance policies to see if and how services might be covered. You may also want to decide whether their home or yours could be modified to provide additional space or comforts, such as wheelchair access. Knowing what choices exist and how your parents feel about each one can help you make future decisions with more confidence.

Know your rights at work.

The Federal Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) allows covered employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to provide care for a family member with a serious health condition.2 Consult your human resources (HR) department to learn what your company’s policies are for supporting employees who are caring for a parent and how to initiate a claim if you need to. Many employers have access to resources and support groups to help you manage your responsibilities at home and at work. 2 – United States Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, Family and Medical Leave Act http://www.dol.gov/whd/fmla/

WORDS : AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.

Maintain momentum on your own financial goals.

It’s understandable to want to provide your parents with as much support as you can. It’s prudent to look at your finances to see how much support you could provide (if it’s needed) without jeopardizing your own retirement and future health care needs.

It’s hard to imagine — let alone talk about — what caring for an ill or aging parent may look like. For additional support in having family conversations, evaluating financial options and creating a plan for your parents, contact your financial advisor and lawyer. These experts work day-in and day-out with families in similar situations and can help you take the steps necessary to feel more confident about your own plan.

today

William Janson

is a financial advisor with Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. in Moorhead. He specializes in fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 30 years. Contact him at 701-235-4171, bill.j.janson@ampf.com or visit ameripriseadvisors.com/bill.j.janson/.

We are located at 1401 8th Street South, Suite 2 in Moorhead.

Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. and its affiliates do not offer tax or legal advice. Consumers should consult with their tax advisor or attorney regarding their specific situation.

Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., a registered investment adviser.

Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.

Member FINRA and SIPC.

© 2019 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

JULY 7 and AUGUST 4

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

Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2019 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. (09/19)

Abby Glotzbach, Client Service Coordinator and Financial Planning Assistant

Jack Bixler, Paraplanner

William Janson, Financial Advisor Molly Johnson, Marketing Manager & Event Planner

Since 1894, Ameriprise Financial has helped millions of Americans feel more confident about their financial future. As an Ameriprise financial advisor, I remain true to our vision of always putting clients first. Discover the one-to-one attention you deserve, call me

MSUM CARE TEAM AND DONORS UNITE FOR STUDENTS

Funds help students through COVID-19 pandemic

For college students on a tight budget, even a small emergency can cause stress.

So, when campuses and workplaces closed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Minnesota State University Moorhead quickly moved to support students who were affected financially.

The university’s foundation raised more than $26,000 in two weeks for its student emergency assistance fund. More than 120 donors contributed to the fund, bringing its total to about $39,000.

“When times are tough, people look to where they can make a big impact,” says Cindy Bailey, director of the annual fund at the MSUM Foundation. “Our alumni and donors wanted to know how they could help students get through this tough time.”

MSUM’s student emergency assistance fund has been in place since 2014. Students can apply for grants of up to $500 to help cover unexpected expenses, such as accidents, family

illness or transportation issues. Typically, 30 to 40 students apply for assistance each year.

The fund helps students continue their education instead of being derailed by a one-time financial emergency or crisis. The university’s Care Team, which includes faculty and staff from across campus, administers the fund.

Taylor Pfarr is a graduate student who serves on the Care Team.

“It’s truly amazing that we come together during this tough time,” she says. “The care and outreach we give to our students are beyond what I could have ever imagined when I first came here.”

Since March, more than 100 students have requested financial help from the student emergency fund. Many of the requests are from students who lost off-campus or on-campus jobs because of closures related to COVID-19.

WORDS : ERIN HEMME FROSLIE PHOTOGRAPHY : DAVE ARNTSON

These aren’t students who are living beyond their means. These are all students who suddenly are facing unexpected expenses or loss of income. With every application we read, our hearts break. We see their grit and how hard they’re trying to make things work.”

kara gravley - stack msum dean of students

Others asked for grants to purchase equipment or technology that would allow them to complete their studies online.

And while the grants may be small, the impact is significant.

“I am in tears. I have been so stressed over this situation,” wrote one student in a thank-you note to the Care Team. “I was so worried I’d never be able to make up my classwork and things like that due to the pandemic. You guys are amazing.”

Another student wrote: “Thank you so very much! I am so appreciative. I was losing hope for financial security at a time like this, but this will help so much!”

In addition to offering grants, the Care Team also helps students identify other ways they may be able to access financial assistance.

“These aren’t students who are living beyond their means,” says Kara Gravley-Stack, dean of students. “These are all students who suddenly are facing unexpected expenses or loss of income. With every application we read, our hearts break. We see their grit and how hard they’re trying to make things work.”

Gravley-Stack expects that more MSUM students will request grants from the emergency fund as effects from the COVID-19 pandemic continue. The Care Team meets throughout the summer, meaning that students can still seek help.

And yet, these trying times also give the MSUM community an opportunity to come together and show what it means to take care of each other.

“Our faculty, staff, alumni and donors have an affinity for MSUM and the power of education,” Bailey says. “They’re angels. I know there’s a lot of uncertainty, but they’re still willing to be there for our students.”

For students, that support can mean the difference between failure and success.

“I love the community that MSUM builds,” Pfarr says. “Sometimes, it just takes an extra helping hand to help students go far.”

breaking bad: college edition

WORDS : LUKE HECK and WHITNEY IRISH

In the February/March 2020 issue of Area Woman,

we walked through some scenarios faced by two young adult characters: Kacey and Josh. While both Kacey and Josh are considered legal adults, there are some criminal consequences they may face when …

Kacey, our 19-year-old art history major, has found herself at a college party drinking rosé followed by a trendy IPA. What are some legal consequences to which Kacey is now exposed?

In North Dakota and Minnesota, individuals under 21 years old are prohibited from being in possession of, or consuming, alcohol. Kacey may be subject to a misdemeanor criminal conviction, fines, jail time, and, in North Dakota, an evidence-based alcohol and drug education program.

Let’s take it a step further. Kacey decides she is over the party (i.e., the cute guy from the wellness center hasn’t shown up) so she gets in her car to head back to her dorm and gets pulled over by the police.

First, not only is this dangerous to herself and others, it is also a crime to drink and drive, regardless of your age, if your alcohol concentration is above .08, if you are “under the influence” of alcohol, or if you refuse to submit to a chemical test to measure your alcohol concentration after being arrested. Kacey could lose her license for three to six months. However, because Kacey is under 21, she is subject to “special consequences.” She does not need to have a blood alcohol level of .08 — she can lose her license for blowing even a .02.

Kacey is mortified at thought of her parents driving her around (she is an adult after all) but using ride-sharing services for three to six months can get expensive and those North Dakota winters are not meant for leisurely strolls around town.

One important thing for young adults to know and remember if they do find themselves to have partaken in adult beverages and an emergency comes up is the Good Samaritan Law. Both North Dakota and Minnesota law provides immunity to criminal charges for minors who have unlawfully consumed alcohol if they are seeking medical or emergency services for themselves (in Minnesota) or another minor in need of medical or emergency services (in Minnesota and North Dakota).

Josh, our now 19-year-old communications major, is still dating his 16-year-old high school sweetheart. They are now living in different towns and trying to make their long-distance relationship work over text and cell phone apps.

Sharing of sexual explicit photos, or “sexting,” whether it be via email, text or cell phone apps (do people still send love letters? — if so, that applies too), can lead to serious criminal charges, including felonies, for Josh, our young adult character.

Josh could potentially be convicted of luring a minor (if they are more than three years apart in age), as well as possession and dissemination of child pornography. Consent by both parties is not a defense to the charges. In addition to the criminal charges, Josh could have to register as a sex offender for a period of 15 years to the rest of his lifetime. In addition, if his college took action to investigate the conduct, he could be subject to Title IX Sexual Misconduct Proceedings through the school, making them susceptible to possible penalties there, including suspension or even expulsion. Not to mention the embarrassment or the potential to lose any scholarships and ability to play college level sports.

If you have a criminal issue, please do not hesitate to call Vogel Law Firm at 701-237-6983. This article is general information regarding this issue and is not intended to be an in-depth review of these rather complex legal issues.

WE ALL HAVE ONE THING IN COMMON WE’RE ATTORNEYS

No other North Dakota law firm comes close to the number of women attorneys as Vogel and we work hard to assure your success. Our wide range of practice areas include:

Family Law / Wills and Estate Planning

Criminal Defense Law / Business Law

Litigation / Immigration Law

Personal Injury and Wrongful Death

Environmental, Water Law and Land Use

Employment Law

Whitney Irish (above left) and Luke Heck (above right) are attorneys at Vogel Law Firm. Luke is a criminal defense attorney and tirelessly advocates for his clients to achieve positive outcomes in their matters. Whitney counsels clients in the areas of estate planning, oil and gas, probate, trust administration. She works with clients in various stages of life — young professionals, families with young children, business owners, and farmers planning for succession.

Brenda Blazer Jerilyn Branter-Adams Lisa Edison-Smith Janel Frank

Valeska Hermanson

Whitney Irish

Debbie Kleven

Angie Lord Vanessa Lystad Ariana Meyers KrisAnn Norby-Jahner

Tami Norgard Briana Rummel Charlotte Skar Rusch Michelle Eaton Scimecca

Caren Wanner Stanley Leah Sonstelie Warner Diane Wehrman

Megan Gordon

the ‘Dear NICU Mama’ Project THE HEALING POWER of sisterhood

The definition of sisterhood is: an association, society or community of women linked by a common interest, religion or trade. And when I think of NICU moms and the relationship they share with each other, what common interest bonds them closer than a NICU journey? (The NICU is the neonatal intensive care unit which provides intensive medical care babies born prematurely, or babies born full-term in need of medical intervention.)

When we envision our birth stories and our new beginnings to motherhood, we envision what we see on commercials and what we see as we scroll through our social media. We envision early motherhood to be a time of bonding, of latching and nursing, of play dates, all while experiencing the magic of motherhood.

But what about when it isn’t the magical beginning that we always envisioned? What if it doesn’t feel magical as you’re connected to a mechanical pump while watching your baby fight for life in an isolette? What if you struggle to bond with your baby when your nights are spent miles apart from each other? What if you feel immense feelings of loneliness as you isolate yourself from the “outside world?” This is where the healing power of sisterhood comes in. We don’t have to journey through these feelings alone.

WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY : ASHLEY HAM, FLORA PINE PHOTOGRAPHY

Dear NICU Mama exists to connect the past and present NICU mom by bringing them out of isolation and into a sisterhood of women that remind them that they are not alone. But what does this sisterhood look like?

First of all, NICU sisters don’t compare each other’s scars. They tend to each other’s wounds. We believe that there’s no such thing as an easy NICU journey, and that all NICU journeys are to be honored and celebrated. Two days or 200 days in the NICU is hard.

When the NICU journey feels like too much, your NICU sisters remind you that you are braver than you feel.

When you feel guilt or shame about what your body did or didn’t do, your NICU sisters remind you that this was never your fault.

When you feel deep sadness as you miss out on events or gatherings with people that you love, your NICU sisters remind you of the bravery it takes to set strict social boundaries to keep your miracle healthy and safe.

When others perceive your honesty as complacency, your NICU sisters remind you that you can be grateful and grieve at the same time.

And most importantly, your NICU sisters remind you that you are never alone.

So if you are a NICU mama reading this, we want to invite you to be a part of the Dear NICU Mama sisterhood. The NICU journey can be incredibly isolating, but you do not have to journey through it alone. Community with women and mothers who “get it” can be an essential and beautiful part of the healing process both during and after the NICU.

We see you, we hear you, and are here to honor your story. You are never alone.

DEAR NICU MAMA is a passion project designed to connect, encourage, and create community with past and present NICU moms.Get connected at dearnicumama.com.

HOW TO TALK TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT COVID-19

A

pandemic is new territory for adults and kids alike.

To help you talk to your kids about COVID-19, Joseph Segeleon, MD, a critical care pediatrician at Sanford Children’s, answers some frequently asked questions on the topic.

What advice do you have for parents right now?

The role for parents right now is to be reassuring, to be a listening ear and to make sure children feel safe. Kids pick up on parental anxiety, anger and impatience. They know when we’re afraid. Control your anxiety by concentrating on what we know, keeping your family safe and how you can cope in a healthy manner. Kids look to us for reassurance that, yes, we’ll do everything we can to keep them safe.

How important is keeping an open dialogue with our kids?

It’s very important right now to be accessible to your kids, to be available for questions and to acknowledge that they may be anxious or fearful. Be reassuring, confident and comfortable when you address their concerns because they may have heard other things about what’s going on, particularly if they’re older children.

How do we talk to older children about COVID-19?

Be aware of where your child is getting their information and it wouldn’t be a bad idea to get your information from the same sources. Not everything online is true, so it’s really important to stick with facts and science. For example, we know there wasn’t a person or group of people who caused this virus. Especially with older kids, they may have a lot of questions, and let’s face it, we have a lot of questions about this current situation too.

How do we approach the subject based on children’s ages?

It’s very important that we acknowledge the developmental difference between children. For a 5-year-old who knows about germs, explain it to them in the same way you would about how we get colds and runny noses. But for an adolescent, you can go into the details about where this virus came from and what we know about it. Compare and contrast it to something like the flu, which a lot of kids know about.

WORDS : COURTNEY COLLEN

Children may be anxious, confused and afraid. How can we help?

We’ve all been thrown into this topsy-turvy world where a lot of adults are working from home and kids are doing school online. Sticking with a routine is vitally important. Kids look to parents to establish a routine, and so I would strongly advocate for bedtimes and three nutritious meals together a day.

How can we shift our thinking and look at the bright side?

It’s important to stay positive and kids pick up on that positive energy too. When it comes to this virus, there are some positives if we look for them. One is that on the whole, the younger population isn’t as significantly affected. That’s a positive that you can share with your child to help them worry less about their safety and yours. I also encourage you to find new ways of doing things together, like hosting virtual meetings with friends and loved ones.

How can we encourage good habits among kids?

This may be an opportunity to talk about the reasons behind our actions. Such as, the reason why we wash our hands is not only to keep us safe, but also to keep the people around us safe. The reason why we’re staying home, not playing on the playground — or not going to school to see our friends — is about more than just you and I. It’s about the opportunity to do something for the general good. I personally think that’s a positive message.

Amid a pandemic, we’re seeing a lot of creativity and, more importantly, kindness. You don’t have to look far to see people reaching out and helping others, and I encourage you to connect with those who might be lonely or isolated. There’s a lot of kindness in this world and it’s a nice time to celebrate that.

On January 23rd Fargo Elim experienced a devastating fire. Our Residents and Children were successfully relocated with the assistance of our phenomenal staff, local fire fighter, police force, ambulance & emergency management. We are so grateful to all the dedicated professionals that made the evacuation successful and we humbly thank all the neighbors, volunteers, nursing homes, and businesses that opened their hearts and their doors to our residents, children and staff. After serving seniors for over half a decade we intend on recovering and maintaining our presence in this amazing community; we hope for another 100 years!

Pioneer House is still open to serve you. Thankfully our Assisted Living remains undamaged, open and continues to serve the Fargo community today.

3450 UNIVERSITY DR. S, FARGO

PHOTO : SCHERLING PHOTOGRAPHY scherlingphotography.com

PHOTO : EXPRESSIONS BY ASHTON

PHOTO : ALICIA MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY aliciamariepictures.com

PHOTO : TAYLOR JANE PHOTOGRAPHY taylorjanephoto.com

PHOTO :

PHOTO : ELENA K PHOTOGRAPHY elenakphoto.com

the BUFF life

Follow Ashley on INSTAGRAM/TWITTER: @ashleysornsin

FACEBOOK: ashleysornsinhealthfitnessscoach

Welcome to ‘The BUFF Life’!

BUFF stands for "Believers Uniting Fitness and Food." Together we are a community, and here I hope you will feel connected and encouraged through all things FAITH + FAMILY + FITNESS + FOOD! Summer is finally here and there are so many things that are new and exciting. We are all finding a new sense of normal and I hope that you’re embracing it. No matter how hard it seems, change is good, and there are so many blessings we can experience in this new season we’ve all entered together!

two

FAMILY: Connecting virtually!

Although this will never replace in-person interactions, I have been loving connecting virtually over Zoom and Skype with my family and friends. Whether it’s a virtual happy hour, a Friday night couple’s date, a Monday night “grow group” with church friends, or a Saturday brunch date with extended family (from Michigan, North Carolina, Florida, New Jersey and Belgium), it’s fun to get creative with ways we can connect. Think of fun ways you can connect with your family and friends and schedule it. Despite being apart, there are actually many more ways we can connect and can create that community that we all desire and need.

FAITH:

Life is beautiful, messy and hard, all at the same time! God uses the biggest trials and the hardest moments for the greater good. He has a purpose and plan through it all, but it’s up to us to trust and believe that God is doing a great work in us and through us. The tough moments are opportunities for us to lean on God, to go to him, and to take on these challenges together. God knows your pain and unlike the saying, “God doesn’t give you anything you can’t handle,” the truth is that he will give you more than you can handle, so you will go to him and not rely on your own strength. True strength is when you know you need help and you ask him for it!

three

FITNESS: Get outside!

If you’re feeling like you’ve been stuck inside, it’s probably because you have! There is so much benefit to getting outside and being in nature. These next months, take advantage of the warm weather, aim to get at least 30 minutes of activity outside each day. Walking is probably my favorite, as it’s very therapeutic as well. Fresh air and stress-free movement is something my body loves. Bonus: track your steps and set some goals.

WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY : ASHLEY SORNSIN

FOOD: Patriotic Protein Pancakes!

This will be your new go-to breakfast (and snack), as these protein pancakes are a breeze to make. Not only are they completely plant-based (no eggs or milk), but they are also packed with protein. This is the easiest, healthiest and tastiest way to make pancakes that are great to make for a crowd and they’re ready in 15 minutes. I had some fun with toppings for the Fourth of July, but feel free to add whatever you like.

INGREDIENTS

for plant-based protein pancake mix:

1 cup oats

½ cup whole wheat (or all purpose flour or more oats)

½ cup protein powder (vegan/plant based vanilla)

¼ cup ground flaxseed (flax meal)

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

ALSO:

2 cups non-dairy milk

Pancake toppings: fruit, nuts and chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS:

1. Combine all into a blender to fully blend oats into a powder.

2. Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet or pan with parchment paper.

3. Mix two cups mix and two cups non-dairy milk, then pour onto lined baking sheet, add fruit and other toppings.

4. Bake for 15 minutes, then cut into squares and serve.

Fargo’s Only Female-Focused Psychotherapy Practice

We provide individualized therapy to help support women by treating:

• Challenges in managing health conditions and chronic disease including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity

• Maternal mental health concerns, including perinatal mood and anxiety disorders

• Stress management

• Self-esteem

• Depression and more

• Open gyms and classes limited to 10 participants

• Proper social distancing of all participants and guests

• Extra staff on hand for ongoing cleaning and disinfecting during all open hours

• 30 minute cleaning and sanitizing break between all open gyms and classes

• Screening every guest and employee that comes into the gym, including no-contact temperature scanning

WE ARE COMMITTED to keeping everyone healthy and providing the safest possible environment for parents and kids to have the most fun.

Powell, MSW/LCSW & Desiree Zielke, Ph.D, LP

Thompson Howard Home INNOVATIVE HOLISTIC MEMORY CARE

Kayla Howard is a woman with

a

vision. After spending 16 years working in various capacities serving patients with dementia and Alzheimer's disease, she was disheartened by the standard treatment and intervention protocols. It broke her heart to see her patients, primarily elderly, enter a cycle of crisis, emergency rooms, hospitalizations and the far too common usage of psychotropic drugs to end a crisis. Kayla knew there had to be a better way, not only for the patient but for caregivers, staff and families. Thus, the plans for the Thompson Howard Home began.

The plans for the Thompson Howard Home include a 2022 opening date. It will be a residential facility, with room for approximately 30 residents. A site for the facility has been selected in Mapleton, North Dakota. Rhet Architecture is working with Kayla on facility design. Kayla is working with the Dakota Medical Foundation and Innovate ND, as well as experts all over the country to navigate the process, including NDSBA, Women’s Business Center, SCORE, the NICE Center, and other mentors in the field.

The Home will raise the standard of care by employing non-pharmacological interventions during times of distress caused by forms of dementia. Non-pharmacological interventions include a variety of modalities, like massage, music, animals, aromatherapy and light therapy. During times of distress, these methods can be used to calm a loved one down, reducing and potentially eliminating the use of drugs. These therapies will be in regular use, with a goal being to avoid times of distress entirely.

Family involvement is a crucial aspect of the Thompson Howard Home. From the beginning stages of the admission process all the way through to end-of-life care, the Home will require the family to be deeply involved with the care of their loved one. The Home’s inclusive, holistic approach will eliminate the need to ever change care facilities. This includes providing an in-depth timeline of the incoming resident’s life. Ultimately, this leads to the Home being able to understand and relate better to the resident, especially when they are in distress.

The goals of the Thompson Howard Home are to enhance the quality care standards for dementia, to educate families and the community on how to effectively engage with this population, and to empower the staff on all levels.

enhance the quality care standards for dementia,

Key to achieving these goals is the staff. The staff at Thompson Howard Home will have higher educational requirements than are currently standard in similar treatment facilities. All staff will be dementia-care certified, with the requirement of quarterly recertification in dementia care and

WORDS : AREA WOMAN STAFF WRITER PHOTOGRAPHY : KELLY MAHAN

DISCOVER REAL POSSIBILITIES IN FARGO-MOORHEAD

AARP is in North Dakota creating real, meaningful change. We’re proud to help all our communities become the best they can be. Like providing family caregivers with tips to take care of loved ones, helping to make our communities more livable and hosting fun, informative events all across the state.

hands-on behavioral care. With their specific and up-to-date training, the staff will be directly involved in decision-making regarding the procedures of the facility. Staffing will be based on the care needs of the patients, not a staffing and patient census number.

Kayla, who is a registered nurse with a master’s degree in nursing administration and leadership, is planning a Zoom educational seminar on June 11, 2020 at 11:30 a.m. Additional Zoom educational seminars will be ongoing, with a July date to be determined. These are free to anyone interested, whether you are a healthcare professional, someone dealing with dementia care issues or a member of the community interested in learning more. More information about these seminars can be found on the Thompson Howard Home website, thompsonhowardhome.org, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Innovative Holistic Memory Care

FOR MORE INFORMATION

about the Thompson Howard Home, please use the “contact us” option on the website, or email kayla@thompsonhowardhome.org.

Kayla and her staff welcome inquiries from potential residents, investors and people currently seeking help with dementia care related issues. [ aw ]

Thompson Howard Home is a residence for those living with dementia. We strive to provide you and your loved ones with an environment that is conducive and wholesome, while putting emphasis on education regarding dementia.

SERVICES COMING 2022

If you don’t think Real Possibilities when you think AARP, then you don’t know “aarp.”

Get to know us at aarp.org/nd.

Essentia Health changes

HOW CARE IS DELIVERED

AMID COVID-19 PANDEMIC

WORDS : JENNIFER MCLAUGHLIN PHOTOGRAPHY : DENISE SARGENT and ESSENTIA HEALTH

In the course of a few weeks, “normal” took a sharp turn as communities, businesses and organizations adapted to finding innovative ways of doing things when faced with the reality of COVID-19. The sudden new reality caused everyone to navigate through social distancing and business closures for the health and safety of our community.

From delivering care virtually to drive-up testing, healthcare took on a new look in the face of the pandemic.

VIRTUAL HEALTH CARE

Essentia Health expanded healthcare into people’s homes with virtual video visits. Virtual visits are a telephone or video appointment directly between a provider and patient similar to an in-person visit. The difference is patients are in the comfort of their home using audio and video through their own computer, tablet or smartphone.

Plans for an April launch were already in place at Essentia for this service when COVID-19 fast-tracked it. Essentia’s first virtual video visit was conducted on March 18 and since then has exploded with an average of about 3,000 visits occurring each day.

“Essentia Health has changed the way we operate, and we are doing it for the better of our patients,” says Nicole Christensen, chief nursing officer.

Virtual video visits are available in primary and pediatric care, and nearly all specialty areas. Even walk-in virtual visits are now available, and all appointments are open to both new and existing patients.

Therapy is virtually serving patients of all ages. Michelle Enockson, director of Rehabilitation Services at Essentia Health, says patient reaction has been extremely positive. “Patients have appreciated being able to continue therapy from the comfort of their home, and they also feel safer by limiting their exposure to the risk of coronavirus out in the community.”

Therapists can provide therapy exercises utilizing what is available to the patient at home. Patients are giving more detailed feedback, which is enhancing their treatment. “Patients are paying more attention to their body, and are better able

to identify what makes the pain worse or better, because they are doing it in their own home and in their own environment,” says Enockson.

Family members have also been more likely to attend these virtual appointments, allowing therapists to keep them actively engaged in the treatment as well.

Karra Krump, a physical therapy patient in Detroit Lakes, has had five appointments so far. Her appointments consist of discussing pain level, issues, and reviewing past exercises. New exercises are implemented by her therapist demonstrating and then watching, giving suggestions and critiques, while she completes them.

“These visits have been great, and I feel the virtual visits for this have been just as successful as an in-person visit,” she says.

Krump says a bonus has been the amount of time it saves in travel or possible wait times.

COVID-19 SCREENING and DRIVE-UP TESTING

If you have concerns or symptoms related to COVID-19, Essentia Health is providing e-visits at no cost* for evaluation.

To learn more, or to start an e-visit, go to essentiahealth.org/covid-19 .

After the visit, patients determined to need a test will be directed to one of Essentia’s drive-up testing sites.

Essentia Health physical therapist Scott Barnhardt conducts a virtual therapy visit with a patient.

*Testing ordered as a result of screening may incur a charge.

CONVENIENT CURBSIDE CARE

With patient safety and comfort in mind, Essentia Health put new models in place for virtual video visits that may require in-person follow-up. Clinic locations have been designated for patients to receive immunizations, labs or other necessary treatments post-virtual visit to ensure the highest level of care.

OB patients are receiving curbside vital checks once a virtual visit is completed with their provider. These curbside appointments check blood pressure and baby’s heartbeat, which are vital elements to gauge mother and baby’s health. Patients arrive, drive up to a designated parking space, and a nurse and provider come out to their vehicle and complete the check-up.

“We recognized that there was a gap with our virtual visits in that we are not able to assess fetal heart rate and blood pressures for our OB patients. Our curbside vitals appointment allows us to offer a comprehensive visit without our patients even entering the clinic,” explains Dr. Stefanie Gefroh Ellison, OB/GYN physician at Essentia Health.

Hannah Cook, an Essentia OB patient loved the experience. “It helped just having that extra faceto-face contact and reassurance that everything was going well,” she says. “To have Essentia working and coming up with ideas to help us moms stay safe during this time and yet have that assurance is very much appreciated.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION on virtual video visits, go to essentiahealth.org/virtualvisit. [ aw ]

Hannah Cook attends her OB curbside vitals appointment at Essentia Health.

SIMPLE LIFE CREATIONS

Simple Life Creations is the culmination of many years of dreaming, planning, saving and praying. But it was well worth the wait. Earlier this year I finally launched my website and the Shopify store I've been working so hard for.

That's not where it all started though. I started out in school in veterinary medicine. I have always loved animals and wanted a chance to work with them daily. As time went on, I decided to change my focus from animals to humans and went into massage therapy. During that time, I had my first child, moved from Fargo to Wisconsin, and back to Fargo. We had our second child and decided to return to my original focus on animals. I graduated from college in 2007 and eventually went on to get certification in canine rehabilitation from the Canine Rehab Institute in Coral Springs, Florida.

Now I have three kids, a husband, a dog and a full-time job at Prairie Winds Veterinary Center in Fargo. Life gets crazy at times when you're balancing all of that! From trying to understand why your youngest brushed the dog’s teeth with their sibling’s toothbrush to wondering why they'd put toilet water in their sister’s water bottle for revenge, there's never a dull moment in my house. Through all of that, the changes, the chaos, kid schedules and work, one thing has always been a constant source of comfort and peace in my life: my crafts.

My love of crafting started with scrapbooking and blossomed from there. One day I realized that this was my calling. Caring for others through my crafts. I have an extensive list of things that I love to create and have found a few specialty items globally that I offer in my shop as well.

Wood projects are one of my favorite things. Each product is unique. They may be similar, but when you're working with wood, the beauty is that each product is its own. When I see a

WORDS + PHOTOGRAPHY : LARESSA MATTSON

block of wood or even a random jumble of twigs in nature, my brain ignites with the possibilities of things I could create.

I have had the rewarding opportunity to create custom pieces for people, which I love. Some of the items I make, especially the well-being items (bath bombs, lip balm, wax melts), I can make in bulk, since these items typically get used up quickly and need to be replaced.

Ultimately, my goal with Simple Life Creations is to bring joy and happiness to people's lives when they see and use my finished products. I truly believe that if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life. Crafting is what I love to do and have made it my life goal to do it the rest of my life.

Simple Life Creations puts you in touch with the things that matter most — home, family and your own well-being.

It's your one-stop shop for everything you need to be complete.

NDSU EDUCATION BUILDS CAREER CONFIDENCE

Lauren Singelmann credits her self-confidence to the opportunities she’s been given at North Dakota State University to learn and grow in her field of engineering.

“Imposter syndrome is something I continue to work through, but I’ve found that I now have more moments where I genuinely feel proud of myself and my work,” Singelmann says. “When working on a thesis or dissertation, you become the expert on that topic. It has required me to grow in my ability to tackle tough problems and feel more comfortable standing up for my decisions.”

Singelmann earned her bachelor’s degree from NDSU in electrical engineering. She minored in biomedical engineering. She’s currently pursuing her master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering and hoping to start her doctoral degree in the fall. Singelmann also works as NDSU’s outreach coordinator for the College of Engineering.

As an outreach coordinator, Singelmann organizes and hosts programs for students in elementary school through high school. She does not expect all of these students to become engineers, but her hope is that students feel more confident going into their math and science courses.

Knowledge in engineering

WORDS : BRYNN RAWLINGS

PHOTOGRAPHY : JUSTIN EILER

“Knowledge in engineering helps you grow in your problem-solving and technical skills, and those abilities are valuable in almost anything you do today,” Singlemann says.

Engineering is more than designing and building bridges, tunnels, vehicles and structures. Singlemann says engineers can find jobs in just about any industry because of the broad range of skills learned. NDSU realizes this versatility and has many resources, pathways and connections available for students.

Singelmann wasn’t always sure she wanted to pursue a graduate degree. But she realized after discussions with her adviser that helping to better educate and support students was her career passion. Her love of learning, engineering and helping others made the decision to pursue an advanced degree an easy one. Singelmann is now able to work on complex technical problems and teach the next generation of students.

“If you’re considering continuing your education, I’d really encourage you to jump in and go for it. For me, it’s been challenging and scary, but even more empowering and rewarding,” she says. “Graduate school has definitely prepared me for the type of career I want to pursue in the future. NDSU has given me so many opportunities during my time here so far, and I’ve already been able to make an impact both locally and globally.”

NDSU OFFERS 87 master’s and 52 doctoral degree programs. Explore the opportunities to empower yourself by visiting ndsu.edu today.

FROM BEAUTIFULLY BROKEN to world changer

Rosa Strubbe has turned her daughter’s survival story into a movement for change. The #IstandwithNatalee movement began in response to a video Strubbe shared on Facebook telling her daughter Natalee’s story and calling for change in the justice system.

Two years ago, Rosa and Ryan Strubbe found out that four-year-old Natalee had been raped three times by their friends’ 13-year-old son.

“I was devastated and I was angry. I felt like I was a complete failure because I should have been able to protect her from this,” says Strubbe.

As soon as Natalee told her what happened, Strubbe reported the incident to the police, and Natalee went through a forensic interview at the Red River

WORDS : MEGAN ELGIN

PHOTOGRAPHY : ALICIA MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY

Children’s Advocacy Center. Four months later, the offender was sentenced to one year of probation and outpatient therapy. Strubbe felt the justice system had let them down.

“I realized I couldn’t be the only parent who experienced this, who went through these emotions,” Strubbe says. “Anger fueled me. It gave me a backbone so I could push for change.”

She used that backbone to push for Natalee’s Law, a bill advocating for change in the North Dakota juvenile court system, which includes allowing parents of the victim access to court information as long as they do not share it, and stiffer sentencing for offenders. With the support of Representative Ben Koppelman, the bill passed unanimously in both the House and Senate, was signed by Governor Burgum and became active in August 2019. Strubbe recalls, “The day we found out Natalee’s Law passed unanimously I cried uncontrollably, because another family wasn’t going to have to jump the hurdles we did.”

One girl’s survival story becomes a movement for change

Strubbe hasn’t stopped there. She believes North Dakota still needs a treatment program for juvenile sex offenders. “Research shows how successful treatment can be if they are treated before they become adults. They can actually rewire their brains. We are doing a disservice to our juvenile offenders by not offering them a program that has been proven to work, not just in the short term but the long term as well.”

She continues to work for change as an instructor with Stand to Protect, a nonprofit organization that aims to educate the community to prevent child sexual abuse. One in ten children are estimated to experience sexual abuse before the age of 18, but less than half of those children come forward. They are scared or ashamed, the abuser has told them to keep it a secret, or they don’t think an adult will believe them.

“Our goal is to teach caregivers and other adults not just to recognize signs, but to actually report it. Even if it’s just a bad feeling, report it,” insists Strubbe. “These kids are never going to heal if you don’t believe them.”

Strubbe urges parents to build an open relationship with their children. Make sure children feel comfortable talking with their parents about difficult subjects and know they can come forward if something does happen. “We’re talking to our children more about this and other subjects that are hard to talk about. Our family has changed and we’re stronger than ever because of this.”

Above all, Strubbe reminds parents to try not to react if their children do come forward. “Children Natalee’s age don’t typically come forward. Like an adult victim, they blame themselves. If the parents react negatively, they turn those emotions onto themselves.” Strubbe reassures, “No matter what mountain you’ve gotten through, you’re going to come out on the other side. You’re going to be OK and your little one is going to come out stronger than you ever gave them credit for.”

Today, six-year-old Natalee sees herself as a world changer. “She’s not a victim, she's a survivor. She’s beautifully broken and mended.” And when asked who is brave and strong, Natalee proudly replies, “I am, Mom!”

If you, your child or someone you know might be a victim of abuse, call 2-1-1 or contact the Rape & Abuse Crisis Center at 701-293-7273 or raccfm.com.

No matter what mountain you've gotten through, you're going to come out on the other side.”

rosa strubbe

THE STRUBBE FAMILY [clockwise from left] Rosa, Lukas, Ryan and Natalee

‘just do’ WITH KINDNESS

DOOSAN

BOBCAT

LEADER

integrates her roles as “Mom” and high-powered professional

LIKE MANY PEOPL E,

Laura Ness Owens had to modify her life when the COVID-19 pandemic started. She spent several weeks helping her sons, Boden, 5, and Teddy, 10, with distance learning, while juggling morning to evening video and telephone meetings with executives and colleagues from around the world for Doosan Bobcat. She also made sure her aging father had everything he needed. The scenario is an example of what she calls “just doing.”

“I want to be the best mom and daughter I can be, and I also really like what I do. I make it work. You just do,” she says.

The “just do” mantra guided Ness Owens to her position as vice president of marketing, communication and public affairs at Doosan Bobcat North America. Part of her job includes sitting on the executive task force guiding the crisis communication plan and ensuring solid communication to 4,000 internal and countless other stakeholders outside the company. “COVID-19 has created an incredibly interesting time in our business, and I get to be on the front line,” Ness Owens says. “It is quite the balance when I’m also sitting at the dining room table on the front line with my little guys.”

Compassion, connection and humor helped along the way, too.

Her latest funny stories revolve around her sons’ quarantine haircuts and advising three fourth graders via facetime on how to use a protractor. She also spoke to a group of top dealers while doing gym class with her boys. While Ness Owens has lost her hair-cutting privileges, she hasn’t let COVID-19 ruin her children’s lives. She says you figure it out day by day, week by week and use what you learn to help others.

Sharing about her life outside of work helps her build relationships at work. Early in her career, Ness Owens was so focused on getting things done that she didn’t take time to build relationships.

“I spent a fair share of my early career being closed in, thinking I was right, I knew what I was doing, I had a job to get done,” she says. “Then, I started realizing if you work to build relationships, you can get things done better and it’s a lot more enjoyable.”

At Bobcat’s North American headquarters in West Fargo, Ness Owens is known as someone people can confide in and go to for advice. She’s a leader who helps her team reach their full potential while having fun doing it, says Brianne Hill, dealer communications manager. The two women have worked together at Bobcat for about a decade.

“Laura finds a way to maximize everything she touches,” Hill says. “Laura holds our team and company to high standards, while also still being compassionate toward people and life's realities along the way.”

Kindness and compassion come up a lot with Ness Owens. She talks about how important it is to take time to be respectful in emails, to be self-aware, and to remember you don’t know what’s going on in people’s lives.

“I once was told that it wasn’t important to be liked and that I shouldn’t worry about what people thought about me; respect was all that mattered. I remember thinking those things were not mutually exclusive,” she says. “I believe that to get a seat at the table and earn respect, I have to show that I am human, I have compassion, and that I care if I’m perceived as kind or not.”

When COVID-19 began impacting the way we live and work, Ness Owens’ goal with employees was to be empathetic and keep them motivated. She shared personal stories about the challenges of juggling it all so employees could see that she understands what they’re going through.

“I communicated with them often via email, video conference and telephone, ensuring they knew my expectations were to not only work hard, but also work smart, because it was a difficult time for us all personally and professionally,” she says.

Ness Owens’ team quickly transitioned marketing campaigns to align with the global crisis. They shifted from “Next Is Now,” a forward-thinking campaign about the future of Doosan Bobcat, to “Tougher Together,” a story about coming together as an entirely new business facing unique circumstances.

“I’m immensely proud of my team in how they’ve pulled together and adjusted in this ever-changing situation,” Ness Owens says.

‘PURE LOVE’

In a way, Ness Owens carries on her mom’s legacy by practicing kindness at work. Barbiece Ness, as Ness Owens describes her, was the epitome of kindness who “found the happy” in everything. Barbiece strived to create a loving home for her daughter, five sons and husband.

“It was just love, pure love,” Ness Owens says.

Barbiece championed Ness Owens’ career, too. They were best friends who’d talk daily and watch “Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood” over and over. Their relationship was built on conversation and togetherness since Barbiece lived with rheumatoid arthritis most of her life.

Two years ago, after a brief battle with leukemia, Barbiece passed away in palliative care. Ness Owens was devastated and misses her daily—but, like her mom, she’s worked to see the best in it. She’s become close with her dad and uses her experience to help others with sick loved ones navigate hospitals, social services and other challenges.

In and out of the office, she aims to make things better for people.

“If I can help your journey be a little bit smoother, I want to do that. I want to help people, and I hate seeing people struggle,” she says.

Over the last 15 years, Flint Group President Jodi Duncan has witnessed Ness Owens’ leadership and kindness. The women have become close friends over the years they’ve worked together, and Duncan admires Ness Owens’ kindness, generosity and commitment to building relationships.

“She takes every opportunity to share her kind heart,” she says. “Laura is a wonderful representative of successful women, but more importantly, she’s a good person who wants to make the world a better place.”

Ness Owens’ husband, Steve, describes his wife as strongly committed to work and equally committed to their family. He also travels frequently for his job and says they work together to ensure they have family time.

They take family vacations whenever they can and have a standing Sunday dinner date with Ness Owens’ dad.

“When you have time together, you have to make the best of it,” Steve says.

“We work so hard for them. I think that’s one thing I learned from my mom, too: Family’s first,” Ness Owens says. “I want to make sure that I’m always keeping them at the front of my mind. They’re the reason I get up and get going every morning.”

TO SHARE HER KIND HEART.

Laura Ness Owens with her mother, Barbiece Ness.

Photo by Michelle Warren

ALWAYS BUILDING SOMETHING’

Ness Owens started at Bobcat 17 years ago, first working in tradeshows and events, and later holding several positions in areas like dealer training and development, customer experience, brand management and trademark protection. In every role, she’s looked for value-add and purpose, saying she’s “always building to something else.”

Working with mostly men, Ness Owens is frequently asked what it’s like to work in the construction equipment industry as a woman. “It’s all about the skills and experiences you bring to the table. Do I have everything in common with the guys? No, but you find common ground and ‘just do,’” she says. “We’re all here for the same reason, and we respect each other as teammates.”

She’s part of a shift at the company and in the industry, where more women are being promoted to leadership roles than ever before. Ness Owens sits

on the Association of Equipment Manufacturer’s Board of Directors and is committed to helping more women get into the construction equipment industry, which has typically been dominated by men. Michael Ballweber, president of Doosan Bobcat North America, says that is rapidly changing.

“I am very proud to say that I have three women on my executive team, and Ness Owens is right when she says she and the other two female executives were the best candidates for those roles. They all deserved it,” he says.

Throughout her career, Ness Owens has advocated for her work. She hasn’t always been selected for positions she desired, but she didn’t give up. If Ness Owens was told she didn’t have the experience for a role, she’d gain the experience and champion the work she’d done to improve the business to ensure she’d be considered for the next opportunity.

IF WE DON’T TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ADVOCATING FOR OURSELVES, HOW CAN WE EXPECT OTHERS TO DO IT FOR US? ”

– LAURA NESS OWENS

“I recognize key skills are required for a position and have sought to develop myself accordingly,” she says. “I’ve also worked to change the dialogue to focus on what I bring to the table. If we don’t take responsibility for advocating for ourselves, how can we expect others to do it for us?”

Ness Owens has overall responsibility for the Doosan Bobcat North America brand, ensuring marketing aligns with the company’s goal of empowering their customers to do their jobs more efficiently and effectively. She leads efforts to promote Bobcat products in new and different ways, like launching a social media program and using influencers Josh Duhamel and Carson Wentz to reach new audiences in innovative ways.

Ness Owens empowers her team, too, encouraging them to grow their skills while supporting the overall business motion. She helps those around her “get in the driver’s seat,” Hill says.

“My growth and development are in large part due to her leadership,” she says. “Her vision drives an entire marketing and communications team toward success.”

For Ness Owens, business success is important, but even more significant is knowing that she’s Mom, too, “just doing” the best she can every day.

Her determination has a special admirer in her 10-year-old son, Teddy.

“The best thing about my mom is she doesn’t give up,” he says. “She keeps trying.”

June • JULY

NOTE : All events are subject to change. Confirm dates and times before attending.

June 20

HOLISTIC HEALTHY LIVING FESTIVAL

Holistic Healthy Living Festival is a unique opportunity to gather together in purposeful presence during one of the most enjoyable days of the year… the summer solstice. You’ll be surrounded by natural beauty and swirling in intentional energy as you embark upon engaging keynote speaker and best-selling author of "The Art Of Psychic Reiki," Lisa Campion. There will be a variety of other speakers followed up by all levels of yoga (from beginners to experienced) and a vendor village to engage with all your senses.

Cherish your soul, nourish your body and ignite your passion! The festival is designed to take you on a heartfelt, joyous journey through laughter, joy and inspiration to help you shift your inner stuff that may be holding you back. A body-mind-spirit transformation can be a deeply personal process but it’s also supported, empowered and amplified by community and fun. All levels welcome. Join us!

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Detroit Mountain Recreational Area 29409 170th St. Detroit Lakes, MN fitnessforthesoulfestival.com/event

June 20

RIDE TO FIGHT SUICIDE

Join us for the Fargo Ride to Fight Suicide. Registration will begin at the Harwood Grill and Saloon starting at 10:30 a.m. with kickstands up at noon.

Tickets:

Driver - Motorcycle or Car $25

Passenger - Motorcycle or Car $10

Proceeds benefit local and national suicide prevention and awareness programs of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Learn more at afsp.org/fargoride

10:30 AM to 7:00 PM

Harwood Grill and Saloon

217 Chaplin Dr. Harwood, ND afsp.org/FargoRide

June 20-21

5 th Annual

FLEA MARKET AT THE FARM

Fargo Antiques & Repurposed Market, aka The FARM, will be having our annual June flea market outside in the parking lot again! Come scour the flea market and the sales inside for vintage planters and unique garden items, antiques, vinyl records, collectible toys, comics, painted furniture, books, vintage craft supplies, rustic farmhouse decor, and so much more! Along with the 60+ vendors inside, we've invited our friends at Heidi's Home Rescue to join us. Visit their booth at the flea market and find out more about their services and how you can help rescue dogs. And, of course, you can donate to help, including dropping off cleaning and pet supplies. There will be a prize drawing for a PetSmart gift package worth over $50.

Local author Amelia Lemar will be signing a limited quantity of her new book “It’s OK: The 8 Things All Children Need to Hear,” available from Amazon. Bring your own copy if you can!

Worried about the coronavirus? As our FARM friends know, the antique mall is large and social distancing is relatively easy (we have hand sanitizer at the door, and a washroom about halfway through too). Masks are recommended, but not required.

10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Fargo Antiques and Repurposed Market

5258 51st Ave. S., Fargo | farmantiques.net

July 4 BONANZAVILLE

4 th OF JULY CELEBRATION

Join us on July 4th for a day packed with family fun. We kick off the event with a historic shooting of the anvil. We will have historic games, live historic demonstrations, horse-drawn wagon rides, crafts for the kids, train rides, two station Bungee Jumper from Games to Go, aerialist Katie Hicks, Terry & Jerry's food truck, snow cones, a parade at 2:00 p.m. and more. FIREWORKS AT DARK! Regular admission prices apply, military FREE with ID. Plenty of room to social distance and extra precautions taken to ensure the safety of our guests.

10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Bonanzaville | 1351 Main Ave W, West Fargo bonanzaville.org

Leading Educational Learning

Laurie Larson chose MSUM’s Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.) for its online flexibility, relevant curriculum and faculty interaction.

Check out all of MSUM’s Educational Leadership options at mnstate.edu/graduate/programs.

QUOTABLE:

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

— JEREMIAH 29: 11-14

Minnesota State University Moorhead is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

MSUM’s educational doctorate is really practical. I can take content I’m learning now and apply it the next day. You don’t have to finish the degree to start making a difference.

– Laurie Larson Academic Dean Rasmussen College

Area Woman’s resident Bookista, Megan Elgin, serves you up with books worthy of spending your entire afternoon with.

Search for Megan on Goodreads or @meganann on Litsy and find out what she’s reading now.

books she loves

The warm sunshine puts a smile on my face, even as I look forward to a summer that's a little different than usual. From work to school to social activities, our daily lives have changed a lot in the last couple of months. As we all continue to adapt to what seems like a constantly evolving world, I wonder how your reading habits have changed. Are you reading more in place of the events and obligations that have now been canceled? Or maybe the stress of it all has made it difficult for your attention to stay focused on any book. What if the content you're reading has changed to keep you engaged in a different way? Or maybe it's all of those, depending on how you feel that day.

I'm firmly in the last camp. Some days I'm escaping into a great story for as long as possible; some days I can't stay focused no matter what. And generally I'm finding myself reaching for happy, feelgood stories and escapist reads that feel far removed from our current world. The most important thing is that I'm still discovering new books and that makes me happy, even if it looks a little different than before. Keep reading for some of my favorite escapist reads.

WORDS : MEGAN ELGIN

The Night Circus

by Erin Morgenstern

"The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not." These atmospheric first lines have me itching to pick up this magical book again. I've read it so many times, my beloved paperback copy is in rough shape and it never fails to capture my heart. Two young magicians, Celia and Marco, have been trained since childhood for a fierce competition of imagination and will. The circus itself is their battleground as they create magical illusions and fantastical attractions for the audiences who explore the black and white circus tents. As the game plays out, Celia and Marco fall deeply in love. But only one winner can be left standing in this deadly game and the fates of everyone involved, from circus performers to patrons, hang in the balance. From describing the atmosphere of the circus down to the delicious smells to the magic that permeates every scene, Morgenstern's writing will have you wishing you could visit "Le Cirque des Rêves" for real.

LOVED THIS?

Pick up Morgenstern's newest novel "The Starless Sea."

The Bride Test

by Helen Hoang

Khai doesn't feel big emotions like grief or love. He thinks he's defective and avoids relationships, but his family knows thats that his autism means he processes emotions differently. His mother decides to take matters into her own hands and returns to Vietnam to find him a wife. She interviews many candidates, but knows none of them are right for her son. Until she stumbles upon Esme working as a maid at the hotel. When she's offered the opportunity to go to America, Esme sees it as a chance to make things better for her struggling family. The meeting between Esme and Khai doesn't exactly go as planned, but she is determined to use her time there to better herself in any way possible. Esme soon finds herself falling for a man who claims he cannot possibly feel love. However, when Esme's time in the U.S. is coming to an end, Khai realizes he's been wrong all along and must find his own way to love. Esme is a strong, capable woman who works hard to do what she can for her family. This is an introspective, emotional story that left me feeling uplifted.

LOVED THIS?

Another modern romance I enjoyed is "The Proposal" by Jasmine Guillory.

Pride

by Ibi Zoboi

Retellings and adaptations of Jane Austen’s works are so numerous and widely varied I could fill these pages with lists of options. But one of my favorite things about these modern versions are the authors who are telling Austen’s stories through a different cultural lens. Pride is a smart remix of Austen’s Pride and Prejudice starring all characters of color and set in Brooklyn. Zuri Benitez has pride in her family, her neighborhood, and her Afro-Latino roots. But it can’t save her rapidly gentrifying neighborhood from becoming unrecognizable and the wealthy Darcy family moving in across the street only makes things worse. Her older sister, Janae quickly falls for charming Ainsley Darcy, but Zuri wants nothing to do with them, especially the arrogant younger brother Darius Darcy. Between her wild sisters, worrying about college applications and the cute local boy Warren vying for her attention, Zuri fights to find her place in this changing neighborhood. I especially loved Zuri’s poetry which is raw and beautiful. Zoboi skillfully uses Austen’s trademark social criticism to reflect modern explorations of culture, race and class among her young black characters as they navigate the world they live in.

LOVED THIS?

I'm also looking forward to reading "Ayesha at Last" by Uzma Jalaluddin.

Read one of these books? Tell us what you thought by using #areawomanbooks in your review.

Binti

by Nnedi Okorafor

This short novella is the perfect quick-read for the next chance you have to spend an hour or two with a great book. On the surface, this is a comingof-age story about a young woman who leaves her home to find her own way. Binti is the first of her people ever to be offered a place at the prestigious Oomza University, the finest institution in the galaxy. But to accept the offer will mean giving up her place in her family and leaving her home to travel to another planet. There she will be among strangers who do not share her ways or respect the customs of the Himba people. Binti is willing to pay the cost for the knowledge she will gain, but her journey will not be easy. As she is traveling to Oomza University with her fellow students, she finds herself face to face with the Meduse, an alien race that has become the stuff of nightmares during their long war with the Khoush people of Earth. Binti must use the gifts of her people and her own talents if she hopes to survive. In the end, this is more than a simple coming-of-age story. Binti may have been taught to fear the Meduse, but she shows the reader that really listening to those who are different than you is a way to a better solution.

LOVED THIS?

Keep reading as Binti’s story continues in books 2 and 3.

The Girls at the Kingfisher Club

by Genevieve Valentine

This is a reimagining of the German fairy tale “The Twelve Dancing Princesses” by the Brothers Grimm, set in Manhattan during the roaring twenties. Twelve Hamilton girls live upstairs during the day, never going out in public according to the rules set by their controlling father. The olders, Jo, protects her younger sisters and negotiates with their father, earning her the nickname of “The General.” She is the one who taught them to dance and helps them sneak out each night to spend the evening dancing away at their favorite speakeasy, the Kingfisher Club. But what are they to do when their father decides it’s time to marry them off to the highest bidder? I loved getting to know the Hamilton sisters and I loved the way they followed their passions both by sneaking out to go dancing and in the ways they found their feet after leaving their father’s house.

Sucks to Be Me

by Kristen Painter

Author Kristen Painter has joined forces with 12 other authors to define a place for books with midlife heroines. They’re calling these books Paranormal Women’s Fiction and they all feature women who are over 40, with all the wisdom life’s experiences have granted them. Painter’s book follows 49-year-old Belladonna Barrone who’s mobbed-up husband does her the favor of dying in a car accident. Donna is finally free of the crime family she unwittingly married into, until the boss tells her she must finish her husband’s last job. Of course, the job goes sideways before it starts and Donna wakes up suddenly looking years younger and craving blood. That’s right, she’s a vampire (they’re real?) and her new life is more complicated than ever. With the help of the First Fangs Club for newly turned vampires and her own strength and determination, Donna will have to make a new life for herself. This is a fun, spellbinding read with a smart, strong protagonist who takes life in her own hands.

LOVED THIS?

Check out the Paranormal Women’s Fiction books by all 13 authors at paranormalwomensfiction.net.

People of the Book

by Geraldine Brooks

Rare book expert Hanna Heath is offered the job of a lifetime: analysis and conservation of the famous Sarajevo Haggadah. One of the earliest Jewish volumes ever to be illuminated with images, this priceless and beautiful book is full of mysteries Hanna hopes to unlock. As she discovers a series of tiny artifacts in the book’s ancient binding, the reader traces the books journey backwards to its creation. A Muslim risks his life to protect it from Nazis in World Ward II Bosnia. In Vienna, the book becomes a pawn in the struggle agains the city’s rising anti-Semitism. A Catholic priest saves it from burning in inquisition-era Venice. The scribe who wrote the text in Barcelona in 1492 watches his family being destroyed by the agonies of enforced exile. And in Seville in 1480, the secret of the Haggadah’s extraordinary illuminations is finally revealed. As Hann’s investigation unlocks the past, her belief in herself and the man she has come to love is tested. I loved this grand historical novel as it moved backwards through the extraordinary history of the Haggadah and the people who saved the book from certain doom.

LOVED THIS?

I also recommend reading "The Lost Sisterhood" by Anne Fortier.

IMAGINE YOUR STORY SUMMER READING PROGRAM

As you and your family are reading this summer, be sure to check out the summer reading program at the Fargo Public Library. This year, the annual summer reading program is taking place online with fun for readers of all ages. Kids can redeem points for prizes, including a free book. Adults will be entered into weekly prize drawings. For more information, visit fargolibrary.org.

Read one of these books? Tell us what you thought by using #areawomanbooks in your review.

but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

ISAIAH

40:31

THE NEW BOBCAT ® COMPACT TRACTOR IS ALL YOU.

While you technically own a piece of property, it really owns you. It ignites your imagination. It calls you outside. It demands a lot of work, but it feels good because this tractor is more than a tractor. It’s an extension of you.