Area Woman Magazine Oct/Nov '21

CARRIE

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT WORKING AT HAGA KOMMER?

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT WORKING AT HAGA KOMMER?

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT WORKING AT HAGA KOMMER?

“My colleagues and supervisors are invested in my personal development, and give me the support and opportunity I need to grow and reach toward my full potential.”

“My colleagues and supervisors are invested in my personal development, and give me the support and opportunity I need to grow and reach toward my full potential.”

“My colleagues and supervisors are invested in my personal development, and give me the support and opportunity need to grow and reach toward my full potential.”

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT WORKING AT ASPIRE

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT WORKING AT ASPIRE BANK?

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WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT WORKING AT ASPIRE BANK?

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“We think like business owners, not like bankers. We are able to look outside the box, be creative

JENNY HALL, CPA

JENNY HALL, CPA Haga

WHAT

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT WORKING

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT WORKING AT ASPIRE

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT WORKING AT

“I

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The leaves may be changing, but there’s still time to travel. It’s the season to explore, to make the most of every minute, to go somewhere unexpected. And there’s no better place for a surprise getaway than Watertown, South Dakota.

Positioned near two picturesque lakes, Watertown is brimming with the kind of scenery, history and culture that make a destination great. Experience the oil masterpieces of famed painter Terry Redlin at the Redlin Art Center, then step into elegance at the newly restored Goss Opera House. For the perfect nightcap, end the day with a sunset of true watercolors on Lake Kampeska.

Make long-lasting memories before the days get short. Start planning your Watertown adventure at VisitWatertownSD.com.

The care you want, for the people you love.

Aging with chronic health conditions is difficult, however, receiving care services to successfully manage these conditions through all-inclusive care is more achievable than ever.

Coordinated and personalized care by professionals that take a special interest in preserving your health and ability to remain living at home is what you want for your loved ones. Northland PACE is available in the Fargo area providing older adults an opportunity to experience team based all-inclusive healthcare.

Thousands of families across America have found a different and better kind of care for their aging loved ones — Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. We use an Interdisciplinary Team approach to develop care plans for each individual.

The focus of every PACE organization is to provide all-inclusive care services and help preserve the ability for adults aged 55+ to remain living at home where they want to be for as long as safely possible. Call us to see if PACE is the right fit for you or your loved one!

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

SIRI THADEN

Siri is a certified yoga instructor, mama, and manager of Sanford Women’s Programming, Pregnancy Navigators and Specialty Care Clinic in Fargo. Her passion is health, intentional living and seeing women realize their potential.

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.

ALEXIS SCOTT

Alexis is a relationship builder by day and a freelance writer by night. As a multi-passionate woman, she won’t settle for a life that is anything less than busy and exciting. When she isn’t writing or focusing on her day-to-day career she is skipping through life with her husband and four young boys.

STACY KENNEDY photographer

Stacy is a photographer who specializes in high school senior and commercial portraits. Her years in the fashion industry and behind a camera lens have gained her the reputation of creating images that stand out. Check out her portfolio at stacykennedy.com.

JESSICA HOEPER

Jessica is a mother of five kids and resides with her family on her husband’s family farm in central Minnesota. Hoeper grew up in the Fargo area before relocating to Minnesota. She is a licensed independent social worker with 15 years of human service experience, specializing in child welfare. Hoeper runs her own human service consulting and training company.

WASIFA AHMAD HASAN

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

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.

The cover story was photographed by Stacy Kennedy and written by Siri Thaden, page 48.

publisher

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

photography

ABBY ANDERSON

ALICIA MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY

BRITTA THE PHOTOGRAPHER EXPRESSIONS BY ASHTON

KELSEY JO

KELYN & CO. STUDIO

LINDSAY KAYE PHOTOGRAPHY

M. SCHLEIF PHOTOGRAPHY PEXELS.COM

STACY KENNEDY

TAYLOR JANE PHOTOGRAPHY

TWO BIRDS PHOTOGRAPHY UNSPLASH.COM

celebrating 36 years read it online issuu.com/areawoman find us

areawomanmagazine.com

PHOTO : TWO BIRDS PHOTOGRAPHY

A TOUCH OF Blue

It’s about facing the future. And embracing it with open arms.

Living life to its fullest is easier with coverage from Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota. As always, we’re here with a personal touch, including the right protection for you. Get the assistance you expect, the options you need—and get back to doing what you do best.

Mammography: ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS

WORDS : KATIE WRIGHT, SANFORD HEALTH PHOTOGRAPHY : SANFORD HEALTH

When do you start? What are the benefits?

A Sanford Health specialist explains

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women. One way to catch breast cancer early is to get a mammogram. Allison Clapp, MD, answers frequently asked questions about mammograms.

1.

Are mammogram results instant?

After getting your mammogram, a radiologist will interpret the results. Results will be sent immediately to My Sanford Chart after the radiologist's dictation.

2.

Are mammograms free?

Many insurance providers cover mammograms, though it’s best to check with your provider to find out what kind of coverage they offer.

3.

What age do you start getting mammograms?

Most medical professionals recommend starting mammograms at age 40. If you’re considered high-risk, you may need to start sooner. Genetics can play a role in determining your risk for breast cancer.

4.

Are mammograms necessary every year?

Annual checkups are the best way to detect breast cancer. These yearly checkup appointments can help medical professionals catch breast cancer before it becomes a major concern.

5.

Do mammograms hurt?

The medical professionals at Sanford Health work to make your mammogram as comfortable as possible. If you do experience mild discomfort, your technologist can make adjustments to relieve any pain.

6. What types of mammograms are available?

Sanford Health offers 3D mammography. 3D mammography, an advanced form of screening, is the most effective tool for diagnosing breast cancer.

7.

How often should you get a mammogram?

Detecting breast cancer early can make it easier to treat. That’s why medical leaders encourage women to get annual exams.

8.

How long do mammograms take?

Mammogram appointments are quick. Your total appointment time, from the moment you arrive to the time you leave, will take less than 25 minutes.

9.

Are mammograms dangerous?

Mammograms are a safe, effective way for diagnosing breast cancer. Since breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in women, it’s important to get your annual checkup.

10.

When can I stop getting mammograms?

Your provider can help you determine when to stop getting mammograms. Most medical professionals recommend getting a mammogram every year until your life expectancy is less than 10 years. Screening may continue after a conversation regarding risk/benefit in healthy women with a 5-10 year life expectancy.

experience the Altaire difference

Altaire was established in 2016 as a cosmetic dermatology clinic founded by Richard Schue. The clinic quickly soared and set itself apart with its dedication to patient care and advanced skills with technology. Altaire began growing rapidly with expansion towards accepting medical insurance. The Altaire Family Medicine Division quickly took shape to fill a need in the community.

WHY ADD FAMILY MEDICINE?

The team of providers at Altaire have the same mission: “To heal and to serve.”

Throughout our 60 years of combined experience, health care has changed significantly with technological advancements that are life-changing. The fundamentals of care, however, have not changed. Patients still desire a clinic where they feel relaxed, comfortable and cared for. They must feel that their provider is listening to their concerns and truly have their best interest in mind. Patients do not want to feel rushed, nor do they want to feel like a number in a big system. The Altaire Family Medicine team emphasizes

the provider and patient relationship like nowhere else, allowing you to have time with your provider so you will never feel rushed.

Altaire takes measures to ensure consistency of your care. You will establish care with one of our amazing providers Dr. Angela Dolalie Kelsch, DNP, FNP-C, or Tiffany Swenson PA-C. Your provider is here to help you along your journey of wellness. You will get to know your provider and have access to them with the availability of same-day appointments when you need it.

WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY : TAMRA SCHUE

WHAT DOES THE FAMILY MEDICINE TEAM SEE?

DZ Well-child checks

DZ Wellness exams for men and women

DZ Sports physicals

DZ Chronic disease management

DZ Hormone optimization for men and women

DZ Weight loss management

DZ Illness appointments: strep throat, cough, pink eye and much more

DZ Minor injuries

ENHANCE YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE

There is often a separation between traditional medicine and a more wholistic approach. At Altaire, we feel that your wellness requires a multi-directional plan incorporating both disciplines. For example, our bodies often have hormone deficiencies, even in those as young as age 30. When a person is deficient in certain hormones, they may experience: fatigue, weight gain, depression, loss of mental clarity, difficulty sleeping, decreased libido, vaginal atrophy, joint aches and pains, and so much more. Altaire will work with you to optimize your hormones to reach your specific needs. However, hormones are not for everyone. Your regimen really needs to be tailored to you.

At Altaire, we use our expertise to evaluate which medications are appropriate for your needs. Finding the right hormone, the right dose, and the right delivery mechanism is the key to success with hormone optimization. There are potential risks associated with hormone replacement and not everyone is a good candidate. Your Altaire provider will do an in-depth workup and discussion with you to ensure you are a safe and appropriate candidate.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN learning more about the services at Altaire Clinic, please contact us at 701-356-5503 or visit us at altaireclinic.com.

photo by chalcee schuck photography

caregiver fatigue

urrently, nearly 20% of seniors have significant long-term care needs. This number is expected to grow by nearly 53%. As the population ages, more caregiving is being provided by family and friends who are not health care professionals. About one in three adults in the United States provides care to other adults as informal caregivers.

Taking on the role of caregiver to an ill spouse or partner, disabled child or aging loved one can be rewarding, but also very stressful. The emotional and physical strain associated with being a caregiver is very common. It is important to know you are not alone and to recognize the risk factors and signs of caregiver fatigue. It is vitally important that you take care of yourself to effectively take care of others.

People who experience caregiver fatigue can be vulnerable to changes in their own health. Risk factors include:

ƒ Financial difficulties

ƒ History of depression

ƒ Being a live-in caregiver

ƒ Social isolation

ƒ Lack of suppor t from others

ƒ Lack of coping skills and difficulty problem solving

When you are focused on caring for your loved one, you may not realize that your own health and wellbeing are suffering. Watch for these signs of caregiver fatigue:

ƒ Getting too much or too little sleep

ƒ Feeling tired often

ƒ Feeling overwhelmed, anxious or constantly worrying

ƒ Weight gain or loss

ƒ Becoming easily irritated or angry

ƒ Loss of interest in activities

ƒ Feeling sad, depressed or lonely

ƒ Frequent headaches, body pain or other physical symptoms

ƒ Drug or alcohol abuse

Increased physical and emotional stress placed on your body especially over a long period of time can be harmful to your personal health and well-being. The demands associated with caregiving can lead to increased depression and anxiety. In addition, if your sleep patterns are altered, you lack physical activity, and you are not eating a balanced diet, you will increase your risk of medical problems including but not limited to heart disease and diabetes.

Remember, you are not alone in this journey. It’s important to take advantage of the many tools and resources available to help you provide care for your loved one.

Don’t be afraid to ask for and accept help. Come up with a list of things that others can do to assist you from light housekeeping and laundry to meal trains to running errands for you.

Feel good about the care that you can provide. Remember, most adults that take on a caregiving role are not healthcare professionals. Don’t feel guilty or feel the need for perfection. You are giving your loved one an incredible gift with your time, care and compassion at this phase of life. Know you are doing the very best job that you can.

Set realistic goals. Prioritize, make lists and establish a daily routine. It is okay to say no to requests that are draining.

Get connected. Find out about caregiver resources in your community including respite care options. Caregiving services

WORDS : TANYA FERBER OUTDOOR PHOTO : Provided by SENIOR HELPERS

such as a non-medical home care agency can help supplement the care you are providing your loved one by assisting with bathing, meal preparation, medication reminders, light housekeeping and laundry, along with transportation. There are also adult care centers and even short-term nursing home stays if you need to be away for a period.

Join a support group. Surround yourself with others who can empathize with your role as a caregiver and the physical and emotional demands that are placed on you. Encourage each other and look for problem-solving strategies for difficult situations.

Set aside time for your personal health and wellbeing each day. This may include taking a walk outside, visiting with a friend or loved one, reading a book, or making time for personal appointments.

If you are a caregiver who also works outside the home, check with your Human Resource office about the Family Medical Leave Act which may allow you to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave each year to care for a relative.

For many, providing care for a loved one is rewarding, a core value and something you wish to provide. Be aware of the signs of fatigue and don’t wait to act so that you stay healthy and able to fulfil the caregiver role for your loved one.

TANYA FERBER Senior Helpers Home Care of Eastern North Dakota

Tanya is a Fargo native and holds a Bachelor’s in Nursing from North Dakota State University and a Master’s in Business from the University of Phoenix. She has a passion for being a trusted advisor and helping the elderly in her community and their families navigate options to ensure a better quality of life. Senior Helpers provides dependable and affordable in home care at a moment’s notice. Visit seniorhelpers.com/nd/fargo. [ aw ]

Is your child healthy?

A GOOD PEDIATRICIAN CHECKS MORE THAN BOXES

As a parent, one of your biggest concerns is the health and safety of your child. When choosing a pediatric provider, it’s important to have a good rapport with that person and trust them. A parent should feel comfortable asking any and all of their questions. For a child, their provider can become a trusted adult who they can talk to no matter the subject.

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Kalee Wysuph explains, “My job is to be here for your child and you to ensure they are healthy physically but also mentally.” Health care providers like to develop relationships with patients and parents, which helps them see things that might be concerning, or something that doesn’t seem normal for that child.

“Kids don’t fit into a graph; we know what abnormal looks like, but each child is unique and ‘normal’ can be pretty broad,” shares Wysuph. “If kids are progressively developing and making advances in their speech, knowledge and abilities, this is what I focus on, not if your child can speak a certain number of words by a certain age.”

As a mom, Wysuph can relate to what you are going through as a parent. “I’m a mom to four kids,” shares Wysuph. “I feel like I have a lot of the same experiences as the parents who bring their child to me. I’ve been through sleep regression, issues with breastfeeding, potty training and so much more.”

WELL-CHILD VISITS

Regular checkups are important for your child’s physical, emotional and social health and development. These visits ensure your child is healthy and thriving.

Wysuph generally starts a well-child visit by making sure any immediate concerns are brought up so everyone knows what needs to be accomplished during the visit. “I like to hear about all the things the child is doing at home since the clinic setting isn’t their natural environment and may cause different behaviors.”

These visits touch on a variety of areas, including eating, bedtime, screen time, development, fine and large motor skills, communication and speech. “As children get older, we start talking about how they are doing socially and in school,” Wysuph says. “A physical exam is part of the checkup as well as screening for depression and anxiety or other mental health concerns.”

As kids age into puberty, well-child visits are an opportunity to talk with the child and parents to ensure they are aware of the changes coming. “Sometimes it means starting this conversation in the office but continuing at home,” explains Wysuph.

WORDS : TARA EKREN, Essentia Health

PHOTOGRAPHY : ESSENTIA HEALTH

↗ KALEE WYSUPH, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at Essentia Health

In addition, well-child visits are a chance to talk about vaccinations as well as making sure children are current with required immunizations. As kids return to school, these vaccinations are one piece of the puzzle to keep kids healthy. “I like to make sure patients and parents understand what vaccine they need, why they need it, and if boosters are needed and when,” says Wysuph.

MORE THAN HEIGHT, WEIGHT AND SHOTS

“Visits with your provider are so much more than checking off boxes on a list,” says Wysuph. “There is so much more to your child’s wellness than those items.” These regular visits are important to ensure children are reaching their developmental milestones and have a medical provider for their entire health care journey.

“For older children, I am able to be a safe and trusted adult. At 15 or so, we start seeing children without parents in the exam room. Often, I’ll get a more honest response to my questions when a parent isn’t around,” explains Wysuph. “I’m able to assure them that our conversation is confidential unless the child shows intention of harm to themselves or others.”

Wysuph points out adolescent and teenage years are hard. “Being true to yourself and keeping open lines of communication with your parents or another trusted adult is so important to kids’ wellbeing.”

Whether you are pregnant, with young kids or even teens, find your perfect pediatric provider by visiting essentiahealth.org to learn about each of our highly skilled and relatable providers to make the best decision for your child.

Essentia Health now offers 24/7 scheduling for pediatric appointments. You can call 701-364-8900 anytime to make an appointment with any of our pediatric providers at Essentia Health-South University Clinic. You can also book appointments through our website or MyChart patient portal.

Follow Angel's Keen Angles on INSTAGRAM + FACEBOOK: @angelskeenangles WEBSITE: angelskeenangles.com

Family isn’t always blood.

it stung me. I teared up, became sad and almost angry. Stitch wasn’t “blood.” He didn’t even look like them, and yet they welcomed him in like he belonged. Bitter and confused I turned the movie off, assumingly never to turn it on again.

I tried for years to understand why it brought up so much pain, how a simple movie could trigger such pain in an adolescent. Twenty years later that quote and the adorable Disney movie it belonged to, “Lilo and Stitch,” is one of my favorites, as it expresses what I always deeply desired from family but couldn’t put into words. Loyalty, acceptance and love. Stitch wasn’t “family” in the traditional sense of the word, but he was their family. He didn’t look anything like them, nor did he talk like them. Yet, they loved each other and welcomed him into their home. They did their best to protect, love and care for each other. As they faced horrible, life-changing obstacles together, they trusted one-another and their love never wavered.

Family isn’t always blood.

“Ohana means family. Family means no one gets left behind.”

from the movie “Lilo and Stitch”

Angel (center) with her friends Georgia (left) and Beth (right)

WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY : ANGEL EVENSON

It has been said that comparison is the thief of joy, and I agree. Yet, when you feel you are lacking in what seems to be such a treasured gift, it seems impossible to not feel pain.

It’s true you don’t choose your blood, but you do get to choose who you have in your life.

Maybe…

you never knew your parents, you were raised by a single parent, you had an alcoholic parent, you had a seemingly perfect upbringing, you were the black sheep.

No, you may not have what’s commonly referred to as a “broken family,” but maybe it still feels broken to you.

Are you lucky enough, though, to have someone who would drop everything if you needed help? Someone, maybe, who offers to take your kids so you can have a night out with your husband? A person who disagrees with your choices but who would never think to communicate that to anyone but you?

You may not have had what you deserved, and that pain is real, so acknowledge it. Then, find gratitude for those people — the family you chose — because they chose you too.

When your family looks different, how do you deal with the pain of comparison?

A YOUNG MOTHER'S DECISION

A courage-filled journey through adoption

WORDS : KELSEA CHAPIN PHOTOGRAPHY : provided by KELSEA CHAPIN

So how many kids do you have?”

In July of 2016, I found out that despite taking preventative measures after a one-night fling, I was pregnant. I went to a clinic in downtown Fargo where they perform free ultrasounds for women to confirm what I already began suspecting, and that’s when the idea of adoption was presented to me. I was given a few sheets of paper that explained some different options (parenting, adoption and abortion), and a section where I could list the pros and cons of each, then rank the options from most appealing to least appealing. As much as I thought about abortion and how it would be easiest for me to go on with my life as though nothing had happened, I just knew that I couldn’t bring myself to make that choice. Which meant that my options were parenting or adoption.

At the time that I found out about my pregnancy, I had just enrolled in classes at NDSU to finish my bachelor’s degree and was working at a job that paid just enough to cover my rent and bills each month. I felt that my life was too unstable at the time to bring a child into it, especially if I was going to be a single parent, so I started leaning toward adoption. When I told my family about my pregnancy and my decision to place my child, I could just feel it tearing their heart in half. My mom had expressed many times to me that she was ready to be a grandma, so I felt like I was just dangling that in front of her and then throwing it away. Despite this, my mom began looking into adoption agencies in Fargo, and that was when we decided on Christian Adoption Services (CAS).

I never used to think that such a simple question could have such a complex answer; yet, here I am today, and I still have a hard time knowing what exactly to say.

KELSEA CHAPIN and her young son visit with the daughter she chose to place for adoption.

CAS made my experience with them so easy. They walked me through each step and made sure that I wasn’t being pressured into anything and that I felt comfortable along the way. My case manager had me look through books that prospective families made about themselves in order to find a family for my daughter. I knew the second that we opened up one family’s book and I saw the picture of their previously adopted son, that I had found my daughter’s family. And if that was not confirmation enough, the day that the family and I were supposed to have our match meeting, I went into labor and my daughter was born.

Fast forward to now: Thanks to our open adoption, I still get to keep in touch and have visits with my daughter, for which I am incredibly grateful. I now have a son, who keeps me busy and on my toes. He has also made me realize all of the little things that I did not get to experience with my daughter, such as her first ice cream or the first time she went sledding. There are definitely days where the guilt sets in and I wonder what things would have been like if I had chosen to parent her, or where I miss her so much that I just sit and look through pictures of her, but I always know that we will get to see her again soon.

If you had asked me 10 years ago where I saw my life going, I am 100% certain that I would not have guessed this. But now that I am here, I really can’t imagine my life being any other way.

Photo: Beyond

Photography by Heather B

& attention care attention

Se veral years ago, I purchased some new appliances. When I was making the purchase, I inquired to the salesperson about warranty options and care guidelines for them. I purchased the longest warranty possible. When I got them home, I read the owner’s manuals and proceeded to care for them accordingly. Why? Because they were important to me, they added value to my life, I considered them a long-term investment, and I knew that without the care and attention they needed they would break down or wear out more quickly and they would no longer meet my needs. I also knew it was unreasonable to expect that they would not have any needs over time or that they could take care of themselves. So far, they have served me well. Now that they are getting older, I realize I need to give them even more care and attention if I want that to continue as long as possible. So, recently I’ve had routine service done on them and I’ve refreshed my memory of their needs.

While most of us consider these responsibilities obvious when it comes to things like the purchase of cars, houses, appliances and other high value items, all too often we don’t take the same approach to our spouse. Sometimes we give even more time and attention to meeting the needs of ourselves, our kids, friends, extended family or jobs.

How, then, do we expect that the most valuable investment we’ll ever make, our husband or wife, can be at their best long term and want to be with us, if we don’t take care of them. Whether you’ve been married five days, five years, or 50 years, you will always be 100% responsible for your contribution toward the well-being of your relationship. Looking at it another way, you have a tremendous amount of opportunity to have a loving and healthy marriage.

My guess is that in the early stages, you were quite attentive to the needs and nuances of your relationship with each other. So, I know you can do it! Even if it’s been a long time, or the condition of the relationship is in a state of disrepair, or you feel like it’s hopeless, there is always hope!

Start by adjusting your focus. First make a list of the things you (currently or in the past) have enjoyed and appreciated about your spouse. It’s much easier to want to meet another person’s needs when you have fond feelings for the person. Then reflect on the times you have seen him or her happy and fulfilled throughout your relationship. Next, ditch the assumptions and start a conversation. If avoidance or high conflict have been the recent theme in the relationship, this won’t necessarily

WORDS : WENDY REGNER PHOTOGRAPHY : William Rouse on unsplash.com

be easy, but it’s worth it every time. Ask them how they feel — about life, you, their job, their happiness, desires, dreams, needs. Then make an intentional effort to meet some of those needs.

In past articles I’ve discussed languages of love and apology, interpretations of love and of respect. Dust off your resources that help you understand your loved one’s languages and needs. Talk about what fills you up and ask your partner what does that for them. Does he feel most valued when you express admiration or when you sit shoulder to shoulder in a deer stand? Does she feel most loved when you bring her coffee in the morning or when you willingly watch her favorite movie with her (again)? Do you handle bedtime routines with the kids when you’re equally as tired as she is? Do you plan and follow through on date nights?

Choosing to refocus your care and attention on the person you fell in love with will benefit both of you and improve the quality of the relationship for years to come.

* If you feel like your relationship has drifted too far from healthy or it doesn’t feel safe to engage in these conversations, please seek help from a professional counselor.

WENDY REGNER To Have and To Hold Couples Care

Wendy is a licensed professional counselor in private practice at To Have & To Hold Couples Care/Journey of Hope Counseling in Fargo. She is a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA), American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC), a lifetime member of the Boundaries.me network, 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.

WORDS : JESSICA HOEPER GRAPHIC : freepik.com

Dearwondering women,

Dear Amanda,

Oh, this question is so meaningful! I have found myself wondering this and I am certain any mom reading this has also wondered, “Is there a perfect way to parent?” The answer is NO. I can tell you that parenting includes ruptures of many kinds, and there is no perfect path. Perfect is a funny word; we say it as if it is actually attainable! Perfect by definition is: completely free from faults or defects. There is no child that is perfect and there are no parents that are perfect. But many parents are GREAT and all kids are GREAT.

The “am I doing this wrong” thinking comes when we do not expect relationship ruptures to be a natural part of parenting. Ruptures will occur and that is okay, but the repair is the sometimes-overlooked necessity to parenting. We all do things that are not perfect, I have yelled over spilled milk when I am at my wits end. And I have felt very guilty about this after the fact, but I now use the guilt as my reminder that a repair is necessary. If I feel guilty about something that occurred between any of my children and myself, then I as the parent am charged with the repair. Love is messy, raw, real and wonderful all at the same time. To parent is to love. To love is to repair.

I remember as a kid my mom had the poem “Children Learn What They Live” by Dorothy Law Nolte laminated and hung on our refrigerator. This poem has forever stuck with me as one of the greatest parenting reset reads ever. If I feel angry, sad or confused, this poem has helped to reset my mind and give clarity to what I want my kids to learn from me as a parent.

As I talked about in the June.July issue, reflection is the best way I know to gain self-awareness. We can also use it to gain awareness of our parenting patterns. A helpful parenting reflection is to notice the differences in feelings when you “feel like you’ve got this mom thing down” and when you “feel like you’re doing it all wrong.” Feeling like we are doing well comes generally when we are deeply connected to the unique needs of our kids in the moment, so we might feel fun, joy, happiness and satisfaction. Find your themes in the times you feel like you have this parenting thing down and cultivate those moments. I can often evoke the “feel like I’m doing it all wrong” feelings when I am stuck in comparison mode. Think about what evokes for you the feelings of “I’m doing it all wrong.” When you find themes to what makes you feel this way, consider if they are worthy of your feelings or not.

When children live with aware parents, that can acknowledge their own faults and work through repairing ruptures, we build children that can see that the world doesn’t end when we make mistakes, in fact making mistakes is part of the human experience, parenting included!

Amanda, thank you for bringing up this wondering. It is such a meaningful and necessary conversation for women to have with each other!

YOUR FRIEND, Jess

READ THE POEM "Children Learn What They Live" by Dorothy Law Nolte at childrenlearnwhattheylive.com.

Hi Jess, I have a wondering when it comes to parenting. I have kids, and being a mom can be really hard. I sometimes feel like I’m doing it all wrong. But then I have moments where I feel like I’ve got this mom thing down. The polarity of the two feelings brings up my wondering. My wondering is, “I wonder if there is a perfect way to parent?”

— Amanda

Dear Colleayn,

STUFF,

STUFF, STUFF.

Even that word evokes a certain feeling for me! I don’t know about others, but “stuff” to me means something I probably don’t need. I worked in retail a long time ago and we were told not to call any of the merchandise “stuff” when talking with a customer. And the reasoning explained was that “stuff” would mean something they did not need.

I don’t think we buy things that we consider “stuff” in the moment of buying; I think we have a feeling that is evoked when we buy anything. But the things that become “stuff” were often things purchased from a feeling of lack, or a void, or feelings that are now in the past. Things purchased that spark joy that lasts over time were likely purchased while feeling a more positive feeling like joy, excitement,

celebration, etc. When we separate the things around us into those that spark joy versus just the “stuff,” we can really get to know what nourishes us and what needs to go.

Have you ever examined your own stuff, like Colleayn is suggesting? I did after reading her question, and oh my goodness do I own “stuff” too — “stuff” that I have no idea why I own it. I was able to reflect on the things I own that I do not consider just “stuff” and that does actually spark joy, and for me that is books. I love being with and around books. It makes me think of all the people who poured themselves into their writing and turned their thoughts into something tangible. I did however find many things that is just “stuff” to me. I would encourage all of us to take a deeper look at the things around us, both at home and work, and ask Colleayn’s question of ourselves, “Why do I even own this?” It is hard to consider getting rid of “stuff” that appears to be perfectly good, but really, we should try to understand that the getting rid of “stuff” is not the real issue. The real issue was acquiring perfectly good “stuff” when we really didn’t need it. I think if we spend time unpacking why we buy things that become “just stuff,” we will learn more about where we feel lack and where we feel abundance.

As we will soon enter holiday gifting season, may we consider Colleayn’s question of, “Why do I even own this?” and be intentional about gift-giving. I don’t want our gifts to become someone else’s “stuff.” So, let’s not just buy something to buy something, let’s be as intentional with gifting as possible.

YOUR FRIEND,Jess

I have started facilitating a “Dear Wondering Women” space through writing, in Area Women, where we can join in honest, real and love-filled conversation around our shared wonderings. Write to me with your “wondering whys.” Let’s collectively as women share this wonder-filled journey of life together! I will respond to a reader’s “wondering why” in each issue. You can email them to me at wonderingwhywithjess@outlook.com. Can’t wait to connect! Your “wondering why” may be featured in an upcoming issue! [ aw ]

Bekah Brunstetter

OCT 8-24

Sunday Matinées Oct 17 & 24

Ring in the Holidays with A Holiday Cabaret

B B B B B B B B B

Directed by Pam Strait NOV 26 - DEC 12

Sunday Matinées Dec 5 & 12

Come see what’s cooking at season 19 • 2021/22

Ticket Info at TheatreB.org

Hi Jess, I’m always “wondering my whys” and so many other big whys. I’m so curious but also realize sometimes we won’t know the answer to the whys. My “why” question for you is about “stuff,” and “Why do I even own this?” as I go through my things.

“Why do I own STUFF?”

— Colleayn

introduction to Curly Hair Care FOR BEGINNERS

Do you have curly hair and often dream about healthy picture-perfect curls without spending your time and energy on a heat styling tool?

What if I tell you that is totally possible?!

Though each person's hair is different, you can follow some basic rules and still get healthier, more defined hair. A proper curl-care routine will help you achieve the maximum potential of what your hair can do. It takes time, patience and knowledge.

Why should you start a curly hair routine?

If you have unmanageable frizzy hair (like it has its own mind)

If you are heat styling every day because you don't know how to style the natural curls

If you are using a keratin or professional hair straightening treatment to get rid of the curls

If you want to make your curls healthier, defined and polished.

How should you start a curly hair care routine?

You will need a little bit of preparation before starting this system.

Before starting a curly hair routine, you need to find out your curl pattern (pictured below).

The curl patterns range from 2A to 4C, the number refers to curl families, while the letter points to how tightly wound your curls are within that family. Type 1 is the absence of curl (or straight hair). Type 2 means waves, while type 3 consists of spiraled curls, and type 4 consists of kinks and coils. You can have two or more types of curl patterns, so if you don't find your specific type, don't panic. Look for the closest one.

Buy hair products made for curly hair. Choose gentle sulfate-free shampoos and cut back on shampooing to once every 7-10 days.

: WASIFA AHMAD HASAN

Follow Wasifa on INSTAGRAM: @sifascorner YOUTUBE: youtube.com/sifascorner

Invest in silicone-free conditioners. YOU WILL NEED:

ƒ A regular conditioner after shampoo

ƒ A deep conditioner every 7-10 days

ƒ A leave-in conditioner to use every time you wash your hair.

You can also skip your regular shampoo and replace it with the regular conditioner. If your scalp is feeling greasy, you can use the shampoo on the scalp and for the rest of the hair use the conditioner. As for the leave-in, it will keep your hair hydrated and defined until you wash it the next time. Think of it like a "hair moisturizer".

Get a silicone-free curl styling product like cream, gel or mousse. Use it after the leave-in to preserve your curly style.

A QUICK LOOK INTO THE WASH & STYLE ROUTINE:

ƒ After shampooing, use adequate conditioner to saturate the curls and make them slippery — like seaweed. Use your fingers to comb the knots out and distribute the product. Then wash it out.

ƒ While your hair is still dripping wet; flip your hair upside down, divide hair into 3-4 sections and apply the leave-in conditioner. Use a wide-toothed comb to gently comb the product from root to tip. Do not wash it out.

ƒ If you are using a styling product, use it at this stage. Take and distribute the styling product across the palms of the hands — your hands should look like you’re praying. Then apply by sliding down either side of your hair with both hands. This technique helps with distributing the product evenly without disrupting the curl clumps.

ƒ Take a cotton t-shirt or microfiber hair towel and push small sections of hair towards your scalp. It will take out the excess water, bring out the texture and give volume.

ƒ It's best if you can air-dry the curls, but North Dakota winters are brutal. So, when you use a hairdryer, use it on the low heat or cool setting with a diffuser.

ƒ While sleeping, use a silk hair cap. It will lessen the friction and protect the curls.

John and Debbie Trombley

The DOs and DON'Ts of curly hair care:

Now that you know the basics of curl-care, here are some dos and don'ts you should maintain:

Don't comb your hair while it's dry. It will mess up the curl pattern and cause breakage.

Don't sleep with wet curls. It will cause frizz.

Don't heat style hair when you are starting the curly hair care routine. After you revive the curls and they are healthier, you can occasionally do it.

Find a curly hair stylist who can help you with styling techniques and products.

My curl story:

I have 2C-3A curls. It took me almost two years to transform my dry, frizzy, rough hair into bouncy, defined curls by maintaining this routine. I also learned about my hair, read countless books, articles, avoided hair straightener and achieved a head full of healthy curls. Nowadays, as I know what works and doesn't work for my hair, I "bend" the rules and style it either wavy or curly.

Resources: If you want to learn more about curls, I suggest looking into the following websites and social media channels:

WEBSITES

naturallycurly.com

curlsunderstood.com

curlmaven.ie

curlygirlmovement.com

INSTAGRAM

@coffeecurlygirl

@curly.evee

@marisascurls

@desertcurlsstudio

@honestlizhere

YOUTUBE

Hair Romance

India Batson

Gena Marie

Jayme Jo Manes by Mell

Joy Before Her

Finally, here are some FARGO-BASED CURL SPECIALISTS

I have come across:

Olivia from Nora Salon (@hairandmakeup.olivia)

Charli from Ulta Beauty Salon Fargo (@charlischair)

Monica from Dandy Lion Fargo (@dandylionfargo)

Uptown Curl - Fargo

Maleah from @fargohairdresser

If you have any questions on curly hair, you can also direct message me on my Instagram (@sifascorner). [ aw ]

Your vision. Our visionaries.

Rejuv is now Chapter. And while you’ll see some aesthetic changes in the studio, one thing remains the same: Our team. All of the expertise, artistry and care you know and love—plus, all of your favorite products and treatments—are here to help bring your personal beauty story to life.

$99 Botox®

March 3-5, 2022 • Grand View Lodge, Nisswa, MN

Renew your passion and hear from inspiring keynote speakers, enjoy refreshing breakout sessions, and restore at the Glacial Waters Spa. We invite you to bring your coworkers and friends for a weekend away at Flow: The Ladyboss Retreat.

For details and to reserve your tickets, visit ladybossmidwest.com/retreat

area style +

Gather all your cozy fall essentials at Jade + Jasper boutique! We’ve got shackets and sherpas, beanies, graphic tees and more!

JADE + JASPER BOUTIQUE

The Lights on Sheyenne : 3150 Sheyenne St, West Fargo : shopjadeandjasper.com

Bright and cozy fall sweaters from Brodie Cashmere

TALULA

835 23rd Ave E, West Fargo (located south of Costco) 701-532-1134 facebook.com/taluland

Ekelund of Sweden – drawing inspiration from nature and Scandinavian patterns. Throws, runners, towels – all made in Sweden.

STABO SCANDINAVIAN IMPORTS

406 Broadway N, Fargo : 701-282-0421 : stabo-imports.com

Having trouble getting your hair to grow?  12 Benefits is the solution.

CENTRE FOR HAIR AND WELLNESS

Inside Urban Edge Salon : 2600 52nd Ave S, Fargo : 218-236-6000

Hulchi Belluni, Tresore Stretch Bracelets

Starting at $1,800. Available in 18K rose, yellow or white gold. From traditional and symmetrical designs to organic shapes found in nature - the Tresore collection features top-notch pave diamond settings making these stretchable bracelets perfect to wear on a daily basis.

GUNDERSON'S 5601 28th Ave S, Fargo : 701-532-3020 : gundersons.com

Staccato grey shacket, Esqualo blue sweater, Liverpool

Marley girlfriend denim and Lost & Found accessories.

FUSION BOUTIQUE Inside SCHEELS Home & Hardware 3202 13th Ave S, Fargo : 701-232-8903

New fall arrivals coming daily. Bring on sweaters, layers and pumpkin spice season!

MAINSTREAM BOUTIQUE

4600 32nd Ave S, Fargo : 701-356-6684 mainstreamboutique.com/pages/fargo

A style statement look : a blazer, a faux leather skirt and satin cami.

LEELA & LAVENDER

Shoppes at BLU Water Creek 3265 45th St S, Ste 116, Fargo : leelaandlavender.com

Fall is in the air at Eco Chic! ECO CHIC HOME 3265 45th St S, Ste 108, Fargo 701-356-6600 shopecochichome.com

bright + airy, LAYERED TEXTURES & SIMPLISTIC LINES…

Clients are always asking, “What’s on trend? What’s the next new thing?” The question should really be, “What elements have stayed consistent in design?” By understanding what trends have held footing over any longer period, we are truly able to gauge how much our lifestyles have changed, and how to push design in a forward-thinking movement to compliment this lifestyle direction.

Over the last several years, there has been a greater push for simplicity and clean lines. Homes are staged to feel as open and airy as possible. Accessories are purposeful and add to the texture of an interior. Furniture has slimmed down, not only in scale, but in height, as well. Additionally, the mixing and matching of metals and woods has been encouraged.

Let’s face it, our lives have been completely changed over the last year and a half. Getting back to basics has become so important. Reorganizing and regaining non-utilized areas in our home has impacted the home improvement industry, leading to a skyrocket in work. More and more clients

are after function and simplicity. They want to find inspiration in their own surroundings after staring at the same walls due to limited social interaction.

West Coast design has really gained momentum because of all these factors. In favor is the airy and open indoor/outdoor lifestyle principle, less is more, statement colors in heavy saturation on furniture accents and accessories, even an occasional textured wall. Letting as much light into your home as possible, embracing organic shapes and materials, and highlighting those features, quirks and characteristics of a home that may have previously been covered up such as exposed beams, brick work and historic floor-tile patterns all lend themselves to a more grounded, back-to-basics approach. In a world full of uncertainty, these deliberate design choices help us feel more grounded, more comfortable, and provide a much-needed sanctuary where homeowners can relax and unwind.

If you have been contemplating a change, or are looking for design inspiration, Distinctions by Drea would be more than happy to assist you with your project, no matter how big or small. From helping to make paint selections, to finding the perfect rug or updating an entire level of your home, our team will help you pull it all together and find harmony and balance within your environment.

visit distinctionsbydrea.com.

women build

COMING TOGETHER TO BUILD STRONGER, SAFER COMMUNITIES

Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity had another amazing Women Build project in 2021. Women from the FM area joined together during a multi-day effort to build a home for Jamie Roach and her children Kyla, 19; Trent, 14; Angel, 13; and Laila, 7. A committee of nine women and thousands of volunteers worked together to raise the funds for the project. Monies raised for Women Build supported the construction of the new, affordable home for the Roach family.

Roach was raised on the Standing Rock Reservation in South Dakota. As a young girl her home was broken when her alcoholic father murdered her mother, resulting in her family becoming homeless. Later in life she found herself struggling with teenage pregnancy, substance abuse and still needing a home. Thanks to help from people like Amy Feland with Lakes and Prairies Community Action Partnership, and Career Connect with United Way, she now has a great job as a certified nursing assistant, and has relocated her family to Fargo-Moorhead. And recently, another milestone — a brand-new home for her family.

The home is one of four builds that Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity will have completed this year. In the past 30 years they have built 63 homes for families in need. The land for this project was donated by Mary Tuttle.

Women Build committee chairwoman

Beth Brasel, facilities manager at BNG Team, had this to say about this year:

Roach is thankful for all of the love and support she has received through Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity Women Build. “To know there’s somebody out there that cares gave me hope, gave me faith to keep going, and showed my kids how to live through tragedy and come out with a beautiful life.”

Our goal for the Women Build 2021 is to empower women throughout the process. From the women volunteering their time, women donating to fund the project, and our Women Build Angel's advocating for the cause, I couldn't be more proud to be a part of this amazing effort in our community.”

deck the halls with vintage collectibles

FRESH FROM The FARM

Ilike useful collectibles. And because I don’t like anything to go to waste, I like to find new ways to make use of old things. Just because something is old and just laying around, doesn’t mean it can’t be salvaged or repurposed. And this includes decorating for the holidays.

I knew these old wooden desk drawers I’d found could do something new and fabulous. Worn, paint-chippy wood is so charming. Immediately I thought of Thanksgiving and the need for low centerpieces which wouldn’t get in the way of seeing family and friends.

I lined the drawer with this season’s hottest decorating fabric — burlap (probably because it is both rustic and natural-looking for Fall), but you can use any fabric that goes best with your table settings. Inside, I placed some nested vintage brown glazed stoneware bowls, a vintage brown milk bottle, some little glass bottles with colorful rocks and shells, and then, for some extra seasonal flair, I tucked in some pheasant feathers. Pretty enough for a Thanksgiving table, don’t you think?

I may just keep this vintage wood drawer on the tabletop all the time. It can be awfully practical, storing the family’s usual table needs, such as napkins, salt and pepper shakers, the morning’s cereal bowls — whatever you find you need to leave on the table. And since it’s all in one drawer, you can pick it up as easily as any tray to wipe the table clean or change the tablecloth (maybe even more so, as the deeper sides mean fewer things will topple out and over).

The holidays, with all their visitors, are the perfect time for showing off our collections. And what collector doesn’t want to show off their collection? Instead of replacing your antique and vintage treasures with holiday pieces, why not deck your collections along with decking the halls? It can be as simple as mixing in some simple holiday trims.

Here’s a collection of vintage soda pop bottles topped with simple gold and silver ball ornaments. It would make a unique centerpiece on any holiday table or mantle.

Before electricity made its way into most homes, Christmas trees had the warm glow of candlelight. The candles were attached to the tree branches via little metal clips. Most often they were decorative clips made in Germany, like these shown here. Since using candles to light your tree is neither practical nor safe, we don’t recommend bringing back that tradition lightly (no pun intended). But that doesn’t mean you can’t safely use these charming bits of Christmas past this holiday. They make wonderful placeholders on your holiday table.

Shopping at antique malls and vintage shops is an excellent way to discover more ways to decorate and show off your collections during the holidays. I just love the look of old wooden sleds holding Christmas presents. Sometimes you have more presents than the sled can carry — but a few on the sled looks lovely next to the tree!

Vendors at The FARM are very creative, offering many inspiring decor ideas. Come in to see for yourself, and share photos of your creative display ideas with us too!

aw ]

Love thy neighbor

SPREADING JOY THROUGH FLOWERS

Krenzel’s servant heart started as a young girl when she spent summers with her grandmother, Freda, in Linton, North Dakota. Freda was a champion of kindness, warmth and artistry. Krenzel’s experiences of serving others alongside Freda (especially gardening) grew with her as she got older, and in 2016, she founded Hope Blooms, a local nonprofit that repurposes donated flowers and rearranges them into beautiful bedside bouquets so that those who are most in need in our community feel a sense of inclusion. All with one message: you matter.

Krenzel first brought the idea to repurpose flowers to a close friend who owns a floral business. Her friend helped connect her with a couple who was getting

married and would like to donate their wedding flowers. The idea began to slowly bloom as Krenzel and a small group of friends worked side by side in the basement of her home to take apart and redesign the flowers into small bedside arrangements. The bouquets were delivered to community members in need, starting with elderly individuals who resided in assisted living communities, nursing homes, memory care and more. The small gesture of handmade bouquets quickly made an impact on the community, and Hope Blooms was able to expand into a shop in north Fargo and invite hundreds of volunteers to join in the movement. Hope Blooms now receives regular donations of flowers from community partners, such as Hornbacher's, Cash Wise, funeral homes, wholesalers to bridal parties, personal gardens and more.

Since its creation in 2016, Hope Blooms has created more than 30,000 individual bouquets and volunteers have logged nearly 5,000 hours to make it possible. The flowers have reached homebound seniors, hospice patients, a local maternity home, cancer centers, birth centers, the children’s hospital, women’s shelters, veterans, and child-loss groups. Hope Blooms has given bouquets to frontline workers, FM Ambulance, local fire departments, nurses, daycare providers and teachers to remind all these people how vital they are

Assisted Living resident, receives bedside bouquets through Hope Blooms. For Lein, the bouquets have brightened her days beyond measure. “The first time I received a bouquet, I couldn’t believe we were getting flowers. It was a Sunday afternoon, and I felt so honored to get them. I’ve appreciated them even more during the pandemic. Hope Blooms is a wonderful organization!”

Maya Angelou once said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” For Kelly Krenzel, the mission behind Hope Blooms is to show compassion to people and make them feel appreciated and valued through repurposed flowers.

Arvilla Lien, a four-time cancer survivor and Serenity

WORDS : ALEXIS SCOTT PHOTOGRAPHY : BRITTA THE PHOTOGRAPHER KELLY KRENZEL

to our community. Overall, Hope Blooms serves nearly 60 organizations, facilities and segments of the population in the community.

Stories of Hope Blooms’ impact have poured in from everywhere around our community. Krenzel believes we all have the capacity to make a significant mark on someone’s life by taking the time to extend a gesture of kindness. One heartfelt story was about an elderly man, who received a bouquet of yellow roses. Upon receipt of this gift, he immediately broke down in tears and explained to the Hope Blooms volunteer that he often bought yellow roses for his wife who had passed away. Krenzel believes the flowers find the person they are meant to impact.

So, what is next for Hope Blooms? The organization is looking to make connections in the community to better serve our rural neighbors in the smaller communities surrounding Fargo-Moorhead. Krenzel would be glad to partner with anyone who would make deliveries outside the metro area. As Hope Blooms has grown, so has the demand for items necessary to fulfill the mission, including mason jars, jute and shop supplies. Hope Blooms appreciates all donations, including financial support. Finally, Hope Blooms relies heavily on volunteers to create and distribute the bouquets, help with pick-ups, and many other aspects of the mission. Sign up to volunteer at hopeblooms.org as an individual or group.

Krenzel put it best, “Hope Blooms is not just flowers; it’s the opportunity to serve the community and recognize individuals for their value as human beings. It is fundamental to our well-being and something we all need — to feel that we belong in our own community.” Love your neighbors and show some brightness and light in the world through the gift of repurposed flowers. [ aw ]

Hope Blooms operations manager Karina Zimney (left) with founder Kelly Krenzel.

WORDS : JESSICA LARGHE PHOTOGRAPHY : M. SCHLEIF PHOTOGRAPHY

STONE TOWN GRILL: Your Passport to Flavor

When Stone Town Grill opened after Thanksgiving in 2020, owners Jessica and Marty Larghe knew there would be many obstacles for their new restaurant to overcome. One small obstacle they did not foresee was some customers expecting a standard American restaurant based off the name “Stone Town Grill.” No, you cannot get a burger or steak at Stone Town Grill, but there are countless fresh and delicious meal options, and there is a fun story behind the inspiration and name.

it'sher business

Stone Town Grill is locally created, owned and operated by wife-and-husband team Jessica and Marty Larghe. At Stone Town Grill, you can create your own salad, grain or noodle bowl from their fresh food bar items and sauces that are inspired by the various world cuisines they have enjoyed while traveling, and from Jessica’s style of cooking at home.

The first inkling of an idea for Stone Town Grill originated about nine years ago when Jessica and Marty were traveling in Tanzania and visited the island of Zanzibar. Zanzibar has a rich history of being a spice trade hub and growing spices, so Jessica and Marty went on a spice tour, purchasing spices and enjoying the flavorful cuisine. Most of the food they enjoyed while in Tanzania was comprised of simple, whole ingredients — rice, vegetables and protein — and was tied together with complex spice blends and delicious sauces. The overall experience inspired Marty to wonder about a restaurant that featured that concept — simple, whole ingredients combined with spice blends and sauces to make a delicious meal. About three years ago (well before any of us ever heard of COVID-19), Jessica started intentionally working toward making this daydream a reality.

Preparing meals with the goal of food being delicious and nutritious is something Jessica has enjoyed since she was a teenager. As a teen, eating well had more to do with being fueled for athletic performance, but as an adult the focus became preparing meals that promoted overall well-being while still being tasty. Jessica found that the best way to accomplish this with meals at home was to create spice blends and sauces — something flavorful to dress up grains, proteins and lots of vegetables.

That simple concept is the basis for what Stone Town Grill offers — fresh, whole ingredients combined with flavorful sauces from cuisines all over the world to make a fully customizable meal that tastes good and makes you feel good. As the developer of all the recipes, a major focus for Jessica was, as much as possible, creating gluten-free,

vegan-friendly and minimally processed options so that people with any dietary restrictions could have many great options while dining out. Since opening, Stone Town Grill has allowed people with celiac disease, severe food allergies and autoimmune conditions the ability to dine out confidently.

For those still wondering what all this has to do with the name Stone Town Grill, here is where the name came from: In Zanzibar, the old part of the city where the spice markets are located is called Stone Town. And since most of the meals are prepared on a grill surface, adding “grill” to the end of the name seemed appropriate. Thus, Stone Town Grill. So now you know the story behind the name.

Since Jessica and Marty are the creators and owners, they place great emphasis on providing highquality food and service and strive to connect with all the guests that visit their restaurant. While they always take delight in getting enthusiastic guest feedback, they also know that constructive feedback is just as valuable as it helps them recognize potential improvements. One example was creating signature bowl combinations that can be built for guests that do not want to get overwhelmed with choosing items from the food bar themselves. Another is altering some of the sauce recipes to help accommodate soy allergies. Jessica also plans to introduce some new menu options to compliment the build-your-own-bowl option.

So, if you are looking for a local dining out option that offers something different and fresh, Stone Town Grill is here for you!

This is an excellent company.”

Times

CA RR IE

loosely quoting Frederick Buechner, Carrie Wintersteen quickly directs credit where it’s due. But, as her story unfolds, you can tell the executive director and co-founder of Theatre B believes and lives every word of it. “Theater for me is more than just fun, it’s a calling.” Wintersteen’s first experience on a theater stage began at the age of 12, when she took a summer class called, “Acting, Music, and Junk” in Saint Paul, Minnesota. But even before that, Wintersteen made the world her stage. She describes herself as a ham of a little kid, “I was a classic youngest child,” she laughs. Her parents gave her the perfect opportunity to capitalize on this at their weekly bridge club. “My parents would say, ‘Carrie! Come over here and sing!’” That’s when George Schnell, the church organist would pull up the piano bench and begin awakening the keys to a melody that Wintersteen would bring a joyous life to. Not surprisingly, while no one made theater their career, performing arts were apparent throughout Wintersteen’s family. Various musicians were scattered throughout, but more specifically she remembers, “My mother had been a figure skater and my great grandmother had sung in the opera.” She even remembers listening to her grandmother’s album.

I love the idea of our vocations being where our gifts meet the world’s need,”

↓ Carrie Wintersteen and Scott Horvik in the 2004 production of The Guys by Anne Nelson photo by theatre b

And so, her path in life was known to her from the start. Wintersteen went on to get her bachelor’s from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, then her master’s in acting at the University of Pittsburgh. While Wintersteen was living in the cities, she met her husband David Wintersteen. David shared a love for theater, bringing them together to meet at Theatre in the Round in Minneapolis. We might all thank David, because in 1998 an offer for him to teach theater at Concordia College in Moorhead brought the couple to the FM area.

Wintersteen then became, as Linda Boyd called her, “the FM utility infielder.” She worked in a variety of settings including US Bank, Prairie Public and teaching at MSUM and NDSU. It allowed her to meet a lot of people, many of whom would end up becoming involved in Theatre B. During this time, Wintersteen maintained her connection to

drama through acting with the community theater. While she enjoyed the experience, she felt a tension building up inside her.

The kind that many of us have felt when it is time to take a new turn in the road that reveals our path. “Theatre B was somewhat born out of frustration,” she acknowledges.

“That restlessness that exists when something is missing.” She enjoyed the theater she was involved with, yet she felt as if something was missing in the Fargo Moorhead area. “I wanted to do what I was good at,” she admits, “but I wanted to do it with purpose.” And that meant digging into a different kind of theater, one that she felt the community needed. She sought to perform new, intensely issue-driven work. And so, Theatre B was born and founded in 2003 by Wintersteen, her husband David, their friends Lori and Scott Horvik, and a recent NDSU theater graduate, Amber Rae Bernhardt.

This also came at a time when revitalization efforts were just starting in downtown Fargo.

“We got this notion that we could do something to help,” says Wintersteen. The founders strategically opened their first season in the old Moose Lodge, now the Toasted Frog, in downtown Fargo. Pitching in $600 each of their own money, they produced three shows. At the end of that first season, they made not only enough to pay themselves back, but were inspired. “Lori said we have to incorporate and do this again!” says Wintersteen. That next year brought new challenges as they increased their season to four shows, but performed them at three different places. It was at one of these shows that they met a couple who would help take them to the next chapter of Theatre B’s journey: David and Pia Scheer. Inspired by the mission and style of shows that Theatre B was producing, the Scheers provided what would be the theater’s home for the next 10 years: 716 Main Avenue, Fargo.

↗ Theatre B founders (left to right) David Wintersteen, Carrie Wintersteen, Scott Horvik and Lori Horvik in the 2007 production of Vino Veritas by David MacGregor. photo by michael benedict

I was good at...

I wanted to do what

ABOVE: Carrie Wintersteen as Professor Vivian Bearing in Wit by Margaret Edson.

→ RIGHT: Megan Bartholomay-Berreth and Carrie Wintersteen in Wit , 2014. photos by michael benedict

← LEFT: David Huebner in the sound booth and Clare Lynch on stage during the 2020 production of The Marjority by Rob Drummond.

photo by thuen studios

↗ ABOVE: Missy Ratzlaff in the 2018 production of The Moors by Jen Silverman.

photo by kensie wallner

BUT I WANTED TO DO IT with purpose

Reflecting on those 10 years, Wintersteen saw the beauty of her dream become a reality. They established an ensemble and performed tough, yet timely shows like “The Guys” and “Wit;” shows that encouraged healing and reflection. The community reciprocated the gift this kind of theater gave them, and Theatre B saw incredible growth. “We went from an organizational budget of $25,000 to $160,000 and even won the American Theatre Award from the American Theatre Wing (home of the Tony's),” says Wintersteen. From the very beginning, Theatre B invited collaboration with other area organizations, including the FM Symphony Orchestra, Trollwood, the Plains Art Museum, the PRIDE collective, NDSU, Veterans Affairs and Sanford Health.

Pausing on that last collaboration, Wintersteen remembers one of the most impactful moments in her acting career, playing Professor Bearing in the play “Wit.” “Playing Vivian Bearing, as an actress, is brilliant,” Wintersteen explains. “It’s a bucket list role.” The play shares the life of a brilliant professor of English literature who now finds herself facing terminal ovarian cancer. She agrees to undergo experimental treatment that, while likely not life-saving, will contribute to oncology research. In order to accurately portray such an intense experience, they collaborated with Sanford Health’s Embrace Cancer Survivorship Program and the UND School of Medicine and Health Sciences. “We wanted to do it for the audience who it would mean the most to.” She was connected to real doctors and patients who would help prepare her for the role. And preparation not only meant shaving her head, but trying to understand living the reality of cancer. Wintersteen met and spent a significant amount

of time learning from Vicki and Jane, two women in cancer treatment who were a part of the Forward Support Group at Sanford. Nothing could prepare Wintersteen for the emotional aspect of this experience. “I was walking in their shoes every day, trying to understand where Jane and Vicki were in their journey, but [realizing] that I would get to go back to my regular life,” says Wintersteen. Mentally, the play is a huge undertaking as well. It is a tremendous amount of script to remember and continuously moves from scene to scene without a break. “My husband called it ‘a one woman show with guests,’” explains Wintersteen. “The rest of the cast had to be very reliable and consistent with their lines, since it would be very easy for me to get misdirected by even the slightest mistake. One wrong cue, and I could skip whole pages.”

Dr. Jean Marie McGowan, a resident physician at Sanford, also attended rehearsals and provided feedback to help with staging and accurately depicting the medical world.

For all that it demanded of Wintersteen, she upholds, “It is one of those peak experiences, because it calls on so many of my faculties.” Among the different venues used, Theatre B brought an authenticity to the production by performing it at Sanford, utilizing an actual hospital space as the set. They performed for UND medical students, a Cancer Survivor Retreat, and Sanford staff. Truer still to her mission, Wintersteen and her team participated in empathy exercises afterward with the staff which were led by Cheryl Hysjulien, the psychologist in the cancer center. “The staff were nervous at first, but then became very vulnerable,” says Wintersteen. For her, this is what it is all about. “I want work that is about a mission, not money.”

THE ARTS COMMUNITY here is rich and vibrant

Theatre B stays true to this mission, even as their location and the world around them changes. Moving to a new home in Moorhead offered new opportunities, including a larger auditorium that could be turned into a theater space. But more challenging than a move was going through a pandemic. “It was hell,” Wintersteen remembers. “Sometimes as I reflect back, I wonder was that even real?” Every industry was touched by COVID-19, but perhaps most poignantly, the arts community. Ever maintaining her humor, Wintersteen remembers thinking, “I don’t see how Theatre B is going to make it, but at least they won’t blame me!” By cutting expenses, and seeking grants, generous donations, and funding from the CARES Act, they did survive. Perhaps most incredibly was how Theatre B pivoted and continued to serve the community during that time by providing their art in a hybrid format. In 2020, they produced “The Majority,” a show set in Scotland during the 2015 referendum. It was the perfect format: a one-person show that allowed for virtual audience participation. During the show the audience votes on a variety of questions, some moral and some as simple as whether or not to have an intermission. As the participants vote, that is how the show proceeds. It was an incredible lift to make it happen. “We needed to upgrade the internet in order to livestream, install a track for the camera and equipment, and figure out how to have both an in-house and remote audience vote in real time,” says Wintersteen. Fortunately, the ensemble artists who were working on this show had the right skills and resources to solve a host of creative problems. “Our technical director is a software developer,” says Wintersteen, “so he wrote an app that was used in voting. And the director is a filmmaker, so he staged the show so that the audience and the actor could see the votes being tallied on the green screen.” It was a success, and one that Wintersteen continues to be in awe of how they made it happen.

Her vision, and the Fargo-Moorhead community, is what continues to support what Theatre B does, and why Wintersteen does it. “The arts community here is rich and vibrant”, she smiles, “[but] the cultural expectation is that if you want to be successful, it can’t be here.” Day-by-day, Wintersteen seeks to change that. She dreams of a performing arts space built in the FM area someday; of artists that might make acting their career, instead of a side job. And most of all, she believes in providing something that permeates beyond the day it was viewed. “You don’t want to just make people feel good all the time,” Wintersteen says. “We don’t do work to offend, but sometimes we do.” She also acknowledges, “It’s tricky in a place like Fargo-Moorhead,” but she smiles, “that’s exactly why we’re needed.” And so, Buechner’s words are not just an inspiring quote to Wintersteen. She lives and encourages others to live the beautiful reality of one’s vocation being a place where our gifts meet the world’s need.

← Luke Smit, Taylor Schatz and Cameron Wintersteen in the 2015 production of The Art of Bad Men by Vincent Delaney. photo by kensie wallner

17th Annual HERO Bash

Celebrate with HERO at the 2021 Bash [digital festivities]

OCTOBER 11-15

herofargo .org

The Bash is going

digital with enlivening festivities in 2021. This year, we are excited to host our 17th annual HERO Bash with a week of online and live streaming events starting Monday, October 11 through Friday, October 15. The Bash is a key fundraising event in expanding HERO’s mission in the local Fargo-Moorhead community. The week will be filled with fun, entertainment and plenty of inspiring stories from our beloved clients, volunteers and agency partnerships.

This year, the Bash will focus on highlighting 25 years of serving the Fargo-Moorhead community and how HERO can continue to serve the FM community for the next 25 years. HERO has some incredible statistics from 25 years of service: HERO has served over 50,000 individuals, HERO has waived the fees of $825,000 worth of medical supplies, HERO has prepared 1.1 million pounds of medical supplies for global missions, HERO has had over 60,000 volunteer hours valued at $1.6 million, and HERO has kept 1.8 million pounds of medical supplies out of local landfills.

7,700 VOLUNTEERS DONATED 60,000 HOURS

WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY : provided by HERO

VALUE OF $1.6 million

2,200 PALLETS + 1.1 million POUNDS of medical supplies prepared for global missions

1.8 million POUNDS of medical supplies kept out of local landfills

50,000 INDIVIDUALS SERVED

As HERO looks toward the next 25 years of serving the FM community, the biggest challenge is the warehouse. In the past 18 months, HERO has seen a sharp increase in the amount of donations coming in from individuals, agencies and community partners. Because of these increases, the donation warehouse can no longer adequately handle the extra supplies.

Connect with Us at These Upcoming Events

Here’s your chance to connect to your community and learn and grow. Join AARP North Dakota at one of these upcoming virtual events.

“Inside the Mind of the Internet Godfather”

Virtual Scam Lunch & Learn

Tuesday, October 12, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Decluttering Your Home

A Passport to Healthy Living Event

Wednesday, October 20, 3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.

To find all of our upcoming events and to register, visit aarp.org/NDevents

/AARPND

HERO is about to embark on an ambitious project of revamping our warehouse with the help of Tammy Barreca, a nonprofit consultant and CEO for Phenix International, LLC, one of our global partners. In September, HERO started planning how to effectively handle donated supplies to make the process more efficient. To assist with the storage of equipment, HERO is in need of pallet jacks, platform safety ladders, inventory shelving and collapsible pallets. Along with physical items, an inventory system will be added to better track supplies throughout our process. Lastly, we are looking at the physical layout of our warehouse to maximize our storage space and workflow.

After we make these improvements, HERO will be in a better position to continue offering support to the FM community and it will set HERO up to expand our reach into other communities.

Tuesdays

OCTOBER 5,

NOVEMBER 2 and DECEMBER 7 6:00 – 7:15 PM

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

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

griefsupport@boulgerfuneralhome.com

find your flow RECONNECT AT A LADYBOSS RETREAT

aretreat is the perfect way to remind yourself who you are, get a much-needed break, and reconnect with or even reignite your passions and goals. The word retreat means to withdraw, and sometimes you have to take a step back in order to propel yourself forward. Flow: The Ladyboss Retreat is about doing just that. This retreat is an opportunity to withdraw from the regular routine of life, hear from inspirational keynote speakers, participate in breakout sessions, and connect with fellow ladybosses, so that once you return to your everyday life, you do so as a better version of yourself.

Even if you are living your absolute dream life, even if every day you wake up and can’t believe how lucky you are to have the life that you do, you still need to get away. With the rise of working from home, work-life balance has gotten even more, well, unbalanced. When you’re working from home (or what more often feels like “living at work”) it can be hard to reconnect with yourself. Who are you outside of your job, household duties, and even relationships?

If you haven’t experienced burnout yet this last year and a half, you’re likely going to. More working women are experiencing feelings of burnout than ever. According to a Hartford Business Study, 66% of working women feel burned out, a much higher percentage than their male peers. Even if you love what you do, if you don’t take breaks from the grind, it’s likely to grind you.

PHOTO : GRAND VIEW LODGE, Nisswa, MN

The consequences of unaddressed burnout can be pretty bleak. Those experiencing burnout are likely to have mental health crises, underperform at work, lose interest in their hobbies, and even leave the workforce altogether.

Another way to keep burnout at bay is to invest in yourself. When was the last time you invested in your own personal or professional development? When is the last time you really did something for yourself? It’s tough to take time away from the growing to-do list to have some “me time.” But time spent investing in yourself and in your future is never time wasted. We live in a world where there is a ton of pressure to constantly be “on,” and constantly be going and doing something. One of the greatest acts of self-care is taking a moment for yourself and getting away from the grind.

After a long year of being mostly alone and mostly indoors, we could all use a chance to get out in nature with our community. One of the biggest losses of the last year and a half has been in-person events. We miss our community, and we know you do too! We’re better together, and we can’t wait to get together with you again.

Getting away from your day-to-day routine can be vital in reconnecting, rediscovering or reviving your relationship to yourself. If you’re ready to invest in yourself and your future, we encourage you to do so with Flow: The Ladyboss Retreat, coming in March 2022.

FOR MORE INFORMATION or to register, please visit ladybossmidwest.com/retreat/.

“He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.” acts 14:17

books she loves

Hello to changing leaves and autumn reads! I’ve been (not so) patiently awaiting the cooling weather so I can break out my cozy sweaters and pumpkin spice everything. This year, I find myself more anxious than usual to get to the atmospheric, magical books patiently waiting on my shelves for the changing seasons. If you find yourself looking to add a little magic to your reading, these are some of my favorites for all kinds of readers.

Practical Magic

The Rules of Magic Magic Lessons

The Book of Magic

by Alice Hoffman

Every October I get in the Halloween mood with a list of supernatural movies. One of my favorites is “Practical Magic,” the 1998 movie starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman about an eccentric family of witches cursed in matters of love. More than a decade after I first watched this movie, I finally picked up the book of the same name by Alice Hoffman and fell in love with the Owens family all over again. If you haven’t read it, be aware going in that the book and movie are different. Personally, I love both equally and find that they enhance each other, giving me more depth to each of the Owens women that one format itself cannot provide. Hoffman excels at the kind of lyrical, enchanting and magical writing that brings this story to life.

Over 20 years after “Practical Magic” was first published, Hoffman released a prequel novel titled “The Rules of Magic.” Set in 1960s New York City, the prequel is about the young lives of “Practical Magic’s” eccentric aunts, Franny and Jet, along with their beloved brother Vincent, as they uncover family secrets and start to understand the truth of who they are. I loved this prequel perhaps even more the first novel. The author gives us a beautiful story about being true to yourself no matter what, setting a strong foundation for the aunts’ characters so you can see how they could grow to be who they are in "Practical Magic.”

Published last October, “Magic Lessons” goes back to the beginning to tell the story of Maria Owens in the 1600s. Abandoned as a baby, Maria is taken in by Hannah Owens and taught to use her gifts. After being abandoned by the man who declared his love for her, Maria invokes the curse that will haunt her family through centuries. A celebration of life and love is at the heart of Maria’s story, passed down to her descendants — along with the curse.

Fans of literary fiction, magical realism or books centered on women will enjoy this series. Each book can be read as a standalone

or in any order you choose. This October I intend to revisit the Owens family by reading the books in chronological order starting with “Magic Lessons” leading up to the final Owens novel, “The Book of Magic,” being released on October 5. In this spellbinding conclusion, three generations of Owens women and one long-lost brother use their unusual gifts to break the curse that has plagued their family for over 300 years. Sure to be filled with lyric beauty and vivid characters, I believe it will be as enchanting as the previous novels.

WORDS : MEGAN ELGIN

Magic for Liars

by Sarah Gailey

If you’re a fan of murder mysteries, check out “Magic for Liars” by Sarah Gailey. Set in a magical boarding school where a faculty member has just been gruesomely murdered, private investigator Ivy Gamble has been called in to investigate. Ivy is not magical and has never wanted to be. She’s perfectly happy with her life and certainly doesn’t wish she was like her estranged sister, the magically gifted professor Tabitha. As she investigates the murder at Tabitha’s private academy, the stalwart detective starts to lose herself in the case and the answer to the mystery that seems just out of her reach. Ivy’s difficult relationship with her sister and her issues with magic and high school made her a very real character in an unexpected setting.

The Hollows Series Dead Witch Walking [ BOOK 1 ]

by Kim Harrison

Fans of action-packed storylines, plenty of bad guys and strong, snarky women — or those who love TV shows like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” or “Supernatural” — will enjoy this ongoing urban fantasy series. If you aren’t familiar with the term, urban fantasy is a sub-genre of fantasy where the story takes place in a “real world” urban setting and contains some kind of fantastical element such as supernatural beings or creatures, magic or powers. Yes, that means vampires, werewolves, witches, faeries … you name it! The sub-genre surged in popularity during the late 1990s and continues to be a big market today. One of the hallmarks of a great urban fantasy series is strong “world-building,” where your supernatural characters live next door to us regular human beings who may or may not know that these creatures exist for real. Common themes include an overarching

mystery as the main plot of each novel with a sprinkle of romance as a subplot. Kim Harrison is often listed as one of the notable contributors to the genre and this series is a long-time favorite of mine.

In Harrison’s series, the humans know the creatures of the night live and play in “The Hollows” of Cincinnati. Witch and bounty hunter Rachel Morgan keeps the world civilized by bringing in the supernatural creatures who have broken the law with the help of her partners, a pixie named Jenks and living vampire, Ivy. The first book is “Dead Witch Walking,” and the series gets better as it continues with each novel building on those before. Harrison may be writing fantasy, but her world feels refreshingly real. Book 15, “Million Dollar Demon,” was released this summer, and Harrison is working on book 16, set to release in 2022.

The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels

by India Holton

If you like to read romance novels, cheer for a delightful heroine who certainly doesn’t need a man to save her, and enjoy a good laugh, you should definitely pick up this magical novel. Cecilia Bassingwaite, a prim and proper lady thief, must save her aunt from a crazed pirate and his dangerously charming henchman. Yes, this delightfully fun novel is full of lady pirates — Cecilia and the members of the Wisteria Society — who take care of themselves, and may just steal your jewels in the process. These charming ladies expertly maneuver their flying houses all over the countryside while exchanging witty banter and plotting their next adventure. What makes this whimsical novel even more magical is how the author takes the typical gender roles of the Victorian era and turns them on their heads.

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.

Read one of these books? Tell us what you thought by using #areawomanbooks in your online review or send me an email at design@areawoman.com.

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

October 7

MOTHERHOOD UNFILTERED:

A night of real conversation and fun designed for moms

Join us for an evening of candid and real conversations surrounding motherhood (including mental and physical health, intimacy and relationships). There will be shopping and socializing, great giveaways and special gifts, delicious food, yummy dessert from Windsor Waffles, custom drinks and more! Motherhood is challenging (especially so during the last year). We know the weight of it all. With our event’s panel and keynote speaker, we are welcoming real, unfiltered questions and answers about the struggles, triumphs and everyday life situations moms are facing in their physical, mental and relationship wellness. We encourage moms to be their complete selves and enjoy a night out to feel surrounded by other moms who get them, just as they are. We all can appreciate a little less filter and a lot more real. That is what we are here to give the moms in our community.

7:00 – 9:30 PM

The Sanctuary Events Center 670 4th Ave N, Fargo fargo.momcollective.com

October 7

PETS AND LOSS

Our pets are our companions and a big part of our lives. Most animals don’t live as long as humans, and the loss of our pets can deeply affect us. This course will share some coping mechanisms to help grieve and honor our pets when they die. It will also explore how pets can help us through our grief journey when we lose someone else. This virtual event by Hospice of the Red River Valley is free and open to the public. Registration is required at least one day prior to the class date at hrrv.org/ event/pets-and-loss/. Contact the grief department at 800-237-4629 or grief@hrrv.org.

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Online

October 8-24

Theatre B Presents - THE CAKE

by Bekah Brunstetter

Della makes cakes, not judgement calls. But when the girl she helped raise returns to North Carolina to get married, and the fiancé turns out to be a fiancée, Della’s life is turned upside down. She’s always dreamed of baking Jen’s wedding cake, but now — should she? How does she love unconditionally, when it just doesn’t sit right? Contact 701-729-8880 or theatreb.org for tickets.

Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 7:30 PM, Sundays at 2:00 PM Theatre B 215 10th St N, Moorhead

October 9

NATIVE AMERICAN STORIES AND MUSIC WITH KEITH BEAR

World-renowned Mandan-Hidatsa storyteller and musician Keith Bear will present a morning of stories and music for families and all ages. This event is part of the One Book, One Community series of events. No registration is required.

10:00 AM

PHOTO : ABBY ANDERSON

October 16

Ragamala Dance Company: FIRES OF VARANASIDANCE OF THE ETERNAL PILGRIM

This performance is part of the MSUM Cheryl Nelson Lossett Performing Arts Series. Through images that reflect the cosmic trinity of Varanasi, India — sacred pilgrimage routes, the Ganges River, and the patron deity Shiva, heightened by the chants of Vedic priests — the choreographers imagine a metaphorical crossing place where one may leave the mundane and enter into the world of immortality.

Free, all-ages Kolam workshop Saturday, 1:00 PM, at the Roland Dille Center for the Arts. Tickets for the evening performance can be purchased online at mnstate.edu/tickets or by calling 218-477-2271 (Monday – Friday, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM). Masks are required in all MSUM buildings.

7:30 PM Hansen Theatre, Roland Dille Center for the Arts at Minnesota State University Moorhead 801 13th St S, Moorhead mnstate.edu/perform

October 19

FALL FASHION SHOW

Check out new brands and trends in women’s fashion. Local ladies will be styled head to toe in fashion fit for every woman. Tickets are $25 and attendees receive a $25 Scheels gift card at the end of the show. Limited seating.

Noon and 6:00 PM

SCHEELS Home & Hardware 3203 13th Ave S, Fargo scheels.com/fusionboutique

October 22-23

REAL LIFE WOMEN’S CONFERENCE

A two-day conference geared toward women of all ages. We want to share our real-life stories with you to give you hope and inspire you to keep on keeping on — to walk out this faith journey with joy and anticipation that we will make it through. National speakers and singers including Susie Larson, Shantel Dudley, Plumb, JJ Weeks, Phillips Craig and Dean, and Ayiesha Woods. For more information call 218-209-1367. Tickets available online at unifiedproductionsgroup.com.

Friday 5:00 – 10:00 PM, Saturday 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Fargo Air Museum 1609 19th Ave N, Fargo

October 26 One Book, One Community Event:

AUTHOR VISIT WITH ANTON TREUER

An author visit with Anton Treuer centered on his book “Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians by Were Afraid to Ask.” A book signing will follow; books will be available for purchase. This event is free and open to the public. Visit 1book1community.org for more information.

7:00 PM

Knutson Center Centrum at Concordia College

901 8th St S, Moorhead

OctberNOVEMBER

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

October 29-30

JUNKIN’ MARKET DAYS

Junkin’ Market Days is an indoor market that is filled with repurposed, rustic, shabby chic, farmhouse, vintage and one-of-a-kind finds. The event features over 100 vendors from a six-state area with everything from repurposed furniture, home decor, jewelry and boutique clothing, to specialty gourmet food items. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased in advance at junkinmarketdays.com or at the door.

Friday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Red River Valley Fairgrounds 1805 Main Ave W, West Fargo junkinmarketdays.com

October 31

LOKI TRICKSTER HUNT

seek me and find me: when you seek me with all your heart, I will be found by you, declares the Lord."

a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. Then you will

" For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and

The great trickster god of the Norse pantheon, Loki was a devious deity known for his many schemes and deceptions. Take part in this fun Halloween event for kids. Pre-registration is required.

2:00 PM

Main Library 102 3rd St N, Fargo fargolibrary.org

November 4

HOLIDAY LUNCHBOX SEMINAR

The Holiday Lunchbox Seminar provides this year’s trends in holiday decorating and how to accessorize your home — including your Christmas tree! Tickets are $25 and attendees receive a $25 Scheels gift card. Limited seating.

Noon

SCHEELS Home & Hardware 3203 13th Ave S, Fargo scheels.com/holidayseminar

November 4

EBOOK HELP SESSION

Librarians will teach you how to access the eBooks in the library’s collection and answer questions about accessing digital media at this program.

6:30 PM

Main Library 102 3rd St N, Fargo fargolibrary.org

November 6

BEADED ROPE NECKLACE CLASS

WITH ANNA JOHNSON

Learn to make a beaded rope necklace with Native American artist Anna Johnson at this hands-on workshop at the Main Library. This event is part of the 2021 One Book, One Community event series. Pre-registration is required and can be done online.

1:00 PM

Main Library 102 3rd St N, Fargo fargolibrary.org

November 6-7

FALL SPLASH OF THE SEASON SALE

Follow us @scheelshardware on Facebook and Instagram for more information.

SCHEELS Home & Hardware

3203 13th Ave S, Fargo

Live Music Weekends

AT VFW POST 762

202 Broadway N, Fargo

Come out to your friendly VFW Post 762 in downtown Fargo to enjoy live music. Here is a list of bands scheduled to appear.

October 1 & 2

Shake Hands With Danger

October 8 & 9

Quick 56

October 14 & 16

Stella!

October 22 & 23

The Grit

October 29 & 30

Quick 56

November 5 & 6

Tripping Leslie

December 3

November 12 –

FRASER, LTD.

FESTIVAL OF TREES

View over 150 beautifully decorated artificial Christmas trees. For more information, contact Barb Graber at 701-232-3301 or visit fraserltd.org.

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Monday – Friday)

Fargodome

1800 N University Dr, Fargo

November 12 & 13

Stella!

November 19 & 20

Shake Hands With Danger

November 26 & 27

The Pawnbrokers

Find more events at facebook.com/fargovfwclub.

November 12 15TH ANNUAL WINE & DINE

Enjoy an elegant evening of gourmet food, specially paired wines, a silent auction, and more, all in support of an important cause. Wine and Dine is a yearly event featuring the perfect marriage of food and wine, with proceeds benefiting the kids and families served by The Village Family Service Center.

5:30 PM

Delta by Marriott 1635 42nd St S, Fargo thevillagefamily.org/winedine21

November 26

–

December 12

Theatre B presents: YULE B JOLLY, A HOLIDAY CABARET

After more than a year quarantined at the North Pole, the world’s most gregarious extravert is back and the gift bags are bigger than ever!

Join us for songs and stories with Santa as we celebrate the holiday season. For tickets contact 701-729-8880 or theatreb.org.

Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 7:30 PM

Sunday Matinees at 2:00 PM

Theatre B

215 10th St N, Moorhead

November 26

COOKIES WITH THE CLAUS

FAMILY

The Claus Family will arrive by horse-drawn sleigh. Entertainment, sleigh rides, Games Galore, art, face painting, cookie decorating and more. For more information, contact Barb Graber at 701-232-3301 or visit fraserltd.org.

1:00 – 4:00 PM

Fargodome

1800 N University Dr, Fargo

December 2

HANDS-ON GRIEF: Elements of Nature Remembrance Candle

In this hands-on class by Hospice of the Red River Valley, participants will explore grief through a creative project that will incorporate elements from nature into a decorative remembrance candle.

Symbolism of these elements will serve as a teaching tool about loss and resilience. This virtual class is free and open to the public. Registration is required by November 19 so arrangements can be made to pick-up class supplies. In some cases, the packets/lists may be mailed. Contact the grief department at 800-237-4629 or grief@hrrv.org. Register online at hrrv.org/events/.

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Online

PHOTO : ALICIA MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY

... and all at once, summer collapsed into fall. OSCAR WILDE

Make your health matter.

3D Mammography Screening

Get the most from your yearly breast exam by scheduling a 3D mammogram. 3D technology offers a clearer picture of your breast health, meaning earlier detection and fewer false alarms.

Call (701) 234-2300 to schedule your mammogram.