TM September/October 2022 Key TIPSsafetyfire 5cancerbreast MYTHSHalloweengames for kids LearningThe LIFE
Spotlight:JazmineNesvik,DO AlomereHealth• AlexandriaClinic •Osakis Clinic •LakesE.N.T. •HeartlandOrthopedics
With her intense surgical training, Dr Nesvik will compliment Dr Harvey with skills including Mohs Surgery and the ability to treat challenging areas like the face, hands, and lower legs “I hope that with my addition to the Dermatology team, people will start experiencing decreased wait times In addition, I love championing new treatments and technologies, like Alomere’s new photodynamic therapy, which effectively treats precancerous areas on the skin ”
Welcome Dr Nesvik back to her home town as she joins the Dermatology team in 2023. Dr. Nesvik attributes all of the time she spent at the Alexandria Clinic as a child as one reason she pursued a career in healthcare. “My mom was a receptionist at the clinic I remember hanging out there on the days we didn’t have daycare I got to know several of the doctors there They were idols to me people I really looked up to I admired how they impacted people’s lives in positive ways ”
Beginning her education at St Thomas, Dr. Nesvik took a unique path to her doctorate by attend ing Lincoln Memorial University in Tennessee. “And my residency at Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville, Missouri is a rural setting much like Alexan dria They are really focused on providing care close to home so people don’t have to drive great distances ”
Wrapping up her last year of residency away from home, it’s a busy time for the doctor On top of her education, she and her husband are house hunting in Alexandria and raising their 8 month old daughter both can be challenging And yet she won’t be slowing down anytime soon Passionate about the outdoors, Dr Nesvik is looking forward to living the lake lifestyle she enjoyed as a child And this dermatologist isn’t afraid of the sun, you’ll bump into her paddleboarding, running, and biking “It’s all about picking the right time of day when the sun isn’t so direct, seeking shade, wearing the right clothing, and re applying sunscreen every two hours ”
“Skin conditions can profoundly impact a person’s life, and I’m looking forward to alleviating some of their burden within our community,” says, Dr Nesvik Alexandria Clinic is accepting appointments for Dr Nesvik when she officially starts in August of 2023 You can schedule your appointment through MyChart or by calling 320.763.2899 today. It’sbetterhere.
Food and drink Salted Caramel White Russian . . 7 Salted Caramel White Russian Mocktail . 7 5 ways to enjoy and preserve your harvest . . . 9 Olive Garden steak gorgonzola alfredo . 12 Life/Wellness The Learning Life . . . . . 10 Self-reflection is a sign of maturity . 15 Practical strategies to improve your mental health 18 Asking why – the key to healthy selfreflection . . . . . 19 Home Welcome fall into your home . . 11 What to do if fire breaks out . . . 21 Key fire safety tips 22 Family Mommy and me 8 Apple pie play dough 8 September/October 2022 Inside this issue HOW PRESERVETOYOURHARVEST 9 CARAMELSALTEDWHITERUSSIAN 7 To advertise in Chicz call LoriDiann320.763.3133Drew,PublisherMork,Editor/Designer Chicz is a publication of Echo Press, 225 7th Ave. East Alexandria, MN 56308 ©2022 Echo Press Send your feedback chiczmag@gmail.comto: Heading into fall Fall is here and with it comes cooler weather – fresh and crisp – as well as shorter days. But fall also brings changing colors, delicious desserts and funThisholidays.issue of Chicz includes so many articles to help you welcome in autumn, including some great recipes for food and drink. In Real Chicz of Douglas County, Celeste Edenloff introduces five women firefighters who talk about the rewards and challenges of their profession. Looking for some fun events for your children at Halloween? We bring you some easy games to play at your party. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and we bring you five myths about breast cancer you may not have realized.October 10 is World Mental Health Day and we let you know a few strategies to improve your mental health.Lowell Anderson gives you strategies to remember what you learn in The Learning Life, and Shannon Swenson brings you two articles on selfawareness.Thesestories and many more are just waiting for you in this issue of Chicz LoriEnjoy!Mork, Chicz editor The Learning Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Puzzles and games . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Chicz contributors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Real Chicz of Douglas County Halloweengamesforkids 13 GORGONZOLASTEAK 12 PAGE 4 September/October 2022 Chicz 3 5CANCERBREASTMYTHS 14
Intotheflames
Q:Why did you want to become a firefighter or what drew you to the job?
4 Chicz September/October 2022 real chicz of douglas county
By Celeste Edenloff
Women firefighterstalkabout
A:Before I joined Kens ington, I was a wildland fire fighter with the Forest Ser vice. When I lived in Oregon, I was working as a biologist and I saw forest fires come through the area. I decided I wanted to be a wildland firefighter, which I thought would be much more excit ing than working with fish and wildlife. When I moved back to Minnesota, I also
REWARDS CHALLENGESAND
A:I’ve been with Kensing ton Fire Department since 2006. My job is to respond to medical calls and fires, as an EMT and firefighter.
Karin Anderson went to college for Wildlife Biology and received a bachelors of science degree. She worked for the DNR and the Forest Service as a wildland firefighter and helicopter crew member in aviation. She then joined the local fire department as a structure firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician. During the day, she works from home and has her own business writing grants for fire departments, EMS units, cities, law enforcement and other nonprofits.
ELIZABETH RADIL Elizabeth Radil works at Gate City Bank in Alexandria. She is also a firefighter with the Forada Fire Department. When she joined the department, she had to complete classes for Firefighter 1, Firefighter 2 and HazMat. Her husband is also a firefighter with the Forada Fire Department. And an interesting fact she shared is that the two of them met in seventh grade, but didn’t start dating until they graduated from high school.
They also explain what drew them to the job
Q: How long have you been with the Forada Fire Department and briefly describe your duties? A:I have been with the Forada Fire Department for about nine and a half years. Besides the regular firefight ing tasks, I am the secretary for the Relief Association.
Beginning in 1922, the National Fire Protection Association has been sponsoring the public observance of Fire Prevention Week. According to the NFPA’s website, it was in 1925 that President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed Fire Prevention Week a national observance, making it the longest-running public health observance in the country. Fire Prevention Week is observed each year in October in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. This year’s Fire Prevention Week will take place Oct. 9 through Oct. 15. The staff of the Chicz magazine would like to say “thank you” to the women firefighters in Douglas County – Elizabeth Radil, Karin Anderson, Rebecca Eisel, Shania Pedersen and Jennifer Olson. Read about why they chose to be volunteer firefighters, what is the most rewarding part of their jobs, the most challenging and more in the following Q&A responses.
RADIL continued on 22
Q: How long have you been with the Kensington Fire Department and briefly describe your duties?
KARIN ANDERSON
ANDERSON continued on 6
Q:Why did you want to become a firefighter or what drew you to the job?
Q:What advice would you have for a young woman who is considering becoming a firefighter?
PEDERSEN continued on 22 REBECCA EISEL Rebecca “Becca” Eisel works full-time for North Memorial Ambulance in Alexandria. She also owns and operates her own lawn service. And she has been married to her wife for the past three years. She said they don’t have any kids, but she is the “coolest” aunt to her eight nieces and one nephew.
A:I have been with the AFD since the beginning of 2020. My duties are fairly consistent for most of the fire department, and I am continuously working on improving my knowledge and skills by looking up to all the seniority above me. This includes responding to calls, being able to spot hazards when arriving at scenes, engineering water from the trucks, knowing how to safely and properly perform vehicle extrication, operating equipment such as aerial ladders, hydraulic/battery/manual tools, hoses and SCBAs, inspect scenes of fire or accident to identify causes, and clean/ maintain our equipment and tools.
Source: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®) U.S. Fire Department Profile report DID YOU KNOW?
A:I have been with the Kensington Fire Department since 2018. I am the EMS coordinator for the department. I am a utility firefighter and can handle any task given to me. It took me over the winter (I think it was from October through March) two nights a week to take my Fire 1, Fire 2 and Hazmat testing.
Q:What part of your job is the most rewarding and what part is the most challenging?
A:There are so many different aspects to being a firefighter. It’s not just about putting out fires. It’s so much more. We handle traffic at car accidents, gas leaks, stabilizing cars just before using the jaws of life and of course the occasional cat up a tree.
Q:How long have you been with the Alexandria Fire Department and briefly describe your duties?
A:My family is a very big part of my life. In the summer you can find me out on the water in one form or another. I like to wakeboard, water ski, jet ski and fish.
SHANIA PEDERSEN Shania Pedersen was born in Amberg, Germany, and raised all over the U.S. Having a German mother and a military father really brought a ton of experiences into her life. She speaks both German and English fluently and she is a citizen of both countries. Pedersen has lived in six different U.S. states and attended nine different schools – from Hawaii to New Jersey and many in-between. She currently owns her own architectural drafting business in Alexandria – Northern Haus. The focus of her business is primarily residential new builds and remodels from lake homes, barndominiums, shops etc. She lives in Alexandria with her fiancé, Jordan Thoennes, who is also with the Alexandria Fire Department. They are currently planning for their wedding in 2023.
In 2019, 88,800 firefighters in the United States were female (8%). Of the career firefighters, 14,900 were female. There were also 73,900 volunteer firefighters who were female.
September/October 2022 Chicz 5
December 2021
A:I have always wanted to help people. I joined the department to use my medical skills. I wanted to give back, so I focused on any skill to make me more useful in the community. The excitement I felt on my first call made me realize I wanted to be a firefighter.
A:The most rewarding part of being a firefighter is being able to help people. The most challenging part is volunteering for such a small community where everyone knows each other. More often than not, we know the people we are helping.
Q:How long have you been with the Kensington Fire Department and briefly describe your duties?
Q:What do you like to do in your free time? What are your hobbies?
A:My advice for a young woman who wants to be a firefighter is to go for it! But firefighter cancer rates are high, so pro tect yourself on every call.
I also am an avid skier and am out at Andes Tower Hills in the winter working as a National Ski Patroller. I spend as much time as possible traveling, and take at least six trips a year to various places. I recently went to Kenya, Africa with the Africa Fire Mission to help teach at the fire academy there.
A: I joined the Alexandria Fire Department as a probationary firefighter in April 2018 and in April 2019, I was sworn into the department as a full-time volunteer firefighter. To become a firefighter you must first be able to pass the agility test. Once that is completed you need to take classes to learn general knowledge of the firefighting techniques, tools used and smoke patterns among other important information. You then need to pass the Firefighter 1 and Firefighter 2 tests. Also you need to get your emergency medical responder certification. Classes continue throughout your entire department career so that you will always stay up to date with the latest tools and structures.
A:In my free time, I like to bike ride with my dog in tow. My dog, Bella, is a certified therapy dog and we visit hospitals, clinics and the Alexandria College in our spare time, cheering up patients and students.
Q:What part of your job is the most rewarding and what part is the most challenging?
The most rewarding part is to be able to make a difference to someone on a medical call, to help them or their family members.”
Q:What part of your job is the most rewarding and what part is the most challenging?
A: The reason I wanted to join the department was a desire to help the community. Also I wanted to be a strong role model for my kids.
KARIN ANDERSON
6 Chicz September/October 2022
A:Our department responds to more medical calls than fire calls. The most rewarding part is to be able to make a difference to someone on a medical call, to help them or their family members. The most challenging part is being able to respond to calls day or night. Oftentimes I am out of town and end up missing calls. We do not have shifts because we are volunteers, so we are always on call.
ANDERSON continued from page 4
Q:How long have you been with the Alexandria Fire Department and briefly describe your duties?
“
Q: Why did you want to become a firefighter or what drew you to the job?
A:The biggest reward of this job comes with the extension of my family. The department is such an amazing group of individuals. They are so welcoming and helpful. They always have your back whether on the fire ground or in your personal life. We take care of not only each other but also each other’s families. The hardest part is seeing fellow community members in tough times, when they may have lost something close to their heart. Each call we go on imprints in your mind.
A:I definitely feel that if other young women are interested in joining the fire department and have the drive to work hard and help others, they should. It is worthwhile, very rewarding and humbling. You can do it if you have the right mindset and drive. Don’t let anyone hold you back from doing what you want to do.
JENNIFER OLSON Jennifer Olson works at Beverage Wholesalers in Alexandria. She has been living in Alexandria for more than 10 years. then joined the fire department, first as an EMT and then as a firefighter.
A:In my spare time I like to go camping and hiking. I love to relax by the lake and watch my kids and my dogs have fun in the water. I also never miss out on going for a long motorcycle ride with my husband. If it wasn’t for my family being there and so supportive of me, my dreams of being with the department would not be possible. They have always been my rock through the good and bad. I can’t thank them enough for that.
Q:What advice would you have for a young woman who is considering becom ing a firefighter?
Q:What do you like to do in your free time? What are your hobbies?
Q:What do you like to do in your free time? What are your hobbies?
Q:What advice would you have for a young woman who is considering becoming a firefighter?
September/October 2022 Chicz 7 MYOFACIAL RELEASE THERAPY sessions with Vonda now available! Please call 320-763-6533 to set up your appointment. Appointments Mon-Sat • 320-763-6533 •1413 Broadway www.alexandrianhc.com Full Body Well Being • Chiropractic Care • Certified Acupuncturist • CME
Try
DIRECTIONS:garnishDiprimsof2 lowball glasses into salted caramel sauce. In 1-cup glass measuring cup, stir water, 2 Tbsp. caramel sauce, the espresso powder and baking cocoa until well blended. Divide mixture between glasses. Fill to the rim with ice. Top each with 1 1/2 oz whipping cream.
Serve SERVINGS:immediately.1
1INGREDIENTS:Tbsp.Caramel Syrup 2 oz. Kahlúa 2 oz. vodka 2 oz. heavy (whipping) cream Flake sea salt for garnish Crushed
One Sale at a Time!
delicious autumn cocktail SALTED
Prefer your cocktail without the alcohol? Try this mocktail version of the the Salted Caramel White Russian.
A Salted Caramel White Russian is the perfect cocktail for a fall get-together. This is a unique spin on the traditional White Russian, which contains vodka, Kahlúa and cream.
Driving Smiles
24INGREDIENTS:oz.(1/2cup)waterTbsp.saltedcaramel sauce 2 tsp. espresso powder 1/2 tsp. unsweetened baking cocoa
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DIRECTIONS:iceDrizzlecaramel around the sides and in the bottom of each glass, then add Kahlúa and vodka. Add ice and drizzle or float cream over the top. Add a pinch or two of flake sea salt.
SERVINGS: 2 RegularTIPS: caramel sauce can be substituted in this drink. To get the layering of the classic White Russian, pour the cream over top of the coffee mixture very slowly. these Salted Caramel White Russians for a CARAMEL WHITE RUSSIAN
SALTED CARAMEL WHITE RUSSIAN MOCKTAIL
Ice cubes 3 oz. heavy (6 Tbsp.) whipping cream Salted caramel sauce, for
Apple pie PLAY DOUGH
DIRECTIONS:coloringInalargepot,combine all dry ingredients and mixAddwell. in vegetable oil, food coloring, and water,Cookstir.over medium heat until the dough pulls away from pot and starts to become dry. Remove from heat, let cool, and knead. (If dough feels too sticky, knead in a Tbsp. of flour) Store in ziplock bag or sealed container.
Yarn-wrapped storage case (Pinterest) cardboard box aquarium (Pinterest) Looking for another fun fall idea for kids? Try this apple pie-scented play dough for hours of entertainment. It’s fun and it smells wonderfule!
ClearAluminumPlasticExactoScissorsRulerPencilknifewrapfoilpacking tape
Cardboard box Scrapbook or construction paper
SOLAR BOX PIZZA Oven (Pinterest) By Melanie Danner
TOOLS AND SUPPLIES:
DIRECTIONS:MarineGlueScissorstoysCutthefront of the box leaving a border about 1/2-inch wide all the way around. Line the inside of the box with paper. Cut shapes in the paper for seaweed. Add marine toys! Who’s ready to play under the sea?
1/21/41INGREDIENTS:cupflourcupsaltTbsp.vegetable oil 1 cup water 1 tsp. cream of tartar 1/2 tsp. nutmeg 1/2 tsp. allspice 1 tsp. cinnamon Red food
Two plastic “bendy” straws
8 Chicz September/October 2022
TOOLS AND SUPPLIES: Pringles
DIRECTIONS:Usetheruler and the pencil to measure out a square 10”x10” on the top of your pizza box in the center. Cut out the square. Line the inside bottom of the pizza box with two layers of foil. Cover the opening in the top of the box with plastic wrap secured with tape. Cover the cut square with aluminum foil and secure with the tape. Put a long strip of tape on one side of the square and attach it to the top of the box on the edge of the opening by the seam of the box.Take the two long ends of the straws and put one end inside the other straw. Use tape to secure the bended ends of the straws to the box. Take the oven outside on a sunny day and experiment to see what you can cook!
TOOLS AND SUPPLIES: Empty pizza box
DIRECTIONS:ScissorsEmbellishmentsYarnGlue/gluecangunortwine(optional)Gluetheend of the yarn to the bottom edge of the Wrapcan.the yarn around the can and add glue every other time around the can to keep the yarn in Whenplace. at the top, cut and glue the end of the yarn.Decorate the can with embellishments for addedSuchpizzazz.agreat place to store markers or colored pencils!
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PICKLES. Pickle beets, radishes, peppers, cucum bers and other tasty vege tables to create a tangy side dish.
PIES. Use apples, plums, blackberries, pears and pum pkins to make delectable pies. Store them in the freezer for several weeks.
DRIED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES. Dried strawber ries, apples, tomatoes, carrots and kale have a long shelf life. They can be used in various recipes, including sangrias, salad dressings and sauces.
JAMS. Nearly any fruit can be made into jam. In addition to being spread on toast, you can use your jams to bri ghten up baked goods like cakes, cookies and buns.
SOUPS AND BROTHS. Vegetables like squash, onions, leeks and cauliflower are the perfect addition to soups and broths. Make a big batch and defrost it whe never you want. Get creative when whipping up a healthy and tasty meal.
ways to enjoy and preserve harvestyour5 September/October 2022 Chicz 9
10 Chicz September/October 2022
The Learning Life
How to remember WHAT YOU LEARN By Lowell Anderson Learning can be very dif ficult, but that doesn’t mean it is complicated. It all really boils down to only two basic things: understanding what you are learning and then remembering it. Both understanding and memorizing are important. It’s ineffective to try to memo rize if you don’t understand the material and thus what is really important to remem ber. However, understanding alone won’t do any good if we can’t find a way to retain it so we can access and use it later. If we return to the analogy of learning as trying to fill a leaky bucket, we can see that not only will the bucket only hold so much at one time, but that what we decide to put in there is constantly trying to leak out. So, not only do we need to limit how much we try to learn and remember at one time, but we also need to find a way to plug the holes that allow what we’ve learned to Althoughdisappear.most people hope they will memorize something by simply seeing it (or putting it in their bucket) a few times, it doesn’t usually work that way. Effective learning isn’t passive. Instead you need to actively read, think and take notes. The same goes for memorization.Memorization in learning has to be intentional. In other words, it usually takes hard work.There are many different types of memory techniques that can be learned and used, including visualization, mnemonic devices, creating patterns or memory palaces, and actually using what you are trying to remember. Rep etition also eventually works, however it is most effective when combined with other techniques. There are many books and online resources to help learn these techniques. But what really matters is that you pick a few that work for you and get really good at usingOnethem.key to effective mem ory is impact. In other words, how important is what you are learning to you and your life. We all have memories from our pasts that are burned into our minds and which we will never forget. Even though we didn’t intentionally try to remember them, they had such a huge impact on us that we couldn’t forget them even if we wanted to. Create impact by clarifying why you are learning, by getting excit ed about it, and visualizing what impact it will have on yourThelife.other thing to remem ber is that memory is like a muscle that gets stronger the more you use it. In gen eral, our minds are capable of much more than what we use them for - they just have to be trained and exercised. By practicing memorizing, you’ll get better at memorizing and will be able to learn and remember more.
SPORTS Fans at Heart. OrthopedicExpertsFROMHEADtoToe. Since1991,HeartlandOrthopedicSpecialistshassupportedand cared formore colleges,highschools, coaches,and athletes thananyotherpracticeinthe region. Back,Neck&Spine|Hand to Shoulder|Joint Replacement|Hip&Knee| Foot&Ankle| SportsMedicine 800.762.1177 HeartlandOrthopedics.com Welcome fall into your homeDo you want your home to exude the warmth of the blazing fall leaves? Here are a few tips to welcome nature into your home this autumn. FOCUS ON TEXTILES Textured fabrics are a great way to add a touch of fall color to your decor on a budget. Heavy curtains and plush wool throws have a soothing effect. Moreover, table runners, napkins and cushion co vers in varying shades of red, brown, orange and yellow instantly create an in viting atmosphere. INCORPORATE NATURAL ELEMENTS Pinecones, gourds, pumpkins, tree leaves and other natural elements are ideal for creating seasonal centerpieces and wreaths. MAXIMIZE THE LIGHT As the days get shorter, create a cozy atmosphere by installing string lights. These twinkling bulbs can brighten up rooms that desperately lack sunlight and can be used to showcase your banister or mantel. Decorative metallic objects are also great for reflecting natural light and making your space feel more inviting. Lastly, scatter scented candles around your home and let their soothing scent en velop you. September/October 2022 Chicz 11
Alfredo sauce: 1 lb. fettuccine
1/4 tsp. nutmeg 1 cup Parmesan cheese
4PepperSaltoz.gorgonzola crumbles
DIRECTIONS:Cutsteak into medallions or bitesized pieces, then season with salt and pepper.Add steak and balsamic vinegar to ziplock bag. Seal and marinate for 30 minutes to 4 hours. Heat oil in nonstick skillet over medium heat; add steak pieces and cook until they reach desired doneness, then place steak on a plate and cover lightly with aluminum foil. Note: Steak will continue to cook when resting so stop cooking just shy of your desired doneness. Cook fettucine according to package directions, stopping a little before it is al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water. Set the pasta aside. The pasta will cook again in the sauce. While water is heating for pasta, combine butter and cream in a large saucepan or wide skillet. Heat over medium heat until butter is melted. Lower heat to medium low; add nutmeg and spinach to cream sauce. Cook until spinach has wilted, about 5 minutes. Add the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t forget that Parmesam is a salty cheese so make sure to taste after the cheese has been incorporated.
Transfer pasta to sauce and toss to coat. Cook for 2-3 minutes to combine flavors. Add a little pasta water if the sauce is too thick. If it’s too thin, just cook a littleRemovelonger.from heat and add gorgonzola cheese. Toss to combine. To serve, add pasta to bowls; top with steak, balsamic glaze, sun-dried tomates and gorgonzola crumbles.
Toppings: optional 4 Tbsp. balsamic glaze 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes
1/4 pound butter (1 stick)
Olive Garden Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo
1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar (I used a smoked balsamic)
of vegetable oil
By Lori Mork
2 oz. gorgonzola crumbles
COPYCAT OLIVE GARDEN STEAK GORGONZOLA ALFREDO BALSAMIC GLAZE
3/4 cup sugar (white, granulated)
12 Chicz September/October 2022
2INGREDIENTS:cupsbalsamic vinegar
2 cups heavy cream 2 cups spinach
1INGREDIENTS:lb.steak(ribeye, sirloin, tenderloin)
Recently, I decided to up my game in the kitchen and began looking for new recipes to add to my repertoire. My first stop was Pinterest, where I browsed through the thousands of pins I’ve collected over the years to see what piqued my interest. I’ve had a couple of flops with my selections, but this recipe was a winner. What’s not to love about steak, pasta and a creamy sauce. Add some spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, gorgonzola sprinkles and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Give it a try! Copycat
1/2 tsp. DIRECTIONS:saltHeatthebalsamic in a small saucepan over medium heat. When it starts to simmer, add sugar and salt to balsamic. Stir to combine.Simmer balsamic mixture, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half, approximately 15 minutes or until it coats the back of a spoon. Let glaze cool to room temperature and then chill. Glaze will thicken when cool. If it doesn’t thicken, add it back to a pan and continue cooking. Store in a glass jar in the refrigerator.
DrizzlePepperSalt
Source: for
kids September/October 2022 Chicz 13 women’s apparel & tanning Warm Gifts. 20%off Downtown Alexandria • Little Falls www.bonjos.com • 320-763-5157 Fall Breeze & LeavesAutumn New Arrivals at Bon Jos
Fashioned after an oldfashioned gunny sack race, this is a fairly easy game. Wrap white crepe paper streamers around each child’s legs, then have them race to a finish line. The winner is the child who crosses the finish line first while keeping their wrappings on without tearing them.
GHOST TOSS
For this game, blow up white balloons, then draw on a ghost face with a black marker.Thechildren then toss them in the air, keeping them aloft as long as they can. The kids can be divided into team and volley the balloons back and forth, or they can play individually, with the person who keeps their balloon floating the longest as the winner.
If you’re looking for some games for a child’s Halloween party this year, here are a few that are fairly quick and easy.
PUMPKINSTOMPPATCH
Pinterest gamesHalloween
MUMMY-SACK RACE
This game takes a little preparation beforehand. Using orange balloons, slide some small coins (no larger than a nickel) and/or some candy into the balloons before blowing them up. All the items need to fit through the neck of the balloons. The candy also needs to be firm enough that it won’t be crushed when stomped on. Both the coins and candy serve a double purpose as they also hold balloons close to the ground and keep them in place. After inserting the items in the balloons, blow them up. Then let your little goblins and witches stomp away to win their prizes.
Have them play tag, but this time, every time someone gets tagged, they become “it” too! The last person left not to become a zombie or “it”, starts out as “it” for the next round. Make it easier to distinguish the zombies by making them keep their arms straight out.
ZOMBIE TAG
breast cancer myths
4 Breast cancer always causes a lump you can feel. Although regular breast self-exams can help detect lumps, breast cancer doesn’t always manifest itself this way. Other symptoms include pain, swelling, redness and thickening of the skin.
5 All breast cancers are treated the same way. Breast cancer treatment plans vary widely depending on the characteristics of the tumor, the stage of cancer and the patient’s preferences.
5 14 Chicz September/October 2022
Although more people are surviving a breast cancer diagno sis than ever before, it’s still the most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among American women. Therefore, it’s important to know the facts. Here are five breast cancer myths.
3 Antiperspirants and deodorants cause breast cancer. There’s no conclusive evidence linking the use of antipers pirants or deodorants and the development of breast cancer.
2 Breast cancer only affects women. Although rare, men can get breast cancer too. In 2022, about 2,710 American men are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer, and 530 will die from the disease.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month in America.
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, donate to help create a world where no American fears breast cancer.
1 Only people with a family history of breast cancer are at risk. Only about five to 10 percent of breast cancers are considered hereditary.
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SELF-REFLECTION AND MATURITY GO HAND-IN-HAND
Thoughts Feelings Behaviors Beliefs Attitudes Desires
An unexamined life is dangerously at risk. Being unaware of what drives us to make the decisions we make, do the things we do, and believe the things we believe can lead to broken relationships, lost opportunities, and feeling stuck in a rut. Self-reflection is the antidote to an unexamined life and is a sign of maturity.
STOP REACTING TO CONFLICT Without self-reflection, we move through life bumping up against con flicts and reacting to them. Instead of taking a look at what’s causing them or why we keep finding ourselves in the same types of situations, we just react to the event and move on. Over time, we can adopt a lot of bad coping skills or behaviors that take us farther and farther from our goals.
Even though it’s easy to cast blame for the things we don’t like about our lives, ultimately, we are responsible for our outcomes. It’s hard to believe that we may be contributing to the problems that are affecting our health, mindset, and overall happiness but in the end, self-reflection helps us see what we may have been turning a blind eye to.
Self-reflection is a sign of maturity
September/October 2022 Chicz 15
WE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR OUR OUTCOMES
The most successful people are often the most willing to analyze themselves. Being able to reflect on and review our behaviors and look for patterns is powerful. Being open and honest about our shortcomings makes it possi ble to change things and become better. That’s one of the signs of a mature per son- the willingness to take accountabil ity and modify thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.Weallhave our default thoughts, feel ings, and behaviors. We spend a lifetime having experiences that shape how we think, feel, and act. Wisdom comes from having a mature mindset that is willing and able to acknowledge when there’s room for improvement from within.
By Shannon Swenson
Self-reflection is another name for introspection. That’s the act of exam ining our lives and taking a deeper, open-minded look at our:
IT’S TIME TO START ASKING WHY? If your life isn’t the way you’d imagined it would be, it’s time to ask yourself why? Why aren’t you seeing the results you’d like? Why do you feel disconnected, discouraged, or disenchanted? Asking yourself why opens up the opportunity to see your role in the situation. Instead of reacting to conflicts you can start tak ing a more mature approach.
CLUES ACROSS 1. A way to communicate 5. Historic city 9. Not the same 11. Hitting a horse to clear a jump 13. One hurt the Titanic 15. Fine dense cloth 16. Architectural structure 17. Where Serena works 19. Stringed instrument 21. Estimate 22. Where sailors work 23. Popular Terry Pratchett novel 25. Popular slow cooked dish 26. Twisted Sister’s Snider 27. ‘Office Space’ actor Stephen 29. Put the ball in the net 31. Ancient Greek city in Thrace 33. High school math subject 34. Looked into 36. Rhode Island rebellion 38. A pea is one type 39. You can put it on something 41. Where golfers begin 43. Make a mistake 44. Semitic Sun god 46. Ancient Greek City 48. Beheaded 52. A place to stay 53. Inanely foolish 54. Most unnatural 56. ‘Dennis’ is one 57. 59.58.SoothesExamLeaked blood CLUES DOWN 1. Triangular bone in lower back 2. Building toy 3. Pointed end of a pen 4. Insect repellent 5. College army 6. Highly spiced stew 7. 9.8.ExploitedMaincourseAbottlethat contains a drug 10. The most worthless part 11. Everyone needs one nowadays 12. Japanese wooden shoe 14. Antelopes 15. A way to cut 18. Brooklyn hoopsters 20. Gradually receded 24. Ripped open 26. College grads get one 28. Amino acid 30. Unruly gathering 32. Legislative body 34. Resembling pigs 35. Russian assembly 37. Take over for 38. Put in advance 40. Satisfy 42. Felt 43. Mild yellow Dutch cheese 45. Witnesses 47. Some build hills 49. de Armas and Gasteyer are two 50. Ancient people of Scotland 51. Cheerless 55. Unwell BAKING TREATS WORD SEARCH SUDOKU EGGSDESSERTCOOKIESCONFECTIONCAKEBUTTERBROWNBAKING SHEETRISEOVENOILMIXERLEAVENERINGREDIENTSICING WHIPTESTTEMPERATURETASTESWEETSUGARSTIRSIFTED CROSSWORD 16 Chicz September/October 2022
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611 320-763-4940AlexandriaBroadway Serving you since 1922 World Mental Health Day takes place on Monday, October 10. It’s the perfect opportunity to take steps toward improving your mental health and well-being. Here are some proven strategies to take control of your mental health. MAINTAIN YOUR SOCIAL NETWORK. Make time to see loved ones. Call a family member or go out for drinks with a friend. You could also try expanding your network of friends by signing up for a group activity. The sense of belonging and the bonds you create can help improve your mental health. MOVE YOUR BODY. Exercise reduces stress, gives you energy and makes you feel good. Try out various activities to find the ones you like and practice them regularly. For example, you can garden, dance, run, do yoga or play frisbee; the possibilities are endless. GAIN NEW KNOWLEDGE. Learning promotes selfconfidence and contributes to a sense of well-being. You can register for a course or introduce yourself to hiking, try a new recipe, watch tutorials or subscribe to a magazine on a topic that interests you. Finally, set aside some “metime” and use it wisely — whether taking a nap or singing aloud. STRATEGIESPRACTICAL to improve your mental health WorldHealthMentalDay October 10, 2022 18 Chicz September/October 2022 Alexandria | (320)762-2686 | mmfcu.org Wendy Oksness LPL Financial Advisor I am committed to helping you pursuefinancialindependence and a confident retirement. Call fora financial review today! Securitiesandadvisory servicesare offeredthroughLPL Financial (LPL),a registeredinvestment advisor and broker-dealer(memberFINRA/SIPC). Insurance productsofferedthrough LPLoritslicensed affiliates. Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union(MMFCU)andMid MinnesotaInvestment andRetirement Services (MMIRS) are not registeredas abroker/dealer orinvestment advisor Registered representativesof LPL offerproductsand ser vices usingMMIRSandmay alsobe employeesofMMFCU Theseproducts and ser vices arebeing offered through LPL oritsaffiliates, whichare separate entitiesfrom, and notaffiliatesof, MMFCUorMMIRS. Securities andinsurance offeredthroughLPLor its affiliates are. 001830581r1 Senior Assisted Living community 715 Victor St, Alexandria • 320-759-2132 • VistaPrairie.org 2 Bedroom & 1 Immediatebedroom/denOccupancyCallToday! Like us!
Journaling is a great way to keep track of your self-reflection and process why you have the situations and outcomes you do. You can easily ask yourself a why-type question and journal whatever comes to mind. Over time you can see patterns develop and use them to make changes.
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KEEP A JOURNAL TO HELP WITH THE PROCESS
If you’re ready to do some healthy self-reflection, start by asking yourself why? That simple question has the power to unlock a world of information that can help you change the way you think and act, making it easier to achieve your goals.
Self-reflection is the key to better understanding how your mind works and what drives you to think and behave the way you do. It also makes it easier to change beliefs and habits you have when they aren’t working. Knowing that self-re flection is a good idea is the first step. The second is discovering how to self-reflect.
MEDITATE ON WHY Meditation is a great way to focus on why-type questions. You can use medi tation time to clear your head and set an intention to focus on a why-type question. Removing other thoughts from your mind and exclusively paying attention to your why-type question can free your mind to focus and reveal underlying thoughts and beliefs tied to your question.
In order to self-reflect, you’ve got to get quiet. Healthy and effective introspection requires hitting the pause button and stopping the chaos long enough to get a clear head that can process important information.Gettingquiet and concentrating on yourself is important so you can uncover the ways you may be getting in your own way and falling short of your goals, hopes, and dreams. One of the best ways to self-reflect is asking yourself a series of whyAskingquestions.yourself why in the form of an open-ended question can help you fill in the blanks or explore things in a deeper way. Here are some examples of why-type questions that are great for introspection. Why did I do that? Why does this keep happening? Why did they react to me that way? Why am I thinking this way? Asking yourself why you do the things you do can help you stop and think about the things that trigger you into poor behaviors or wonder why certain things keep happening. It’s important to look for clues that alert you to what’s going on deep down.
REQUIRESSELF-REFLECTIONYOUTOPAUSE
By Shannon Swenson
Lowell Anderson Celeste is a reporter for the Echo Press. She enjoys perusing her social media accounts, running and participating in races with her husband, Al.
Melanie Danner of Alexandria is an at-home mother and craft lover.
Melanie Danner
Shannon Swenson is a Life Coach at Encompass Coaching in Alexandria. She enjoys cooking and reading and is a nature, animal and classic car lover.
Lowell Anderson is a photographer at the Echo Press newspaper.
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Lori Mork of Lowry is a mother, grandmother and dabbler in all things photography and decor related.
September/October 2022 Chicz 21 What to do if fire breaks out
CORRECT YOUR ROUTE. If the room is full of smoke, get low to the ground and crawl under it. Inspect any doors before opening them. Start by checking to see if the door or door handle is hot. If it is, find another way in. If not, open the door slowly and ensure the space is safe be fore going inside. Never use the elevator. THINK ABOUT YOUR SAFETY. If you can’t reach an exit, stay where you are and close the doors. If possible, place a damp towel at the base of the door to block out smoke. Contact the fire department and announce your presence by waving a light or brightly coloured cloth through a window.Fireprevention tools like smoke alarms, portable fire extinguishers and evacua tion plans can minimize the danger when a fire breaks out. Make sure to follow the recommendations of your local fire de partment.
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It’s impossible to predict when a fire will break out. Here are a few steps to take if you ever find yourself in a fire.
HEAD FOR THE EXIT. Get away from the fire immediately. If you’re at home, fol low your evacuation plan. If you’re in a public place, go to the nearest emer gency exit and move away from the buil ding. If it’s safe to do so, activate the alarm system. DON’T STOP. Fires spread very qui ckly and can burn through an entire room in less than three minutes. Don’t attempt to retrieve your belongings, and don’t lin ger.
A:Joining AFD has been one of the best and most rewarding decisions. I gained a whole new family and support system that I couldn’t be more thankful for. And not to mention meeting my fiancé and forever best friend. I am really excited to see where this career takes me and all the experiences and memories to come.
A:The most rewarding part of firefight ing is also the most challenging, helping people when they are having one of the worst days of their life. Knowing that you helped save a life is very rewarding, but on the flip side when you do everything that you can, but it doesn’t save their life is by far the most challenging part about being a firefighter.
INSPECT ELECTRICAL CORDS. Replace cords that are cracked, damaged, have broken plugs, or have loose connections.
Q: Why did you want to become a firefighter or what drew you to the job?
GIVE SPACE HEATERS SPACE. Keep fixed and portable space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn. Turn off heaters when you leave the room or go to sleep.
A: I would say go for it! Trying something new and challenging yourself has always been a good thing from my perspective. There is nothing you can’t do. If you ever have any concerns or if there is anything you feel you are struggling at, there is always someone willing to lend a hand and help you succeed. Most people in this field want to see you succeed, so firefighting comes with constant encouragement and enthusiasm. Not to mention the reward of serving your community and the family you gain through a department.
RADIL continued from page
INSTALL SPRINKLERS. If you are building or remodeling your home, install residential fire sprinklers. Sprinklers can contain and may even extinguish a fire in less time than it would take the fire department to arrive.
INSTALL SMOKE ALARMS. Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Interconnect smoke alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
WATCH YOUR COOKING. Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you must leave, even for a short time, turn off the stove.
A:In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading, playing my flute and piano, and sewing. My faith is very important to me, so I sing in church choir and love attending Bible study. 4
KEEP MATCHES AND LIGHTERS OUT OF REACH. Keep matches and lighters up high, out of the reach of children, preferably in a cabinet with a child lock.
KEY SAFETYFIRETIPS 22 Chicz September/October 2022
Q:What part of your job is the most rewarding and what part is the most challenging?
PEDERSEN continued from page 5
Source: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®)
Q:What advice would you have for a young woman who is considering becoming a firefighter?
Q: What advice would you have for a young woman who is considering becoming a firefighter?
A:I didn’t necessarily ever expect to become a firefighter. Growing up as a “military brat,” the need to serve was always a part of who you are. My siblings and I grew up spending holidays with other soldiers and their family members, and that was who became our family every time we moved locations. I always remember the tight bond between my siblings and parents growing up. We constantly had each other’s back when tackling a new school and finding our place in the new community. It really doesn’t surprise me that my brother graduated from the Alexandria Law Enforcement Program, my sister is an Airman for the U.S. Air Force, and I became a firefighter.
Q:What part of your job is the most rewarding and what part is the most challenging?
SMOKE OUTSIDE. Ask smokers to smoke outside. Have sturdy, deep ashtrays for smokers.
Q:Why did you want to become a firefighter or what drew you to the job?
Q:What do you like to do in your free time? What are your hobbies?
Q:What do you like to do in your free time? What are your hobbies?
HAVE A HOME FIRE ESCAPE PLAN. Make a home fire escape plan and practice it at least twice a year.
A:In my free time, I couldn’t be busier. I run my own business 40-plus hours per week, I have a second part-time job waitressing, I go to Nordic Warrior Boxing Academy at least once a week, I enjoy renovating and updating our home, I love going fishing with my fiancé, we enjoy weekends at the family campground or cabin in the woods, my canine child is always my favorite tag along, and I could never fulfill the amount of time I wish I spent with the horses.
BE CAREFUL WHEN USING CANDLES. Keep candles at least one foot from anything that can burn. Blow out candles when you leave the room or go to sleep.
TEST SMOKE ALARMS. Test smoke alarms at least once a month and replace batteries once a year or when the alarm “chirps” to tell you the battery is low. Replace any smoke alarm that is more than 10 years old.
A:My advice to young women is to just give firefighting a try if you think you might be interested in it. See if your local fire department has a program like the Explorer Program where you can go and experience the behind the scenes that people don’t usually get to see. You might fall in love with it like I did.
A:When I was in high school, I had the opportunity to join the Alexandria Fire Department Explorer Program. It was because of this program that I devel oped a love for firefighting. This program helped me discover my love of helping people and started my journey of becom ing a Nationally Registered EMT and a certified firefighter.
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