Volume 2, Issue 5 October | November 2013
COMPLIMENTARY
MARIE STRINDEN
A Heartbeat in the Arts
6,000 square foot art creation center
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Save
the Date
September 21 through October 29 Part Two Fiber Arts: Hardanger Style Velkommen A Norwegian folk art embroidery series and art sale showcasing old world and new techniques with cut and drawn threads by Else Hjelmstad of Bergen, Norway. For more information, call 701-775-8482.
September 24 through November 14
Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program Tuesdays & Thursdays 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. East Grand Forks Therapy Room This low-impact, physical activity program is designed to reduce pain and decrease stiffness. The routines include gentle range-of-motion exercises that are suitable for every fitness level. For more information or to register, call 218-779-8361.
September 27 and 28
Wild Hog ½ Marathon September 27 Altru Health & Wellness Expo at Choice 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Family Fun Run & 5K 6:00 p.m. September 28 1/2 Marathon & 10K 8:00 a.m.
September 28
Altru’s Harvest Gala 5:30 p.m. Alerus Center Altru’s Harvest Gala is a formal event that benefits a different area of patient care needs each year. Funds are raised through ticket sales, silent and live auction items, and generous event sponsors. This year’s recipient will be Altru’s Pediatric Therapy Services, focusing on autism services.
October 3
Royal Social 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Devils Lake A $10 donation will be collected at the door from all attendees. If you plan to attend, RSVP by email to annette.schmid@lrsc.edu or by calling 701-662-1641.
October 4 and 5
Junk Prom Friday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. All Season Garden Center, Grand Forks
Socialize
Learn
Explore
Please call ahead to confirm events. Promote your December and January community events by sending information to grandcitieswoman@live.com or calling Autumn at (701) 261-2692 by November 1.
October 4 through 20
Girl Scouts Fall Product Sale For the Fall Product Sale, Girl Scouts will be selling nuts, chocolates, and magazine subscriptions. Girl Scouts earn Troop Proceeds from each sale, in addition to fun recognitions! The Fall Product Sale program is based around teaching Girl Scouts five key skills: goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics. Support a local Girl Scout today! Contact the GSDH Service Center in Grand Forks at 701-772-6679 or 800-437-4399.
October 5
October 10
Child Passenger Safety Made Simple 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Rydell GM Auto Center, 2700 South Washington, Grand Forks This class is for expectant parents or those of newborn babies. If you have already purchased a car seat, bring it along for hands-on training on how to properly install the car seat into your vehicle. For more information and to register, please call 701780-5179.
October 10
Zombie Fest 2013 Frankenweenie & Kids Halloween Costume Contest 1:00 p.m. Guesthouse Town House Hotel Go to www.novac.org for more information.
Car Seat Checkup 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Rydell GM Auto Center, 2700 South Washington, Grand Forks Stop by and make sure your children have a safe ride.
October 5
October 10
Zombie Prom Guesthouse Town House Hotel 5:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. Enjoy fun, regional bands and costume contest. Go to www.novac.org for more information.
October 5
EngineerinGIRL UND Jodsaas Center The Society of Women Engineers at the University of North Dakota invites you to a day filled with science and technology. We will explore the chemical and aerospace aspect of engineering. Girls will make baking soda rockets and construct airplanes from different materials. Girls will also learn about careers in engineering. Open to Cadette, Seniors, and Ambassador Girl Scouts. For more information about registering for Girl Scouts and/or this event, contact Program Specialist, Rachel Downs, at 701772-6679 or send an email to rdowns@gsdakotahorizons.org.
October 6
The Valley’s Got Talent Benefit Show Live Auditions Empire Arts Center 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Schedule your audition by September 27 by calling 701-780-9607 or sending an email to gfexchangeclub@gmail.com.
Footwear Assessment Clinic and Seminar 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. East Grand Forks Clinic Are you wearing the right shoes? Find out at this special clinic and seminar. For more information or to register, call 218-773-0357.
October 11, 12, and 13
Nelson County Barn Quilt Trail Now featuring 27 quilts! The quilt trail is a series of barn quilts that are hung along the highway or country road. A barn quilt is an 8-foot by 8-foot or 4-foot by 4-foot sheet of quality plywood painted with a quilt block pattern. These quilts are then hung on barns and other farm buildings for people to view. This is a self-guided, 30-mile tour through northern Nelson County. Free maps are available at Nettiques, Petersburg, Heritage Arts, Michigan, Elaine’s House of Dreams in Lakota, and other local businesses.
October 12
Arthritis Foundation’s Zombie Run and Kids Monster Dash Choice Health and Fitness 8:30 a.m.: Registration 9:25 a.m.: Half Mile Kids’ Monster Dash 9:30 a.m.: 1 to 3 Mile Walk & 5 K Zombie Fun Run Register today at www.arthritiswalk.org. See their ad on page 5 for more information.
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October 12
Duck Fest 2013 Lakota, ND 6:00 p.m. Public Viewing 7:00 p.m. Auction A live Duck Fest auction will be held Saturday, October 12, at the Lakota Community Center, Highway 2 West. Included in the auction are 87 handpainted duck decoys, with all proceeds going to the Lakota and Michigan, ND Public Libraries. This event is a first-time collaborative effort of the Lakota & Michigan Community Clubs.
October 16
Truyu Skin Institute Spider Veins & Sclerotherapy 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Choice Health & Fitness Sterling Room Stop hiding your legs. Learn about different options for treating spider veins with Yvonne Gomez, M.D. of Truyu Aesthetic Center.
October 17 to 31 Lifetime Vision Center Anniversary Sale 2900 S. Columbia Rd., Grand Forks Frames are half off, with a non-glare lens purchase. This is the area’s largest selection of fine eyewear. Store hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
October 17 – 19 & 24 – 26 Neighborhood III: Requisition of Doom Empire Arts Center Go to www.novac.org for details.
October 19 Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes Alerus Center For more information, contact Jamie Kasal at jkasal@diabetes.org or call 701-234-0123, extension 6684.
October 20 The Valley’s Got Talent Benefit Show Empire Arts Center 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. This event is sponsored by the Grand Forks Exchange Club. Proceeds benefit the children of our community.
October 23 Altru’s Rehab Autism Screening Clinic 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Each year, one in 88 children is diagnosed with autism. Early detection contributes to more effective treatment and decreases a child’s likelihood of having developmental problems later in life. Parents who have concerns regarding a child’s development will have access to the autism screening clinic, at no cost. Call 701780-2311 to register. 4 grandcitieswoman.com
October 24
November 6
November 7
Zombie Movie Fest Fire Hall Theatre 7:30 p.m.: Plan 9 from Outer Space 9:00 p.m.: Night of the Living Dead Go to www.novac.org for more information.
2013 National Eating Healthy Day All Day Nationwide Join the American Heart Association by taking part in the 2013 National Eating Healthy Day event that is locally sponsored by Sanford Heart. Sign up for a free toolkit at www.heart. org/nationaleatinghealthyday.
Royal Social 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Devils Lake A $10 donation will be collected at the door from all attendees. If you plan to attend, RSVP by email to Annette. schmid@lrsc.edu or by calling 701-6621641.
November 7
Truyu Skin Institute Laser Skin Rejuvenation 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Choice Health and Fitness Sterling Room Skin is your body’s largest organ. Treat yours right. Join Truyu’s Mandy Iverson, RN and laser technician, and hear more about laser rejuvenation opportunities that are available for treating wrinkles, scars, acne, discoloration, sun damage, and more.
October 24 Tiffany & Co., Bvlgari, Armani, and Ogi Trunk Show Lifetime Vision Center 2900 South Columbia Road, Grand Forks Representatives from Minneapolis will be in Grand Forks with new Fall collection. Frames are half off, with a nonglare lens purchase. Schedule your eye exam now for a current prescription by calling 701-746-6745.
October 25 and 26 Cutting out Cancer Cabaret Fire Hall Theatre 7:00 p.m. This will be a night of entertainment to raise funds for the Rapunzel project. For more information, read “Cutting Out Cancer” on page 13.
October 26 Money, Mani, & Mimosas Sponsored by Karen Grainger and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Angel Nail and Spa - 2475 32nd Ave S, Grand Forks 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Please bring a friend! Receive a free basic fill, mani/pedi. No products will be sold at this event. For additional important disclosure information, please visit Thrivent.com/disclosures. Call 218-773-1181 or send an email to Karen.grainger@thrivent.com. Please send your RSVP at least three days prior to the event so the salon can prepare for adequate staffing needs.
November 2 through November 30 Folk Art Constructionist: Melody Anderson Velkommen, downtown Grand Forks An installation and art sale of new, small works of designer fabrication projects that combine the application of Norwegian loom-woven braiding, synthetic fabrics, and recycled German woven ribbon into functional, wearable objects. For more information, call 701-775-8482.
Mission of Hope Banquet & Silent Auction Alerus Center 1200 S. 42nd St, Grand Forks Silent Auction begins at 5:00 p.m.; the Dinner is at 7:00 p.m. Plan now to attend the 2013 Mission of Hope Banquet and Silent Auction to benefit Northlands Rescue Mission’s programs and services for the homeless and poor. You’ll enjoy a delicious meal, warm fellowship, and an inspiring message from Christian musician and motivational speaker Grant Norsworthy. Go to www.northlandsrescuemission.org for information about reservations, sponsorship opportunities, and donating gift baskets for the silent auction.
November 7 Medi-Fun Girl Scouts Dakota Horizons Service Center, Grand Forks Explore the ways in which your bones, muscles, and organs work together to create the amazing human body. Diagnose teddy bear’s flu symptoms, disband germs from your hands, and explore future careers in medicine— all in one fun-filled evening. Open to Daisy and Brownie Girl Scouts. For more information about registering for Girl Scouts and/or this event, contact Program Specialist, Rachel Downs, at 701-772-6679 or send an email to rdowns@gsdakotahorizons.org.
November 13
November 14 Child Passenger Safety Made Simple 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Rydell GM Auto Center, 2700 South Washington, Grand Forks This class is for expectant parents or those of newborn babies. If you have already purchased a car seat, bring it along for hands-on training on how to properly install the car seat into your vehicle. For more information and to register, please call 701-780-5179.
November 14 Car Seat Checkup 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Rydell GM Auto Center, 2700 South Washington, Grand Forks Stop by and make sure your children have a safe ride.
November 20 Yorhom Medical Essentials Grand Opening 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Celebrate the opening of our newest location at 4350 South Washington Street. Yorhom Medical Essentials offers the products and professionals to turn a challenging situation into something amazing. Through custom wheelchairs, oxygen therapy, sleep equipment therapy, and home and vehicle modifications, Yorhom has many ways to help make life better & to help you live independently in the comfort of your home.
November 23 Money, Mani, & Mimosas Sponsored by Karen Grainger and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Angel Nail and Spa - 2475 32nd Ave S, Grand Forks 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Bring a friend! Receive a free basic fill, mani/pedi. No products will be sold at this event. For additional important disclosure information, visit Thrivent.com/disclosures. Call 218-773-1181 or send an email to Karen. grainger@thrivent.com. Please send your RSVP at least three days prior to the event so the salon can prepare for adequate staffing needs.
December 5 Truyu Holiday Event 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Celebrate the season, enjoy a night out, and complete your holiday shopping with Truyu. For additional details on this event and more, find Truyu Aesthetic Center on Facebook.
December 7 Scandinavian Holiday Open House Velkommen, downtown Grand Forks 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Grand Forks’ 28th Annual Scandinavian Holiday Open House is on December 7, 2013. Here’s your chance to learn to make and sample Scandinavian almond cake and the new Swedish pepparkakor cake. In addition, “Uff Da Chips” (derivatives of cinnamon/sugar-flavored lefse) will be available. For more information, call 701-775-8482.
arthritiswalk.org Nationally Sponsored by
Raise awareness and funds by joining us at the Arthritis Walk - Grand Forks!
EVENT RECAP
Pain, Healing, and Restoration: A Recovering Co-Dependent’s Story Submitted
It was an encouraging moment as women gathered for the first annual Northland Christian Counseling Women’s Luncheon on June 20 at the North Dakota Museum of Art on the University of North Dakota campus. The atmosphere was relaxing, with piano music playing softly in the background by Abby Mattson. Area businesses generously donated door prizes and Sublime Salon provided makeup demonstrations. The tables were beautifully adorned with centerpieces created by Sadie’s Floral. Michelle Walters, Executive Director of Vessel Christian Foundation, emceed the event. Jan Kvernan shared her story of hope and recovery. She said, “It is good to tell our life stories. I can think of many excuses why I shouldn’t tell my story, because it is hard to be vulnerable and share embarrassing things from my past, but remembering that God is the one doing the healing in my life is the reason to tell the story He has given me.” “In Alcoholics Anonymous,” Kvernan continued to explain, “the meetings start with ‘I’m a recovering alcoholic. I’ve been sober for 25 years,’ or 90 days, or whatever. For me, it is, ‘I’m a recovering codependent. I’ve been in recovery for over 25 years, praise God.’” Kvernan went on to share that, “I have struggled with relationships, and when we are driven to our knees, we find a deeper strength. I grew up in an alcoholic home, and it will be a lifelong process of learning and dealing with the pain of the relationships I had with my parents, [and the] unhealthy relational patterns of my childhood and much of my adult life.” “I’m learning to deal with my pain from my childhood,” she admitted, “which spills out onto my adult life, not just cope with it, and learning that suffering produces hope if we use the pain to glorify God, and not just stuff it and deny it doesn’t exist, a journey to freedom in Christ, admitting freely the pain, God doing the healing, and enjoying the abundant life God has for me, not just surviving.” During the event, Northland’s client assistance fund received many donations. The fund is used for clients who want counseling but do not have the financial means to pay. The client assistance fund helped thirteen percent of Northland’s clients in 2012. Northland Christian Counseling Center (NCCC) is a non-profit organization that serves the greater Grand Forks area. The center has been in existence since 1992 and offers counseling in many areas: individual, premarital, marriage, family, life changing issues, and group therapy. NCCC is certified as an addiction facility with the State of North Dakota and also offers substance abuse counseling. For more information on NCCC, or to donate to the client assistance fund, please go to www.northlandccc.com or call toll-free 877-795-6222. [GCW]
®
ARTHRITIS WALK GRAND FORKS Saturday, October 12
Choice Health & Fitness 8:30 a.m. – Registration 9:25 a.m. – .5 Mile Kids’ Monster Dash 9:30 a.m. – 1-3 Mile Walk & 5K Zombie Fun Run
At the Event
Wear a blue “Hero” hat if you have arthritis Kids Zone activities Health Fair
Register Today at arthritiswalk.org
Pictured: Arlyce Gibbs (volunteer), Luther Kvernen (board member), Jan Kvernen (speaker), Bonnie Knight (board member), Stephen Seay (Executive Director NCCC)
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Find these items and more through local retailers. When purchasing an item that you’ve seen in our shopping guide, make sure you tell them that you saw it in Grand Cities Woman. Claims that products make in the Grand Cities Woman Shopping Guide are of product manufactures’ and not of Grand Cities Woman or Graber Media.
Stylish and cheerful automatic umbrella, 29-inches long with generous coverage and a smooth J-handle. Black/ green exterior with pretty matte silver lining. Get yours today at gsdakotahorizons.org. See the Dakota Horizons Girl Scouts ad on page 13.
Replenish the skin, smooth scars, and eliminate imperfections with this unique blend of natural essential oils and plant-based vitamins with Alexandria Professional Skin Repair from Sublime Aesthetic Professionals in Grand Forks. See their ad on page 23. $58.50 The Cat is back! Fabulous and fun by Ogi is exclusively available at Lifetime Vision Center. See their ad on page 9. $209
Perfect wardrobe transitions with this ladies t-shirt style by local designer Rochelle (Ro) Wetsch; features machine-embroidered, Scandinavian rosemaled details, and in shapes and assorted colors that flatter. Get the look in sizes that fit your figure from Velkommen, downtown Grand Forks. See their ad on page 19. $64.95 Small through X-Large
Find these Sam Edelman laceup boots at True Colors in downtown Grand Forks. See their ad on page 14. $64.99
Add the clearing power of eucalyptus oil to your home in the bath, a diffuser or a vaporizer. Eucalyptus is extremely useful during the cooler months, and is excellent for treating colds and chills. Added bonus: your home will smell heavenly. This product is available at Truyu at Choice. See their ad on page 13. $14
Take advantage of craftsmanship from generations past, dating back to a time of sole dependence on hand tools when craftsmen carefully planned and fitted their furniture. This quality bedroom piece is available, along with other selections from The Empire Mission Collection, at the Amish Gallery at Home of Economy. See their ad on page 17.
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Make skin radiant with this refreshing, exfoliating, shimmering gel. A powerful blend of ginseng and ginger mixed with zesty fruit extracts will “Zenergize” the senses and moisturize skin for long lasting hydration. Antioxidants protect and nourish skin for the ultimate renewal experience. Zenergy Shimmering Hydrating Gel is available through BeautiControl Representative, Yolanda Cox, at www. beautipage.com/yolandacox. See their ad on page 18. $20.00
New Sublime Luminous Foundation with broad spectrum SPF 15 is now available in many shades at Sublime Aesthetic Professionals in Grand Forks. This irresistible, lightweight foundation that undetectably melts onto skin and diffuses light for a perfectly illuminated complexion comes in 16 shades. See their ad on page 23. $34 Find this large, signature Coach handbag at True Colors in downtown Grand Forks. Add a coach scarf for a different look. See their ad on page 14. $89.99 handbag $16.99 scarf
Recycling, buying organic, using energy efficient products – these are just a few of the choices you make every day to help the environment. With Natura paint, you have an environmentally friendly option when it comes to painting the interior of your home, and you can count on the beauty and quality you expect from Benjamin Moore. This virtually odorless paint is available through Sterling Carpet One. See their ad on page 9. Prices Vary
End your search. This krumkake baker (non-stick) will help to continue those Scandinavian family baking traditions. It’s an automatic electric iron that will help you easily and effortlessly bake two, 5-inch, crispy krumkake quickly in only 30 seconds. Complete with cord, directions, cone-shaped rolling pin, and recipes from Velkommen, downtown Grand Forks. See their ad on page 19. $89.95, boxed (limited supply)
Look your casual best in this feminine split scoop-neck tee. Three-quarter sleeve, shapedstyle tee shirt with metallic screen-print. Get yours today at gsdakotahorizons.org. See the Dakota Horizons Girls Scouts ad on page 13.
Visualize it with the Personal Color Viewer®. Available through www.sterlingcarpetonepaint.com, this viewer lets you experiment with color before you even pick up a paintbrush. Preview color selections—even specialty finishes—on an interior or exterior home image chosen from a pictorial library, or import images of your own home. See the Sterling Carpet One ad on page 9.
Pumpkin isn’t just for eating or carving; it’s also packed with valuable skin nutrients, including vitamin A and beta carotene. This natural, all-purpose daily cleanser removes residue and protects against free-radical damage. Treat your skin to this delicious fall scent. This Rhonda Allison Pumpkin Cleanser is available at Truyu at Choice. See their ad on page 13. $32
Invigorate your senses with this powerfully refreshing bath and body collection. Ginseng, ginger, and fruit extracts energize and renew your skin. Moisturizers provide lasting hydration, while antioxidants protect and nourish skin. Zenergy is available through BeautiControl Representative, Yolanda Cox, at www.beautipage.com/ yolandacox. See their ad on page 18. $52.00
See better. See brilliance. Put on a pair of Maui Jims from Lifetime Vision Center and instantly, glare is gone. Absolutely brilliant. See their ad on page 9. $229
Take advantage of craftsmanship from generations past, dating back to a time of sole dependence on hand tools when craftsmen carefully planned and fitted their furniture. This mirror and dresser is available, along with other selections from The Dutchess Collection, at the Amish Gallery at Home of Economy. See their ad on page 17.
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Safe Kids Corner:
Back to School Safety Written by Carma Hanson, MS, RN
Coordinator – Safe Kids Grand Forks/Altru Health System
With the start of the school year upon us, there is a great deal of excitement and many preparations for adults and children alike. As the academic year starts, parents and caregivers assure their children have everything they need from school supplies, sporting equipment, weather-appropriate clothing, shoes, coats, and lunch money. This is also the time of year when parents start to coordinate their schedules to get their children back on track for success in the school year. One topic that many overlook during preparation, and undoubtedly the most important, is backto-school safety. “Back-to-school safety” encompasses many things that children and adults encounter as they set out for the classrooms. Many children walk to school, and while walking is convenient and a great way to get some much needed exercise, we need to equip our children with some important pedestrian safety tips.
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Cross streets only at corners and at crosswalks where cars are more likely to be watching for pedestrians. Remind children never to walk out into the street between two parked cars or busses because it is difficult for the drivers to see them. If there is a traffic light, do not cross until the signal is in your favor, and then only after the car’s wheels have stopped and eye contact has been made with the driver. When preparing to cross the street, look left, look right, and then look left again for traffic. Keep looking left and right while crossing. If a child has to run to get across, the car is too close.
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If walking in low light conditions, wear light-colored clothing or a reflective device. Look for shoes, jackets, or backpacks that have reflective material sewn into the article of clothing.
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While children under age ten might know the route to their school, they do not have the cognitive ability to make decisions about distance across the street and the speed and distance of oncoming traffic. Often, their judgments about crossing are not safe ones; provide kids of this age supervision while walking and crossing streets, especially while they learn to do this on their own. Walk with them and assure that they are making good decisions. For those who do not live close enough to walk to school, or may prefer not to, the school bus is another great way to get to school on time. Most injuries and deaths resulting from school buses actually happen just outside the bus rather than in them. Frequently, this happens because the bus is a large vehicle and the driver cannot see children who are standing or playing near the school bus stop. Therefore, remind kids to stand at least 8 grandcitieswoman.com
six feet (or, three giant steps) away from the curb while waiting for the bus. Once dropped off, kids should immediately move away from the bus so they are not in the area of a driver’s blind zone. While seatbelts are not required on a bus, it is important that kids know the rules and keep seated while the bus is in motion. Many parents drop their kids off at their respective schools in private vehicles. Motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of injury and death for children under the age of nineteen; therefore, Safe Kids Grand Forks places special emphasis on this injury risk area. The first, and most important, reminder is that all occupants in the vehicle need to have a car or booster seat, or seat belts worn by every passenger, even on short rides. North Dakota law requires the use of a car or booster seat up to age seven, and in Minnesota, it is up to age eight. Best practice is to keep children in a car seat or booster seat until they can meet all of the following criteria:
1. They can sit with their back against the seat back 2. Their feet must be on the floor, with their knees bent at the edge of the seat 3. The lap belt must cross at the hip bones, not on their abdomen 4. The shoulder belt must cross at the center of the chest, not at their neck
Another important rule that is often violated, especially with carpooling, is doublebelting kids in one seat belt. This is not only dangerous but it is illegal. If your kids will be sharing rides with another adult or family, be sure to know what their safety practices are in their vehicle. You can verify their safety practices by assessing whether they ensure that all kids are buckled for every ride, and if they have an extra booster seat, if necessary, that is appropriate for the age or size of the child. Currently there is a booster seat on the market that is in the form of a backpack and easy for kids to carry with them from vehicle to vehicle. If you are carpooling, this would make a great option to assure that your children always have a seat when needed. Kids should exit on the grass side of the vehicle so they don’t get out into oncoming traffic. Have the children walk to the end of the block and use the crosswalk to get across the street, rather than crossing in the middle of the street. As the driver of the vehicle, when you back out of driveways, use extra caution to watch for kids who are walking or biking. Slow down, especially in school zones, and watch for kids who are eager to get to class and might not be looking carefully for oncoming traffic. If you don’t have kids at a school, but need to get to work in the morning, it is helpful to know where schools are located in your community and the start and end times. Avoid driving by a school during those times and consider taking an alternate route, thus avoiding heaving traffic in the school vicinity. When stopping at lights or stop signs, be sure to keep crosswalks clear and stop well before them so kids have the ability to pass in front of you in a safe crosswalk location. Although the start of school is always an exciting and busy time, we all have a responsibility—parents, caregivers, and everyone in community alike—to keep children safe. Kids often mimic parents’ behaviors, so it is imperative that we are good role models for safe behavior. These important back-to-school safety tips are provided by Safe Kids Grand Forks. Altru Health System is proud to serve as the lead agency for Safe Kids Grand Forks. For more information, contact Safe Kids Grand Forks at safekids@ altru.org or go to www.safekidsgf.com. [GCW]
your TOTAL KITCHEN makeover
Carma Hanson, MS, RN, Safe Kids of Grand Forks/Altru Health System Coordinator | Writer
Safe Kids Grand Forks is an injury prevention coalition whose mission is to prevent unintentional injuries and death to children. Altru Health System is proud to serve as the lead agency for Safe Kids Grand Forks. To learn more about our program or for other safety tips, go to our website at www.safekidsgf.com or “like” us on Facebook at Safe Kids Grand Forks. You can also send an email to safekids@altru.org. Safe Kids Grand Forks is keeping kids safe at home, at school, at play, and on the way!
Areas largest selection of fine eyewear 2900 S. Columbia Road, Grand Forks 701-746-6745 www.lvctr.com
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Professional photographers interested in having their photography featured in one of our galleries can contact Grand Cities Woman at 701-261-2692 or send an email to grandcitieswoman@live. com for further details.
Is Stress Making You Sick? Written by Stacy Kusler
You’ve been incredibly busy at work: lots of deadlines, an impossible-to-please boss, annoying co-workers, and so on. On top of that, it’s sports season for your kids, which means that you are a glorified taxi driver, working double time, just to get Billy to baseball and Suzie to ballet within minutes of each other. To add insult to injury, you feel a cold coming on, and you think, “Seri-
ously? What sick kid did I come into contact with? What co-worker coughed near me? What did I do to have my immune system totally fail me now? I don’t have time for this!”
But, what if this untimely cold isn’t seasonal or germinduced? What if—wait for it—it’s caused by stress? Prolonged stress is taxing on a person’s physical health, especially in women. Additionally, stress can show up as a cold, facial breakouts, teeth grinding, cravings for junk food, and even irregular periods. Great. Ladies, we need to chill. I have no doubt that most (if not all) of us have looked up the phrase “reducing stress” on the Internet at some point in the last few years. And when we do, the same answers come up repeatedly: eat better, exercise more, do yoga. “OK, no problem,” you say (sarcasm implied). I would love to eat better, providing that my kid didn’t need to eat exactly two minutes after I walk in the door, leaving me just enough time to boil water, dump in the macaroni and cheese, and save a bowl for myself before handing it over to the ravenous little angel. I would also love to exercise more. I’ll get right on that treadmill at 10:00 p.m., after I have finally coaxed the last child to sleep after a lengthy negotiating session. Do Yoga? Do I really even need to go there? In the real world, where our living rooms look nothing like those in magazines and on websites (what mother, who has kids and a dog, would have all-white furniture and rugs?), what’s a woman to do to stay sane? I asked stress expert, David Bialik, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker at the Center for Psychiatric Care in Grand Forks, for some pointers on keeping our marbles. Suggestion 1: Ask for help from friends and family. “An issue that often correlates with stress is a sense of partnership in family responsibilities. When the responsibilities and rewards of the family are shared, there tends to be more contentment and less stress,” says Bialik.
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Suggestion 2: Don’t compare yourself to others. Bialik notes that stress is different for different people. “What is stressful to one person is not stressful to another, or what is stressful today might not be stressful to you at another point in time.” So, instead of snarling at another mom who shows up to the school fundraiser looking totally relaxed toting a 4-layer, fully decorated cake because “it just looked like it would be fun to make,” understand that her stressors are different from yours, and her coping mechanism might just be the baking. So, sit back, relax, and thank that mom for the delicious treat. Suggestion 3: Find out how tough you are. This may seem counter-productive to managing stress, but on the contrary. Have you ever felt that rush after successfully completing a huge project? Or, if you’re more like me, that rush after waking up on time, feeding the baby, and getting to work on time without having a meltdown? These are small victories. “How we perceive stress is based on our past experience and how successful we were in coping with a particular stressor,” says Bialik. “Having success with stress leads us to feel more confident in dealing with future stressors.” Finally, don’t be afraid to seek professional help. “Sometimes a medical professional can help to address the biological and physiological aspects of stress that make it difficult to reveal the strengths and competencies that you possess,” says Bialik. “I have many patients tell me that they wished they had come in sooner because of all the positive changes they are able to make once they realize they’ve had the tools all along.” So, if you’ve tried everything to get through each day unscathed and it’s not working, give therapy a try—it can be a great way to learn about the tools you need to cope with your stress in a positive manner. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. The two go hand-in-hand. Whether you do this on your own by making small but effective changes, or by getting professional guidance, you will learn that you are resilient and able to build a meaningful life—even through the most stressful situations. If nothing else, you’ll save money by not having to buy so much tissue and cold medication. [GCW] Submitted by Stacy Kusler, Marketing Specialist at Aurora Medical Services Stadter Complex in Grand Forks. Dave Bialik sees patients at the Center for Psychiatric Care in Grand Forks. His office line is answered Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 701-732-2500.
UPCOMING EVENT HIGHLIGHT
Cutting Out Cancer A Cabaret to Raise Funds for the Rapunzel Project
Rachel Horton lost her mother-in-law, Laurel, three weeks before marrying her husband, Evan Horton. Laurel put up a courageous fight against breast cancer that lasted fourteen years. Rachel, a local hairstylist and owner of The Hair Movement, admired her mother-in-law for raising three boys during her battle with cancer. Soon after Laurel’s Pictured: Rachel Horton at the Fire Hall Theatre. passing, Rachel founded The Rapunzel Project. The Rapunzel Project was created by two breast cancer survivors, Shirley and Nancy. When Shirley was initially diagnosed, she sought a wig almost immediately in anticipation of hair loss. While wig shopping, she discovered the technology of cold cap therapy that was being performed in Europe. Cold caps keep the hair follicles at the scalp cold, cooling them to the point where toxins from the chemotherapy cannot penetrate, allowing for the preservation of patients’ hair. Shirley then connected with scientist Frank Fonda, who invented a specific type of cold cap therapy. Shirley was delighted to find that the caps were rentable. However, she came upon a challenge: the cold caps must be held at -22 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature cannot be reached by a normal freezer. The only option at the time was to cool the cold caps by dry ice, creating a difficult process because the temperature cannot be sufficiently regulated. Nancy saw Shirley’s determination and commenced with helping her raise funds to purchase the correct freezer so that others could take advantage of cold cap therapy. Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota allowed donations to go through their foundation, and in return, purchased the much-needed freezer. Before the freezer purchase, Shirley had undergone only one treatment where the cold cap was chilled with dry ice. For all future treatments, the cap was properly chilled in the freezer. Shirley did not lose her hair during treatment. After hearing about the success that Shirley had using the cold cap therapy, Rachel wanted to get involved. Combining her love of hair and theatre, Rachel decided to plan a fundraising event to help support The Rapunzel Project and potentially help hospitals around the country purchase the required freezers and cold caps needed to provide this therapy to their cancer patients. “Two thousand dollars is the average cost of a freezer,” said Rachel. “My ultimate goal would be to get cold cap therapy in the state of North Dakota.” The nearest hospital that offers cold cap therapy is in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Rachel is gathering her theatre friends for two nights to perform a cabaret-style show for an audience at the Fire Hall Theatre in Grand Forks. “I feel the Fire Hall offers that sense of intimacy to relate to the material,” said Rachel. Horton hopes to raise two thousand dollars during this event and hopes to make this an annual fundraiser. Rachel believes that if a cancer patient can control one part of treatment—keeping his or her hair by using cold cap therapy—it could help to keep spirits up. “I think, women specifically, we look at ourselves every day in the mirror and our hair is part of our make-up. If your hair isn’t done, it can throw off your day. Hair is a comfort.” If you want to learn more about Cold Cap therapy, go to www.rapunzelproject.org. You can watch videos, read testimonials, see pictures of the caps and freezers, and donate to this amazing organization. Spread the word and educate others on this treatment and you, too, can help in the fight against cancer. [GCW] grandcitieswoman.com 13
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This Day: LOL!
Written by Shannon Teigen
Bacon sizzled in a pan, its salty aroma filling the air in the kitchen. I languidly leaned against the kitchen counter, soaking in a quiet moment. It was one of those elusive lazy mornings when no one had to be anywhere at any given time. Those mornings are a rare commodity in our household and regarded as golden. The girls were setting the table for breakfast. My husband—having just returned from checking on the horses—had become riveted in a morning news program on T.V. My son was looking for napkins in the pantry.
dose of laughter provides us with a cleansed feeling, and the energy it breeds is well worth the streaked mascara. According to R. Morgan Griffin in his article “Give Your Body a Boost — With Laughter,” which can be found on webmd. com, we change physiologically when we laugh. We stretch muscles throughout our face and body, our pulse increases, and we breathe faster, which sends more oxygen to our tissue.
There I stood, cradling a coffee cup in one hand and a fork in the other, completely hypnotized by the crackling and hissing noises coming from the griddle. I hadn’t realized that I had begun to smile and giggle. My son looked at me from the pantry door. “What’s so funny, Mom?” he inquired. Indeed, what was so funny? I hadn’t realized that I was making noise audible enough for anyone else to hear. I was lost in a memory of a recent conversation that I had with my mom and sister. It was one of those belly-buster conversations that had us laughing so hard that our eyes were glistening from the tears, our cheeks ached, and we had to consciously control our bladder. There was no way I could re-create that for my 10-year-old son in a way that he would find even remotely humorous. When you think about past conversations that have ended up in giggle-fests, don’t they make you smile? A good
Shannon Teigen | Writer
Shannon writes from her rural hobby ranch that is nestled in the peace and quiet of the North Dakota countryside. Her family, consisting of her husband, two teenage daughters, and one son, is the farthest thing from being peaceful and quiet, but she wouldn’t trade it for anything. After graduating from UND, Shannon established her career with foundation blocks of marketing, sales, customer service, human relations, and communications.
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There are other benefits of laughter:
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It can lead to a stronger immune system because it reduces the levels of some stress hormones, such as cortisol, and it increases the health-enhancing hormones like endorphins.
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Good, hearty laughter exercises the diaphragm, contracts the abs, and it works the shoulders. This work-out effect leaves the muscles more relaxed for up to 45 minutes afterward.
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Laughter also distracts our thoughts from negativity, stress, guilt, and anger. Instead, it focuses on more positive benefits, such as elevating our mood and improving the quality of the interaction with those whom we are sharing the laugh.
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According to a study performed at Johns Hopkins University Medical School, humor during instruction led to increased memory and learning. Many years ago, I took a Tai Chi class with some friends. Sadly, I don’t remember a lot of that valuable stress-relieving class, but I will always remember how the instructor explained to us that the only time our left-brain and right-brain work together is that split second when we “get” the humor in a joke. In her article “8 Benefits of Laughter” on the website care2.com, Melissa Breyer explains the process and how quickly laughter works: “Less than a half-second after exposure to something funny, an electrical wave moves through the higher brain functions of the cerebral cortex. The left hemisphere analyzes the words and structures of the joke; the right hemisphere ‘gets’ the joke; the visual sensory area of the occipital lobe creates images; the limbic (emotional) system makes you happier; and the motor sections make you smile or laugh.” Laughter does appear to have benefits—mentally, physically, and interpersonally. Smiling, I carried the warm plate of mouth-watering bacon to the table, where I joined my family for one of our treasured family breakfasts. As I sat down next to my son, he asked again, “Mom, why were you laughing?” And like any good sister would, with a smile, I blamed mine. “Oh, it was something your aunt did last weekend.” I encourage you to do something that makes you laugh. Watch a comedy, read a funny book, laugh with friends. Make your left-brain and your rightbrain work together, and do something on this day that makes you feel giddy and giggly. LOL! [GCW]
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Marie Strinden
A Heartbeat in the Arts
North Valley Arts Council Announces 6,000 Square Foot Art Creation Center in Grand Forks Written by Autumn Graber | Photographed by Katie Brock Photography
It’s not hard to notice the artistic influence that downtown Grand Forks and East Grand Forks has on the community— with not only the iconic sculptures and painted murals, but also the events. The Grand Cities Art Fest, Zombie Music Fest, and Healthy Living through Art programs, to name just a few, create a bridge between the artist community and those of us that enjoy all forms of artistic expression. You don’t have to be creative to enjoy art, and you don’t have to be an art connoisseur to benefit from art in its many forms. Anyone can enter a museum and appreciate a piece of art. Art can be therapeutic, help bring us a sense of joy, and it can help open our minds to how others think. Marie Strinden, Executive Director of the North Valley Arts Council (NoVAC), is a woman with passion for art and her community. Marie, a playwright, actor, artist, and Representative of District 18 in the North Dakota House of Representative holds a bachelor of fine arts from New York University. “I don’t really consider myself a politian, although obviously I am, but it makes me uncomfortable to talk about politics,” said Marie. “I like talking about policy.”
After finishing school and working in New York as a theatre talent agent, Marie returned to the area in 2007 when her uncle fell ill. She was soon hired as the executive director at NoVAC and didn’t miss a beat in becoming heavily involved with the arts community. Marie feels like Grand Forks is her home. “It took me moving away to notice how gorgeous the landscape is here.” Marie knew she eventually wanted to run for office, but the opportunity came up quicker than she expected. “If you want to make a difference, it’s very accessible here,” she said. “Working in my job, we need access to city government and we have it. Everything is very open.” Marie stresses that North Dakota government is much more accessible than people think. If an individual wants to watch the progress of a presented bill, they can go to the Legislative Bill Tracking System at www.legis.nd.gov to watch a specific bill. “You can even come and participate,” she said. “I didn’t realize how easy it was to participate until I was actually in the legislature.” Marie sits on the Finance and Tax committee and is passionate about nonprofit organizations. “I’ve become known as A) the girl who probably talks too much on the floor, and B) the one who always talks about non-profits,” she jokes. Back home in Grand Forks, her heart still beats for the arts community. Currently, NoVAC and other key groups are working on a project that will bring an art center to downtown Grand Forks. “We are working with the arts community to build an arts creation center which would have artist studios, rehearsal studios, and small performance spaces.” In the group’s research, they noticed many individual and group artists who wanted to create art, but didn’t have a centralized location. “It seems to be a barrier,” she said. “We just want to create a space were people could easily create their art.” The decision to house the art center downtown is based on the draw that downtown has in the arts community. “It’s not our official mission, but something that is underlying in the organization is contributing to the vitality of the downtown area.” 22 grandcitieswoman.com
Recently, the NoVAC board of directors decided to move forward on the project and approve the plans to convert the 6,000 square feet of unused space above Sanders in downtown Grand Forks into an Art Creation Center. The new facility will have a private entrance on the street and one in the ally. The center will have two large rehearsal and performance spaces and five classrooms and artist studios. “UND is interested in using some for class space during the day and during the evening, non-profits can use it,” said Marie. “It will hold the Northern Valley Arts Council Office and shared office space for non-profits.” With estimates in hand, NoVAC is right on target with the $750,000 fundraising plan they will have in place. “Now, we are in the phase of informing the community more about the project and [reaching] out for partners in the community that will help us get this all built.” Completion of the center is dependent on fundraising activities. “You never know, someone could be really excited about the project and give us what we need tomorrow or the money trickles in over four years.” Right now, NoVAC is in search of investment partners and those interested in helping to spread the word about the center. One of NoVAC’s goals is to make sure the public knows that once the center is complete, it will be available to everyone in the community. Marie knows that people can’t use the excuse that there isn’t anything to do in the area; through NoVAC, she produced many of the events that happen in downtown Grand Forks. One
of her favorite activities in the community is attending the Third Street Gallery openings. “[They] are a fun way to meet people and see some of the freshest artwork in the area,” she writes on the NoVAC website. “The Third Street Gallery also has a unique gift shop where I do most of my Christmas shopping.” Cindy Edwards, Vice President of the NoVAC Board of Directors says, “[Marie] is dedicated—one-hundred percent—to anything she becomes involved with and has an amazing capacity for accomplishing all of her goals.” As Executive Director of NoVAC, Marie manages extensive programming and advocacy efforts, which include the Grand Cities Art Fest and administration of the City of Grand Forks’ Arts Granting program. She also founded the Mayor’s Choice Artist Program—in partnership with the Grand Forks Mayor’s Office, Healthy Living through Art—with partners at the Third Street Clinic, and facilitated the start of the new Escape Artists Collective and Blue Door Gallery in downtown Grand Forks. In the spring of 2011, Marie accepted the prestigious North Dakota Governor’s Award for the Arts on behalf of the North Valley Arts Council’s service to the state. To become a member of the Northern Valley Arts Council, go to www.novac.org. Artists can join for as little as $25, while families and businesses can also get involved under a range of membership fee options. NoVAC also offers marketing and design services for artists and nonprofits. Some marketing services include poster, postcard, and logo design. Members can receive one free service per year. [GCW]
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