Grand Cities Woman Volume 3, Issue 1 by Grand Cities Woman

Volume 3, Issue 1 February | March 2014

COMPLIMENTARY

TODAY’S LEARNERS, TOMORROW’S LEADERS

Contents February | March 2014

4 Save the Date 8 Hot Spots to Shop 12 Safe Kids Corner 16 Meet Miss Grand Forks 18 Twisted Sunshine 20 Feature: Judith Konerza

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Save the Date

FEBRUARY | MARCH | APRIL Please call ahead to confirm events. Promote your April and May community events by sending information to grandcitieswoman@live.com or calling Autumn at (701) 261-2692 by March 1, 2014.

January through May

February 8 through March 31

February 13

Grand Forks Training Series For more information, contact Jill Morseth at 701-795-3707.

Monday through Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Velkommen, downtown Grand Forks This is an exhibit and sales showcasing glass transformations and design works into tea light holders/votives by Swedish designer Marie Olofsson. She was trained at Danmarks Designskole in Copenhagen, receiving her degree in 2004. Her degree project involves investigating and searching for “special effects” with transparent colored glass. The result was this series of tea light holders.

6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Grand Forks Public Library The When, Why, & How of Resume Writing class will address when a resume is used, why it is good to always have a draft version available, and how to get started. This class is free to the public. For more information about this class and any other event at the Grand Forks Public Library, please call 701-7728116 or go to www.gflibrary.com.

TrainND, Northeast

February 1

Northern Valley Youth Orchestra’s Concert

7:00 p.m. Empire Arts Center Tickets for adults are $5, educators and military are $3, and tickets for 12 year olds and under are free. This concert will feature musicians of “Jazz on Tap.” For more information, go to www. novyo.org.

February 5, 12, 19, and 26 Helping Your Child Control Anger

6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Ben Franklin Elementary School Activity Room Join facilitator Sue Shirek as she shares helpful techniques to help parents teach their children ways to manage angry feelings. Difficulties occur in all children’s lives; oftentimes, anger can be a natural response to embarrassment, hurt feelings, and distress. In this class, parents can learn effective ways to model appropriate, positive responses that do not alienate others. Most importantly, this class gives parents an opportunity to learn from other parents who have been through the same situations. Parent Information Center classes are open to any parent at any location. Free childcare is also available for most classes. Registration is required. Please call 701-787-4216 or send an email to pic@gfschools.org.

February 7

American Heart Association National Wear Red Day

All Day National Wear Red Day is our special day to bring attention to this silent killer of women. We encourage everyone to wear red, raise their voices, know their cardiovascular risk, and take action to live longer, healthier lives. For more information, go to www.goredforwomen.org/wearredday or contact Joan Enderle by email at joan.enderle@heart.org or by calling 701-252-5122.

February 7

TEDxGrandForks

Empire Arts Center This independently organized event, operated under a license from Technology, Entertainment, Design (TED), is aimed at creating dialogue and action, in addition to giving the region’s best and brightest a platform for sharing thoughts, ideas, and calls to action. At TEDxGrandForks, TED Talks videos and live speakers will combine to help spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events, including ours, are self-organized. For tickets or more information, please go to www.tedxgrandforks.com.

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Part I: Pull, Twist, Blow

February 8

The Backstage Project: Sneaky Wild Oats

8:00 p.m. Empire Arts Center The Backstage Project uses creative, urban spaces for live music performances by local and regional artists. Enjoy a unique, downtown space that is perfect for music and conversation with friends. The Backstage Project offers a venue like no other in Grand Forks. Rhombus Guys will host a cash bar, or you can enjoy delicious coffee by Urban Stampede. There is a $5 cover charge at the door only. Use the back door. Funding for the Backstage Project is provided in part by Urban Stampede, the Hal and Kathleen Gershman Family Foundation, and the Knight Foundation. For more information, go to www.empireartscenter.com.

February 9

Miss Grand Forks & Miss Grand Cities Outstanding Teen Pageant 4:00 p.m. Empire Arts Center For more information, go to www.grandforkspageants.org.

February 13

Child Passenger Safety Made Simple

6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Rydell GM Auto Center, 2700 South Washington 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.

February 13

Car Seat Checkup

4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Rydell GM Auto Center, 2700 South Washington Stop by and make sure your children have a safe ride. For more information, contact Safe Kids Grand Forks at 701-780-1489 or go to www.safekidsgf.com.

Resume Writing Class

February 15

Sledding Day with Global Friends Coalition Lincoln Park For more information, go to www.gfcoalition.org.

February 20

Survivors of Suicide Support Group

7:00 to 8:30 p.m. The Survivors of Suicide Support Group, offered by Altru’s TEARS Suicide Prevention Project, aims to bring together those who have experienced suicide loss to understand that they are not alone. For more information, call 701-780-3451 or go to www.altru.org/tears.

February 18

Recovery One Year Later & Living Well in the Day

Lewis and Clark Elementary School 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Recovery from any addiction or traumatic event is a process. After experiencing release from an addiction or traumatic event, finding that new normal is the next piece to real recovery and living. Join Mary Adkins again this year as she shares her daily journey from recovery to living well. Mary’s powerful message relates to our basic human need to continuously learn how to live well each day. Mary’s story is one that touches anyone who is willing to embrace continuous learning and growth. Join us to learn, find encouragement, and to be enlightened as you are inspired to navigate your own life’s journey. Parent Information Center classes are open to any parent at any location. Free childcare is also available for most classes. Registration is required. Please call 701-787-4216 or send an email to pic@gfschools.org.

February 18

Fundamentals of Selling

Call TrainND at 701-662-1578 for more information about registering for this class.

February 23

Men are From Mars

7:30 p.m. Empire Arts Center For more information, go to www.tickets300.com. This event is presented by Jade Presents.

February 25

March 14

4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Rydell GM Auto Center, 2700 South Washington 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.

Empire Arts Center Journey through the music of the Mediterranean with Baladino, a fresh Israeli world music ensemble. Hear centuries-old melodies and revel in sounds carried to Israel from Spain, Eastern Europe, Turkey, and Arabic countries. The ensemble members effortlessly blend these far-ranging musical influences with authenticity and conviction possible only by those who have grown up in the cultural melting pot that is Israel. For more information, go to www.novac.org.

Child Passenger Safety Made Simple

February 27

Resume Writing Class

6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Grand Forks Public Library Understanding Who the Resume is For class will address the importance of understanding who the resume is for and how to write the resume for that specific employer or position. This class is free to the public. For more information about this class and any other event at the Grand Forks Public Library, please call 701-772-8116 or go to www.gflibrary.com.

March 8

Greater Grand Forks Symphony Orchestra Concert

Empire Arts Center Featuring Sherry Kujala (flute), Gerald Gaul (viola), and Cecilia Florencia Carcia Gaul (violin). For more information, go to www.ggfso.org.

March 12

Effective Communication Skills

Call TrainND at 701-662-1578 for more information about registering for this class.

March 12

Supervisor Communication Skills

Call TrainND at 701-662-1578 for more information about registering for this class.

March 13

Child Passenger Safety Made Simple

March 13

Car Seat Checkup

March 13

Soup in the Studio

5:00 to 7:30 p.m. Muddy Waters Clay Center For more information, go to www.gfcoalition.org.

Baladino Concert

March 15

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 go to www.thrivent.com/disclosures. Or, you can 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.

March 17

Introduction to Rosemaling (March Series)

Sponsored by: Velkommen, downtown Grand Forks This is the start of the annual spring folk-art painting classes taught by Gayle Anderson. Class size is limited to 15 students, and is on a first come, first served basis. Contact Rochelle (Ro) Wetsch at Velkommen, downtown Grand Forks, to register for this event. Call 701-775-8482.

March 20

Survivors of Suicide Support Group

Riverwalk Centre  East Grand Forks, MN Across from Cabela’s  218-773-0711 www.SignatureJewelersEGF.com

March 20-22 and 27-29 The Spitfire Grill

7:30 p.m. Empire Arts Center Tickets are $15 for individuals or $12 for students and EAC members. Purchase tickets online at www. empireartscenter.com or call 701-746-5500. Percy Talbot has just been released from a five-year prison sentence for manslaughter. She is trying to find a place for a fresh start, and based on a page from an old travel book, travels to the small town of Gilead, Wisconsin. The local sheriff, Joe Sutter, who is also Percy’s parole officer, finds her a job at Hannah’s Spitfire Grill, the only eatery in this struggling town. The Spitfire Grill is for sale. But with no interested buyers, Hannah decides to raffle it off. Entry fees are one hundred dollars and the best essay on why you want the grill wins. Soon, mail arrives by the wheelbarrow full and things are definitely getting hot at the Spitfire Grill. This musical triumph is an inspiring celebration of fresh starts and the power of what one person can do.

grandcitieswoman.com 5

March 22

April/May 2014

10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Alerus Center

Velkommen, downtown Grand Forks Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. A permanent installation is available for rent for weddings or special heritage events. Dates are filling up quickly. Inquire within and reserve your dates for this year or next year.

Healthy Living Expo

The Norwegian Solje Wedding Crown

March 26

Performance Management

Call TrainND at 701-662-1578 for more information about registering for this class.

April 7

Telemark Rosemaling (April Series)

March 25

Child Passenger Safety Made Simple

March 30

Concert: Where in the World is NVYO?

3:30 p.m. Empire Arts Center Tickets for adults are $5, educators/military are $3, and children 12 and under are free. For more information, go to www.novyo.org.

Sponsored by: Velkommen, downtown Grand Forks This final spring folk-art painting series taught by Gayle Anderson is now SOLD OUT. Class size was limited to 15 students on a first come, first served basis.

April 8 and 9

Advanced Microsoft® Excel 2010

Call TrainND at 701-662-1578 for more information about registering for this class.

April 10 through 12

Mrs. North Dakota America Pageant

Jamestown Learn more at www.mrsnd.com or contact Director Mary Schwartzkopf at (701)347-8744. Follow the Mrs. North Dakota America Pageant on Facebook for updates.

April 5

April 10

Alerus Center, Grand Forks 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. This event is sponsored by the NDSU Extension Service and Grand Forks Horticultural Society, and this year’s theme is “Gardening By the Season!” There will be four sessions, each having eight or more concurrent programs. New to this year is a series of beginner gardening topics, titled “Basics,” that will focus on the topics of Annuals, Pruning, Container Planting, Roses, Vegetables, Soil Preparation, and Tree Planting. Additional topics include: Spring Gardening, Summer Gardening, Fall and Winter Gardening, Plant Disease Diagnosis, Teaching Kids to Garden, Ornamental Grasses, Gardening With the Weather, Insect - Pests and Friends, Advanced Pruning and various classes on birds. Many experts will cover the numerous topics; some recognizable names include Eric Bergeson, Julie Schroer, Jodie Ramsay, and Stan Tekiela. The $40.00 registration fee covers all of the day’s events including the educational programs, gardening vendors, breaks, lunch, door prizes, a free perennial, and lots of great gardening camaraderie. For more information go to www. ag.ndsu.edu/grandforkscountyextension or call the NDSU Extension Service at 701-780-8229.

Gardening Saturday

Child Passenger Safety Made Simple

April 10

Car Seat Checkup

April 11 ArtSee

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4:30 to 8:00 p.m. Empire Arts Center Showcasing up-and-coming and distinguished artists, ArtSee gives guests the opportunity to view art from a variety of mediums, mingle with talented local and regional artists, and purchase one-of-a-kind pieces in a fun and social atmosphere. Newcomers and art enthusiasts alike can experience the art scene in the relaxed and creative environment at the Empire Arts Center. Approaching its ninth year, ArtSee has proven to be a distinguished event in Grand Forks. Guests are encouraged to come and enjoy free appetizers and drinks while surrounding themselves with live music and an art experience available nowhere else in the region. ArtSee is the Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals opportunity to provide support for the arts in our community and engage the citizens of Grand Forks and East Grand Forks with an event that is completely free and open to the public. For more information, go to www.ypartsee.com.

April 12

Spin for Kids

8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Altru Health System’s Spin for Kids is an indoor bike relay race on stationary spin bikes. Teams of riders raise money for children with special needs to help ease the financial burden that these families often face. Learn more at www.altru.org/spinforkids or “like” Spin for Kids on Facebook.

April 22

Child Passenger Safety Made Simple

April 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 go to www.thrivent.com/disclosures. Or, you can 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.

April 29

Effective Presentation & Public Speaking Skills

Call TrainND at 701-662-1578 for more information about registering for this class.

Mrs. North Dakota

America 2013 Encourages Women to Enter 2014

Exclusively at

Competition

North Dakota married women age 18 and older are invited to partake in the Mrs. North Dakota America Pageant to be held April 10-12, 2014, in Jamestown. Current titleholder, Aly Downs from Bismarck stated, “Being involved in pageants is something I have grown to love: the people, rallying behind a cause, building confidence, being on stage…it’s an experience that I hope more amazing women across our state come to embrace. Give it a try!” The state pageant week- Pictured: Mrs. North Dakota America end will be a memorable, Aly Downs. Photo by Paula Preston. fun-filled event. The woman selected as Mrs. North Dakota America will represent the Peace Garden State in the Mrs. America Pageant, which is in its 38th year. Applicants must be a North Dakota resident and a U.S. citizen. Learn more at www.mrsnd.com or contact Director Mary Schwartzkopf at (701)347-8744. Follow the Mrs. North Dakota America Pageant on Facebook for updates.

Areas largest selection of fine eyewear 2900 S. Columbia Road, Grand Forks 701-746-6745 www.lvctr.com

Donating plasma saves lives and is surprisingly easy and quick to do, plus you can receive up to

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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.

Sublime Aesthetic Professionals

The Clarisonic Pedi Device is precision-engineered with an entirely new motor, running at a powerful “foot frequency” that safely exfoliates rough, dry foot skin. Our facial cleansing devices run at a gentler “face frequency,” and aren’t designed to drive the Pedi Smoothing Disc and Wet/Dry Buffing Brush Head. The Clarisonic Pedi is available at Sublime Aesthetic Professionals. See their ad on page 23.

Lifetime Vision Center

Tiffany Era aviator sunglasses in silver-colored metal with gradient blue 100% polarized lenses. Accents in Tiffany Blue® enamel finish. Exclusively at Lifetime Vision Center. See their ad on page 13. $380

Signature Jewelers

All of us share a basic desire to express our individuality, our feelings and emotions – to stand out from the crowd. Inspired by Nature, we have captured the essence of this spirit with the launch of our new line of sterling silver interchangeable jewelry – Kameleon available at Signature Jewelers in East Grand Forks. See their ad on page 5.

True Colors

Pair the perfect accessories with your outfits. This beautiful red and gold necklace is available at True Colors in downtown Grand Forks. See their ad on page 14. $16

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Velkommen

Jack’s Shoes

Walk farther. Feel Better. A waterproof, full-grain leather sneaker with a removable OrthoLite® footbed keeps you trekking through stormy weather in comfort. WAVEWALK™ walking technology offers an innovative curved rocker sole that conserves energy and provides targeted cushioning to make things easier on your muscles and joints. These shoes are available at Jack’s Shoes in Grand Cities Mall. See their ad on page 14.

Trend alert for 2014! We spotted luxe accessories like this “Coffee Bean” designer necklace from the classic artisan jewelry collection by Dansk Smykkekunst straight from their studio in Copenhagen, Denmark. This design and other pieces in the collection are available from the area’s #1 Scandinavian resource, Velkommen, downtown Grand Forks. See their ad on page 17. $169.00 necklace $89.00 coordinating bracelet (not shown)

Amish Gallery

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 six-drawer lingerie chest is available, along with other selections from The Empire Mission Collection, at the Amish Gallery at Home of Economy. See their ad on page 19.

Studio South

Alexandria Professional body sugaring treatments get rid of your hair and condition your skin. This service is available at Studio South. See their ad on page 15.

Truyu

NovaLash Aftercare Kit. Protect your investment. The NovaLash extensions Aftercare Kit includes Nighttime Conditioner, Cleansing Pads, glycol and carbonatefree NovaLash Mascara, an extra mascara wand and an Aftercare instruction card. See their ad on page 13.

Day Dreams Specialties

Glitter Vinyl and Rhinestone embellished shirts are perfect for your local dance team or cheerleaders. Get your custom creation at Day Dreams Specialties in Grand Forks. See their ad on page 13.

Sterling Carpet One

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 their ad on page 15. grandcitieswoman.com 9

Signature Jewelers

Experience Pandora’s new Valentine’s Collection filled with sparkling stones and the finest sterling silver charms. Celebrate with seasonal accents in loving red, passionate burgundy, and romantic pink. Pandora charms are available at Signature Jewelers in East Grand Forks. See their ad on page 5.

Velkommen

Experience functional design and modern sensibilities with these flatware entertaining essentials by Fjord Design. This “Kristin” pattern was inspired by traditional Norwegian woodcarvings found on historic stave churches in Norway. Stainless steel, dishwasher safe. Coordinating serving pieces and other patterns are also available from Velkommen, downtown Grand Forks. See their ad on page 17. $99.95, 5-piece flatware place setting

Sublime Aesthetic Professionals

Whey Thins is loaded with naturally occurring branched-chain amino acids. These essential nutrients, that come from protein, stimulate muscle growth and reduce muscle breakdown. You may not be used to getting your protein from crackers, but with Whey Thins, you can. They are available at Sublime Aesthetic Professionals. See their ad on page 23.

Studio South

Until now, hair extensions have been messy, damaging, costly and a mediocre product at best. Get Dream Catcher extensions for Studio South. See their ad on page 15.

True Colors

Amish Gallery

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 19.

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This knit infinity scarf with fringe by Saachi Style can keep you warm and stylish. This scarf and many other styles are available at True Colors in downtown Grand Forks. See their ad on page 14. $18

Sterling Carpet One

Aura® paint covers like no other—even the deepest shades never require more than a second coat. Its fast-drying formula lets you recoat in as quickly as an hour and touchups are seamless. Aura paint’s proprietary Color Lock® Technology locks in color for incredible color depth and durability that won’t fade over time and wear. Low VOCs and low odor keep the environment healthier, too. Over 3,600 hues are available through Sterling Carpet One in Grand Forks. See their ad on page 15.

TWO-PART RESUME WRITING CLASS with Cheryl Anderson from the Airman & Family Readiness Center at Grand Forks Air Force Base

February 13

Jack’s Shoes

The Everywhere Bag ideal for travel has an adjustable crossbody strap, two exterior pockets hold cell phone or camera, interior credit card slots, removable coin purse included, back pocket converts to slide securely over suitcase handle, and has water-resistant nylon. Find this product and many other styles a Jack’s Shoes in Grand Cities Mall. See their ad on page 14.

Lifetime Vision Center

Bow Cat Eye Sunglasses Cat eye sunglasses in black and Tiffany Blue® acetate with gradient black lenses and silver-colored bows. 100% UV protection and anti-glare coating. Exclusively at Lifetime Vision Center. See their ad on page 13. $270

Truyu

bareMinerals® Lash Domination Volumizing Mascara is a 10-in-1 volumizing mascara for larger-than-life lashes. It has the Novalash aftercare kit for those who have eyelash extensions. This product is available in Truyu. See their ad on page 13.

6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. The When, Why, & How of Resume Writing This class will address when a Resume is used; why it is good to always have a draft version available; and how to get started.

February 27

6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Understanding Who the Resume is For This class will address the importance of understanding who the resume is for and how to write the resume for that specific employer or position.

These classes are free to the public. For more information about this class and any other event at the Grand Forks Public Library please contact us at 701-772-8116 or look on our website at www.gflibrary.com. 2110 LIBRARY CIRCLE GRAND FORKS, ND 58201 701-772-8116 WWW.GFLIBRARY.COM

Birthday bags for children less fortunate

Call

701-795-4772

for presentations or information on making a donation. Bags distributed through local food pantries.

Day Dreams Specialties

Remember important events in your life with glass engraving available for bottles and glasses from Day Dreams Specialties in Grand Forks. See their ad on page 13.

cheerfulgiversnd@gra.midco.net

www.cheerfulgivers.org grandcitieswoman.com 11

Safe Kids Corner

Child Passenger Safety:

“My, How Times Have Changed” Written by Carma Hanson, MS, RN

Coordinator – Safe Kids Grand Forks/Altru Health System

Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of injury and death to children under age 19. When one considers all the childhood injury risk areas, motor vehicle crashes top the charts for the leading cause of all unintentional /accidental injuries. That said, keeping children safe in and around cars is important; but, as any parent or caregiver knows, it can be an overwhelming and confusing topic. Gone are the days when it is acceptable to put your kids in the back of a station wagon with a clothes basket full of toys to keep them entertained on the ride. (Yes, my mom did this for my siblings and me,) Also gone is the notion that simply sticking your arm out across your passengers’ chest will protect them in a crash.

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February marks Child Passenger Safety Month in North Dakota. During this month, increased efforts are undertaken to provide education and awareness to parents and caregivers on how to best keep their children safe in motor vehicles. The easiest safety issue to remember is that everyone needs to buckle up on every ride. Often, kids are restrained in vehicles, whereas adults are not. Everything inside the vehicle—including people—can become projectiles in a crash. Often, buckled passengers in the vehicle can sustain injury from those who are unbuckled when a crash’s force propels them into other passengers. Even on short rides that are in town or close to home, buckling up is important, and setting the rule, “Buckle up: Every one, every time!” is a good first step to creating a life-long safety behavior that just might save your life.

A few simple guidelines for infant carriers, or rear-facing car seats, include: • Keep a baby rear-facing until he or she is 2 years old, or when the upper age limits of the car seat as been reached. In the past, backward-facing infant seats had a limit of 20 or 22 pounds; currently, many of them allow rear-facing use up to 40 pounds. Children are always safer facing backward because their head, neck, and spine are better protected in a crash. Often, parents worry that as their children grow, propensity for their children’s legs to be injured in a crash also increases. As a nurse and long-time injury prevention specialist, I know that there are little to no documented cases of foot or leg injuries. In actuality, injuries involving the head, neck, or spine are most common. • Remember to “strap before you wrap.” Having a snug-fitting harness system is vital to protecting the child in a crash. Avoid adding heavy clothing to the baby, additional head supports that did not come with the seat, or sheepskin liners. These items can cause the harness to fit incorrectly, and they can become compressed in a crash, causing the harness to be much looser than it should be. To ensure a proper fit, check that no more than one finger fits under the harness system at the shoulders. Once the baby is secured in the harness system, blankets can be put over the top of the carrier to keep baby warm. • Avoid toys on the handles of the car seat; these, too, can become projectiles in a crash.

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• Use caution when carrying the car seat. Do not just carry the seat by its handle because these often break or “give way.” Also, if not strapped in, the baby can tumble out.

Canvas Art Now Available! 4” to 40”

Embroidery Laser Engraving Personalization Screen Printing Awards/Trophies Engraving Garment Printing Promotional Items Decals Specialty Gifts Monday - Friday 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Convertible car seats are the next step up after an infant seat. A convertible seat is one that can face forward or backward. As noted, some of these seats now have upper, rear-facing limits of up to 40 pounds and can be used forward-facing with the harness to much higher weights. In the past, a harness system’s highest weight limit was 40 pounds. However, as more is learned about crash dynamics and the added protection of a five-point harness, manufacturers have raised their weight limits to allow children to be in them longer. A child should be kept in a car seat with a harness until at least 4 years of age and 40 pounds. Again, the longer you can keep children in a harness, the better protected they will be.

1501 11th Ave. N Grand Forks, ND 58203 daydreamsspecialties.com

701-746-1963 grandcitieswoman.com 13

just the opposite to children. Airbags deploy at 200 miles per hour in one-twentieth of a second and can cause major spinal cord injuries to young kids. Remind kids that sharing seat belts is not allowed—especially when carpooling. A lap and shoulder system is always preferred to just a lap belt alone. As kids get to the age of transitioning to a seat belt, they are often riding in vehicles without parental supervision. Make it a rule that they—and others in the vehicle in which they are riding—buckle each and every time.

A resale shop featuring brand name fashions from Chicos to the Buckle, along with your favorite new boutique brands, and unique gift items.

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Following a seat with a harness system is a booster seat. These seats come either with or without a back and perform three functions: 1.) Elevating the child so that the seat belt crosses the hip and lap, rather than the soft tummy area; 2.) Filling the space between the child and seat belt so it fits correctly (because seat belts are designed to fit average-sized adults); and 3.) Helping to position the shoulder strap so that it is across the center of the chest and not across the neck. Kids should remain in a booster seat until they meet the legal requirements of the state in which they live, but more importantly, until the adult seat belt fits them correctly. A correct fit is determined when the child can sit with his or her back against the seat back, knees are bent at the edge of the seat, feet are flat on the floor, the lap belt fits down low across the lap, and the shoulder strap is across the center of the chest. Generally, this occurs when the child has reached a height of around 4 feet 9 inches, but this varies on the size and style of the vehicle. Once kids reach the seat belt stage, it is important to keep these guidelines in mind. Kids should ride in the back seat until they are 13 years of age. Airbags, while designed to protect adults from injury, can do

Another change in motor vehicle safety from “the good old days” is the implementation of the LATCH system. Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children, or LATCH, it is a system that helps with car seat installation. Oftentimes, seat belts can be confusing to use while installing car seats, so the LATCH system incorporated metal brackets in the bend of the seat. Instead of the seatbelt, LATCH straps are used. While neither one is safer if used correctly, there are some issues to consider when using this system. Cars and car seats have weight limitations regarding how long the LATCH system can be used, so check out your instruction manual and follow the recommendations carefully.

The information provided in this Safe Kids Corner only begins to scratch the surface of what is important about motor vehicle safety. It is a complex risk area, and Safe Kids Grand Forks is here to help make that job easier for parents and caregivers. Safe Kids Grand Forks and Altru Health System offer many classes for expectant parents or child care/foster providers, and we conduct car seat checkup events routinely around our region. Additionally, we have materials on our website (www.safekidsgf.com), post updates on our Facebook page, and offer car seat references and updates in our quarterly newsletter (you can sign up at www. altru.org by clicking on the For Visitors tab and then selecting the Get Altru eNews link). The car seat technicians that work with our coalition are dedicated to staying abreast of the changes that occur in the seats on the market, the use in vehicles, and changes in the car seat world. We hope you will take the time to seek out resources to keep your children safe in motor vehicles. North Dakota passed its first car seat law 30 years ago (which is telling of my age, considering that my mom wasn’t required to buckle me up in that old green and brown station wagon). As we look at the past and celebrate the achievements that have been made in motor vehicle safety, we hope you will pledge to do your part in keeping kids safe from their number one cause of injury and death: motor vehicle crashes. Remember to buckle up the ones you love! [GCW] Carma Hanson, MS, RN, Safe Kids of Grand Forks/Altru Health System Coordinator | Writer Carma Hanson, MS, RN, Safe Kids of Grand Forks/Altru Health System Coordinator | Writer Safe Kids of 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 of 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 of Grand Forks. You can also send an email to safekids@altru.org. Safe Kids of Grand Forks is keeping kids safe at home, at school, at play, and on the way!

grandcitieswoman.com 15

Meet Miss Empire 2014

Alyssa Ralston

Meet Miss Grand Forks 2014

Abby Mattson

Photography by Emily Dawes Photography

Q: What is your educational background?

A: I’m a senior at NDSU. My major is Public Relations and Advertising.

A: I’m a sophomore [at] UND. My major is Music Education.

Q: What is your talent?

Q: What is your platform?

A: I do a lyrical dance.

A: Arts Advocacy. I’ve been raised in a blessed musical environment. It started with my dad who was never given music lessons as a child; it wasn’t that

Q: What is your platform?

he was deprived of [music lessons], he just never pursued [playing] an instru-

A: It’s called “Heroes in the Hallway Cultivating Strong Leaders to Eliminate

ment. Later on in life, he learned how to play guitar and is a great musician.

Bullying.” [The platform] stemmed from when I was a freshman in college and

He decided that as soon as he had kids, he would put them in piano lessons

what I experienced in the dorm from my roommates that wanted to live one

and give them tons of music opportunities.

lifestyle. I was focused on school and getting involved on campus. After spring break, I hadn’t told my parents about it until it was time to go back and I

Q: What can you do to motivate a child to learn a musical instrument?

begged them to let me stay [home] and drop out [of college], but they had

A: There is that phase [that speaks of how] kids aren’t as engaged [today],

me go tough it out for the [remaining] seven weeks. I was then going to trans-

especially at piano. You are at the period where you are trying to learn notes

fer to Mayville or UND, but I decided [to] tough it out and got involved on

and you can just sit down and sight-read a piece, and at that moment, I

campus, and now I have really great friends.

think you just need the most positive reinforcement you can get. Just having teachers say they are proud of your progress and your practice is paying off

Q: How do you modify your presentation when you go from talking to a kinder-

[helps tremendously]. Those mini victories help.

gartener to a high school student? A: When you talk to high school students, you can’t sugar-coat things. You

Q: If you win the title of Miss North Dakota, how do you plan to implement

have to be direct. With kindergarteners, you start with the building blocks of

your platform on a state-wide level?

kindness. You want to do activities with them to get them more involved.

A: I’m really excited about my state-wide ideas because Grand Forks is very specifically blessed with music opportunities; but a lot of small towns are cut-

Q: Your sister has been Miss North Dakota. Does that put added pressure on

ting budgets, and with that, the music budgets are getting cut. I think tal-

you?

ented musicians can inspire young kids.

A: I think I add it to myself. I’m the first younger sister of a Miss North Dakota to compete, so it is kind of new to everyone.

Q: What is your dream job? A: My [first goal] is to become a music teacher, but I eventually want to be a worship leader in a large church or recording artist.

16 grandcitieswoman.com

Meet Miss Grand Cities 2014

Drew Adelia Trahms

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Photography by Emily Dawes Photography Q: You are from Janesville, Minnesota, what brought you to Grand Forks? A: I’m a vista with AmeriCorps and I got placed here. It’s the domestic version of the Peace Corps, so you get assigned a site and I work 40 hours a week for an organization that helps impoverished people. I happened to be placed with a non-profit here in North Dakota and I work with refugee integration at Global Friends Coalition. Q: What is your talent? A: Singing, probably a music theatre production number. Q: What is your platform? A: It focuses on making our homeland a home for new American children. I have three siblings that were adopted, so they were new Americans at one time. Q: You are currently mentoring a woman from Nepal. What kinds of things do you do as her mentor? A: She works full time, so I meet with her about four hours a week. Everyone needs a friend and everyone can be a friend. If you know how to cook on an American stove, you already have skills they don’t have. Q: How would you encourage others to become mentors? A: I work for a non-profit that is really a facilitator of volunteers. We specialize in volunteer coordinating and education, so I would love people to be involved in helping new Americans integrate into our society and learn English. Q: How are you preparing for the Miss Minnesota Scholarship Pageant? A: Caroline is great, she is our director; she does a lot of interview prep with us. Thankfully, I’m a political science geek and I love to read the papers. Q: What are you looking forward to the most? A: I love going to Gillette and working with the kids at the children’s hospital. That is my favorite part by far.

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The kids are so excited for us to be there. We have cookies and games to play with the kids. grandcitieswoman.com 17

My inner 7-year-old was cheering, “Go, go, GO! I was invited to a hula hoop party and had no intention of actually trying it, but after some prodding to give it a shot, I reluctantly picked up the large hoop. Fearing failure and embarrassment, I threw the hoop to the left and began to swing my hips. It was like riding a bike; it all came back to me even though I don’t remember hula hooping as a child—I must have. To my surprise, I looked up and exclaimed, “I can do it!” Twisted Sunshine is a partnership between Kylie Driscoll and Katie Link who met through mutual friends in 2007. “For me, it was one summer after a festival,” said Katie, while remembering how she was first introduced to a weighted hula hoop. “A friend of mine bought one, and we were all around a bonfire. I picked it up, and it took me 2 hours before I could even get it to stay up, and I just kept trying. I fell in love with it.” Soon after, Katie and Kylie began making their own hula hoops for personal use. Then, word-of-mouth spread. They made a few for friends as favors and then realized they had a business opportunity that they couldn’t pass up.

18 grandcitieswoman.com

Hula hoops aren’t just for play anymore. Weighted hula hoops in a variety of sizes and levels of difficulty are being used in exercise classes around the county—even right here in Grand Forks. “The ultimate goal is for people to share the fun,” said Kylie. “That is why I got into it. It’s a new and interesting way to tone up and tighten up your abs.” Kylie’s mom picked up a hula hoop for the first time eight months ago. “She does it every day now. She had a C-section and she has always had problems losing that [weight],” said Kylie. “She swears by it.” Right now, Twisted Sunshine’s business model is to host hula hoop parties for people to try them out while having a fun time with friends, family, or coworkers. “It’s kind of like a Tupperware party,” said Katie. “We come to show off what we have and take orders.” The women will also rent their inventory for special events. “People are constantly looking for fun and exciting things to do at their weddings or a little girl’s birthday,” said Kylie.

Pictured: Kylie Driscoll and Katie Link, owners of Twisted Sunshine.

Kylie and Katie get a kick out of how many men are willing to try it. In my personal experience, after returning home from the hula hoop party, I got a confused look from my husband when I showed him my new hoop. “What is that?” he asked. After listening to me explain what I had just learned about the hula hoop, he quickly swiped it out of my hands to give it a try in the privacy of our living room. Dropping it many times and expressing a few frustrated grunts, he vowed to eventually “get it.” A few weeks have passed since his first try; now, he hula hoops every day for at least 20 minutes—while he watches a hockey game, of course. Weighted hula hoops from Twisted Sunshine range in size from 27 inches to 51 inches and cost between $20 and $60. If you are interested in purchasing a hula hoop from Twisted Sunshine, contact Kylie at 701-740-6585 or Katie at 701-739-2660. You can also “like” them on Facebook. According to an article on www.health.com titled Hoop Yourself Slim, if you start with the basic moves until you feel comfortable, then step up to more advanced ones, mixing and matching for your own personal head-to-toe tone-up. Do any combination of moves for 30 minutes (you’ll burn 150 to 250 calories per workout) three times a week for four weeks and you’ll lose 3 to 6 inches all over your body. Disclaimer: Please consult your physician before beginning a new exercise regime. [GCW] grandcitieswoman.com 19

20 grandcitieswoman.com

Written and photographed by Autumn Graber

While sitting at the dinner table one evening, my 5-year-old son surprised me by reciting the pledge of allegiance perfectly. While listening to him and watching his proud face as he spoke, I couldn’t help but take pride in knowing that he has learned such an important oath. He may not know exactly what all the words mean yet, but it’s a start. As he wrapped up with “…liberty and justice for all,” I was about to clap and congratulate him when he quickly shook his head in disapproval to let me know there was more. He continued on with, “Century Elementary is a place where we come to learn about respect, citizenship, and skills for life in the world. Our motto is today’s learners, tomorrow’s leaders.” Now, I was even more impressed. Our school system is full of talented and intelligent individuals upon whom we place a heavy responsibility. They must take our youth under their wing to not only educate, but to help impart respect for others and teach skills that they will use in everyday life. I had the honor to meet one of those educators on a couple of different occasions. After joining Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) of Grand Forks and being assigned to table number one amongst a group of lovely women, I met Judith Konerza. Her children are grown and have since moved out of the home, but she continues to volunteer her time to the group as the Mentor Mom Coordinator. She spoke to the large group of women about the year’s theme, “A Beautiful Mess.” She recalled how her life had evolved from picking up after her children to picking up after her grandchildren when they come to visit—which she wouldn’t trade for the world. She spoke with such kindness and wisdom that when the meeting was over, I had a sense of renewal and the overwhelming feeling that I, too, could get through my own beautiful mess. Fast forward a few weeks, and I met Judith in a completely different capacity. My husband and I attended an event at our son’s school called “Kindergarten Connection,” an opportunity for parents to come into the school and find out what their kids are learning and even participate in some center activities with them. Once again, I was not disappointed by Judith and her presentation to the group of parents.

grandcitieswoman.com 21

Judith is the Parent Information Center Coordinator for Grand Forks Public Schools. She went back to college at the age of 32 on a part-time basis to get her degree. “Part of the motivation was I wanted my kids to go to college,” she said. Judith received her bachelors in education from the University of North Dakota in December of 1998 and began her career in teaching at Century Elementary. One of her favorite things to do was bring parents in for family night to show them what their children were working on during the school day. “Multiplication is a third grade skill, so we practiced it with parents,” she smiled. “We would do it through song and through games. Then, we would send it home with the parents and we would say, ‘Now practice it with your kid.’ You reinforce it when you practice. You can hone and develop your skill. So as a teacher, I was doing lots of parent involvement.” Judith always knew her true passion was in the relationship she could develop with the parents. “When parents know what their kids need to be learning, it helps them support the learning at home.” Judith continued on with her education while teaching and received a master’s from UND in the effects of parent involvement in children’s reading. She then moved on to North Dakota State University to receive her doctorate. It was during this time that she came across a newly developed program called Gearing Up for Kindergarten, a parent and family education program that supports child development, school readiness, and healthy parenting. Gearing Up for Kindergarten combines preschool learning activities for children and educational opportunities for parents. “My doctoral research became bringing Gearing Up to Grand Forks,” she said. “The whole program continues to evolve, but socially and emotionally it made a significant difference. As a classroom teacher, what I could tell you if I have a child that is socially and emotionally ready to learn, I can do anything academically. It is setting the table for that child to be able to attend, to feel safe, to know how to cooperate, and how to listen.” After graduating with her doctorate, Judith became the state-wide coordinator for this program and now divides her time between her duties as the Parent Information Center coordinator and the state-wide coordinator for Gearing Up for Kindergarten that is now funded by the legislature.

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Parents can attend Gearing Up for Kindergarten with their 4-yearold one year before they enter kindergarten. Parents can then choose between a ten or sixteen week program that meets once a week. When parents attend the class with their child, the first fortyfive minutes are spent in the classroom at literacy, science, math, and sensory motor centers. “What we really want to do is co-create at a developmental level,” Judith said. The parents are encouraged to explore and discover new things with their children and learn different ways to learn in happy and safe environments. Parents come to realize that learning doesn’t happen just at the table. You can take opportunities to learn while driving down the street by asking your child to find certain letters on billboards and street signs you pass. “There are so many ‘ah-ha’ moments,” said Judith. “My motto is learning is every day in every way.” The Gearing Up for Kindergarten program began as a response from NDSU Extension because North Dakota is one of 10 states without pre-kindergarten funding from the state. Children, whose parents might not be able to afford to place their children in preschool or Head Start, will be among a group of children that will enter school not ready to learn. “Research shows that when a parent knows what to do, they are more likely to work with their children at home.” If parents aren’t engaging their child at home, it isn’t because they are too busy or disinterested. “When I was doing my doctoral research, one of the key things that emerged is that parents want to help their kids, but they need to know what to do. We need to put those tools into parent’s hands.”

“We’ve created a ground swell and people want it,” she said. Some of the sites Judith has set up in North Dakota are in Grand Forks, Fargo, Minot, Bismarck, Williston, Langdon, and Fort Totten. There is a 10 percent participation rate state-wide among the students. “That is why I love this job. I get to empower people to succeed. I miss the classroom, but I feel like the place that I am now is going to have a greater influence.” Times have changed; kindergarten was different 20 years ago. “Change has been exponential—look at our technology,” Judith said. “It takes society time to catch up. I know kids are capable, but without the proper journey, then it becomes a speed race and kids can’t speed race.” [GCW]

For more information about Gearing Up for Kindergarten or to register for the next session, call the Parent Information Center at 701-787-4216 or send an email to pic@gfschools.org.

grandcitieswoman.com 23

ITʼS A COMPETITIVE WORLD, TRAIN FOR IT!

EMPLOYEE TRAINING IN GRAND FORKS · FUNDAMENTALS OF SELLING - FEB 18

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701-795-3731

Tabitha.bachmeier@lrsc.edu Jill.morseth@lrsc.edu www.lrsc.edu/workforce