Grand Cities Woman Volume 3 Issue 4

COMPLIMENTARY

Volume 3, Issue 4 August | September 2014

An Evolution

Publisher Girl on Fire Publishing Managing Editor/Ad Sales Autumn Graber (701) 261-2692 grandcitieswoman@live.com

Advertising Sales Mary Glessner

(701) 330-3150 gcwmagazine@gmail.com

Copy Editor MariLou Harveland Design/Layout Autumn Graber and Jessie Flatt CFO Kelly Graber Mail correspondence to: Grand Cities Woman PO Box 5503 Grand Forks, ND 58206 Connect with us! grandcitieswoman@live.com www.girlonfireonline.com www.facebook.com/grandcitieswoman www.twitter.com/gcitieswoman Messages sent to us by email, Twitter, or Facebook might be used in future issues of Grand Cities Woman.

Printed in North Dakota. © 2014 Girl on Fire Publishing. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Grand Cities Woman Magazine assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. Grand Cities Woman Magazine does not necessarily endorse or agree with content of articles or advertising presented.

This magazine is printed on an environmentally certified paper that contains a 10% post-consumer waste. FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council™) is an international, non-profit association that promotes well-managed forests by ensuring forestry practices that are environmentally responsible, socially equitable, and economically viable.

If you would like to become a contributor to Grand Cities Woman, please contact us via email at grandcitieswoman@live.com or call us at 701-2612692. We are currently searching for experts in their industry to submit articles relevant to women in our area.

Proud Member of

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As a new issue of Grand Cities Woman makes its way into homes, businesses, and mobile devices, and as the summer winds down and brings thoughts of the approaching start of a new school year, we begin an evolution of our own.

Grand Cities Woman is embarking upon a new beginning, a chance to move forward, reinvent ourselves, and offer a fresh new appearance to our readers. As the magazine celebrates its two-year anniversary, I’ve had the pleasure of reflecting upon the many interviews I’ve had with area women about their hopes, dreams, and passions. I fondly recall the many stories that have moved me to deep thought and inspiration, and hope that they have had the same effect on you. Perhaps you have read a story about women business owners who encouraged you to start your own business, or maybe you read a story about a woman who willingly gives of her free time to volunteer in the community, which inspired you to find a program that you are passionate about. We are not here to empower you

COMPLIMENTARY

because you are already empowered.

We merely want to relate great stories about inspirational women.

Within the Greater Grand Forks area is a wealth of knowledge, resilience, and a sense of community; that wealth lies within you. Our readers and advertisers have helped this magazine grow into a publication for which I am proud. The group of businesses that advertise with us, to the women we feature, to the women that read our publication have one thing in common: they are on fire. All the women I have met over the years have conveyed this sense of intensity within for what they are passionate about. That is why we have made the decision to rebrand our publishing company as Girl on Fire Publishing. We feel that our new name and look encompasses what we really stand for: Women supporting each other with a common bond and a burning passion.

We will begin implementing new features into our website (www. girlonfireonline.com), which will offer more benefit to our readers. Make sure you “like” us on Facebook to receive updated information about our innovations. I look forward to continuing the mission we have already put in place and advancing this publication that we proudly publish in Grand Forks for the women of the Greater Grand Forks area.

-Autumn Graber, Publisher Girl on Fire

Volume 3, Issue 4 August | September 2014

On the Cover

Photographed by Katie Brock Photography in downtown Grand Forks Ashley Rae, owner of Brand Logic and founder of HBDG, is a dynamic combination of brand visionary, marketing strategist, and professional business consultant. Her experience, along with her true desire to empower and mentor women to reach their full potential, has provided her with a unique ability to help today’s independent business woman experience success professionally and personally.

what’s inside...

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Feature: Ahsley Rae Ashley feels that life must have a purpose. “It doesn’t matter what anyone else is doing, as long as we are doing what we were meant to do. That is all that matters.”

Restoring Meaning A struggle seems to exist between perceived expectations and reality regarding holidays and celebrations in the wake of social media.

A Wicked Good Time To be placed on a list to receive information about our next trip to New York City, please call Autumn Graber at 701-2612692. You can also send your name and address via email to grandcitieswoman@live.com. Once dates are set, we will notify everyone interested in traveling with us to the Big Apple.

Mini mentorship For an in-depth overview of this article, go to www.HerBrandDevelopmentGroup.com to learn how to sign up for our online training webinars.

Safe kids corner 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.

Hot Spots to Shop 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 Girl on Fire Publishing.

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Save Date Event Calendar

Socialize|Learn|Explore Please call ahead to confirm events. Promote your October and November community events by sending information to grandcitieswoman@live.com or calling Autumn at (701) 261-2692 by September 1, 2014.

August

Colored Gem Event Riddle’s Jewelry Stop in to Riddle’s Jewelry the whole month of August for special offers on colored gems.

August and September

The Norwegian Solje Wedding Crown 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.

Permanent installation and ongoing. Available for rent during weddings or other special heritage events. Dates are filling up quickly, so reserve your dates by calling 701-775-8482.

August 2

Screening Saturday: Athletic Performance Assessment 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Sanny and Jerry Ryan Center for Prevention and Genetics Meet with Altru’s Performance Enhancement Specialist to identify the correct training path for you. The free assessment will focus on functional movement, identifying limitations, asymmetries, and providing recommendations to improve your speed, strength, and agility.

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August 7

Health Care Planning 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Altru Clinic in East Grand Forks This free community class will cover the importance of Advance Directives. An Advance Directive allows you to designate a health care agent to make medical decisions for you if you are unable to do so during a medical emergency.

During this class, various Altru staff will be available to answer questions and provide guidance as you complete your own Advance Directive. If you have questions, call 701-780-5179.

August 9 through September 23

Form + Function Vekommen, 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.

An exhibit and sale showcasing the design of small and large ceramic works into heart-shaped forms by Swedish designer Ylva Olsson. Olsson is educated in applied art and design. Her designs focus on functional table products. After receiving her master’s degree in 2007 at the University of Art and Design in Helskini, she is now running her own design studio in the southern part of Sweden. For more information, call 701-775-8482.

August 12

Cherished Children Memorial Service 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Altru Hospital The death of a child, regardless of age, is extremely difficult. This event seeks to support families who have lost a child by any means, and at any stage of life. Two families will share their personal story of loss. Participating organizations include TEARS Suicide Prevention Project, Sunshine Memorial Foundation, Altru’s Child Life Program, Wings of Hope – Altru’s Infant Bereavement Services, Camp Good Mourning, and Altru Health Foundation. Certified therapy dogs and their trainers will also be in attendance. Attendees are encouraged to arrive between 6:30 and 7 p.m. to create a luminary that will be used at the conclusion of the service. Please call 701-7805257 for more information.

August 14

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.

August 14

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.

August 16

Rollin’ on the River 6:00 a.m. Packet pick up Choice Health and Fitness

August 18

2014 Fall Showcase 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Gorecki Alumni Center This is an event where members and the general public can visit with OLLI instructors about their upcoming courses and enjoy an upbeat social event with refreshments. Our guest speaker is Dr. Robert Boyd, Vice President Emeritus for Student and Outreach Services at UND. He’ll be discussing, North Dakota: The Rectangle Gets Recognition. For more information or to view a list of upcoming courses, please visit UND.edu/olli or

call 701.777.3000.

August 19 & 20

North Dakota Ballet & Academy Open House 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

For more information go to www.northdakotaballet.org or call 701-746-6044.

August 26

JEANNE BioLife donor

Child Passenger Safety Made Simple 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 701-780-5179.

RECEIVE UP TO

$280

August 31 and September 1

19th Annual Stump Lake Village Threshing Bee The event begins with a threshermen’s breakfast at 7:00 a.m. on both days at Stump Lake Village on the edge of Stump Lake Park. The event includes entertainment, old time demos, parade, food, crafts, and tours of the village. The admission fee is good for both days.

September

55th Diamond Anniversary Riddle’s Jewelry Stop in to Riddle’s Jewelry the whole month of

YOUR 1ST MONTH!

BE A LIFESAVER AT BIOLIFE.

VISIT BIOLIFEPLASMA.COM TO LEARN MORE AND SCHEDULE YOUR DONATION.

It doesn’t matter who you are or what you do, your plasma donation has the potential to save countless lives.

4770 Technology Circle • Grand Forks, ND 58203 • 701.772.7447 Free Supervised Playroom & Free WiFi All BioLife donor eligibility criteria must be met to protect the donor’s health and product safety.

$110 Must present this coupon prior to the initial donation to receive a total of $30 on your first, a total of $40 NEW DONORS OR DONORS WHO HAVEN’T DONATED IN FIVE MONTHS OR MORE, PRESENT THIS COUPON AND RECEIVE $110 IN JUST THREE DONATIONS.

on your second and a total of $40 on your third successful donation. Initial donation must be completed by 9.30.14 and subsequent donations within 30 days. Coupon redeemable only upon completing successful donations. May not be combined with any other offer. Only at participating locations.

September for special offers on diamond jewelry.

September 6

Autumn JunkFest & Flea Market *10th Anniversary* Foster County Fairgrounds, Carrington 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Calling all junk enthusiasts! Come celebrate 10 years of vintage & junky goodness with the JunkFest Girls and over 80 vendors. A fun festival featuring raw junk ready for your creative hand, creative up-cycled junk ready to place in your home, vintage estate finds, antiques, jewelry, modern handcrafts, quirky garden art, and so much more! Grab a delicious bite at one of the many food vendors on site and enjoy the live music of Wild Hands while you hunt for your treasures. Admission is $5 for adults while children 12 & under are admitted for free. Parking is free.

For more information, go to www.facebook.com/ junkfest or www.junk-fest.blogspot.com.

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Distributed by Girl on Fire Publishing at the following locations: If you would like to provide Grand Cities Woman to your clients or customers, please contact us by phone at 701-261-2692 or by email at grandcitieswoman@live.com.

Altru Health System Choice Fitness Coldwell Banker Day Dreams Specialties Flying J Travel Plaza Grand Forks International Airport Grand Cities Mall Hugo’s in Grand Forks Hugo’s in East Grand Forks MODE Outlet Store North Dakota Ballet Company River Cinema 15 Salon South Sanford Health SuperOne in Grand Forks Sublime Aesthetic Professionals Tim Hortons True Colors UND Aerospace UND Student Union Velkommen in Grand Forks Hotels: America’s Best Value Inn AmericInn Canad Inns C’mon Inn Comfort Inn Country Inn & Suites Days Inn Econo Lodge GuestHouse TownHouse Hotel Hampton Inn

LET YOUR PERSONAL CHARACTER SHINE THROUGH WHEN YOU RENT A STYLIST ROOM AT STUDIO SOUTH. YOUR ROOM DÉCOR IS ONLY LIMITED

BY YOUR IMAGINATION.

Holiday Inn Express Howard Johnson Knights Inn and Suites Lakeview Inn and Suites My Place Quality Inn Ramada Road King Inn Select Inn Settle Inn Sleep Inn

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ROOM RENTALS FOR STYLISTS, PLEASE CONTACT:

AMBER STEGMAN AT (701) 775-4511 OR AT STUDIOSOUTHGF.COM

Springhill Suites by Marriot Staybridge Super 8

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4551 S. Washington Street, Suite K | 2nd Floor of the Crary Prudential Building

September 11

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.

September 11

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.

September 11 and 12

Altru Alliance Jewelry Sale 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Altru Hospital All sales are located in the lower level of Altru Hospital (meeting rooms A-D).

September 27

Altru’s Harvest Gala 5:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

Alerus Center Enjoy a festive night at Altru’s Harvest Gala.

One hundred percent of the funds raised will support Altru’s Colorectal Cancer Screening Initiative.

The night includes dinner, a speaker, in addition to live and silent auctions. The evening closes with dancing to the music of the Downtown Horns. Altru’s Colorectal Cancer Screening Initiative includes community awareness campaigns and a financial assistance program. Patients who are uninsured or underinsured and meet the financial guidelines will receive assistance with the costs for a screening colonoscopy. For more information, visit us on facebook. com/altrusharvestgala.

October

Grand Forks Training Series trainND Northeast This four hour Development Dimensions International (DDI) training on Communication will provide you with training on deeper insights, proven solutions, and better results for your company. This training is a prerequisite to further DDI trainings. Supply trainND with your email address and they will send you additional trainings, dates, and times. Send an email to jill.morseth@lrsc.edu or tabitha.bachmeier@lrsc.edu.

October 2014 – April 2015 Proceeds from these sales benefit Altru patients and their families.

September 13

2014 Walk to End Alzheimer’s—Grand Forks 8:00 a.m. Registration 9:00 a.m. Walk Lion’s Park on 3251 17th Ave S, Grand Forks For more information contact Traie Dockter at 701-277-9757 or send an email to tdockter@alz.org.

Grand Forks Training Series trainND Northeast Training topics include: Business Etiquette, Communication, Leadership/ Management, Microsoft® Excel, Supervisor Challenges and more. Additional information on specific trainings, dates, and times to follow.

September 23

Child Passenger Safety Made Simple 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 regis-

ter, please call 701-780-5179.

September 24

Altru’s Rehab Autism Screening Clinic 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Altru Rehabilitation Center One in 88 children are diagnosed with autism. Early detection contributes to more effective treatment while decreasing the likelihood of developmental problems later in life. Parents who have concerns regarding a child’s development have access to the autism screening clinic at no cost. For more information, call 701-780-2481 or visit www.altru.org/autism.

September 26 and 27

Wild Hog Half Marathon Go to www.gfmarathon.com for more information.

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Lifetime Vision Center

Optic + Vision, featuring the Ogi Kids frames, can be found exclusively at Lifetime Vision Center.

These bright, bold colors are sure to brighten up any child’s day! See their ad on page 13.

Jack’s Shoes

The Avenue Tote from Baggallini® is perfect for the teacher heading back to school. It has a zippered cell phone pocket, padded technology pocket that fits a 15-inch laptop, and a removable ID pocket. Right now, teachers receive a free gift with the purchase of a Baggallini® product while supplies last at Jack’s Shoes in the Grand Cities Mall. See their ad on page 27.

Amish Gallery

GRAND CITIES WOMAN SHOPPING GUIDE

Hot Spots to

SHOP

This beautiful Amish handcrafted McCoy Mantel Clock features two distinct chimes. With superior Amish craftsmanship, this stunning mantel clock is available through the Amish Gallery at Home of Economy. See their ad on page 13.

PRODUCTS YOU NEED this Fall

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 Girl on Fire Publishing.

MODE®

MODE® is Home of the $40.00 Designer Jean.

Some of our jeans retail for over $200.00, but at MODE, you pay only $40.00. See their ad on page 17.

Day Dreams

Day Dreams Specialties is now licensed to print NDSU gear. See their ad on page 15.

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Velkommen

Now introducing I Skinn AB, a ladies couture collection of soft merino wool (designer knit jackets and coats) straight from their workshop and studio in Gavle, Sweden. Call 701-775-8482 for your one-on-one personalized consultation/styling service available from Velkommen, downtown Grand Forks.

See their ad on page 30. $379.00 - Knit jacket shown (S-XXL)

Truyu

Meet your new ultimate mascara.

Lash DominationTM is a 10-in-1 volumizing mascara for larger-than-life lashes. You can find this product at Truyu. See their ad on page 23.

True Colors

Vera Bradley is a leader in fashionable, colorful, cotton quilted handbags, accessories, luggage, and paper and gift items for women of every age.

This handbag is available at True Colors. See their ad on page 27. $34.99

Sterling Carpet One

The Hagen family from Savoy House offers sleek, streamlined style that is at once both modern and classic. This group has a timeless appeal with a lustrous Heirloom Brass or Satin Nickel finish and soft white etched glass. The versatile Hagen is available as chandeliers, pendants, sconces, bath bars, ceiling flush mounts, and semi flush mounts through Sterling Carpet One. See their ad on page 21.

Truyu

This AfterCare Kit contains Nighttime Conditioner and Cleansing Pads with pomegranate seed extract for conditioning, glycol and carbonate-free NovaLash Mascara, an extra mascara wand to comb through the lashes each morning, and an Aftercare Instruction Card. This product is available at Truyu. See their ad on page 23.

Velkommen

This newly translated and illustrated edition of “Pippi Longstocking,” by Astrid Lindgren, of book one in the Pippi series will introduce another generation of children to the irrepressible Pippi Longstocking and her outrageous adventures. The original Swedish version was published in 1945. Your number one Scandinavian resource for this and other heritage gift books and calendars is Velkommen, downtown Grand Forks.

See their ad on page 30. $36.95 - hardcover, 203 pages

Day Dreams Specialties Customize a clock with your favorite team logo or make one for your business from Day Dreams Specialties. See their ad on page 15.

Dunn Bros. Coffee

Don’t forget to pick up your fresh roasted beans. You also receive a free brewed coffee with each one pound coffee bean purchase. All of the beans at Dunn Bros. Coffee are roasted on-site, right here in Grand Forks. See their ad on page 17.

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Sterling Carpet One

The Savoy House Colton is a large collection of sleek and stylish lighting that is suitable for many styles of home décor. White opal glass shades create an even and flattering glow that fits well with the Satin Nickel or English Bronze finishes.

Colton is available as chandeliers, pendants, mini pendants, and ceiling mount fixtures through Sterling Carpet One. See their ad on page 21.

Riddle’s Jewelry

Lifetime Vision Center

Studio South

Alexandria Professional® body sugaring treatments get rid of hair and condition your skin. This service is available at Studio South. See their ad on page 6.

Not your ordinary cat-eye! The 3114 is a playful new twist on a classic design and can be found exclusively at Lifetime Vision Center. See their ad on page 13.

Stop in to Riddle’s Jewelry the whole month of August for special offers on colored gems. See their ad on page 25.

Sublime Aesthetic Professionals

Put a stop to aging with this skin care system from Sublime Aesthetic Professionals. See their ad on page 31.

MODE®

MODE® has great Jewelry & Accessory items starting at just $9.99. See their ad on page 17.

True Colors

Armored wallets from Pretty Tools are made with tough aluminum to protect your credit cards from RFID identity theft. These designs fit easily into any pocket or purse and are available at True Colors. See their ad on page 27.

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Amish Gallery

This Country View Woodworking oak kitchen island with tile top is available through the Amish Gallery at Home of Economy. See their ad on page 13.

Jack’s Shoes

The Nassau crossbody bag from Baggallini® has a 52-inch adjustable strap, interior organizational pockets, and water-resistant nylon. This bag and many more options are available at Jack’s Shoes in the Grand Cities Mall.

See their ad on page 27.

LOOKING FOR A

ewarding R CAREER?

Sublime Aesthetic Professionals

For those of you suffering from rosacea, Sublime Aesthetic Professionals has the solution with this system of skin care products.

See their ad on page 29.



Apply within or view schedules, beneets and/or apply online at www.developmenthomes.org.

3880 S Columbia Rd, Grand Forks, ND

Riddle’s Jewelry

Stop in to Riddle’s Jewelry the whole month of September for special offers on diamond jewelry. See their ad on page 25.

Birthday bags for children less fortunate

Call

701-795-4772

for presentations or information on making a donation.

Studio South

Until now, hair extensions have been messy, damaging, costly, and a mediocre product at best. Get Dream Catcher® extensions from Studio South. See their ad on page 6.

Bags distributed through the local food pantries.

cheerfulgiversnd@gra.midco.net

www.cheerfulgivers.org girlonfireonline.com

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Safe Kids Corner Bringing Home Your Baby: Baby-Proofing 101 Written by Carma Hanson, MS, RN Coordinator – Safe Kids Grand Forks/Altru Health System

I have had many exciting and challenging jobs in my professional career but the best and most rewarding one has the title of “mother.” A nurse by profession, I went through twelve weeks of orientation and countless hours of additional training to prepare for my job in nursing. However, being a mother doesn’t come with any prep courses, orientations, or training programs. Motherhood is one of, if not the, most important job a woman will ever have and yet little “instruction” is provided. That’s where Safe Kids Grand Forks comes to serve as a resource, particularly when it comes to keeping kids safe. Whether you’re becoming a parent or grandparent, or if you’re taking care of a child, one of these important steps to help prepare you and your home for children is child-proofing and baby-proofing your home to make it a safer environment.

Many things can be overlooked during the baby and child proofing process. Make sure you cover all power outlets and pick up small objects. To spot potential threats, parents and caregivers should get down on their hands and knees to see their home from a child’s vantage. Some plants around the home that are in reach of small children can be poisonous. To find out if your plants are safe, call Poison Control at 800222-1222.

Today, many people are buying flat screen televisions and putting the old tube TVs in their children’s rooms. Every 45 minutes, a child visits the emergency room somewhere in the U.S. because of a TV tipping over onto a child. In less time than it takes to watch an episode of “Sesame Street,” a child can be injured from a television falling on top of him or her. Seven out of 10 children injured by TV tip-overs are 5 years old or

Carma Hanson, MS, RN, Safe Kids 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!

If you would like to become a contributor to Grand Cities Woman, please contact us via email at grandcitieswoman@live.com or call us at 701-261-2692. We are currently searching for experts in their industry to submit articles relevant to women in our area.

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younger. To prevent TV tip-overs, secure your TV with a wall mount or anchor the television to the entertainment center. Keep televisions off of dressers or other furniture that are not mounted to the wall. Often, children use the dresser drawers or shelves as a step ladder to reach the television, causing it to topple over.

Televisions should only be placed in areas of the home where children are supervised and never store the remote or other objects where kids can get on top of the furniture piece.

A child’s bedroom or nursery is the most important room to inspect for potential hazards. If the child is sharing a room with an older sibling, be sure to keep their toys separate. Many toys for older children pose a major choking hazard to young children. To test if a toy is a choking hazard, you can use a small parts tester. An alternative to this device is the “toilet paper roll test.” If a toy can fit through the middle of an empty toilet paper roll, then a child less than three years of age could potentially choke on that toy. Another danger in the nursery or bedroom is the blind cords that hang from windows. Children can become caught and strangled in these cords, so be sure to shorten them or tie them up high.

Furniture placement in a child’s bedroom is important as well. Avoid putting furniture in front of or near a window where a child could climb up and fall out of the window or get tangled in the blind cords.

Newborn babies sleep as much as 16-18 hours per day, so assuring a safe sleep environment is critical for their safety. Recently, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued new standards that regulate cribs due to deaths of children from these

www.lvctr.com

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products. These standards include the ban of traditional dropside rails on cribs. For more information on the new crib standards, go to www.cpsc.gov. Never use blankets, pillows, quilts, or crib bumpers in the baby’s sleeping area. Be sure to keep soft objects such as stuffed animals and loose bedding out of the crib. Babies need to sleep in a crib or playpen, never on an adult bed/mattress, a couch, or other furniture. Also, babies should not sleep with an adult or other child due to the risk of being rolled on and/or suffocated. The easiest way to remember how to create a safe sleep environment is to think of the ABCs of sleep: Babies sleep safest Alone, on their Backs, in a Crib.

A Another threat to a child’s safety is poisons within the home. Poisons can range anywhere from dish soaps to medications and can be a silent killer of small children. Poisonous threats to small children that most people don’t know about are button batteries. These batteries are the small circular ones found in electronic toys, car starters, and even baby thermometers. If swallowed, a button battery can cause significant damage within 2 to 3 hours. A child who swallows a button battery should be taken to seek medical attention immediately. Other poisons such as cleaners and medications should be locked away in cabinets and kept out of children’s reach.

When childproofing your kitchen, make sure cupboards containing hazardous or dangerous materials are secured with child safety locks. Materials such as dish soaps, cleaners, and knives should be locked up and away from a child’s reach. Not all cupboards need to have cabinet locks, just those containing the hazardous materials. Highchairs are also a concern while childproofing your kitchen. Make sure the highchair cannot be tipped over easily, and if it is a folding highchair, make sure it is locked each time you set it up. Whenever the child sits in the chair, use 14 girlonfireonline.com august 2014

the safety straps, including the crotch strap. This will prevent your child from slipping down, which could cause serious injury or even death. Lastly, do not put the highchair near a table or counter; your child might be able to push hard enough against these surfaces to tip the chair over.

While each topic is important to protecting a baby, the number one cause of injury and death to children is motor vehicle crashes. Parents should take time to pick out a good car seat and then learn how to use it correctly. Reading the instruction manual for the car seat and your vehicle is a great place to start. Most car seat manufacturers also provide installation instructional videos on their websites. Safe Kids Grand Forks offers car seat classes for expectant parents and car seat check-up events are another great resource to get one-on-one assistance from a trained expert. This summer, Safe Kids Grand Forks is offering a record number of car seat events around the region and we have them routinely in many areas of our region throughout the year. For more information about our car seat classes, go to our webpage (http:// safekidsgf.com) and look under the Events/ Classes tab or select the Click here for Upcoming Events link on the home page.

While being a parent doesn’t come with a prescribed and formal orientation, there are many resources available. Altru Health System provides many parenting classes and Safe Kids Grand Forks has a multitude of information about injury prevention.

This fall, Safe Kids Grand Forks will also be hosting the inaugural “Tummy to Toddler Expo” on October 12, 2014. This event will showcase safety information and demonstrations, in addition to featuring the latest fashions, products, and services for new parents in the Greater Grand Forks area. Watch for more details about this exciting event on our website or Facebook page (Safe Kids Grand Forks). New or expectant parents, grandparents, or others caring for children are invited to attend this informative and fun event.

Parenting is an important job because bringing up children that are healthy and safe is important to all who take on this role. Parents and caregivers have access to books, classes, websites, friends, and family to gain information and tips on raising or caring for children. However you tackle the important task of raising children, we hope that you will look to Safe Kids Grand Forks for some of your childhood safety tips. We pride ourselves on using proven and effective ways to keep kids safe from their number one killer: unintentional injuries. Thank you for entrusting us to be a partner in your efforts.

Altru Health System is proud to serve as the lead agency for Safe Kids Grand Forks. For more information on baby-proofing, other childhood injury prevention topics, or the Tummy to Toddler Expo, contact us at safekids@altru.org. You can also sign up for our quarterly newsletters on our website by selecting the Click here link on the right-hand side of the Home page. [GCW]

Healthy Steps Insurance Program: Offering the Assurance of Medical Care for Children

School is about to be back in session and parents and caregivers are buying clothes and backpack supplies. They are anticipating the upcoming school year and all that it will bring for their kids. For some, there is excitement and joy; but others might feel anxious or fearful regarding whether their kids will fit in with others in the classroom, if they’ll thrive in their academic environment, or if they will succeed not only academically but as an individual.

Most often, our goal as parents and caregivers is to assure that we set our children up to succeed. The costs associated with raising children, preparing them for school, and fostering their growth and development can oftentimes be stressful and a financial struggle.

Kids get sick. They fall and get bumps and bruises. They need vaccines and doctor visits to help with their health and well-being. Some children have long-term health issues such as diabetes, ADHD, or asthma that benefit from good and on-going medical management. All these things cost money and without health insurance, these needs can quickly turn into a financial burden that prevents parents or caregivers from seeking out the care that children need and deserve.

That’s where Healthy Steps comes in. If your children are currently not covered by health insurance and do not qualify financially for Medicaid, they often have no coverage at all, often causing parents to not seek medical care for preventative or ongoing health needs. Healthy Steps is an insurance program for the children who live in North Dakota and meet the following criteria: • No health insurance coverage • 18 years of age or younger • Do not qualify for the North Dakota Medicaid Program • Live in families with qualifying incomes

In 2012, a total of 11,653 North Dakota children did not have health insurance coverage. This translates to about 7 percent of children statewide who are uninsured. One-third of these children—an estimated 34 percent—are actually eligible for coverage through Medicaid or Healthy Steps. Within the greater Grand Forks metropolitan area, 6 percent of children are uninsured. The percentages are slightly higher in the surrounding region: Grand Forks (6 %), Nelson (9%), Pembina (9%), and Walsh (9%).

As school time draws near and your back-to-school “to do list” is made, consider adding this important step to that list: sign up for Healthy Steps. This program will assure that your children can have the medical care they need and deserve and you can have the peace of mind knowing that your children’s healthcare needs will be met. Having health insurance is a good way to get your children on the path to success, both academically and medically.

For information about Healthy Steps or to apply, go to www.healthystepsnd.com or call 1-877-KIDS NOW (1-877-543-7669).

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15

Checklist for Fall Garden and Landscape Care Written by Melinda Myers

You can see and feel the change of seasons. Fall color is starting to appear, pansies, mums, and asters are in the garden center and your thoughts are turning toward preparing your landscape for winter.

Those in warm climates are switching to winter annuals, while those in colder regions are fortifying their landscapes for the cold winter ahead. No matter where you live, invest some time in preparing your landscape for the change in seasons.

Dedicating some time now will pay off with healthier, more beautiful plants next spring.

• Continue to mow the lawn high while it continues to grow; there’s no need to cut it short unless that is the look you prefer.

• Fertilize the grass with a low nitrogen slow release fertilizer like Milorganite (milorganite.com). Fall fertilization provides the greatest benefit to your lawn and gives you the best value for the time and money invested.

-Those in cooler regions that grow bluegrass, fescue, and perennial ryegrass should fertilize around Labor Day when temperatures start to cool. Then, make a final application between Halloween and Thanksgiving before the ground freezes.

-Those in warmer climates that grow centipede, Bermuda, and zoysia should also fertilize around Labor Day. However, be sure to make the last fall application at least one month prior to the average first killing frost.

• Shred leaves as they fall. Leave some on the lawn to add organic matter and nutrients to the soil. If you can see the grass blades through the shredded leaves, your lawn will be fine.

Melinda Myers | Writer Gardening expert, TV/radio host, author, and columnist Melinda Myers has more than 30 years of horticulture experience and has written over 20 gardening books, including Can’t Miss Small Space Gardening and the Midwest Gardener’s Handbook.

She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment segments. Myers is also a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Myers’ website, www.melindamyers. com, offers gardening videos and tips.

If you would like to become a contributor to Grand Cities Woman, please contact us via email at grandcitieswoman@live.com or call us at 701-261-2692. We are currently searching for experts in their industry to submit articles relevant to women in our area.

16 girlonfireonline.com august 2014

• Use the rest of the shredded leaves in your compost pile as mulch on top of the soil or as a soil amendment. Dig a two to three inch layer into the top 12 inches of annual or new planting beds.

These leaves will break down and add organic matter. By spring, the leaves will decompose and the garden bed will be ready to cultivate and plant.

• Plant a few bulbs now for a colorful early spring display. Incorporate compost, aged manure, or other organic matter into the planting area. Add a low nitrogen slow release fertilizer at the time of planting. In general, plant bulbs two to three times their vertical diameter deep. Follow specific planting and spacing directions on the package or tag.

-Select animal-resistant bulbs to avoid squirrels digging up the bulbs and deer and rabbits eating the blooms. Daffodils, hyacinths, grape hyacinths, and squills are a few to consider. Little Tommies (Crocus tommasinianus) tend to be more squirrel resistant than other crocus varieties.

-Those gardening in mild climates need low chill bulbs that will thrive and flower after a mild winter. Or, you can purchase precooled bulbs for winter planting and spring flowering.

• Allow disease and insect-free perennials to stand for winter. This will increase their winter hardiness and your enjoyment. The dried leaves, stems, and seedheads provide beauty for you to enjoy, seeds for the birds, and overwintering homes for many butterflies and beneficial insects.

Woman of the Month Do you know of a woman who is always putting others before herself or who has recently gone through a struggle and needs a little pick me up? If so, nominate her to be our

Woman of the Month!

Her Brand Development Group & MODE ® Grand Forks have partnered up to recognize one very special woman each month by rewarding her with a free ‘head-to-toe’ designer outfit from MODE.® To nominate a deserving woman you know, visit www.herbranddevelopmentgroup.com or call 701.757.4277 for more information!

• Plant trees, shrubs, and perennials. The soil is warm and the air is cool—perfect conditions for planting and establishing trees, shrubs, and perennials. And for those lucky enough to garden in warm climates, add a few winter annuals.

• Continue to water the landscape as needed throughout the fall. Be sure to water evergreens and new plantings thoroughly before the ground freezes.

No matter where you live or the size of your garden, get outdoors and enjoy the beauty of fall. And be sure to invest a bit of energy now to ensure that your landscape is ready for the season ahead.

[GCW]

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august 2014

17

Miss Grand Forks Scholarship Pageant Forms New Committee

The Miss Grand Forks Scholarship Organization, a not-for-profit group and official local chapter of the Miss America Organization, recently formed a new committee. The new interim committee, effective June 2014, consists of Nicole Kringstad, Executive Director and Miss Grand Forks Director; Autumn Graber, Business Manager and Miss Grand Cities Director; Laura Harmon, Miss Grand Forks’ Outstanding Teen Director; and Becky Ronkowski, President.

Nicole Kringstad works for Girl Scouts Dakota Horizons and runs her own health and fitness business in Grand Forks.

She was born and raised in Grand Forks and attended the University of North Dakota. Nicole began volunteering with the Miss Grand Forks Scholarship Organization in the fall of 2009 and is excited to further her commitment to the organization.

Autumn Graber is a former titleholder and now publishes Grand Cities Woman Magazine, a bimonthly women’s publication for the Grand Forks area. She has volunteered as a judge for the Miss Grand Forks Scholarship Organization over

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the years in addition to other local pageants in North Dakota.

Laura Harmon is a Grand Forks native attending the University of North Dakota. She has been involved with the Miss America Organization for 5 years as a competitor, recently serving as Miss North Dakota 2013. This is her first year as a volunteer with the Miss America Organization and she is excited to work as the Director of Miss Grand Forks’ Outstanding Teen.

Becky Ronkowski is an avid volunteer in Grand Forks and North Dakota. She will be a valuable addition to the committee.

The Miss Grand Forks Scholarship

Organization offers an annual local competition for young women from Minnesota and North Dakota to qualify for the Miss Minnesota and Miss North Dakota Scholarship Pageants, which are preliminaries to the Miss America pageant. The organization also holds a teen pageant for young women to qualify for the Miss Minnesota Outstanding Teen Pageant and Miss North Dakota Outstanding Teen Pageant, preliminaries to Miss America Outstanding Teen Pageant (the “little sister” pageant to Miss America). The 2015 Miss Grand Forks & Miss Grand Cities Scholarship Pageant will take place on October 25, 2014 at The Empire Arts Center downtown Grand Forks, ND.

For information on becoming a contestant, pageant sponsor, or scholarship donor, please contact Interim Executive Director Nicole Kringstad at 701-7394488 or missgrandforks@yahoo.com. For information on having Miss Grand Forks or Miss Grand Cities appear at your community event, please contact Business Manager Autumn Graber at 701-261-2692 or missgrandcities@yahoo.com.

Written by Shannon Teigen “You just have to let that go,” he said, shrugging his shoulders. I searched his eyes, hunting for the “how” in that statement, half-smiling as I thoughtfully absorbed my coworker’s advice.

That spring afternoon conversation around the break room table fifteen years ago flitted from topic to topic like a butterfly from the budding tree branch to the deck railing. Just like the butterfly settles in for a few minutes’ rest, so did the conversation, which had settled on the topic of how to say “no” without feeling horribly guilty afterward. From my co-worker’s perspective, it was as simple as that: Just let it go.

However, I found it to be more complex than that—then and now.

Fifteen years later, and after continual practice of uttering the “let that go” mantra, I have found that I am not the only one grumbling. Over the years, I’ve heard many women utter some phrase about how they accepted a task that they really don’t have time for because it’s just too hard to say no. Correspondingly, I’ve heard some mention how they are figuratively sick to their stomach because they acquiesced to a task that they have no idea how to accomplish successfully.

On the other hand, I’ve witnessed some successful refusals, where requests were made, a polite (albeit confident) decline was given, and everyone parts with neither hard feelings nor lingering fogs of guilt.

Seeking others’ advice, I’ve asked how they were successful at simply “letting it go.” And through my observations and their answers, I have found inspiration, extracting what I feel are some of the best practices for saying “no” without guilt:

1. Be gracious: You are being asked for a reason, having been identified as one who possesses the skills or talent needed to get the job done. This is a compliment.

2. Be respectful: When you answer— whether it’s a yes or a no—be polite, enthusiastic, and respectful. Remember, someone had to work up the courage to ask you.

3. Avoid leading people on: If you decline an offer, stop yourself from saying, “Maybe next time,” unless you actually mean—and are willing—to help out next time.

4. Move on: Wish the person luck in finding someone else. You could offer to keep your eyes and ears open; however, be careful when mentioning specific names. Instead, if you know someone who might be interested in the opportunity, contact him or her privately first, provide the contact information, and allow him or her a chance to initiate contact, if interested.

I encourage you to volunteer and get involved with your areas of interest and expertise. If you commit to something, give it your all. But, keep in mind that you are the only one who knows how full your plate is, and the only one who knows when you’re over capacity. Be watchful for those times when you need to step back and take care of yourself. In other words, as my co-worker stated, you need to know when to “let that go.” Simply let the breeze carry away any feelings of guilt when you confidently say, “Thanks, but no thanks.”

I’m not claiming that it’s easy to say “no” without feeling guilty. I’m just hopeful that going forward from this day, you might find it easier. [GCW]

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.

If you would like to become a contributor to Grand Cities Woman, please contact us via email at grandcitieswoman@live.com or call us at 701-261-2692. We are currently searching for experts in their industry to submit articles relevant to women in our area.

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august 2014

19

Mini Mentorship Written by Ashley Rae

The Power of Self-Acceptance – Accepting yourself for who you are is the key to living the life you were truly meant to live.

Do you accept yourself as you are? Are you living the life you were meant to live?

In a society where many of us look for, and rely on, the acceptance and approval of others, and where many of us live our lives conforming to someone else’s expectations and standards, it’s becoming more difficult to value and accept ourselves for the individuals we truly are and to live the life that we were meant to live.

So, how do we become more accepting of ourselves? Although a variety of methods exist to help one find self-acceptance, I’m going to share one of the methods that best works for me. This method is an exercise that I complete each morning as I start my day, which contains a series of important reminders that help reinforce the acceptance that I have for myself and

keeps me on the path of living a life full of purpose and passion. Following are a few of these simple yet affective reminders, along with a brief explanation of their importance.

Reminder # 1:

Don’t compare yourself to others.

Too many days are wasted in comparing ourselves to others and wanting to be something that we are not. There will always be someone somewhere who we think is prettier, smarter, or more successful. That does not mean they are better.

We, too, excel at certain things that other people wish they could. Just as we wish to be more like someone else, chances are that someone somewhere wishes be more like us. This is our journey, and it is unique and special. We need to accept it, em-

brace it, and live it!

Reminder #2:

You are in control of what you think and how you feel.

Often, we allow outside influences affect our thoughts and feelings. It’s time to take control of what we think and how we feel, especially when it comes to our thoughts and feelings about ourselves. Instead of concentrating on negative feelings like doubt, shame, and regret, we need to shift toward positive feelings of trust, pride, and forgiveness. Although accepting all feelings is important in helping to process and make sense of our experiences, anytime we feel down or have a negative thought, we need to take a step back to see the bigger picture and then redirect our focus in a more positive manner.

Ashley Rae | Writer Ashley Rae, owner of Brand Logic and founder of HBDG, is a dynamic combination of brand visionary, marketing strategist, and professional business consultant. Her experience, along with her true desire to empower and mentor women to reach their full potential, has provided her with a unique ability to help today’s independent business woman experience success professionally and personally.

If you would like to become a contributor to Grand Cities Woman, please contact us via email at grandcitieswoman@live.com or call us at 701-261-2692. We are currently searching for experts in their industry to submit articles relevant to women in our area.

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Reminder #3:

Accept what is right now.

Right now, everything about us shapes who we are, which makes us special. Every life experience molds us into who we are today, so we need to appreciate who we are in this moment. The past cannot be changed, forgotten, edited, or erased; it can only be accepted, helping us evolve into better people tomorrow than we are today.

Reminder #4:

Acknowledge and embrace your strengths and weaknesses.

Just as we need to celebrate our strengths and accomplishments, we also need to embrace our weaknesses and shortcomings. One big misconception that people often have about self-acceptance is that it means liking everything about ourselves and not having to change anything. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Selfacceptance means that we are happy with who and what we are; however, it does not mean that we give up hope for change or improvement. No one is perfect. Accept everything we are and are not; only then will we be able to enforce change and grow as individuals.

Reminder #5:

Surround yourself with others who also accept you.

Many of us continually search for others’ acceptance and in the process lose our own identity. Stop worrying about what people think. Quit living up to someone else’s expectations or standards. Distance ourselves from people who judge us and bring us down, and surround ourselves with those who accept and believe in us for who we are.

Whatever the method for finding selfacceptance, it’s an invitation to reveal our authentic selves. Let there be no mistake: self-acceptance takes some work. It might be easier for some than others, but until we are willing to practice self-acceptance, we will continue to feel uneasy about our lives.

With a little commitment, we can find the self-acceptance that helps us live in accordance with our own expectations and standards. More importantly, we will live how we were meant to live: full of purpose and passion.

For an in-depth overview of this article, including the rest of the reminders not listed above, go to www.HerBrandDevelopmentGroup.com to learn how to sign up for our online training webinars. [GCW]

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august 2014

21

A Wicked Good Time Grand Cities Woman Takes on the Concrete Jungle

Written by Autumn Graber

As I sit and sip my cosmopolitan, trying to channel my best Candace Bushnell, I smile as I reminisce about a trip taken just three short weeks ago. Twenty women and one man boarded a plane to New York City on June 19—and then we all got off. That’s right, we all got off.

We had already been delayed due to a thunderstorm in Minneapolis, so nerves were beginning to fray. “That’s okay,” we all agreed. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

So we waited patiently. And we waited.

We boarded again at 10:15 a.m., thrilled to be back in business. The ticket agent had informed us, “Wheels up at 10:45.” As we approached the runway, we felt the plane engine rev while it turned the corner to jet off. As the thrill of our trip was becoming a reality, we heard the loud thundering sound of the engine begin to fade and fade down to nothing. The pilot announced, “Bad news folks. We have an electrical issue.” I looked at my husband, feeling shock, fear, and frustration all mixed into one. “I’m going to have nineteen really ticked off women on my hands,” I whispered.

At 10:44 we all got off the plane again. The trip to New York City, hosted 22 girlonfireonline.com august 2014

by Grand Cities Woman, had been in the works for over a year. I had worked with Sue Schwan from Sue’s Travel Center diligently to plan the most exciting trip we could. We booked nineteen women, plus my husband and me, to travel to New York City for four, fun-filled days of shopping, shows, and urban enlightenment in the concrete jungle. I wanted to cry, but I didn’t. Instead, I stood at the ticket agent desk, trying to convince the agent that we needed to be put on standby for other flights out of Minneapolis in case we missed our connecting flight, all the while sending Sue texts with updates and getting advice from her on what to do (by the way, I will never travel again without the support of a travel agent). I had to talk the ticket agent out of redirecting us to Atlanta and then back to Minneapolis. (What? Are you kidding me?)

Once the ticket agent and I were on the same page, and we worked out a game plan to get us on a plane—any plane, to an airport…any airport near New York City—I think I began to breathe again.

At 1:51 p.m., I sent Sue a text, explaining that “we finally got on the plane.” Third time is a charm, right? Right. We took off

and landed safely in Minneapolis at 2:56.

However, the flight we were on standby for lifted off just as we touched down. We managed to get the group on standby for a flight at 5:55, then a flight at 7:15. Finally, we were confirmed for a flight out at 8:55 p.m. into LaGuardia, NY. I glanced back at a text that I had sent Sue at 5:22 p.m., which read, “We are still smiling!” We were.

The group was amazing. We all agreed that you can’t control the weather and it’s important that the plane is operating properly. So what else could we do but hit the lounge with our $20 vouchers from Delta?

Once we finally boarded our flight to New York City and safely landed at LaGuardia at 11:03 p.m., I didn’t care that we missed our first tour. I just cared that we were all there, everyone was happy, and all were ready for New York City. At least we would be when our luggage finally caught up to us at 5:30 the next morning.

I truly believe that we got all the “bad stuff” out of the way with our travel on Thursday because the rest of the trip was unbelievably amazing. The weather, the accommodations, and the company were amazing beyond words.

The Ride

The Ride boosts itself as a theatrical show and immersive tour. Our tour guides presented the tour with high energy and Broadway show level acting. The guides interacted with those of us in the bus and used an external loudspeaker to speak to the people walking outside on the sidewalk. Some interactions were choreographed from a tap dancing business woman waiting for a taxi after work to a breakdancing delivery man. In addition to the entertaining street performers, we got an evening tour of the city of lights and learned about historical aspects of Times Square.

9/11 Freedom Tour

Our first tour of the trip consisted of a six-hour walking tour through the 9/11 Memorial, lower Manhattan, and a ferry ride to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

We learned about the history of Wall Street and the competition between builders that began in the early 1800s to have the highest buildings. This tour also gave us our first subway ride experience. During this tour, and after being in New York not even a day, one of our guests grabbed my arm and whispered, “If this trip ended now it would still be wonderful!”

Pictured: Kyza and Nancy at Carmine’s.

Family Style Dinner at Carmine’s

On Friday evening, we all gathered on the terrace at our hotel for a group picture before taking a short walk to Carmine’s in Times Square for a family style Italian dinner. We dined on Zuppa di Mussels in Red Sauce, Penne alla Vodka, Veal Parmigiana, Chicken Scarpariello, and of course, New York Cheesecake.

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23

Free Day

On Saturday, the group had a free day to do whatever they wanted.

Some took in a cooking class and others visited historic areas of New York like Strawberry Fields and the Empire State Building. One requirement my husband had was to take in a Yankees game. So, we laced up our tennis shoes and Yankee gear and took a quick subway ride to the Bronx. We shared a subway car with some friendly Baltimore Oriels fans and even had a conversation with them—they say you’re not supposed to look or speak to people on the subway, but we broke those rules all the time.

Wicked at the Gershwin Theatre

Once our taste buds were satisfied by the authentic Italian meal and we left feeling more like family, we trekked a few blocks to the historic Gershwin Theatre for that evening’s entertainment. As we walked into the rotunda, the bronze nameplates that climbed to the ceiling commanded your attention with the names of Broadway’s Theatre Hall of Fame. One name that stood out to me was that of Dorothy Stickney, a native North Dakotan, who made her Broadway debut in 1926.

Pictured: Dona and Jadyn at Strawberry Fields.

24 girlonfireonline.com august 2014

Pictured: Gwen and Karen enjoy the N.Y.C. skyline.

Yacht and Brunch

Our trip ended on a high note with a yacht tour and brunch around the tip of lower Manhattan. We dined on a delightful buffet and lazily strolled the deck watching the skyline pass us by while we felt the sea breeze tickle our skin.

The morning coffee and bagels from Pick-A-Bagel are a distant memory, but memories are what we will share with our first tour of twenty-one—forever twenty-one. Most of whom have already committed to another group trip with us. Our trip might have started out a little shaky, but we made it to our summer in the

Pictured: Cindy and Doreen on the terrace.

city. We smelled the hotdog stands that line the streets, brushed shoulders with people we have never met nor will ever see again, and we created lifelong friendships with women we didn’t know before. I couldn’t have handpicked a better group of women (and one man) to experience it with.

To be placed on a list to receive information about our next trip to New York City, please call Autumn Graber at 701-2612692. You can also send your name and address via email to grandcitieswoman@live.com. Once dates are set, we will notify everyone interested in traveling with us to the Big Apple. [GCW]

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25

Restoring Meaning Written by Stacey Dimmler

A struggle seems to exist between perceived expectations and reality regarding holidays and celebrations in the wake of social media.

America just celebrated Memorial Day, and one look at Facebook shows that people seem to have different interpretations of what it means. Some interpret the day as a sign of summer, the perfect time to fire up the grill, invite your friends over, and hopefully bask in the sun. Others see Memorial Day as a time to remember fallen soldiers and honor those who gave and continue to give service to our country so that we could enjoy the freedoms we have today.

This misperceived notion carries over into some of our oldest holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Overeating, parades, and football seem to prevail on Thanksgiving, rather than focusing on being thankful for life’s blessings. And Christmas appears to have lost its meaning amongst the commercialism that focuses on buying bigger and better gifts for friends and family. Honestly, I can’t even tell you what I got for Christmas last year, but I do remember the awesome family gatherings, where the family sat together sharing stories and memories. However, I will admit to remembering a recipe or specific food from a holiday, but I am a little obsessed with food.

Birthdays have also gone overboard, which is evident in the countless articles about parents trying to outdo other parents in planning the biggest, most expensive birthday bash for their kids. For the most part, I had normal birthday parties, except when I was in third grade. My parents loaded the family suburban with me and a bunch of my friends and took us to the Winnipeg waterslides and The Old Spaghetti Factory to celebrate my birthday. Now, what one might reasonably expect me to remember on that day—the fun I had with friends in an exotic city for my birthday—was completely different

from reality. What I remember about that day is a member of the border patrol ripping the heads off of my brand new Troll dolls to look for contraband.

Personally, I think we can all do a better job of restoring—maybe even discovering—meaning in our celebrations.

We need to strip away the expectations (or aspirations) to out-do the neighbors next door or the friends on our online feeds. And, we’ve got to stop spending all of the money or, in some cases, more than what we have to win the perceived invisible trophy among human beings for throwing the best celebration.

It stresses me out just thinking about all of the thought, time, and planning that went into some of the celebrations I’ve attended. Sometimes, I find myself wondering what it’s all for.

I’m challenging you in the next year to strive for getting true meaning from your celebrations, rather than focusing on the perceived societal expectations. Take note of the warm fuzzies that come from just being with loved ones. Cut yourself enough slack to enjoy a celebration rather than stress over a timeline or making sure “the perfect memory” was made or the best gift was bought. Know that you’ve done a wonderful job. Because you are doing a wonderful job.

I recently heard a story from a mom who had pulled out all the stops to give her daughter the best birthday party imaginable. A few months later, she asked her daughter what the best part of the day was, to which the girl replied, “Shopping for last-minute supplies with you in the morning. I liked the ‘us’ time.”[GCW]

Stacey Dimmler | Writer Stacey grew up in Park River, ND. She attended the University of Mary and UND and graduated with a degree in Dietetics.

She worked for the NDSU Extension Service from 2009 until she accepted a position as Executive Director of the Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals in August of 2011. She’s excited for her next career adventure as Events Coordinator for Scheels. Stacey, her new husband Dustin, and black lab Abby love calling Grand Forks home.

If you would like to become a contributor to Grand Cities Woman, please contact us via email at grandcitieswoman@live.com or call us at 701-261-2692. We are currently searching for experts in their industry to submit articles relevant to women in our area.

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Written by Autumn Graber

|

Photographed by Katie Brock Photography

Forty years ago, being an entrepreneur was looked at as an excuse to be lazy or out of work.

The word had a negative connotation and those claiming to be one were quickly overlooked or even snubbed by individuals that thought it was just a fancy word for being jobless. Then, people started taking note of names that kept cropping up like Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, and Martha Stewart, to name a few. Now, you can’t turn a corner without running into someone who wants to or has already started his or her own business.

The American way has morphed from being a hard-working employee to calling the shots for your own business. Even for me. I spent thirteen years working up the nerve to start my own company. I fretted over the risks I would take and the worry that goes along with it. I was happy with my stable income and knew that if I did my job well, I could be guaranteed a paycheck every two weeks.

However, I had come to realize that I wanted more. I felt my place in this world would mean more if I could sprout my wings and fly from the everyday, nine-to-five grind, even if it meant that I might fall from the sky and land flat on my face. Ashley Rae, founder of Brand Logic, feels it is her purpose in life to help people like me. “I just really want to help women succeed and just empower them to live their dream,” said Ashley.

After graduating from the University of North Dakota in 2002, Ashley moved to Minneapolis where she began working for a web design company. With her background in marketing and an entrepreneurial spirit, Ashley decided to start her own company. “I started solely doing web design, even though my background is in marketing, and then I slowly got into the marketing services.”

After noticing a growing need for her services on the West Coast, Ashley moved her company to California for a few years. She then returned to Grand Forks at the end of 2012 and underwent a rebranding. “I just didn’t feel like I was fulfilling my purpose.” During the rebranding, Ashely redirected the vision and focus for her company and that was when Her Brand developed. She still provides website design and marketing services for those in need, but now she focuses more of the consulting services toward women who want to or already do own their own business. “Starting your own business can be very overwhelming and confusing, and our purpose here is to simplify it and to make women realize that this is something that is attainable and you can accomplish it if you want.”

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In 2008, Ashley was diagnosed with Melanoma skin cancer. During her treatment and subsequent volunteer efforts, Ashley recognized a need for emotional support for cancer patients and families, so she founded the Cope Well Foundation. “It is geared to helping with the emotional recovery of survivorship. We help anybody that has been affected.”

The Cope Well Foundation provides a connection between cancer survivors and their families with counselors in their area. The program also hosts support socials where cancer patients can take their minds off of their treatment and go bowling or take in a free movie. “We fundraise, but we also like to create partnerships to bring that cost down,” said Ashley. “As much as we know you have to deal with what you are going through, we also know you need those moments to take your mind off of it and to rejuvenate.”

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Her Brand is a mentorship program for women who don’t necessarily have the funds to hire a marketing company to guide them in their journey to owning a business. The program consists of a minimal monthly fee that gives you access to a weekly mentorship session, online webinar, and endless support and encouragement.

One thing you will hear as a common problem among business owners is the feeling of isolation. Whether you are a company of one or you employ 50 people, you can feel extremely isolated.

Some days, you can stare at the computer screen, knowing that you have a million things to do that day, but you can’t seem to find the motivation to do it. That is the time when a manager would offer a pep-talk to pull you out of your rut, that is, if you were working for someone else. Now, as a business owner, it’s up to you to give yourself that pep-talk. That is where Ashley and her team can help.

When Ashley developed the business plan for Her Brand Development, she thought about the things she would have liked to know when first starting her company. Members can receive those weekly pep-talks in the form of a mini mentorship session.

“It’s that constant motivation, encouragement, and support to be able to have that manager come in and give you the pep talk to keep going and build your confidence.” Ashley has found that women are most in need of two things when starting their own business: constant motivation and education. “If I’m being brutally honest, sometimes women are our own worst enemy.

Women can tend to be competitive in the sense that if someone else is successful then they are less successful.” One of Ashley’s

aspirations is to break that cycle or at least lead by example. “I am here to help other women succeed; it doesn’t matter what you go on to do. I’m still me. I’m still living my passion and my purpose and, to me, that is success.”

Ashley operates her company from the comfort of her Grand Forks office. While she has clients right here in Grand Forks, her client list also includes businesses in Minnesota, California, Florida, Michigan, and New Mexico.

Now that Her Brand Development is firmly rooted in place and helping area women build their own brands, Ashley has begun the process for developing a student mentorship program geared to support and encourage college-aged women to follow their dreams into business ownership. Ashley hopes to help these young women develop self-acceptance and confidence for what they do—not what society tells them they should be.

“We want the girl that is committed to the process,” she said.

Ashley and her team just successfully completed a beta test of the program and will be accepting new students this fall.

Her empire doesn’t end there either. This summer, she purchased the MODE Outlet Store franchise in Grand Forks and opened its doors in June. “I did it to lead by example,” she said. She speaks with such passion about women in business that you can’t help but be motivated while in her presence. Ashley feels that life must have a purpose. “It doesn’t matter what anyone else is doing, as long as we are doing what we were meant to do. That is all that matters.” [GCW]

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