Grand Cities Woman Volume 3 Issue 5

COMPLIMENTARY

Volume 3, Issue 5 October | November 2014

Julie Moravchik Give Respect, Get Respect

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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 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.

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the

Save Date Event Calendar

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

October 1 Athletic Shoes 101 6:00 p.m.

SCHEELS October/November 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.

October 2 Women’s Pregnancy Center Fundraiser Banquet 6:30 p.m.

Alerus Ballroom The featured speaker is Matt Birk, Director of Operations for the National Football League.

He was selected by the MN Vikings in the sixth round of the 1998 draft and spent 11 seasons with Minnesota and 4 more with the Baltimore Ravens.

Birk was named the 2011 NFL Man of the Year. He has a passion for children and education, and has focused significant energy on promoting literacy among the youth in his communities. Additionally, he is the author of “All-Pro Wisdom: The 7 Choices That Lead to Greatness.” After a 15-year career in the NFL and a Super Bowl XLVII win with the Baltimore Ravens, the six-time ProBowl Center announced Birk’s NFL retirement in February, 2013. For more information or to reserve your seat, call 701-746-8866.

October 4 Wings of Hope Fall Burial Service 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Calvary Cemetery The memorial service is for any family that has experienced a miscarriage in the last six months.

The service will be at held at BabyLand in Calvary

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Cemetery, Grand Forks. Please use the 10th Ave entrance off Columbia Road. For more information, please contact Penny Millspaugh, Bereavement Coordinator at Altru Health System, at 701-780-5257.

October 4 Screening Saturday: Free Allergy & Asthma Screens 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Sanny and Jerry Ryan Center for Prevention and Genetics Allergies and asthma are nothing to sneeze at; they are serious diseases that must be properly diagnosed and appropriately treated. Altru allergist Dr. Fatima Khan will provide screenings for these two ailments and recommend further treatment as necessary. Screening Saturdays offer an opportunity to take advantage of free screenings and assessments focused on different areas of health. For more information, call 701-780-6400.

October 7 through November 19 Part II: Pull, Twist, Blow 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.

This is the second installation of a two-part series showcasing glass transformation and design works into tea light holders/votives by Swedish designer Marie Olofsson. Complimentary gift wrapping is available for pre-holiday purchases.

For more information, call 701-775-8482.

October 9 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.

October 9 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.

October 12 Tummy to Toddler Expo Ramada Inn Ballroom 1:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m.

Whether you are an expecting parent, a mom or dad, caregiver or grandparent, you will not want to miss this event. There will be vendors on site to show you the latest services and fashions. You can also participate in mini seminars on parenting and related topics. There will also be car seats and baby products raffled off during the expo.

Admission is $5 per person.

October 14 Discover Your Inner Strengths!

StrengthsFinder 2.0 Workshop trainND Northeast located at Job Service ND, 1501 28th Ave S., Grand Forks 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

StrengthsFinder 2.0 helps you explore your talents and build on your strengths. This highly energetic and insight-packed workshop provides an opportunity to deeply explore the significance and power of your top strength themes. The fee is $249 per person, which includes StrengthsFinder 2.0 book and online assessment. For more information and to register, call 1-800-443-1313 ext.

21578 or go to www.lrsc.edu/workforce.

October 15 Pretty in Pink 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Red River High School Join us for an evening of breast cancer awareness and survivor celebration. Event includes a free gift for all attendees, pampering with free nail painting, hand and chair massages provided by Truyu, and many prizes. At 7:00 p.m., featured speakers will include a survivor and an Altru physician.

teaches leaders the interaction essentials they need to handle the variety of challenges and opportunities encountered in the daily workplace and beyond.

This course is a prerequisite for the other Exceptional Leaders courses. The fee is $169 per person. For more information and to register, call 1-800-443-1313 ext.

21578 or go to www.lrsc.edu/workforce.

OLEANA of Norway

October 21 Ogi Eyewear Trunk Show and Anniversary Sale Lifetime Vision Center All frames will be half off with a lens purchase.

October 22 Tiffany & Co. Trunk Show and Anniversary Sale Lifetime Vision Center All frames will be half off with a lens purchase.

October 16-17 Books are Fun Sale 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Altru Hospital, Lower Level Proceeds from this book sale will benefit Altru patients and their families.

October 18 Permit to Carry Class SCHEELS October 19 Fashion it Forward 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

SCHEELS Shop for the latest fashions in women’s clothing and shoes, treat yourself to services offered from area vendors (like hair, makeup, massage, and more), and take your very own “Fashion Shot.” You will also be able to register for a $500 shopping spree sponsored by UPS! Limited tickets will be sold for this event, and you must have a ticket to enter. We will update as soon as tickets become available. This is a women’s only, 18+ event. All ticket proceeds go towards the Community Violence Intervention Center.

October 20 Help for the Hurting Shoulder – Rotator Cuff Treatment 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Choice Health & Fitness Community Room Learn about options available through Altru’s Orthopedics Department to alleviate pain and help you get back to the life you enjoy. Altru orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Darin Leetun, will be on hand to discuss options and solutions. This event is free to the general public.

October 21 Kids Klub: Spooky Fudge Fun 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

SCHEELS October 21 Communicating for Leadership Success trainND Northeast located at Job Service ND, 1501 28th Ave S., Grand Forks 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Communicating for Leadership Success sets the foundation to help leaders communicate effectively so they can inspire action in others. This course

October 24 Harvest of Knowledge Agri-Women’s Conference 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Ramada Inn, Grand Forks To register for this event, send your name, address, phone number, and $30 early bird payment (by October 18 or $35 after October 18) via mail to Karen Landman, 805 44th Street, Northwood, ND 58267.

October 25 Haunted Stacks 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Grand Forks Library Stop by the Grand Forks Library for this free event.

There will be mazes, “ghoul games,” and monster treats.

M-F 9-5 Sat 9-2 Under The Flags Downtown on Third

October 25 Coyote Calling 101 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

SCHEELS October 25 Miss Grand Forks Scholarship Pageant Empire Arts Center 4:00 p.m.

Join us at the Miss Grand Forks Scholarship Pageant when we crown the new Miss Grand Forks 2015 and the new Miss Grand Cities 2015. During this pageant we will also crown our new Miss Grand Forks’ Outstandind Teen 2015 and the new Miss Grand Cities’ Outstanding Teen 2015. Admission for adults is $10 per person and $5 per child 12 years of age and younger.

October 28 & 29 Basic Microsoft® Excel 2010 trainND Northeast located at Job Service ND, 1501 28th Ave S., Grand Forks 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., respectively To say there are thousands of ways to use Excel is an understatement. This spreadsheet program analyzes and calculates data to help businesses make informed decisions. Start your own journey by using Excel to drive your business decisions! Learn how to enter data, delete, insert, and modify cells, rows, and columns, and learn how to use formatting for emphasis. The fee is $125 per person. For more information and to register, call 1-800-443-1313 ext.

21578 or go to www.lrsc.edu/workforce.

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October 28 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.

October 31 In Store Trick or Treating 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

SCHEELS November 6 Blaze Days: Gun Cleaning/Storage Seminar 7:00 p.m.

SCHEELS November 9 American Girl Event Meet award winning children’s author and author of the 2010 American Girl Doll of the Year books, Jane Kurtz. Enter the Isabelle doll raffle. Bid on American Girl Doll clothes including UND cheerleading and Frozen outfits. Jane Kurtz and American Girl books will be for sale. Lots of American Girl Fun! Event is free. All proceeds go to Ethiopia Reads for children’s literacy programs in Ethiopia.

November 12 Mommy and Me 10:00 a.m.

SCHEELS

health and wellness specialist will meet with you to complete your assessment and provide recommendations to improve your health. For more information or to register, call 701-732-7620

November 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.

November 17 Help for the Hurting Shoulder – Replacement 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Choice Health & Fitness Community Room Learn about options available through Altru’s Orthopedics Department to alleviate pain and help you get back to the life you enjoy. Altru orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Darin Leetun, will be on hand to discuss options and solutions. This event is free to the general public.

November 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.

November 18 Kids Klub: Archery 101 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

SCHEELS

November 13 Delegating with Purpose trainND Northeast located at Job Service ND, 1501 28th Ave S., Grand Forks 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Delegating with Purpose will help leaders learn the skills they need to address challenges, gain commitment from team members, develop individual skills, enhance the overall capability of their teams, and ultimately benefit the organization. Leaders will learn to identify the tasks they need to delegate, select the most appropriate individuals, assess capabilities and commitment, and plan the delegation discussion. Prerequisite: Communicating for Leadership Success. The fee is $169 per person. For more information and to register, call 1-800-443-1313 ext. 21578 or go to www.lrsc.edu/workforce.

November 15 Screening Saturday: Comprehensive Health Assessments 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Sanny and Jerry Ryan Center for Prevention and Genetics Your health puzzle is made up of many pieces.

Let us help you put those pieces together with a free comprehensive health assessment. Altru’s

November 18 & 19 Intermediate Microsoft® Excel 2010 trainND Northeast located at Job Service ND, 1501 28th Ave S., Grand Forks 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. & 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., respectively Have you ever wondered how to make dramatic statistical graphs? You, too, can enhance your data by modifying and formatting graphs and charts. Has the use of PivotTables and Pivot Charts to analyze data escaped you? Learn how to use them and the benefit of doing so. This course explains how to use advanced formulas, hidden comments, sorting, filtering, and several ways to boost visual appeal using themes and graphic objects. Participants must have good basic working knowledge of Microsoft® Excel 2010.

The fee is $125 per person. For more information and to register, call 1-800-443-1313 ext. 21578 or go to www.lrsc.edu/workforce.

November 22 Permit to Carry Class SCHEELS November 25 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.

December 2 Survival Secrets for Women trainND Northeast located at Job Service ND, 1501 28th Ave S., Grand Forks 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Some topics are difficult to talk about. Violence against women is one of those topics. Talking about the threat of violent crimes against women, however, is an essential preparation for survival. Until scenarios have been discussed, women might be unprepared to react with purpose should they find themselves in a dangerous situation. This session explains many of the personal safety threats that exist in our world, and offers a safe environment to discuss and practice techniques to improve your safety. The fee is $45 per person. For more information and to register, call 1-800-443-1313 ext. 21578 or go to www.lrsc. edu/workforce.

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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 11.

True Colors

Carry your essentials in style with a chic Burberry handbag. This bag and matching wallet are available at True Colors. See their ad on page 13.

True Colors

GRAND CITIES WOMAN SHOPPING GUIDE

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 6.

Hot Spots to

Velkommen

Here’s another fabulous find, but of course, beautiful sweaters are a Scandinavian tradition, and this one by Dale of Norway is an elegant example. It’s made of pure “new” Norwegian wool with pewter details and zipper pull. Expect to find this and other Nordic designs (including personalized styling service) from Velkommen, downtown Grand Forks. See their ad on page 5. $349.00 Small - XXL

Velkommen

SHOP 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.

Studio South

Waxing is out! Sugaring is the new smooth. Have you been sugared yet? See their ad on page 19.

SCHEELS

Coming to a closet near you, the Roxy Near Future Sweater is getting rave reviews. Styled as an extra-long cardigan with multi colored jacquard stitching at the hem and sleeve cuffs, there is also an added fringe to the hem to top it off. See their ad on page 15.

Day Dreams Specialties

Decorate just about anything with metallic! This apron is perfect for the wine lover. Stop in at Days Dreams Specialties for more information.

See their ad on page10.

Get ready to whip up some tasty rosette/timbale treats with this essential 7-piece boxed set for creating these Norwegian holiday staples. Cast aluminum with wood handle. Recipes and instructions included from the area’s #1 Scandinavian resource, Velkommen downtown Grand Forks. See their ad on page 5. $39.95 Limited Supply

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deVine™ has created an innovative line of products that address beauty and health from the inside out. A revolutionary concept, deVine has extracted all the powerful, nourishing benefits of wine grapes and infused it into its line. These products are available at True Colors. See their ad on page 13.

Jack’s Shoes

This waterproof women’s sneaker in rich green leather boasts Clarks WAVEWALK™ walking technology, comfort, and good looks. The innovative curved rocker sole conserves energy, absorbs shock, and cushions the joints to enhance the walking experience. Crafted of rich, weather-ready full grain leather with removable OrthoLite® footbed for comfort on treks on city sidewalks or country lanes, rain or shine. See their ad on page 5.

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 19.

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 11.

Lifetime Vision Center

Kate Spade New York - Protect your eyes with stylish sunglasses from Kate Spade. Gold tone logos lend a signature accent to the temples of retro sunglasses with classic style. Polarized lenses. Available at Lifetime Vision Center. See their ad on page 17.

Day Dreams Specialties

Sublime Aesthetic Professionals

This clear liquid treatment helps purge skin of toxins and blemishes. It absorbs excessive oiliness and provides antiseptic benefits to irritated skin.

This private label blemish control product is available at Sublime Aesthetic Professionals. See their ad on page 2.

Jack’s Shoes

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

SCHEELS

The Get Going Pant is the perfect pant for getting your groove on in the studio and urban wandering anytime. See their ad on page 15.

Lifetime Vision Center

eyebobs® are not your run-of-the-mill, drugstore cheaters. Handmade readers with durable Italian plastics, quality ophthalmic lenses and state of the art metals. Express your personality and make a statement with eyebobs®. Available at Lifetime Vision Center. See their ad on page 17.

Sublime Aesthetic Professionals

Whether you’re on your feet all day or traveling for a few days straight, the Sockwell Women’s Stripe Compression Sleeves keep your legs and feet comfortable. A soft and stretchy blend of merino and nylon prevents the blood from pooling in your toes.

Slip these stripey calf compression covers on to speed your postmarathon recovery or ease the agony of an 18-hour flight. See their ad on page 5.

Aloe and Azulene provide a soothing treatment after laser treatments, Microdermabrasion, peels, extractions, and waxing. It is very soothing for irritated and dehydrated skin. This product is available at Sublime Aesthetic Professionals. See their ad on page 2.

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 6.

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Where There’s a Will…

Written by Stephanie DeJean

While I was on my honeymoon last winter, my grandma was diagnosed with an advanced stage of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Although she hadn’t been feeling well for quite a while, the diagnosis was a shock to all of us. Just six short weeks later, at the age of 73, she lost her battle with cancer and we said a tearful goodbye to our beloved matriarch.

Typically, death is not a topic that people enjoy talking about—and my grandma was no exception. Prior to her last few weeks of life, she did not have her estate in place— no will, power of attorney, or health care power of attorney. Without these documents, the state would determine how her assets would be distributed, which might not have been consistent with her wishes.

My grandma would not have wanted her family to scramble to take care of her end-of-life planning. People have so many reasons for putting off getting their estate in order. Yet, all too often, life takes an unexpected turn, and we find ourselves wishing we had taken care of things sooner.

Birthday bags for children less fortunate

Call

701-795-4772

for presentations or information on making a donation.

Bags distributed through the local food pantries.

cheerfulgiversnd@gra.midco.net

www.cheerfulgivers.org 10 girlonfireonline.com october/november 2014

“The dog ate my will.”

Every year, more than 50 percent of American adults die without a will in place.

Would you, your parents, or grandparents be part of this statistic if something happened today?

It’s a common misconception that you only need a will if you are wealthy or have a lot of assets—which isn’t the case. If you have property or a family, you need a will.

Without one, your loved ones and favorite charities might not receive the gifts you had intended. Additionally, the lack of a will could mean a large portion of your estate is lost to taxes and legal fees.

Regardless of how much you make or how much you own, most adults die owning some form of assets or property. This can include: • All personal property, including checking and savings accounts, stocks, bonds, investments, savings bonds, automobiles, furniture, cash, jewelry, art, and collectables

• Life insurance, pension plan benefits, 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and IRAs • All business and business interests, inventory, and accounts receivable • All debts and obligations owed to you by others Whatever your reason for putting off estate planning, finding a qualified professional to help you will save time and confusion.

All in the Family

Because every family is different, it’s important to consider your circumstances when establishing your will. Here are a few of the things you might want to address: • Naming an executor (the person who will manage your estate) • Determining to whom you’d like your property to go, including any specific requests for who should get family heirlooms, keepsakes, artwork, jewelry, and so on • Setting up trusts to save on taxes and provide financial management • Naming a guardian for your minor children • Setting up guidelines for distribution if you and your spouse die at the same time These are common items that you should be prepared to talk about with your attorney. Being prepared will make the process easier.

Sweet Charity

If you, like many people, have a few charitable organizations close to your heart, you might consider including them in your will. Certain assets, like retirement accounts, are expensive to pass along to your heirs. These accounts are often originally funded with pre-tax dollars; therefore, after your death, they could be heavily taxed (up to 39 percent) if left to individuals. By leaving retirement accounts to a tax-exempt 501(c)(3), you avoid losing a significant portion of your estate to income tax.

Another way you can leave part of your legacy to your favorite charity is to name the organization as the “payable-on-death beneficiary” of your bank accounts or certificates of deposit. This is a great option if you’re worried about outliving your retirement assets. Your accounts are available for your use throughout your lifetime and then pass directly to your charity of choice after death without going through probate.

...are you?

The good news in the case of my grandma is that her children were able to help plan her estate before she moved on in her journey. The lesson we all learned from this situation was valuable. It’s worth taking the time to plan how you’d like your estate divided. Doing so can help create an easier transition and less stress in your final moments. [GCW]

Cinch Bags

This article is not intended as legal advice. Please consult with your personal legal and tax advisors.

Stephanie DeJean | Writer Stephanie grew up in Burnsville, MN and moved to Grand Forks in 2012. Although she completed her bachelor’s degree in Political Science at the University of Minnesota, she found her career in philanthropy as the client communications director of Altru Health Foundation. When she’s not doing fundraising for patient care, she enjoys volunteering at St. Michael’s parish, reading magazines, cooking, and spending time with her husband, Tony, and English bulldog, Lucy.

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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Safe Kids Corner Safety in Our Steps Written by Carma Hanson, MS, RN Coordinator – Safe Kids Grand Forks/Altru Health System

Fall is in the air. Have you ever thought about the “sounds of the season”? Imagine the sound of compacted snow under your boots in the frigid winter or puddles in the spring as you splash through melting snow. With autumn comes the transition from sandals to tennis shoes, or maybe a stylish new pair of boots, and the sound of leaves crunching under foot. For this Safe Kids Corner, I would like to take those same footsteps that have been through many seasons and sounds, into autumn and thinking about “safety in our steps”.

With the fall season, thoughts turn to kids entering the classroom and the need for pedestrian safety. Many of the basic back-to-school pedestrian safety tips are taught from a young age. Parents and teachers remind kids to cross the streets at the corners and use crosswalks so drivers are more likely to see them.

Kids are encouraged to stop and look both ways before crossing the street, and that they must assure that drivers have stopped before stepping out into traffic. These are all important pedestrian safety reminders and ones that parents should teach and reinforce continuously with their young kids.

While pedestrian incidents involving young children have declined over the years, we are seeing an increase in the number of deaths to teenage pedestrians. In 2013, Safe Kids Worldwide

conducted research to determine if their supposition of teens being distracted as a pedestrian might have anything to do with the rising number of deaths in this age category. The discovery is that one in five high school students and one in eight middle school students were observed crossing the street while distracted.

These distractions ranged from texting (39 percent), wearing headphones (39 percent), and talking on the phone (20 percent).

While girls were more likely to walk distracted, boys had an almost two times higher pedestrian death rate from that of girls.

Distracted pedestrian behavior is clearly a topic that needs to get on parents’, caregivers’, and students’ radar. While the student might not be at fault in a pedestrian-car crash, the reality is that if a car meets a child crossing the street, the car wins every time; fault does not matter once an injury or death has occurred. Safe Kids Grand Forks encourages parents to have discussions with teens about not being distracted while walking, biking, 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.

12 girlonfireonline.com october/november 2014

driving. Have them put down their electronics and pay attention to traffic around them as they cross streets and parking lots. Parents and caregivers should model safe behaviors as well because teens watch us more than we think they do.

Another autumn tradition in which we promote pedestrian safety is Halloween. As the costumes come out for this night of fun and adventure, we offer some simple steps to keep the activities safe. For example, consider hosting or attending an indoor Halloween event, one that will keep the kids off the street and where traffic incidents will not be an issue. If you are not aware of any indoor Halloween events, Safe Kids Grand Forks publishes a list (of events we’re aware of) on our website in midOctober. Go to our site at www.safekidsgf.com for information on this topic and for planning your Halloween adventures.

When picking out costumes, use face paint rather than a mask that could obstruct one’s vision and assure that costumes fit well and do not impair vision. If kids head to the streets for trick-or-treating, assure that they are not in dark costumes that are hard to see. Provide your kids with a flashlight, glow stick, or reflective material that helps them to be seen (you can contact us at safekids@altru.org for a free reflective zipper pull or reflective treat bag).

Holiday shopping is another time of year where pedestrians and traffic can be an issue.

Parking lots are hectic during this time of year when shoppers rush from one sale to the next. Take extra caution with little ones, ensuring that they hold the hand of an adult when in parking lots. If you are unbuckling one child from the vehicle and another is already outside the car, have that child stand with a hand on you or the vehicle so he or she doesn’t wander into oncoming traffic. Many stores have automatic doors that easily open into the parking lot.

When you are near store exits, ensure that children are being well supervised so they don’t “escape” from the store directly into traffic. As the winter weather starts to creep into our area, streets and parking lots are often slippery, and while drivers may try to stop, the conditions of the road might prevent them from doing so.

From crosswalks to parking lots, from Halloween events to back-to-school routes, pedestrian safety is one that deserves our attention. Adults need to “fill the big shoes” as a role model for safe behavior as an important step in keeping kids on the right path to safety. Be safe, walk on, and enjoy a wonderful autumn season of activities in our community and region.

Altru Health System is proud to serve as the lead agency for Safe Kids Grand Forks. For more information on pedestrian safety or other childhood injury prevention topics, contact us at safekids@altru. org. You can also sign up for our quarterly eNewsletters at www.altru.org (click the Sign up for eNewsletter link under the Quick Links section of Altru’s Homepage). [GCW]

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october/november 2014 13

Successful in their Own Way Written by Jennifer Dame Disclaimer: This article is not about the working vs. stay-at-home mom. That is not a debate anyone wins; and what works for every family is different. Rather, this article discusses what worked for these ladies, their families, and what it takes to make a highly successful business at home.

but a complete lifestyle change.”

As a result, she joined in the challenge and now helps countless people feel better while earning money as well.

“Eat clean, get fit, let’s live! It’s incredible what this has done.”

The same applies to Schell. Invited by a friend to join the R&F team, she initially declined, but later changed her mind and has since found it to be a great fit. “I didn’t want to wait five to ten years for a career when my kids went to school.

This allows me to stay involved in the community. I fit [my job] in whenever I want.”

Hardworking, dedicated, energetic, intelligent, driven, organized; most of us could pick one of those words when asked to describe ourselves, maybe two or three even. These qualities are what defines who we are as successful individuals.

Being successful isn’t just about the job being a great fit. “There are so many outside opportunities out there; people just need to do their research,” advises Schell.

Successful in our own way.

Meet Amanda, Heather, and Michaela: successful women in their own way.

Between them are a couple of master degrees, a former teacher, a former UND employee, and a former marketing executive with six kids—all who left the throws of the “corporate” world only to re-join it...on their terms.

Michaela Schell runs her own business from her home. A consultant for Rodan&Fields, Schell wanted to be home more. “I was juggling kids—looking for flexibility. Now, work revolves around my life instead of my life revolving around the job.”

Heather Johnson, who previously taught third grade for 8 years in the Grand Forks Public School District, is still educating, but it’s in the area of health, fitness, and business consulting for Beachbody.

“I love being my own boss and working from home. The flexibility of setting my own hours throughout the day allows me to be fully present with my kids and my clients [who are] literally from around the world thanks to social media. People have needs and I’m happy to listen to them and provide a solution. I’m still educating, too, but just in a different subject.”

For Heather’s partner in Beachbody, Amanda Bentow, it was the constant pull in every direction after her kids were born that drove her to her latest success. “I never thought I would be a

Michaela Schell stay-at-home mom, but I knew I was leading a life I wasn’t meant to live.”

According to Johnson, “The people who make it are self-starters, they want freedom and flexibility; they are not afraid to fail and keep going.”

All three entrepreneurs agree that the key components to being suc-

Starting her own business was something Bentow had always wanted to do. Yet, she was faced with a question that many ask: How do you start?

As luck would have it, and as many know, if you want information and someone you can trust, you can turn to friends.

Just ask Bentow and Johnson; they were friends before they started working together. And when Johnson wanted to get healthier after her two girls were born, a childhood friend introduced her to the healthier lifestyle. “On Facebook one day, I saw a trusted friend of mine advertising for a 30-day fitness accountability group, and [because] I knew I definitely needed a change with my own health and fitness, I decided to give it a go, especially knowing that what I was currently doing just wasn’t working. That was one of the best decisions I made because here I am paying it forward, if you will, sharing the tools that got me to be in the place I am today. It’s not about a diet

Amanda Bentow

Jennifer Dame | Writer Jennifer is a seasoned freelance writer and children’s book author. She is a graduate of St. Cloud State University and mom blogger for her blog called “Kid Crazy.” You can read her blog at www.kidcrazy.areavoices.com. “Asa mom of three daughters, I can teach them enough about how important it is to be a strong woman, be confident in themselves, and love who they are,” said Jennifer.

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.

14 girlonfireonline.com october/november 2014

cessful are that you must: 1. Be a go-getter 2. Have a good reason for wanting to start the business 3. Have a strong support system

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A big contributing factor for these three has been supportive husbands. All three admit that their husbands have been there throughout their experiences, listening to ideas and being supportive of them staying at home and of their being female entrepreneurs.

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“What I like most is being able to help people find and lead a team of women and help find their success with the strong women around me,” says Schell.

“For me, it is about so much more than

weight loss, it is about sharing a lifestyle. I still get a chance to educate, which is great, it’s just in an area of health and fitness instead of kids in a classroom,” says Johnson.

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And thanks to the Internet, these ladies say it is much easier sharing that dream and running a business from home.

“It’s amazing what people are able to do with online business.

We have all the resources to help: your team is online, support partners, video conferencing—you just feel uplifted,” says Bentow.

“The resources are amazing,” says Johnson

But the best part is what they have done for themselves.

“After my second child was born, my husband and I were exhausted. I never thought I would be a stay-at-home mom, but we knew we didn’t want daycare, we were leaving parenting and decision-making up to the daycare; it was a really difficult time,” says Bentow.

Now, none of the ladies are feeling the guilt—that pull to be here, there, and everywhere simultaneously. “It’s not about the hustle, it’s about helping people who feel like I did, stuck, and [helping them] figure out how they can get out, bringing hope to people for a better future,” says Bentow.

Johnson agrees, “It’s fun to celebrate the successes of the people we help; they can say ‘yes’ to life and ‘Team Beachbody did that for me.’”

Like parenting, entrepreneurship is not a race, it’s a marathon.

These women started their businesses with a purpose and a goal in mind. They are making great money, are still involved in the things they loved about their “old” jobs—like community involvement and networking—yet still get more time to spend with their families.

Sometimes it presents a challenge; regardless, it’s what works for them.

“It is always going to be chaotic; embrace it when staying at home with kids. It makes it fun,” according to Schell.

To get in touch with them, you can reach them by email at me@amandabentow.com , fitwithheather@yahoo.com, or michaelamschell@gmail.com. [GCW]

girlonfireonline.com

october/november 2014 15

Mini Mentorship

Finding Lost Motivation Written by Ashley Rae

Staying motivated can be a struggle, even for the most highly successful individuals. Drive and motivation is constantly challenged by internal and external influences. What separates the highly successful is the ability to overcome those influences and regain motivation to move forward.

Throughout my mentoring experience, I have found that people lose motivation because they lack: •

• • • •

Knowledge Positive focus Direction Confidence Support

So, how do we overcome these negative influences and find lost motivation? There is no simple solution. In fact, even after overcoming the obstacles, the problem can still reappear. The key is to identify the influences that affect us and then understand how to address them before allowing them to gain momentum. The following topics go into detail about these 5 common influences that cause us to lose motivation and the ways to overcome them.

Lack of Knowledge

The first motivation killer is lack of knowledge. Knowledge is an awareness or understanding of a subject gained by experience or education. Lack of knowledge destroys motivation because it provokes feelings of inadequacy and inexperience. The problem with this is that we then have a difficult time taking ourselves seriously and trusting that others value our point of view.

The key to having knowledge is to have confidence in what we already know. Rather than concentrating on what we don’t know, we need to be resourceful and commit to learning about our area of interest and build off of the knowledge and experiences that we currently possess.

Lack of Positive Focus

Positive focus is having an ultimate goal with a positive end result.

Lack of positive focus hurts motivation because we focus negatively on what we don’t want rather than on what we do want.

The problem with negative focus is that it usually doesn’t lead to action. Instead, it allows us to feed on negativity, draining our motivation.

The key to having positive focus is to concentrate our energy on a goal with a positive end result. By defining a positive goal and focusing on a positive end result, we will automatically define a set of actions based on things we want and will begin devising a plan for success that we can then follow.

Lack of Direction

To have direction means having a daily strategy. Having a lack of direction impedes motivation because without an obvious strategy, we succumb to procrastination and waste time on filler activities just to feel busy. The problem with this is that we aren’t really accomplishing anything productive.

The key to having direction is identifying the most important tasks and activities that will direct your energy toward success. We can

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.

16 girlonfireonline.com october/november 2014

regain our direction by creating a plan that contains two positive tasks. The first task should be small, while the second should be a larger task. If we begin with the smaller task, we will create positive momentum to then complete the larger task, which can then be used as momentum to continue moving forward in the direction we want to go.

Lack of Confidence

Confidence is having belief in ourselves and what we’re trying to achieve. Having a lack of confidence hinders motivation because it focuses the mind on negative thoughts like personal weaknesses and past failures. The problem with this is that our mind distorts reality to confirm what it wants to believe and creates excuses for why we can’t succeed and move forward to accomplish new things.

The key to having confidence is to learn how to defeat negative self-talk by thinking about our strengths and embracing our past successes and what we’ve already accomplished. When we truly believe in ourselves and what we’re trying to achieve, our mind will begin to generate new ways to achieve it and to build on our current successes.

Lack of Support

To have support is to be surrounded by others who build us up by believing in us and what we’re trying to accomplish.

Lacking that support system gets in the way of motivation because it leaves us feeling isolated and alone, provoking the idea of self-doubt. The problem with this is that it ultimately leads to us to question the path we’re on.

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The key to having support is to surround ourselves by other uplifting, positive thinkers who have a similar mindset. A solid support system reinforces our beliefs in what we’re trying to achieve and enables us to see the possibilities of the future.

Regardless of the reasons, it’s inevitable that our motivation will be challenged at some point and might even be lacking from time to time. However, by being on guard against these top 5 motivation killers, we can find the motivation we once lost and preserve it to propel ourselves to future success.

For a complete, in-depth overview of this article, go to www.HerBrandDevelopmentGroup.com to learn how to sign up for our Online Training Webinars. [GCW]

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october/november 2014 17

A New Kind of Bump Written by Stacey Dimmler

When I was younger, my personal life plan was to be married by 20 and have at least one child by 21. I was also going to live in a purple house and play saxophone for the former President Clinton.

Then life happened.

I starting losing weight, graduated from high school, and then started college. In college, I lost too much weight, struggled to find my purpose, switched colleges and degrees (again), found a healthy and attainable weight, and then graduated from college. My first “big kid” job was in a new city, then I moved on to a new job in a different city, met a boy and his dog, bought a house, and then got married. Since then, I have moved on to the next job, which is where I’m at now.

I’m almost 29 years old, and I don’t live in a purple house. I rarely play the saxophone for anyone—especially not the former President.

Now, the child part of my plan is happening, though later than expected. I’m halfway to meeting our newest family member, and it’s been quite the journey so far. In terms of symptoms, I’ve had a ridiculously easy pregnancy. Aside from feeling like a walking zombie for most of my baby-growing time, I’ve had just a few aches and ailments, and I’m pretty darn thankful.

My loose skin—from all that gaining and losing weight— is now forming into a rounded “bump.” I love that little bump. I’ve often found myself just holding it—holding my baby—to keep it safe and show love to the child and my body. It’s important to love myself, just as important as surrounding myself with love— people who support and lift me up and encourage me with their words and actions. I’ve felt this outpouring of love and support since sharing our exciting baby news. And, not a day passes when I’m not reminded of how these people are the reason I am so lucky.

The biggest struggle has been the growing. In the beginning, I can remember thinking about what pregnancy might entail, that it will include a weight gain—a good and important kind—and there was nothing wrong with it, providing it was done in a healthy way. I’ve worked hard on losing and maintaining a weight loss of over 100 pounds, and for the first time since I can remember, I’m having to process that it’s okay to gain. For example, I need to remind myself that when a shirt, pair of pants, or skirt no longer fits, it’s a natural part of the process, not a sign that I need to kick myself for eating all those peanut M&Ms.

If any of you have lost a significant amount of weight before pregnancy, you know what I’m talking about. Weight gain is a strange concept to reconcile with. Even more difficult is accepting that you’ll potentially have the appetite of a linebacker and a strong, unavoidable addiction to cake, candy, and French fries. I’m certain that I have lost a lot of my self-control. And, I swear that people can just sense my cravings; they know just what to offer to make me drool and make my knees buckle.

So, for now, my goal has been to eat healthy about 90% of the day and to try getting some form of physical activity in almost every day.

I want my child(ren) to grow up with healthy self-images—to love their bodies rather than avoiding any reflective surface because they hate what they see. I want my children to see food as fuel rather than “good or bad.” And, I want them to enjoy playing rather than feeling like they need to torture themselves with exercise. I know that all of these messages—negative and realistic—are out there. And I know I can be one of the first to send the “right” messages about bodies and health from an early age.

Until “Baby D” arrives, I can practice being a good role model to those around me by keeping my self-talk positive, by forgiving myself for the jar of peanut butter I just devoured, and by appreciating the fact that I can still exercise and eat what I want. [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.

18 girlonfireonline.com october/november 2014

88 Years,

Learning Every Day Submitted

Recently, in a quiet moment after a watercolor painting class, Donna Leake, 88, shares that it’s all about the fun of learning something new.

In settings such as Jessica Pribula’s art class last Spring, Donna—who still lives on the home farmstead near Emerado, N.D., where she’s lived all her life—rediscovers the pleasures of simple things,

like brush and paint. Jessica Pribula’s art course at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) is a family affair for Donna—her son Tom, who retired earlier this year after a career in Facilities Management at UND, ferries his mom to and from classes.

“OLLI is really important in my life,” says Donna with a big smile, adding that she loves learning.

Donna was a schoolteacher at the Grand Forks Air Force base after getting her education degree from Mayville State University. After retiring from teaching, she became an adult literacy educator, working with people who’d never learned to read or write.

“I took a class from Dr. Robert Seabloom (a retired UND biology professor), and he talked about the alkali flats,” said Donna, recollecting the times her own dad had taken her out on those flats when he mowed hay. “My dad taught me the names of all the wildflowers and warned me to avoid the anthills.”

Donna mentioned that once, during a safari in the famed Serengeti Park in Africa, a hot air balloon she was riding in was blown across a national border where, she noted with a grin, she was once again warned about anthills.

“Except they were termites,” she laughed.

“We got out of that one okay by cranking up the flames and filling up the balloon, after the local military helped us.”

Experiences like that one underscored for Donna that one can always be learning. That’s what keeps her motivated to continue taking OLLI classes.

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olli.UND.edu. [GCW] girlonfireonline.com

october/november 2014 19

Hair & makeup courtesy of Salon Seva

Julie Moravchik Give Respect, Get Respect

Written by Jennifer Dame

|

Photographed by Autumn Graber

Having spent just over one year on the job as News Director at WDAZ-TV, 18year television veteran Julie Moravchik shares and implements the philosophies she stands by. Common sense ideas, not often found in a newsroom, are a big part of the change going on for our Home Town Team.

“Believe in your people and they will deliver,” says Moravchik.

Moravchik moved to Grand Forks in May of 2013 and hit the ground running.

Within three months of her arrival, one of the biggest stories in the area broke: eleven year-old Anthony Kuznia had been reported missing.

20 girlonfireonline.com october/november 2014

“Heartbreaking story, those we don’t leave at work. But we felt good doing the best we could to inform the community and help the family,” she says.

Growing up on a farm, she still embraces the hard work ethic that her parents instilled in her, an ideology that has followed Moravchik throughout her career.

Moravchik feels that television is her way of serving the community. Starting her career at Wisconsin Public Radio, she loved everything about the job, but decided after one story that she wanted to show pictures to go along with the story.

She soon left radio and went to work at WDIO-TV in Duluth, where she spent 10 years reporting. “It was scary working in my hometown area; everyone I knew was watching. But it was also an honor.”

From there, she went on to work in large market television as a Special Projects Producer for “Jason Davis on the Road” at KSTP-TV.

Moravchik didn’t stop there. She went on to build two news operations from the ground up: True North TV in Ashland, WI and Fox News 21 in Duluth, MN. Two years after launching the first newscast in Duluth in 40 years, her team won Emmys for Best Newscast and Overall Station Excellence.

The most humbling moment for Moravchik was when she walked into her parents’ farm in rural northern Wisconsin and saw the wall of VHS tapes with her name on them. “My dad was excited; he videotaped everything. That wall of tapes

Pictured: Julie Moravchik discussing a stories for a newscast with Terry Dullum and Michael Yoshida.

with my name on it—that said a lot.”

In spite of all the accolades, Moravchik holds to the belief that none of this is about her; that there is nothing greater then serving others.

In moving to Grand Forks, Moravchik has brought with her the same hopes and ideals she has had anywhere she has worked. “There is nothing wrong with thinking big. Really, it’s a win-win for everybody; be proud of the newscast they are putting on the air regardless of where they are.”

She would know.

Moravchik has personally won 45 journalism awards, from every facet: radio, newspaper, television, magazine, and an online blog. The awards include five Emmys and a prestigious Edward R. Murrow award. She has also been featured nationally for standing up for ethics in journalism by the National Press Photographers Association. But, the awards aren’t what get her most excited. “Watching my news team win—I just can’t explain.”

Surprisingly, becoming a television news director wasn’t always her goal. Yet sometimes life just leads you on a path that you have to follow. “It was not at all the game plan. I don’t believe in complaining about a boss, so I had to test out my theories. I wanted a newsroom to be a nice environment, family-like atmosphere, where people work hard and are treated with respect. It’s the most complete I have ever felt in a work environment.”

The good news for the newsroom is that Moravchik spent 10 years reporting. “I made mistakes, but now it’s like I am

fast forwarding 15 years and able to share that experience with them. I’ve come back from great stories and wished I had done more.” Now she encourages them to take risks, shoot more video and longer, and stay until the story is finished. “It’s fun to give them that experience!”

It hasn’t always been fun. Twice, Moravchik has been fired. According to The Daily Press from Ashland, Wisconsin: “In May 2006, Moravchik was general manager and news director for WAST-TV, a low-power community broadcasting station in Ashland, when she was sacked for what was called by the station owner ‘nonperformance of duties’ or as Moravchik delicately described it at the time: ‘a difference in management style and philosophy.’ At that time, 10 of the 11 members of the news and production staff walked out in solidarity with Moravchik and were in turn also fired.”

The station then shut down and never returned to the air again, “I never thought I’d be fired in my lifetime; it’s heartbreaking, it’s a reality of this business...a harsh reality of this business.”

Yet, she takes those experiences as life lessons, each one teaching her a new and better way to be in a newsroom, to lead a newsroom. She doesn’t let it stop her drive and hunger to be in news and deliver quality news. “I’m competitive,” she admits.

Nothing is easy about working in a newsroom. The hours are unpredictable, the stress level is high, and getting stories correct and accurate by a deadline every day is taxing. As the news director, Moravchik tries to remember what it was like; however, girlonfireonline.com

october/november 2014 21

Pictured: WDAZ staff awarded the Emmy for Team Coverage, from left: News Director Julie Moravchik, Engineer Nate Millard, former News Anchor Molly Thorvilson, News Anchors Terry Dullum and Stacie Van Dyke with Devils Lake Reporter Adam Ladwig (back) and Reporters Michael Yoshida and Cynthia Johnson. Photo Submitted

she concedes, “I can’t read minds. I’m not perfect, but I can say [that] I care, which separates me from the others. I believe in them, they have the talent.”

This confidence shows in the work the news team is producing. Over the past few months, they have collected more than 10 prestigious journalism awards and just won their first Regional Emmy® in the 49 year history of WDAZ-TV on September 13 for “The Search for Anthony Kuznia.” “This is a huge honor and I am so very proud of my entire news team. I am especially thrilled that it’s an award that honors the entire team. They work hard every day, they put their heart and soul in their work, and it shows. I am simply blown away. I could not be more proud.” says Julie Moravchik.

“I believe the newscast should represent the community as a whole, which means reporting the stories you must, along with positive uplifting stories about the community. Hard news stories everyday isn’t healthy and no community has bad news all the time.”

In her spare time away from the station, Moravchik spends time with the most important people in her life: 6-year old son Joey and 2-year old daughter Josie. “Journalism is my career, but motherhood is my passion.”

A short stint away from television news gave her an opportunity to be a work-from-home mom. Prior to coming to WDAZ she stayed at home with son Joey and wrote a column and blog about being a mom for “The Woman Today.” She then went on to work at Duluth-Superior Magazine after Josie joined the family.

It was a divorce that brought Moravchik to the area.

She and her kids packed up and moved away from family and friends in northern Minnesota/Wisconsin to East Grand Forks, where she started her job at WDAZ. According to her work biography, she states, “The people of the Greater Grand Forks area are kind and caring; it’s a nice community for raising my family, which is most important to me.”

It is evident in her life and in her work, that it is her family that drives her to be successful. But, it’s not just her children who inspire her, but her parents, brothers Jeff and Joey, sister Jennifer, all of her family, including nieces, cousins…the list goes on. It is the presence of them in her life and living through her that drives her.

For now, Moravchik’s goal for the station is to keep doing quality local stories, to keep motivating the crew to be the best they can be, and help her team win the first Emmy in WDAZ history.

And as for herself? “I always put my faith first. I want to be the best mom I can be and provide the best life possible for my children. And, be the best News Director I can be, for my team and my community.”

This is one story that doesn’t end when the cameras turn off. [GCW]

Photos Submitted

22 girlonfireonline.com october/november 2014

Photo Credit Emily Dawes Photography

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