Grand Cities Woman Volume 4, Issue 1 by Grand Cities Woman

COMPLIMENTARY

Corporal

Volume 4, Issue 1 February 2015

Jessica Thorlacius To Serve and Protect... Off the Beaten Path

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

Did you know? Happy birthday to us! Grand Cities Woman turns three years old in March. We are proud to be part of the Grand Forks community and are incredibly thankful for the welcome we received while starting a new business. We hope to continue telling stories about amazing women in the Grand Cities area—in addition to promoting area businesses and community events—for years to come. Last year was a big year for us. Along with publishing six issues of Grand Cities Woman and four issues of Lake Region Woman, we also hosted a successful trip to New York City for a group of twenty-one area residents. The trip was such a hit that we continue to receive requests from women who want to be put on the list for our next tour, so don’t miss out on this fun opportunity. Call us at 701-261-2692 or send an email to grandcitieswoman@live.com to be placed on the information list. Did you know that we are also digital? It is so easy to bring Grand Cities Woman along on your trips to the beach, ski lodge, or cabin—trust us, we’d love to come with you. We have worked tirelessly to build our free digital subscription list that you can sign up for at www.girlonfireonline.com. Subscribers to our list will receive every new issue of Grand Cities Woman in their inbox a week before it hits the stands. It’s easy to download the “Issuu” app for mobile devices so you can page through at your leisure. Our publications are interactive, so you can click on advertisements to be redirected to our valued advertiser websites or Facebook pages. In addition to picking up the hardcopy publication from our distribution locations or reading us online, we want to make sure you like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/grandcitieswoman or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GCitiesWoman. We like to share valuable information about community events and store promotions as often as we can.

Booking Sunset Sessions Now

Tell our advertisers that you saw them in Grand Cities Woman! Autumn Graber Publisher www.girlonfireonline.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

701-261-2692 2

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february 2015

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 Business Development Kaelyn Teigen

Designing and creating gear for mammas and kiddos. Based in North Dakota, available at Adley Anne’s Baby and Maternity in Grand Forks and online at www.rilosandmimi.com.

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

Available at

Messages sent to us by email, Twitter, or Facebook might be used in future issues of Grand Cities Woman.

Printed in North Dakota. © 2015 Girl on Fire Publishing LLC. 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

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 girlonfireonline.com

february 2015

Please call ahead to confirm events. Promote your May, June, July, and August 2015 events in the next issue by sending information to grandcitieswoman@live.com by April 15, 2015.

February

Alive at 25 Defensive Driving Class for Teens

4:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Altru Psychiatry Center With an Alive at 25 Defensive Driving certificate, you might be eligible for an insurance premium discount and a three-point reduction off your North Dakota driving record. Register for a class at www.ndsc.org or call the North Dakota Safety Council at 800-932-8890 or 701-223-6372.

February Cirque Ziva

8:00 p.m. Empire Arts Center, 415 Demers Avenue, Grand Forks The Golden Dragon Acrobats present Cirque Ziva, a new world-class cirque spectacular that has been thrilling audiences across the United States since its creation in 2011. This fast-paced, technically-innovative performance showcases traditional Chinese acrobats, dance and costumes, ancient and contemporary music, and modern theatrical techniques. The renowned acrobats dazzle with amazing feats of athleticism, daring heart-stopping stunts, and the grace of their centuriesold art form. For tickets and more information, go to www.jadepresents. com.

February

Freezer-Friendly Meals with Altru’s Dietitians

5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Holy Family Catholic Church Join Altru’s registered dietitians for a night of healthy, freezer-friendly meals. All shopping and prep work is done before you arrive. You’ll leave having prepared five different recipes, for a total of nearly 50 portions. February’s focus is Heart Healthy on a Budget. Cost is $75 plus the cost of food. To register, call the Sanny & Jerry Ryan Center for Prevention & Genetics at 701-732-7620. Go to www.Altru.org/ freezermeals for future class dates and upcoming themes. Registration is required and available until Friday, February 13, at 5:00 p.m.

February

Nourishing Boomers and Beyond

12:15 p.m. to 12:50 p.m. NDSU Extension Service, 3rd Floor County Office Bldg, 151 S 4th St These face-to-face classes are free of charge and designed specifically for those who are 50-plus year olds. Nourish your body and mind. This class focuses on the brain, stress management, muscles, heart, eyes, skin, bones, joints, digestive system, and medications. To register, call the NDSU Extension Service at 701-780-8229.

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February

1:00 p.m. Empire Arts Center, 415 Demers Avenue, Grand Forks TEDxGrandForks will explore what it means to move beyond amazing ideas and launch them into action. At this event, you will engage in a conversation about how to make “ideas worth spreading” into “ideas worth doing.” TEDxGrandForks will engage attendees with a diverse representation of speakers from an array of industries and experiences. For tickets and more information, go to www.tedxgrandforks.com.

February

Altru’s Defensive Driving Class

9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Altru Psychiatry Center With a Defensive Driving certificate, you might be eligible for an insurance premium discount and a three-point reduction off your North Dakota driving record. For information, please call Bill Vasicek, Community Safety Coordinator, Altru Health System’s Trauma Services at 701-780-5939 or send an email to bvasicek@altru.org. Cost is $25 for the first member of the family and $15 for each additional family member.

23,

February March and April

2, 9, 23,

Conscious Discipline: 10 Steps to Positive and Conscious Discipline

February

Sleep Screening

5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Altru Specialty Center Do you sleep well, or is it interrupted by continuous waking throughout the night? Sleep apnea occurs when people momentarily stop breathing while asleep. Snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness are common symptoms. A quick screening can help to diagnose sleep apnea. Stop by for your free screening, which is available for ages 5 through adult. For more information, call 701-780-5484 or visit altru.org/sleepcenter.

TEDxGrandForks

30,

Healthy and Fit Kids and Families

4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sanny and Jerry Ryan Center for Prevention and Genetics Need a fresh perspective on child and family health? Join us for a fun and free introductory session! For more information, call the Sanny & Jerry Ryan Center for Prevention & Genetics at 701-732-7620.

February

6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Lewis & Clark Elementary School Positive discipline reflects the change in thinking from trying to control others with manipulative strategies to learning how to maintain self-control to teach children self-discipline. In this course, adults will show how to maintain selfcontrol and model confidence while teaching children the skills of cooperation and caring rather than fear and power over others. Conscious discipline provides adults with tools to create a safe, connected, and problem-solving environment. Before we can effectively manage our children, we must first manage ourselves. Join us, as together, we grow in our relationships with each other. Parent Information Center PIC classes are open to any parent at any location. Free childcare is also available for most classes. Registration is required. Please call 787-4216 or send an email to pic@gfschools.org.

Help for the Hurting Shoulder: Rotator Cuff Repair

5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Choice Health & Fitness Learn about options that are 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. All presentations are available in the Community Room at Choice Health & Fitness.

24, March 3, 10, 24, and 31 February

Love & Logic Early Childhood Parenting Made Fun

6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Phoenix Elementary School Love & Logic Early Childhood Parenting Made Fun will provide parents of children, ages birth to six years old, an opportunity to gain practical and proven tools for raising respectful, responsible, and happy kids. This class series shows techniques that: - Are simple and easy to learn - Teach responsibility and character - Lower your stress level - Have immediate and positive effects - Increase the odds that parenting can remain fun instead of frantic during the teenage years Parent Information Center PIC classes are open to any parent at any location. Free childcare is also available for most classes. Registration is required. Please call 787-4216 or send an email to pic@gfschools.org.

February

Bringing Home Baby

5:00 p.m. to 6:30 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. Registration fee for this class is included with the prenatal class registration of $20.00. The fee is waived if this is the only class being taken. For more information and to register, please call 701-780-5179.

February

Toughest Supervisor Challenges and How to Overcome Them

9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. trainND Northeast located at Job Service ND, 1501 28th Ave S., Grand Forks Being a supervisor can sometimes seem like an endless roller coaster ride. As a supervisor, you’re daily confronted with varied challenges and issues, from discipline problems and personality clashes to conflict and layoffs. Without the proper skills and preparation, you can be left feeling like a rag doll. That’s why you need to arm yourself now—before situations occur—with tools that will help you tackle the unexpected twists and turns of being a good supervisor. Toughest Supervisor Challenges gives both new and experienced managers the supervisory skills, tools, and techniques they need to evaluate the situation at hand and choose the appropriate response. 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.

February

Ladysmith Black Mambazo

8:00 p.m. Empire Arts Center, 415 Demers Avenue, Grand Forks For over fifty years, the voices of Ladysmith Black Mambazo have married the intricate rhythms and harmonies of their native South African musical traditions to the sounds and sentiments of Christian gospel music. The result is a musical and spiritual alchemy that has touched a worldwide audience representing every corner of the religious, cultural, and ethnic landscape. Their musical efforts over the past four decades have garnered praise and accolades within the recording industry, but also solidified their identity as a cultural force to be reckoned with. For tickets and more information, go to www.jadepresents.com.

February

Free Heart & Vascular Assessment

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. If you have risk factors for heart or vascular disease, including family history, diabetes, or high blood pressure, we encourage you to join us for a free event to help you understand your risks and ways to prevent disease. Altru’s team of experts will be on hand to answer questions and guide you to the next steps. To register, call 701-7805275.

March

Soup in the Studio

5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Muddy Waters Clay Center, 2014 13th Avenue North, Grand Forks Muddy Waters Clay Center and Global Friends Coalition have teamed up once more for this annual event, providing an evening of soup and socializing in Grand Forks. Live music will be provided by the Popejoy & Strand Jazz Duo. This year’s featured artist is Warren Jensen. Hand-crafted bowls and soup will be available at the event. All proceeds benefit Global Friends Coalition. For more information, go to www.gfcoalition.org.

March

Food Allergy Support Group

6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Choice Health & Fitness If you or a loved one live with food allergies, join Altru allergist Dr. Fatima Khan for a monthly Food Allergy Support Group. Connect with and learn from others who deal with food allergies. This group is free and open to families/individuals who have been diagnosed with life-threatening food allergies. For more information, call 701-780-6400.

March

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 701780-1489 or go to www.safekidsgf.com.

March

Bringing Home Baby

March

Nourishing Boomers and Beyond

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March

Healthy Living Expo

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

March

Healthy and Fit Kids and Families

4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sanny and Jerry Ryan Center for Prevention and Genetics Need a fresh perspective on child and family health? Join us for a fun and free introductory session. For more information, call the Sanny & Jerry Ryan Center for Prevention & Genetics at 701-732-7620.

March

Sleep Screening

March

Nourishing Boomers and Beyond

March

Altru’s Defensive Driving Class

A resale shop featuring brand name fashions from Chicos to the Buckle, along with your favorite new boutique brands, and unique gift items. 6 S 3rd St., Downtown Grand Forks, ND 701-795-5660

www.truecolorsconsignment.com 6

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february 2015

March

NVYO Orchestra Concert: All The World’s a Stage!

7:00 p.m. Grand Forks Central Auditorium Northern Valley Youth Orchestra’s spring concert features three youth ensembles comprised of students aged 9 to 21. Selections are drawn from the various stage traditions: opera, ballet, musical theater, and more. Tickets are $5 for general admission; $3 for military or educators, and children 12 and under are admitted free.

March

Talk Like a Leader – What Every Employee Needs to Hear

9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. trainND Northeast located at Job Service ND, 1501 28th Ave S., Grand Forks Talk Like a Leader helps professionals at all levels improve their critical communication skills. It cuts through the noise to focus on four key areas of leadership communication: Vision, Support, Competence, and Relationships. This interactive workshop is full of activities and action planning exercises. The workshop is a learning experience that empowers leaders with the skills and confidence to encourage enthusiasm, increase productivity, minimize miscommunication, and improve working relationships. 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.

March

Bringing Home Baby

March

Altru’s Rehab Autism Diagnostic Clinic

8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Altru Rehabilitation Center Early autism 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 or to register, contact Tiffani Peterson at 701-780-2481.

March

Shoulder Instability

5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Choice Health & Fitness 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. All presentations are available in the Community Room at Choice Health & Fitness.

April through and through A Bright New Boise

7:30 p.m. Empire Arts Center, 415 Demers Avenue, Grand Forks Winner of the 2011 Obie Award for Playwriting, “A Bright New Boise” is an earnest comedy about the meager profits of modern faith. In the bleak, corporate break room of a craft store in Idaho, someone is summoning The Rapture. Will, who has fled his rural hometown after a scandal at his Evangelical church, comes to the Hobby Lobby, not only for employment, but also to rekindle a relationship with Alex, his brooding teenage son, whom he gave up for adoption several years ago. Alex works there along with Leroy, his adopted brother and protector, and Anna, a hapless young woman who reads bland fiction but hopes for dramatic endings. As their manager, foul-mouthed Pauline, tries ceaselessly to find order (and profit) in the chaos of small business. These lost souls of the Hobby Lobby confront an unyielding world through the beige-tinted impossibility of modern faith. For tickets and more information, visit www.empireartscenter.com.

April

Food Allergy Support Group

April

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.

CCrently accepting

spring items for cash or consignment. Bring in your shorts, sandals, and sundresses any time during business hours of 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Monday through Saturday. 6 S 3rd St., Downtown Grand Forks, ND 701-795-5660

www.truecolorsconsignment.com girlonfireonline.com

february 2015

April

Bringing Home Baby

April

Nourishing Boomers and Beyond

April

Gardening Saturday

8:00am to 4:15pm Alerus Center, Grand Forks Sponsored by the NDSU Extension Service and Grand Forks Horticultural Society, this year’s featured speaker is award winning, multimedia gardening expert P. Allen Smith. Additionally, there will be three breakout sessions, each having nine programs. Topics include: Home Landscaping for Curb Appeal, Backyard Composting, Water Features for Your Yard, Crimes Against Horticulture, Antique Plants in the Cottage Garden, Container Gardening & More, Common Problems of Tomatoes, Potatoes, Peppers, & Eggplants, Hot Annuals & Perennials, High Tunnels, Growing Culinary Herbs, Ornamental Grasses for ND, Earth-Kind Hydrangea Trials, Stigmina Needlecast of Spruce, Creating & Maintaining a Showplace Lawn, Aquaponics, Preserving & Using Herbs, and “The Bug Man.” Many experts will be present to cover the numerous topics. The $40.00 registration fee covers all of the day’s events including the educational programs, book signing, gardening vendors, breaks, lunch, door prizes, a free perennial, and lots of great gardening camaraderie. For more information, go to www.gardeningsaturday.com or call the NDSU Extension Service at 701-780-8229.

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Spin for Kids

february 2015

April

Northern Valley Youth Orchestras: Music in Bloom Fundraiser

1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. All Seasons Garden Center Northern Valley Youth Orchestra’s signature spring fundraiser features a fun and exciting sampling of the sights, sounds, and tastes of spring in the beautiful lush greenhouse setting of All Seasons. Come enjoy music, desserts, and social time, and support NVYO through raffle and donation opportunities. Proceeds support NVYO’s programming.

April

Nourishing Boomers and Beyond

April through

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

April

Alive at 25 Defensive Driving Class for Teens

April

Healthy and Fit Kids and Families

ArtSee

4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Empire Arts Center, 415 Demers Avenue, Grand Forks, ND 58201 Showcasing up-and-coming and distinguished artists, ArtSee gives guests the opportunity to view art from a variety of mediums, mingle with talented local and regional artists, and purchase oneof-a-kind pieces in a fun and social atmosphere. Newcomers and art enthusiasts alike can experience the art scene in the relaxed and creative environment at the Empire Arts Center. Approaching its tenth year, ArtSee has proven to be a distinguished event in Grand Forks, thanks to its dedicated sponsors. Guests are encouraged to come and enjoy appetizers and drinks while surrounding themselves with live music and an art experience unlike any other in the region.

1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. trainND Northeast located at Job Service ND, 1501 28th Ave S., Grand Forks In Supervisor Communication Skills, you will learn the importance of assertive speaking, asking directly for what you need from others without being aggressive. You will discover techniques for holding others accountable while also creating and practicing the art of equitable compromise. In this course, you will explore ways to use assertiveness to your benefit such as: how to establish credibility and trust, use positive language, avoid provoking language, and give workable feedback. Fee is $95 per person. For more information and to register, call 1-800-443-1313 Ext 21578 or go to www.lrsc.edu/workforce.

April

Rotator Cuff Injury: Retooling Your Golf Swing

Bringing Home Baby

UND Indian Association Time-Out Wacipi

April

Supervisor Communication Skills

April

Hyslop Sports Complex Grand Entries: 7: 00 p.m. Friday 1:00 & 7:00 p.m. Saturday 1:00 p.m. Sunday Free admission for University of North Dakota students, adults aged 55 plus, and children 5 years & under. For more information, call 701-746-2205.

April

Effective Communication Skills

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon trainND Northeast located at Job Service ND, 1501 28th Ave S., Grand Forks In today’s business climate, it is not unusual to hear people say, “We have a communication problem here.” Employees need to establish good lines of communication quickly and effectively. Effective Communication Skills helps assess your personality style, determine the most appropriate communication approach, and then practice the skills needed for effective communication to help build rapport with customers and co-workers. Fee is $65 per person. For more information and to register, call 1-800-443-1313 Ext 21578 or go to www.lrsc.edu/workforce.

April

Challenging Negative Attitudes!

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon trainND Northeast located at Job Service ND, 1501 28th Ave S., Grand Forks It’s always the other person, right? Who is the one person you can control? Discover the art of having and maintaining your own positive attitude. In Challenging Negative Attitudes, you will examine your self-talk and learn how to use the EXPEL model (explain, pinpoint, evaluate, and link to self-esteem). You will also learn how to deal with the four types of negative people, understand how change affects attitude, and how to successfully cope in this fast-paced world. Fee is $65 per person. For more information and to register, call 1-800-443-1313 Ext 21578 or go to www.lrsc.edu/workforce.

April

First Time Manager

1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. trainND Northeast located at Job Service ND, 1501 28th Ave S., Grand Forks Are you next in line to be the manager? Many excellent employees are promoted with the notion that they will be a great manager, but soon realize the difficulties of managing those who were once your co-workers. First Time Manager will help you determine your parameters as a manager and how to anticipate changes that come with your new role. In this course, you will discover techniques to thrive in the transition and how to identify trustworthy behaviors, while learning ways to motivate your team by using intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Fee is $95 per person. For more information and to register, call 1-800-443-1313 Ext 21578 or go to www. lrsc.edu/workforce.

May

Greater Grand Forks Heart Walk

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Choice Fitness, Grand Forks The Greater Grand Forks Heart Walk educates the community about the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases and stroke, and what we can do to prevent them. Funds raised support medical research, regional grants, and educational programs of the American Heart Association. Walkers are engaged in educational activities, a 5k walk or run, and healthy snacks, in addition to a Kids Zone with fun activities for children. More information can be obtained from Tom Jones at tom.jones@heart.org.

May

BLAST!: Babysitters’ Lessons and Safety Training

9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Altru Health System BLAST! is a babysitting class designed by the American Academy of Pediatrics to teach 11 to 14 year olds about the responsibilities of caring for children. Attendees receive a certificate of completion and a course manual. The cost for this class is $45, which includes lunch. Registration is required and can be completed at www.altru.org/calendar. For more information, call 701-780-5179. This event is sponsored by Altru Health System and Safe Kids Grand Forks.

May

Empire Dinner & Dance

6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Alerus Center, 1200 42nd Street South, Grand Forks, ND 58201 Join the Empire Arts Center for an art deco-inspired Dinner & Dance on May 2, 2015 at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks, ND. This premier event will feature the world-class James Gerard Orchestra, an 11-member, big dance band from Philadelphia, PA who are known for their performance at the Home States Inaugural Ball in 2009 and the 2014 Empire Dinner & Dance. Because entertainment is the Empire’s forte, guests will only be expected to enjoy the food, the decor, the company, and the music— there will be no auctions, raffles, or other requests for funding at the event. For tickets and more information, go to www.empiredinner.com.

May

Food Allergy Support Group

May

Car Seat Checkup

May

Bringing Home Baby

May

Nourishing Boomers and Beyond

May

Dr. Stacy Hallgren Helping you perform your

best.

Combining Science and Natural Medicine to help you look better, feel better and live longer!

701-732-2888 4350 South Washington Suite 100 Grand Forks, ND

Nourishing Boomers and Beyond

May

Bringing Home Baby

girlonfireonline.com

february 2015

HOT SPOTS TO SHOP PRODUCTS YOU NEED THIS SPRING

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.

Sublime Aesthetic Professionals

Formulated with microencapsulated Retinol and loaded with antioxidants this pharmaceutical grade complex should be used following SkinTx Active 4 to reveal a new layer of skin. Ideal for patients seeking exfoliation with minimal downtime. SkinTx products are available through Sublime Aesthetic Professionals. See their ads on pages 13 and 31.

True Colors

This signature brown and tan Louis Vuitton handbag is available at True Colors. See their ad on page 6 and 7.

Rilos and MiMi

Give the ultimate baby shower gift with this baby gift set by Rilos & MiMi! Each item is practical and handy. Rilos and MiMi products are available at Adley Anne’s. See their ad on page 3.

The Beautiful You

Follea’s revolutionary product line for women with little or no hair is designed by Alopecians, for Alopecians. Featuring a secure, confident and comfortable fit without the need for tape or glue, the Gripper is held in place with medical-grade silicone panels. The Gripper is now available with added density and standard and Soft-fit™ Gripper back and two different caps. Made from highquality European ponytail hair, the Gripper is gently hand processed in Follea’s own world-class atelier to preserve the unique natural quality of each and every strand. Follea human hair wigs are available at The Beautiful You. See their ad on page 25.

Lifetime Vision Center

With Burberry you get the perfect combination of style and tradition. These eyeglasses combine high quality with high fashion are available at Lifetime Vision Center. See their ad on page 21.

Amish Gallery

This Lane leather vinyl rocker recliner provides the right amount of comfort and style with its pad over chaise design and upholstered craftsmanship. The upholstery features luxurious leather everywhere you touch. This rocker recliner is available at the Amish Gallery. See their ad on page 25.

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Sublime Aesthetic Professionals

Get push up power with cleavage cupcakes™, be ready for any fashion emergency with lower beams™, and now introducing top hats™, magical nipple concealers made of medicalgrade silicone gel that transform any look from red light to red carpet. These Commando® products are available through Sublime Aesthetic Professionals. See their ads on pages 13 and 31.

True Colors

This Vera Bradley pink floral tote is available at True Colors. See their ad on page 6 and 7.

Truyu

Amish Gallery

Old world design has been rejuvenated with contemporary class in this gorgeous customizable sofa. Stylistically, this sofa features turned exposed wood feet, rolled arms, and a plump cushioned back. This sofa is available through the Amish Gallery. See their ad on page 25.

Experience the beauty of revitalizing results with VivierSkin Retinol 1% Night Repair. Retinol 1% Night Repair is the enhanced anti-aging complex you’ve been dreaming of. It’s uniquely formulated to prevent wrinkles, smooth fine lines and refine pore size. Add Retinol to your regime tonight. It’s the perfect anti-aging booster for all skin types. See their ad on page 15.

Rilos and MiMi

Truyu

VivierSkin Radiance Sērum provides a more radiant tomorrow, starting today. This hydroquinone-free, pharmaceutical grade serum is an anti-aging and skin brightening serum for all skin types. It’s uniquely formulated to reduce the appearance of age spots, smooth fine lines and wrinkles, and improve skin tone. Available at Truyu Aesthetic Center and Truyu at Choice. See their ad on page 15.

No more losing or having to dig around for baby’s pacifier. A pacifier clip can be attached to bibs, clothing, car seat, high chair, or stroller. A pacifier clip provides a great way to keep baby quiet and calm when enjoying the outdoors. Rilos and MiMi products are available at Adley Anne’s. See their ad on page 3.

Lifetime Vision Center

Fendi’s new eyewear collection captures aesthetic codes for the new season with lightness and geometric architectures. Edgy colors and refined shades, along with jewel-like details make for fashionable eyewear. Available at Lifetime Vision Center. See their ad on page 21. girlonfireonline.com

february 2015

MINI MENTORSHIP

Do I Have What It Takes? Written by Ashley Rae

Have you ever asked yourself, “Do I have what it takes to succeed at this?” As a consultant and mentor, this is a common first question that many of my clients ask on a daily basis. Their hope is to be guided in a certain direction by hearing a definite yes or no answer. Although a client will unknowingly provide me with clear insight to that question within the first ten minutes of meeting, ultimately, no one factor will answer that question adequately. In fact, regardless of their profession of choice or their definition of success, it’s an accumulation of a variety of factors—such as personality traits and habits—that one needs to possess to experience the success they’re aiming to achieve. What follows are a few of the main traits and habits, commonly possessed by highly successful people, that I look for when mentoring aspiring individuals.

INITIATIVE The first step to being successful is taking initiative. You can’t wait for something to happen. “If it’s to be, it’s up to me” is the motto in the entrepreneurial world. Nothing happens unless you make it happen. I’ve seen success slip out of the hands of individuals because they waited for success to happen to them. They refused to recognize that they had to take the initiative to make things happen to create their own success. RESPONSIBILITY With initiative comes responsibility. Until you accept full responsibility for your efforts and their outcome, you won’t experience the full potential of your success. Learn how to use the outcome of your efforts to press toward the future and the success you want to achieve. I’ve seen people fall short of reaching their full success potential because they blamed everyone around them when things didn’t go exactly as planned instead of recognizing what they, and they alone, could have done differently to change the outcome of the situation. PERSEVERANCE With responsibility comes perseverance. Successful people are determined to be successful. Don’t let obstacles and challenges discourage or stop you from moving forward. Keep trying, even when the odds are stacked against you, and do what’s needed to be done to overcome those odds. I’ve witnessed potentially successful people who have not reached their end goal because they made excuses and simply gave up when faced with even the smallest of obstacles. 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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VALUE With perseverance comes value. You can’t expect to be successful at anything in life unless you value what you’re doing. To value what you do means that you truly believe in what you’re trying to accomplish. It doesn’t matter if everyone around you values what you do. If you don’t value what you do, that will be reflected in the success you experience, or lack thereof. I’ve observed people on the road to success suddenly stopped dead in their tracks because they didn’t see value in what they did. They didn’t believe in themselves, so began doubting what they were trying to accomplish, and then fell prey to the skeptics who also didn’t believe in them.

Before Before

Before and After photos show patients treated with Bellaﬁll® .

After After

PASSION With value comes passion. The idea that you want something so badly that you can “taste it” is a common theme among successful people. The passion and desire that they feel within them propels them to do what needs to be done, and oddly enough, they enjoy every minute of it because they have passion. To be truly successful, you must be truly passionate; otherwise, you’ll be left to wonder why you’re doing what you’re doing. I’ve noticed individuals who had intense drive and keen work ethic, but the opportunity for success fizzled because they lacked the passion for what they were doing.

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MEANING Finally, we come to meaning. This, to me, is the most important trait that one can possess. To have meaning in life simply means that you have purpose, and having purpose is what life is all about. Without meaning and purpose, nothing we do really matters. In fact, any level of “success” that we experience won’t be success at all. I’ve seen people fall from success because they lost that meaning and purpose and forgot what life was about. We, and we alone, are the only ones who can determine our success, but without meaning and purpose, success is simply an illusion of the mind. Regardless of your profession of choice or your definition of success, let there be no mistake that the success you experience in life will be the sum of many varying factors. Remember, it’s up to you, and you alone, to create the success that ultimately you want to experience in life. For a complete, in-depth overview of this article, go to www.HerVoiceHerBrand.com to learn how to sign up for our Online Training Webinars. [GCW] girlonfireonline.com

february 2015

Submitted by Carma Hanson, MS, RN Coordinator – Safe Kids Grand Forks/Altru Health System

With all the childhood safety topics that we cover, not a month that goes by where there is not some type of national awareness campaign being held. This edition of Grand Cities Woman covers some weeks with pretty significant injury topics that should be important to parents and caregivers. After all, Child Passenger Safety Month (celebrated in February) and Poison Prevention Month (celebrated in March) are two topics that cover the households of parents, but should pique the interest of grandparents, child care providers, and others alike. In last year’s edition of our February Safe Kids Corner, we talked about “how far we have come” in child passenger safety. From the days of our mother’s arm being placed in front of us to protect us in a crash, to the vast selection of car seats that are on the market now, things have changed in this industry. When you peruse the baby isles at your local stores, you will find not only an array of car seat models, but accessories galore. Mothers add items to their carts or gift registries, often feeling like they have to have the latest and greatest baby gadgets. Safe Kids Grand Forks wants to provide some cautionary notes about aftermarket products. For car seats to be sold on the market, they must pass rigorous testing. These aftermarket products, however, are not tested at all and often can cause injury when used with the seat

Safe Kids Corner

or cause the seat to not function properly in a crash. The following discusses these car seat add-on features in more detail: •Toys: While toys placed on the handle of the car seat might seem like a great way to entertain your baby, what parents don’t realize is their impact in a crash. The baby’s head/face will be thrown forward in a crash situation, and is often forced right into the very toys that were placed there for entertainment. It is preferred that toys not be placed on the handle of the car seats to avoid injury during a crash. The same would hold true for mirrors that are placed on the seat behind the baby. These items can become a projectile in a crash and land right in baby’s face.

against baby’s body (so you cannot place more than one finger under the harness at shoulder level), you can place a warm blanket over the baby and use a car seat cover that goes over the top of the seat; this is a much safer option. •Vehicle Seat Protectors: Parents often want to protect the vehicle seat that the car seat is placed on and thus purchase seat protectors that go under the child restraint. There are some exceptions to this (the protector and car seat are sold by the same manufacturer), the devices oftentimes cause the car seat to “slip”

•Fleece car seat liners: While we live in an area with cold weather, adding the sheepskin type liners to the car seat is not recommended. They are not designed to fit the harness straps on the variety of seats on the market and oftentimes pull the harness straps off of the shoulders, allowing the baby to come out of the harness during a crash. The sheepskin fabric also compresses in a crash and causes the harness system to fit looser than it should. The best recommendation is to “strap before you wrap.” Baby should be placed in their car seat with their tee shirt and outfit on, then harnessed. Once the harness system is tight

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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on the seat and not be held in place tightly. These aftermarket products are also not recommended. •Head Supports: For the same reason that the sheepskin liners are not to be used, head support systems sold separate of the seat are also not recommended. It is a better option to use rolled up receiving blankets along the side of the baby’s body and head to give them extra head support. As with all children’s products, filling out the registration card on your child’s car seat is important so you can receive notification if the product is recalled. This past year, car seat manufacturers issued some of the most extensive car seat recalls in recent history due to issues with the seats’ buckles. If you did not register your car seat when it was purchased, check out this website to make sure that your seat is still safe to use: www. nhtsa.gov. In March, we will recognize National Poison Prevention Month. When I was younger, I recall Mr. Yuk stickers that parents used to label the dangerous products in their home. This system is no longer used because kids became reliant on determining whether products were “bad” based on a system that took active engagement to label. Rather than having dangerous products out for children to access, it is recommended that parents and caregivers put poisonous products up and away and out of reach where children cannot get their hands on them. Locks on cabinets, drawers, or doors are also helpful. When checking and putting away poisonous products, don’t just think about the “common” dangers such as cleaning products. Did you know that medications—over-the-counter and prescription—are amongst the most common sources of poisonings for children? These items are often left out so the person taking the medication is reminded to take them. Non-childproof covers are common on medication bottles, particularly for those with decreased hand strength. These types of covers, along with dispensing boxes, allow for easy access to medications by young children. Besides medications, laundry and dishwasher pods are a new source of poisoning for children. These items are bright and colorful and often stored under the washer or kitchen counter. When small children place these items in their mouth, they often burst open and can be ingested into the stomach or the lungs. When childproofing for poison dangers, remember that little children learn about their environment by placing things in their mouths. If the product could be harmful to them, storing them “up and away” is always the best practice. Should a poisoning occur, calling 911 is an option or dialing the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 is also a great help. As the seasons change and our safety topics shift focus, we remind parents and caregivers that the topics we cover are imperative to keep in mind year round. Safe Kids Grand Forks’ website provides lots of resources that can be accessed at www.safekidsgf.com. For additional information on these or other childhood injury prevention topics, contact us at safekids@ altru.org or 701-780-1489. Altru Health System is proud to serve as the lead agency for Safe Kids Grand Forks. [GCW] girlonfireonline.com

february 2015

Grand Designs Written by Autumn Graber Photographed by Kacy Forest of PLC Photography

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Jill Sobolik, interior designer for Sterling Carpet One in Grand Forks, met Vonda Collette when she walked into the Sterling Carpet One showroom. “Then, through a series of meetings and consultations, we ended up working on the project,” said Sobolik. Grafton residents, Vonda and her husband Darryl were beginning their new home construction journey about three years ago. “People tend to come in and look first because trends change so fast,” said Sobolik. Vonda and Darryl spent almost a year doing research before they broke ground for the new home. “Darryl and I both had ideas that we wanted to incorporate into our design. I give him a lot of credit because he actually started doing very rough sketches of how he wanted the house to look on the exterior and how it would sit on the lot.” The Collettes hired Meland Architects to help put their ideas into a buildable plan and offer some additional thoughts. Darryl and Vonda shared the responsibility of consulting with contractors. “Darryl worked closely with our heating, plumbing, and electrical contractors, while I worked with Jill Sobolik at Sterling Carpet One for several months designing the cabinet and room layouts.”

“Organization is just as important as aesthetics when planning a kitchen. Often, we’ll start the design process by playing around with different island shapes and placement. A kitchen is timeless when it is stylish and functions well.” - Jill Sobolik, Sterling Carpet One Interior Designer

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february 2015

Collette Home Vender List:

Sterling Carpet One HOM Furniture/Gabberts

“Stacked stone ledger panels [as seen on the fireplace] available from Sterling Carpet One are an excellent way to add texture both inside and outside the home.” - Jill Sobolik, Sterling Carpet One Interior Designer

Presteng Construction Dub Construction Meland Architects Kieley Electric LaHaise Plumbing & Heating The Insulation Place M&D Seamless Siding New Century Exteriors Dakota Drywall Signature Painting Kensok’s Hardwood Floors Feather Your Nest-Jo Petersen Dakota TV & Appliance Granites Unlimited River Rouge Market

“A different level of privacy was required when the Collettes moved into town from the farm. Hunter Douglas window treatments available at Sterling Carpet One can be as transparent as a pair of sunglasses or completely block out the sun in a home theater room.” - Jill Sobolik, Sterling Carpet One Interior Designer 18 girlonfireonline.com february 2015

“Darryl’s favorite space would be his ‘man cave’ area because he spent a significant amount of time designing that space and we enjoy entertaining there as well.” –Vonda Collette, homeowner “When you have a wellplanned space that is also pleasing to look at, even menial tasks like laundry become fun.” - Jill Sobolik, Sterling Carpet One Interior Designer

ncecase@aol.com

“A designer must communicate their vision clearly so that the installation is carried out as planned and the end result is exactly as the homeowner expected...or even better.” - Jill Sobolik, Sterling Carpet One Interior Designer Andrea Coleman met Vonda in the same manner when she came into HOM Furniture/Gabberts to take a preliminary look at furniture. “Design clients all enter into the design process with different needs and goals,” said Coleman. “Vonda, had a great foundation and definition of her own personal style, so the process of designing for her was a true pleasure.” The Collettes decided to build as part of their transition process because their children indicated that they wanted to move back to Grafton to join the family farm operation after graduating from college. In addition to using the design services of Sobolik and Coleman, Vonda consulted with a local Grafton interior designer, Jo Petersen, who owns Feather Your Nest. “She was very helpful in finding us some of the finishing touches and accent pieces and provided a lot of good suggestions that we may not have thought of on our own, such as changing the direction we laid the hickory hardwood floor between the kitchen and dining area. It really makes the dining room floor stand out and special,” said Vonda. girlonfireonline.com

february 2015

“There is always that item in every design, I find, that reflects a little glimpse into a client’s personality. For this project, it was the oversized chaise. The family room just wouldn’t be the same without it!” -Andrea Coleman, Interior Designer HOM Furniture/Gabberts

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Home owners and future home owners can’t take lightly the amount of work and effort that goes into building a new home. “Furniture layouts were created for each space, fabric selections, accessories, rug selections and paint color consultations were given in the home,” said Coleman. No matter the budget—big or small— they want their money to be spent wisely. “She justified every dollar she spent,” said Sobolik. Some new potential home builders might feel that hiring a designer would significantly increase the budget when, in reality, it’s just the opposite. “Having a designer ends up saving the customer in the end,” said Coleman. It’s the designer’s job to know the right supplier to go to for the product that the homeowner wants. They are also well versed in purchasing those items or services in a way that gets the best deal. Most importantly, the homeowner and the designer must trust each other for the job to

“Through the use of new art, accents, fabrics, and a rug, bringing treasured furniture pieces from the Collette’s former home was made easy.” -Andrea Coleman, Interior Designer HOM Furniture/Gabberts be a success. “I feel humbled that she put that trust in us,” said Sobolik. The Collettes felt that their journey to build their dream home was enjoyable. “Jill made the process so enjoyable and we appreciate the time she took to really get to know us and understand how we wanted our home to feel and to function,” said Vonda. “Andrea did a wonderful job taking the time to get to know us, too. She had her work cut out [for her] because Darryl and I had different ideas and styles that she had to mesh into one.” Artistry blends with function in the design of this new home. “Overall, I would say we really enjoyed our building experience. It was interesting at times because Darryl and I have different styles and there was a lot of compromising on both of parts. We understood the things that were important to each of us and made it work. We are very thankful to the people who worked to help us build our dream home.” [GCW] girlonfireonline.com

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“My favorite space in the house is our kitchen/great room because I enjoy cooking and entertaining for family and friends. I love the openness of the floor plan and the big windows that allow a lot of natural daylight into that space. I worked with Andrea Coleman at Hom Furniture on the furnishings for those spaces and she, too, did a wonderful job taking the time to get to know us. We wanted those spaces to have very functional, comfortable, and practical furniture.” –Vonda Collette, homeowner 22 girlonfireonline.com february 2015

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february 2015

HEALTHY CHOICES GREATER GRAND FORKS

1 Million Miles Walking Challenge:

Small Steps to a Big Change Written by Annie Berg

Think about something healthy you’ve done lately. Now, think of the reason why you did it. Often, it might have been for you: picking an apple for a snack, hitting the gym after work, or making the slow and painful walk past the ice cream store at the mall. Likely, you know what activities are good for you, but you did them because they were really good for someone else. For example: Yesterday, it was 20 degrees and windy. It was not a pleasant day for a stroll, but I went anyway because my dog needed her daily walk.

Walk 1 Million Miles with Us:

1. Join at healthychoicesggf.org. 2. Create an account. 3. Walk. 4. Log your miles. 5. Watch ‘em grow!

•Recently, my husband has made a routine of going to the gym in the evening. He stays longer if I go, too. So, though I’d already achieved my exercise goal for the day, I laced up my sneakers and off we went. •My friend told me a story of how her husband starting eating green beans. He hates them, but their daughter won’t touch her green beans unless daddy does, so he eats them with a smile. •At work, I see people walking together on their break. I can’t help but think that one of them is doing it to support their friend who is trying to make healthier choices. CATALYZING CHANGE The Community Health Needs Assessment completed in 2013 identified the issue of obesity among adults and children as the number one priority for improvement. The data showed that 60 percent of residents in Grand Forks County are considered overweight. Altru Health System, who led the charge on this assessment, knew that something had to be done. So, we gathered a group of passionate health and wellness experts in the community and formed a coalition to make change: Healthy Choices Greater Grand Forks. We have worked hard over the past few months to develop projects that will help make the healthy choice, the easy choice at work, at home, at school and at play.

Annie Berge| Writer Grand Forks native and U of M advertising graduate, Annie Berge works in Altru’s Corporate Development department, focusing on community relations. She also leads the communication team for Healthy Choices Greater Grand Forks, and is excited about helping her hometown get healthy. Annie spends her free time at the lake with family and friends and cheers on her husband’s hockey team in the colder months. 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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COULD YOU CHANGE A LIFE? In 2015, Healthy Choices Greater Grand Forks is challenging our community to walk 1 million miles. For some, walking a mile a day is really no big deal. However, for others it might be life changing. Think of those people as your friends, family, and co-workers. Help them make a change by taking part in the walking challenge and encouraging them to do the same. Start a team at work. Get everyone to join. Spread the word of the healthier community we are building, so those who really need to be a part of it can hear the message. Let’s start it together, one step at a time. We hope that by December of 2015, we will have walked 1 million miles, we will have reduced our community’s weight, and we will all know that we did it together, as a team. FIRST STEPS Join the walking challenge at healthchoicesggf.org. There, you can create an account, then log your miles and watch them grow. We will include links to tools that can help you count your miles, and will motivate you with giveaways and incentives along the way. If walking isn’t your thing, you can run, swim, or scoot your way to 1 million. We aren’t picky. We just want you to join us. Learn about other initiatives of Healthy Choices Greater Grand Forks at healthychoicesggf.org, or follow along on our Facebook page (facebook.com/HCGGF). Over the next few years, we hope to effectively make healthy living part of the Greater Grand Forks “brand.” Want to help us make change? Contact us at healthychoicesggf.org. [GCW]

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february 2015

Help Me Do It Myself Enabling the Child to be Independent the Montessori Way

Written by Carey Leichter Photos by Katie Brock Photography

There are many Montessori-inspired activities that parents can introduce into the home environment to facilitate independence, self-esteem, and focus, amongst many other developmentally-appropriate skill work. If we take the time to observe our environment as much as our children, we can foster positive relationships and empower our children in the process.

Over time, as the child demonstrates increased decision-making ability, more choices can be made available. This will likely involve removing excessive toys or developmentally inappropriate playthings, and simply storing extras, or rotating them over a period of time, as interest in other toys wanes.

PREPARING THE HOME ENVIRONMENT In the home, as Montessorians, we look at the environment from the child’s perspective. This entails getting physically close to the floor and viewing the world from their vantage. Where are things located? How does the room’s layout look from this new angle? Most of us strive for uncluttered spaces and orderliness, but this ideal is even more important in a child’s development. A sense of order and peace will help in the child’s development indirectly. Of course, the direct consequence is a clean and organized home. However, for the child to learn and practice choosing his or her own contribution (for example, picking up toys or making the bed)—meanwhile, spending time manipulating, exploring, and focusing on the chosen task in a joyful way—the benefits are profound for young, developing minds. Look around your child’s space and set out only a few items within easy reach (for safety’s sake, but also to help the child make choices). Limiting choices prevents the child from being overwhelmed and over-stimulated, and empowers the child to learn to make independent decisions.

HELP ME DO IT MYSELF In teaching a child skills, it is perfectly acceptable to allow a child to struggle…but to what end? It depends on the struggle. This is particularly important in the early years as the child experiences and learns to overcome difficulties that are often a direct result of emerging abilities.

Carey Leichter| Writer As the mother of five children, a Montessori teacher, and the owner of Grand Forks Montessori Academy, Carey has spent more than 10 years analyzing and preparing children’s environments to provide optimal learning following Montessori philosophy. 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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In the world of Montessori, specifically in the 3-6 age range environment (often known as the “Primary” or “Casa de Bambini”), practical life activities include self-care and care for the environment, and encompass simple activities such as putting on and taking off one’s socks or shoes, brushing one’s hair, cleaning a window or mirror, watering a plant, feeding a fish, and even sweeping a floor. Young children love to do what adults do, but they are doing more than just mimicking their activities. Children are learning to use their bodies in new ways, practicing moving through space, not bumping into a chair or table, gross and fine motor skills are being fine-tuned, as well as body and spatial awareness. All in addition to the emerging skill work from the act of sweeping or any other household or self-care activity. All of this practical life work is also very fulfilling to the child as he or she feels an active contributor to the household and environment. Self-esteem is being built as well as focus, attention to detail, and care for the environment; this cannot be achieved without some small struggles that the child must overcome. We can promote these wonderful activities that are so readily available by again viewing the world from the child’s perspective, and then facilitate their burgeoning abilities with appropriately scaled items. Dr. Maria Montessori was one of the first to design child-sized furniture that is commonly seen in children’s environments. It has been 106 years since Dr. Montessori opened the first Casa (Children’s House), and since then, many of her ideas, manipulatives, and designs have permeated how we educate children all over the world. So as we crawl, or kneel, about the child’s space in our homes, we can ask ourselves, “What does the child need to do real work?” In Montessori, we focus on real activities rather than pretend, or simulated real-

life. An answer might be to give the child a scaled-down broom, even a modern Swiffer® that can be altered in length for the child’s use. A small spray of water and a palm-sized cloth allows children an opportunity to take pride in their work as they contribute to the care of their environment when washing a small table, window, or mirror. After these activities have been presented, the child should be allowed to freely choose and participate in these activities by having them accessible to give them time to struggle, overcome, and continue the practice. However, it is important to keep adult expectations in check, not expecting a thorough job done. This will come with repetition over time. We all desire our children to walk forth with independence, self-esteem, and a life-long joy of learning. Introducing some of these time-proven Montessori techniques is a great way for you to pave that path. [GCW] LINKS: The following links offer fantastic ideas for activities and inspiration: Montessori At Home Links on Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/gfmontessori/montessori-at-home How to Raise an Amazing Child the Montessori Way by Tim Seldin Teach Me to Do It Myself: Montessori Activities for You and Your Child by Maja Pitamic Montessori from the Start: The Child at Home, from Birth to Age Three by Paula Polk Lillard and Lynn Lillard Jessen

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february 2015

Corporal Jessica Thorlacius To Serve and Protect...Off the Beaten Path Written by Jennifer Dame

SWAT Team. Cultural Liaison Officer. Community Resource Bureau. Safer Tomorrows Liaison. School Resource Officer. “Just one of the guys.” Seven year Grand Forks Police Department veteran Corporal Jessica Thorlacius is all of those things and one of the people who have had the most impact, so far, on my eleven-year-old daughter. As a fifth grader in the Grand Forks School District, my daughter has now been a part of the “Winning Decisions” class taught by Corporal Jessica Thorlacius. Thorlacius, along with Officer LaVonne Nelson, goes into the schools to fill a gap previously left unfilled for elementary aged kids regarding topics like the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse and decision-making. “The high schools each have an officer; there is one officer for the middle schools that teaches G.R.E.A.T, but there was a gap at the elementary schools,” Thorlacius says. With Winning Decisions program taught in elementary schools, students take a closer look at the dangers of using drugs, alcohol, internet/social media safety, and violence once a week. Students are sent home with “homework” to help spark conversation with parents regarding those topics. “We want to teach what we were seeing at the schools, what the teachers were expressing. And those kids are at such a fun age, they get excited to see us. It is fun to establish a positive relationship with the kids.” As a younger officer, Thorlacius isn’t shy with the kids. She talks to them about her family and life outside of work, “It’s good for them to see that we have another side to our lives.” Winning decisions has been part of the schools for over four years. Teaching Winning Decisions is one of many hats that Thorlacius wears at the Grand Forks Police Department, but it didn’t start out that way. A Forensic Science graduate from UND, she took a non-traditional route to becoming a peace officer, a career she wasn’t originally looking for, “I wanted to get into investigations.”

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Shortly after graduation in 2007, Thorlacius was hired by the Grand Forks Police Department to be a Community Service Officer. From there, it took almost a year for her to become a patrol officer. One of the minimum requirements of being a police officer is graduation from the North Dakota Law Enforcement Academy, so “They [Grand Forks Police Department] sent me to the Academy in Bismarck for training,” where she graduated at the top of her class. Upon her return to Grand Forks, Thorlacius then spent 16 weeks in field training before she was allowed to patrol on her own. Like everyone else, she worked on a rotating shift. The Grand Forks Police Department has three rotations: overnights, middays, and days. In addition, Thorlacius was, and continues to be, the only female Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team member in North Dakota. Though being a part of the SWAT team might seem like just another day at the office for Thorlacius, she does see how her role in a malepredominate team can have a great impact on the kids. “I think for girls, it helps to empower them, and for boys, it is good for them to see that it’s not just [for] guys.” As a SWAT team member, Thorlacius is subject to all the same standards as the men, no exceptions. Smiling and laughing, she recalls moments when the men on her team had difficulty remembering that standard. “I still run into some obstacles where they figure they’ll just take care of it instead of letting Jess handle it, but I have never asked for anything special.” Still a SWAT member, Thorlacius was taken off patrol when she became pregnant with her first child. It was also at that time that the Community Resource position opened up. And she is glad it did. “I absolutely love this! It is a very different side of law enforcement.” According to the Grand Forks Police Department website, “The Community Resource Bureau’s (CRB) objective is to foster a strong relationship between police officers and the Grand Forks community.” Corporal Thorlacius is giving it her best shot! “We do so much; so many different programs are available. If somebody has an issue that needs to be resolved, we are here to help mediate before patrol gets involved.” Not only does she teach Winning Decisions at the north end elementary schools, but she is also a resource officer for them. She knows the schools, knows the administrators, and they know her, “We try to be proactive, try to maintain contact with students, and establish relationships for whatever they need. Our job is not to scare kids, it is to try to keep them safe.” She has the same approach and philosophy for businesses in Ward 1. Each of the seven designated city wards is assigned a Community Resource ward officer. The officers become a point of contact to help 30 girlonfireonline.com february 2015

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prevent crime. “Sometimes we have a Cops in the Community event at a business in our Ward where people can come and talk, ask questions, [or] just visit with us.” Building relationships is important to Thorlacius. And, a new group to North Dakota is reaping the benefits. Roughly 100-150 new Americans come to Grand Forks yearly, and Corporal Thorlacius is one of their first contacts. Part of her job as the Cultural Liaison Officer is to, along with Lutheran Social Services, hold orientation every six months. She teaches laws and explains how police operate in the United States. While covering topics like domestic violence, alcohol, tobacco, and child abuse laws, she says, “I also try to calm fears.” One of only two Cultural Liaisons in the state, she also teaches new hires about cultural differences and how to get an interpreter. She also travels to colleges, other police departments, fire departments, and anyone else who needs training or follow-up. “The police department isn’t just patrol and calling 911. We do have other resources. We are trying to get integrated into the community and answer questions and fill in the gaps for people.” The Community Resource Bureau position is only a five year position, but with child number two on the way, Thorlacius is hoping they extend it just a little longer. Either way, the bottom line for Corporal Jessica Thorlacius is that she “loves being a police officer.” [GCW] Pictured: Thorlacius with her family in Grand Forks

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