Grand Cities Woman Volume 4, Issue 2

COMPLIMENTARY

Volume 4, Issue 2 May 2015

SandyKovar It’s a Beautiful Life

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Distributed by Girl on Fire Publishing at the following locations:

If you would like to provide Grand Cities Woman to your clients or customers, please contact us by phone at 701-261-2692 or by email at grandcitieswoman@live.com.

MAIN DISTRIBUTION LOCATIONS: Hugo’s Supermarkets SuperOne River Cinema HOTELS: Holiday Inn Express Lakeview Inn and Suites Days Inn Comfort Inn Road King Inn Quality Inn C’mon Inn Settle Inn Howard Johnson Ramada America’s Best Value Inn Super 8 Econo Lodge Canad Inns Sleep Inn Springhill Suites by Marriot Country Inn & Suites AmericInn Knights Inn and Suites Staybridge Red Roof Hampton Inn My Place Select Inn Expressway LaQuinta RETAIL LOCATIONS: True Colors Grand Cities Mall MODE Tim Hortons Dakota Harvest SERVICE PROVIDERS: Altru Waiting Areas Grand Forks International Airport Choice Fitness Snap Fitness Curves University of North Dakota Student Union

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 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. © 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.

Booking Sunset Sessions Now

PROUD MEMBER OF

Sandy Kovar, TEARS Founder

On the Cover

Photographed by White Willow Photography Read a Grand Cities Woman feature about Sandy Kovar, founder of the TEARS program and the STEMI/ Stroke coordinator at Altru Health System.

PHOTOGRAPHY

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It Takes a Team...

If you would like to become a writer for 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.

Autumn Graber | Publisher Autumn graduated from Minnesota State University – Moorhead (MSUM) with a BS in Mass Communication emphasizing in journalism. She was the 2014 Entrepreneur of the Year, an award given by the Greater Grand Young Professionals and University of North Dakota Center for Innovation. Autumn is a 2009 graduate of The Chamber Leadership Program. She was elected and served six years on the Board of Directors for the American Advertising Federation of North Dakota (AAF-ND). Autumn enjoyed a successful term as president of AAF-ND, helping them win the “Club of the Year” award for District 8 at the national convention in 2010, competing against all clubs from South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Autumn and her family moved to Grand Forks shortly after launching Grand Cities Woman in March of 2012. Autumn and her husband, Kelly Graber, agriculture equipment salesman for Butler Machinery, are making their new home in Grand Forks with their two young children, Aiden and Zachary.

Mary Glessner | Advertising Sales Mary Glessner grew up in North Dakota and graduated from Mayville State University. She has been with Girl on Fire Publishing since March of 2012. She has also been employed with the North Dakota University System for twenty-four years. After relocating to Grand Forks and excepting a job at UND she decided to start Cheerful Givers, ND because of her passion for helping others.

Mary is a board member and volunteer for the Sunshine Memorial Foundation. She enjoys the community in which she lives and is currently volunteering on the Sunshine Hospitality House Executive Committee to bring the proposed Sunshine Hospitality Home to fruition in Grand Forks.

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. For more information about Her Brand Development Group, go to www.HerVoiceHerBrand.com.

Carey Leichter | Writer As the mother of five children, a Montessori teacher, and the Director of Grand Forks Montessori Academy, Carey has spent 11 years analyzing and preparing children’s environments to provide optimal learning following Montessori philosophy.

She is available for consultation in the development and preparation of Montessori-inspired environments.

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!

MariLou Harveland | Copy Editor MariLou is a freelance editor since 2001, when she began editing technical manuals, helping create a style guide for writers, and training new writers for Microsoft. During this time, she also earned a Master of Arts in English from NDSU, where she also taught College Composition I and II. In 2011, MariLou published her first novel, “The Seventh Soul,” which won the 2012 Indie Reader Award in Paranormal Fiction at the International Book Expo in New York, NY. Currently, she’s working on her second novel, which should be published in 2015. MariLou lives on a farm near Brocket, ND with her husband, Dan, a spoiled Golden Retriever, two domineering cats, and a loquacious parakeet.

Kaelyn Teigen | Business Development Kaelyn is a University of North Dakota student working toward a degree in business. She also serves as a UND Student Ambassador.

She is a recipient of the 2014 Western State Bank, Dennis Flynn Memorial, and Morris & Christine Barks Family Scholarships. Kaelyn is from Devils Lake and has volunteered as a Sunday school teacher and elementary school teacher assistant. Kaelyn is managing our digital marketing campaigns and assisting in identifying potential business opportunities.

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Event Calendar

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

OPEN ALL YEAR NELSON COUNTY BARN QUILT TRAIL The quilt trail is a series of 40+ barn quilts that are hung along a highway or country road. A barn quilt is an 8 X 8 or 4 X 4 foot section of quality plywood painted with a quilt block pattern. These quilts are then hung on barns and other buildings for people to view.

A map for this self-guided, 40mile driving tour can be found at local businesses or www.nelsonco. org.

MAY 9 COUNTRY CHIC PAINT WORKSHOP 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Living Sage Downtown Grand Forks Learn new painting techniques at Living Sage in downtown Grand Forks for only $35 per person.

Call 701-757-2071 to reserve your space before the class fills up!

MAY 14 CAR SEAT CHECKUP 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Rydell GM Auto Center, 2700 South Washington Stop by and make sure your

children have a safe ride. For more information, contact Safe Kids Grand Forks at 701-780-1489 or go to www.safekidsgf.com.

MAY 14 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.

MAY 14 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

MAY 19

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.

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 701780-8229.

MAY 14 AND 15 ART FAIR DISCOUNT BEDDING SALE Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Altru Hospital Lower Level, Rooms A-D This event is a fundraiser for Altru Alliance. Last year’s profits included funding for Home Delivered Meals, Safe Kids Car Seats, and scholarships for Northland Community and Technical College.

MAY 19 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 701-7327620.

MAY 21 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 701780-8229.

MAY 21 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.

MAY 21 SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE SUPPORT GROUP 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Altru Psychiatry Center Offered by Altru’s TEARS Suicide Prevention Project, this group aims to bring together those who have experienced suicide loss to understand they are not alone.

Come share your stories, or simply listen to others. Meetings are held the third Thursday of each month.

MAY 21 NOURISHING BOOMERS AND BEYOND 12:15 p.m. to 12:50 p.m.

NDSU Extension Service, 3rd Floor County Office Bldg., girlonfireonline.com

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MAY 26 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.

MAY 28 COUNTRY CHIC PAINT WORKSHOP 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Living Sage Downtown Grand Forks Learn new painting techniques at Living Sage in downtown Grand Forks for only $35 per person.

Call 701-757-2071 to reserve your space before the class fills up!

MAY 28

JUNE 6 COUNTRY CHIC PAINT WORKSHOP 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Living Sage Downtown Grand Forks Learn new painting techniques at Living Sage in downtown Grand Forks for only $35 per person.

Call 701-757-2071 to reserve your space before the class fills up!

JUNE 8 THROUGH 12 CSCIBOT LEGO ROBOTIC INTRO CAMP For more information on the University of North Dakota’s Summer Programs and Events and to register for this camp, call 701-777-0841.

JUNE 10 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.

Free and open to families/individuals who have been diagnosed with life-threatening food allergies. For more information, call 701-780-6400.

JUNE 11 CAR SEAT CHECKUP 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Rydell GM Auto Center, 2700 South Washington Stop by and make sure your children have a safe ride. For more

COUNTRY CHIC PAINT WORKSHOP Living Sage, Downtown Grand Forks Learn new painting techniques at Living Sage in downtown Grand Forks for only $35 per person. Call 701-757-2071 to reserve your space before the class fills up!

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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 701780-8229.

information, contact Safe Kids Grand Forks at 701-780-1489 or go to www.safekidsgf.com.

JUNE 11 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.

JUNE 11 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 701780-8229.

JUNE 13 BLAST!: BABYSITTERS’ LESSONS AND SAFETY TRAINING Altru Health System 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

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 701-7805179. This event is sponsored by Altru Health System and Safe Kids Grand Forks.

JUNE 13 RUN FOR YOUR BUNS 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Lincoln Park Run for Your Buns is an annual 5K run/walk benefitting colon cancer. Proceeds from the race are donated to Altru Health Foundation to help uninsured and underinsured patients pay for screening colonoscopies. Run for Your Buns is a 5K run/walk, beginning and ending in Lincoln Park. Race timing will be provided. All levels of participation are encouraged.

Run, walk, or roll towards the fight against colon cancer. Register at www.altru.org/runforyourbuns. com.

JUNE 15 THROUGH 19 CSCIBOT LEGO ROBOTIC INTRO CAMP For more information on the University of North Dakota’s Summer Programs and Events and to register for this camp, call 701-777-0841.

JUNE 15 THROUGH 19 ALICE ANIMATION INTRO CAMP 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Streibel Hall, 3950 Campus Rd., Grand Forks Alice is a computer program that makes creating a virtual world to tell a story or play a game easy.

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Drag-and-drop graphics make programming a snap for any age.

Programming with Alice allows the camper to focus on the content and creativity of the story, which helps develop problemsolving skills. For more information on the University of North Dakota’s Summer Programs and Events and to register for this camp, call 701-777-0841.

JUNE 16 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 701732-7620.

JUNE 18 COUNTRY CHIC PAINT WORKSHOP 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Living Sage Downtown Grand Forks Learn new painting techniques at Living Sage in downtown Grand Forks for only $35 per person.

Call 701-757-2071 to reserve your space before the class fills up!

girlonfireonline.com

JUNE 18 SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE SUPPORT GROUP 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Altru Psychiatry Center Offered by Altru’s TEARS Suicide Prevention Project, this group aims to bring together those who have experienced suicide loss to understand they are not alone.

Come share your stories, or simply listen to others. Meetings are held the third Thursday of each month.

JUNE 20 SPORTS PERFORMANCE SCREENING SATURDAY 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Sanny and Jerry Ryan Center for

Prevention and Genetics Using advanced 2D video and motion analysis software, Altru physical therapists will offer a free screening to assist in the prevention of injury. This screening is specific for athletes. For more information or to register, call 701-732-7620.

JUNE 22 THROUGH 26 SUMMER ART CAMP For more information on the University of North Dakota’s Summer Programs and Events and to register for this camp, call 701-777-0841.

JUNE 22 THROUGH 26 ANDROID APP INVENTOR CAMP For more information on the University of North Dakota’s Summer Programs and Events and to register for this camp, call 701-777-0841.

JUNE 23 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 infor-

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JUNE 18 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 701780-8229.

GRAND FORKS REPUBLICAN WOMEN ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT & SOCIAL

The Grand Forks Country Club 12:30 p.m.: 18-hole tee-off registration 1:00 p.m.: 18-hole tee-off 3:00 p.m.: 9-hole tee-off registration 3:30 p.m.: 9-hole tee-off 5:30 p.m.: Social This annual summer event is a time for women to get together and enjoy the beautiful greens of the Grand Forks Country Club. Teams of 4 can play 18 holes for the early bird rate at $90 per player or 9 holes for $65 per player, or come that evening to socialize, enjoy dinner, and listen to the keynote speaker for $30. Several prizes will be awarded, and all who attend are sure to have fun and enjoy the camaraderie. This golf tournament serves as a fundraiser for GFRW initiatives. Please send an email to gfrepublicanwomen@gmail.com to register or to get more information. This event is open to any woman who wants to play golf, regardless of political party or stance.

All proceeds of this event go to The Grand Forks Republican Women and its initiatives and are allocated at the organization’s discretion. may 2015

mation and to register, please call 701-780-5179.

JUNE 26 THROUGH 28 ALTRU’S HOSPICE CAMP GOOD MOURNING 8 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Park River Bible Camp Altru’s Hospice Camp Good Mourning is a grief camp for children and teens ages six to 18 years of age who have lost a loved one due to death. Camp Good Mourning helps children express their feelings, learn healthy coping skills, and allows them to share their experiences with other children and teens who have lost a loved one. For more information, please call 701-7805258.

JUNE 29 THROUGH JULY 2 SUMMER ART CAMP For more information on the University of North Dakota’s Summer Programs and Events and to register for this camp, call 701-777-0841.

JULY 6 THROUGH 10 SUMMER ART CAMP For more information on the University of North Dakota’s Summer Programs and Events and to register for this camp, call 701-777-0841.

JULY 6 THROUGH 10 CSCIBOT LEGO ROBOTIC INTRO CAMP For more information on the University of North Dakota’s Summer Programs and Events and to register for this camp, call 701-777-0841.

JULY 6 THROUGH 17 SUMMER READING CAMP For more information on the University of North Dakota’s Summer Programs and Events and to register for this camp, call 701-777-0841.

JULY 6 THROUGH 10 ALICE ANIMATION INTRO CAMP 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Streibel Hall, 3950 Campus Rd., Grand Forks Alice is a computer program that makes creating a virtual world to tell a story or play a game easy. Drag-and-drop graphics make programming a snap for any age. Programming with Alice allows the camper to focus on the content and creativity of the story, which helps develop problem-solving skills. For more information on the University of North Dakota’s Summer Programs and Events and to register for this camp, call 701-777-0841.

JULY 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.

JULY 9 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.

JULY 9 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 701780-8229.

JULY 13 THROUGH 17 SUMMER ART CAMP For more information on the University of North Dakota’s Summer Programs and Events and to register for this camp, call 701-777-0841.

JULY 13 THROUGH 17 COMPUTER PROCESSING CAMP For more information on the University of North Dakota’s Summer Programs and Events and to register for this camp, call 701-777-0841.

JULY 15 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.

Free and open to families/individuals who have been diagnosed with life-threatening food allergies. For more information, call 701-780-6400.

JULY 16 SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE SUPPORT GROUP 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Altru Psychiatry Center Offered by Altru’s TEARS Suicide Prevention Project, this group aims to bring together those who have experienced suicide loss to understand they are not alone.

Come share your stories, or simply listen to others. Meetings are held the third Thursday of each month.

JULY 16 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 specifi-

July 30th

C

6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Gorecki Alumni Center

elebrating Women FOR MORE EVENT DETAILS, PLEASE VISIT EITHER OF THE WEBSITES BELOW. EVENT SPONSORS

www.GirlOnFireOnline.com

cally 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 701780-8229.

JULY 18 COUNTRY CHIC PAINT WORKSHOP 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Living Sage Downtown Grand Forks Learn new painting techniques at Living Sage in downtown Grand Forks for only $35 per person.

Call 701-757-2071 to reserve your space before the class fills up!

JULY 19 THROUGH 24 EXPERIENCE ENGINEERING CAMP For more information on the University of North Dakota’s Summer Programs and Events and to register for this camp, call 701-777-0841.

JULY 20 THROUGH 24 SUMMER ART CAMP

www.HerVoiceHerBrand.com

For more information on the University of North Dakota’s Summer Programs and Events and to register for this camp, call 701-777-0841.

JULY 20 THROUGH 24 CSCIBOT LEGO ROBOTIC INTRO CAMP For more information on the University of North Dakota’s Summer Programs and Events and to register for this camp, call 701-777-0841.

JULY 21 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 701732-7620.

JULY 23 COUNTRY CHIC PAINT WORKSHOP 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. girlonfireonline.com

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Living Sage Downtown Grand Forks Learn new painting techniques at Living Sage in downtown Grand Forks for only $35 per person.

Call 701-757-2071 to reserve your space before the class fills up!

JULY 23 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.

JULY 27 THROUGH 31 YOUNG SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS ACADEMY For more information on the University of North Dakota’s Summer Programs and Events

and to register for this camp, call 701-777-0841.

JULY 27 THROUGH 31 SUMMER ART CAMP For more information on the University of North Dakota’s Summer Programs and Events and to register for this camp, call 701-777-0841.

JULY 27 THROUGH 31 CSCIBOT LEGO ROBOTIC ADVANCED CAMP For more information on the University of North Dakota’s Summer Programs and Events and to register for this camp, call 701-777-0841.

JULY 27 THROUGH 31 ALICE ANIMATION ADVANCED CAMP 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Streibel Hall, 3950 Campus Rd., Grand Forks Alice is a computer program that makes creating a virtual world to tell a story or play a game easy. Drag-and-drop graph-

JULY 28 THROUGH 31 SECOND ANNUAL PLAY THERAPY CONFERENCE For more information on the University of North Dakota’s Summer Programs and Events and to register for this camp, call 701-777-0841.

JULY 28 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

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ics make programming a snap for any age. Programming with Alice allows the camper to focus on the content and creativity of the story, which helps develop problem-solving skills. For more information on the University of North Dakota’s Summer Programs and Events and to register for this camp, call 701-777-0841.

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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.

AUGUST 3 THROUGH 7 SUMMER ART CAMP For more information on the University of North Dakota’s Summer Programs and Events and to register for this camp, call 701-777-0841.

AUGUST 3 THROUGH 7 COMPUTER PROCESSING CAMP For more information on the University of North Dakota’s Summer Programs and Events and to register for this camp, call 701-777-0841.

AUGUST 8 BLAST!: BABYSITTERS’ LESSONS AND SAFETY TRAINING Altru Health System 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

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.

AUGUST 10 THROUGH 14 DEL SEGNO STRING CAMP For more information on the University of North Dakota’s Summer Programs and Events and to register for this camp, call 701-777-0841.

AUGUST 10 THROUGH 14 ANDROID APP INVENTOR CAMP For more information on the University of North Dakota’s Summer Programs and Events

and to register for this camp, call 701-777-0841.

AUGUST 10 THROUGH 14 CSCIBOT LEGO ROBOTIC ADVANCED CAMP For more information on the University of North Dakota’s Summer Programs and Events and to register for this camp, call 701-777-0841.

AUGUST 12 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.

Free and open to families/individuals who have been diagnosed with life-threatening food allergies. For more information, call 701-780-6400.

AUGUST 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.

AUGUST 13 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.

AUGUST 13 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 701780-8229.

AUGUST 15 COUNTRY CHIC PAINT WORKSHOP 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Living Sage, Downtown Grand Forks Learn new painting techniques at Living Sage in downtown Grand Forks for only $35 per person.

Call 701-757-2071 to reserve your space before the class fills up! girlonfireonline.com

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Changing Lives – Enhancing the Workforce Technology enhances and expands nursing education outreach their degree, they can find employment where they reside.

A partnership for practical nurse education was forged in 2000 when LRSC and Bismarck State College used Williston State College’s practical nurse curriculum and operated under the WSC program, supervised by its director.

Written by Erin Wood

For Karen Clementich, coordinator of Nursing at Lake Region State College (LRSC), there is nothing more rewarding then walking into a medical facility and seeing one of your former students working and doing well.

In the year 2000, LRSC expected the agreement with WSC would be a long term commitment.

“Instead it evolved into something greater,” Traynor said.

In 2004, the Dakota Nursing Program was created, launching a practical nurse curriculum. An Associate Degree Nurse (ADN) program or two-year registered nursing program was approved by the State Board of Nursing and started in 2005. The Dakota Nursing Program is administered by one Nursing Director–Traynor–and a Nursing Coordinator located at each of the four colleges along with nursing faculty and staff.

“The biggest reward is student success. I feel such pride and happiness when I see them working. I love that,” she said.

Thanks to technology, nursing education has evolved over the years, but the core goal of educating nurses who are active critical thinkers, caring, and compassionate remains the same.

Karen Clementich

Technology has allowed the Dakota Nursing Program to exist and expand so that Clementich and other instructors can witness successful graduates working in the nursing field and meeting a critical workforce need in North Dakota.

Lake Region State College is part of the Dakota Nursing Program that has successfully educated North Dakota nurses for over a decade. The first-time pass rate at LRSC has consistently been above state and national averages. Over the past year (July 2013 to June 2014), the Practical Nurse (PN) and Associate Degree Nurse (ADN) programs have had 100 percent of the students pass the first time on the national licensing exam.

Another point of pride is that the PN program has actually had a 100 percent pass rate since 2010.

Today, thanks to technology and flexible faculty, LRSC offers its practical nurse and associate degree nurse program at the campus in Devils Lake and in Mayville. Additionally, the Practical Nurse program is offered in Grand Forks. Lake Region also offers certified nurse assistant training in Devils Lake, online, and at the Grand Forks Air Force Base.

The Dakota Nursing Program is a nursing education consortium made possible through the collaborative efforts of four state colleges: Bismarck State College (BSC), Lake Region State College (LRSC), Dakota College at Bottineau (DCB), and Williston State College (WSC).

“The vision of the Dakota Nursing Program is to respond to the nursing needs of the people of North Dakota by delivering a high-quality nursing educational program to students through innovative instruction,” said Julie Traynor, director of the Dakota Nursing Program. Students can study close to home without uprooting families; moreover, when completing 12 girlonfireonline.com may 2015

“We’ve been doing associate degree nursing education for a decade and practical nurse education for 15 years,” Clementich said.

High-Tech and Hands-On

Clinical and lab experiences have been enhanced with advances in simulation technology. Software and mannequins are equipped to mimic a variety of medical conditions depending on its sophistication level.

“Simulation technology creates real-life emergency and critical care medical practical situations for Julie Traynor student nurses that a student may not see during clinical rounds in a medical facility. Also, students are in a setting where we can record, watch, and debrief after lab,” Clementich explained.

Students from distance sites have simulation days where they come to LRSC and work in the simulation labs. Some sites have their own simulations and simulators are also transported to distant sites.

Lake Region State College’s new Bergstrom Technical Education Center is amply equipped with today’s latest simulation education materials, giving student nurses a real-world scenario for some of their lab experiences.

“The high fidelity simulators enhance student learning and allow faculty to grow,” Traynor said. “Nursing education is much more interactive between students and faculty. The active learning in the simulation lab is a prime example of that interaction.”

None of this simulator education would have been possible without a new facility to house the education area or the partnership that brings nursing to LRSC. The Bergstrom Technical Center project was made possible with legislative appropriation in 2013. The new space will relieve crowding, strengthen programs, and allow LRSC to serve more students.

The space also fortifies the college’s place as a nimble education center, innovative facility, and teaching/learning powerhouse for other programs such as simulation technology, wind energy, law enforcement, automotive technology, and American Sign Language interpreting.

Career Ladder

The Dakota Nursing Program educates more than 200 future practical nurses and associate degree nurses (two-year registered nurses) each year at the four colleges that work together within the Dakota Nursing Program. The Dakota Nursing Program is fully approved by the North Dakota Board of Nursing.

The program is structured to provide a foundation for career paths for future leaders in nursing practice and to prepare lifelong learners who demonstrate knowledge, skill, critical thinking, and flexibility. Dakota Nursing Program students are able to move quickly from certified nursing assistants to the one year Practical Nurse certificate and then on to a twoyear Associate Nurse(RN) degree. Students are educationally prepared to continue on to a four-year Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and beyond.

The four state colleges continue to collaborate to deliver nursing education with a common curriculum. Currently, didactic courses are delivered over the Interactive Video Network (IVN) to the four state colleges and distance education sites located in Rugby, Minot, New Town, Hazen, Harvey, Mayville, and Valley City. Additional distance education sites have been offered throughout the consortium and vary from year to year.

These sites have included Langdon, Cooperstown, Carrington, Grafton, Northwood, and the Burdick Job Corps in Minot. Clinical courses and laboratory experiences are coordinated and delivered by each college and/ or site locally.

Many students transfer to Minot State University, University of North Dakota, and now Mayville State University to advance their education level and become BSNs, Traynor said.

“Educational experiences are continually assessed to assure that graduates are highly competent and prepared for a variety of nursing practice roles,” Traynor said.

For more information go to www.dakotanursing.org. [GCW]

girlonfireonline.com

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True Colors

Boutique to You handbags available at True Colors in downtown Grand Forks is a nationally certified business owned and operated by women, for women.

See their ad on page 25.

Hot Spots to Shop PRODUCTS YOU NEED THIS SUMMER

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.

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 19.

Truyu at Choice

NovaLash eyelash extensions are an “instant pretty” for any woman who desires longer, fuller lashes. These extensions are meticulously applied lash-by-lash, bonded with award-winning medical-grade adhesives, by certified professional NovaLash stylists. NovaLash eyelash extensions are available at Truyu at Choice Health & Fitnes. See their ad on page 31.

Living Sage

Country Chic Paint is a chalk and mineral based paint that is specifically designed for DIYers with a love for refinishing furniture and home decor.

This fabulous paint is VOC free and contains no harmful solvents. The paint comes in a variety of colors shown at Living Sage in downtown Grand Forks.

See their ad on page 10.

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Sublime Aesthetic Professionals

Welcome to the jungle! These WILD mineral-enriched powder bronzers provide a naturally beautiful, matte finish. Perfect for obtaining that “Bronze bombshell glow” for Spring, Summer and beyond! What’s Inside? Vitamins A, C & E are antioxidant vitamins that help to protect cells from free radical damage.

Hypoallergenic, Mineral oil-free, Talc-free, Dye-free, Paraben-free. Available in Congo & Santa Fe. See their ad on page 17.

Living Sage

The Charles Viancin banana leaf and poppy lids seals tight on all smooth rims. The lids that come in a variety of sizes are reusable, airtight, and oven and microwave safe. They are available at Living Sage in downtown Grand Forks. See their ad on page 10.

Sublime Aesthetic Professionals

This “Spray Tan in a Bottle” is an easy to apply, super-fine organic self-tanning spray that delivers just off the beach™ color! Formulated with our exclusive Natural Actives Sunless Complex™ and blended with our proprietary instant cosmetic bronzer blend, Norvell 360° Sunless EcoMist™ combines our Professional Organic Sunless Tanning Solution with a unique combination of natural actives to bring you the most natural looking, longest lasting salon results… right at home! See their ad on page 17.

Lifetime Vision Center has partnered with TOMS Eyewear to help share the sight. TOMS Eyewear purchases provide a person in need with a full eye exam and the treatment he or she needs. Stop by Lifetime Vision Center to check out these fashionable frames and help share the sight. See their ad on page 19.

True Colors

Dream it. Wear it. Adore it. Tickled Pink scarves are available in many bright summer colors at True Colors in downtown Grand Forks. See their ad on page 25.

Truyu at Choice

A multi-tasking genius that combines skincare benefits and naturally radiant coverage in one. This product is a must for your summer make-up routine, as it includes a broad spectrum SPF 30 to protect skin from UV damage and premature aging.

Available at Truyu at Choice Health & Fitness. See their ad on page 31. girlonfireonline.com

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Your Brand Within Written by Ashley Rae

When thinking of the term “branding,” we most often think of it in the business sense, associating it with small businesses and large corporations. Not often is branding thought of in the personal sense. However, personal branding does exist. Today, every individual has a personal brand.

Although not many of us have consciously cultivated our personal brands, they still exist. The good news is that each of us has the ability to discover and cultivate our personal brands. More importantly, we have the ability to consciously leverage our personal brand in a way that will help us reach our full potential.

The question is no longer if we have a personal brand; rather, it’s whether we choose to consciously control that brand and leverage it to reach our full potential or not. What follows are the ways you can begin discovering, cultivating, and leveraging your own personal brand to live the life you’re capable of living.

1) Discover Your Brand

To discover the foundation for your personal brand, you must identify your “brand purpose” and your personal mission statement. These are the most essential elements of a personal brand because they will not only determine the purpose for which you exist, but also they will be the fuel and the guiding force behind your personal brand.

To discover your brand purpose, you must first identify basic elements such as: • Who you are • What you stand for • Your core values •What makes you unique • Your strengths and weaknesses Most importantly, you must identify what you are most passionate about, what drives you to get up every morning and tackle the day that lies ahead. When you can identify those basic elements, you can begin discovering your brand purpose that lies within.

Once discovering your brand purpose, you can identify your personal mission statement. This personal mission statement is meant to help you achieve your brand purpose. Think of your brand purpose as the fuel and your personal mission statement as the guiding force behind your personal brand.

2) Cultivate Your Brand

Once you have discovered the foundation for your personal brand, you 16 girlonfireonline.com may 2015

can begin cultivating it. Regardless of the brand that might already exist, you have the ability to cultivate a new personal brand that coincides with your newly established brand purpose and personal mission statement.

To begin cultivating your personal brand, you must establish your brand values. Ask yourself the following questions: • What do I want to be to the world around me?

• How do I want others to perceive me?

• How do I want to be remembered when I’m gone?

After answering these questions and establishing your brand values, you can then perform a brand analysis, where you visit with the people around you to determine if your brand values coincide with your brand purpose and your personal mission statement, or if they need adjustment. Oftentimes, the perception we have of ourselves is different than the perception of others, so we need to check the consistency of that perception and adjust accordingly, if necessary.

When cultivating your personal brand, remember to be authentic. The brand you create for yourself must be true to who you are; it should be consistent with your brand purpose and your personal mission statement. If you try to create a brand that projects anything but that, it won’t be genuinely effective.

3) Leverage Your Brand

You have cultivated your personal brand; now, you can leverage that brand to live the life you’re capable of living. A personal brand is worthless if it isn’t applied effectively and then endorsed.

Because your personal brand is something you can control, everything you do should be focused on leveraging your personal brand. What gives a personal brand impact is the collection of actions, decisions, and daily work performed over a long period of time. Look at your personal brand as a long-term investment. Remember the earlier question, “How do I want to be remembered when I’m gone?” Your personal brand isn’t just the sum of tweets or pictures that you so mindfully post. Your personal brand has the potential to last longer than your own lifespan. How others remember you when you’re gone is what marketing strategists refer to as “brand legacy,” and it’s important to understand that you have the ability to control the legacy you leave behind.

Whether we’ve consciously cultivated it or not, we all have a personal brand. More importantly, regardless of how that personal brand is currently perceived, we have the ability to discover, cultivate, and leverage our personal brands in a way that will help us reach our full potential and allow us to live the life we’re capable of living. [GCW]

Dry Eye? GET RELIEF Millions suffer from Dry Eye Disease (DED), especially mature women. Lifetime Vision Center has invested in the latest technology to bring relief.

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girlonfireonline.com

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Protect Your Only Layer of Defense

Top 10 Ways to Prevent Skin Cancer 1.

Apply sunscreen early and often – Daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 30 is recommended. Reapplication is needed every two hours.

2.

Avoid peak sun hours – It’s best to plan outdoor excursions, like trips to the beach, for

earlier or later in the day to avoid when the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays are at their strongest, which typically occurs between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Written by Autumn Graber

In January, after Sanford Health decided to offer a new dermatology service in East Grand Forks, a clinic was opened under the leadership of Dr. Alyssa Hoverson. Originally from Manvel, Dr. Hoverson is a graduate of the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Board Certified by the American Board of Dermatology. She also completed her dermatology residency at Mayo Clinic.

Her areas of expertise are in medical and surgical dermatology, Mohs skin cancer surgery, vein and laser specialist, cosmetic dermatology, and Botox. In fact, she is the only doctor in the area that offers Mohs micrographic surgery, a specialized, effective technique for the removal of skin cancer. “If we have someone with skin cancer, we have them come in for the day and we remove all the skin cancer and check one-hundred percent of the margins to make sure they are one-hundred percent clear before they leave,” said Dr. Hoverson. Mohs surgery differs from other skin cancer treatments in that it permits the immediate and complete microscopic examination of the removed cancerous tissue.

There are three types of skin cancer. “Basal cell doesn’t usually spread, but it can grow locally if you don’t treat it. Squamous cell can spread to lymph nodes if you don’t treat it,” said Dr. Hoverson. “Melanoma can spread to lymph nodes and organs and it is the more serious type of skin cancer.”

Dr. Hoverson and her staff urge people to watch for the ABCDEs of melanoma. “The earlier we catch it, the better.” According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the A is for asymmetry, when one half is unlike the other half. B is for an irregular, scalloped or poorly defined boarder. C is for when the color is varied from one area to another; shades of tan, brown, black, or sometimes white, red, or blue. D is for diameter. Melanomas are usually greater than 6 millimeters (larger than a pencil eraser) when diagnosed, but they can be smaller. Finally, E is for an evolving spot when a mole or skin lesion that looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape, color, or symptom.

There are many ways to prevent skin cancer. The best thing a person can do is apply

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3.

Stay out of tanning beds – People who use tanning beds at least once a month increase their risk of skin cancer by 55 percent, according to studies, and the numbers are even more ominous for people who begin such tanning regimens in their 20s.

4.

Check for moles regularly – Check for moles on a regular basis, especially if there is a history of skin cancer in your family.

5.

Don’t get burned – The damage sunburns can cause doesn’t go away when the redness fades.

6.

Cover up that skin – Not all clothing is equal when it comes to providing protection from the sun.

7.

Keep your hat on – Hats are one of the simplest ways you can protect yourself from sunburns.

8.

Shade those peepers — It’s just as important to protect your eyes as any other part of your body.

9.

Protect your smile – Don’t forget your lips.

With an SPF of 10 at best, most lipstick is designed to make your lips look pretty rather than protect them from sun damage. Be sure your chapstick has at least an SPF 30 rating.

10.

Be wary of reflected sunlight – UV rays that reflect off of water, sand, concrete, and even areas painted bright white can cause sun damage just like direct sunlight.

Source: American Society for Dermatologic Surgery

sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher. “You have to reapply it every two hours,” said Dr. Hoverson. “You need a good layer to cover your skin surface.”

When on vacation in a part of the world where the sun is more intense, Dr. Hoverson encourages people to bring their own sunscreen that they purchased in the United States. “Make sure the bottle reads ‘broad spectrum,’ because then it covers UVA and UVB rays.” The U.S. is required to sell broad spectrum sunscreen, while places like Jamaica are not. Not only can UVA (ultraviolet A) and UVB (ultraviolet B) rays cause skin cancer, but the UVA rays cause premature aging.

For those with precancerous spots on their face and chronic sun damage, Sanford Dermatology offers photo dynamic therapy, which is a chemical that they apply to the patients face, chest, or arms. “The chemical sits on the skin for an hour to an hour-and-a-half and is absorbed by the precancerous cells. Then we put them under a blue light. It causes a photochemical reaction that basically kills the precancerous cells to get rid of them.”

Paulette Deutsch of Northwood has been seeing Dr. Hoverson for some time now to treat her skin cancer. Her first indication of melanoma was a small black dot on the back of her right knee that a friend pointed out to her. Then she discovered a fine line under the fingernail of her index finger that ended up being a squamous cell carcinoma, which resulted in the amputation of the finger to stop the spread of the cancer. “I was a life guard as a young person,” said Deutsch. “We didn’t have sunblock back then.”

Deutsch is vigilant in self-examination now and is always educating her family on the importance of wearing sunscreen and wearing protective clothing. “Especially with my granddaughter because she is fair skinned.

I’m always trying to keep her covered.”

For more information, or to schedule an appointment for a skin cancer screening, call 218-773-5900. [GCW]

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

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Carnegie Lofts

Fine, Urban Living within Historic Brick and Mortar Written and photographed by Autumn Graber

“I like history and I like historic buildings; they are more detailed and I’m more detailed. We just go together,” said Paula Anderson, owner of Carnegie Lofts in Devils Lake. The building that once held the books that gave us the much-needed escape from reality or the information necessary to prepare for a science project has now been converted to fully furnished, extended-stay luxury lofts.

In 2003, Paula purchased the historic Carnegie Library—once deemed one of the city’s fallout shelters—for $1,000 from the City of Devils Lake. “One of the reasons I got it so [reasonably] from the city is because it needed a lot of work,” said Paula. The building sat empty for a few months after the new library was built a block away. Paula also speculates that her bid was selected because she presented a five-year plan showing her commitment to the building’s upkeep.

“In the first two weeks, I had Target Roofing go in the attic and blow in insulation. The heating bill went down by $600 a month.”

The purchase of the building fit well with Paula’s business plan at the time. She was in need of more space for her salon and newly developed event planning business. From the time they moved in, they began remodeling the upstairs to accommodate a small event center. “I let people use it for fundraisers and good things for the city.” Once her event planning business—An Elegant Affair—took off, she realized that she couldn’t keep the event center operating while having employees simultaneously traveling around the 20 girlonfireonline.com may 2015

5 Stars on Facebook “Following the tour of The Lofts, we all said ‘we are ready to move in, with all the amenities.’ We are blessed to have this option of living in DL.” – Marlene Krein

5 Stars on Facebook “I was blown away! It looked like a magazine photo inside. You did an amazing job! I’m ready to move in!” – Sue Alvestad

state to produce events. Consequently, she needed a different purpose for the building. Having already contemplated creating lofts over the past five years, she decided to go through with the plan. “Finally one day I said, ‘yes, we are going to do it!’”

Paula consulted with Devils Lake Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Paula Vistad, to confirm there would be a market for this type of service in Devils Lake. They both agreed that even though the niche was small, it was there. The target market includes people just moving to Devils Lake for temporary work, like doctors or oil workers. She also can envision it being a potential nesting place for snow birds who only require a home during the summer months.

So, with pencil and graph paper in hand, she finalized the plans she had been scratching out during those five years. “We tried to keep everything as original and historic as possible, including all the book shelves,” she said. She even repurposed parts of old bookshelves that needed to be removed into the trim and cabinets in the kitchen, creating a twotoned, textured look. “My goal while creating the Carnegie Lofts girlonfireonline.com

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was first and foremost to maintain the original and historic property while incorporating upscale, modern luxuries. We obviously needed to remove a few historic features, but while doing so, we tried to incorporate these things back into the lofts somehow. One example is we needed to remove some of the 100-year-old original library shelving, which I was not excited about doing. We then repurposed these beautiful pieces of oak back into other areas such as additional trim on the more modern cabinetry, base, and crown molding. We even salvaged some pieces to create bathroom and mantle mirrors and closet shelving. This idea pulled the old and the new together, making the lofts a perfect balance of the old original look and the new modern luxuries. I couldn’t be more excited about how they turned out!”

Once she snapped the chalk line and got the nod of approval from contractor, Dennis Gleason, the work began. The main floor was split equally down the middle with a separate entrance for both units. Each unit is a mirror

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VENDORS: Granites Unlimited Gleason Construction Sears of Devils Lake Ashley Furniture Closet Crafters Johnson Electric Hasse Plumbing Mid Continent Cabinetry

image of the other, except that one unit has an extra bathroom and private back entrance.

Each unit has one bedroom with a custom walk-in closet, and both are equipped with an in-unit washer and dryer.

The kitchen—Paula’s favorite part of each unit—includes high-end appliances from Sears in Devils Lake and beautiful granite counter tops from FM Granites Unlimited. She spent extra time plotting out an area for a wine bar to be included in each unit. Paula is a detailoriented person, which is why she feels so con-

nected to historic buildings. From the embellished cabinets, down to the pull-out garbage cans, she wanted every detail to be perfect.

Paula’s main focus for the project was to create something unique for the City of Devils Lake.

“I wanted it to be different and something needed,” she said. “I wanted it to maintain the historical value including upscale luxury living.”

For a full list of amenities, go to www.carnegielofts.com. [GCW]

An Early Start toward Positive Self-Esteem Providing children opportunities to build and improve self-esteem from within.

Written by Carey Leichter

Self-esteem is built slowly and gradually over time. Experiences that lead to a positive outlook of one’s own capabilities are the foundation.

Whether great or small, the challenges that children face strengthen resolve and character. As parents, we can provide our children opportunities to build and improve self-esteem through small acts, particularly in how we interact with our youngest.

In the classroom, The Montessori Method strives to avoid intervention and correction; it provides the child an opportunity to discover things for him or herself. Montessori-designed materials are self-correcting so that the child can independently make discoveries about the world and how things work. This builds a sense of competence, achievement, and fulfillment, leading to self-esteem and self-worth; thus, laying the foundation for a valuable participant and important contributor in the world.

By using Montessori methods in and around the home, parents can boost the child’s self-esteem. Beginning at birth and during the early stages of development, you can allow a child to explore the limits of their own motor control by placing a desired toy just out of reach. In addition to encouraging gross motor development, the child also begins to learn the cause and effect of accomplishment through persistence; thus building a capacity for internal motivation as a driving force for accomplishing future goals.

Often, parents want to come to the aid of their children and assist them through their struggles, whether it be tying a shoe, buttoning a sweater, or even reaching for a toy. Demonstrating patience is key for the adult by allowing time for the child to work through his or her task.

It is important to curb our enthusiasm to help, to assess the developmental stage of the child, and not confuse our desire to help with nurturing.

In nurturing the child and honoring his or her individuality, parents must be cautious in not dampening the child’s spirit—that which makes each of them unique. Recognizing what the child likes to do, rather than steering them away from a particular activity, also helps to build self-esteem, because the child is then free to explore and develop unique talents without fear of displeasing the parent.

Tips to improve self-esteem:

Hear them out: Give children time to express their opinions; give them opportunities to make decisions and develop leadership skills.

Depending on the children’s age and how they are able to express themselves, they might take some time in expressing their opinions in ways we can understand. It is essential that children feel that parents are

listening, giving weight and value to their thoughts.

Young children can also be given opportunities to make simple decisions by providing simple choices, and most importantly, allowing them to feel empowered by the decision-making, even if they would have preferred different choices. As children gain the ability to make good choices, they can be given more diversity of choices; thus, they expand their capabilities to make decisions that positively affect their world and their sense of happiness.

Let them contribute: Give children age-appropriate tasks and other opportunities to be valuable contributors. Ask their opinions on how they can contribute.

An age-appropriate task is one that does not compromise the safety or health of the child; one that provides some challenge and an opportunity to develop, exhibit, and/or refine a skill. If the task has been mastered, the child might still want to do it, and should feel good in doing it well.

But, challenging the child with another important and helpful task challenges and builds confidence in burgeoning abilities. Many age-appropriate tasks for your child will not be mastered at an adult level, but the child should feel some accomplishment even if the job is not done to the perfection of an adult’s more critical eye. Allowing the child to offer up possible ways to contribute also allows for solutions to a task, collaboration of ideas, and a team approach.

Let them find their voice: Empower children to speak for themselves and problem-solve the many solutions to a situation.

By helping them to work through a problem, exploring the many solutions and consequences, children learn to speak out and offer workable solutions, rather than feeling powerless.

Through the Montessori methodology, children also learn to find their voice, express themselves, feel self-worth, and build leadership skills. These are life-long skills that we get to practice daily, and they start early. [GCW] girlonfireonline.com

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Safe Kids Corner Camping, Swimming, Vacations, and So Much More

A Countdown to Summer Safety Submitted by Carma Hanson

Campfires, s’mores, fireworks, bugs—ring a bell yet? Oh yeah, summertime camping! Summertime is, undoubtedly, most people’s favorite season of the year. Whether it is going for a refreshing swim, enjoying the warmth of a campfire, or watching an extravagant fireworks show, summertime offers several fun, yet potentially accident-prone activities.

The following is a countdown to helping parents keep their children safe while enjoying the sunshine and their favorite activities.

state has a law stating the age in which children need to be in car seats.

Know and follow those laws and make sure that kids and adults are buckled up on each and every trip.

10. Apply sunscreen before playing outdoors.

Just a few serious sunburns can increase the risk of your child developing skin cancer later in life. Sunburns can happen away from the beach, pool, or while on vacations. It is important to protect your children’s skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays whenever they are playing outdoors. UV rays, not the temperature, do the damage. Remember to apply sunscreen generously when you and your children participate in outdoor activities, and reapply frequently throughout the day. Carry sunscreen with you for continual access. Places like the car, bags, or your child’s backpack are great for storage and quick access.

9. Give kids your undivided attention when around pools and open bodies of water.

7. Wear a life jacket that fits properly.

Whenever children are in or around pools or open bodies of water, adults should be within arm’s reach to provide active supervision. Understandably, it is difficult to get everything done without a bit of multitasking, but this is the time to avoid distractions of any kind. If your child is older and able to swim without the help of a parent or swimming aid, it is still important to actively pay attention to your child. If children are near water, they should be your only focus. Small children can drown in as little as one inch of water.

Always have your children wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket while on boats, around open bodies of water, or when participating in water sports. Make sure the life jacket fits snugly. Have the child make a “touchdown” signal by raising both arms straight up; if the life jacket hits the child’s chin or ears, it might be too big or the straps too loose.

Safe Kids Grand Forks has life jacket loaner programs set up in our community and surrounding areas, so if you need to borrow a personal floatation device for a vacation, trip to the pool, camping trip, or a day at the lake, check out our website for locations where these are offered.

(Life jacket checkout is available for up to 2 weeks at a time.)

8. Remember to never take a “vacation” from using car seats.

6. Check the weather.

Whether your summer travel plans involve using a car, a motorhome, an airplane, or other modes of transportation, remember to always have a proper fitting car seat available and in constant use for your kids. Each 24 girlonfireonline.com may 2015

Make sure that you plan your activities around the weather. When camping, ensure that you know where the campground emergency shelters are in case of inclement weather. When older kids are home alone

during the day, confirm that they know what to do if the tornado alarms go off. Show the kids where to seek shelter in your home so they will be safe and out of danger. Plan for dangerous weather, such as tornados. Be aware of heatstroke dangers. Avoid being out in extremely hot weather and make sure to stay hydrated. If you are participating in sporting activities, going on a bike ride, or setting out on a hike, be sure to take water with you and drink to say hydrated.

5. Bring safety gear for your camping or outdoor adventures.

Whether you are going camping and fishing at a local campground or biking in a state park, remember to pack safety gear. While some sites have boats or bikes for rent, they might not always have the life jacket or helmet that goes along with the activity. If kids are heading to a summer camp, ensure that they have the proper equipment for your kids’ activities. Make sure that you have a fire extinguisher or bucket of water nearby for your nightly campfires, too.

4. Ensure that playgrounds are well maintained.

Whether your playground fun is at a city park or a campground, check that the space intended for kids’ activities is well maintained. Surfacing should be at least 9 – 12 inches in depth, and the grounds should be free of debris. Watch for areas that might be hollowed out under slides and swings, and report to playground personnel if you see any equipment that is not in good working order.

3. Be extra careful with sparklers.

Little arms are too short to hold sparklers, which can heat up to 1,200 degrees. Rather, let your young children use glow sticks, which can be just as fun but don’t burn at a temperature hot enough to melt glass.

Leave firework displays to the professionals, and seek out some of the many public events offered around Independence Day.

2. Do not allow running or roughhousing near a campfire.

An outdoor fire can be an especially memorable experience for a child, whether gathering around it to tell ghost stories or merely enjoying its warm scent and ambience. While you enjoy the campfire, always keep watch over the site and never leave children alone while the fire is burning. Use long sticks or skewers to roast hot dogs or marshmallows. Remind children that playing or running around a campfire is not allowed and is dangerous.

Be sure blankets are kept wrapped around kids and not draping into the area near the fire.

1. Fight the bug bite.

Mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects can cause certain diseases. For example, mosquitoes can cause West Nile Virus and ticks can cause Lyme disease. To help fight the bite, apply insect repellent containing DEET to exposed skin. However, insect repellent containing DEET should not be used on children under 2 months of age. When applying insect repellent on children, avoid their hands, around the eyes, or cut or irritated skin.

Check for ticks daily, and remove them immediately. Wear long sleeves, pants, and other light-colored clothing to help prevent and spot ticks more easily.

The summer provides many outdoor activities for children and families.

These safety tips will reduce parents’ stress levels and keep children smiling and enjoying the sunshine. For more summer safety tips, go to www.safekidsgf.com. Altru Health System is proud to serve as the lead agency for Safe Kids Grand Forks. [GCW]

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SandyKovar It’s a Beautiful Life Written by Autumn Graber

Photographed by White Willow Photography

It was late in the evening on August 2, 2003, and Sandy Kovar had just ended a phone call with her son Michael with an “I love you.” The family was spending the weekend on Cass Lake before the hectic start of a new school year. Sandy, her husband at the time, and their 13-year-old daughter, Shalee, were enjoying a warm summer night at their lake lot while, Michael, their 18 year old son, decided to stay behind in Grand Forks so he could work and make some extra money before starting college at the University of North Dakota that fall. “He wanted to stay back and make money because he was going to move out with his friend,” said Sandy. “He had big plans.”

The next morning, Sandy called his cell phone again, but there was no answer. She waited a while and tried again—the same result. She dialed the land line to their house and no one answered. She shrugged it off, figuring he was still sleeping. “He could [figuratively] sleep through a tornado,” she smiled. She decided to wait and call him at work after noon, when he was scheduled to show up. “I called work to make sure he had [arrived], and they said he had called in sick.” It was at that moment her stomach began churning.

Concerned about what “sick” meant, Sandy called her sister-in-law, who lived a short distance from their home in Grand Forks, to ask her to check on him. She asked Michael’s aunt to call her back, but she never did.

They waited.

Then, a Cass County sheriff ’s vehicle pulled up outside of their lake cabin.

Sandy, her husband, and Shalee were escorted back to Grand Forks by the Cass County Sheriff. “It was something that caught us off guard. It totally slapped us in the face.”

Michael had committed suicide.

Sandy wanted to know why. Michael hadn’t shown any warning signs. Why? He had never been diagnosed with depression. Why? He was registered for college. Why? Unfortunately, the question of why would never be answered. “Even if they have left a note, you still ask why. Why didn’t you ask for help? Why didn’t I see it? I’m the mom. Any time your kids get hurt or something happens, you think, What I could have done to stop it? With Michael, as his mom, why didn’t I feel that he was in that much pain or why didn’t I see it? Why didn’t he come to me? We struggled with that.” Michael loved hockey and played the sport since he was two. “He was a quieter kid, never afraid to say I love you even in front of his friends. He brought us great joy. He was the light of our life.”

The question of why quickly turned to the question of blame. “I can’t blame Michael. I was sad he couldn’t

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come to us. The last words I said to him were I love you, so we weren’t fighting. I know I was a good parent and I would have cut off my left arm if I knew it would have saved him. I would have given my life.” Sandy decided she couldn’t blame anyone or anything for Michael’s death.

Sandy was heartbroken that Michael felt the need to hide his pain most likely because of the stigma that is attached to depression. “People need to understand that these people are sick and it’s not a selfish act—it turns my crank when people say that. These people are hurting. It’s just like having a diagnosis of cancer.

You go seek help for that and people don’t look [negatively] on you.”

Soon after, Sandy felt trapped in the stigma placed on suicide victims and families of victims. “I felt totally alone,” she confided. Sandy didn’t know anyone who had gone through what she had just experienced. “I couldn’t call my best friend.”

Sandy struggled with her feelings for about a year and then approached Red River High School counselor, Marilyn Ripplinger, because she wanted to do something. She told her, “I’d like to do something. I don’t know what, but I think I would like to do something and want your help with it. I want to take care of the teenage group and not have any other parent experience that emptiness, and loneliness, and unknown, and fear of maybe something happening to their children, because life for teenagers is very challenging.”

The stress children and teens face can be overwhelming. They can feel pressured to grow up too fast. There is stress associated with grades, peer acceptance, and the anticipation of going to college. Teenagers shouldn’t be made to feel like they have to take it on all by themselves.

“With mental health, it’s really challenging because you are labeled in a negative way when people should actually be patted on the back for taking care of their brain. Your mental health is part of your whole well-being and if that’s not well, the rest of your life doesn’t go well.”

UPCOMING SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS:

May 21 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

June 18 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

July 16 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

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ALTRU PSYCHIATRY CENTER

Offered by Altru’s TEARS Suicide Prevention Project, this group aims to bring together those who have experienced suicide loss to understand they are not alone. Come share your stories, or simply listen to others. Meetings are held the third Thursday of each month.

Sandy wanted to create something that would provide education about depression and suicide. She wanted to provide support for people struggling. That is when TEARS was born. Together We Educate About Realities of Suicide, or TEARS, was founded by Sandy with the help of a group of caring people in the Grand Forks community. “The name TEARS represented everything from happiness to sadness, so I wanted that to be the name.”

After Sandy felt like she had regained her strength, the group organized their first event at Red River High School, where Sandy shared

her personal story. “We didn’t know how well it was going to be received because of the stigma, but we wanted 25 people to attend. We thought [that] if we could reach 25 people, hopefully they are all parents, and they can all go back and watch out for their kids and get them help if they needed it.” The group got more than they had hoped for; they filled the theater with over 300 people.

“I truly think it was a saving grace for me. I was able to grieve publicly because I could share my story. I could talk about Michael, which is what every parent wants. They love to brag about their children. I want to brag about the 18 years and not the one specific day that devastated our lives,” she said.

The TEARS program has evolved over the years to include a partnership with Altru Health System, education in schools, a suicide awareness walk every September, and a support group that meets once a month.

The group was also instrumental in supplying all of the area middle schools and high schools with depression screening kits. “We all go through challenges in our lives where we end up in a dark place and we want people to know that there is support out there for them.”

In addition to the TEARS program, Sandy is a camp counselor at Camp Good Mourning every year. “Camp Good Mourning is a passion of mine,” she smiled. Sandy facilitates the teenage group and individual sessions. She assists the teens on their journeys to trust again and helps them vocalize their feelings.

Not only did Sandy loose her son, but her daughter Shalee lost a big brother. “She was at a very fragile age.” Now Shalee is an adult and starting a family of her own with her husband David. “I have a beautiful daughter and I’m going to be a grandmother. Life is beautiful. As horrif-

ic as that one instant was, I can’t let it define what the rest of my life will be.”

It has been 11 years since Michael took his life and Sandy is still faced with challenges every day. “My heart breaks for people who are sad in life because life is beautiful. I can honestly say that now. Life is still beautiful. Losing Michael proves to me that every second counts, because you never know when you are going to talk to your loved one again.”

“Some days are bad. I never know what will trigger it. It could be a song, it could be a smell. His friends are really good about texting me a funny story they remember. I want to remember Michael. In our life, Michael comes up every day. His hockey number was 22 so that is our sign that he is around us. I’ll look at the clock and it reads 5:22. It’s one of those comfort things that he is there no matter what.” It’s hard for Sandy to share her story, but she doesn’t mind because she just hopes that the right ear will hear it. If she can help one person struggling with depression or thinking about suicide, that is what matters.

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“

There are guidelines that state we [must] treat these patients within 90 minutes of coming into our door, so our goal at Altru is sixty minutes.

”

Sandy Kovar is the STEMI/Stroke coordinator at Altru Health System in Grand Forks.

She recently decided to return to nursing school to receive her Registered Nursing (RN) degree. “It’s not a requirement, but I think it’s for my own benefit.” Sandy is currently taking preliminary classes from Lake Region State College and plans to continue to work full time as the STEMI/Stroke coordinator while she attends online classes and weekend clinicals to achieve her RN degree starting this fall.

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With her work at Altru Health System, Sandy and her team want to increase education in the community about the dangers of strokes and heart attacks. “It’s been proven through statistics that if [a patient] comes into our ER and says they are having chest pains, sometimes that process can actually take longer than if they were to call 911. If someone thinks they are having a heart attack and an ambulance comes to pick them up, then the EKG can be performed in the ambulance on the ride to the hospital. “So you can get treatment faster by calling 911.”

In some cases, it might only be a matter of five or six minutes, but those few minutes can be crucial during a heart attack.

Altru has been recognized by the “Get with the Guidelines” registry.

“There are guidelines that state we [must] treat these patients within 90 minutes of coming into our door, so our goal at Altru is sixty minutes.”

Sandy had the opportunity to travel to Cambodia in 2006 and Ecuador in 2011 on medical mission trips.

“In Ecuador, we did orthopedic surgery on children.

So we [performed surgery on] displaced hips, club feet, [inserted ear] tubes, and corrected malformations on bones. It tugs on the heartstrings because it was all pediatric. I would love to do it again.”

After her time in Cambodia, their group traveled to Nepal where they went hiking in the Himalayas. “We thought we would never get a chance like that again. It was breathtaking. I didn’t realize the physical commitment it would take because of the elevation,” she recalls. “We hiked almost 12,000 feet.” girlonfireonline.com

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