Volume 3, Issue 3 July | August | September 2012 Complimentary
Amy Heilman and the
Amachi Mentor Program
Stop in and help us grant a wish!
Downtown Devils Lake and Hwy 2 & 20
PRODUCE, DAIRY, BAKERY, DELI & MEAT DEPARTMENTS
2
Lake Region Woman | SUMMER
Publisher Information Publisher – Graber Media, LLC Managing Editor – Autumn Graber, (701) 261-2692 CFO/Sales – Kelly Graber, (701) 740-3848 Copy Editor – MariLou Harveland Design/Layout – Autumn Graber
Dear Reader,
This issue of Lake Region Woman features a cause that is led by women more so than an actual individual. I have always felt that having a mentor is priceless, which is one of the reasons why Lake Region Woman will be awarding its first mentor scholarship this year to a young woman who realizes the benefit of having a mentor.
Mail correspondence to: Lake Region Woman P.O. Box 705 Devils Lake, ND 58301 lakeregionwoman@live.com www.lakeregionwoman.com www.facebook.com/lakeregionwoman www.twitter.com/lakeregionwoman Printed in North Dakota. © 2012 Graber Media, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Lake Region Woman Magazine assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. Lake Region Woman Magazine does not necessarily endorse or agree with content of articles or advertising presented. Distributors: Devils Lake Just For Kix Dance Studio Devils Lake Regional Airport Grace Kurtz, lia sophia Hinrichs Supervalu in Harvey Lake Region State College Bookstore Leevers County Market in Devils Lake Leevers County Market in Rugby Miller’s Fresh Foods in New Rockford Mr. & Mrs. J’s in Devils Lake Munich Grocery Store Old Main in Devils Lake One Stop in Devils Lake Rolette Supervalu Spirit Lake Casino & Resort Supermarket Foods in Cando The Liquid Bean in Devils Lake Wally’s Supermarket in Devils Lake Warehouse Foods in Langdon Wimer’s Grocery in Lakota Go green and share this magazine with a friend.
Everyone can benefit from having and becoming a mentor. Most of us forget that the second we wake up in the morning, we influence others with our actions and discourse—this is being a mentor. Realizing the influence that we have on others can help us notice the value that we have in our community and focus on providing a positive impact on those around us. Successful adults tend to lack sufficient time in their busy schedule to become a mentor to a young child. Most of us are guilty of letting our schedules take over our lives, putting stress on our relationships. But, if you can manage to spare at least one hour a week each month, I strongly urge you to consider becoming a mentor. Mentored children can develop a stronger, more stable life for themselves and make better choices. Ultimately, guiding a young child through difficult times—or even just being there to listen—not only benefits the child, but the mentor and community.
Aut umn Graber Editor
Volume 3, Issue 3 July | August | September 2012 Complimentary
Amy Heilman and the
Amachi Mentor Program
certi 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.
Download and take us with you!
An online version of this publication is available through our website at www.lakeregionwoman. com or www.issuu.com/ lakeregionwoman. Read it from our site or download it to your desktop, Nook®, Kindle®, or iPad®.
SUMMER | Lake Region Woman 3
Save
Socialize
the Date
Learn
Explore
Please call ahead to confirm events. Promote your event by sending information to lakeregionwoman@live.com or by calling Autumn at (701) 261-2692.
July 3
July 16 – 21
July 30 - August 3
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Cando Golf Club The dinner is provided by the Cando Dairy Queen and will be followed by a community dance at the pavilion with DJ, Rob Hendricks, from 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Auditions will be at 9:00 a.m. on July 16 at the Langdon Area Elementary School. The productions will be performed at 7:00 p.m. on July 20 and 3:00 p.m. on July 21.
Young artists will be introduced to various visual art techniques. This camp is for students from Kindergarten to 12th grade. There will be five different classes offered for various age groups. A $12 registration fee per class is required. Classes will be held at the Cando Arts Center Gallery, in the lower level of the Audi Building on the corner of 4th Avenue and Main Street, Cando ND. For more information, contact Shelley Lord at 701-968-3655.
Broasted Chicken Dinner
July 4
Family Fun
Cando Golf Club 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Enjoy a kiddie parade at 3:00 p.m. on Main Street followed by the 4th of July Parade and Classic Cruise. Inflatable games and lunch will also be offered.
July 7
Dahlen Centennial
Events include a parade, old time music, tractor pull, and a street dance. Vendors included. For more information, go to http://dahlen100.com.
July 12
Ninth Annual Garden Tour
Sponsored by Altru Clinic-Lake Region Relay for Life 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. $8.00/person in advance $10.00/person day of tour Advance tickets can be purchased at Altru ClinicLake Region, Mark’s Greenhouse, and LaMotte’s in Devils Lake.
July 13 and 14
Treasures on Highway 2 Weekend
Visit and sign up at Nettiques in Petersburg, Heritage Arts and Gifts in Michigan, and Elaine’s House of Dreams in Lakota for a chance to win a gift basket filled with products from each store.
July 16
Devils Lake YPN
Missoula Children’s Theatre production of Rumplestitskin
July 17
What’s New in Microsoft® 2010
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Lake Region State College For more information, or to register for this event, call 701-662-1578 or go to www.lrsc.edu/workforce.
July 25
Motivating Employees to Be Their Best 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Lake Region State College For more information, or to register for this event, call 701-662-1578 or go to www.lrsc.edu/workforce.
July 25 and 26 Art Day Camp
Langdon Pease register by calling 701-256-2560 by July 1.
July 30 and 31
2012 Summer Art Camp with Ali LaRock
August 2
Free Family Movie Langdon City Park Dusk
August 5
Gospel Extravaganza
2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Many wonderful gospel groups will perform in Cando City Park on the corner of 5th Avenue and 10th Street. A free-will offering will be accepted.
August 6
“Willy Wonka KIDS” Registration and Rehearsal
Art Day Camp
Munich Please register by calling 701-682-5331 by July 1.
9:30 a.m. Cando Audi Theatre All children grades 2 - 8 are welcome! There will be a $25 fee.
July 30 - August 1
August 7 - 10
10:30 a.m. to Noon North Star School Lunchroom This year‘s theme is Olympic Games Adventures. Creative arts will be offered for children 3 - 6 years old. There will be a $10 fee to register. For more information, contact Nancy Reiser at 701-968-3643.
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Cando Audi Theatre
Kinder School 2012
Professional Development: Hot Topic “Don’t Shoot Yourself in the Foot” Location TBA
“Willy Wonka KIDS” Rehearsals
August 10
“Willy Wonka KIDS” 7:30 p.m. Cando Audi Theater
August 11
“Willy Wonka KIDS” 10:30 a.m. Cando Audi Theater
4
Lake Region Woman | SUMMER
August 22
The Team Foundation
8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Lake Region State College For more information, or to register for this event, call 701-662-1578 or go to www.lrsc.edu/workforce.
August 25
Third Annual “Capturing the Moment” 5K Walk/Run
10:00 a.m. Ruger Park Heartland Care Center is proud to announce that we are holding our 3rd Annual “Capturing the Moment” 5K Walk/Run. All proceeds stay right here in Devils Lake to benefit our new Memory Care Unit at Heartland Care Center.
September 4 - 14
North Dakota Traveling Student Art Exhibit
Student artwork from Rolette, Wolford, and North Star Schools that won the state competition will be displayed at the Cando Arts Center Gallery in the lower level of the Audi Building.
September 8
Eight Annual Autumn Junkfest & Flea Market
Foster County Fairgrounds Carrington 9:00 a.m. The JunkFest Girls have been hard at work creating one-of-a-kind treasures for your home and garden. The JunkFest Girls have put together an eclectic mix of salvaged, re-purposed, and restored items. Additionally, over 80 vendors will showcase their wares from raw, junky goodness that is ready for your own creative hand to modern handcrafts, pumpkins, and antiques. Yummy food and great music will be available on site. Charitable Friday Night Event will be held on September 7. For more information on either event, go to www.junk-fest. blogspot.com.
September 15
City Wide Yard Sales
Do you have a teenager who likes to work with their hands? Tell them about our ThinkBIG program!
If you have a young adult who wants a career with variety, growth potential and excellent pay, tell them to check out our ThinkBIG program for diesel mechanics. Students earn money while going to school, and have a full-time job reserved for them at one of our 13 locations upon receiving their degree. Contact us for more info!
Carrington For more information, call 701-652-2524.
September 19
Productive Work Habits
8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Lake Region State College For more information, or to register for this event, call 701-662-1578 or go to www.lrsc.edu/workforce.
T
H
ABOUT
I
YOUR
N
K
FUTURE
For more information visit www.butlermachinery.com/careers
SUMMER | Lake Region Woman 5
Shopping Guide
Hot Spots to
Shop
Find these items and more through local retailers. When purchasing an item that you’ve seen in our shopping guide, make sure you tell them that you saw it in Lake Region Woman.
A.
Claims that products make in the Lake Region Shopping Guide are of product manufactures’ and not of Lake Region Woman or Graber Media.
C.
D.
B.
E. F.
G.
H.
J.
I.
A. Certified International Tuscan Sunflower dipping bowls can brighten up any summer BBQ table. Available at LaMotte’s Paint and Glass in Devils Lake. $26.99
B. Personalized Wooden Photo Albums
Highlight memories on the cover of a wooden photo album. This is a great gift idea for weddings, baby showers, or birthdays. These albums are available at Creative Impressions in Devils Lake. Prices Vary
C. Hootie Cutie
Have an fondness for owls? Display your flowers in this burton + BURTON® Hootie Cutie vase from Snapdragons Floral in Devils Lake. $16.00
D. Together
The Everything is Relative frame by Grasslands Road make great wedding gifts. This black, glazed ceramic frame is available at The Garden Gate in Devils Lake. $22.00
E. Diamax™
Diamax™ is a product of Nioxin® and an innovative approach to the treatment of thinning hair. Diamax is a leave-on treatment that can be used with the Nioxin 3-part systems for thicker, denser-looking hair. This Nioxin product is available at Studio 1312 in Devils Lake and Hampden.
F.
Promote a Healthy Heart New Triple Strength CoQHeart® with Q-Trol™ delivers a powerful 100 mg of CoQ10 plus resveratrol in a bioavailable soft gel. CoQ10 is vital for energy production in the heart, and promotes and protects healthy arteries, while resveratrol helps relax blood vessels to promote healthy blood flow. Available through Denice Casavant, Independent Shaklee Distributor, at www.d-casa.myshaklee.com or call her for more information at 701-244-5705. Retail price: $31.95 Member price: $28.75
G. Extreme XL Towable Tube by H.O.
Get your heart thumping with this towable tube available at Gerrells Sports Center. $324.99
H. Little Kid Backpack from Beatrix
The perfect size for crayons, coloring books, and furry friends, these beloved little backpacks hold everything a tot needs for a busy day. Made from durable nylon and easy-to-clean laminated canvas. Designed for kids ages 2 to 5. PVC free, lead free, and phthalate free. This and other styles are available at Boots and Heels in Devils Lake. $42.00
I.
Get Your Sexy Back Ultimate Body Applicator It Works! Body contouring applicators offer a natural solution to take you from flab to fab! This non-woven, cloth wrap is infused with a powerful, botanically-based formula that delivers maximum tightening, toning, and firming results when applied to the skin. Available through https://wowitworksteam.myitworks.com or call the Wow! It Works Team at 701-367-9196. $59.00 Loyal Customer Rate
J.
Kate McCullar Interchangeable Stainless Steel Bracelet boxed set includes 7 color glass (black, blue, brown, green, white, clear, and red) ball ends and is available at Ritter Huesgen Jewelers in Devils Lake. $59.99
Commercial & Residential low slope & steep roofs Rubber Membrane Seamless Gutters Attic Insulation Shingles Asphalt Metal
PO Box 615, Devils Lake, ND 58301-0615 TOLL FREE AT 1-800-662-8137 or call DEVILS LAKE (701-662-8137) * MINOT (701-838-4482) * WILLISTON (701-774-0190) www.targetroofing.com
SUMMER | Lake Region Woman 7
Shopping Guide
Hot Spots to
Shop
K.
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 Lake Region Woman. Claims that products make in the Lake Region Shopping Guide are of product manufactures’ and not of Lake Region Woman or Graber Media.
L. M.
N. P.
O.
Q.
R.
S. 8
Lake Region Woman | SUMMER
T.
K. Sangria Mix
This easy-to-make, delicious red wine or white peach Sangria is a fabulous for fruity, party fun. Available at LaMotte’s Paint and Glass in Devils Lake. $9.99
L.
Burnout V-Neck Tee Breathe a little life into your t-shirt and sport your team logo on a popular “burnout” t-shirt. Burnout fabric is put through a process that gives it the appearance of years of weathering and that soft vintage feel. Stop in at Creative Impressions in Devils Lake to pick one out. $24.99
M. Is there life before coffee?
No. We don’t think so. Start your day with a fresh cup of your favorite coffee in this ceramic mug from Snapdragons Floral in Devils Lake. $22.00
N. Leaf Kaleidoscope by Matina Theodosiou Print Plates
Residential Commercial Hot Water & Steam Heat Pump Sales & Repair Cattle Fountains Plumbing Fixures & Supplies Water Heaters & Sewer Cleaning Water Softener Sales & Rental Immediate Service Licensed By State of ND Bonded & Insured
Matina Theodosiou creates numerous textures and invents new surfaces by using innovative techniques. This set of artistic plates is available at The Garden Gate in Devils Lake. Small Plate $28.00 Large Plate $35.00
O. Nioxin® Products
There are eight different NIOXIN® scalp and hair care systems that are designed to help improve the appearance of thinning hair. To create and maintain an optimal scalp environment, each System is formulated to achieve maximum results for your specific hair type. See the full line of Nioxin products at Studio 1312 in Devils Lake and Hampden.
P.
Q.
R.
Proof Wood Eyewear These sunglasses will surely get the conversation started. Proof prides themselves in offering a high quality, hand crafted, ecofriendly product. This product is available at Boots and Heels in Devils Lake. $114.00
T.
Hasse Plumbing & Heating, Inc. 308 4th St NE, Ste 2 - Devils Lake
701-662-2983
Basic H2® Organic Super Cleaning Concentrate This little 16-oz bottle creates an unbelievable 48 gallons of supersafe, powerful, all-purpose cleaner. We challenge you to use it up to clean everything from spilled milk, to bug remnants on the window, to splattered spaghetti sauce. Available through Denice Casavant, Independent Shaklee Distributor, at www.d-casa.myshaklee.com or call her for more information at 701-244-5705. Retail price: $12.15 Member price: $10.35 Born Yancy Sandals These stylish and comfortable sandals come in pink, blue, and white at Gerrells Sports Center. $104.99
S.
Available at
Greens on the Go Quick, complete nutrition wherever you go. This pack provides you with 30 single serving packets that provide you with more than eight servings of fruits and vegetables in every pack. Available through https://wowitworksteam.myitworks.com or call the Wow! It Works Team at 701-367-9196. $33.00 Loyal Customer Rate Kate McCullar Sterling Silver Set This sterling silver set is available at Ritter Huesgen Jewelers in Devils Lake.
Bring this ad in for
off a $10 Cut & Color
at the Hampden salon! BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
Offer Expires 9/30/12
Largest selectio Nioxin in the ar n of ea!
Call today for your appointment!
In Devils Lake:
In Hampden:
662-7272
868-3880
411 4th St. NE, Ste. 3 215 Main St. W.
Sue Dahl
SUMMER | Lake Region Woman 9
Give Summer Stressed Plants a Helping Hand
By gardening expert, TV/radio host, author, and columnist Melinda Myers
Don’t let summer stressors ruin your landscape’s good looks. Instead, give your plants’ natural defenses a boost and keep vegetable gardens producing and flowers blooming. Busy summer schedules can lead to plant neglect and less-than-picture-perfect gardens. When you team this with summer heat and drought, it can lead to wilting, brown leaves, and poor growth. Add to that insects and diseases that can further weaken and damage plants, and your gardens can really suffer. An exciting new organic tool for gardeners is now available to help. Plant strengtheners, like JAZ sprays, help boost plants’ natural defenses so they are better able to deal with environmental stress, neglect, in addition to insects and disease attacks. Scientists found that when plants experienced stress from drought, temperature extremes, insects, or diseases, they produced certain molecules that activated their natural defenses. The scientists isolated these molecules, applied them to other plants, and found that the treated plants were better able to tolerate stress. Plant strengtheners contain such molecules that increase natural defenses in plants. One such family of molecules is the jasmonates—originally identified in the jasmine plant—that increase hundreds of natural defense molecules in treated plants. Some of the natural defenses make the plants more resistant to pathogens and others help reduce damage from drought, heat, and salt.
10
Lake Region Woman | SUMMER
) bloom
Life in full
While proper care can help increase a plant’s natural defenses, plant strengtheners give them an extra boost to help plants thrive even during periods of environmental stress. These organic products act like vitamins or immunizations, helping plants deal with extreme and often unpredictable weather, pest, and disease challenges. You can even keep healthy plants performing their best by proactively using a plant strengthener. By doing so, you will boost a plant’s immune system before environmental stresses hit and ultimately help it thrive as it faces serious challenges throughout the remainder of the season. It’s a great way to protect plants before they become threatened. Make sure to give your plants proper care throughout their lifetime. Water thoroughly and as needed. Then, mulch the soil surrounding your plants with shredded leaves, evergreen needles, or other organic materials. These conserve moisture, keep roots cool and moist, suppress weeds, and improve the soil as they break down. And, if your plants experience the same problems each year, it is time to make a change. Move stressed plants to more suitable growing conditions. Match the plant to the light, soil, and moisture that it prefers. Replace diseased plants with resistant varieties and provide proper care. By taking these steps and investing a bit of time and energy, you’ll be sure to create a beautiful, healthy, and productive landscape. [LRW]
620 14th Avenue NE | Devils Lake (701)662-4905 | www.heartlandcare.org
Flooring Benjamin Moore Paints Wallcoverings Window Treatments Gifts & Collectibles 301 4th St. NE Devils Lake ND 58301-2411 701-662-4976 or 800-726-8014 Fax 701-662-6752 Follow us on Facebook
Solar lights for your lake cabin or home! LaMotte’s Paint and Glass has a large variety of solar light from Evergreen® and Toland® Home and Garden.
SUMMER | Lake Region Woman 11
Seven Tips to Help Your Landscape Beat the Heat This Summer
By gardening expert, TV/radio host, author, and columnist Melinda Myers
Summer has arrived. And for many gardeners, that means heat, drought, and watering bans. This can be hard on gardeners and their landscapes. The good news, is that there are ways to help plants thrive despite these seasonal challenges. Adjusting landscape care accordingly during the summer months can not only provide relief for lawns and gardens, but also for the gardener. Here are some low maintenance, eco-friendly ways that gardeners can keep landscapes looking their best throughout the summer months, while beating the heat:
1.
Water plants thoroughly to promote deep drought and pest-resistant roots. Before watering again, wait until the top few inches of soil are crumbly and moist or footprints remain in the lawn.
2.
Avoid light, frequent watering that encourages shallow roots. Shallow roots are less able to tolerate drought and more susceptible to disease and insect problems.
3.
Spread a 2 to 3-inch layer of shredded leaves, evergreen needles, or shredded bark mulch over the soil in garden beds and around trees and shrubs. Mulching conserves moisture, keeps roots cool and moist, and suppresses weeds.
4.
Mow lawns high. Taller grass produces deeper roots that are more drought-tolerant. A deeply-rooted lawn is also more resistant to insects, disease, and other environmental stresses.
5.
Always mow lawns often enough so that you remove less than one-third the total leaf surface. Leave the grass clippings on the lawn; they add nitrogen, organic matter, and moisture to the soil.
6.
Use a low nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer, like Milorganite, to give gardens and lawns a nutrient boost. This organic nitrogen
fertilizer remains in the soil until the growing conditions are right for the plant.
7.
Remove weeds from garden beds and borders as soon as they appear. These “plants out of place” steal water and nutrients from your desirable garden plants. Plus, they can harbor insects and diseases that are harmful to your garden plants. And don’t forget to take care of yourself while caring for your landscape during the heat of summer. Drink lots of liquid, use sunscreen, and work during the cooler morning and evening hours. Then, when the gardening tasks are done for the day, grab a glass of lemonade, take a seat in the shade, and enjoy the beauty of your handiwork. [LRW]
Melinda Meyers | Writer
Nationally known gardening expert, TV/radio host, author, and columnist Melinda Myers has more than 30 years of horticulture experience and has written over 20 gardening books, including Can’t Miss Small Space Gardening. She hosts the nationally syndicated “Melinda’s Garden Moment” segments, which air on over 100 TV and radio stations throughout the U.S. and Canada. She is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and writes the twice-monthly “Gardeners’ Questions” newspaper column. Melinda also has a column in Gardening How-to magazine. Melinda hosted “The Plant Doctor” radio program for over 20 years, in addition to seven seasons of “Great Lakes Gardener” on PBS. She has written articles for Better Homes and Gardens and Fine Gardening and was a columnist and contributing editor for Backyard Living magazine. Melinda has a master’s degree in horticulture, is a certified arborist, and was a horticulture instructor with tenure. Her website is www.melindamyers.com.
Ice Cream Party Plants Six Simple Steps to a Fun Dessert Ingredients Ice cream
Small flowerpots (new) 1 store-bought pound cake 1 package of chocolate-filled Oreo cookies 1 bundle of fresh mint
Directions
Step 1: Wash the flowerpots. Step 2: Cut 1/2-inch thick pieces of pound cake and
set aside. Use a round cookie cutter to cut circles out of the pound cake slices. Muffin tops would also work.
Step 3: Place the pound cake rounds in the bottom of
the flower pots, and then spoon in the ice cream (leaving about a 1/2-inch of space from the top of the pot).
Step 4: Crush 1 box of chocolate-filled Oreo cookies in a bag or grind in a food processor.
Step 5: Cover the ice cream with the Oreo cookie crumbles. Step 6: Add a sprig of mint to each flower pot.
Earn a bachelor’s degree online or on the campus of LRSC Flexible
Online and Distance Degrees Business Administration Early Childhood Education Elementary Education University Studies Mathematics Mathematics Education
For More Information Schedule a visit with: Amanda Kuhn Mayville State Distance Coordinator LRSC, Room 174 Phone 701-662-1587 amanda.j.kuhn@mayvillestate.edu www.mayvillestate.edu 1-800-437-4104
flickr.com/mayville_state
SUMMER | Lake Region Woman 13
Pondering Plastics: The
Next Step
Serve Plastic an Eviction Notice! By Grace Kurtz
In the last issue, we pondered plastics and all the reasons why it might be good to reduce the use of plastics in our homes. The facts are hard to ignore. Plastics are affecting our health; consider the astounding rate of cancers in the world. Plastics seem unavoidable; consider the challenge presented in the last issue’s article titled Pondering Plastics. Although plastics seem unavoidable, there are a number of things that we can do to eliminate plastics from our homes and lives. We have a choice! And, we should choose carefully, keeping our health and the health of the planet in mind. Here are five simple ways that we can impact our lives and future by reducing the use of plastics: 1) Eliminate re-usable plastic food storage containers; there are other options. Glass and stainless steel are easy to care for and inexpensive. In fact, second-hand stores are a great place to pick up glass and stainless steel bowls, food containers, and cookware. You can also find these items at all retail stores. Many glass and stainless steel containers are now sold with lids to make life easier. Never use plastic to warm or cook food in the microwave. Remember, heat can cause the chemicals from plastic to seep into your food. 2) When replacing kitchen utensils and accessories, banish the plastic from your selection. Many kitchen utensils are either made from plastic or have plastic handles. Steer clear of them. Stainless steel and bamboo are great alternatives.
3) Carry and use re-usable shopping totes. These can be made out of canvas or fabrics, like cotton, woven synthetic fiber, or thick plastic. Opt for the fabrics, if possible. Make a commitment to carrying your re-usable bags in your car, so they are readily available when you need them. Use them often. 4) Carry a re-usable glass or aluminum water bottle. Glass and aluminum bottles are easy to find, durable, and easy to clean. Make the switch. 5) Ditch the plastic bags for food storage. Think about the plastic waste that comes with packing our snacks and lunches in disposable plastic bags. A mother sending two children to school each day with lunch and a snack could easily use over 700 disposable bags each school year. There are some great alternative re-usable bags at sites like www.snacktaxi.com, www.reuseit.com, or www.reusablebags.com. An added bonus: reusable bags could easily save your family over $100 a year in plastic bag spending. These are simple and manageable ways to make a difference not only in your life and that of your family, but also in the global effort to reduce plastics on the earth. Plastic is 100% non-biodegradable. All plastic—other than a small amount that has been incinerated, emitting toxic fumes—still exists on our planet. It’s time to serve plastic an eviction notice. [LRW]
Grace Kurtz | Writer In 1994, Grace received her BA in Business Marketing from Mercyhust College in Pennsylvania. She went on to receive her Masters from Suffolk University in Massachusetts in Higher Education Administration. Her professional experience includes over 10 years in higher education. Many of her positions were in Admissions as a Telerecruiter, Recruitment Specialist, Associate Director, and Transfer Counselor in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and North Dakota. At Lake Region State College, she was the Director of Continuing Education from 2000 to 2004. Her responsibilities included Community and Distance Education and the Outreach Programs. After a brief time with CountryBank USA, she became certified in insurance sales, but left that role to become a full-time mother of her two sons: Landon and Gannon. In 2009, Grace joined the team of trainers at TrainND, facilitating a number of professional development trainings such as: Coaching in the Workplace, Generations in the Workplace, Resolving Conflict, Team Building, and What’s My Communication Style, for which she received excellent comments. Her professional experience, coupled with her natural enthusiasm, proves to be an excellent combination for a trainer. Grace spends much of her time fostering her at-home, direct sale business with lia sophia.
14
Lake Region Woman | SUMMER
SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE
Serta King Koil England Ashley Best Home Furnishings Dimplex ...and many more!
R E T N E C E C N A CLEAR W OPEN!
O ur New N 0 Sq. Ft. to O 0 ,0 5 d e d d nter! ’ve A
e We Clearance C e k a L s il v e D
www.stmichelfurniture.com
Hwy. 5 Bottineau 701-228-2208 stmichel@utma.com
Holiday Mall Devils Lake 701-662-6273 stmicheldl@gondtc.com
Downtown Rugby 701-776-5887 stmichel@gondtc.com
Medical Imaging Associates Introducing the
Mercy Hospital | Devils Lake
Freedom Loan
Here for you...
DIANE REGAN, PATTY CRAWFORD, & DARLA VETSCH
Diagnostic radiology services for Mercy Hospital, Devils Lake Community Clinic and Spirit Lake Health Center.
SUMMER | Lake Region Woman 15
The JunkFest Girls Imagining the Possibilities
A common love of “junk” and a pipedream of owning a store have turned into an annual frenzied and fun junk festival in Carrington, North Dakota. By Laurie Dietz
Pictured: Melissa Hafner, Cassie Smith, and Lynette Caylor.
16
Lake Region Woman | SUMMER
J
JunkFest was the brainstorm of four Carrington women who were getting to know each other through their jobs and children’s school activities. It wasn’t long before they discovered their mutual love of antiquing, flea marketing, and treasure hunting. Rarely using the pieces as they found them, each had a desire to make the castoffs that they gathered beautiful and useful once again—to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. Having dabbled in various outlets—from flea markets to antique stores—to sell their transformed treasures, they made a decision to team up and bring the junk revival to their hometown. The first Autumn JunkFest was held in 2005, in the two-stall garage of Cassie Smith’s rural home. It took months of preparation and a lot of nervous energy wondering if anyone would attend. To their delight, a crowd had formed before the doors opened and their creations were well-received. JunkFest has long since outgrown that garage, now encompassing the entire Foster County Fairgrounds and including over 80 flea market vendors. In its eighth year, the festival is still run by Cassie Smith, Melissa (Missy) Hafner, and Lynette Caylor, who still continue to hunt for, restore, and provide at least 600 items for the JunkFest portion of the show. Webster’s Dictionary might define “junk” as worthless or rubbish, but the JunkFest girls define it differently. To them, “junk” can be any number of things: a well-worn antique dress form, a vintage suitcase, a box of old mismatched doorknobs, something as simple as an old ladder (think pot rack above your kitchen island), or a rusty piece of metal whose original use is unknown. Not categorized as a precious antique, the junk usually needs a good cleaning, and if you had to dig for it in an attic or basement, it sometimes needs repair. The “junk” that they are referring to can be extremely varied, but it all has one thing in common: It has lots of potential!
“Going through an old house or barn together, before it is torn down, is quite an experience. We are giddy as we discover the next awesome find, taking pictures and talking a mile a minute...all the while the people are just shaking their heads, wondering why we would want an old garden windmill base or something else we deem ‘valuable.’ Usually though, most folks are quite impressed with our ability to pack a trailer and Cassie’s ability to back it up,” Lynette muses. Cassie says that her favorite part of the junk business is truly the thrill of the hunt. “Finding the treasures is such a rush, but making the memories with my friends and feeding off of each other’s creative energy is good for the soul. What fun is it to go junking alone, if you have no one to squeal in delight with over the most incredible find?” The girls marvel at how JunkFest and the flea market have grown; it now draws shoppers and vendors from several states. “We made JunkFest and the flea market into the kind of event that we would like to attend...we are all about road trips, cool junk, shopping, food, fun, and charity,” Lynette said. In the organized chaos of preparing for JunkFest and running the event, the girls feel that they are blessed to have the priceless support of family and friends. Cassie’s mom is a familiar face each year; she has earned the spot of resident sweetheart and coffee brewer. The kids have even taken on some projects of their own. Lynette’s son has created unique wine racks out of rusted metal gears, and her daughter has made and sold hundreds of delicious pies over the years. Missy’s sons have put in lots of time in the barn, helping to repair or dismantle many different projects, and Cassie’s young daughter has followed her mother’s creative lead, reinventing hardware and pop tops into colorful jewelry and magnets. Not to mention the family and friends who volunteer to work at JunkFest. “We couldn’t do it without all of the wonderful help we receive,” said Missy. From running the festival, to running the JunkFest blog and Facebook page, to committing time to hunt and create pieces for the sale—all while raising families and volunteering or managing their “big girl” full time jobs—it might seem crazy to put so much effort into junk. Missy summed it up for all of the girls when she says, “JunkFest has been an enormous accomplishment in my life. I would have never guessed that eight years after starting it, the junk phenomenon would be at an all-time high. I have learned to look at aged accessories and worn furniture in a whole new way, always considering the possibilities for bringing new life to something. The friendships I’ve made with my junk partners on our junking road trips and in the blog-world are priceless and will be one of the many things that I take with me, even after this stage of my life is behind me”. [LRW]
325 Brewster Street E Harvey, ND 58341 701-324-4651
staloisius.com
An EXCEPTIONAL
place to work and provide EXCEPTIONAL care. Positions available for
RN, LPN, and CNA We will accept applications at any time for future openings.
Harvey North Dakota is located at the head waters of the Sheyenne River. Harvey offers opportunities for all ages with a great educational system, recreational opportunities, high quality medical services, and low crime. St. Aloisius Medical Center prides itself on the care we provide with a hometown feel. We invite you to become part of our family.
Shop online at
https://wowitworksteam.myitworks.com For more information call
701-367-9196
SUMMER | Lake Region Woman 17
Child Photography Gallery
Life changes,
&
Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
Evergreen Home Evergreen, where we care for you like a family member
ELDER CARE
Life can be overwhelming for older adults, people with disabilities, and their families. Our home is a state licensed home that provides a supportive environment. Memory lapse, loneliness, assistance with activities of daily living, you'll never eat alone again, monitoring medications, whatever your needs are we will assist you. At a fraction of the cost of a nursing home, or home services, we provide 24- hour care. Private pay and state-pay clients.
PLC Photography
Brittnee Wilson Photography
Sheri Anderson | 947-2201 | New Rockford
Jennifer Zachmeier Photography
FREE
Blank Canvas Design and Photography
)
membership with the purchase of
Vitalizer FOR A LIMITED TIME
Professional photographers can submit photos to future gallery sections by sending photos by email to lakeregionwoman@live.com. Please submit high resolution photos at 300 dpi and include the first name of the subjects in the photos.
JC Schill Photography Vitalizer is the most advanced multinutrient supplement in the marketplace today with 80 bio-optimized nutrients clinically proven to create a foundation for a longer, healthier life.
Independent Shaklee Distributor
Denice Casavant 701-244-5705
www.d-casa.myshaklee.com
The Loft & The Depot Photography Studios
701-949-2760
Nekoma, ND
PLC Photography
Seniors Children Families Weddings Reunions
schill@polarcomm.com www.jcschillphotography.com
The
JC Schill Photography
The Loft & The Depot Photography Studios
Garden Gate
Create a haven in your home. Our eclectic boutique inspires Blank Canvas Design and Photography
Jennifer Zachmeier Photography Brittnee Wilson Photography
your
style taste and
.
Aging Options
Long-Term Care: Where to Start and How to Choose By Karissa Olson
I have covered the history of long-term care, the types of care available, and options to pay for the care received. Before moving on to signs to look for that your loved one may need more care, caring for the caregiver, and Alzheimer’s care, I would like to wrap up this topic by discussing where to start and how to choose longterm care. Long-term care describes a variety of medical and non-medical care. Long-term care helps meet health or personal needs. Longterm care is not only nursing home care. Long-term care can be provided at home, in the community, in assisted living, or in nursing homes.
• Talk with your doctor about what long-term care choices and services are available to help meet your needs—now and in the future. • Speak with your financial advisor about the costs of your current and future long-term care needs. Ask what long-term care financing options are available to help you pay for your long-term care needs. • Visit or call the local social service agency or hospital. Ask to speak to a social worker who can help you with locating and coordinating different kinds of long-term care choices and services.
This year, about nine million men and women over the age of 65 will need long-term care. And by 2020, twelve million older Americans will need long-term care. Most will be cared for at home; family and friends are the sole caregivers for 70 percent of the elderly. A study done by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services states that people who reach age 65 will likely have a 40 percent chance of entering a nursing home. Only about 10 percent of the people who enter a nursing home will stay there five years or more.
• Call the Aging Services Division Senior Info-Line at 1-800451-8693. Area Agencies on Aging are local-level organizations that coordinate a comprehensive range of services to promote the independence and dignity of older adults. Older adults and their caregivers can contact their local Area Agency on Aging to receive help in accessing services in their community that include in-home supportive services, nutrition services, transportation, elder rights and protection assistance, and caregiver support services.
I have previously discussed the many types of long-term care and living choices for older people, as well as the different ways to pay for long-term care. Now it is time to find the one that is right for you or your loved one. Here are some ways to learn what longterm care choices are available in our area:
Most importantly, after you decide which type of care is best for you, you will need to choose the facility that will provide the quality of care you deserve. Quality care means doing the right thing, at the right time, in the right way, for the right person while producing the best possible results. The Medicare program regulates and enforces rules to ensure that nursing homes, home health agencies, and hospitals comply with federal standards for patient health and safety and quality of care. However, the quality of long-term care programs, services, and facilities may vary.
Karissa Olson | Writer
Karissa was born and raised in Devils Lake, graduated from DLHS, and then earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of Minnesota–Crookston. In 2009, Karissa was presented the Outstanding Alumni Award from UMC for her passionate work in long-term care. Since 2001, she has been a licensed nursing home administrator in Minnesota. The Olson family was excited to be given the opportunity to come back to North Dakota in 2004, when Karissa was hired as CEO/Administrator of Lake Region Lutheran Home, Inc. She is currently an Advisory Board Member of TrainND, a board member of Lakes Social Services, member of the American College of Health Care Administrators, North Dakota Long-term Care Association, North Dakota Department of Health Business Process Re-engineering Committee, Devils Lake Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, and Rotary Club of Devils Lake. Olson lives in Devils Lake with her husband Rich—who works for the City of Devils Lake Engineering Department—and their two daughters, Mikaela (8) and Brittyn (5).
Stop in and Check out our summer Menu You can find out about how long-term care programs and services in our area rate in quality by doing the following: • Visit the options that you are considering. When you visit, look around carefully. Ask questions about anything you don’t understand. Talk to staff, residents, and family members. Ask them if they are satisfied with the facility or program and its services. Often, this can be the most helpful option of all. • Ask friends and acquaintances who use different kinds of longterm care services if they are happy with the services they get. • Call the local Long-Term Care Ombudsman. Ombudsmen visit nursing homes and other long-term care facilities regularly to visit residents and take care of complaints. Our local area Ombudsman is based out of the Lake Region Human Service Center and can be reached at 701-665-2200. He or she can also give you information on the most recent state inspection survey for long-term care facilities. • Perform your own research on quality. Check out the Nursing Home Compare website at www.medicare.gov/NHCompare and Home Health Compare website at www.medicare.gov/homehealthcompare. • Call the ND State Health Department at 701-328-2352. Ask if you can get information on the quality of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities and services in the area.
Like us on Facebook 516 College Dr. S | Devils Lake
662-4588
www.kneadfulthingsrestaurant.com
Kneadful Things RESTAURANT
BAKERY
There is a better way...
As I said at the beginning of this series: Aging is a difficult topic to discuss. All levels of care are important to meeting the needs of our community. All seniors deserve to have access to the most appropriate long-term care services to meet their needs. Many seniors move repeatedly throughout the care delivery systems. The Lake Region provides several high-quality options to meet the needs of everyone, no matter the income level. Although this decision is not an easy one, I hope I have given you the tools to be able to make the right choice for you or your loved one. [LRW]
FSBM – The first choice for all your financial needs.
First State Bank Munich (701) 682-5331
of Munich
Osnabrock (701) 496-3482
Devils Lake (701) 665-2020
www.fsbmunich.com
SUMMER | Lake Region Woman 21
This Day
By Shannon Teigen “I know why I don’t look at these things.” I claimed to my husband, referring to the photo albums piled up across the table, desk, and floor. I didn’t give him a chance to respond as he stood there, shrugging his shoulders and raising his eyebrows. “It makes me sad to see all these pictures of when they were little and how fast that time went,” I said, referring to our children, who posed in the various pictures spread across the room. We were preparing for our oldest daughter’s graduation from high school this spring. Over the years, we have attended several open house events honoring the children of our friends. I recalled that these events exemplified the tradition of showcasing pictures— past and present—of the graduate. One of these showcases that stuck with me was the display of team photos that Randi and Sarah Anfinson had nestled around their daughter Amy’s awards and accomplishments. I thought it was such a great way to use all those team pictures from T-ball, soccer, dance, and skating. Amy babysat our children. And, we watched Amy grow up through the skating club, church, and of course, as a trusted caregiver to
our children when they were small. The Anfinsons, and many other parents, have passed through this rite. Now it was our turn to showcase the growth of one of our own, and it was making me feel melancholy. Each picture reminded me of a treasured memory, triggered a silly laugh, or evoked tears that soaked through my water-proof mascara. Each picture evoked a different emotion: amusement at the toddler sporting upside-down sunglasses while hugging our burly dog, Trapper (which was, by the way, her first word – not mama or dada, but “Apper”); sympathy for the little girl in her Cinderella Halloween costume right before she got sick from eating too much candy; and quiet pride at the nine-year old young lady that trusted a buckskin horse for her first solo ride with no parent walking beside her holding the lead rope tethered to the horse’s halter. These pictures made me wonder: Had I done all that I was supposed to do? Did I raise my daughter right? And, were my parenting skills good enough?
Shannon Teigen | Writer Shannon writes from her rural Devils Lake hobby ranch that is nestled in the peace and quiet of the North Dakota countryside. Her family, consisting of her husband, two teenage daughters, and one son, is the farthest thing from being peaceful and quiet, but she wouldn’t trade it for anything. After graduating from UND, Shannon established her career with foundation blocks of marketing, sales, customer service, human relations, and communications. She currently holds the position of Human Resource Manager for Summer’s Manufacturing in Devils Lake, ND.
22
When Shannon’s not focusing on family or roasting coffee for Little Coyote Coffee—a hobby turned small business—she is passionate about sharing her life’s experiences and motivating others. Whether writing an article for Lake Region Woman or conducting a training session on marketing, Shannon truly believes that you should do what you love and love what you do. You can reach Shannon at thisdaylrw@yahoo.com.
Lake Region Woman | SUMMER
SPORTS CENTER
Then, I started looking at more recent pictures. I saw the young lady who scored the soccer goals during her senior year, the strong woman who had earned bars, medals, and ropes in the high school JROTC program, and the compassionate young adult, cradling her young cousin as he drifted off to sleep. She had grown into an adult in such a short time. I felt silly asking myself if I had done enough. Sure, I could have shown more patience some days, I could have said and done things differently, and I could have utilized more teachable moments. We can always do better—depending on the circumstances. Instead of questioning what we could have done, let’s ask the real question: Did we do our very best at the time? That is the question we need to say “yes” to. Yes, I did my very best, with what I had to work with at the time. Parenting my third child is different than my first because I have more knowledge. Being at a different stage in my life allows me to have more patience with my children (though, not always). Not having to pack a diaper bag and get bottles ready makes my life less stressful in some ways; however, it also means that my children are not as dependent on me, and that triggers feelings of happiness as well as sadness. As I made the final picture choices that would be scattered amongst the JROTC awards, 4-H plaques, and newspaper clippings that would showcase our graduate, I realized that I did my best at caring for, raising, and influencing our daughter. But it wasn’t just me—it was also my husband, parents, aunts, and uncles. Over the years, there were others doing their very best too—teachers, coaches, bosses, friends, parents of friends, and babysitters. We gain so much from others around us. As we grow and time passes, we all gain more of what we need. Tomorrow, you will have more tools to work with, whether it is time, money, knowledge, or patience. And tomorrow, you will do your best with those tools. As for today, I urge you to do your best with the tools that you have available to you and say, “Yes, I did my very best on this day.” [LRW]
SUMMER | Lake Region Woman 23
The Knot
Wedding Photography Gallery
Professional photographers can submit photos to future gallery sections by sending photos by email to lakeregionwoman@live.com. Please submit high resolution photos at 300 dpi and include the first name of the subjects in the photos.
A few men the wo bank. e h t d behin Brittnee Wilson Photography Brittnee Wilson Photography
The Loft & The Depot Photography Studios
Ritter Huesgen Jewelry 313 4th Street NE | Devils Lake 701-662-3412 “Where Craftsmanship is a Family Tradition�
Since 1886
24
Lake Region Woman | SUMMER
Blank Canvas Design and Photography
The Loft & The Depot Photography Studios
PLC Photography PLC Photography
26
Lake Region Woman | SUMMER
Amy Heilman and the Amachi Mentor Program
One Day a Week , for One Hour, for One Year Written by Autumn Graber
Take a moment to think about a simple skill that you have. Maybe you know how to replace a button on a shirt or grow the juiciest tomatoes in your garden. Now think about how you acquired that skill. Who taught you what you know? We learn these simple skills from our mothers and fathers, who ultimately become our mentors in life. Now, imagine if you will, the possibility of not having a mentor at all. Perhaps you were raised by a single father and did not have a female influence in your life. Would you have the sewing skills that you have now? Would you be able to treat your family to the best BLT sandwiches that they have ever tasted? Without your mentor, you wouldn’t be the person you are today. For example… Rick is a new Amachi mentor and was expecting his new mentee one afternoon. Not sure what activity he could do with the child, he thought about things around the house that needed to get done. It dawned on Rick that the garage door needed some repair, so he decided that the boy could help him. When his mentee arrived, Rick brought out the toolbox and set it down next to the garage door. He then climbed a ladder to reach the damaged track. He asked the boy to hand him a screwdriver, and when there was hesitation, Rick looked down and saw the confusion in the boy’s face. “Which one is the screwdriver?” the boy asked. Rick realized that the child never had the opportunity to fix anything with tools before or someone to show him what each tool was meant for. Rick stepped down off the ladder, bent down to the boy’s level, and began sorting through the toolbox to show and explain each tool. Rick didn’t take the young boy to a flashy rock concert or buy him an expensive toy. He took some time to teach him a life skill that the child will remember for the rest of his life.
SUMMER | Lake Region Woman 27
happening in their home life can be broken by having this positive influence.” According to RSVP, more than 17 percent of American youth are classified as disconnected. In 2011 alone, this cost taxpayers $93 million in lost revenues from a lack of productive work and increased use of social services. We already know that quality mentoring is one of the keys to academic achievement and helping keep students in school and on track to find pathways to meaningful and productive lives. A recent study from Big Brothers Big Sisters revealed that 89% of mentored youth reported that the mentoring program helped them improve their school attendance and performance, while 93% of mentored youth said that the program influenced them to finish high school and go to college. The benefit goes even further. Becoming a mentor will not only positively influence a young life, but nourish yours as well. A mentor is not meant to be the disciplinarian or replace a parent. A mentor needs the ability to listen, respect different points of view, and make a personal commitment. “Be yourself,” said Amy. “Introduce them to a wide variety of things like going to the grocery store, take them to a basketball game, or make supper together.”
Pictured: Amachi volunteer Mentor, Eva Olson spends some valuable time playing a board game with her mentee.
Amachi is a Nigerian phrase that means: Who knows but what God has brought us through this child. The program was initially developed to mentor children of incarcerated parents, but has evolved into a mentor program for any child that needs one. The Amachi mentoring program is an initiative of the Lake Region Retired Senior Volunteer Program, or RSVP. This program provides mentoring services for children ages 3 to 18 in the Lake Region. Currently, 25 children are matched with volunteer mentors and there are others on a list waiting to participate. “It is proven that kids that have mentors make better decisions,” says Amy Heilman, RSVP Program Director. “The cycle of whatever is
28 Lake Region Woman | SUMMER
Amy Heilman Amy accepted the position of RSVP’s Program Director in November of 2011 after 15 years with Ramsey National Bank. The daughter of Doug and Sandi Newgard of Edmore, Amy is a 1995 graduate of the University of North Dakota and holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Amy and her husband Todd have four children: Abby, Ben, Claire, and William. With young children, Amy was looking for a little more time in her schedule and determined a move to this new position with RSVP would allow her to spend the much-needed time with her kids and also fulfill her career aspirations.
Surgery, Radiology, Your Therapy & Swing Bed, Emergenc py & Swing Bed,symptoms. Emergency Your choice. gy, Therapy & Swing Bed, Emergency Surgery, Radiology, Therapy & Swing Bed, Emer Therapy & Swing Bed, Emergency gery, Radiology, Therapy & Swing Bed, Emergency Surgery, Radiology, Therapy & Swing Bed, Emergenc py & Swing Bed, Emergency gy, Therapy & Swing Bed, Emergency Surgery, Radiology, Therapy & Swing Bed, Emer Therapy & Swing Bed, Emergency gery, Radiology, Therapy & Swing Bed, Emergency Surgery, Radiology, Therapy & Swing Bed, Emerg Mercy therapy specializes in women’s health. We can provide treatment plans for:
•Pregnancy and post pregnancy changes
•Cesarean section pain
•Exercise during and after pregnancy
•Bladder control issues
•Lymphedema management
•Pelvic pain
Please contact Mercy Hospital Therapy Services at 662-9755 for an appointment.
Devils Lake, ND
We put a face on local customer service When you call our office, you get to speak directly with one of our friendly customer service representatives... right here at home.
701.662.1100 800.880.4213 gondtc.com
SUMMER | Lake Region Woman 29
A Successful Mentor According to Amachi
• Makes a personal commitment to be involved with another person for an extended time period • Is persistent, consistent, and patient • Has respect for individuals, his or her abilities, and his or her right to make their own choices in life • Has the ability to listen and accept different points of view • Has the ability to see solutions and opportunities as well as barriers • Is flexible and open
Pictured: Amy Heilman, Program Director; Michelle Herman, Amachi Volunteer Outreach; and Diane Hill, Program Coordinator.
Little did Amy realize how much her new career would affect her life. During her first week on the job, the Amachi program hosted a kickball game for mentors and mentees. She watched as a young boy, flushed and sweaty from running around the gym, ran up to his mentor, put his arm around him, and tell him, “Thank you for bringing me here.” Amy said, “That first event I went to just touched me. It’s a fantastic program.” Children can be referred to the Amachi program by parents, teachers, and counselors, among others. “One little boy was referred to our program by his teacher. The boy was not participating in class, not doing his work, and had hardly said more than
30
Lake Region Woman | SUMMER
a few words in the couple months he had been in her class,” said Amy. Once the child completed the application process, he was matched with his mentor. “The morning after he was matched with his mentor, he came skipping into the classroom, went right over to the teacher’s desk, and told her all about his new friend, everything he had said and everything they did. The teacher was amazed at the difference in this young boy. Over time, the boy moved from being an extreme introvert to extreme extrovert.” The teacher and mentor were able to work together to help the boy become a successful student in the classroom. The teacher praised the mentor’s work and the difference he was making in this boy’s life.
The purpose of the Amachi program is to introduce a child to a caring adult. Mentoring can be a structured and trusting relationship that some children might never experience. “Right now, we have 25 mentors and children on a waiting list,” said Amy. The process to become a mentor is simple. Fill out a short form, listing your interests, so that the program coordinator can match you with a child who shares your interests. Then, a background check is performed for the child’s safety. Once you have been cleared to become a mentor, the program asks you to devote a minimum of one day a week, for one hour, for one year. RSVP also provides activities for the mentors and mentees to participate in. “We had a fun night at the college and played kickball then we also had a back to school night,” said Amy. In fact, to help support the Amachi children and the children waiting to become an Amachi child, Amachi Program Nights are being planned. These events will bring the children together and offer them a nutritious meal, an educational program, personal care items, and a night of fun and games. The group hopes to bring in speakers to talk about a variety of topics from how to be safe at home to self-defense and internet safety. “It makes our community better by helping our youth become stronger,” said Amy. “We all indirectly benefit from that.” The four primary tasks of a mentor are to establish a positive and personal relationship with a child, help the child to develop life skills, assist the child in obtaining additional resources, and increase the child’s ability to interact with people and groups from various socioeconomic, cultural, and racial backgrounds. That list may seem daunting, but when you break them apart and approach the opportunity with an open mind and understanding of the amazing benefits that you can provide a young child, the answer to the question of becoming a mentor is simple. If you have any questions or would like to become an Amachi mentor, please contact RSVP at 701-662-6767. [LRW]
Also available for purchase at Creative Impressions Dakota Gifts/Books to Go Kneadful Things ND Coffee Connection Mercy Hospital Gift Shop Royal Java - LRSC Bookstore Wooden Garden - Cooperstown Urban Ranch in West Fargo
SUMMER | Lake Region Woman 31
Lake Region Woman actively supports all local women’s publications