Lake Region Woman Volume 4, Issue 4 by Lake Region Woman Magazine

COMPLIMENTARY

Volume 4, Issue 4 November | December | January

DEB JOHNSON

Lake Region Corporation What a Difference 30 Years Makes

Also INSIDE:

Save the Date

Please call ahead to confirm events. Promote your February, March, and April 2014 event in the next issue by sending information to lakeregionwoman@live.com by January 1, 2014.

November 9

November 13

November 16

9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Barefoot Yoga Studio, Our Saviors Lutheran Church Monthly schedules are available at www.facebook.com/ NDBarefootYoga.

Artists, photographers, designers, and hobbyists all rely on Adobe® Photoshop® for image creation and edits. With this course, you can also learn the step-by-step techniques to get rid of dust and scratches, fix the color, and correct image exposure. The cost of this class is $99. Register at www.lrsc.augusoft.net.

10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tolna Business Center, Main Street, Tolna, ND Join us for free appetizers and desserts at our open house and then shop the craft show.

Beginner’s Yoga

November 11

November 13

VFW Veterans Day Program

Speed Spanish

11:00 a.m. Memorial Building The VFW and Elks Band will honor our veterans.

November 12 Yoga for Strength

5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Barefoot Yoga Studio, Our Saviors Lutheran Church Monthly schedules are available at www.facebook.com/ NDBarefootYoga.

November 13

Yoga for Rest & Relaxation

8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Barefoot Yoga Studio, Our Saviors Lutheran Church Monthly schedules are available at www.facebook.com/ NDBarefootYoga.

November 13

Creating Webpages (6-week online course)

Need your own website, but not sure where to start? Not sure what to include or how to design? Learn the capabilities and fundamentals of Internet and web design. The cost for this course is $99. Register online at www.lrsc.augusoft.net.

November 13

Achieving Success with Difficult People

(6-week online course) Do you know people whose behavior makes completing even the simplest task difficult? Do you know how to starve that behavior? Get helpful information for understanding yourself, solving people problems, improving your relationships, and improving professional productivity. The cost for this class is $99. Register at www.lrsc.augusoft.net.

November 13

Assisting Aging Parents (6-week online course) Learning how to help parents or other loved ones through their personal transitions can prepare us for our own. Growing older is a part of life. In this class, you will learn the tools, techniques, and insights for the journey. This class teaches about the impact of retirement, how to choose a nursing home, and the magnitude of financial and legal considerations. The cost of this class is $99. Register at www.lrsc.augusoft.net.

November 13

Who gets Grandma’s Yellow Pie Plate?

5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Lake Region State College, Room 128 Passing on personal possessions is a process that occurs for almost every person in every kind of family. Although this non-titled property is often not listed in the will, transferring it to the next generation can have a major impact on family relationships. Learn a variety of “how-to-share” procedures to ensure that your family will still talk to each other! If you have a small, heritage item from your family, bring it and its story to the workshop. The cost for this class is $10. Register online at www.lrsc.edu. Publisher – Graber Media, LLC Managing Editor – Autumn Graber, (701) 261-2692 CFO/Sales – Kelly Graber Copy Editor – MariLou Harveland Design/Layout – Autumn Graber Mail correspondence to: Lake Region Woman P.O. Box 705 Devils Lake, ND 58301 2 www.lakeregionwoman.com

Introduction to Photoshop CS6 (6-week online course)

(6-week course) By using effective “recipes,” you’ll learn Spanish pronto! Learn common travel phrases and greetings, learn how to use simple nouns, verbs, and phrases to create simple sentences, and then move on to complex sentences and phrases—all within six weeks. The cost of this class is $99. Register at www.lrsc.augusoft.net.

November 13

Where Does All My Money Go? (6-week course)

Ever feel like you just can’t get ahead? Do you want financial security? Need to work down your debt? This course will show the basics of controlling your finances so that you can start making conscious decisions about spending and saving. You can also learn how to fund your dreams and to save for emergencies and vacations! The cost of this class is $99. Register at www.lrsc. augusoft.net.

November 13

Survival Kit for New Teachers (6-week course)

Whether you’re a new teacher, an experienced teacher, or exploring the teaching field, you can use this virtual mentor to learn the proven tools, tips, and tricks to get you motivated. Learn how to write effective lesson plans so you can reach diverse groups, how to communicate clearly, how to plan memorable moments for students, and most importantly, how to lower your stress! The cost of this class is $99. Register at www. lrsc.augusoft.net.

November 13

Managing Life as a Single Parent

Being a single parent is hard work. Whether you’re single by choice, divorce, or loss, this online parenting class will help you develop your strengths and manage life more effectively. Learn how to construct daily routines, deal with challenging behaviors, be confident with discipline strategies, and make informed decisions on dating. The cost of this class is $99. Register at www.lrsc.augusoft.net.

November 14 Restorative Yoga

7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Barefoot Yoga Studio, Our Saviors Lutheran Church Monthly schedules are available at www.facebook.com/ NDBarefootYoga.

November 15

Lake Region State College Key Event

6:00 p.m. Memorial Building Wild about LRSC Dinner and Auction Fundraising Event for LRSC.

lakeregionwoman@live.com www.lakeregionwoman.com www.facebook.com/lakeregionwoman www.twitter.com/lakeregionwoman Printed in North Dakota. © 2013 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 Regional Airport Lake Region State College Bookstore Leevers Foods in Devils Lake Leevers Foods 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 Leevers Foods in Langdon Wimer’s Grocery in Lakota

Modern Cuisine Catering Open House & Craft Show

November 19

Protect Your Children from Internet Predators

6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Lake Region State College, Erlandson Building The statistics about Internet predators is frightening. Parenting is difficult enough without these culprits who sneak into your home unannounced and undetected! Luckily, parenting a child online is not much different than parenting in the real world. Learn the techniques to protect your child from predators and how to monitor your child’s online activities. This class is free. Register online at www.lrsc.edu.

November 20 Dress Your Best

7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Heritage Hall Do you wonder what appropriate dress is in this new age? Do you feel like your clothes are fighting your body? Learn what works best for your body type, the classic must-haves for every closet, mixing and matching, layering, accessorizing, and more! The cost for this class is $10. Register online at www.lrsc.edu.

November 20

Yoga for Rest and Relaxation

8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Barefoot Yoga Studio, Our Saviors Lutheran Church Monthly schedules are available at www.facebook.com/ NDBarefootYoga.

November 21

Deuces Wild! Dueling Pianos

Social 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p. m. and Show 8:00 p.m. 10:00 p. m. Rugby Memorial Hall Rugby Jaycees is bringing Deuces Wild! Dueling Pianos to town. The Deuces Wild! Dueling Pianos show is a rowdy, pub style show where the audience is always a part of the action! Sing, dance, and howl at the insane lyrics. A gut-busting good time is always had by all! A cash bar will be available and you must be 21 or older to attend. Tickets are available at St. Michel Furniture, Idesign, Ramsey Bank (all in Rugby), or by calling Tonia at 701-208-0439 or Sara at 701-208-0689. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door.

November 21 Slow Flow Yoga

7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Barefoot Yoga Studio, Our Saviors Lutheran Church Monthly schedules are available at www.facebook.com/ NDBarefootYoga.

November 21

Date Night: Couples Cooking

6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Central Middle School, Life Skills Kitchen, East Door Have a unique night out! Each couple will make a spicy Chicken Rigatoni, get to savor the fruits of their labor, & will possibly take home some leftovers. Class size is limited to 8 couples. The cost for this class is $50 per couple. Register online at www.lrsc.edu.

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.

November 23 Restorative Yoga

9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Barefoot Yoga Studio, Our Saviors Lutheran Church Monthly schedules are available at www.facebook.com/NDBarefootYoga.

November 23

Home for the Holidays 5:30 p.m. Main Street Rugby

November 23

3rd Annual “Scratch & Win” Promotion in Rugby 5:30 p.m. Feel at home for the holidays when you attend the holiday parade, where Santa will light the Christmas tree and hand out treats to the children. Then, complete your evening by joining us for caroling around the bonfire. There will also be a free matinee at 1:30 p.m..

event is free and vendors or wanted for a $10 space rental. Breakfast & lunch will be served.

December 7

Langdon Area Christmas Tour of Homes

For tickets, call Farmers & Merchants State Bank at 701-256-5431. This event is co-sponsored by Northern Lights Arts Council and Langdon Area Chamber of Commerce.

December 10

Devils Lake Elks Community Band Christmas Concert 7:00 p.m. Cando Audi Theatre

December 11

Creating Webpages (6-week online course)

November 23

December 11

10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Rugby Armory There is a one dollar admission charge for this event. For more information, call Laurie at 701776-2367.

Relay for Life Fall Craft Show

November 24

Devils Lake Community Orchestra Fall Concert 2:00 p.m. Devils Lake High School Commons Director Jeremiah Johnson and concertmaster Richard Neukom present a movie concert featuring a variety of pieces from TV and cinema history.

November 26 Yoga for Strength

5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Barefoot Yoga Studio, Our Saviors Lutheran Church Monthly schedules are available at www.facebook.com/NDBarefootYoga.

December 1

Devils Lake Elks Community Band Salvation Army Benefit Concert

2:00 p.m. Robert Fawcett Auditorium All freewill proceeds from this Christmas concert will benefit the Salvation Army.

December 4

Basic Life Support

5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Lake Region State College, Erlandson Building Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers provides a wide variety of healthcare professionals the tools to help them recognize several life-threatening emergencies, provide CPR, use an AED, and relieve choking in a safe, timely, and effective manner. The cost for this class is $30. Register online at www.lrsc.edu.

December 5 through 8 Christmas Open House

Nettiques in Petersburg 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday ‘Tis the season! Nettiques warmly welcomes 1863 Vintage as a vendor for a Christmas Open House and Sale. Come in and enjoy holiday treats as you browse our antiques, collectibles, repurposed and up-cycled furniture, and handmade gift items. Oh, what fun!

December 7

9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Cando Area Chamber of Commerce 2013 Holiday Showcase Towner County Armory, Cando The Cando Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting the Holiday Showcase. The armory will be filled with holiday gift giving ideas & many items to help with you holiday baking needs. There is something for everyone in Cando! This

Achieving Success with Difficult People

December 11

Assisting Aging Parents (6-week online

course) Learning how to help parents or other loved ones through their personal transitions can prepare us for our own. Growing older is a part of life. In this class, you will learn the tools, techniques, and insights for the journey. This class teaches about the impact of retirement, how to choose a nursing home, and the magnitude of financial and legal considerations. The cost of this class is $99. Register at www. lrsc.augusoft.net.

December 11

course will show the basics of controlling your finances so that you can start making conscious decisions about spending and saving. You can also learn how to fund your dreams and to save for emergencies and vacations! The cost of this class is $99. Register at www. lrsc.augusoft.net.

December 11

Survival Kit for New Teachers

(6-week course) Whether you’re a new teacher, an experienced teacher, or exploring the teaching field, you can use this virtual mentor to learn the proven tools, tips, and tricks to get you motivated. Learn how to write effective lesson plans so you can reach diverse groups, how to communicate clearly, how to plan memorable moments for students, and most importantly, how to lower your stress! The cost of this class is $99. Register at www.lrsc.augusoft.net.

December 11

Managing Life as a Single Parent

December 12

Friends and Family Shopping Night

8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Lake Region State College Bookstore & Royal Java Coffee Shop All regular-priced gift, apparel, and novelty items will be 25% off throughout the store!

December 12

Date Night: Couples Cooking

6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Central Middle School, Life Skills Kitchen Have a unique night out! Each couple will make Chicken Masala, get to savor the fruits of their labor, and will possibly take home some leftovers. Class size is limited to 8 couples. The

cost for this class is $50 per couple. Register online at www.lrsc.edu.

December 14

Intro to Photography

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Heritage Hall Dust off your camera and learn how to use it! Learn the basics of photography—film, optics, and flash—which is perfect for those who have never before studied the art and science of photography. The cost for this class is $30. Register online at www.lrsc.edu.

December 15

Devils Lake Just For Kix Winter Show 3:00 p.m. Devils Lake High School Sports Center

December 17

Devils Lake Elks Community Band Christmas Concert & KC Party 7:00 p.m. KC Hall

December 21

Devils Lake Elks Community Band Christmas Concert Elks Club 1216 (in the Night Owl building) 7:00 p.m. Christmas Concert and Elks Christmas Party

January 25 Sunshine Fest

Ralph Engelstad Arena, Grand Forks The event consists of a 5K outdoor fun run and an indoor 3K walk, a health and wellness fair, music, fun activities and dozens of amazing prizes! Sunshine Memorial Foundation supports the proposed Sunshine Hospitality Home that will benefit individuals who travel to Grand Forks for medical services.

January 25

Devils Lake Volunteer Fire Department Ice Fishing Tournament

Speed Spanish (6-week

course) By using effective “recipes,” you’ll learn Spanish pronto! Learn common travel phrases and greetings, learn how to use nouns, verbs, and phrases to create simple sentences, and then move on to complex sentences and phrases— all within six weeks. The cost of this class is $99. Register at www.lrsc.augusoft.net.

December 11

Introduction to Photoshop CS6

(6-week online course) Artists, photographers, designers, and hobbyists all rely on Adobe® Photoshop® for image creation and edits. With this course, you can also learn the stepby-step techniques to get rid of dust and scratches, fix the color, and correct image exposure. The cost of this class is $99. Register at www.lrsc.augusoft.net.

December 11

Where Does All My Money Go?

(6-week course) Ever feel like you just can’t get ahead? Do you want financial security? Need to work down your debt? This www.lakeregionwoman.com 3

Home for the Holidays Shopping Guide Find these items and more through local retailers. When purchasing an item that you’ve seen in our shopping guide, make sure to tell the retailer that you saw it in Lake Region Woman. Claims that products make in the Lake Region Woman Shopping Guide are of product manufacturers’ and not of Lake Region Woman or Graber Media.

Nettiques Slumberland Furniture

Sink into this soft reclining sofa at the end of the day and forget your troubles. The Carlisle Reclining Sofa from Slumberland Furniture in Devils Lake is a blend of leather and polyurethane. See their ad on page 13.

Just like you remember from grandma’s house. These vintage nativity scenes will add just the right amount of warmth to your table during the holidays. See their ad on page 14. $28

Creative Impressions is

the region’s premium source for fan gear. Go Bearcats! See their ad on page 8.

Boots and Heels

The Sprout Corn Resin Tree Watch is an eco-friendly watch made from corn resin and other biodegradable materials. Check out this earth-friendly timepiece at Boots and Heels in Devils Lake. See their ad on page 13.

Modern Cuisine Catering offers private Chef Services. They will come to your home to cook and serve a special meal for you, or if you prefer, ask for the “drop off service.” See their ad on page 9. 4 www.lakeregionwoman.com

The Little Coyote Coffee Sampler Gift Box is the perfect gift for coffee lovers. This unique gift from you will be remembered and enjoyed! Samplers include three 3.8 oz. bags of fresh roasted coffee, biscotti, and sweet treats all wrapped up in the signature Little Coyote Coffee packaging. Samplers can also be sent anywhere for a fresh roasted N.D. gift (shipping extra). See their ad on page 3. $25 Ritter Huesgen Jewelry Rhythm of Love Pendants are powered by her heartbeat with amazing vibrating diamonds. This 14kt white “Gold Rhythm of Love” diamond pendant is available at Ritter Huesgen Jewelry in Devils Lake. $1199 Devils Lake Chamber of Commerce

This cup holds a lot of coffee and is a great gift for clients or relatives visiting Devils Lake. You can even get one for yourself! Stop in to Devils Lake Chamber of Commerce to pick one up. See their ad on page 19. $10

A few men the wo bank. e h t d behin

Leevers Branch

Get Connected Snapdragons Floral

This natural color driftwood piece forming a wreath can be found at Snapdragons Floral in Devils Lake. See their ad on page 8.

To Customized Business Solutions NDTC offers a full menu of phone systems and data services to keep your business moving forward. Call today for customized solutions and personalized care.

Neumann Drug

No need to order your Elf on the Shelf® products online! Stop in to Neumann Drug in Cando to pick up the movie, books, or the elf kits. See their ad on page 23. $ 29.95 Kit $9.95 Movie

gondtc.com

701.662.1100 | 800.880.4213

www.lakeregionwoman.com 5

Are you ready to make some changes?

When it's time to move forward, we can help. -self-esteem Conﬁdential - managing stress & -relationship problems Private -depression -anxiety & stress -abuse survivors

662-8255

Little Coyote Coffee

Impress your family, friends, and customers with a Little Coyote Coffee blend that’s branded your own. From annual meetings and golf tournaments to weddings and family reunions, your gift will be treasured and enjoyed. There is a minimum order of 25 and available in 12 oz. and 4 oz. bags. Call Little Coyote Coffee for label details and pricing. See their ad on page 3.

Devils Lake Chamber of Commerce

The perfect traveling companion! This mug can be purchased at Devils Lake Chamber of Commerce. See their ad on page 19. $15

Evening Appointments Available

Boots and Heels Sara Kenney, Psy.D.

Licensed Psychologist

Jocelyn Soderstrom, Psy.D. Jennifer Jordan, Psy.D. Psychology Resident Psychology Resident

Feel cozy and stylish in a variety of Moccasin slippers from Boots and Heels in Devils Lake. See their ad on page 13. $36 to $40

Creative Impressions

Heat up the season with a G Scarf from Boots and Heels in Devils Lake. These scarves are available in a variety of colors to ensure that you find one to fit into your wardrobe. See their ad on page 8. $18

Come help us celebrate the name change and the holiday season ‒ watch for more details!

December 9, 2013

Munich (701) 682-5331

Osnabrock (701) 496-3482

Devils Lake (701) 665-2020

www.HorizonFinancialBank.com

6 www.lakeregionwoman.com

Ritter Huesgen Jewelry

Rhythm of Love Pendants are powered by her heartbeat with amazing vibrating diamonds. This sterling silver â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rhythm of Loveâ&#x20AC;? diamond pendant is available at Ritter Huesgen Jewelry in Devils Lake. See their ad on page 12. $199

Modern Cuisine Catering makes custom cookies, specialty cakes, and cupcakes that can be delivered to your home or event. See their ad on page 9.

Snapdragons Floral

Chips, dips, and cakes are no problem with this versatile platter. See their ad on page 8.

Nettiques

Retro Noma cellophane wreaths with electric candles used to hang in every window during the holidays. Nettiques in Petersburg has two that will fit with your retro style. See their ad on page 14. $15 each

Slumberland Furniture

This multifunctional cabinet includes storage space and a fireplace. The Hopewell Fireplace Cabinet, available at Slumberland Furniture in Devils Lake, is perfect for those chilly winter nights. See their ad on page 13.

Neumann Drug in Cando is

your Pride of Dakota product store. They carry Dakota Seasoning of Harvey and North Prairie Signature products, including soups, dips, jelly, syrups, Bison meat, and pepper relish. See their ad on page 23. Prices Vary

www.lakeregionwoman.com 7

Recipes

Saving Time on the Holidays Written by Sheri Hatten

During the holidays, it is nice to spend time with family and friends. But, do you feel as if you spend more time in the kitchen than with your friends and family? Meal times can be hectic when family and friends visit, so the following are some time-saving recipes that you can try to help reduce time spent in the kitchen and ensure that you have more time for enjoying your guests during the holidays.

STOP

IN AND ASK US ABOUT GLITTER FLAKE PRODUCTS!

cherim@creativeimps.com

These recipes can be made the night before and put in the refrigerator. Then, the next day, all you need to do is put them in the oven to bake for breakfast or brunch. These recipes are quick to make, and the ingredients can be altered according to your preference. Occasionally, I will make an egg bake and put green peppers on just half so those who dislike peppers will have another option. Additionally, these recipes arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just for the holidays; they are wonderful for busy weekends, all year long. Make extra to have later in the week when you are in a hurry, or to have ready for the kids in the morning before school. Simply reheat in the microwave for a couple of minutes, serve with milk and fruit, and you have a quick and healthy meal. I hope you enjoy the recipes and try some experimenting to make this your family favorite as well.

artist@creativeimps.com

Egg Bake with Bread (Best if made the night before or at least a couple of hours before cooking so the bread soaks up the milk and eggs.)

7 eggs 2 c. fat-free or low-fat milk 8 slices of bread, pulled apart into pieces 1 small onion, chopped 2 c. low-fat cheddar cheese, shredded 1 package (12-16 oz.) low-fat pork sausage, browned and drained (chopped ham is also an option, or use half of each) Mushrooms and green peppers (optional) 3 pieces of bacon, cooked and chopped (optional)

8 www.lakeregionwoman.com

Beat eggs in a large bowl. Add milk and beat well. Add cheese, meat, and vegetables to the egg mixture and stir. Put the bread pieces in the bottom of a 9x13 pan that has been sprayed with nonstick spray. Pour the egg mixture over the bread. Sprinkle the bacon on top. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting. Helpful hint: if you use regular sausage and find it has oil in your pan after cooking, just put the meat in a strainer and pour hot water over the meat to get rid of some of the oil.

We Change Lives From Sign Language to Simulators, Marketing to Mechanics, Wind to Wellness….

Breakfast Casserole 12 eggs 1 c. fat-free or low-fat milk 2 c. ham or pork sausage, cooked and chopped into bite-sized pieces 1 c. grated low-fat cheddar cheese ½ c. chopped onion ½ c. chopped green pepper ¼ tsp. pepper Pinch of salt 1 (16 oz.) package frozen hash browns, thawed (look for a variety that has no fat added for a healthier choice)

We have programs of study to help you start making a living in a field you love.

(701) 662-1600 1-800-443-1313 Devils Lake, North Dakota 



www.LRSC.edu

Mix the eggs and milk in a large bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients and put in a 9x13 pan (sprayed with nonstick spray). Top with more grated cheese, if desired. If making the night before, cover and place in the refrigerator. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Writer | Sheri Hatten, Licensed, Registered Dietitian and Certified Lactation Counselor Sheri graduated from NDSU with a BS in Food and Nutrition and a BS in Corporate/Community Fitness. Sheri has been a Licensed Registered Dietitian for 20 years. She is married to Bob Hatten and has two children: Stephanie and Kendall. Sheri loves to be outdoors walking, biking, and fishing. She also enjoys baking, cooking, and scrapbooking.

Catering Custom Cakes and Lefse!

701-262-4438

moderncuisinecatering.com

/moderncuisine www.lakeregionwoman.com 9

(

nts me! e i t a p w Ne ways welco al

10 www.lakeregionwoman.com

Looking

for a

recipe?

Visit www.leeversfoods.com for ideas Two Convenient Locations: Downtown Devils Lake and Hwy 2 & 20

Creative Kids Corner

Giving Back Crafts or Baked Goods Written by Christy Remmick

The holiday season is a great time of the year to make crafts with your kids. The following projects provide creative and fun ideas, whether you are looking to make items to donate to hospitals or care centers, or want to create decorations for your own house Also included in these projects are ideas for packaging your baked goods.

Popsicle Stick Christmas Trees

Ages 1 and up Parents should supervise children at all times when working with small parts, paint, and glue.

Materials Needed •4 popsicle sticks •Green and brown paint •Paint brushes •Glue •Craft jewels 1.Have the kids paint three popsicle sticks green and paint the remaining stick brown. 2.Once dry, glue the green Popsicle sticks in a triangle and place the brown stick in the middle to make a stem. 3.Have the kids glue the jewels onto the tree. Ritter Huesgen Jewelry 313 4th Street NE | Devils Lake 701-662-3412

“Where Craftsmanship is a Family Tradition”

Since 1886

Felt Wreaths

Ages 2 and up Parents should supervise children at all times when working with small parts, paint, scissors, and glue.

Materials Needed •Felt •Scissors •Hole punch •Pipe cleaner •Ribbon •Star bead (optional) 1.Cut the felt into squares, approximately 1-inch X 1-inch. 2.Punch a hole in the middle of each piece. 3.Kids can string the pipe cleaner through the holes in the felt pieces. 4.Once the pipe cleaner is full of felt pieces, bend it into a circle and twist the ends to keep in place. 5.String a star bead through a piece of ribbon and tie the ribbon together in a loop to hang the wreath.

Button Christmas Tree Ages 4 and Up

Materials Needed •Varying sizes of green buttons •Small brown buttons •Pipe cleaner •Ribbon •Star bead (optional) 1.Tie a knot at one end of the pipe cleaner. 2.Kids can string the brown buttons for the trunk of the tree (approximately five buttons). 3.Kids can then stack the green buttons on the trunk from biggest to smallest (approximately 12 buttons). 4.Place the star bead on top and twist the pipe cleaner to make the buttons stay in place. 5.Tie a ribbon around the pipe cleaner loop to use for hanging the button tree. 12 www.lakeregionwoman.com

Caroling Angel Ages 8 and Up

Materials Needed •Craft clothespins •Tulle •Black marker •Small felt pieces •Glue gun •Feather or craft hair •Sparkle craft foam •Pipe cleaner •Needle and thread •Scissors •Styrofoam cylinder (optional, for making angel stand sturdy)

Smoormeutchhan a shoe store!

1.Draw a face on the top of the clothes pin with the black marker. 2.Push the clothes pin into the middle of the Styrofoam cylinder as a base. 3.Cut the tulle into a 6-inch by 12-inch (approximately) rectangle. Fold over, the long way, to double it, making the piece 3-inches by 12-inches. 4.Thread and weave the needle in and out along the top of the tulle. Note: Make sure to either supervise or complete this task for your child if you are uncomfortable with him or her using a needle. 5.Pull the thread tight and tie the two ends of thread together to make a skirt for the angel. 6.Slip the skirt over the clothes pin head. 7.Cut angel wings out of the sparkle foam. A heart shape works well. 8.Cut a pipe cleaner in half. Fold one of the pieces in half for the arms and bend the other piece into a circle on top for the halo. 9.Using a hot glue gun, glue the pipe cleaner to the back of the clothes pin, bringing the arms in front and the halo above the head. 10.Using your hot glue gun, glue the angel wings to the back of the clothes pin. 11.Glue the feather or craft hair on the clothespin angel’s head. 12.Glue the felt piece to the pipe cleaner to give the appearance of the angel holding a caroling book.

NEW FASHIONS ARRIVING

ALL THE TIME 701-544-0177 “Like” us on Facebook bootsandheelsshop

Cookie Storage

Break out your favorite cookie recipe and start baking with your kids for the holidays. Then, use this simple trick to deliver your freshly baked goods to family, neighbors, friends, or care centers.

Materials Needed •Empty Pringles® can •Wrapping paper •Scissors •Tape •Ribbon

DOWNTOWN DEVILS LAKE | 701-662-3500

1.Wash out and dry the Pringles can. 2.Wrap the can with wrapping paper and tape in place. 3.Place your cookies inside the can and put the cover on. 4.Tie ribbon from the bottom to the top of the can for decoration. Use tape to keep the ribbon in place, if needed.

Cookies or Baked Treats Storage Ideas

Check your cupboards for tin cans or check your local thrift store for tin cans that you can repurpose for storing cookies or baked treats. You can spray paint or paint the tin cans with acrylic paint, and then add your favorite treats. Another great idea is to mix Mod Podge® and glitter together, and then paste a thick coat on the tin cans to make glitter cans. Your kids will have fun decorating the tins cans and then delivering the treats. [LRW]

gift CERTIFICATES

Available!

Christy Remmick | Writer

Christy is a stay-at-home mom with three children: Hunter (6) and twin daughters Riley and Emersyn (3). Christy also runs a blog and online shop called Rilos & MiMi (rilosandmimi.com), which are the nicknames that her son Hunter gave her twins daughters when they were babies. Christy graduated from the University of North Dakota with a bachelor’s degree in Communications. She grew up in Selkirk, Manitoba, Canada and first came to Devils Lake to play volleyball at Lake Region State College. Christy married Robert, who grew up in Devils Lake, and 11 years after meeting each other, they moved back to Devils Lake to raise their family. Christy keeps busy by thinking of fun, creative ways to spend time with the kids and with sewing and writing for her online shop and blog. To keep sane, she also enjoys gardening, running, and travelling.

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Brenda Swenseth Helps Spread the Word Future Hospitality Home to Benefit the Lake Region Residents Written by Autumn Graber

e” Larson

non “Sunshin

Photo: Shan

“Shannon’s nickname was Sunshine,” smiled Van Larson. “Even as a little girl, she would walk into a room and it would light up because she always had that smile and was always happy.” Van beams as he recounts parts of his daughter’s life to me. He recalls her special gift of being a hugger. “When she was 8 years old, she was a hugger for the Special Olympics.” Van looks away as he reminisces about watching his daughter encourage the swimmers to finish their laps and then congratulate them with a soggy hug right after popping out of the pool. Huggers for the Special Olympics are a group of volunteers that encourage the athletes during competition and then reward them with a hug whether they win or lose. “She was the best hugger they ever had—according to them.” Shannon Larson and her fiancé Matt were hiking in Usery Mountain Park on September 8, 2007 when she began to feel weak. “They hadn’t brought along enough water and weren’t dressed properly for the weather down in Arizona, and about three quarters of the way down, Shannon started experiencing heat exhaustion and so Matt carried her for a large portion of the way,” said Katie Langlie, Development Director for Sunshine Memorial Foundation. “At one point, he couldn’t make it any more, so he just took off running to the car and went to the ranger station to get help.” Shortly after Matt returned to Shannon’s location with help, she passed away from heat stroke and dehydration. 16 www.lakeregionwoman.com

The day after Shannon passed away, Van received calls from Arizona newspapers and radio stations wanting to interview him. “They asked if they could ‘call back in a few days’ and my answer was ‘no, we’ll talk now,’” he said. Van, his wife Dee, and son Donovan wanted to turn this horrible situation into something good, so they founded the Sunshine Memorial Foundation and planned the “More Sunshine Walk and Fun Run” event, which today is called “Sunshine Fest.” “Shannon would do anything for anybody,” said Van. Because of this, the foundation’s mission isn’t specifically related to dehydration and heat stroke education. “Our foundation is built for health and wellness,” said Van. Van, the Larson family, and the foundation board of directors wanted to fill a gap in Grand Forks for the surrounding area. After determining a Hope Lodge and Ronald McDonald House were not an option for the Grand Forks area, they decided to create a hospitality house of their own. “We arrived at a house that is 12 to 15 thousand square feet with 25 beds. It will serve everybody,” said Van. “We will probably charge a small amount, but if somebody can’t pay, we wouldn’t turn them away.” Part of raising funds and building a hospitality house of this size is to spread the word. Key individuals in communities surrounding Grand Forks are being asked to be “connectors” for the project. Brenda Swenseth, a long-time resident of Devils Lake, is one of those connectors. “As a connector, I’m not in charge of asking people for money or even taking checks,” said Swenseth. “I’m just supposed to connect them with the people that do that. My main job is just to get the word out.” The Sunshine Hospitality Home would be a place to stay for people and their families coming to Grand Forks for health care. The home would be an option for those parents needing a place to stay while their newborn is in Neonatal Intensive Care or families traveling a great distance to be with a loved one after a car accident. It can even be a place to go in between a chemotherapy treatment and same-day doctor visit. When a family member is in search of a place to stay, it can cause more stress during an already stressful time. The Sunshine Hospitality Home hopes to ease the burden of finding a place to rest your head. “There is a need,” said Swenseth. “The nurses at the hospital are the ones that really saw the need.” Many of us can attest to the struggle of finding a hotel room in Grand Forks during a medical emergency. You might be busy filling out paperwork at the hospital, or you’re just sitting with your loved one until you realize that you need to find somewhere to sleep. At that point, it could be midnight and there is a slim chance you will find a hotel room. The nurses at Altru Health Systems in Grand Forks see this first-hand almost on a daily basis. “The nurses at the hospital see people sleeping in their cars,” said Swenseth. “A mom and her three children were sleeping on a bench in the hallway and they spent nights there. They couldn’t afford a hotel. The nurses feel heartbroken.” Not only will opening a hospitality house in Grand Forks help ease the difficulty of finding shelter during a difficult time, but it can ease the mind of the person who is sick, knowing that his or her loved ones have a place to stay. “It promotes healing.” The Sunshine Hospitality Home, named for Van and Dee’s daughter, will be a facility constructed in Grand Forks across the street from the Sertoma Park that includes the Ali Borgen Playground and a Japanese garden. It will be a resource used by people from surrounding communities who are coming to Grand Forks for health care. “It’s a regional project,” said Van. Brenda agrees, “It’s not for people in Grand Forks, it’s for people outside of Grand Forks,” said Swenseth. “I would hope that the community of Devils Lake would support this because of the need.” Plans for the facility include a community-driven main floor so people can receive support from other families and community members. The main floor would include a great room, business center, and play area. “As you go up

to the second and third floors, they would be more private so [guests] can get that privacy they are seeking,” said Langlie. “Everybody grieves differently, everybody goes through things differently, and we want to make sure we cater to all those different needs.” The foundation is hoping to open the doors of the Sunshine Hospitality Home in the spring of 2015, but that can’t happen until the funds are raised to construct the building. One community fundraiser geared toward funding the project and spreading the word about the foundation’s Hydration Awareness program is Sunshine Fest that is held in January. Sunshine Fest consists of a 3k indoor walk around the concourse and a 5k run outside around the Ralph Engelstad Arena. Inside the arena will be a health fair, along with a basket raffle that includes prizes totaling over twelve thousand dollars. The Altru Alliance is their first official financial partner on the project. “They have been contributors to both our house project and our foundation builders program,” said Langlie. “They have been very generous to us.” In addition to the Sunshine Fest event in Grand Forks, neighboring communities are planning their own 5k run events to help raise funds for the project. Swenseth would like to see an event hosted in Devils Lake to help raise funds for the project. There is also a need for additional “connect team” members. Those who are interested in getting involved in the project can contact Brenda Swenseth by email at breswen@gmail.com for details. If you would like to go to Sunshine Fest, it will be held on Saturday, January 25 at Ralph Engelstad Arena. You can preregister for the event by going to www.sunshinememorial.org. [LRW]

www.lakeregionwoman.com 17

18 www.lakeregionwoman.com

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www.lakeregionwoman.com 19

This Day

To Do: Written by Shannon Teigen

At work...

I took a sip from my cup, enjoying the comfort of the warm liquid while I looked through the file on the table in front of me. As I heard the words come out of my co-worker’s mouth, I breathed a sigh of relief and silently offered up a prayer of thanks that I was not the first, nor the only one, to admit I was “too busy.” No one wants to be known as the company slacker or be viewed as one who is not a team player.

At play...

While standing in line to pay for my soda, I took a quick second to glance up at the line and the clerk, searching for an indication of how much longer I’d be waiting to complete my transaction. My eyes darted for a quick scan of the area before returning to my phone screen and the “text conversation” I was using to assign after-school chores to my son. Before my gaze returned to the phone cradled in my palm, I noticed a former co-worker, who is now retired, at the end of the counter looking relaxed. When I asked him what he had been up to lately, he said he was” keeping busy,” but that he hadn’t accomplished much that day.

At home...

An old friend surprised us when she stopped by the other day. It was nice to catch up on what was going on in each other’s lives, and as we caught up with one another, she inquired about how the business venture was going in which my husband and I are involved. I’m sure I beamed as I told her that it was going well and that I had left full-time employment to dedicate my time to the business’ growth. And then I heard it come out of my own mouth: “Actually, I’m busier than I thought I would be.”

Why are we always so busy? The more I thought of these scenarios and other recent conversations with teachers, volunteers, and friends, I started to wonder: Are we thinking about time a little backwards? Does it seem that we idolize the act of being busy, and base our own self-worth on how time-deprived we are? Do we value our precious time so little? Have we confused being busy with being important? Don’t get me wrong, I believe being busy can lead to great accomplishments; I just don’t know if our bodies were intended to be busy all the time. It’s hard not to “feel” busy when you can simultaneously converse with a former co-worker, buy a soda, and text a list of chores to your son. Our ability to multi-task is overwhelming with today’s toys, technology, and accessibility. We are constantly in a state of “doing” unless we are unplugged and recharging. I can honestly say that I have never heard any of my own three children utter the words, “There’s nothing to do.” In today’s world, children—and adults for that matter—have so many things to occupy their time that the phrase “there’s nothing to do” (a phrase that, incidentally, was considered taboo when I was growing up) rarely comes to mind, much less falls from our lips. I got away with that sort of whining in front of mom, but only took once for me to understand that I should never, ever let those words escape from my mouth within earshot of Dad. He would certainly find something for you to do, and it most likely wasn’t going to be any fun. Stop thinking about all the tasks on your To-Do list. Don’t worry. You wrote them down, and I guarantee that they will still be there waiting for you tomorrow. Right now, on this day, you are not busy. You are relaxed, and have nothing to do. [LRW]

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 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. 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. 20 www.lakeregionwoman.com

Photo: Jennifer Jacobson and Deb Johnson

Lake Region Corporation What a Difference Th irty Years Makes Written by Autumn Graber

It started in 1980 when the members of The Arc, Upper Valley banded together to take legal action against The State of North Dakota over the deplorable conditions at Grafton State School and San Haven. The Arc was formed by a group of North Dakota parents of children with developmental disabilities. Before 1980, it wasn’t uncommon for parents to drop their children off at the institutions and never look back as recommended by the medical field. “Something that I don’t think people think of or realize is, back then, in some cases, when people would have a child born with special needs, they would keep them at home until they were too big to take care of, and then they drove over to the State School in Grafton and they dropped them off,” said Jennifer Jacobson, Lake Region Corporation Program Director. “In other cases, families didn’t have the knowledge or means to care for their loved one so they institutionalized them. Some of our elderly people have no family connections, so we are their family.”

Arc, North Dakota was ranked forty-ninth in the nation for care provided to people with disabilities. Now, North Dakota is considered to be one of the most respected and progressive states in the nation. “We have presenters that travel the nation and they come back and say, ‘you are the best and you have done so much. We refer to you as the example around the nation,’” said Johnson. Over the last 30 years, LRC has developed its programs to increase the interaction between the consumers and the community. “Our agency serves adults with intellectual disabilities,” said Jacobson. “We have people from ages 21 to 86.” One of the services that LRC provides is called Day Supports. “What we do in Day Supports, is assist people to learn skills that prepare them for a job in the community. We do several job contracts.” LRC has contracts with local hotels, churches, and resorts to provide housekeeping/cleaning services. They also do table-top work, where they wrap silverware for a local restaurant or stuff envelopes for businesses that send out mass mailings. The consumers earn a wage that allows them to participate in community activities. “They spend their money in the community,” said Johnson. “They go to the movies, shopping, sporting events, and other activities.”

[

“I saw the time when the fences were up around the institution to the time when the fences were taken down and people were allowed to interact with other members of the community.” Lake Region Corporation Chief Executive Officer, Deb Johnson grew up in Grafton. “I saw the time when the fences were up around the institution to the time when the fences were taken down and people were allowed to interact with other members of the community,” said Johnson. Lake Region Corporation (LRC) serves

22 www.lakeregionwoman.com

many of the people that were previously institutionalized at the Grafton State School—also previously known as the North Dakota Institution for the Feeble Minded—and have been able to reconnect with family members over the past 30 years. “Family members who lived in town didn’t know they had family members in the institution,” said Johnson. “We’ve had people that actually have had a brother or sister pass away, and [then] they’ve gone to the funeral and were able to meet all these relatives [that] they never knew they had, and the relatives didn’t know they existed most of the time.” LRC makes every effort to help their consumers (people with disabilities that they serve) connect with family members that may not know about them. “It’s important for us to make the family contact. We have people that can’t write a card or make a phone call, so we make that possible,” said Peggy Peters, LRC Chief Financial Officer. At the time of the lawsuit filed by The

LRC staff also works with the consumer on social skills. “A lot of our people can be vulnerable and we teach them how to recognize signs and symptoms of when someone is trying to take advantage of them,” said Jacobson. Lake Region Corporation staff and consumers make sure that they take the time to volunteer in the community by Salvation Army bell ringing, picking up trash for the Adopt a Highway program, and sponsoring an angel tree or coat drive, to name a few. But, a majority of Devils Lake residents know them for their recycling program. “We have a curbside recycling contract with the city of Devils Lake where we pick up paper, plastic and aluminum from local neighborhoods. Our Recycling Crew works alongside the city sanitation workers while baling cardboard and aluminum cans,” said Jacobson. One thing LRC would like is to see is more table-top work for the consumers. “One thing we struggle with now is the lack of table-top work,” said Jacobson. Businesses or organizations that plan to send mass mailings or other types of table-top work can contact LRC to set up a time study. A time study is required to determine a wage that the consumers would earn while doing the job.

)

Working with people with disabilities tends to be a female-dominated field. “We have a staff of 54 employees, and 44 are women,” said Johnson. “The women and the men we employ are very caring and are good role models for the consumers.” “Some people have the misconception that people here are ‘crazy,’” said Jacobson. “People go home from work and put their feet up or start making supper as you or I would.” Jacobson is grateful for the exposure her children have received through her job. “My boys have been exposed to this world and they don’t go to school now and shy away from the child that has a learning disability or the one that is in a wheelchair. They know that it is part of life and they are not afraid.” What a difference 30 years has made. Our culture has gone from thinking it’s fine to institutionalize people with disabilities behind a fence with little to no contact with the outside world, to embracing their capacity for love, willingness to earn a living, volunteerism in the community, and being a contributing member of society. “You hope to work yourself out of the job someday,” said Jacobson. “But, there are always going to be people born with disabilities.” For more information on the lawsuit filed by The Arc, Upper Valley against The State of North Dakota, watch “Pursing the Promise: The Arc’s Struggle for Equality,” a historical documentary about the conditions that led to the 1982 lawsuit. This documentary can be purchased for $39.95 by calling (701) 772-6191. If you have table-top work that would be a good fit for the consumers at Lake Region Corporation, please contact them at (701) 662-8681. LRC offers reasonable rates and guaranteed work with supervised crews. Some ideas for table-top work are statement processing, monthly newsletters, bulk mailings, packaging, assembly, shredding, and silverware wrapping. [LRW]

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LAKE REGION HOLIDAY GIVING GUIDE

Your Guide to Giving Back This Holiday Season Written by Christy Remmick

For most children, the holidays are about visiting family, eating lots of food, getting a break from school, and of course, getting gifts. And, most parents know the importance of teaching their children that the holidays are not just about receiving but also about giving back. Sometimes, the process of giving back can be confusing, which leaves many wondering how or what to do to help those in need. Therefore, I have provided a guide to help ease the confusion around the process of giving back in the Lake Region this holiday season. Whether you are looking to donate your time, or items such as toys, food, or handmade gifts, this guide provides several options that you can choose.

Donating Time

You can choose to donate your time this holiday season. Spending time volunteering or visiting with other people is a great experience for children and adults alike, and teaches children about how easily they can impact others without having to give a physical item. Plan to spend a day, an afternoon, or a few hours one evening at one of the following places.

1. Local Organizations

The Hope Center is a new organization in Devils Lake whose mission is the following: “To Demonstrate Christ’s Love by helping meet the Nutritional, Shelter, Emotional and Spiritual needs of others.” Their construction phase is scheduled to be completed on December 1, 2013. After that, volunteers can help with setup, including painting, flooring, and putting up desks and shelves. The Hope Center welcomes the help of anyone who wants to share hope this holiday season. You can contact the center directly to set up volunteer time. 313 3rd Street NE, Devils Lake, ND 58301 www.hopecenterdevilslake.com or Send an email to hope_center@icloud.com, include your contact information, and Amy Hoffmeyer, Hope Center Director, will respond with volunteer information. Dakota Prairie Community Action Agency (DPCAA) has an office located in Devils Lake but serves the residents of Ramsey, Rolette, Eddy, Towner, Benson, and Cavalier counties. DPCAA provides holiday food baskets to low-income families during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. The agency receives many donations to their food pantry during the holidays. Anyone ages three and older can volunteer in the food pantry to help with tasks such as wrapping gifts, and helping to pack, sort, and put away food donations. 223 4th Street NE, Devils Lake, ND 58301(for dropping off donations) 701-662-6500 http://www.dpcaa.org/ Connect with Janet Hannesson, Lora Papachek, or Julie Hovde The Salvation Army’s largest fundraising drive is the annual kettle campaign. The sound of the bell is a constant reminder that the Salvation Army is alive and at work in your community. Additionally, the sound of the ringing bell reminds us to think of those in need and to consider donating, in whatever capacity we can, throughout the holiday season. It’s easy to join in the fun of bell ringing. Individuals, families, service groups, school clubs, and many businesses can sign up for times to volunteer. 223 4th Street NE, Devils Lake. 662-6069 Lisa Ripplinger

2.Assisted Living and Care Centers

The holiday season is sentimental to most residents in an assisted living or care center; some have several visitors during the holiday season, while others have few. Plan a visit to an assisted living or care center and spend time with residents by singing, playing instruments, going for a walk, reading, or just visiting. There are many assisted living and care centers in the Lake Region. If you don’t have family or contacts in a specific care center, you can search options online or in the phone book.

Tips about Visiting

~ If you are uncomfortable showing up unannounced, most care centers have an activity department that you can contact to set up a time/ resident to visit. ~ The care center might even allow pets to visit with you, but make sure you ask before visiting. ~ If bringing treats, it is always best to check with the care center’s staff before giving it to the resident (because many have special diets, can’t have hard candy, and so on). Some residents have a sweet tooth, so contacting the center beforehand is a good idea; that way, you can plan a gift of sweets for a particular resident.

3.Mercy Hospital

Mercy Hospital in Devils Lake has an Annual Hospice Reflections of Love Remembrance Service. They are looking for volunteers to assist with this event. Volunteers can assist swing bed by escorting patients to the indoor event and visiting with patients to, from, and during the event. You can also assist with setup and/or take down of the event. Plan a visit to the hospital to sing carols or play musical instruments for patients in the hospital. The swing bed department has weekly events that anyone can volunteer for during the holidays.

Tips about Visiting

~ Due to sanitary and safety guidelines, individuals are not allowed to bring outside food into the hospital for patients. ~ Families must call the swing bed Coordinator or Foundation Director to set up a date and time if they want to volunteer or visit. 1031 7th St NE, Devils Lake Call 662-2131 and ask for the Swing Bed Coordinator or call 662-9707 for the Foundation Director.

Donating Items

Donating tangible items such as food, gifts, or gently used items is a great way for children to identify that they are physically giving something to another person or family. Several local businesses, churches, and schools host their own special events. It’s a good idea to check with them during the holiday season for options on giving items. There are also several agencies in the community that accept donations. Lakes Social Service District is a department that provides relief and related services to the less fortunate citizens of Ramsey and Towner County. Currently, they have approximately 50 children in foster care. They work with several local organizations and groups to accept donations for families and children in need. They accept drop-off donations, or you can contact the Lakes Social Service District directly to inquire about specific needs of families or children. There are few guidelines to donating during the holiday season. The Lake Social Service District maintains confidentiality; no names are given out, and they only ask that you call them before making a donation. They have had families sponsor another family by providing presents, Christmas trees, and food for a holiday meal. They’ve had bank employees donate home essential items such as soap, shampoo, and cleaning supplies in place of buying gifts for each other. A great idea when trying to decide what to donate to Lake Social Service district is an overnight bag for children who are going into emergency foster care. You can fill an overnight bag with a toothbrush, blanket, toothpaste, and shampoo to help comfort a child. Email: rrallery@nd.gov Phone: 701-662-7050 Name: Rhonda R. Allery Director at Lakes Social Service District The Salvation Army provides several opportunities for donating items. Winter apparel and boots for children and adults can be dropped off at the local office. A great family or group project would be to package or build personal care kits. Personal care kits are given out to transients who are passing through the region, during a disaster, or sometimes within the school system. The personal care kids include a washcloth, hand soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, travel shampoo, nail clipper, and a comb. These items are wrapped up in a towel and placed in a large Ziploc bag. The bags can be personalized by decorating or adding a card of encouragement or individually wrapped hard candy. There are many opportunities to personalize gifts and food for families or individuals in need over Christmas. If your son or daughter would like to purchase a gift for another child their age, or even for a homeless grandparent, everything is kept confidential and you can decide. Call for more information on needs in this area. The DPCAA accepts donations for families during the holiday season. You can work as an individual or with your local church, school, or place of employment to host drives for toys or mittens and/or hats and then donate them to DPCAA for distribution. The DPCAA also has a food pantry that can use any nonperishable food items, personal hygiene, paper products, and cleaning supplies. Also consider donating gas cards or a taxi/bus pass for employment and medical travel, prepaid phone cards, gift cards to purchase perishable food items at the grocery store, or gift certificates to local restaurants for someone passing through. The Hope Center will be accepting items such as nonperishable food for donation after December 1, 2013. The center is funded 100% from volunteers in the community, and they are currently accepting monetary donations for their construction and general costs. Donations can be made on their website at www.hopecenterdevilslake.com or mailed to the Hope Center directly.

Tips for Donating to Local Organizations:

~ Most organizations start planning for holiday season early. Anyone wanting to participate in a holiday project should start early. It is helpful for the agencies to have time to organize the activity and helpful to families if they have an idea of what to expect in the way of donated food or gifts. ~ Make sure to check for current expiration dates on any donated food items. ~ Home canned items cannot be accepted. ~ Not all agencies have the staff or storage to accept drop off donations; make sure you check with them first. The holidays are a busy time for their staff, and they would rather not let donations go undelivered during the holidays.

Assisted Living and Care Centers

Most care centers accept donations. Some care centers might have an option where individuals or families can adopt a resident to help with his or her specific needs. Contact the care center’s activity department for more information. If you want to donate general items to a care center, the most helpful things are greeting cards (for residents to send to family or friends), stamps, socks, blankets, large print crossword puzzles, large print books, regular puzzles, calendars, clocks with large numbers, and robes.

Handmade Items

You can plan a fun afternoon with your kids and make handmade items to send to a care center. Cards, drawn pictures, or small crafts such as ornaments are great ideas to deliver or mail to an assisted living home or care center. Mercy Hospital gives lap robes and/or blankets to swing bed patients as Christmas gifts. A fleece blanket or fleece material is a great donation. Kids would have fun going fabric shopping and picking out their favorite pattern to donate.

Fleece Donation Guidelines:

~ Material sizes of 1 yard, 2 yards, or 3 yards ~ Children(s) designs/patterns, or solid colors (all colors of the rainbow accepted) Donations are also accepted for the Hospice Reflections of Love Tree Lighting (this year, they are trying to raise $800 to buy new LED lights for the Hospice Tree Lighting).

Handmade Donations

Anyone is welcome to deliver or mail Christmas cards, ornaments, artwork, and small gift items for the holidays to patients. General Mail Delivery Mercy Hospital Foundation 1031 7th St NE Devils Lake, ND 58301

Second Hand Stores

Have your children round up any unused or gently used toys that are still in good condition, or find clothing that no longer fits that is still in good condition, and then donate them to a goodwill store. This is another great way for children to physically see the items that they are giving away to others. There are three donation stores in the Lake Region.

Dakota Boys Ranch

Located on 408 Highway 2 W, Devils Lake, ND

St. Joseph Seconds Count Store 501 4th St SE, Devils Lake, ND 58301

The Arc Thrift Store

213 5th St NE, Devils Lake, ND 58301