SIOUXLAND WOMAN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANE MONAHAN
Jean MarieAlthaus
Siouxland Woman CONTRIBUTORS
Account Executive
Jill Foley
graphic designer
Ashley Carrison
team of writers
Lydia Gleiser, Joanne Fox, Cheryl Wells, Melanie Olsen
Michaela Feldmann, Lisa Croston, Tanya Manus
cover PHOTOGRAPHER
Shane Monahan Photography www.shanemonahanphotography.com
Editor
Heather Jordan | heather@michelscom.com
DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL MARKETING
Cory Johnson 605-951-3567 | cory@michelscom.com
REGIONAL MANAGER BLACK HILLS/GSM
Kevin Culhane 605-661-8509 | kevin@michelscom.com
chief of operations
Hanna Michels 605-760-4269 | hanna@michelscom.com
A SWEET LEGACY
BY: LYDIA GLEISER PHOTOGRAPHY BY: SHANE MONAHAN
Jean Marie Althaus
Not many people are willing to risk everything to chase their goals, but life has a funny way of sometimes creating a path so clear that you must accept your fate and walk down the road before you. For Jean Marie Althaus, what once started as a baking hobby in college evolved into her permanent career as she has been diligent in creating and perfecting her in-home cakery, The Black Box Bakery.
Jean Marie shares that she was born with a little bit of sugar and flour in her blood as her aunt and grandmother were the
bakers of the family, but it wasn’t an interest of hers until she got older. Initially being born in Red Bank, New Jersey, Jean Marie moved to Sioux City when she was still a baby and grew up in the Morningside area.
Family became an integral part of Jean Marie’s adolescence as she shared a tight-knit bond with her mother, sister, uncle and grandparents creating traditions and lasting memories that she still treasure to this day.
Jean Marie and her sister were raised by their mother, Sally Hartin, who taught many years for the Sioux City School systems. Sally has supported Jean Marie from the very beginning, always being available to help and offering encouragement and assistance whenever needed in and out of the kitchen. Jean Marie would not have been able to start her baking business without her. You can often find Jean Marie baking and Sally keeping the kitchen tidy and efficiently running.
“Every Friday evening, we ate dinner at my grandpa and grandma’s house on South Rustin Street with my Uncle Paulie, as well,” Jean Marie recalls. “I couldn’t help but inherit some of their passions, including my grandpa’s love of gardening and my grandma’s love of baking.”
After graduating from East High School, Jean Marie attended the University of Iowa in Iowa City where she completed a degree in psychology. “I enjoyed studying the field and entertained different options with my degree, but interests change rapidly at that stage of life and I found myself following a different path,” Jean Marie shares.
At the time, Jean Marie had been dating her boyfriend Adam Althaus, and he planned to attend medical school in St. Louis, requiring the couple to move. Being away from family was hard for Jean Marie, but it was during this time that she started pursuing job opportunities in a few different management positions while living there.
“Baking had become a hobby for me in college,” Jean Marie says. “My grandma and mom gave me my first ‘cookbook’ which was a binder of favorite family recipes with handwritten annotations (including my grandma’s secret carrot cake recipe). I continued the hobby while in St. Louis and pushed myself to try new recipes and techniques. Decorating became an outlet of artistic expression.”
After realizing that she had a real knack for it, Jean Marie’s baking interest grew even more, but another move was on the horizon.
“Medical training for Adam took us to Boston, Massachusetts in 2012 for five years of urology residency,” Jean Marie remembers. “We lived in a trendy neighborhood called Jamaica Plain not too
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
- Eleanor Roosevelt
Jean Marie
says that her and Adam’s conversations shifted from “Someday I could do this,” to “Why not now?”
far away from Fenway Park. While living in Boston I used my management experience to get work at the MSPCA-Angell Animal Medical Center near our home.”
While working at the MSPCA-Angell Animal Medical Center, Jean Marie was promoted to a business management position in a branch just outside of Boston. In addition to cultivating relationships with others in complex and often stressful situations related to sick pets, Jean Marie felt this position was meaningful as she was able to gain valuable experience in the financial operations of running a business while working closely with the veterinarians and higher-level administrators.
Jean Marie also didn’t lose sight of her passion… baking. “In Boston, both Adam and I enjoyed exploring the city and finding new neighborhoods, restaurants, and bakeries,” Jean Marie adds. “We often found ourselves collectively daydreaming about what the next stage of our lives would look like, different places we could move, and frequently discussing the ‘pie in the sky’ idea of owning a bakery at some point down the road.”
In 2016, the birth of their son, Noah, helped Jean Marie and Adam to change course, leave the city and live abroad in Cambridge, England for her husband’s fellowship for a year. In 2018 they returned to Sioux City, IA where they would be closer to their family as they began their own. “The first year and a half back in Sioux City was spent in the trenches at home with a growing toddler,” Jean Marie shares. “Truly, we’ve been lucky that Noah has been a great kid from day one. We gradually settled into our new life back in Sioux City and we were reminded how much Sioux City had to offer.”
Being back at home reminded Jean Marie of how much there is to do, and she spent her days with Noah at the Sioux City Museum, the Dororthy Pecaut Nature Center and LaunchPAD. She also had a love of old houses and started a new hobby of going to open houses on the north side of Sioux City.
“Growing up in Sioux City, I used to drive around and look at the historic houses around town and I always loved the neighborhoods on the northside,” Jean Marie says. “During this time back home, I also continued to bake casually for friends and family in town.”
As Noah got older, Adam and Jean Marie discussed taking the next step with her baking. “The dream of owning and running my own bakery in a bigger city like St. Louis and Boston seemed daunting and overwhelming,” Jean Marie shares. “But in Sioux City, it seemed more attainable.”
Jean Marie had developed some business experience from her time working in Boston and at this point in her life, she had been baking for about 12 years. Jean Marie says that her and Adam’s conversations shifted from “Someday I could do this,” to “Why not now?”
One day in early 2020 Jean Marie saw an ad for an open house on Jackson Street in Sioux City. “Adam and I stopped by 2620 Jackson to check out the historic home and fell in love,” Jean Marie recalls. “The house had been lovingly restored (including the beautiful kitchen) by a series of previous owners over the past 30 years. I think because of our experiences in Boston and abroad my vision of a bakery wasn’t just a brick-and-mortar storefront.”
The house couldn’t have been more turn-key and seeing it made Jean Marie’s concept of owning and operating her own in-home bakery a reality. With the help of her good friend and realtor, Kathie Pfaffle of Haus of Home, Jean Marie and Adam bought it.
After putting her business idea into motion, Jean Marie’s next step was branding. “I had some names and styles floating around in my head but hadn’t settled on anything,” Jean Marie shares. “I knew I wanted to provide an elevated, sophisticated product and I wanted my brand to reflect that. I decided quickly on The Black Box Bakery, because I loved the idea of my cakes arriving in a signature, recognizable black box.”
1. Jean Marie’s grandparents taken on Mother’s Day 1962. Jean Marie got her baking from her Grandma and her green thumb from her Grandpa 2. This is how Jean Marie and Adam traveled for the full year abroad with Noah on their backs. This photo was taken in Hallstatt, Austria 3. Setting up a wedding with her two BEST assistants, Jean Marie’s mom, Sally Hartin, and good friend, Jaime Blessing 4. Adam and Jean Marie enjoy traveling to the Telluride Film Festival in Colorado annually 5. Grandpa’s garden in summer bloom
6. Jean Marie, Adam and Noah at Tower Bridge in London, England at Thanksgiving 2024
With the help of her older sister Alesha, who became a graphic designer and owner of a marketing and graphic design firm, Jean Marie was able to create the sleek, modern design of the logo, website, social media and branding for The Black Box Bakery. “My sister was instrumental in making it all come together exactly as I had envisioned it,” Jean Marie adds.
The next step was to start baking. Jean Marie started perfecting her staple recipes and used social media to get her name out. Along the way she admits that she’s had plenty of trial and error and still adjusts recipes and techniques as she says that she has learned a lot along the way and continues to do so every day.
“Baking is a labor of love and continues to be my artistic expression. Every cake is a new canvas,” Jean Marie feels. “Customization takes more time, but it is a joy to realize someone’s vision and pull it off. I love seeing the first reaction to a cake that I have created.”
As Jean Marie’s business grew, she started getting contacted to bake for larger events and weddings. “This can add stress, but with higher stakes comes a higher reward,” Jean Marie shares. “As the business grew, one of the hardest parts was realizing is that I couldn’t do it all.”
The Black Box Bakery started seeing orders increase and Jean Marie started booking further and further out. As Jean Marie became more experienced, she learned to become more efficient and understand what is enough and what is too much for herself. “Now, I take a lot of my summer off while Noah is young, because time with him right now is just too valuable,” Jean Marie says. Being back home has not only allowed Jean Marie the ability to start her own bakery, but it has given Noah the ability to grow up around his extended family as well, complete with their adoption of Juneau, their golden Husky mix. “Noah is now eight years old,” Jean Marie shares. “We have our little family, but it is also important to us that he is able to see his grandparents and cousins regularly.”
Since moving back to Siouxland Jean Marie has also spent her time becoming involved in Women’s United. “I love this organization because it directly benefits the community by allocating raised funds directly to a variety of causes around town,” Jean Marie states. “It is eye opening to see the need around Siouxland and that inspires me to do more. This year I’ve taken a role on the Executive Board and I am excited for 2025!”
And while Jean Marie is enthusiastic about what 2025 has to offer, she is reminded how lucky she is to be surrounded by loving family and good friends. “The small business community in Siouxland has been great to me. I have met some amazing and inspiring women along the way and I’m proud to be a part of this community.”
It is eye opening to see the need around Siouxland and that inspires me to do more.
The Black Box Bakery bakes out of a SINGLE oven on Jackson Street.
“That little workhorse of an oven and I have put in a lot of hours in that house,” Jean Marie shares. When she’s not baking, Jean Marie loves to travel as she shares that she lived abroad in England with Noah and Adam when Adam completed his medical training with a fellowship in Cambridge, England.
Jean Marie also inherited her grandpa’s green thumb as she loves to manage the beautiful landscaping at their house, admitting that she has way too many house plants.
Besides her loyal customers, Adam is one of Jean Marie’s biggest supporters, along with her family friend, Jamie Blessing and her mother and best friend, Sally. Sally often helps Jean Marie by washing the dishes, something Jean Marie is eternally grateful for.
Jean Marie’s aunt, Linda Glisar has supplied baked goods, including her famous Italian Wedding Cake, to Coffee Works in Sioux City for 30 years. Linda was resourceful and helpful in getting Jean Marie’s kitchen licensed by the city. 1
1 2
You can sample Jean Marie’s daily baked goods from The Black Box Bakery at Council Oak. “Having my bakery items here has provided some stability to my schedule and an outlet to try new things,” Jean Marie shares. “Brad and Hannah Lepper with the Council Oak team have been fantastic to work with and are very supportive.” Jean Marie’s favorite cake flavor is carrot cake, a secret and beloved recipe that was passed down from Jean Marie’s grandmother.
SIOUXLAND HOME SHOW:
IT’S HOME AND SO MUCH MORE
68TH ANNUAL EVENT WILL BE FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 2
The 68th Annual Siouxland Home Show is set to be an extraordinary event, marking this milestone year with a Grand Prize of $568 Builder Bucks daily. This unique number pays homage to our legacy and locally planned show, while offering attendees a chance to explore and invest in their dream projects. The Builder Bucks can be redeemed at any one of the show vendors or HBA Members’ businesses.
Join us for a spectacular showcase with the latest home trends at the Siouxland Home Show, from the captivating entrance showcase space, along with kid friendly LEGO area.
FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 2
STF EXPO CENTER
550 Expo Center Drive, Sioux City
Friday, February 28th - 10am - 8pm
Saturday, March 1st - 10am - 7pm
Sunday, March 2nd - 10am - 4pm
Admission: $7.00
(Kids 12 and under free)
Grand Prize with $568 (referring to the 68th Annual) Builder Bucks drawn each day of the show!
Our event centers around the essence of homes within our local communities. Aligned with the National Association of Home Builders’ mission of “Building Homes, Enriching Communities, and Changing Lives,” we strongly believe that organizing this show contributes significantly to our community’s welfare. From spotlighting local businesses to promoting personal connections and strengthening the local economy, our endeavor serves multiple facets of community betterment.
BUILDING HOMES, ENRICHING COMMUNITIES, AND CHANGING LIVES
715 MONTEREY TRAIL, DAKOTA DUNES, SD
5 BEDROOMS | 5.5 BATHROOMS | 3-CAR GARAGE | 7,910 SQ. FT. | .83 ACRES | $1,400,000
Unmatched style and elegance make up this amazing custom-built home on an .83-acre lot on coveted Monterey Trail. This 5 bedroom, 6 bathroom, two story home has over 7,900 sq. ft. of space with a very open floor plan. The 2-story entry makes a statement with a vaulted ceiling, an open, curved staircase and a wood floor. Off the entry is an office with built in cabinets, wood floors and French doors. An oversized formal dining room with butler’s pantry is just off the entry. The great room lives up to its name with 18' ceilings, crown molding and an impressive floor to ceiling fireplace. The custom kitchen by Creative Cabinetry features maple cabinets, granite counters, gas stove, double ovens, an island prep area, pantry and eat-in area. A fun sunroom with slate flooring is a great place to relax and goes to the outdoor 15'x25' concrete deck. A main floor laundry and ½ bath serves this floor. The primary bedroom on the main has a welcoming bath with travertine tile, a large walk-in shower with new
glass shower door and a Jacuzzi. The second floor has 3 bedrooms with private baths and a fun bonus room with a storage and closet area added in 2022. The walkout lower level has a game room, bedroom, 3/4 bath, another office, a special closet for the outdoorsman and golf cart garage with shelves. A Vermont Casting fireplace is beautiful and complements a bar area. It is huge and customized with granite counters, wine fridges, classy glass racks and shelves with LED lighting. There are 2 stairways to the upper level and a separate stairway from basement to garage. The wood floors on the main floor have just been polished and the main floor was repainted 22 & 23. The garage is heated, has water and drains; one stall extra deep for large boat or vehicle. Heating: Two furnaces and 2 CA, with 6 zones. The exterior is equally amazing with custom rock from North Carolina and special brick from South Carolina, amazing landscaping and a fenced backyard.
"Where do I begin! We couldn't have asked for a better REALTOR ® when it came to buying our first home in Iowa. Barb was so kind, professional, and beyond resourceful when it came to assisting us with buying our dream home. She made an experience that's usually so stressful, feel enjoyable and exciting! She is incredibly knowledgeable about so many things and it made us feel secure and certain within the homebuying process as we knew we had a third pair of eyes vetting everything alongside us. We are so lucky to have worked with Barb and we'd recommend her to anyone looking for an incredible REALTOR, ® resource and overall real estate expert! I cannot recommend Barb enough!"
- Jori & Stephanie Sioux City, IA
UNLOCK YOUR BEST SELF!
BELIEVE IN YOURSELF AND NEVER LET ANYONE STAND IN THE WAY OF YOUR HEALTHY AND HAPPY LIFESTYLE. CONFIDENCE IS THE KEY TO UNLOCKING YOUR POTENTIAL AND CREATING POSITIVE CHANGES!
• RUBY WASH & HAND MOP
• EXTERIOR WIPE DOWN & SPRAY WAX
• EXTERIOR GLASS CLEAN
• RIMS CLEAN AND TIRE SHINE
• EMERALD WASH & HAND MOP
• EXTERIOR WIPE DOWN & SPRAY WAX
• EXTERIOR GLASS CLEAN
• RIMS CLEAN & TIRE SHINE
• DOOR EDGES WIPE DOWN
• INTERIOR GLASS CLEAN
• INTERIOR VACUUMED & MAT CLEAN
• DIAMOND WASH, CERAMIC & HAND MOP
• EXTERIOR WIPE DOWN & SPRAY WAX
• EXTERIOR GLASS CLEAN
• RIMS CLEAN & TIRE SHINE
• DOOR EDGES WIPE DOWN
• INTERIOR GLASS CLEAN
• INTERIOR VACUUMED & MAT CLEAN
• ALL INTERIOR WIPE DOWN (DOOR PANELS, CENTER CONSOLE & DASHBOARD)
• FREE AIR FRESHENER
Nano Ceramic Coating
The Sugar Shack Bakery
CELEBRATION OF WOMEN IN THE ARTS FESTIVAL amplifies the artistic innovation of women
By: Sarah Grassel
Did you know that March is known as National Women’s Month? The Sioux City Symphony Orchestra intentionally designed a festival to celebrate women in the arts by compiling a beautiful program together, HerStory in Music: A Celebration of Women in the Arts. Music Director Ryan Haskins says that the timing is the perfect opportunity to observe the contributions of women leaders in the arts who’ve helped shape history and continue to leave their mark, today.
Women have always been an integral part of Western classical music, though for much of history, societal barriers and cultural norms often relegated their contributions to the shadows. Despite these obstacles, women have profoundly influenced the evolution of music. Composers like Bach, Mozart, Mahler, and Copland benefited greatly from the creative input, support, and mentorship of brilliant women, whether they were collaborators, family members, muses, or teachers. These women’s ideas, talents, and innovations helped shape the musical legacies we celebrate today.
The Celebration of Women in the Arts Festival is an opportunity to shine a light on their artistry, not only acknowledging the essential role women have played in music’s past but also redefining how we understand the canon of Western classical music.
Ryan Haskins is the sixth music director and conductor in the history of the symphony and has been serving in the position for more than 15 years. While the upcoming festival and performance recognizes the accomplishments of women in art, it’s important to recognize that Ryan is one of today’s most innovative
concert presenters and has been considered a musical pioneer, honoring the past while sculpting the future of music.
Outside of the mainstage performance on March 22, Ryan adds that there will be two additional performances during the festival that celebrate women in the arts. “I’m incredibly proud of what the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra has created. In addition to the mainstage event, we’re thrilled to offer two chamber music performances on March 16 and April 6.”
While Ryan curated the works for the HerStory in Music performance, SCSO’s 2019 composer of the year Hilary Purrington curated the two other performances, highlighting a present-day woman in music.
Together, the women’s festival spans more than the month of March and includes other participating groups. The SCSO Executive Director David Gross shares, “Outside of the SCSO, the Sioux City Art Center, The Sioux City International Film Festival, LaunchPAD Children’s Museum, and The South Sioux City Library all have some involvement highlighting women in the arts.”
“It is important for a Symphony Orchestra to serve as a leader in the arts community and be a catalyst for collaboration. The Celebration of Women in the Arts is an outstanding vehicle for such collaboration and partnerships.” - David Gross
For example, the Sioux City Art Center has their exhibit Close to Me up on display already. The exhibit features some Midwestern innovative artists including photographers Julie Blackmon, Rachel Cox, Heidi Draley McFall, Pao Houa Her, and Areca Roe. The exhibit will be on display until April 26.
David adds, “We also hope to offer school presentations with the message to encourage young women to excel in whatever their passion is and know that there are no limits as to what they can achieve.”
The idea of the women’s festival sparked from an experience David had with a previous symphony orchestra. Proudly, Ryan elaborates, “the Sioux City Symphony has truly embraced and reimagined it, transforming the concept into something uniquely our own. This isn’t just a festival of extraordinary art; it’s a celebration of collaboration, creativity, and the vibrant spirit of our community.”
When tasked with selecting the musical pieces that the group would perform, Ryan explains the process as something that requires much creativity as well as balance similar to that of an architect. He says, “This isn’t just a concert—it’s an exploration of the stories and lives of remarkable female composers who shaped the musical world in ways that often went unrecognized.”
Starting with what Ryan called the foundation, the first step was defining the purpose and intent behind the program. Some of the things he asked himself were: What story will be told? What emotions do we want the audience to experience?
“From there, I consider functionality,” Ryan continues. “As an architect ensures the building serves the people who live and work inside, I focus on how the music will serve its performers and listeners.” Alongside functionality, there’s the aesthetical dimension and then the final broad overview or look at everything.
“HerStory is a perfect example of this ‘building’ process. It’s about reconstructing the narrative, highlighting voices that have historically shaped classical music but were excluded from its spotlight,” Ryan says. “This program builds on our longstanding commitment to diversity, creating an experience that honors the past while inspiring a more inclusive future. Just as a thoughtfully designed building can transform a community, a well-crafted program like HerStory has the power to leave a lasting impact on everyone who experiences it.”
The program will be an amazing opportunity to listen to some of the unknown women in music history from a variety of backgrounds and will even include a young present-day musician who will be turning 30 this year. It’s a truly remarkable blend of talent.
Ryan smiles, “There’s something magical about bringing these voices to life. Each piece has its own unique story, and as a collective, they weave a narrative that is powerful, emotional, and deeply human.”
Ryan explains that throughout performances by the symphony orchestra, close to twenty different female composers spanning almost 900 years of history will be heard. Here is a compiled list of composers which includes their nationality and the dates they were/are alive to help grasp a wider understanding of the significance in the amount of history that the program covers.
| Louise Farrenc (1804 -1875) French
| Lili Boulanger (1893 - 1918) French
| Grazyna Bacewicz (1909 - 1969) Polish
| Jennifer Higdon (b. 1962) American
| Unsuk Chin (b. 1961) South Korean
| Florence Price (1887 - 1953) American
| Gabriela Ortiz (b. 1964) Mexican
| Anna Clyne (b. 1980) British
| Reena Esmail (b. 1983) Indian-American
| Hildegard von Bingen (1098 - 1179) German
| Caroline Shaw (b. 1982) American
| Clara Wieck Schumann (1819 - 1896) German
| Hilary Purrington (b. 1990) American
| Valerie Coleman (b. 1970) American
| Ruth Crawford Seeger (1901 - 1953) American
| Missy Mazzoli (b. 1980) American
| Angelique Poteat (b. 1986) American
| Brittany J. Green (b. 1991) American
| Tanner Porter (b 1995) American
INGREDIENTS
1 pint fresh strawberries, rinsed and patted dry
6 oz chocolate (white, dark or milk are all delicious), melted 1 tsp coconut oil
chocolate caramel sauce for drizzle
DIRECTIONS
Wash, rinse and pat dry your strawberries.
In a microwave safe dish, melt the chocolate and coconut oil. Stir until no lumps remain.
Holding onto the stems, dip the strawberries into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess chocolate to drip back into the dish.
Place the dipped strawberries unto a parchment or silicone lined baking sheet to set up.
Once the chocolate is set, about 5 minutes, drizzle
chocolate caramel sauce over each strawberry and refrigerate until ready to serve.
EARTH TONES AMPED UP
By: Tanya Manus
A year rich in color, comfort and retro style awaits you. Design trends for 2025 embrace a more-is-more approach that creates cozy, vibrant and relaxed rooms.
Minimalism and its serene, spa-like atmosphere isn’t going away. What’s back in a big way, though, is lively interior design layered with details, textures, patterns and abundant color. Watch for these trends in 2025, and let Lisa and her team at ModHouse Interiors show you how to update your home in the new year.
Bold Patterns
Patterns play into the maximalist more-is-more trend. Transform a wall into art by covering it with dramatic, oversized leafy, floral or plaid wallpaper. Introduce patterned fabrics on window treatments, upholstered side chairs, dining room chair covers, pillows, and rugs. Or start smaller by adding a patterned border on the skirt of a couch or loveseat.
Art may be one of the easiest ways to add a bold pattern. A single large abstract print or painting creates instant drama, but it’s less permanent than wallpaper or reupholstered furniture. Wall sculptures that resemble huge squiggles or geometric shapes literally transform patterns into art.
Earthy Colors
Color Drenching
Find a color you love, and use lots of it. The color drenching trend saturates rooms by using various hues and tints of a single color on walls, bedding, carpets, upholstery, pillows, window treatments, cabinetry, and even smaller details like picture frames. Mixing different shades of one color results in a room that looks interesting and has a powerful psychological effect. A color drenchedroom creates an immersive atmosphere, much like being in a cocoon. Especially if you already have pieces you love, such as pink couch or a blue chair, color drenching a room is an easy way to make a space personal and distinctly your own.
Design can be a form of self-care, especially when we surround ourselves with colors that soothe and evoke feelings of warmth. Design for 2025 embraces the ongoing trend of bringing colors from nature indoors, but there’s a shift from cooler tones to warm, earthy shades. Watch for color palettes that mimic a sunny desert resort — terra cotta, sage green, a rich range of browns, and honey yellows. Consider mixing in just a splash of fiery red, too. A recently coined “Unexpected Red Theory” says that a pop of red, large or small, instantly makes a space look better.
Retro Influences
Decorate like it’s 1975, or 1985. Now is the time to bring your favorite vintage items out of storage and add them to your current decor. Establish a retro vibe in your home by curating a mix of older and new pieces. Bold patterns and rich colors paired with older pieces infuse homes with a sense of history, personality and fun. Create your own eclectic mix, then complement it all with soft rugs, aromatic candles, and your favorite music from eras past. Retro-influenced rooms are rich in style and emotional comfort.
255 5th Street
Sioux City, IA
712-224-2555
modhouseinteriors.com
Tuesday - Friday 10am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 2pm
Schedule a tour and see the quality of life available to you or your loved one.
At StoneyBrook Suites, you’ll find the perfect combination of comfort, care, and an active lifestyle - backed by 25 years of excellence in Assisted Living. Our mission is to foster the well-being of each resident by nurturing the mind, body, and spirit while maintaining each resident’s enjoyment of independence and dignity in a secure and supportive environment.
We combine comfort, community, and personalized care to create a homelike atmosphere where independence and well-being thrive. Choose from two-bedroom, one-bedroom and studio suites that are spacious and designed to help our residents feel at home. Our community also offers a variety of inviting amenities, including a coffee shop, theater, fireside lounge, courtyard, therapy and exercise room, and an on-site salon.
Do you have questions about Assisted Living? Not sure if you’re ready?
We invite you to contact us today with any questions that you have about assisted living. Whether it be about longterm care insurance, costs and payment options, therapy and exercise programs, proper diets or medication management, we are ready to assist wherever you are in the process.
Health and wellness is our main focus at StoneyBrook Suites. Personalized care plans are supervised by the guidance of a licensed nurse and each resident has 24/7 access to trained caregivers. In addition, we provide onsite physical therapy and restorative therapy services, helping to achieve, maintain, and support residents’ whole well-being.
our MI ss I on
We are a full-service assisted living community “To foster the well-being of each resident by nurturing the mind, body, and spirit while maintaining each resident’s enjoyment of independence and dignity in a secure and supportive environment. We invite you to come to StoneyBrook Suites, where our joy is in serving you.”
AM en I t I es
• Coffee Shop
• Salon
• Walk-in Whirlpool Spa
• Centrally located meals and activities
serv IC es
• Caring, trusted, 24-hour staff
• Theater
• Courtyards
• Spacious suites all on one level
• Three homestyle meals per day
• Personal housekeeping • Professional medication administration and laundry
• On-site physical, restorative
• Scheduled daily social and and cognitive therapy exercise activities
• Wellness clinic
• Personal pendant system
• Assistance with activities of daily living
Spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites. Call for availability and pricing.
Our passion for assisted living shines through every day at StoneyBrook Suites.
Ready to explore the possibilities of assisted living? We’re here to guide you every step of the way. Call us today to schedule your personalized tour and discover the comforts of StoneyBrook Suites!
605-882-0013
Samantha Voisine Administrator
Your Annual Angel donation will be utilized to provide the clients served by Opportunities Unlimited with items and opportunities that would otherwise be unattainable with their limited personal funds. Annual Angel Funds are used to:
• Purchase age-appropriate toys and learning materials
• Purchase necessary items for a client that the family cannot afford on their own - winter coats, shoes, etc.
• Provide opportunities for community integration such as sporting, musical, and theatrical events
• Purchase therapeutic equipment to improve range of motion, strength, and dexterity
• Any other item or activity that may enhance a client’s quality of life or aid in reaching his or her goals
Upon completion of the full Angel amount ($365 or greater) you will receive a precious OU keepsake to thank you for the magnitude of your gift as well as a place of recognition on the Angel Wall at the entrance of the Opportunities Unlimited Center.
Have a mom, daughter, grandma, friend, sister or wife that you think deserves to be queen for a day?
Tell us why you think that special someone should be Queen for a Day by sending in a 200 word max story and photo to jess@michelscom.com by March 31, 2025. Clips of various stories will be chosen to run in the April edition of Siouxland Woman, with one winner to be ‘crowned’ in May. A great prize package perfect for a queen!
Getting Your Life Back After Gambling Addiction
“A lot of times you don’t realize it’s an issue until it’s way too late.”
Marti Peters, Heartland Counseling.
By: Michaela Feldmann
Addiction has many faces and presents itself in many ways. Marti Peters is a mental health practitioner specializing in substance use and gambling at Heartland Counseling Services. She offers guidance on how to navigate addiction and the pitfalls of gambling.
“Nine times out of ten, people come in for alcohol or substance use, and then gambling comes out of the woodwork. When people come in for gambling issues, it’s because big consequences have been happening such as they’re in a lot of debt or a family member found out that they’ve been gambling,” Marti shares.
And just like other addictions, gambling can have serious consequences.
“People look at gambling as something they like to do or something they find fun or relaxing, so it’s hard to tell when it has taken control. It hits the brain just like any other substance would. Gambling increases your dopamine and cortisol levels to a point where you can get just as high as you would on any drug, and that can have life-altering impacts,” Marti explains.
So, how do you know you have a problem? Marti says to look at your own habits around gambling. Are you preoccupied with the thought of going to the casino or placing a bet?
“People with a gambling addiction may be planning to go to the casino this weekend, but they’re so preoccupied with the thought of it, that they go during the week, for an hour after work or place a bet before their workday starts. If you’re thinking about it constantly when you shouldn’t be, that could be a sign,” Marti adds.
Another sign is your spending habits around gambling.
“Are you spending money you don’t have just so you can go? Are you putting things on credit cards to pay because you spent the budget on gambling? Are you rearranging your finances? Are you hiding it and lying to people about what you spent? Saying, ‘I just threw five dollars in,’ when really it was $105. If it is no longer entertainment and is becoming something a little bit deeper, becoming out of control, that’s when it’s harder to deny the issue,” Marti advises.
Marti says the accessibility of gambling makes it much harder on people as well.
You can gamble any way you want over your phone. You can play poker, roulette and bingo for money on your phone. Sports betting is a push of a button. There are skill games in gas stations, restaurants and bars. Skill games are still gambling and it’s so accessible and so easy and that’s where some of the problems come from.”
“
“The access to it has changed everything,” she says. “You used to have to leave your home and have cash in hand to gamble. Now, everything is at the tip of your fingers.
This time of the year brings added opportunities for betting with the Superbowl and March Madness.
“There’s a huge pressure to bet during these times because so many people normalize it. People at work may do a pool. That can be a fun thing to do, but it can also be hard for people with addiction. We also hear people say all the time, ‘I bet you I can do this or that.’ The verbiage has made betting and gambling so normal. It does increase the likelihood of people engaging in that,” Marti says.
But there is hope out there. That’s where Marti and the team at Heartland Counseling Services can help.
“When we are working with gambling, there is what we call low and high-risk behaviors. Most people are not willing to give up gambling and become completely abstinent from it. At Heartland we do a harm reduction technique. So, we work with people on where they’re at and come up with a plan,” explains Marti.
That can include removing all betting apps and games off your phone, knowing what gas stations have access to betting and avoiding them, and limiting your access to money with the help of family or friends. Marti says that makes it harder to fuel the addiction.
Marti Peters LIMHP, LADC
Marti has worked at Heartland as mental health practitioner and substance use counselor since 2014 and was promoted to Clinical Supervisor in January 2023. Marti co-facilitates the Intensive Outpatient Program, provides individuals and group therapy, and teaches DUI classes. Marti works with adults who struggle with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse issues. She is also an approved registered service provider with Nebraska Probation.
“With gambling, you want to win back and you’re chasing the money and that ‘high.’ Telling someone to stop cold turkey with gambling, they almost panic like an alcoholic would if you tried to get them to stop cold turkey. So, we are putting a plan in place and seeing if it works,” Marti adds.
The first step is reaching out for help because anyone can make changes in their life.
“There is always that hope. Finding pleasure and having fun in life is super important,” Marti says. “So, learning how to do activities, have fun and enjoy life without worrying about finances or how to get that next fix is more than possible. People do it all the time. People in recovery get their life back. The guilt and shame goes away. Never forget, there is a lot of hope and help out there.”
If you need help please visit heartlandcounselingservices.org PO Box 355, South Sioux City, NE 68776 | 1201 Arbor Dr., South Sioux City, NE 68776 402-494-3337 221 W. Douglas St., O’Neill, NE 68763 402-336-2800 | 938 E. Zero St., Brown County Clinic, Ainsworth, NE 69210 402-336-2800
Photo By: Wild Ridge Photography
BREAKFAST WRAP Makes 4 wraps
Total time: 15 minutes
INGREDIENTS
6 eggs
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ pound diced ham
½ cup shredded cheese
4 (8 inch) tortillas
DIRECTIONS
Whisk eggs with salt and pepper. Heat skillet over medium heat and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Scramble and cook eggs until cooked through and set, 3–5 minutes. Stir in ham and cheese. Add egg mixture to tortillas and roll up. To freeze: individually wrap in clear plastic wrap and freeze. To reheat, remove plastic wrap and wrap in a paper towel. Microwave until hot, 1–2 minutes.
Wrap ‘n Roll
CALIFORNIA WRAP Makes 1 wrap
Total time: 5 minutes
INGREDIENTS
1 tortilla or wrap of choice
1 tsp. mustard
1 tsp. mayonnaise
2 leaves of lettuce
1 slice cheddar cheese
3 slices of turkey
1 slice of bacon, cooked
2 slices avocado
2 tomato slices
DIRECTIONS
Spread mustard and mayonnaise evenly on the tortilla. Top with lettuce and cheese. Add turkey slices, cooked bacon, avocado and tomato slices down the center of the wrap. Add turkey slices, cooked bacon, avocado and tomato slices down the center of the tortilla and roll up.
love FOR THE OF BOOKS
Best Book Ever!
Did that catch your attention?
Did that catch your attention? I must admit, I'm drawn to book recommendations. I enjoy both fiction and nonfiction, so when I come across a headline proclaiming a number one best-seller or see someone posting their “Top 10” list, I can't help but scan the titles.
Lisa Croston Broker/Owner
While I can’t honestly choose a single “Best Book Ever,” I can certainly share a list of recommendations. I confess that I love rereading books multiple times. If a book is worthy of a second read, I’ll buy it in hardcover, adding it to my literary collection. Typically, I start by reading on my Kindle to determine if the book is a keeper before making that investment.
Audiobooks have truly been a game changer for me. Not only can I enjoy reading in hardcover or on my Kindle, but I can also relive captivating stories while driving. I've discovered that I tend to catch more details when listening to an audiobook; perhaps I’m just a better listener than a reader. I have a habit of reading quickly, especially when the plot is gripping, and I’m eager to uncover the ending!
Once I finish a great book, I feel compelled to share my joy with fellow readers. Although I’m not part of a book club, I enjoy sending a screenshot of the book cover through a text message with my “MUST READ” recommendations. It’s my way of supporting the author and keeping the story alive with my friends.
My favorite reading location is in my bean bag chair by the fireplace but can adapt to nearly any place in the house when I’m deep into a story. It is interesting how many home buyers consider a good reading space when they are searching for a new home.
The “Reading Room’ trend has moved into the home with searches on Houzz jumping 3x in the first quarter of 2024. According to Forbes, June 25, 2024 article, “What is a Reading Room and Why Should Everyone Have One,” TikTok has over 55 million videos with ideas for creating a reading room in your home. Homeowners are searching for terms such as ‘library wall,’ ‘reading corner’ and ‘book nook.'
I believe that books offer a unique world, and each of us experiences it in our own way. How we picture the hero, the setting, and the emotions are entirely personal to each reader. I get excited when one of my favorite stories is adapted for the big screen, but I also feel a bit apprehensive, hoping that the actors will meet my expectations based on my reading experience.
So here’s to the world of literature and the love of a truly great book… and a favorite space in your home that you can escape to.
Some of my favs… in no order:
The Women
Any Place I Hang My Hat
Harry Potter (All of the them)
To Kill a Mockingbird
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Tara Road
All Roads Lead to Austen
The Four Agreements
Firefly Lane
The Rose Code
Where the Crawdads Sing
The Age of Innocence
Pride and Prejudice
What are your top reads? I would love to get your recommendations. Scan to send your comments!
Minaxi Chaudhari, RPh Hamilton
*See store and Hy-Vee.com for details. Restrictions apply. Fuel savings are limited to 20 gallons of fuel per purchase, per vehicle. Purchase of a transferred prescription from a non Hy-Vee Pharmacy is required. Beneficiaries of government-funded healthcare programs, including but not limited to Caremark, Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE and SCHIP, are not eligible for this offer. Beneficiaries of the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program are eligible, unless transferring a controlled substance prescription. Controlled substances are not eligible for this offer. Beneficiaries of certain commercial health plans are not eligible for this offer – see pharmacy for details. Offer for qualifying prescriptions. Limit of 4 prescriptions.* Offer not valid in Illinois. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Offer valid February 1 through March 31, 2025.
Offer valid 2/1 - 3/31/25.
Nick Olund, PharmD, RPh South Sioux City
Rebecca Strong, PharmD, RPh Southern Hills Ashley Engle, PharmD, RPh Gordon Drive
Prom Dress Pop-Up Prom Dress Pop-Up
By: Joanne Fox
For the past several years, the Junior League of Sioux City has sponsored a unique approach to a magical moment for young womenSioux City’s Prom Dress Pop-Up, held this year on Feb. 25 from 4 to 7 p.m. and on March 16 from 9 a.m. to noon at First Look Attire.
According to Junior League Committee member Kayla Kellen, financial constraints should not prevent any young girl from experiencing this unforgettable night.
“To make this dream a reality, young women will have access to a wide array of affordable prom dresses, allowing them to celebrate this milestone in style,” Kayla shares.
February 25 4pm - 7pm March 16 9am - 12pm
First Look Attire
500 Floyd Blvd., Sioux City Junior League of Sioux City JuniorLeagueOfSiouxCity.com
Gowns pictured are not necessarily the ones available for purchase in 2025 and are for promotional purposes.
This year marks the third year of the Prom Dress Pop-Up event. Kayla points out that years ago, the Junior League hosted similar sales through the Discovery Shop, which offers gently used clothing, shoes, toys, housewares, and furniture for sale to the public.
“And thanks to a generous donation of dresses from the former Dream Dress Express by then-JLSC president Katlyn Froistad, we were able to bring this initiative back,” Kayla adds.
“I was working for Dream Dress Express and had the opportunity to donate new prom dresses,” Katlyn explains. “I wanted these dresses to make the largest impact, so I reached out to the League for help, and the members embraced the idea and ran with it.”
While the sale is primarily geared toward high school-aged girls, any woman in need of a formal dress may participate, Kayla clarifies.
“Many Siouxland high schools host formal homecomings, making this a great opportunity for younger students to find a dress,” Kayla says.
Katlyn was pleased to see the event grow in both donations and attendees over the years.
“Families and students have shared their gratitude, and it’s heartwarming to see the joy and excitement on the faces of students as they find their perfect dress,” Katlyn smiles.
While this event is hosted by the Junior League of Sioux City, Kayla emphasizes it truly takes the support of the entire community to make it happen.
“From our collection sites and those who generously donate dresses or sponsor a girl to the individuals who help spread the word on social media, every contribution plays an essential role in the success of this event,” Kayla adds.
“It takes a team of dedicated volunteers to bring this event to life and that collective effort is what makes the event so impactful,” Katlyn stresses. “Members of the League, along with community supporters, contribute by collecting, sorting, and organizing dresses, as well as assisting attendees on the day of the event.”
This year, the Junior League introduced the option to sponsor a girl for $50, allowing those without providing a donated dress to make a meaningful impact.
“We are so grateful for the overwhelming support and the many individuals who have chosen to sponsor girls,” Kayla says. “It’s been heartwarming to see some even travel from neighboring communities to take part.”
However, with that impact comes challenges, Katlyn acknowledges.
“One of the main challenges is meeting the high demand for dress donations and securing sponsorships to cover additional needs,” Katlyn adds. “We need all sizes of gowns, clean and current styles.”
“For months, we’ve been collecting dress donations, which involves a detailed quality check to ensure each dress is clean and in good condition,” Kayla reports. “Sometimes, this means making minor repairs, like tightening a button or mending a small tear.”
Katlyn admitted the best part of the event is witnessing the joy and confidence that finding the perfect dress brings to young women.
“It’s incredibly fulfilling to know we’re helping to create core memories for them and their families,” Katlyn explains. “The sense of community and generosity surrounding the event is also deeply inspiring.”
The motivation behind the event is to help as many girls as possible find an affordable, perfect dress for this special night, Kayla adds.
“At the same time, this initiative serves the broader community in a meaningful way,” Kayla says. “The funds raised during the sale support our community impact project, the Period Pantry Project, which provides free feminine hygiene products to schools and community partners.”
Dress donations are accepted through February 22 at Discovery Shop, 316 W. 7th St., Sioux City on Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursdays from noon to 7 p.m. Also, Maurices, Morningside University Student Government Office, both Bomgaars locations, and First Look Attire.
healing
By: Melanie Olsen
Pain.
But what if you found a therapy that not only reduces your pain, but stimulates healing by accelerating tissue repair and regenerating your own cells? And leads you to a pain-free life?
Dr. Mallory Hertz, PT, DPT, of FYZICAL® Therapy & Balance Center describes that laser uses “photobiomodulation meaning that it uses light to make a change in the tissues. Unlike other modalities, like ultrasound, this actually stimulates two different healing cascades to start within the cells, in addition to reducing pain and inflammation.” With a gentle therapeutic beam, you may feel a soothing warmth during your treatment. “The light is applied in a pulsed, not continuous, beam so it doesn’t heat the tissue quite as much. This allows us to put more laser light in without the risk of overheating the tissues.” Dr. Hertz explains.
Aspen Laser Therapy has been clinically proven to not only reduce pain and inflammation, but to effectively treat their underlying causes by stimulating healing. Conditions proven to benefit from laser therapy include back and neck pain, fibromyalgia, sprains and strains, arthritis, connective tissue injuries, muscle spasms, bursitis, plantar fasciitis and post-injury pain.
And that’s the short list!
The first session is free. And there is no referral needed. Additional sessions are offered at special FYZICAL pricing. “It’s actually an effective modality for healing. We can use it for pretty much anything. Headaches, TMJ, abdominal pain, joint pain, pelvic pain, surgical pain, tissue healing. Even sinus infections!” Dr. Hertz shares. “Every cell in your body can use energy, so why not give it an energy boost?!”
FYZICAL® Therapy & Balance Center is located at 101 Tower Road #210, Dakota Dunes, South Dakota. Call them today at 605.217.4330 to discover how laser therapy can help you live a pain-free life or visit www. fyzical.com/dakota-dunes-sd to learn more.
SIOUXLAND WOMAN
lisa featuredwenger artist
Hamilton Team
Lakeport Team
MARCH 8, 2025
SCAN FOR TICKETS