Luminous

Luminous Shining a light on bright, brilliant women of the Perham area A special publication of the Perham Focus

Merrie Sue Holtan MSUM Journalism Director/Professor Kathy Sim 2015 EOTC Daycare Provider of the year Robianne Schultz Unsung Hero, McKnight Foundation Recipient Fern Nundahl City of Perham Administrative Assistant Shell Tumberg PHS Industrial Tech Teacher Britt Belquist Brew Ales & Eats

Brilliant Women of 2015

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LUMINOUS 2015

WITH YOU for annual checkups

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You may be tempted to skip it, but an annual health exam is always worthwhile. We can help find health concerns before they become bigger problems.

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Schedule an appointment: 218.347.4500 Check out our Health Library: www.perhamhealth.org 1000 Coney Street West Perham, Minnesota 56573

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brilliant women

A freelance writer and MSUM instructor, Merrie Sue Holtan writes on a variety of topics and genres in addition to teaching writing. —Photo by Dave Arntson

Writer, teacher, mentor Merrie Sue Holtan

By Jackie Jenson Writing is an exercise many people love or hate. For Merrie Sue Holtan, it is a labor of love with an emphasis on the labor part.

“Writing is a job for me,” said Holtan.

“I don’t always like it, and sometimes [I] put it off.”

A communications and journalism instructor at Minnesota State University, Moorhead, Holtan has either taught or participated in the act of writing for more than 30 years. She describes her writing style as “intentional and crafted”, a practical expertise that translates well to her students.

“A writing life gives me great examples for the classroom and writing groups. It lends credibility that I am a practicing writer.”

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Writing for the “She Says” section of the Fargo Forum, as well as other outlets such as “Lake and Home” and “Bison Illustrated” magazines, Holtan covers a lot of territory with regards to her writing prowess. From magazine to newspapers, grants to books, she works in a variety of mediums.

“I typically have a formula for different types of writing, such as personality profile writing,” Holtan said.

A member of the North Dakota Professional Communicators, Holtan recently won five awards for their 2015 contest, placing first in sports writing; second in newspaper feature writing personality profile, home writing and magazine feature writing; and third in personality profile. (There is not a

state-branch of the organization in Minnesota, notes Holtan.)

As a freelancer, Holtan has had the freedom to write on a variety of topics from sports to women’s issues. “I love magazine writing first and newspaper features second. Public Relations writing is ok too, depending on the subject area. Mostly, I enjoy doing women’s feature stories and little stories gone missing which have fallen through the cracks,” explained Holtan.

A resident of Perham since 2006, Holtan draws inspiration from her lakes area surroundings. “I can write (and have written) nearly everywhere, but it’s nice to have a Big Pine Lake view out my office window that is very calming and distracting in a good way.”

Writing has its perks, though. In addition to the numerous people and occupations one encounters, noted Holtan, there also is the sheer joy of being able to simply tell someone’s story.

“I tend to use lots of quotes gleaned from my interviews, Holtan said. “It’s surprising how many people have never had a chance to tell their stories.”

Uniting her journalistic passions and real world writing skills, Holtan was recently selected to direct the William C. Marcil, Sr. and Jane B. Marcil Center for Innovative Journalism at MSUM. The Center, intended to enhance the production and training of highly qualified reporters, photographers and other media professionals, affords additional opportunities and timely experience for MSUM students pursuing a career in journalism.

“The Forum wants to train people to work in papers out of college and also have some business knowledge,” explained Holtan. “They decided to hire a director this past spring. I thought it looked like a fit for me and let the process take its course.”

In addition to providing four, $1,000 scholarships to students - renewable for four years – it offers a focus on traditional journalism practices.

“The digital content area will allow for efficiency in the process and have more jobs for skilled writing such as bloggers,” she added.

With interests in a variety of areas, Holtan settled into journalism by way of international service.

“I came in the back door to speech and communication. I attended school at American University in Washington, D.C., for two years and was interested in International Service,” Holtan said.

“I ended up graduating from the U of M in Speech/English Education, but intercultural communication was my favorite subject,” continued the professor.

After years in the writing trenches, Holtan noted it remains both a passion and a demon.

“It’s still a crazy brain exercise to go from notes to framing the material in a way the reader will be engaged and enjoy,” she explained, adding, if she could interview one person on their own writing endeavors, it would be Joseph Campbell.

“Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey concept is something I keep in mind about how people push through hard times with courage and somehow come out on the other end, riding the story to wisdom,” said the writer, teacher and mentor.

bright idea

How to become a blogger

By Jackie Jenson There are a few places in life where a person gets to freely express themselves: Singing, dancing, painting are a few, but thanks to computers, one of the most accessible is writing, and blogging can provide a unique platform connecting thought, word and phrase in one convenient package.

But how does one start?

For anyone who has had to meet a deadline, writing or otherwise, a blank page or computer screen can be quite intimidating.

Here are 10 ways to get your blog off the page and onto the computer.

1) Understand your audience. Who are you trying to communicate with? Are you a teacher wanting to connect with kids or a technology nerd trying to talk to the computer clueless? Figure that out and your words will flow a lot easier.

2) Start small and think big. Don’t try to set the world on fire with your first entry. Get a few things down and let it build. Who knows, it may just grow in an entirely different and fulfilling direction.

3) Write what you know. You’ve heard this old chestnut before, but it really is true. Attempting to write about moon rocks with no working knowledge of geology, may have you spending all of your time looking up rock facts, rather than writing.

4) Explore topics which you know a lot about… and like! Do you love collecting garden gnomes or cooking Thai food? Start blogging on it. Jot down a few interesting facts and go from there. Your passion will punctuate your words.

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bright idea 5) Pick a catchy title. You want people to find your blog, so add a captivating headline that will corral their curiosity and direct them to your blog site.

6) Make your first sentence a great one. People have gotten used to quickly perusing through a lot of content on the web. If your first sentence is slow, boring, or too long, it becomes disposable and your target audience will move on to something else in a hurry.

7) Organize your content. Take the notes you jotted down on that napkin while having coffee with a friend and take a few minutes to organize your thoughts. It will make the actual writing go faster and smoother.

Then finally: 8) Write! Get your words out of your head and onto the computer page.

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9) Proofread and fix all formatting errors before you post. This is your only shot to ensure everything is perfect - all simple mistakes remedied- before you post, and the World Wide Web takes hold of your thoughts for eternity.

No pressure there!

10) Optimize for on-page SEO. This is an important last step for bloggers. SEO stands for search engine optimization: It is the process of affecting a web page’s visibility in a search engine’s unpaid results.

In other words, it enables people to find your blog in a search on the internet. Research the best ways to get more searches on your blog.

Blogging can be a fun way to communicate ideas and connect to the masses, if you take a few steps to ensure your blog is a top notch product, you will be able to reach a plethora of people.

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brilliant women

More than a job

Kathy Sim is helping raise the next generation of East Otter Tail educators, artists and workers

By Jackie Jenson

Having operated Kathy's Little Rugrats for more than 20 years, Kathy Sim has seen many children come through her daycare. She is presently caring for Bella Newten, Xander Rosenow, Atticus Waters, Raina Rosenow, Eleanna Stauffacher, Elleah Scholten, Isaac Kratzke and Hannah Radil.

In the wee hours of the morning, for more than two decades now, Kathy Sim has opened her doors to the pint-sized residents of the Perham area.

“I have love working with children. It is a blessing,” said Sim. Having owned and operated her childcare business for the past 21 years, Sim has seen it all.

“I had worked for another provider [when I started out] and decided to get my own daycare license and have been successfully running my business ever since,” said Sim. Children though, have been a big part of her life for most of her life, the local child care provider said.

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“I cannot count how many children I have had in my care over the years. It’s amazing to me,” said Sim. One of the greatest benefits of running Kathy’s Little Rugrats through the years was the ability to have her own children be a part of her profession.

“I now am blessed to have my grandchildren be a part of it,” she said.

Recently named Otter Tail County Provider of the year, Sim has been connected to the East Otter Tail Childcare Association for some time now, serving as that organization’s president, vice president and in public relations.

“I have been involved with the children’s finger printing, the safe home

project and our local care conference,” added Sim, noting she is proud of the work the local association does in the area.

The Provider of the Year is chosen from a group of members of the professional child care association that meet a certain set of criteria explained Sim. “Candidates must attend six meetings; be a part of two committees; have had no negative actions: show special competency; have made future goals for their child care facility; and have been a provider for a minimum of three years,” she said. “Then we vote for a provider out of those that qualify.”

I cannot count how many children I have had in my care over the years. It’s amazing to me.”

-Kathy Sim Being named Provider of the Year was quite an honor, added Sim. One of the biggest joys of being a provider, said Sim, “is watching the children grow up and to be there for them. I like to have the children feel at home.”

Married to husband, Bob, for 23 years, the couple have two children Cassandra, 33, and Chris, 21.

“We also have two grandchildren: Elleah, 5, and Eli, 2,” added Sim. Happy in her work and the many children she has cared for, Sim is appreciative to be a local child care provider.

“I have to say it has been a challenge the past few years since my husband’s accident,” said Sim, “but I have had wonderful daycare families that have supported me throughout [this

A longtime member of the East Otter Tail Childcare Providers Association, Kathy Sim considers herself one of many serving the needs of area infants, toddlers and preschoolers. She is middle center in the white.

challenge],” said Sim. “I am luck y to have help within the community and support from the East Otter Childcare Association. We are blessed to be a part of such a wonderful community,” she said.

A native to the area, Sim loves that she has been able to continue to live and

work in the area.

“I grew up here,” she noted, adding, “I have had some of my [daycare children] come back to my daycare with their own children. I am thankful I could be there for them and help the children with their ABC’s before PreSchool and Kindergarten.”

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Ways to Nurture Early Childhood Development From the nursery to the playroom, playtime should be safe and fun.

But experts say that beyond these considerations, these spaces should incorporate elements that promote early childhood development.

“Infancy and preschool years are a crucial time of children’s lives, when they are developing new motor, cognitive, language and social skills,” says Dr. Lise

Eliot, Early Brain Development Expert and Expert Panel Member at VTech, a world leader in ageappropriate and developmental stage-based electronic learning products for children.

“Toys should provide multi-sensory experiences that engage and cultivate a love of learning from a very young age, while delivering the developmental benefits ap-

propriate for each child’s age and stage.”

To encourage growth and enrich children’s play experiences, Dr. Eliot and VTech offer these tips: • Include books in the playroom and read often to your child.

Doing so will demonstrate well before the school years begin that reading is not just for classroom, but also a recreational activity that

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bright idea can and should be done for fun. Look ahead by adding books that will be age-appropriate in the future.

• Development happens extremely rapidly, so seek out learning toys that grow with children.

Look for multi-age toys such as walkers that can be transformed into ride-ons.

Toys that can be pulled, like wagons, help a child to build motor skills. They also grow with your child, as they learn to fill its spaces with various items to haul around as their toy tastes change.

• Kids are never too young to develop an appreciation for music. Babies can start by playing with tambourines, maracas, toy keyboards and other fun musical toys. Child-sized instruments can improve hand-eye coordination and rhythm, and set kids up for lifelong musical inspiration.

• Create safe zones in your house where kids can have free reign to play and explore. “The more opportunity children have for physical exertion and exploration, the better for the development of both their minds and bodies,” says Eliot.

• Focus on giving preschool age kids a head start on their education. Provide them with fun ways to get started. Simple drawing activities, for example inspire skills and creativity in young artists.

• Foster language and social skills by spending time each day playing together. The interactions you share are key to cognitive and emotional development as well as social and emotional growth.

Research has proven that early two-way conversations with babies and young children are critical to their own speech and reading development. To encourage social skills and prepare young children for preschool, set up play dates with friends.

For more playful ideas, parenting tips and information about early childhood development, visit www.vtechkids.com/milestones.

By incorporating these elements and toys that nurture a range of critical cognitive and physical skills, you can make playtime not only fun, but functional.

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Giving back through the cancer fight Perham woman worked ‘tirelessly’ on parity act passed in 2010

By Debbie Irmen work through cancer treatments After moving back to Perham and still find the strength and from the Twin Cities when she time to do this.” was diagnosed with cancer, Though still undergoing Robianne Schultz felt a desire cancer tests, Schultz led a to do something to give back state contingent of volunteers and found the American Cancer to Washington, D.C., in late Society Action Network to be September, meeting up with that outlet. approximately 600 other people The Perham High School from across the nation to lobby graduate was chosen to receive Congressional officials for more the Virginia McKnight Binger research money.

Unsung Hero Award which “We are a force when we get honors volunteers who do lifethere,” Schultz said. “We were all changing work and often go wearing the same blue shirts, so unrecognized. we were recognized.”

“The Virginia McKnight Locally, Schultz is a volunteer Binger Unsung Hero Awards with the Relay for Life of East honor people who contributed Otter Tail County, serving as adtheir time and passion with no vocacy and mission chairperson expectation of credit, just the and she is also the accounting drive to help their community,” chairperson. said Jon Pratt, Minnesota The advocacy chairperson Council of Nonprofit’s executive keeps team captains informed director. It’s truly a testament of work toward legislation to the extraordinary difference a regarding cancer treatments person can make.” and services for patients of the Unable to work following her Robianne Shultz was honored by the Minnesota disease, encouraging people 2001 diagnosis of breast canCouncil of Nonprofits and the McKnight Foundation, to get involved in the ACS’s cer, Schultz moved back home as one volunteer who has made a difference.

Cancer Action Network, accordand began volunteering with ing to Relay Chairperson Lisa the American Cancer Society’s Peterson.

Cancer Action Network where “She really works hard on the adAct, was signed into law by former Gov. she guides advocates at the local and navocacy. She encourages people to have tional levels to work with elected officials Tim Pawlenty in 2010. The bill also their voice heard, and to be a part of the caught the attention of Al Franken, to develop policies to fight cancer and efforts of the Cancer Action Network,” Senator for Minnesota, who introduced increase funding for cancer research.

Peterson said. “It’s good to hear what a bill in Congress.

One of the causes she took up, along has resulted from the efforts of local “She is an amazing person, who with others, was passing legislation fundraisers.” sees the larger picture,” said Caitlin to reduce the cost of some chemo oral Last year, 23 teams participated in Swanson, communication coordinator medication, which is more expensive for the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits the Relay, and Schultz kept track of the than intravenous treatments. The money as the accounting chairperson, in St. Paul. “It’s amazing how she could Minnesota Oral Chemotherapy Parity

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LUMINOUS 2015

a position she has held for a couple of years.

“Robianne inspires our committee because she is so tough,” Peterson said. “She has just never gotten a break from the cancer. She just never gives up.”

In recognition of Schultz’s contributions, The EOTC Relay signed up 40

Relayers who contributed $10, to become CAN Club Members.

“It’s been a great outlet for me, being a volunteer,” Schultz said “I feel so honored to be nominated, and more honored to have received this award.”

As an award winner, Schultz received $1,000 to donate to an organization of her choice, which she chose

to split equally between the Relay for Life of East Otter Tail County and the Lake Region Cancer Care and Research Center in Fergus Falls, where she has taken some of her treatments.

The Unsung Hero Awards are presented by the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, in partnership with The McKnight Foundation.

bright idea

3D Mammography

by Debbie Irmen She can’t say with any certainty, but Kathy Larson believes had the 3D mammography test been available seven years ago, she may not have had to undergo a mastectomy.

She was first diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in 2008. It hadn’t spread to her lymph nodes so it was still treatable and she endured the cancer treatments recommended by her doctor.

In 2011, she learned the cancer had returned, though it was a more aggressive type and she underwent a mastectomy on her right side, she said.

The new 3D mammography, offered at Perham Health, is especially effective for women with dense breast tissue, like Larson has, according to Tara Nelson, lead mammagrapher at Perham Health. The scan allows medical professionals to look at the breast at different angles, seeing irregularities that the typical mammogram may not catch.

“We try to find (lumps) before women might feel them,” Nelson said. “Before it is in an advanced stage making treatment more involved.”

For the test, the breast is in compression, she said, and for a few seconds longer, but the scan takes an additional four exposures in 3D. For each exposure, compression lasts approximately nine seconds longer, Nelson said.

In addition to seeing lumps earlier, Nelson expects the new test will reduce the number of callbacks.

“Sometimes we have to call patients back to take additional images,” she said, “because something looks different from previous scans. It’s not necessarily cancer, but we want to be sure.”

Of course, fewer callbacks saves time and money for everyone.

Figure 1: A standard 2D digital image

Figure 2: 3D image of the same view showing suspicious lesion not well defined on the 2D image. This is displaying one image in a series of thin slices through different planes of the breast.

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bright idea But the health benefits outweigh the cost, according to Larson.

“This is an important test, especially for women with dense breast tissue,” she said, adding most women don’t know if dense tissue is a problem for them. She advised every woman to find out.

She also encouraged women to “be on your toes and do your selfexams.”

Jody O’Brien, who also had a 3D mammography scan recently, agreed.

“It’s more thorough,” O’Brien said.

“It’s a good idea for women to take this step forward in their health.”

Prior to its introduction at Perham Health, Fargo, N.D., was the closest place to get a 3D mammogram, Nelson said.

Tara Nelson, lead mammographer with Perham Health, shows off the new 3D mammography machine.

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brilliant women

Everything is ‘awesome’

Job variety, people keep Fern Nundahl assisting city

By Debbie Irmen If variety is the spice of life, Fern Nundahl has had quite a life as the administrative assistant for the city of Perham.

She joined city staff in 1992, took on administrative assistant duties in 1996, and has worked on payroll tasks, prepared various reports, put together council packets, minutes and notices, attended meetings, coordinated general elections, and far more than she can even detail or remember during her 23 years.

But by far, the best part of her job, she said, is answering questions and keeping Perham residents up-to-date on all manner of city topics, as well as the variety of the job.

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“Being in a smaller town, everybody knows everybody,” she said. “And the old-timers remember me from before I was married, so they feel comfortable calling me with questions.

And I’m doing something different every day.”

Like many a Perham graduate, Nundahl (PHS 1973) couldn’t wait to get out of the town and make her mark on the world. She tried being a hairdresser, and a dietician at a retirement home, but found those jobs just were not her thing, she said.

She landed a job at ITT Financial Services in Rochester, where she worked for 10 years. Admitting she doesn’t like

numbers, she is thankful for calculators and Excel spread sheets, she said.

In 1988, she “moved back to the place I couldn’t wait to get out of,” she said.

In fact, she returned to the family farm, which used to be a working dairy farm. She and her husband rent out the tillable land, and in her spare time she loves to maintain gardens of vegetables and flowers.

And watch hummingbirds. While she was recovering from recent hip surgery, a friend stopped out and the two sat on her deck watching about 40 hummingbirds at feeders in the yard.

She and her husband have also

Fern Nundahl, along with city councilor, Harriet Mattfeld, recently handed out apples at Prairie Wind Middle School after Walk to School Day 2015.

planted pear, apple and plum trees, as well as grape vines and honey berries, for their wine-making hobby, though neither of them are big wine drinkers, she said.

“I have no idea why we started that,” Nundahl said. “Neither of us really drink wine. We just don’t want to get bored in retirement,” she said.

Nundahl is looking at possibly retiring in late 2016, so while she isn’t grooming anyone to take her place just yet, she is making some basic plans to help in the transition, such as printing monthly calendars to track what she does each month.

One of Nundahl’s favorite pastimes is spending time with “the rugrats,” which is what she affectionately calls her four grandsons, ages 12, 9, 8 and 7. She spent a recent Saturday in Long Prairie to watch one of the “rugrats” play football. And she keeps her pantry

and fridge stocked for when they, or other family and friends stop by.

With 23 years under her belt, Nundahl couldn’t easily pick a favorite or least favorite task, though when pressed, she admitted an aversion to filing – not the day-to-day filing, but that which requires knowing the legalities of what to keep and for how long, she said.

Nundahl is confident that, as she looks at retirement, the city will be in good hands: “We have a really, really, really good council,” she said. “They take the time to investigate, do their homework (on city issues). They came onboard to help the city grow.”

All in all, Nundahl summed up her years working for the city in a word: Awesome.

“It is an awesome job, with great people to work with, the council is great, and our boss, Kelcey, is awesome,” she said.

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brilliant women

On the ‘A’ list

Shell Tumberg helps students succeed in trade classes, FFA

By Debbie Irmen Tumberg offers students who need A simple “B” sent Shell Tumberg a uniform to “shop” from her closet looking for a new course for her life. of various-sized jackets and pants.

“My focus of interest since I was “I tell them we’ll just go shopa little girl was to be a veterinarian,” ping in the closet,” she said. she said, sitting at a classroom table As with many teachers, Tumberg in her Ag Education classroom at hopes to make a difference in the Perham High School. “But then I got lives of her students. When she my first “B” in biology and I started decided to go into teaching, she just looking into other careers. I hated hoped to have the impact her favorbiology.” ite teacher had in her life.

By March of her senior year in “I thought, if I could do what Mr. 2002, her Ag Ed teacher, Arnie Rethemeier did for me, if I could do Rethemeier, whom she refers to as that for just one kid, it would be my her favorite teacher, asked her what payback,” she said. she was going to do with the rest of Helping students make connecher life. tions and seeing that “wow moLittle did she know her teasing ment,” is Tumberg’s favorite thing reply would be prophetic: “I’m goabout teaching. She shared how a ing to go into Ag Ed, come back to recent Ag lesson asked students Perham High School, and take your to find the ratio of ingredients for job.”

Above and opposite: Shell Tumberg, FFA animal feed. It was heavy in math, She attended the University of advisor, worked with members to put a float in she said, and as the kids worked Minnesota at Crookston, deciding the homecoming parade Oct. 2. through the problem, they made to take the teaching path after a the connection between the Ag 40-hour internship with a mentor lesson and what they were learning in social media can affect future employteacher. their math class. ment opportunities.

“I’m standing at the front of the “It was a light-bulb moment when Rally Day is almost like a recruitclass and I thought ‘I could do this, it kids got it,” she said. “And it just makes ment tool and Tumberg hopes for a 90 isn’t that bad.’” She could have chosen me smile.” percent sign-on to the FFA program a business path, but looking back, she One of the things she likes best after the event, but “I won’t make kids is sure she made the right decision. about her job at PHS is the spectrum of join,” she said.

This fall she started her third year classes she gets to teach; she is never She knows the benefits of FFA at PHS and calls it her dream job. She bored. She also likes the feeling that she membership first-hand: as a 16-yearteaches welding and small engines, is something of an inspiration for girls old student at PHS, with her life in small animal care, horticulture and to join her classes. turmoil, she was looking for a place to serves as the advisor for FFA. As a non-traditional teacher, she belong and found FFA, formerly called In September, she took a group of often finds her classes tipped in favor of Future Farmers of America, a student FFA newbies, AKA Greenhands, to guys, she said. But this year, she has six organization established in 1928.

Rally Day which allows potential FFA girls in her small engines class.

“FFA is one of those places where it members to get a hands-on experi“I think being female, the girls think doesn’t matter where you come from,” ence of what FFA is about, Tumberg it would be OK if I took a trade class,” said. More than 300 students attended Tumberg said. she said. “And it could be a smart career The familiar blue jacket and black the rally from District 1, for which move for them.” pants of FFA was adopted by the Tumberg serves as a regional advisor.

Tumberg farms with her husband, founders of the organization, a couple Among the activities, students atBrent, on a crop farm south of New of Kansas farm boys, who wanted to tended workshops on such topics as York Mills. They have two sons, Carlyle, look professional. The uniform is still FSA youth loans, careers in veterinar7, and Gus, 3. worn by FFA members after 87 years. ian medicine and forestry, and how

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I think being female, the girls think, ‘it would be OK if I took a trade class.’ And it could be a smart career move for them.

-Shell Tumberg

bright idea

Tips to Supplement Kids’ Learning at Home Whether your children are in preschool or are already in grade school, there are many bright ideas out there that can give kids an extra academic edge.

Kids are always learning no matter what they are doing or where they are at. Baking cookies or building a bird-

house, for example, provide lots of different life lessons.

Things like times management and perseverance are great valuable concepts learned along the way—not to mention the best of all, learning from ones mistakes as sometimes cookies burn and bird houses have no room for birds.

Explore Your World Your world is a classroom that can provide an abundance of lesson plans. Start in your own home by exploring key concepts around the house. From using measuring cups in the kitchen to identifying shapes in the playroom, there are lessons to be learned in every room.

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bright idea Once you’ve mastered the house, take the show on the road. Visit museums, the aquarium or even the park around the block for learning opportunities.

Play Games Encourage the idea that learning is fun by introducing educational games into your child’s daily routine. Games are a great way to make lessons stick and help a child grasp new ideas.

Flashcards are a great way to quickly retain facts kids need to build on later. New apps can also allow you and your child

to make their own electronic flashcards on everything from adding and subtracting to US capitals and different bugs in the insect world.

Write a Story Help your budding writer find her literary voice by encouraging her to write fictional stories or report on “news” events from around the neighborhood for the house newspaper.

Make sure she is wellequipped to handle her writing assignments with the help of a classic reference tool, an old-fashioned dictionary whether online or hardcopy.

L to R: Angela Quam, Kathy Goodijohn, Lisa Paavola, Tina Bladow, Nikki Lohse. Sitting: Kaeli Dorn, Phyllis Greenwaldt. (not pictured Shannon Lewis).

Music Lessons Round out your child’s education with music lessons, which can improve motor skills, build self-confidence and help impart cultural values. Many music stores rent instruments, which can be a low commitment way to test out your child’s interest. Check out options for lessons in your area or even just find free tutorials online.

When the school day is over, don’t let young minds go on strike. Through activities, music and even games, you can make stress-free learning happen round-the-clock.



L to R: Tracie Yant, Kim Bakko, Sue Carlson, Trista Morstad, Semi Stokes, Lisa Rinicker.

Sitting: Carol Witt, Shirley Vye, Lois Fiskum. (not pictured Maggie Schultz).

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ADVOCACY PROGRAMS Someplace Safe operates Advocacy Programs that offer assistance to victims, survivors, family and friends who have been affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, or general crimes. All advocacy services provided by Someplace Safe are free and confidential.

You know your child.

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Quality Dental Care is Our Tradition

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brilliant women

Brewing up a successful business Bellquists bring unique variety to Main Street

By Jason Groth The experience at the Station It started out as a lifelong House, amongst the ones from dream, but that dream became college and in St. Paul helped a reality much sooner than Britt the Brew become what it is Bellquist and her husband, Alex, today. ever imagined.

Britt said they hoped it would Britt said she never imagined take off, however didn’t expect co-owning a restaurant before the food to be as popular as it is. she was 50, but now the couple “We really thought it would owns one of Minnesota’s premier be a more popular drink destirestaurant/bars on Main Street nation, we had no idea our food in Perham, Brew Ales & Eats. was going to take off the way Britt, from Crookston, that it has,” Britt said. “Which Minn., has been in the restauis awesome, but stressful at the rant business since she was same time, we didn’t build our 14 years old. Her first job was kitchen the way we should have working at Happy Joe’s Pizza and really regret not having the Parlor. proper space. We are hoping to Playing with food has been change that in the near future.” one of Britt’s favorite pastimes Britt Bellquist, right, with husband, Alex Bellquist, left, their newborn son, Dash, and dog, Brewster, have Even though Britt loves over the years. cooking, the kitchen at the “My ‘play kitchen’ was always helped develop one of downtown Perham’s most popular places to eat.

Brew stresses her out. She a favorite toy of mine. I would said she has cried during a few sneak ingredients from my parent’s kitchen to use,” Britt said. “In high that they came across a listing at the old shifts in the kitchen.

“Alex is the one who loves that school, I traded in chores to cook supper Station House. fast-paced job! I love cooking for small “I was really apprehensive about for my family instead. In college, my groups of people or my family and this at first, but we made the trip up to group of friends would trade hosting friends,” Britt said. “I do enjoy prepPerham and kind of fell in love with the supper nights which was always really ping though, I’m excited to have a bigtown,” Britt said. “It really reminded us fun.” ger kitchen at Brew so that I can get in of a mini-Fargo with all the downtown She attended college at North Dakota there and help with that. Our current businesses.”

State University and Minnesota State kitchen doesn’t allow for anyone but the The move was just the beginning for University-Moorhead where she graduated line cooks to be on one at a time.” the Bellquists and their quest in purwith a degree in International Studies.

Even during those tough moments chasing their own restaurant.

It was at college that she met the love early on, the Bellquists managed to keep “We love this area, the vibe of downof her life and future business partner. their sense of humor. Britt adds that town and we saw a need for another After graduation, they moved to they both bring something different gathering spot in town and to be closer St. Paul in search of a job in her field. and have strengths that complement to family,” Britt said. “We were also However, the recession interfered. each other. looking to the future and where do we Instead, Britt found work at three dif“We both bring in different see ourselves raising a family. Perham ferent locations in the restaurant busistrengths, what I lack in areas Alex seemed like a great fit.” ness. She worked at Sweeney’s, The makes up for and vice versa. We can After a period of time, working out Happy Gnome and the Urban Eatery, always have fun together,” Britt said. of the back of the Station House, the while Alex was attending Le Cordon “Even in those days in the kitchen Bellquists decided it was time to move Bleu, a culinary arts school. when I maybe cried, we would always to a new location.

It was at the advice of Alex’s mom

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bright idea

Britt and Alex Bellquist are pictured in the Brew during construction of their restaurant.

joke ‘let’s open a restaurant, it’s going to be fun!’ That was always a line we would say during those situations that we would just crack up laughing. We have fun together.”

Regular patrons may have noticed Britt hasn’t been at the Brew as frequently as in the past. This is because the Bellquists recently added to their family with the birth of a son, Dash.

“I’m still trying to find that balance.

Right now, I have been taking a little bit of maternity leave,” Britt said. “I’m really anxious to get back on the floor. However, it has been great to be able to have the opportunity to stay home and prepare for the little one and be here for him. My staff probably thinks I have been the most annoying person on earth. When I’m not there, I’m usually at home working on something and like to text them ideas, scheduling conflicts, recipes, etc…”

Britt is quick to sing the praises of the staff at the Brew.

“The Brew Crew has been the most vital part of the Brew’s success,” Britt said. “I am thankful and appreciative of their hard work every day.”

Britt said that they want to keep adding something new and continue to be place that draws people into Perham.

“We really want to keep adding something new, something to keep people coming back,” Britt said. “This year, our main focus is expanding our kitchen. In 2-5 years, it will be expanding our outdoor area.”

Another idea that they hope to add to the Brew is a rooftop patio. She hopes to be able to improve the outdoor area with that patio.

Britt said the support and the following they have received from the community has been surreal. She added that she couldn’t be more appreciative of the support they have received.

Staycations offer a new take on local surroundings The weather may be changing, but that’s no excuse to hunker in.

Many may find themselves fantasizing about a getaway once the weather gets chilly.

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to make your escape, even right outside your door.

Nearby Getaways Faraway travel may not be in the cards this season, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still get out of town.

Nearby activities and locations that are new to you can help you feel you are truly getting “away,” without the burden of making complicated arrangements.

From charming bed and breakfasts where you can explore the local countryside and hiking trails, to the art, culture, shopping and nightlife of a neighboring city, there are plenty of ways to make an escape locally. And you can miss the crowds by opting for sites off the beaten path.

Freshen up your favorite hangouts. Try a new item on the menu or a different beer style like the many different craft beers on the ever-changing beer list at the Brew. Sometimes a small change can make a big difference.

Test drive your beer before you commit to cup full. Try a shot tray consisting of four various styles and see which ones you do and do not like before you buy a pint.

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bright idea Become a history buff Many times there are a variety of historical markers, ones “locals” never stop at, to explore. From the Minnesota woman near Pelican Rapids to the Continental Monument at New York Mills, visit the marker nearest you: • Clitherall, look up information on the first settlement in Otter Tail County.

• Craigie Flour Mill (Otter Tail Lake shores), find out more about the Craigie Flour Mill.

New York Mills’ Continental Divide monument is in the heart of the city.

• Henning, view information on the pioneering of Henning.

• Leaf City, read up on Leaf City and how it became established.

• Pelican Rapids, Minnesota Woman. Discover the Minnesota Woman and the memorial dedicated to her on Highway 59.

• New York Mills, Check out the Continental Divide Monument.

• Parker’s Prairie, view information on Parker’s Prairie and how it came to be.

Try Something New Be bold and try something new in your own locale.

Have you always wanted to learn the Tango? Is art a passion but not a hobby?

Take a cooking class. Attend a lecture at a museum. Don’t put these bucket list items off any longer. Now is the perfect time for a getaway from your comfort zone, explore all that life has to offer, and maybe even discover new hidden talents.

Whether you travel far or stay at home, this fall, find a way to make an escape. (StatePoint)



Ales & Eats

124 East Main Street Salt or Cinnamon & Sugar and served with Dijon Mustard or Caramel Sauce Perham, Minnesota 218.346.5932

Chives +$3 or Bleu Cheese Crumbles & Buffalo Sauce +$3 &/or Homemade French Onion Dip +$1 0 Goat Cheese Spread with Chicken, Bacon & Walnuts in a Flour Tortilla with a Balsamic Glaze auce pear, Smoked Gouda Cheese wrapped & fried in a crispy Egg Roll paper served with Chipotle Aioli opped with Garlic Cheese Curds, Pulled Pork, topped with Guinness Gravy 12 Your choice of Buffalo, Thai Chili, BBQ, General Tso’s or Peanut Butter & Jelly – Served with on request

According to Thrillist, Brew Ales & Eats is considered one of the best bars outside the Twin Cities. This small town bar features live music almost every weekend, 24 beers on tap (mostly local crafts), a variety of creative cocktails, and fresh bar food. Whether you’re kegSor trying one ofctheir unique lunch specials, this the place to go in Otter Tail County.

Mixed Greens, killing Asian the Pear lices, Asiago heese & crushed Candied Wbrick/wood-clad alnuts tossed ispot n a Cisranberry

Mixed Greens, Asiago Cheese, Carrots, Tomatoes & Cucumber Slices 2015 30 LUMINOUS eese, French, Thousand Island, or Cranberry Vinaigrette (extra dressing +$.50)

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Associate of Arts (AA)

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Business

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Health Informa�on Technology/ H Coding C

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LUMINOUS 2015

31

Perham-Dent Public

Thank you

Schools

Prairie Wind Middle School

Teaching Staff

Ali Bormann Nikki Bruns Janet Buchin Kelly Collette Hannah Frink Amber Gullingsrud Lauren Hanson Shelly Januszewski Brittany Johnson Sue Jones Deanna Kovash Roberta Kuhlemeyer Angela Larson Jensen Maiden Nicole Mattfeld Jenni Melvin Eryn Moser Ali Schmitz Melody Scott Sue Seip Mallory Stoderl Nancy Stromstad

to all of our outstanding staff for â&#x20AC;&#x153;Providing the Best for All so that All may be their Best.â&#x20AC;? ementary

El Heart of the Lakes Jennifer Hendrickson Principal

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Support Stnaff

Heidi Anderso Patty Anderson n rso de Deb Aufdenkamp An a Teres Dianne Bachmann Marilyn Barry ke Teresa Bontrager ek Br y Nanc el Kelly Bruski Tricia Barth Denise Callander ll Be Karla n an rm Annie Carey Michelle Bo e sk ow nk Cindy Dewar Bu sa lis Me irk sk Nicki Doll Kersten Bu p Jordan Dretsch sa Cre Teri n Darcy Ekse Danya Dahli al bd Joan Fudge Dy y lse Ke on efs Kim Germolus Andrea Ell u Erin Gjerde ta Fla Kim all Justine Guck Carrie Grind na Jill Januszewski eh Gu rla Da Sarah Johnson Deb Hart h rat us Liza Klettke Ha e an Di Nancy Kratzke Tracy Hein on Laurie Krueger bs co Ja Kim ll ba Denice Kunze Amy Kim t er nn Sherry Larson Kli e idr Da tz wi en ch Jena Lehmann Megan Kir k nic Amber Lorentz sty Ko n An rg be Beth Lorentz nd Jillian Lu r ale rth Lauren Mahoney Ma ea els Ch r Mary Myers se Eryn Mo r Lisa Nguyen Dana Motschenbache e sk ro Connie Olson Sarah Og Amber Perala Sarah Olsen Sally Roe tta Jill Pirro Brenda Sandahl Tammy Richter s es Staci Schmitz gn Lora Ro Susan Seip KayLee Saga-Krebs idt Crystal Shepersky hm Mary Sc Mary Stoll Lisa Smith rg Heidi Swenson lbe Heidi So Lindsay Timm Julie Vomacka itz ew ad Maraya Weis W Katelyn Faith Wokasch

Teaching Staff

Rondi Ulmer

Support Staff

Tanya Beachy Lisa Benes Katie Bontrager Connie Foltz Melissa Graham Lori Groff Kathy Johnson Colleen Kroenke Barb Krumwiede Wanda Kupferschmid Kathy Pesch Sue Ruther Deb Shannon Crystal Shepersky Kellie Speicher Amanda Starzl Deb Troje Vickie Wagenman Teresa Wiebe

l Staffbeling o o h c E Jodee igh S

mH Perha g Staff

nert Pam EhFlatau Betty Flatau in Linda esonke Teacifher Bain n n n n a e Sue Fr aona J ukm wske a r B y Ruth Gjerde Am y Bunko Erin G e Guck Shelle Butenhoff y k c e Francin Haugen B yer Jessica Heng Katie BChristenson y l l a Angie en Hunt S aire Kjerst ehman Amy H Hanson Lynn L Lehmann LaurenKarkela y r r a Mary wis M Krame Jan Le Markgraf Jaclynn Maiden e s d n l e Linda y Palubicki J Mattfe Tamm Rutten Nicole McClellan eider Emily e Schattschn Trish Palubicki Corinn Schreader Soleil Pesch Angie ip Kassie terson e P y i e r n o Sue Se enner L ey Roo Doris W erner Courtn y Scott Kristi W Melod Tostenson n a s aff Su umberg tthews ALC Sy tAnderson Shell T a Wieser-Ma Sand rignan Sandr Zepper hl n Lisa Carine Lehmku e Kar a ff h a t Ka r t St Pesch Kassie Porath SupiepAoakre Diana rgeon Ang nderson Jan Tu Kim A l Boyd e a r t s ie r y r r K en nzie Ca Macke en Christens e Maur

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