3
Jeremy Bontjes TAKES THE FIELD
BY: CONNIE WIRTA | PHOTOS: SCOTT THUEN / THUEN STUDIOS
W
hen he takes the field this season, Jeremy Bontjes heads to second base. He bypasses the pitching mound where he had so much success in high school. Bontjes is playing his first season with the Minnesota State University Moorhead Dragons. He’s working his way back to the sport he loves after a second shoulder surgery. Bontjes, 20, has torn the labrum in his right shoulder twice. His first surgery came the summer before his senior year at Wahpeton High School. The second came in January 2013 as he prepared for Jamestown College’s spring season. The freshman had persistent pain in his shoulder and found his pitches lacked velocity and distance. “As soon as I started throwing, I’d get a sharp catching feeling and pain in my shoulder,” recalls Bontjes, who was referred to Dr. Prasad Sawardeker, an Essentia Health orthopedic surgeon in Fargo who specializes in treating shoulders, elbows and hands. “Even if a pitcher has ideal mechanics, the labrum can get injured,” explains Dr. Sawardeker, who served as a team doctor for the Florida Marlins and Pittsburgh Pirates during his medical training. “The over-repetitive nature of throwing can cause labral tears in pitchers and other baseball or softball players. The same is true for other athletes with repetitive overhead motions such as swimmers, gymnasts and volleyball players.” The labrum, a ring of soft tissues surrounding the socket, works as a stabilizer and shock absorber in the shoulder. In a SLAP tear, the top of the labrum tears from the front to the back of the shoulder. An MRI showed Bontjes had second SLAP tear and had dislodged anchors from his first surgery. The labrum was peeling off the socket. Using an arthoscopic procedure, Dr. Sawardeker removed the old anchors and used more robust anchors to fix the labrum back in the socket. As he worked to rehabilitate his shoulder, Bontjes began thinking about playing another position. Research 2
shows only 33 to 66 percent of athletes who have SLAP repairs return to their sport. “With pitchers like Jeremy, it can be a challenge to regain their previous form after a SLAP repair,” Dr. Sawardeker says. “I often encourage pitchers to consider a different position. Injuries don’t always mean you have to give up sports, but you may need to readjust and realign yourself to a new position.” Bontjes was at top form when he pitched a near-perfect season in his junior year at Wahpeton High School. He allowed only one run and had an earned run average of 0.16. That summer, he played American Legion baseball and pitched 35 innings in back-to-back tournaments. Intense shoulder pain led to his first diagnosis and surgery. After completing rehabilitation, his high school and Legion coaches spent hours helping him pitch again. “It was like trying to learn to throw again,” Bontjes recalls. Bontjes began his senior season as a designated hitter, then relief pitcher and finally as starting pitcher. Wahpeton earned fourth in the state tourney. His Legion team won the Central Plains Regional Tournament and Bontjes was named Most Valuable Player. He headed to Jamestown College with plans to pitch — until the second tear. “I knew the second surgery was the smart thing to do and I needed to get it fixed,” Bontjes says. He appreciated that Dr. Sawardeker took time to answer his questions and asked about his goals in baseball and life. “It’s hard to give up pitching when you’ve done it for 15 years,’’ Bontjes says. “I’ve played shortstop but I decided to play second base now because it’s shorter throws and that’s in the best interest of my arm. I want to coach and play baseball with my kids someday.”
Gearing Up for Baseball or Softball? Prevent injuries with these tips from Dr. Prasad Sawardeker, an Essentia Health orthopedic surgeon who served as a team doctor for the Florida Marlins and Pittsburgh Pirates.
Prepare your body for the demands of game. It takes more than just showing up on game day. Year-round exercise helps you stay fit.
Maintain flexibility in your joints. Warm up before a game. Start with a steady jog around the bases. Stretch for 10 minutes. To avoid shoulder injuries, stretches should include a full internal rotation of the joint and its soft tissues. Take practice swings before contact.
DR. PRASAD SAWARDEKER
Maintain and strengthen your body’s core muscles. A strong core creates proper body mechanics.
Incorporate resistance training and cardiovascular fitness into workouts so your muscles can perform at peak capacity. Use lighter weights with more repetitions.
Improve your throwing mechanics. Less than perfect mechanics can lead to injuries. Strengthen muscles around your shoulders and rotator cuffs.
Don’t ignore pain. It’s your body’s way of telling you something isn’t right. If the pain persists, see a doctor. 3
MAY-JUNE 2014
IN THIS ISSUE
VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 6
24
32
What’s your definition of The Good Life? “Our definition of the good life is to do what we love every day and have fun doing it.” — The boys of Fargo Brewing Company “The good life is when you enjoy the people you’re with and what you do to make a living. Beer helps enhance these conditions.” — Aaron Juhnke, Junkyard Brewing Company
8
ON THE COVER
24 THE GREAT F-M BEER BATTLE
Junkyard Brewing Company vs. Fargo Brewing Company
A special thanks to the Academy of Combat Arts for the use of their gym.
IN EVERY ISSUE
12 LOCAL HEROES
18
North Dakota Patriot Guard
34 FATHERS Only From Dad:
5 Things to Teach Your Child
ARTICLES
02 JEREMY BONTJES TAKES THE FIELD Gearing Up for Baseball or Softball? 06 MOVING ON
How Do You Mend A Broken Heart?
08 HERE TO HELP
Fourth Generation Funeral Director Tries to Make Sad Times More Bearable
12
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Dawn Siewert dawn@urbantoadmedia.com PHOTOGRAPHY Darren Losee darren@urbantoadmedia.com
6
2
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Soo Asheim Jessica Ballou Meghan Feir Paul Hankel Jenessa McAllister Alicia Underlee Nelson Connie Wirta
PUBLISHED BY Urban Toad Media LLP www.urbantoadmedia.com /urbantoadmedia
ARTICLES
18 HORSE RACING SEASON IS UPON US
Dust Off Those Derby Hats and Sharpen Your Wagering Skills Because Horse Racing Season is Here
19 TEAR-OUT GUIDE
Basic Guide to Horse Wagering
21 HALEY’S MILK RUN:
A Local 12-Year-Old’s Passion
32 GRILLING SEASON IS HERE
Tips and Tricks to Help You Dominate Grilling Season
21
READ AN ISSUE ONLINE: issuu.com/thegoodlifemensmag ADVERTISING SUBMISSIONS Urban Toad Media LLP 624 Main Avenue, Suite 7 Fargo, ND 58103 701-388-4506 | 701-261-9139 The Good Life Men’s Magazine is distributed six times a year by Urban Toad Media LLP. Material may not be reproduced without permission. The Good Life Men’s Magazine accepts no liability for reader dissatisfaction arising from content in this publication. The opinions expressed, or advice given, are the views of individual writers or advertisers and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of The Good Life Men’s Magazine.
5
BY: MEGHAN FEIR
Moving On
How Do You Mend A Broken Heart? (“How Can You Mend A Broken Heart” by the Bee Gees) How can you mend a broken heart? How can you stop the rain from falling down? How can you stop the sun from shining?
I
f asking the same questions as the Bee Gees, specifically “How can a loser ever win?” you’ve landed on the right page. As a child, a younger one than I am now, I recall reading a story titled “Mr. Bell’s Fixit Shop.” On the shop’s window, there hung a sign that read, “I fix everything but broken hearts.” This Golden Book not only illustrates that handymen can’t repair emotional problems with duct tape, but that glue will not bind the shards of your broken-into-a-million-pieces heart. Both
6
What makes the world go round? How can you mend this broken man? How can a loser ever win?
lessons are great for kids to realize, at some point in their upbringing. On a related note, other people cannot heal the smashed remains of the previously established hopes, plans and dreams we may have created with another person. One day, you could be planning what your imaginary children will be named (Little Mookie, Big Al, Lorraine). A week later, you are returning the extra slippers she kept at your apartment because the relationship is over, and she wants her slippers back.
Two common, post-breakup stages you’ll probably go through Once a breakup occurs, we begin our journey in a high-rise of emotions as we go down each flight of stairs and enter the floors of pain. After awhile, the hurt will lessen with each floor, but the first two levels you’ll wind up on are the following. 1) Grief, the phase Kleenex capitalizes on (because of your tears and the over-production of mucus). 2) Various forms of anger. One type can result in an influx of Facebook pictures intended to showcase the “fun” time you’re having without them. The latter is a popular, passive-aggressive coping mechanism that, 99.98 percent of the time, is totally pointless. Ultimately, what good will result from the act? Your anger and Instagram photos won’t win them back, nor will it jab a stake through their heart.
Advice, from me to you • After you’ve gone through the first two stages, the third should be forgiveness, but most people skip over that step. However, it is vital to forgive in order to overcome past relationships and their grip on you. • In their absence, you may be tempted to rebound. Don’t. • Don’t date her sister (that’s just gross) or any of her close friends for at least eight months. That’s a major faux pas. • Allow yourself a span of time to contemplate why you were broken up with, but after you’ve accumulated some answers, if any, move on. Sometimes, there are genuine lessons needing to be learned, and your ex may have had reasons to end the relationship. But if there aren’t examples sticking out like sore, opposable thumbs, know that it is better to be single than to be with someone who doesn’t want to be with you. • In your newly acquired singlehood, relish the extra time you have. That hobby you dropped eight years ago – pick it up again. The friends you may have abandoned – call them up. There are a multitude of things you can learn and experience before beginning your next relationship, like taking that extra science class to figure out “What makes the world go round?”
7
BY: JESSICA BALLOU | PHOTOS: URBAN TOAD MEDIA
“It’s not something everyone wants to talk about, but it’s nice to educate the community a little bit on a couple aspects [of funeral service]. I think everybody knows we’re all going to die, but nobody really wants to think about it.”
8
Here to Help
J
Fourth Generation Funeral Director Tries to Make Sad Times More Bearable
im Boulger likes to shoot hoops and play golf, and he’s been picking up tennis again lately. And oh yeah, he grew up in a funeral home, or more specifically, his father’s business, Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo. His unique profession has garnered interesting responses, to say the least, from some people when they find out. “I’m just as normal as anyone else,” he said. “It’s my job, but I still have a life outside of work. I think people want to define you by your career, and that’s great in some respects, but at the end of the day, you’re just a normal person.” Starting in high school, Boulger was the self-proclaimed family grunt at the funeral home, mowing lawns, washing cars, vacuuming and other small tasks. After graduation, he had no inclination to be part of the family business, and his father didn’t force him; rather, he encouraged him to go out and get a degree in something else, saying it wouldn’t hurt anything to have a backup plan. He went to the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn., for a degree in business management and graduated in 2007, and then he pursued his mortuary science degree at the University of Minnesota and graduated in 2008.
Boulger, a 29-year-old fourth generation family member at the funeral home, is now an owner and licensed funeral director. The family business also owns funeral homes in Kindred, N.D., and Hillsboro, N.D., so on any given day, one of the five funeral directors could be at any of those locations depending on what’s going on. He said no day is typical, which is what he likes about his job. He could be meeting with families and planning services one minute or picking out carpet for remodeling the Kindred funeral home the next. Even though every day is a little different, there are some similarities. After he comes in each morning, he checks the board to see what happened the previous night then meets with people for arranging various services or even making prearrangements for others. He has to be ready to manage the day, no matter what comes up. As the self-proclaimed techie guru at the funeral home, he tries to make the arrangement process easier for the other funeral directors as well as families. The business is currently redesigning its website from the ground up, and the new site will be ready in April. Boulger said one of the biggest misconceptions he encounters when it comes to his work as a funeral director is that most
9
Michele Walloch and Jim Boulger of his time is spent in the back room preparing bodies. Ninety percent of what he does is face-to-face with families and survivors, he said. “I can’t tell you how many times people tell me ‘I can’t believe you’re a funeral director,’” he said. “I think a lot of people have this weird idea of what a funeral director is.” He said that some people generally think of a funeral director as someone who’s really somber all the time, and while that may be appropriate at times, he said most families just want someone who’s normal. “I just like to talk to people,” he said. “I try to turn a sad thing into a celebration of someone’s life.” He said getting the chance to help somebody and make new experiences is part of why he loves his job. “Getting the opportunity to hear someone’s life story is amazing,” he said. Despite all the things Boulger likes about his job, there is one thing he’s not particular fond of from time to time: the hours. “It’s not a 9 to 5 or anything like that,” he said. “People don’t die on your schedule. Whether it’s 2 a.m. or 2 p.m., I put a suit on, I get in the car and I go down to the nursing home, hospital or to someone’s home if they are on hospice.”
10
Boulger said dealing with the emotional part of his job can be really hard. “You become attached with families so you can come down to their level, so sometimes it’s hard, but at the end of the day, you’ve still got to come to work the next day and do it, so I don’t know if you put it on the back burner or what, but you do have to make that connection with people.” Boulger said he enjoys going out into the community to speak at nursing homes or run seminars to inform people from time to time. “It’s not something everyone wants to talk about, but it’s nice to educate the community a little bit on a couple aspects [of funeral service],” he said. “I think everybody knows we’re all going to die, but nobody really wants to think about it.” “There’s a curiosity and a mystique about death that people definitely want to pursue and ask questions about, and I think that’s a unique thing,” he said. When asked what the good life means to him, Boulger responded,
“I think what I have. I think going to work every day, knowing that you’re making a difference and enjoying life the best you can. I’ve got it pretty good.” 11
LOCAL HEROES
12
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY: DAVID PAGEL
THE NORTH DAKOTA
PATRIOT GUARD BY: SOO ASHEIM | PHOTOS: URBAN TOAD MEDIA
DEDICATED RIDERS FOR THE ONES WE LOSE We have all seen them — the men and women who ride with precision during the solemn and always sad funeral processions for the heroes we have lost during military combat, as well as those who have fallen while doing their duty to serve and protect us at home. Upon first glance, and without prior knowledge of who they are, you might think these riders are making one last ride for a motorcycle comrade, until you see that they are all carrying American flags. The flags are significant in telling the story behind the North Dakota Patriot Guard. The flags tell the visual story of the respect and dignity the PGR feels for the departed, as well as for the families and friends left behind. WHO THEY ARE The North Dakota PGR members are staunch believers in America’s freedom, and they come from all walks of life. Some are veterans; some are not. They represent no affiliation with any political organization or motorcycle “club,” nor do they all ride motorcycles. But what they all most definitely do have in common is one thing: RESPECT — a very deep and abiding respect for members of the armed forces, firefighters, police officers and first
responders who place their lives in jeopardy serving our country and the ideals of American freedom for all.
HOW THEY BEGAN The first group was established at an American Legion post in the town of Mulvane, Kansas, back in 2005. Originally, that group comprised motorcyclists who organized to make certain that a local family would have protection from the Westboro Baptist Church protesters during the funeral procession of a local serviceman who had died in combat. The protesters were not even protesting the war — they were expressing the hatred they felt toward homosexuals, and in some warped and convoluted thinking the Westboro protesters believed that our Iraq and Afghanistan heroes were being cut down in “divine retribution” for American tolerance of homosexuality. The mission of the Patriot Guard Riders was to shield the mourning family and friends from the protesters by blocking their view with the PGR motorcade. The PGR sang patriotic songs and revved their motorcycle engines to drown out the chanting of the protesters. The Patriot Guard Riders accomplished their mission in Kansas so well during that first escort that very soon, word spread like a California wildfire over the internet 13
and through word of mouth. Before long, every community in America knew about the twenty-first gladiators who rode motorcycles and walked with the American flag proudly displayed for all to salute as our fallen heroes were laid to rest. Slowly but surely, the Westboro Baptist protesters were losing every battle they waged across the country. Not only were the Westboro people not making any headway, but their protests seemed meanspirited and demeaning, especially when compared to the all-volunteer, non-violent members of the Patriot Guard Riders.
WHO INFORMS THE PGR? The Patriot Guard Riders are an allvolunteer group with leaders who form teams under Ride Captains, based on where the riders live. Because they escort funeral processions not only for military members (honorably discharged veterans, as well as those more recently in service) but also for law enforcement officers and firefighters, the only requirement they have is that they must be invited by the family of the fallen. Whenever a family member of someone who has served the country within the armed forces or in civilian life requests an escort or an honor guard, the PGR is always willing to help. The PGR forms an honor guard at military funerals, protecting the mourners from harassing onlookers if necessary, and for veterans who have little or no family, members of the PGR will fill out the ranks of mourners during the services and burials. But solemn occasions are not the only times when PGR members are present. During those happy times when soldiers return home from overseas, PGR members love to participate in the homecoming celebrations, and they are always among the first to shake the hands of the returning service personnel and thank them for the time they have given for all of us. Many of the North Dakota Patriot Guard Riders have also been involved in funeral missions in Minnesota and South Dakota. However, 14
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY: DAVID PAGEL
The Patriot Guard Riders believe in and what their mission is truly about: dedication. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY: DAVID PAGEL
each state has its own chapter and group of leaders who usually are in charge of their own regions. North Dakota has four Ride Captains. And because North Dakota has a smaller population than most states, and because the Patriot Guard Riders have such dedication to the families of our fallen heroes, many friendships and bonds have been formed that would never have occurred otherwise. Interviewing four members of Fargo’s Patriot Guard Riders, listening to the stories they shared, and watching how they react, tease, and support each other, made as clear as daylight what the PGR believes in and what their mission is truly about: dedication. They are dedicated to honoring the memory of the heroes who have given everything so that the rest of us can have the freedom and opportunities we need in order to live the lives we want and strive to have. They are dedicated to caring for the families of those who have died
15
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY: DAVID PAGEL
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY: DAVID PAGEL
in the name of freedom and America. All the mothers, fathers, wives, children and siblings of every service person, police officer, firefighter or first responder need to know that their loved ones will not be forgotten as the days turn to months and years after they have been laid to rest. The members of the Patriot Guard Riders understand how very important this is to the memories of our fallen heroes and to their families and friends, who feel the anguish of not being able to share times of glory and defeat, joy and sorrow, accomplishments large and small, with the people they loved so dearly. As members of North Dakota’s Patriot Guard Riders family, these families know that there are people who truly care about them and their welfare, and that they can always find within those ranks someone who is willing to listen to their concerns. Many thanks to Teresa Terry, David Pagel, Tony Krogh and Frank Hebert for their contributions and the devotion they continue to give, to those who have served so valiantly and to their family members, as members of the North Dakota Patriot Guard. 16
17
BY: CANTRELL | PHOTOS: URBAN TOAD MEDIA
HORSE RACING SEASON IS UPON US
Dust Off Those Derby Hats and Sharpen Your Wagering Skills Because Horse Racing Season is Here The Kentucky Derby, The Preakness, The Belmont, just to name a few ... And this year the North Dakota Horse Park is pleased to announce three weekends of live racing right here in our own backyard. July 19-20, July 26-27 and August 2-3. We here at The Good Life Men’s Magazine have provided you with the basic and most popular ways for betting on your favorite pony. Go ahead ‌ tear it out
18
and take it with you to the track or to your favorite off track betting establishment. Now you can stand in line with the confidence of a Vegas handicapper. Impress your friends with your wagering lingo. Place your bets with the speed and flow of a hip hop artist. Good luck and please wager responsibly. Venue wagering options may vary.
19
June 14 Event Hopes to Raise $21,000 for Area Children
W
hen Haley Dellaneva sets her mind on accomplishing something, there’s no doubt that it will happen. Three years ago, Haley and her parents started one of the most unique fundraisers in Fargo, and has had continuing success since. It sounds impressive, but even more so considering the fact that Haley is only 12 years old.
HALEY’S
MILK RUN BY: JENESSA MCALLISTER | PHOTOS: URBAN TOAD MEDIA
21
Haley’s Milk Run was started three years ago when Haley noticed that some of her classmates weren’t getting milk during break time. “There is a sign in school that says something about donating any extra money to the kids who can’t afford milk,” Haley said. “So I asked my dad if I could have some of my allowance money to donate.” Haley’s dad, Paul, was supportive of Haley’s request, and after a few days of thinking it over, they decided to take the donation one step further. “I thought, why can’t we turn this into something bigger?” Paul said. “So we decided to do something our family is familiar with — a bike run.” Haley’s Milk Run was then born. In comparison to other bike runs in the area, Haley’s Milk Run is a fairly short run, according to Paul. The participants meet at the starting location, and then ride as a group to the stops on the list. “We’ll go to bars or restaurants in towns around the area” he said. “There’s probably 30-40 miles between stops, totaling about 130 miles when we finish.” At each of the stops, participants usually grab a bite to eat, have a drink, and have the opportunity to donate money to Haley’s Milk Run through raffle tickets and prizes. Another significant way the organization raises money is through sponsorships. According to Paul, some of the biggest sponsors this year include Topper’s, Sickie’s Garage, the Fargo VFW, West Fargo Exchange Club, Harley-Davidson of Fargo, Cullen Insulation, Thunder Road, Choice Financial Bank, WDAY 970, The 22
PHOTO BY: PAMELA KAY PHOTOGRAPHY
Fox 107.9, Pamela Kay Photography, Lil Evil Inc, and Dave’s West Fargo Tire. This year’s event, to be held June 14, 2014, holds a goal of raising $21,000. That will be divided between the three area schools — West Fargo, Fargo and Moorhead — resulting in $7,000 each. After everything is said and done, the money is distributed to the break time milk assistance programs at different elementary schools. For the Dellaneva family, Haley’s Milk Run is a combination of two things they are dedicated to — motorcycles and supporting elementary school kids. “It’s not fair for a child to have to watch someone else drink milk while you don’t have any,” Paul said. “Getting a break time (different than lunch) milk is so important for these kids. Studies have shown how significant it is in elementary-aged children’s development.” The Dellaneva family is so passionate about this cause, but Paul and his wife Brenda say that it couldn’t
be done without the volunteer help of many others. “Our friends, coworkers and the adult motorcyclist community have really committed to this cause, and to Haley,” Paul said. “We really couldn’t do it without them.” One volunteer, family friend Rick Branvold “Uncle Rick,” is the appointed logistics coordinator for Haley’s Milk Run. “I get us to where we’re going,” he said. “I make sure everything runs smoothly during the day, and plan the route. We try to go to different places each year, and introduce people to these different area bars.” For Branvold, this cause holds a special place. “47 years ago, I was one of these kids with no milk,” he said. “The program has been around a long time. The run is a really good time, and we have a lot of fun.” To get involved in this year’s Haley’s Milk Run, check out their Facebook page for more information. The event will start at 10 a.m. at Bonanzaville in West Fargo, and the group will head out at noon. This year’s run will end
PHOTO BY: PAMELA KAY PHOTOGRAPHY
at Sickie’s Garage, and is sure to be a good time. While the end goal for this year’s run is $21,000, Haley has additional goals in mind. “I want other kids to be inspired,” she said. “If a kid wants to do something, they can set their mind to it and accomplish it!”
23
North Dakota drinks more beer per capita than any state in the union, according to the most recent study by The Beer Institute. Watch two local breweries fight for the right to be called the region’s favorite craft brewery in ten rounds of beer-fueled madness.
24
BY: ALICIA UNDERLEE NELSON | PHOTOS: URBAN TOAD MEDIA
Junkyard Brewing Company www.junkyardbeer.com Fargo Brewing Company www.fargobrewing.com
25
MEET THE CONTENDERS: fargo brewing company
is the seasoned veteran, incorporated in 2010. Their tight four-man team, comprised of brothers Chris and John Anderson and friends Aaron Hill and Jared Hardy, just wrapped up a banner year. After contract brewing in Wisconsin, they moved all aspects of production to North Dakota, opening a new taproom, production brewery and canning facility in downtown Fargo. And they’re beefing up for 2014, brewing new beers, increasing production capabilities, hiring two new employees and spreading the craft beer gospel (and their popular porter, Scottish ale, pale ale and IPA) into the far corners of North Dakota, Minnesota lakes country and into Duluth and the Twin Cities.
Awesome beer socks!
junkyard brewing company
The scrappy rookie on the scene is Junkyard Brewing Company, a Moorhead-based nanobrewery run by brothers Aaron and Dan Juhnke. The brothers built their own system and started brewing locally last summer, just a few days before Fargo Brewing Company’s first batch of locally-brewed beer hit the shelves, which means they were technically the first independent craft brewery to produce product in F-M area since the 1990s. You can find their porters and IPAs, as well as a cream ale and a Russian Imperial Stout, at bars and restaurants in Fargo, Moorhead, Dilworth and Detroit Lakes and in their Moorhead brewery. The brothers are experimenting with bigger and bolder beers and their new taproom is slated to open this summer.
26
No alcohol was consumed during this photo shoot.
ROUND
1
Most Unusual Beer Ingredient “Yogurt, to brew a beer style that is supposed to have lactobacillus cultures in it.” Aaron Juhnke, Junkyard Brewing Company “Thai palm sugar, Thai basil, Iraqi date syrup.” Chris Anderson, Fargo Brewing Company
winner: Fargo Brewing company Fargo Brewing Company, with not one but three items you won’t find in your average grocery store.
ROUND
2
craziest beer name “1.21 Gigahops Double IPA — light in color, fairly high in alcohol, but light and crisp in the body. There will be a ridiculous amount of hop presence in it with a lot of pine, citrus and tropical fruit. It will probably be around 9.5% alcohol by volume.” Aaron Hill, Fargo Brewing Company
“Prairie Shaman. It’s going to be an IPA with English influences. The name comes from something we call our friend Nate. He likes to collect woodsy artifacts whenever he’s out enjoying nature. At the end of a day, he’ll have pockets filled with wild sage, pieces of flint, bits of antler, and other goofy stuff.” Aaron Juhnke, Junkyard Brewing Company
winner: Tie 27
ROUND
3
BIGGEST SUCCESS STORY “My first homebrewed batch of beer turned out pretty well. And I used my own recipe. I was trying for something like Guinness extra stout and the beer I ended up with was more like a black IPA.” Aaron Juhnke, Junkyard Brewing Company
winner: Fargo Brewing company
“Starting a production brewery.” Chris Anderson, Fargo Brewing Company
A good brew is one thing but a major production facility is quite another. This round goes to Fargo Brewing Company.
ROUND
4
MOST COLOSSAL BREWING FAILURE “A home-brew batch of a strong Scotch Ale that I fermented in a closet and forgot about. It blew the lid off and shot beer all over my closet.” Chris Anderson, Fargo Brewing Company
“In my first year of home-brewing, I brewed in the kitchen of my house. I had an antique rifle hanging on a wall above my kitchen table, and I had a pack of really old cartridges that went with the rifle sitting, among other decorations, on top of a shelf in the kitchen. Late one night, my friend, Will (Wild Bill), and I were almost finished brewing a batch of beer. And as we conversed, Wild Bill casually reached up to lean his arm on a shelf over my stovetop. The pack of cartridges tumbled off the shelf and landed broadside, like a belly flop, in the boiling kettle of home-brew. A volcano of scalding, sweet liquid exploded from the kettle, spraying Wild Bill, myself, and my kitchen as the spilled box of cartridges came to rest at the bottom of the brew kettle, millimeters away from the red-hot burner beneath. Thankfully, Wild Bill and I were able to get the burner shut off before we found out whether .30 caliber cartridges would blow up under those circumstances.” Aaron Juhnke, Junkyard Brewing Company
winner: JUNKYARD Brewing company This is a tough one. Both involve explosions, but the threat of death gives the Junkyard Brewing Company a slight edge. 28
ROUND
5
SCARIEST BEER TO BREW “A light lager, because there’s nowhere to hide. It has to be flawless.” Chris Anderson, Fargo Brewing Company “The aforementioned ‘bullet brew’, for obvious reasons.” Aaron Juhnke, Junkyard Brewing Company
winner: JUNKYARD Brewing company The threat of an untimely demise is still scarier than less than perfect beer – but not by much.
ROUND
6
GNARLIEST BEARD CONTEST “The Anderson brothers will have to fight over this one. I would say that whoever has his beard in cornrow braids by the photo shoot would win.” Aaron Juhnke, Junkyard Brewing Company
“John Anderson. It’s long, and strong and down to get the friction on.” Aaron Hill, Fargo Brewing Company
ROUND
7
winner: Fargo Brewing company
Fargo Brewing Company’s John Anderson, by unanimous consent.
BIGGEST BEER NERD “I have a bunch of brewing/beer apps on my phone like the BJCP Style Guidelines, Untappd, iBrewMaster, and a yeast pitch-rate calculator.” Aaron Juhnke, Junkyard Brewing Company
“I’ve been to almost 1,000 breweries, I’m a certified BJCP (Beer Judge Certification Program) beer judge and all the reading materials beside my bed are brewing books. I am a nerd.” Chris Anderson, Fargo Brewing Company
winner: TIE ... NERDS! 29
ROUND
8
KEG TAPPING RACE “Everyone can tap a keg under 2 seconds. They are very easy to tap.” Aaron Hill, Fargo Brewing Company
“I’m positive that either Dan or I could disassemble a keg faster than any brewer in North Dakota, because we have to disassemble all our kegs to clean them. We were too cheap to buy a standard keg-washer.” Aaron Juhnke, Junkyard Brewing Company
ROUND
9
advice for beer drinkers “Don’t be afraid to try new things, but drink what you like.” Chris Anderson, Fargo Brewing Company
“Beer should be something you enjoy. If you find yourself criticizing more than enjoying, you might be in danger of becoming a beer snob. Ask for samples. Bartenders really enjoy helping you find new beers to enjoy. In terms of choice and quality, Americans have the best beer in the world right now.” Aaron Juhnke, Junkyard Brewing Company
BONUS ROUND
10
If you could drink a beer with anyone in history, who would you choose and what would you drink? “Ernest Hemingway, Double IPA — because that guy had a lot of great experiences and wisdom to share about life and drink. And it’s my impression that he was kind of a wine guy so I would like to introduce him to a big beer that any wine drinker would appreciate.” Aaron Juhnke, Junkyard Brewing Company
“Chris would drink a beer with Einstein.” Aaron Hill “A Russian Imperial Stout, because I’d like to see him drunk.” Chris Anderson, both Fargo Brewing Company
winner: TIE
So who will win the Beer Battle and the title of Most Beloved Craft Brewery? It’s a draw. Now let’s grab a beer! 30
winner: TIE This round was obviously way below their skill level. Junkyard Brewing Company didn’t even really answer the question.
winner: JUNKYARD Brewing company Junkyard Brewing Company, for going into detail.
31
Grilling Season is Here!
Tips and Tricks to Help You Dominate Grilling Season
There are few things that can top a warm summer day, cold drinks and meat, fresh off the grill. While hamburgers and steaks remain the classic favorite among grill fans, there has been a shift, as Americans seek to try new meats and veggies, and different grilling techniques. BY: PAUL HANKEL
32
T
Don’t be afraid to season your food, and always let proteins rest after they come off the grill. The larger the protein the longer it should rest before cutting.
First, can you tell us a little bit about yourself, your background in grilling and how you became a go-to resource for grilling enthusiasts? How did you come up with the idea for grilling addiction?
This is a tough one, but I absolutely love beef tri-tip. Tri-tip is a small roast with great flavor, and not too much fat. It is perfect for the grill because it doesn’t take too long to cook, nor does it cook too quickly. It is also very versatile when it comes to preparation, and it works well with any type of cuisine. What is your favorite non-meat item to grill?
o find you the best tips, we went to the absolute authority on anything grilling, Joe Riley, a local Fargo resident, and one of the founders of GrillingAddiction.com. We asked Joe what some of his favorite techniques are, as well as how to get the most from your grill, during the short summer months.
Several years ago a good friend of mine, Matt Charpentier, and I wanted to learn about cooking with charcoal/ open fire. We both already had an interest in food, but limited knowledge of grilling on anything other than a traditional gas grill. We began hosting, events we dubbed Grill-A-Thons, which were really just big parties where everyone shows up with something different to grill, and we grilled all day. Doing this allowed us to experiment with different ingredients as well as techniques, without the added pressure of preparing the only main course. After we developed our skills, GrillA-Thons inspired us to share our new found knowledge through GrillingAddiction.com. What is the key to grilling the ‘perfect’ piece of meat?
What is your favorite meat to grill?
I love grilled green beans or asparagus. I prepare both of them the same way: place them in a Ziploc bag with extra virgin olive oil, fresh citrus juice, salt, pepper, garlic and red pepper flake. Leave them in the marinade for 30 minutes to an hour then grill over medium heat. They are fantastic! From our research, it appears that people are getting creative with their grills and using them in different ways (smoking, indirect cooking etc). What are some tips or recommendations for someone looking to try one of these methods? The easiest and most versatile way to set up your grill is to use two heat zones. One zone should be set up
for direct high heat, and the other for indirect low heat. The extreme high heat will allow you to get a really good sear on the outside, and then you can use the indirect side to gently bring your food up to the desired temperature. Depending on the type of food you like and the equipment you have, there really isn’t much that can’t be done on a grill. What’s your ‘perfect burger’? My perfect burger is no less than 1/3lb. of organic, grass fed beef. I preseason the ground beef with Cajun seasoning, and leave the salt for latter. Mix the ground beef gently and quickly being sure not to over work it. After making the patties, season the outside with salt. Use a high heat to get a good sear and finish them indirectly, to your desired doneness. At this point the only requirement is cheese, I like blue cheese, and you can’t go wrong with bacon. What does living, ‘the good life,’ mean to you? Living the good life is spending time with family, and friends, enjoying good beer, and good food. Doing all of this while at the lake is living the great life. Riley’s advice is simple: use the correct amount of heat, keep seasoning timely and simple, and don’t be afraid to experiment or try new things. Combine all these tips and you’ve got the recipe for a summer filled with fun and good food. 33
FATHERS
34
ONLY FROM DAD: 5 THINGS TO TEACH YOUR CHILD BY: CAREY CASEY | WWW.FATHERS.COM
t
hey grow up so fast, and before we know it they’re moving out and getting on with their lives. Also, it’s sobering but true: none of us have a guarantee that we’ll be here tomorrow. You never know when something tragic could
happen. I’m not telling you all this to bring you down, but to remind you how important it is to have your priorities straight. It’s too easy to get caught up in the busy-ness of life and coast along. A while back, I heard about a great idea from a committed father named Bob — a way to be purposeful about the time he has left with his three sons at home. Part of living out that commitment includes leading regular family meetings, where everyone has a chance to talk about what’s going on and share any concerns they may have. One day Bob came to the family time with this exercise: each of the boys had to come up with five things they wanted to learn before they leave home. Bob and his wife came up five things they thought their sons needed to learn as well. By the next meeting, the boys had listed things like: how to fix various things on the car; how to manage their time; how to find a job; how to cook eggs and French toast; how to fix or replace a faucet. What would your kids say? Maybe it’s time to ask. I know teenagers often act like they already know everything, but eventually all kids realize that they don’t. They’ll leave home one day and there’s a lot of information and skills they’ll need if they’re going to do well on their own. A big part of our job is coaching them now as we prepare them for that time. There are hundreds or even thousands of things our children need to see and do and learn, and as dads, we’re in the best position to teach them many of those things. It’s a never-ending task, so we need to get started. So, your number one action point for today is to follow Bob’s lead and ask your kids what they want to learn from you. Start with five things for now; you can always add to them later, or start a new list once you have the first one checked off. It’s a great exercise to help get some specific goals in front of you for each of your kids. And it might help you keep them as a high priority and make the most of every opportunity you have with them.
Action Points for Dads on the Journey
• Talk with your children’s mother about an age-appropriate goal or skill for each of your children to learn (and for you to work on with them) during the next month — tying shoe laces, doing dishes, mowing the grass, finding useful information on the Internet, checking the air in the car’s tires, etc. • Give your children a glimpse of your budget and regular bills you pay, so they gain a better understanding of how much it costs just to keep the lights on and food in the pantry. • No matter what your child’s age, recruit him or her to assist you this weekend as you take care of a routine home maintenance task. • Help your kids find authors that they love to read.
35
2