The Vocella Graphic - March 21, 2024

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About Us

Vocella, Inc. (pronounced vō-chellä) is a multimedia company that aims to engage, excite, and empower people through compelling and entertaining products and services with a hyperlocal focus on community, business, arts, culture, and entertainment.

We are delighted to introduce the latest chapter in our journey: the Vocella Graphic. This newly designed newspaper boasts a sleek and modern aesthetic, featuring stunning artwork and informative articles. Crafting this visually captivating paper has been a labor of love, with our dedicated team painstakingly perfecting every aspect, from its appearance and tone to its expanded coverage area.

Furthermore, nestled inside, you will still find the trusted Community Shopper, complete with all the familiar content you’ve come to rely on. This includes classified ads featuring help wanted listings, rummage sales, and more, as well as business news, events, and community updates.

So, thank you for joining us as we continue to grow and do our very best to serve our communities.

Publishing & Sales Team

J.C. & Susan LaBar Owners/Publishers

Karolyn Moltzan General Manager/Lead Design

McKenna Layne Design/Social Media

Erica Kingston Editorial/Copy Editor

Christian Marshall Community Ambassador/Sales

KARY MOLTZAN, GM & Lead Design news@vocella.com

From the Designer: This Issue

Dear Valued Readers, How often do you assume the worst? With things like anxiety and depression being seen as “the norm” these days, I know there’s a fair amount of us who do.

Personally, I don’t necessarily assume the worst about every situation, but when it comes to human interaction, I do. Last week I talked about being okay with not being everyone’s cup of tea. But what if you ARE someone’s cup of tea, and your anxiety or selfdoubt is lying to you?

It is so easy to assume the worst — that someone doesn’t like you, that they’re talking badly about you behind your back, that they’re actively working against you.

But the truth is, there are people right now speaking highly of you behind your back. There are people who are advocating for you. There are people conspiring to help you. There are people that smile when they think of you. There are people genuinely rooting for you without you knowing. There are even people who are admiring you right now.

Take that in and believe it for yourself, but also make sure you share it with those around you. Help squash their self-doubts. Let someone know you admire their upbeat personality, or their ability to organize or their ability to go with the flow! Tell that stranger in the grocery store you love their hair, instead of just thinking it. Life is definitely not “good vibes only” and it’s not healthy to pretend it is — but how much better could it be if we all shared the positive energy we do have?

Sending good vibes your way,

Kary Moltzan

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Profiles

Lewis and Clark State Park brings the classroom outside

OUTDOOR EDUCATION CONNECTS CURRICULUM WITH A HANDS-ON, REAL WORLD SETTING

Letting kids be outside, be kids and see the relevance of what they do in school, in real life.

-Bridget Portmann, outdoor educator at Lewis and Clark State Park

As with most things in life, one size does not fit all. What works for some will not work for others, and as the English poet William Cowper once said, “Variety’s the spice of life that gives it all its flavor.”

Lewis and Clark State Park’s outdoor educator, Bridget Portmann, is passionate about breaking down the walls separating the classroom from the outdoors to help students learn in a new way. Through the outdoor education program, students from surrounding community’s schools are getting the chance to see their book work in action through a real-world setting at the park.

“My idea is to try to link what kids are doing in school, but bringing it into a real life situation,” Portmann said. “Letting kids be outside, be kids and see the relevance of what they do in school, in real life.”

Some of the activities the outdoor education will cover are soil analysis — taking advantage of the varieties of terrain and land the park has to offer; orienteering and map reading — looking at a map and using it to find locations and the practical side of map reading; and bug hunts — taking two-foot by two-foot square and examining what is living in the soil, what insects can be found and relating that back to what they are learning in school.

“Coming back to teaching in the classroom, I really noticed how much there was a need for some kind of place or facility to bring kids outside to do their curriculum-based school activities, but in an outdoor setting,” Portmann said.

Born and raised in South Africa, Portmann moved to Switzerland after complet-

ing her university studies and was a part of an outdoor education program for 10 years before moving to North Dakota. She started at Lewis and Clark State Park as a seasonal interpreter but wanted to do more to grow the outdoor education program, a direction that mirrored the management and staff at the park. Together, they are working to build the program with the hope of getting more schools involved.

In April, the park opened up field days to local schools and has had a resounding response, filling up the allotted time and even adding an extra day to accommodate all those interested. Through this, 100s of kids will be able to experience what the outdoor education program, and the Lewis and Clark State Park, has to offer.

“Nothing is more fun than being let loose with a map and a compass and being told to find checkpoints,” Portmann said, as she remembered her own childhood learning. “It also gives students some kind of autonomy over their learning because they are in an environment that is safe and enclosed but, also, there is a certain amount of freedom in that environment.”

A grant through the Department of Public Instruction is available to help assist with funding to groups who may need the $5 per student fee subsidized. The outdoor program is available for all interested, from public schools to homeschool groups.

This summer, the park will have themed activities every Friday, Saturday and Sunday dispersed among their 50th anniversary events going on throughout the

2024 year. These weekend learning opportunities will cover survival skills, scavenger hunts, the Lewis and Clark expedition, local history, local flora and fauna, crafts and more. Lewis and Clark State Parsk’s Facebook page will keep the community up to date on these weekly events.

“My highlight is seeing kids who maybe struggle being seated in a classroom all day, step outside into a different education environment and absolutely thrive,” Portmann said. “I’ve watched teachers’ jaws drop — this kid cannot pay attention to anything in the classroom but he or she is outside and taking up a leadership role and is the most involved in the activity because they are finding an environment where they are thriving.”

Portmann’s passion for outdoor education is palpable and contagious, from her many years of experience in and out of a classroom setting, she hopes to make a difference with kids who may not be at their fullest learning potential in the containment of an indoor, classroom setting.

“One of my most memorable moments was, at the end of a week-long program I was doing, this kid came and hugged me and said, ‘This is the first time anyone said I did well in an activity,’” Portmann said.

For more information on the outdoor education program, Lewis and Clark State Park can be reached by phone at 701-8593071 or through their website parkrec. nd.gov/lewis-clark-state-park. The park’s physical address is 4904 119th Road NW.

LEWIS & CLARK STATE PARK | NORTH DAKOTA PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

Local businesses receive STAR Fund grants

BY VOCELLA STAFF news@vocella.com

WILLISTON — The Williston City Commission has greenlit several projects aimed at enriching the community’s offerings through STAR Fund grants.

Among the initiatives approved are BakkenCon, a three-day Comic-Con event slated for Sept. 6-8. Organized by Casey Baker, BakkenCon promises to delight comic book enthusiasts with vendors, games, cosplay, celebrity appearances, panels and contests. The event received up to $5,000 in funding from the STAR Fund.

Eagle Ridge Golf Course, under new ownership by Troy and Eilene McCoy, secured up to $50,000 for enhancements. The McCoy’s, who also manage the on-site restaurant, plan to utilize the funds to upgrade facilities, ensuring a top-notch golfing experience for patrons.

The STAR Fund, fueled by a voter-approved one cent city sales tax, allocates a

portion of its resources to community development endeavors. In addition to BakkenCon and Eagle Ridge Golf Course, grants were awarded to the Family Crisis Shelter and Williston Basin School District #7 for various programs and equipment.

Flex PACE Funds were also distributed to businesses like ASK Transportation and Chamley Pipe & Salvage to support expansions and improvements. Managed by a seven-member advisory board, the STAR Fund plays a vital role in encouraging economic growth and enhancing the quality of life in Williston.

For those interested in exploring business opportunities in the area, Keith Olson at the Small Business Development Center or the Williston Economic Development website and social media channels are valuable resources.

For more information, scan the QR code to view the official City of Williston press release.

MECHANIC READY-MIX DRIVERS HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS

ASPHALT OPERATOR PROJECT ENGINEERS ESTIMATOR-PROJECT MANAGERS

Briefs

Great Northern Events Center takes over old Ford building

BY VOCELLA STAFF news@vocella.com

WILLISTON — In a bid to revitalize downtown Williston, owner Tess Scully is transforming the abandoned Ford building into the “Great Northern Events Center.”

Purchased in November, the 10,000-square-foot space will feature an event stage alongside retail spaces, restaurants, a coffee shop, a baker, a wine bar and winery and office spaces. With a vision to breathe new life into the area, Scully plans to host conferences, weddings and music

events, with bookings already lined up for next spring and summer.

Emphasizing the abundance of parking within two blocks, Scully aims to leverage existing resources to bolster downtown Williston’s appeal, with further details on the center expected in the coming months.

From “Great Northern Events Center: Update on future of Williston’s Select Ford Building“ by Michael Anthony found at kfyrtv.com. To read the original story scan the QR code.

Western North Dakota communities secure RWIP grants to address workforce Challenges

BY VOCELLA STAFF news@vocella.com

NORTH DAKOTA — Several key recipients in western North Dakota have been awarded grants through the Regional Workforce Impact Program, aiming to tackle pressing workforce challenges.

The City of Alexander secured a $500,000 grant to construct a new childcare facility, addressing the need for childcare services in the area. Additionally, Divide County EDC received $72,000 to develop a marketing campaign aimed at attracting new residents and workers, while McKenzie County JDA was granted $4,855 to showcase the region’s lifestyle through a magazine.

Williams County was allocated $11,400

to produce a video series introducing its community and amenities to prospective families and talent.

These grants, among 18 announced by the N.D. Department of Commerce totaling $4.2 million, underscore the program’s role in fostering innovative solutions to workforce challenges across the state. RWIP empowers regional workforce entities to devise and execute plans tailored to their specific needs, with commerce workforce director Katie Ralston Howe expressing enthusiasm for the impactful initiatives proposed by local communities.

From the nd.gov press release, “Commerce Awards $4.1 Million in Grants to Boost Regional Workforce Solutions”. To read the full text, scan the QR code.

WHY CHOOSE TRINITY CHRISTIAN ?

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Unusual winter sparks concerns for North Dakota forage

crop growers

BY VOCELLA STAFF news@vocella.com

NORTH DAKOTA — This winter’s atypical weather patterns have raised apprehension among farmers and ranchers cultivating forage crops in North Dakota.

The absence of snow cover has left winter crops vulnerable to extreme temperature fluctuations, particularly impacting winter annual cereal crops like rye and triticale. Despite recent temperature spikes stimulating growth, sudden drops to freezing temperatures have heightened worries about potential damage. Research conducted by the NDSU North Central Research Extension Center highlights differences in freeze damage between rye and winter wheat, indicating varying degrees of resilience. As spring approaches, growers are advised to monitor growth points closely to assess potential damage and manage risks effectively.

From “Wild winter temperature has different effects on forage crops“ by James Rogers. To read the full press release from NDSU Extension, scan the QR code.

“Product of USA” rule finalized

BY NORTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

NORTH DAKOTA — USDA recently finalized a rule strengthening the standards for the voluntary “Product of USA” label for meat, poultry and egg products. Under the new rule, “Product of USA” can only be used on products that come from animals born, raised, slaughtered and processed in the United States. Since 2018, NDFU has repeatedly supported the new standard as part of the organization’s broader push for truth in labeling.

The new rule closes a loophole that allowed foreign meat to be labeled “Product of USA” if it was minimally processed in the country. As part of its rulemaking process, USDA conducted a consumer survey and found that most consumers believe “Product of USA” meant all production steps took place in the U.S. Consumers also reported a willingness to pay more for U.S. meat products. The new standard goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2026.

From the March 16, 2024 “Farmers Union Minute Newsletter” produced by the North Dakota Farmers Union. Visit ndfu.org or scan the QR code.

Make a

habitat

BY KARY MOLTZAN news@vocella.com

In addition to planting native flowers for the pollinators in your backyard, it can be incredibly helpful to build habitats to make survival just a little easier for them.

Need More Farms shared a great bee habitat on Instagram that is simple to set up and easy to maintain, including flowers, water, and shelter.

For more from Our Sanctuary Garden, follow the QR code by scanning with your smartphone to view the original reel on Instagram.

Pollinators and native plant species

BY KARY MOLTZAN news@vocella.com

After discussing composting, seed starting and companion planting in regards to planning your garden for the spring that I’m sure is coming, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention something near and dear to my heart: pollinators.

Over the past few years the general population has become more concerned with our pollinators and the important role they play not only in our own backyard gardens, but in feeding the world. Unfortunately, even with the best of intentions it’s easy to miss the mark on what they are and what they need, especially when you may see multiple packets of seeds claiming to be “pollinator mixes” at the stores as people start their garden plans.

According to pollinator.org, it is estimated that between 75% and 95% of all flowering plants on the earth rely on pollinators to some extent. Pollinators provide pollination to over 180,000 different plant spe

non-native gardens which means pollinators lose the food and nesting sites vital to their survival. In fact, the U.S. Forest Service estimates that some bee populations have fallen by more than 80%. Butterflies also face declining populations as they struggle with reduced breeding habitat due to herbicide use and land use changes.

Pollinator species are not limited to honey bees and butterflies, however. They include other bees, beetles, butterflies, moths, birds and even bats — some species many of us may view as pests. By being conscious of the different local pollinator species gardeners and non-gardeners alike can take small steps to improve the habitats in their backyards. By encouraging diverse pollinators to visit your yard, it encourages diversity in the plants that benefit from them, which in turn benefits those pollinator populations that are diminishing.

So, why are the pollinator mixes at the store bad? Well, they’re not inherently bad, but we need to understand the pollinators found in our own backyards to know what

den. Pollinator.org has too many resources to list, so be sure to check it out! Working with your local extension office can also help ensure you’re choosing the right plants for your pollinator garden. Don’t feel like you need to dedicate your entire backyard to pollinators in order for it to be helpful, either. Every little bit can be a benefit, whether it’s a small flower plot, flowers around the edges of your vegetable garden or a few planters filled with native flowers.

One of the best parts of encouraging pollinators to visit your garden for me is the sheer beauty and wonder! I am a science, nature and biology geek, so I absolutely love every bit of it, but I think most people would agree. Beautiful flowers are always a joy to see, and I think anyone would find observing the bees, butterflies and hummingbirds and more just never gets old, either.

Are you enjoying this content? Let us know! Drop us a line and let us know how we’re doing, or what kind of articles you’d like to see! Have an area of expertise you’d like to share - we’d love to print it! Email news@vocella.com today!-

North Dakota Game & Fish native blooms table

While researching resources to find the best native plants to grow in your own area, I came across a great webpage from the North Dakota Game and Fish. Not only does it provide links to even more resources, it provides a color coded table that lists native flowers and grasses, the months that they bloom and even the color of the blooms themselves. You can get a printable version, if you’d rather read it on paper, or take it with you when you go seed and flower shopping. N.D. Game and Fish recommends choosing an assortment of plants from each bloom period to ensure pollinators have the resources they need for the dura-

tion of the growing season.

They also note that prairie plants develop slowly, so planting a native pollinator garden may be a long-game. Some species may even take three to five years or more before they flower, so patience is key. Visit gf.nd.gov for more information on pollinators and pollinator gardens. Scan the QR code for the N.D. native blooming plants table.

WHEN PLANNING A POLLINATOR GARDEN, BE SURE YOU KNOW YOUR POLLINATORS AND THE NATIVE PLANTS THEY PREFER | ADOBE STOCK

The Bookshelf Book review: “One True Loves”

“One True Loves” by Taylor Jenkins Reid gained considerable attention across social media platforms, particularly on Instagram, where it was touted as a compelling romance grappling with the complexities of love and difficult choices. The narrative promises to explore the intricacies of relationships and confront readers with thought-provoking dilemmas. However, I feel as though it fell short in many areas of both promises.

Title: “One True Loves”

Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid

Genre: Comedy, romance drama

Summary

In her twenties, Emma Blair marries her high school sweetheart, Jesse, and together, they manifest a life that fulfills their shared dreams from high school. As they navigate adulthood, their seemingly perfect world takes a devastating turn when Jesse disappears in a helicopter accident over the Pacific. Heartbroken, Emma returns to her family for solace. In her thirties, having rebuilt her life with the support of her family, Emma manages the family store and is engaged to a high school friend, Sam. This engagement symbolizes her second chance at happiness. However, Emma’s newfound joy is shattered when Jesse is miraculously found alive and desires to return home. Faced with an impossible choice between her husband and her fiancé, Emma must grapple with the complexities of her heart being pulled in multiple directions.

Review

TAYLOR

The description of “One True Loves” is undeniably interesting-sounding, setting the stage for an emotionally charged book. It successfully achieves its aim of sparking contemplation, yet at times, the intensity of the emotional journey can feel overwhelming. The story follows Emma Blair, who navigates the aftermath of her high school sweetheart and husband Jesse’s disappearance in a helicopter accident over the Pacific. Years later, having rebuilt her life with her fiancé Sam, Emma faces a dilemma when Jesse miraculously returns, prompting her to choose between her past and present.

The book feels somewhat rushed, leaving me yearning for deeper exploration. The interactions between Emma and Jesse lack depth, and Emma’s resolution of her internal conflict feels abrupt. There’s a missed opportunity to delve into Jesse’s trauma of survival after the crash, which would have enriched the narrative and added complexity to their relationship. Emma and Jesse are both different people after their years apart, however, the few interactions between them fail to explore those differences with each other. Emma’s swift resolution of her internal conflict over Jesse and Sam, given the circumstances of Jesse’s return, feels somewhat abrupt. They have just a few days together before deciding to part ways.

“One True Loves” focuses less on traditional romantic interactions and more on well-established relationships. While the beginning of the book offers compelling introductions to key characters and skillfully develops their relationships — particularly Jesse and Emma’s sweet high school romance — the last section falters. Here, romantic gestures abruptly cease, and Emma’s decision-making process becomes disorganized, confusing and frustrating. Including more romantic gestures that help the reader root for one man or the other might have gone a long ways toward helping the reader feel satisfied with Emma’s final decision.

Despite these criticisms, I will say that Taylor Jenkins Reid is a great writer, she’s just not a great story teller, at least in this case. She picked a hard plot and failed to see it through with convincing characters and compelling moments. She had selfish,

indecisive, pushy characters that were hard to get behind. However, “One True Loves” prompts readers to ponder profound questions without delving into extensive detail, making it a thought-provoking but brisk exploration of love and choice.

“ONE TRUE LOVES” BY

JENKINS READ

Wellness Wednesday

National Living Well Month: Financial and occupational wellness

The National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences proudly celebrates Living Well month every year in March. Living well involves all eight areas of wellness: physical, emotional, spiritual, financial, environmental, occupational, social and intellectual. You can think of these eight areas as a wellness wheel. We want to strive for balanced wellness wheels. If we are doing well in most areas, but not very good in a few, our wheel won’t be round and it won’t roll right. Take time this month to address any areas needing improvement in your wellness wheel.

It’s tax season, which causes us to reflect on finances. Maybe you are excited for a tax return or dreading having to pay in. Either way, your overall wellness is being affected by the current state of your financial and occupational wellness areas. Let’s do a “Financial Health Assessment.”

Financial wellness contains your work, or occupation, as it provides a means to live, controlling debt, adding to savings and just understanding finances or financial literacy. Work, job or occupation is essentially a means of earning income in order to live your lifestyle. Does your job allow you to meet your obligations such as providing for yourself, family or paying off debt?

If your work provides the income you need, but you are thinking of switching jobs, you may be struggling with Occupational Wellness. Achieving a balance between work and leisure in a way that pro-

motes health and personal satisfaction is just as important as the financial aspect. A person doing exactly what they want to do in life and is content with their work is in a healthy state of occupational wellness.

Here are some ways to measure your occupational wellness:

• Are you engaging in motivating and interesting work?

• Can you balance your work with leisure time?

• Does your work align with your personal values?

• Do you feel inspired and challenged at work?

• Do you feel good at the end of the day?

To improve your occupational wellness, look for opportunities to use your talents and skills to contribute to the world or learn/increase your skills that will help you accomplish your goals. Pursue what you enjoy because what we do for a living encompasses so much of our time that it’s important for our overall well-being to do

what we love and love what we do.

If you have the job that you want, but are just looking to improve your financial wellness, then you will need to prioritize your financial goals and live within your means. First, I would recommend understanding finances and learning as much financial literacy as possible.

There are many free options to learn about budgeting, lending, credit card debt, interest rates, investments, etc. Check out your financial institution for local resources. Also, having a budgeting document is essential for meeting your goals of personal financing. You should have a way to track all of your expenses and incomes and understand how your accounts work and if they gain you interest. If you are unsure what you are signing up for, then ask about it.

Next, take control of debts. Debt can be difficult to deal with and may require a financial advisor to help find the best solutions that work for you. Debt is anytime money is borrowed to pay for something and is expected to be paid back, and most of the time with interest. Finally, do you have any investments, retirement accounts, or assets? These affect your overall “net-worth” and can affect your financial wellness in the long-term.

I hope you are able to find time this month to reflect on the eight areas of wellness and discover how well balanced your wellness wheel is. This week, I challenge you to make a budget for April and to find

something that motivates you at work. Stay tuned for next week’s areas of Intellectual and Environmental Wellness.

Until next time, continue extending knowledge and changing lives with NDSU Extension.

KATELYN JESPERSEN

WILLIAMS COUNTY FAMILY & COMMUNITY WELLNESS EXTENSION AGENT

FINANCIAL WELLNESS AND OCCUPATIONAL WELLNESS CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR OVER ALL HEALTH AND WELLNESS | ADOBE STOCK