The Vocella Graphic - December 14, 2023

Vol. 1 Issue 7

Thursday, December 14, 2023

Price: FREE

A Community Newspaper Serving Williston and the Bakken Area

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MELISSA TANNEHILL PHOTOGRAPHY

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PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID Minot, ND 58701 PERMIT #558

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Thursday, December 14, 2023

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In this issue About Us

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ocella, 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

From the Designer Dear Valued Readers, In the midst of the holiday season, the whirlwind of daily life seems to kick into high gear. It’s a time when the pursuit of creating a special and magical Christmas can sometimes lead us to run ourselves ragged. I admit, I’m 100% guilty of getting caught up in the hustle, striving to make the season amazing not only for my younger kids who still believe in Santa but also for my older teen and adult children. My goal is twofold: I want to evoke the magic and wonder for the little ones, and create that heartwarming “I’m home” feeling for my adult children—a sense of peace that allows them a break from ‘adulting’ for a little while. Creating either or both can be stressful for parents.

At the same time, giving gifts is my love language, when it comes to showing it to others. I spend hours contemplating the perfect gifts: the perfect book for the avid reader, a kitchen gadget for the passionate baker, or a tool for the handyman. I put not just thought into each one, but heart.

However, amidst the gift-giving excitement, I’ve stumbled upon a poignant reminder, which now graces the lock screen of my phone: “Your children need your presence more than your presents.” While my younger ones insist they do, in fact, still need my presents, too, the sentiment rings true. Reflecting on the cherished memories shared by my older children, I’m reminded of the value they place on the times we were simply there for them—holding them, reading to them, baking together, or playing games.

In order to be the best version of myself and give quality ‘presence’ for all my family, I’ve made a conscious effort to dial back the frantic pace of the holidays — which isn’t easy by any means! For me, it means making time to read - to my kids and for myself, and truly relax — not just stop what I’m doing to scroll or dissociate.

So, as we navigate this festive season, I encourage you to do the same. Be kind to yourself. By taking care of your well-being, you’ll undoubtedly share the benefits with your loved ones.

Wishing you a joyous and balanced holiday season.

Socials

Falon Justice

Managing Engagement Editor/Sales

Erica Kingston

Copy Editor/Writer

Web Visit us online at www.vocellagraphic.com and www.communityshopper.com

Karolyn Moltzan

Office Hours

McKenna Layne

Reach us by email or phone: Monday - Thursday | 9:00am to 5:00pm & Friday | 9:00am - Noon Office hours are by appointment.

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PROFILES — Williston Harmonic

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NEWS 04 — News access not guaranteed — Child support collection — Early ice awareness OIL & AG — Commitment to outdoors

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CULTURE — Luminary Sunday — CP Holiday Train

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LIFESTYLE — The real Santa — Christmas 1929

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HEALTH & WELLNESS Kary Moltzan, Lead Designer — Cold, flu, Covid, or RSV — “Souped” up for winter

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Find us on Facebook and Instagram: @thevocellagraphic and @thecommunityshopper

J.C. & Susan LaBar Owners/Publishers

This Issue

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THE COMMUNITY SHOPPER Job listings 04 Community Calendars 06 To Do About Town 07 & Announcements Classified Ads 08 & Realty

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Thursday, December 14, 2023

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Profiles

Harmonic creating music accessibility for students HOLIDAY CONCERT SHOWCASING YOUTH ORCHESTRA & CHILDREN’S CHOIR

SUBMITTED PHOTOS. MELISSA TANNEHILL PHOTOGRAPHY

BY ERICA KINGSTON

A

compassionate community has a way of seeing a need and finding the people and resources to fill that need. Meriel Lora is fostering just that by bringing the healing power of music to the children and youth of the Williston community through Harmonic Creative World.

Providing kids with musical education through private and group lessons, Harmonic is showcasing the hard work and talents of its orchestra and choir students by putting on an end-of-year Christmas concert entitled Winter Wonderland, A Music Celebration on Dec. 16 at the Williston High School.

Harmonic is a non-profit that provides youth orchestra and choir programs through lessons, workshops, concerts and recitals. It was founded in 2021 by Meriel Lora who saw a community need and took it upon himself to fill the gap. Seeing that Williston creates a supportive infrastructure for kids in athletic programs, Lora wanted to provide more opportunities for those interested in music.

“I believe (Harmonic) is a very important program for our youth, especially for those who are artistically inclined,” Lora said. “Our youth and children’s orchestra and choir is a fantastic way for all the families and kids to come together and create a sense of community and feel supported and have a program, a something, that they can belong to.”

Lora, who holds a master’s degree in orchestra conducting, is no stranger to the world of youth music education.

Growing up in the Dominican Republic where his parents were missionaries, Lora had his own start in music in a program his parents implemented in the orphanage they ran.

“I got to see the positive effect that (music) has on kids,” Lora tells about the music school in the orphanage.

“Especially kids with an amount of trauma that my classmates and friends growing up had. It gave them a chance to

“We are here to create and give (kids) the chance to dream beyond their circumstances.” -Meriel Lora turn that trauma and anger into something beautiful. That’s really where (Harmonic) comes from.”

Harmonic held its debut concert in December of 2021 as an introduction to the community as to the idea and vision of the program. In 2022, they hosted their first workshop by bringing in a professional string quartet to work with students from local schools and the community orchestra.

From there, the education program began, providing online weekly private lessons to students taught by qualified professionals from around the country, and then bringing those same teachers to Williston for in-person learning. All free of charge.

“We are completely trying to remove that stress part of it from the picture by making sure that the kids don’t feel like they can’t accomplish something or they can’t reach something because of money,” Lora said.

This summer, Harmonic started the youth orchestra program. Here, Lora works with the group of 12 students every Sunday for three hours, splitting them into sectionals, doing group work and then coming together to play orchestra pieces. The next step for this program is to start a children’s orchestra to accommodate younger, beginning students.

The newest facet of Harmonic is the children’s choir.

Co-directors Christina Winslow and Tara Hoggart, both elementary music teachers, also saw a community need and promptly filled it; with the help of Lora, the children’s choir began this fall and has over 40 kids rehearsed and ready for their first performance.

“We keep stressing the importance of professionalism,” Winslow said. “Making sure that they look professional and sound professional because we want them to know that this is a big event, this is a

big deal. That helps motivate them as well.”

The Winter Wonderland concert will take place at the high school on Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. Professional singers from Boston, San Francisco and Philadelphia and string players from Minot and Bismarck will be intermingled among the youth orchestra and children’s choir of Harmonic and adult community choir to perform Christmas and recital pieces for the public, free of charge. A rare opportunity for the youth musicians to work and perform alongside professionals, Lora is ensuring the spotlight remains on the youth of Harmic.

“The main thing is to be able to see the kids perform and showcase what they have been working on,” Lora said.

Harmonic is a non-profit with Winslow, Hoggart, Lora and board members all volunteering their time. The program runs out of the kindness of the community as funds for instructors, books and materials are needed. To support this grassroots musical education program, visit harmonic.art.

“We are not really here for music,” Lora said. “Yes, music is what we do. But honestly, music is the medium we are using because what we are trying to accomplish and what Harmonic is all about is social change …We are here to create and give them a chance to dream beyond their circumstances. To instill in them a sense of pride, something they can be proud of that they accomplished.”

For youth interested in children and youth orchestra or children’s choir, a new semester of programming will begin in January. Attend the Winter Wonderland performance to see the product of the Harmonic student’s work and visit harmonic.art to fill out an interest form to get started.

Harmonic

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Thursday, December 14, 2023

News & Updates

ND Child Support achieves For rural states like ND, local news access no longer record-high collection rate a guarantee PRESS RELEASE | NORTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

BY MIKE MOEN, PRAIRIE NEWS SERVICE NORTH DAKOTA — There are some bright spots in beefing up local news coverage, but a new report says in North Dakota and elsewhere, there are still big concerns about people not having enough access to key information about their communities.

In the 2023 State of Local News summary, issued through Northwestern University, the authors said local news outlets continue to close at alarming rates. Residents in more than half of U.S. counties have no, or very limited, reliable local news sources, including print, digital and broadcast.

Penelope Muse Abernathy, visiting professor in the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, said it appears the U.S. is becoming a nation of “haves” and “have-nots” when it comes to local news.

“Most of the people who have a wealth of access to local journalism tend to live in our larger metro areas,” Abernathy pointed out. “The journalism ‘have-nots,’ they tend to be more in the rural areas.”

The report shows North Dakota has two counties without a local news source, and 28 counties with only one.

Philanthropic ventures are surfacing to close some of these gaps around the coun-

try. And regionally, nonprofit efforts like the North Dakota Monitor are launching to ensure adequate coverage of government matters. But the experts said long-term fundraising can be a challenge for these ventures, especially at the local level.

The latest report also ties in so-called “news deserts” with poverty rates. In those areas, 17% of residents live in poverty, a rate higher than the national average. Abernathy explained the lack of information can block underserved populations from learning about beneficial programs and services.

“This is a real issue about how you get information to people who desperately need the information that newspapers have historically provided,” Abernathy stressed.

“That help them craft decisions to work toward a better quality of life.”

Beyond philanthropic support to prop up local news outlets, the report noted there is a bill in Congress to incentivize hiring correspondents, and for small businesses to advertise with those news organizations.

The authors acknowledged the proposal likely will not advance in the current political environment, but could serve as a roadmap for state-level solutions.

NORTH DAKOTA — North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced the agency’s Child Support Section achieved a record high collection rate of 77.4% for the current federal fiscal year.

The collection rate reflects nearly $90 million that parents paid and received of the $116 million of current support that was due in the last year.

This record high excels in comparison to the national average in 2022, which was 64%. Historically, North Dakota has been a national leader in achieving high collection rates, consistently ranking within the top five states.

“Effective child support is not just about collecting from parents with an ability to earn, it is also about helping parents who owe child support to address any barriers to working and being able to pay, including reducing monthly obligations if necessary to reflect the parent’s true ability to earn,” HHS Child Support Director James Fleming said. “The high collection rate is attributed to parents in North Dakota being willing to support their children as a general rule and the balanced approach taken by the Child Support Section.”

The dedication to effectively collect-

ing child support aligns with HHS’ goal of supporting the financial needs of families to ensure North Dakota residents of all ages and backgrounds have the ability to thrive.

“Reliably collecting child support in the month it is due is critical to families meeting their current needs and being self-sufficient,” Fleming said. “If the child support isn’t collected when due, the Child Support program will also work to collect the past-due support.”

In addition to the recent record collection rate, the statewide amount of unpaid support has been reduced to its lowest level since 2015.

Parents with questions about their case are encouraged to contact child support customer service at (701) 328-5440, tollfree at 800-231-4255, 711 (TTY) or childsupport@nd.gov The Child Support Section serves about 67,000 children per year by helping disburse nearly $184 million in support payments to their families. The program also helps to establish paternity and child support orders, and takes enforcement action against those parents who are not supporting their children.

Early ice awareness PRESS RELEASE | NORTH DAKOTA GAME AND FISH NORTH DAKOTA — Outdoor enthusiasts need to be aware of early ice conditions before traveling onto and across North Dakota waters.

A few reminders include: • Edges firm up faster than farther out from shore.

• Snow insulates ice, which in turn inhibits solid ice formation, hiding cracks, weak and open water areas.

• Ice can form overnight, causing unstable conditions. Ice thickness is not consistent, as it can vary significantly within a few inches.

• Avoid cracks, pressure ridges, slushy or darker areas that signal thinner ice. The

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• •

same goes for ice that forms around partially submerged trees, brush, embankments or other structures.

Anglers should drill test holes as they make their way out on the lake, and an ice chisel should be used to check ice thickness while moving around.

Daily temperature changes cause ice to expand and contract, affecting its strength.

The following minimums are recommended for travel on clear-blue lake ice formed under ideal conditions. However, early in winter it’s a good idea to double these figures to be safe: 4 inches for a group walking single file; 6 inches for a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle;

8-12 inches for an automobile; and 12-15 inches for a pickup/ truck.

And some life-saving safety tips: • Wear a personal flotation device and carry a cell phone.

• Carry ice picks or a set of screwdrivers to pull yourself back on the ice if you fall through.

• If someone breaks through the ice, call 911 immediately. Rescue attempts should employ a long pole, board, rope, blanket or snowmobile suit. If that’s not possible, throw the victim a life jacket, empty water jug or other buoyant objects. Go to the victim as a last resort,

•

but do this by forming a human chain where rescuers lie on the ice with each person holding the feet of the person in front.

To treat hypothermia, replace wet clothing with dry clothing and immediately transport the victim to a hospital.

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Thursday, December 14, 2023

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Oil & Ag

A lasting commitment to our outdoors

BY NORTH DAKOTA PETROLEUM COUNCIL

We would like to wish everyone

MERRY CHRISTMAS and Happy New Year!

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY NORTH DAKOTA PETROLEUM COUNCIL

NORTH DAKOTA — North Dakota Petroleum Foundation’s Planting for the Future is a legacy project that has planted over 353,300 trees since 2018, with more than 100 projects completed throughout North Dakota. Planting for the Future’s goal is to work with industry, wildlife groups, the Outdoor Heritage Fund, and private landowners to create large-scale tree and shrub plantings on private land that will serve as habitat for wildlife and preserve our state’s natural beauty.

“The North Dakota Petroleum Foundation and members of the oil and gas industry embrace responsible practices, innovation and conservation to safeguard North Dakota’s natural resources for generations to come,” said Executive Director, Tessa Sandstrom. “Planting for the Future has become a keystone program in those efforts, and we’re proud of the work we have done to enhance and conserve habitat and our outdoor heritage.”

Planting for the Future is made possible through the support of industry companies, including ConocoPhillips, TC Energy, Pembina Pipeline/Aux Sable, Hess Corporation, Marathon Petroleum, Marathon Oil, Enbridge, and ONEOK, as well as the Outdoor Heritage Fund. “Participation from individual oil and gas companies and their employees, whether through volunteering or contributions in funds, shows the industry’s continued commitment to North Dakota’s environment and its outdoor heritage,” said Sandstrom. “We are appreciative of their support, as well as the support from the Outdoor Heritage Fund that has helped make this program possible.”

The King family participated in the program last year to plant trees on land they had purchased with the goal of enhancing the property as a wildlife habitat. “We really appreciate the opportunity to participate in this program. We hope this property will become a generational home for our family.

Planting for the Future is a very apt name.

We would like to thank the Foundation on behalf of our growing family for allowing us to participate in the program,” said Paul King.

In 2021, Planting for the Future was awarded the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission (IOGCC) Chairman’s Environmental Partnership Award. The Environmental Partnership Award recognizes innovative projects led by non-industry organizations with the cooperation and participation of industry.

The Foundation’s Planting for the Future program is just one of many ways the oil and natural gas industry is working to keep North Dakota a great place to live, work, and play.

Annually, the ND Petroleum Foundation, with the help of industry volunteers, also partners with the Mule Deer Foundation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in a Volunteer Day to remediate and enhance mule deer habitat in North Dakota.

In the spring of 2023, they also partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to remove three miles of old fence and replace it with wildlife-friendly fencing.

“Working with the North Dakota Petroleum Council and Foundation and its members has not only been fun and productive, but it has proven a way in which industry and conservation can work together to improve our state’s habitat,” said Marshall Johnson, Director of Field Operations for the Mule Deer Foundation. “These Industry Habitat Project days have resulted in the removal of nearly 10 miles of old dilapidated fencing, the reduction of juniper encroachment on native ND grasses and forbs, and a major cleanup of flood debris on the Lewis & Clark WMA. The NDPC and Foundation’s commitment and support to the Mule Deer Foundation mission shows that we can all be connected by conservation.”

“We don’t just work here, we live here,” said Ron Ness, President of the ND Petroleum Foundation. “Our industry is committed to developing our state’s abundant natural resources with the least impact on the land and wildlife, and with the greatest benefit to the people of North Dakota. The work of the NDPF is just one of many ways we deliver on that promise every day in North Dakota.”

May the spirit of the season bless you and your family beyond measure. May we all be aware of those less fortunate around us this season and may the gift of the Savior fill your heart and home with all the joys this season brings.

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Thursday, December 14, 2023

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Culture

Fourth Avenue East bringing back tradition of Luminary Sunday

BY FALON JUSTICE

One of my core memories of Christmas during my childhood in Williston is walking through the Fourth Avenue East neighborhood lit with luminaries. The neighborhood would come together for caroling, hot chocolate and even Santa Claus in a red jeep, waving at everyone who drove by. Even though the temperatures sometimes dropped to 20 to 30 below, the neighborhood continued the tradition.

I was reminiscing with a girlfriend about it the other day. As she currently lives on Fourth Avenue East, but said the participation has lost steam. Cue my overly emotional response; I am a woman on a mission.

See, I love Williston. Like, I really, really love Williston. Born and raised here, I remember all the things from yesteryears and am excited to see new traditions and events happen every year. The diversity of Williston is crazy — we really are a melting pot, and while I am always down to try something new, I just couldn’t get the idea of the Sunday Luminaries out of my head.

I want to show my children why I loved it so much.

It all started with Leoria Sukut’s parents, the Weissmans. They had witnessed luminaries in Texas and wanted to bring that beauty back home, so they started the Sunday before Christmas on their block of Four Avenue East.

The luminaries are a representation of the lighting of the way for Christ’s birth and illumination of the spirit. Although modern tradition has evolved into Christmas luminaries decorating sidewalks, driveways, rooftops and windows as a way to guide travelers to their holiday destinations.

Once the Weissmans started putting out luminaries, soon the whole neighborhood was lit up. They would come together for caroling, hot chocolate and Santa Claus even rode in a red jeep waving at everyone who drove by. Marg Mckennet remembers that event and even though the temperatures were cold, the neighborhood carried on with the tradition.

Bethel Lutheran Home does their own version by lighting luminaries in the halls in memory of lost loved ones. The Williston Convention and Visitors Bureau does their own version of Luminary Sunday at

the Spring Lake Park Holiday Lights Drive where hundreds of luminaries are set along the path and lit for the evening.

This year, the community is working to bring back the tradition on Fourth Avenue East. On Dec. 17 at dark, take a drive through Fourth Avenue East — starting at 18th Street East heading south toward 11th Street East. Both Fourth Avenue and Hillcourt will be aglow! Starting around 5:30 p.m., local groups are selling hot chocolate, and collecting canned goods donations for a local food bank, and Christmas carolers will be singing. There is even a rumor that Santa Claus himself is making his way to help.

While the tradition is rooted in Fourth Avenue East, there is no reason why every neighborhood couldn’t participate. I encourage everyone to chat with their neighbors, break out those lunch bags, and help spread the holiday cheer.

CP Holiday Train PRESS RELEASE | NORTH DAKOTA TOURISM

C

P Rail is bringing their Holiday Train back through North Dakota for 2023! The 2023 CPKC Holiday Train will be stopping in North Dakota December 15-16, raising money, food and awareness for the important work that food banks do in their communities. Professional musicians play free concerts from the brightly decorated train’s stage. CPKC makes a donation to the local food shelf at each stop and encourages attendees to also donate. Since 1999, the Candian Pacific Holiday Train has raised more than $21 million and 5 million pounds of food for North American food banks. All donations raised at a Holiday Train stop remain in that community.

All concerts are free but the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train asks you to bring an

from 9:15 pm to 9:45 pm.

Saturday, December 16th: Carrington - Carrington Depot at 601 6th Avenue NE. The train arrives at 1:30 pm.

Performance from 1:45 pm to 2:15 pm.

Harvey - 600 Lincoln Avenue. The train arrives at 3:45. Performance from 4 pm to 4:30 pm. item for the local food bank.

North Dakota 2023 Schedule Friday, December 15th:

Hankinson - American Legion Parking Lot. The train arrives at 6:30 pm. Performance from 6:45 pm to 7:15 pm.

Enderlin - CP Depot, 101 Harvest Lane.

The train arrives at 9:05 pm. Performance

Minot - Main Street Crossing. The train arrives at 6:30 pm. Performance from 6:45 pm to 7:15 pm.

Kenmare - 1st Ave SW and Central Avenue (East side of tracks). The train arrives at 8:30 pm. Performance from 8:45 to 9:15 pm.

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Thursday, December 14, 2023

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Lifestyle

Main Street Musings The real Santa

BY ALYSSA STROMBERG

I

n anticipation of the holidays, observing friends’ festive moments with their little ones sparks memories of my childhood Santa – my grandpa.

Whether at the mall, church parties or any holiday gathering, he embodied Santa’s spirit. When I became a parent, the role passed to great-grandpa.

Grandpa approached Santa duty

with sincerity. Waiting for my grandparents on Christmas Eve, though irksome as a teenager, took on a new meaning. His ever-present Santa suit, accompanied by my eye rolls, held a secret: he made special deliveries to families in need, ensuring their Christmas was merry.

Now, I cherish the legacy of giving he instilled, aspiring to carry it forward into the future. The revelation that he brought joy to families in need through special deliveries is a testament to the true

spirit of Christmas.

As I reflect on these holiday memories, I’m grateful to see my mom carrying on the legacy of the Christmas spirit. She, too, has embraced the joy of giving, finding ways to brighten the Christmases of random strangers. It’s a beautiful continuation of the tradition that my grandpa started, reminding me that the true magic of Christmas lies in spreading warmth and kindness beyond our immediate circles. Together, we honor the spirit of generosity, making our celebrations not just about family but about creating a ripple of joy that reaches far and wide.

As I navigate my own journey of parenthood, I am inspired by this legacy of giving.

My hope is to carry it forward, ensuring that the magic of Christmas extends beyond our family to touch the lives of others.

In embracing this spirit, I aim to create a lasting tradition that echoes the warmth and generosity my grandpa embodied as our beloved Santa. May the joy of giving be a gift we pass down through generations, keeping the magic of the season alive for years to come.

A recollection of Christmas 1929 at home

BY BETTY ANDERSON, SUBMITTED BY ERICA KINGSTON, HER GRANDDAUGHTER

Elizabeth (Betty) Schlichenmayer was born in 1923 and grew up in Turtle Lake, N.D. with her parents and nine siblings. She taught in a rural schoolhouse near Gackle, N.D. where she met and married Jalmer Anderson and together had eight children, 21 grandchildren and many great grandchildren (four of which now reside in Williston.) Betty died in 2013 but left many writings of her life and experiences to her family. The following is her recollection of the Christmas of 1929 at home as a six-year-old girl in Turtle Lake, N.D. The never to be forgotten aroma of mom’s baking still lingers in the house as I open the green door leading into the long hallway to the kitchen. (At least it seemed long when it was my turn to scrub it on my hands and knees).

Christmas baking was an adventure in itself. Mom would often have to substitute ingredients because she didn’t have something and no money to buy it. But the bread and cookies that emerged from her oven always tasted delicious. The big batches of pfeffernusse cookies with real pepper (a recipe from Germany) were stored in a two gallon lard can to stay soft. Honey cookies, ammonia cookies — the kind that get better with age, the all favored sugar cookies (no chocolate chips then), to say nothing about the mouth watering kuchen — mostly prune because that was the cheapest fruit to buy.

A stronger aroma jumps out of the layers of wallpaper and lingers in the air. The smell of sauerkraut and knephla, sweet and

sour cabbage, fry sausage, bumbuska rolled in garlic juice, pickled cucumbers, pickled beets, pickled watermelon, pickled pigs feet — you name it, mom would pickle it. My dad often drank the pickle juice as each jar was emptied. Could that account for his 96 years on this earth?

Coming home from church we gather in the living room to continue our Christmas Eve Celebration.

There is no beautiful tree. Red and green garland is stretched criss-cross across the ceiling with a red bell hanging in the middle.

The bell is one of those that are folded flat for storage and unfolded to form a bell. They don’t make them anymore but I still have one in my Christmas decoration box.

There is a homemade fireplace that Olga fashioned from a large packing box rescued from Haas’s store trash pile. It is covered with red brick-like paper. Mom’s large Christmas cactus plant in full bloom sets on the top of the fireplace. And look! Inside the fireplace are presents. We don’t hang stockings or be-

lieve in a Santa — we know the presents are from mom and dad. One present for each of us. The lack of getting many gifts, decorations or money did not block our happiness.

I learned later that unexpected riches are hidden in the common things stashed away in the “everyday.” In the everyday of our spiritual training in word and deed. Such as the family kneeling around the breakfast table and hearing dad pray in German, mentioning each of us by name. And when farmers would come to our house on Sunday afternoon to talk “cattle” my dad would say, “I don’t do business on the Lord’s Day but I’ll come to your farm tomorrow.” Then too, watching mom live daily the Good Book in her loving and caring concern for the needs of others.

How can any yardstick measure the vastness of such spiritual benefits.

The presents were given out. We are happy and satisfied with our gift. Our gift is not wrapped in colorful Christmas paper tied with a bright bow but in plain store pa-

per tied with store string that had wrapped mom’s purchases earlier.

The highlight of the evening in my eyes was when mom gave each of us a Christmas Sack. Another sack of goodies all my own!

The reason for this sack is that mom wanted each of us to receive equal amount of the candy dad brought from the Jews in St. Paul, the peanuts and walnuts dad bought in huge amounts from Uncle John Steinwandt of California and were hidden under mom’s bed until the right time, and the fruit bought in town.

This sack, along with the one from church, entertained me for weeks. Inside it I discovered startling, delightful, simple surprises that kept me looking forward to each day of the Christmas vacation. Remember, we did not have a movie picture house or a T.V., or DVD or even the five cents for an ice cream cone from the cafe on main street. But I do have my sack. I carry it with me during the day and hide it at night. I count the leftover candy. The box of Cracker Jack lasted for days and the surprise inside was a thrill of its own. Eating the nuts was an adventure.

Did you know that the face of Santa Claus is inside of every peanut? Open one and see.

Did you know that some almonds contain twin nuts?

Did you know I won a lot of nuts from my siblings by being able to open a Brazil nut without breaking the nut inside? And often I had to use a pliers because someone else had the only real nutcracker we had.

The Christmas vacation is over — the Christmas sack is empty but Christmas in Turtle Lake has gone deep into the resources of my memory.

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Thursday, December 14, 2023

Health & Wellness

How to tell if it’s a cold, the flu, COVID-19 or RSV

T

here's much to look forward to at the start of winter. The holiday season starts winter off with a bang, while outdoor enthusiasts know their chances to hit the slopes and ski and snowboard are just beginning. Sports fans know January marks the return of the National Football League playoffs, while travelers who need a little winter warmth often designate February as a month to soak up some sun in a faraway locale.

With so much to do each winter, it's especially problematic when you come down with a cold. However, winter tends to be cold and flu season in many areas, as viruses tend to spread more easily when people spend more time indoors. This winter, people may wonder if their sniffles indicate they have a cold, the flu or a sign of something more serious, such as COVID-19 or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Anyone unsure of what's behind a cold-like illness is urged to speak with their physician. In addition, the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases notes that the common cold, the flu, COVID-19, and RSV present some similar symptoms, but also some unique ones.

Though each illness is complex, the frequency with which some symptoms present may indicate which issue a person is dealing with.

· Sore throat: Sometimes · Wheezing: Rarely

Knowledge of those symptoms and their frequency can help people determine if the culprit behind their winter illness is a cold, the flu, COVID-19, or RSV. Cold · Aches: Sometimes · Difficulty breathing: Rarely · Fatigue: Sometimes · Fever: Rarely · Loss of taste or smell: Rarely · Sore throat: Often · Wheezing: Rarely Flu · Aches: Often · Difficulty breathing: Rarely · Fatigue: Often · Fever: Often · Loss of taste or smell: Rarely

COVID-19 · Aches: Sometimes · Difficulty breathing: Often · Fatigue: Often · Fever: Sometimes · Loss of taste or smell: Sometimes · Sore throat: Often · Wheezing: Rarely RSV · Aches: Rarely · Difficulty breathing: Sometimes · Fatigue: Rarely · Fever: Sometimes · Loss of taste or smell: Rarely · Sore throat: Rarely · Wheezing: Often Individuals who are concerned by the presence of cold- or flu-like symptoms are urged to speak with their physicians.

Though many instances of cold, flu, COVID-19, and RSV will go away without medical intervention, each condition can pose a significant health risk in certain situations.

Prairie Fare: Are you “souped up” for winter?

Soup can help optimize our nutrition and perhaps our health.

BY JULIE GARDEN-ROBINSON, NDSU EXTENSION FOOD AND NUTRITION SPECIALIST

I

remember coming home after school on a cold winter day to the sound of a hissing pressure cooker.

I could hear that vegetable-beef soup was on the menu. The aroma of freshly baked bread often accompanied the sound of the pressure cooker.

I even ate the chunks of rutabagas that showed up in fall vegetable soups.

Many years later, when I was first married, I had to convince my husband about the value of soup.

“Soup is not a meal,” he said. I think he thought of soup as the opening act for the “real food.”

Guess who won this difference of opinion. For decades, we have eaten of all kinds of soup regularly, especially during fall and winter months.

Soup is a warming comfort food, and most of us have a favorite.

Are you “souped up” for winter? The phrase “souped up” goes back more than 90 years according to the dictionary definition.

“Souped up” was applied to vehicles getting optimized for power and performance. Our bodies are somewhat like vehicles. We have an engine in the form of our hard-working heart and muscles to propel us forward, even when we do not feel like shoveling snow.

Maybe you have had a seasonal cold.

Chicken soup with vegetables may have helped you feel better.

Soup provides hydration, and the steam emerging from a bowl of soup might actually help when you have a stuffy nose.

The vegetables provide vitamins and minerals, and chicken is a good source of protein.

Soup is part of worldwide cuisine.

Have you tried cold tomato-based gazpacho soup of Spain during warmer months?

How about minestrone soup from Italy, beet-based borscht soup that originated in Russia, clam chowder from New England, egg drop soup that is popular in China, Vietnamese pho that makes use of bone broth, onion and ginger, or lentil soup from the Middle East?

These soups with international origins can form the basis of an exploration of recipes during cold winter months.

Soup can help optimize our nutrition and perhaps our health. Soup is high in liquid, so it is hydrating and often lower in calories.

Consider these tips to optimize the nutritional properties of soup: • Use vegetable, chicken or beef broth with less sodium. Or, make your own stock using leftover chicken or turkey bones, vegetable scraps and water.

• Add extra vegetables to your soup.

We often shortchange ourselves on vegetable consumption. The current recommendation for most adults and kids is 2 ½ cups per day, on average.

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• • • • •

Vegetables provide vitamins, minerals and fiber. To stretch your food dollar, you can add leftover vegetables from the previous night’s meal to soup.

If you purchase soup as an ingredient, compare the sodium content. Some types of soup provide more than half the day’s recommendation of sodium in one serving.

Instead of adding salt, enhance the flavor of soup with the addition of fresh herbs toward the end of cooking.

Add some pulse foods (kidney beans, chickpeas, lentils) to your soup, which enhances the protein and fiber content.

Add some pearled barley, brown rice or whole-grain pasta.

Choose lean meats when making soup.

Chill the soup and skim the fat that often congeals on top of the soup.

If making a creamy soup, consider using half and half or milk instead of cream to reduce the fat and calories.

(Julie Garden-Robinson, Ph.D., R.D., L.R.D., is a North Dakota State University Extension food and nutrition specialist and professor in the Department of Health, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences.)

Julie Garden-Robinson’s original column for North Dakota State University “Prairie Fare: Are you “souped up” for winter?” can be found at https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/news/columns/ prairie-fare/prairie-fare-are-you-201csoupedup201d-for-winter

Rustic Tomato Basil Soup

BY JULIE GARDEN-ROBINSON, NDSU EXTENSION FOOD AND NUTRITION SPECIALIST

USE FRESH OR DRAINED, CANNED WHOLE TOMATOES IN THIS RUSTIC TOMATO BASIL SOUP. (PIXABAY PHOTO)

Here’s one of my all-time favorites, tomato-basil soup. You can substitute drained, canned whole tomatoes for fresh tomatoes if you’d like. Enhance their flavor by roasting the canned tomatoes in the oven. Tomato soup is especially delicious with grilled cheese sandwiches on wholegrain bread.

Rustic Tomato Basil Soup • • • • • • • • • • •

2½ pounds fresh, ripe tomatoes, halved (or drained, canned tomatoes) 4 tablespoons olive oil ½ tablespoon salt 1 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste 2 medium onions, chopped 10 garlic cloves, chopped 2 (14½-ounce) cans fire-roasted tomatoes with juices 3 cups fresh basil leaves, lightly packed 2 teaspoons dried oregano 6 cups unsalted vegetable stock 1 teaspoon sugar, depending on sweetness of tomatoes

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large rimmed sheet pan, combine the fresh tomatoes, 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast in an even layer for 45 to 60 minutes. While tomatoes are roasting, in a large heavy pot saute onions in olive oil for one minute. Add garlic and saute another minute. Add the fire-roasted tomatoes with juices, fresh basil, oregano and vegetable stock. Stir to combine well.

Add your oven-roasted tomatoes (and any liquid that may be on baking sheet) and bring to a low boil. Simmer for 30 minutes uncovered. Use an immersion blender or food processor to puree soup until desired texture. Add 1 teaspoon of sugar to taste, if needed. Add additional salt and/or black pepper as needed.

Makes six (2-cup) servings. Each serving has 200 calories, 10 grams (g) fat, 4 g protein, 24 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber and 510 milligrams sodium.