Vocella Graphic - December 28, 2024 by Vocella, Inc.

Vol. 1 Issue 9

Thursday, December 28, 2023

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A Community Newspaper Serving Williston and the Bakken Area

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Thursday, December 28, 2023

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In this issue About Us

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, We find ourselves in that week between Christmas and New Year’s — when the kids are still home from school, most parents have to head back to work, things still feel festive and no one really knows what day it is. Many will be celebrating the year that was — the accomplishments they achieved, the battles they won. Others will be looking to the future, ready to dive into 2024 with big plans and goals. However, that’s not always the case, and it’s harder and harder these days to not compare yourself to everyone you see posting on social media with their wins. Last year, we had an article about choosing a word for the new year. This year, I’ve chosen the word grace. This word holds a large spot in my life — and not necessarily the religious meaning. Grace, in simple terms, is interacting with the world with kindness and goodwill. When I’m frustrated with someone, I find this word popping into my thoughts. “Extend grace.” I don’t know what they’re experiencing. I’m not always at my best either. I often tell my kids to extend grace to themselves — I’m not always so good at extending it to myself, so it’s definitely one of those “do as I say, not as I do” situations. I’m working on it. When they’re hard on themselves, I ask them, “If so-and-so had done this, would you tell them they’re [insert negativity here]?” The answer is always no. If you can offer someone else that grace, you can — and should — offer it to yourself. Listen. The past few years have been rough for most everybody. If all you did was survive 2023 — you did it! You survived! I’m proud of you. You should be, too.

Falon Justice

Managing Engagement Editor/Sales

Erica Kingston

Copy Editor/Writer

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

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

McKenna Layne

Reach us by email or phone: Monday - Thursday | 9:00am to 5:00pm & Friday | 9:00am - Noon Office hours are by appointment. Call 701.572.4851

Vonni Anderson

Accounts Receivable

Heather Calkins Web Ops

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OIL & AG — Sustainable agriculture

WEATHER — Winter 2024 — Icy road driving tips

Socials

Office Hours

Design/Social Media

NEWS 04 — USDA invests in rural communities — University tuition discounts — ND Population estimates

Kary Moltzan, Lead Designer SENIOR PAGE

Karolyn Moltzan

Lead Design/Production

PROFILES 03 — Williston Community Library

LIFESTYLE 07 Wishing you a peacefulness within and the greatest capacity for grace in 2024 and beyond, — Evaluating online information

J.C. & Susan LaBar Owners/Publishers

This Issue

THE COMMUNITY SHOPPER Classifieds 03 Job listings 04 Puzzle Page 05 Community Calendars 06 To Do About Town 07 & Announcements Realty 08

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Thursday, December 28, 2023

Profiles

A place for everyone THE WILLISTON COMMUNITY LIBRARY

BY FALON JUSTICE

he Williston Community Library is a not-sohidden gem in Williston. The librarian at the helm of all things fun, educational and inclusive is Andrea Placher, and she is leading a fantastic crew. When most think of the library, they imagine books upon books, but the staff at the Williston Community Library has worked incredibly hard to bring so much more to the library. From the wall of board games (with all the pieces) to the Wonderbooks waiting for little ears, the library is a place for many to use computers, read the latest newspapers, play chess and so much more. Their monthly calendar includes: baby time, toddler time, storytime, chips & chapters book club, S.T.E.A.M., teen Thursday, LEGO time and adult crafting classes. Along with the monthly activities, the library also hosts free community events such as the Conversations Beyond Life series; conversations aimed at demystifying and destigmatizing discussions around death and dying where the community can join Alex Johnson and guest panelists in a safe, empathetic space for everyone to openly discuss and explore the many aspects, experiences and emotions associated with death. Getting a Library Card Library cards are free to all Williams County residents who can provide a photo ID with a current address. Surrounding county cards are available for a nominal fee. WSC students can get a card valid for one year with a 15 item limit at no charge. Paid patrons such as residents in surrounding counties

“Libraries do one thing that no other institution does and that’s provide access to all.” — LeVar Burton

of McKenzie, Divide, Mountrail and Montana counties to Sheridan, Roosevelt and Richland county can get a card valid for one year with a 15 item limit for a $20 fee. Persons residing in hotels, motels, man camps or worksite housing do not qualify for library cards. All the benefits of having a card include the standard checking out of books, but also printing and scanning for a small fee; they also offer exam proctoring and have books for donation and sale. Other resources available with a library card include: Library2Go Library2go or Libby by Overdrive offers a wide variety of eBooks and audiobooks to anyone with a valid library card. Libby is a free app that allows access to Library2go. Digital Horizons Digital Horizons is an online resource for thousands of images, documents, videos and oral histories depicting life on the Northern Plains from the late 1800s to today with fascinating snapshot of the lives, culture and history of the people who shaped life on the prairies. Kanopy Stream thousands of films, TV shows and documentaries for free with your North Dakota State Library card. Mango Languages Mango Languages features user-friendly instruction in more than 70 languages, including Spanish, French, German and English.

North Dakota State Library Additional online library resources are provided by the North Dakota State Library. Rocket Languages Mango adapts to your unique learning style, so you pick up on new vocabulary, intuit unfamiliar grammatical structure, and train your pronunciation, all while boosting your cultural IQ. Teen Book Cloud Teen Book Cloud offers a robust selection of graphic novels, enhanced novels, eBooks, classic literature, National Geographic videos and audiobooks with no downloads and no waiting. Tumble Book Library Tumble Book Library has over 1,100 titles for children. Including animated, talking picture books, chapter books, graphic novels, non-fiction books, playlists and books in Spanish and French with no downloads or waiting. Tumble Math Tumble Math is a collection of math stories available anywhere in our world-famous Tumble Book format, combining animation, narration and sound with no downloads no waiting. The library is for everyone and the staff works hard to include everyone. If you have an hour or two to spare, stop by or check out the BookMobile if you see it stopped. The Williston Community Library is located at 1302 Davison Drive in Williston and their phone number is 701774-8805. They are open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1-5 p.m. Visit their website at willistonlibrary.com.

Read a book

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Thursday, December 28, 2023

News & Updates

USDA Invests $150,000 to repair and rehabilitate homes in rural communities in North Dakota PRESS RELEASE | CHRIS FREEMAN, USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT

FARGO, N.D. — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director Erin Oban today announced $150,000 in total grants awarded to three organizations to facilitate the repair and rehabilitate of homes owned and occupied in rural North Dakota communities. “Accessing safe, affordable, accessible housing is a challenge in North Dakota, especially in our state’s rural communities,” said Oban. “The Biden Administration has prioritized and is making record investments in rural people and places to ensure everyone in this country, regardless of zip code, has the opportunity to succeed. These investments help to get and keep people in their homes with their loved ones safer and longer, improving their quality of life and strengthening our rural communities.” North Dakota awards include: • North Central Planning Council will use a $50,000 grant to replace roofs and windows for two multifamily housing buildings, in the city of Maddock, North Dakota. This project will improve the living conditions in 11 units for low and very low-income families. • Rebuilding Together Fargo-Moorhead will use a $50,000 grant to provide funding to approximately seven single-family occupied homes in Cass and Traill Counties. The grant can help to repair or replace windows, furnaces, Americans with Disabilities Act modifications, and other energy-saving updates. • Red River Regional Council will use a $50,000 grant to provide home repairs to approximately eight single-family occupied homes in Nelson County. This project will help to repair or place windows, furnaces, Americans with Disability Act modifications, and other parts of the home. Background: Housing Preservation Grants The Housing Preservation Grants Program provides grants to sponsoring organizations for the repair or rehabilitation of housing owned or occupied by low and very-low-income rural citizens. Most State and local government entities, nonprofit organizations, and Federally Recognized Tribes are eligible to apply for this program. The housing must be located in a rural area

or town with 20,000 or less people or located on Federally Recognized Tribal lands. New Web Resources for Rural Communities USDA Rural Development today also unveiled two new web resources that underscore the agency’s mission to ensure all people have equitable access to federal programs. A new history webpage traces USDA Rural Development’s evolution from the Great Depression and New Deal to the present, highlighting the many ways the agency supports efforts to create prosperity in rural communities. A new feature on Rural.gov makes it easier to find these federal resources in one place. The Find Programs and Opportunities tool includes hundreds of millions of dollars in financing and technical assistance opportunities that are easy to search, filter and find. This information will help people in rural areas access funding for a variety of business, health care, housing, community, and economic development needs. Under the leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda. gov. USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

To boost enrollment, public university systems go big on tuition discounts BY MIKE MOEN, PRAIRIE NEWS SERVICE NORTH DAKOTA — States like North and South Dakota are in a fierce battle to keep college affordable as public schools navigate the ebbs and flows of enrollment trends. Researchers tracking high-school graduation data predict smaller class sizes within the next few years. That could mean fewer seniors filling out college applications. The South Dakota Board of Regents has taken notice and last week, it approved offering in-state tuition rates to more nearby states - including Kansas, Minnesota and Missouri. Executive Director Nathan Lukkes said while enrollment has rebounded at South Dakota schools, they know challenges lie ahead. “There are just going to be less high school graduates to compete for, across the region and the country,” said Lukkes. “Regionally, you’re going to see universities and states stepping up their game to try to be more competitive.” He pointed to Minnesota’s recent adoption of its North Star Promise Scholarship program, which will make tuition free

at public colleges and universities for families earning less than $80,000 a year. In response, North Dakota leaders are eyeing a similar approach, and North Dakota State University just announced its own free tuition program for Minnesota and instate students. Researchers also note high schools are graduating more diverse groups of students, presenting opportunities for college recruiters. Lukkes said it’s happening in larger cities in his part of the country. “You know, we’re seeing a growth in underrepresented, first-generation populations,” he added. As they expand recruitment, Lukkes said it’s important for schools and policymakers to enhance resources for students from different racial and ethnic backgrounds. As for South Dakota’s efforts, the Board of Regents says between 2018 and 2023, it saw a 20% enrollment increase in students from other states that were part of its initial rollout for competitive tuition rates. Support for this reporting was provided by Lumina Foundation.

Burgum welcomes new record population estimate of 783,926 for North Dakota from U.S. Census Bureau PRESS RELEASE | NORTH DAKOTA OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR BISMARCK, N.D. — Gov. Doug Burgum today announced a record high population estimate for North Dakota this year, with the U.S. Census Bureau showing the state’s population reached a new all-time high of 783,926 residents as of July 1, 2023. The estimate released this week represents an increase of 4,665 residents from last year’s estimate and is 4,847 residents more than the official 2020 census count. North Dakota was one of 42 states that saw their population estimates increase this year. “North Dakota continues working to attract and retain residents by building healthy, vibrant communities, cutting taxes and supporting economic development, and we’re encouraged that a record number of residents are enjoying our state’s outstanding quality of life for the second straight year,” Burgum said. North Dakota’s 2022 population estimate of 779,261 was a record at the time, and it indicated that a population loss experienced from the 2020 official census to the

2021 estimate – attributed mainly to outmigration and the impact of lower oil prices – had begun to reverse. Estimates are reported as of July 1 of each year, while the official 10-year census is as of April 1 of years ending in a zero. “This week’s release from the Census Bureau shows that the pattern of migration since the pandemic has switched from a net loss of residents to a net gain in the most recent timeframe,” said Kevin Iverson, State Data Center manager at the North Dakota Department of Commerce. With the estimate released this week, North Dakota remains the 47th most populous state, ahead of Alaska and behind South Dakota. Since 2010, North Dakota has been among the nation’s fastest-growing states, estimated to have grown by more than 16% since 2010. Only six states – Idaho, Utah, Texas, Florida, Nevada and Colorado – are estimated to have grown by a higher percentage since 2010.

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Thursday, December 28, 2023

Oil & Ag

Cultivating growth:

FARRMS’ role in supporting sustainable agriculture in North Dakota BY VOCELLA STAFF

We would like to wish everyone

MERRY CHRISTMAS and Happy New Year!

NORTH DAKOTA — In the rich agricultural landscape of North Dakota, the Foundation for Agricultural and Rural Resources Management and Sustainability is leading the charge in fostering sustainable farming practices. At its heart, FARRMS is more than just an advocate for sustainable agriculture; it is a cultivator of growth, education and community support. FARRMS plays a crucial role in supporting local food systems in North Dakota and the Red River Valley. It empowers farmers through education, peer support and lending, all geared towards sustainable agricultural practices. This support is vital in a state where agriculture is a key component of the economy and community life. One of FARRMS’ pivotal programs includes a course tailored for new farmers. This course aids participants in developing a comprehensive farm plan, focusing on realistic goal setting, resource assessment and market analysis. The emphasis is on sustainable management, stewarding natural resources and essential aspects of agriculture like finances, record-keeping and marketing. Such education is instrumental in ensuring that new farmers are well-prepared to embrace sustainable farming practices. Further augmenting its educational outreach, FARRMS collaborates with Think Regeneration, a coalition focused on soil health. They host leadership programs to foster networking, relationship building and skill development among farmers, ranchers, researchers and industry professionals. This collaboration highlights FARRMS’ commitment to not only growing crops but also cultivating leaders in the agricultural sector.

FARRMS also extends practical learning opportunities through internships. These internships, ranging from local farms to farmers’ markets, provide hands-on experience in farming skills, knowledge and food systems marketing. Such opportunities are essential for practical learning and understanding the nuances of sustainable agriculture. Additionally, FARRMS offers an array of webinars and workshops. These learning platforms cover new skills and techniques in sustainable farming, allowing farmers to stay updated with the latest trends and practices in agriculture. FARRMS understands the financial challenges faced by farmers. To mitigate this, they provide loans to help farm businesses grow. This financial support is a testament to FARRMS’ commitment to not just educate but also economically empower farmers. In the words of Stephanie Blumhagen, executive director, FARRMS is not just growing crops but growing farmers. Their vision is to create a sustainable agricultural community that not only supports local food systems but also contributes significantly to the health and vitality of North Dakota’s economy and its people. FARRMS embodies the spirit of sustainable agriculture in North Dakota. Through its multifaceted programs, FARRMS is ensuring that sustainable farming is not just a concept but a living, thriving practice that enriches the land, the community, and the lives of those who work it. The foundation’s efforts are a beacon of hope and growth, nurturing a new generation of farmers who are equipped, educated, and empowered to carry forward the legacy of sustainable agriculture.

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.

Early Booking Seed Discounts

701-572-8354

horizonresources.coop

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Thursday, December 28, 2023

Weather

What to expect for the 2024 El Niño winter weather BY ERICA KINGSTON

s the new year is ushered in, most of the midwestern states, including North Dakota, have felt a bit off with the unseasonably warm weather the winter has brought this far. Although welcomed, these 30-40 degree temperatures are unusual for this time of year and the El Niño weather pattern is to thank. According to the time-honored guide of the 2024 Farmer’s Almanac, the El Niño is a key factor in shaping the 2024 winter, bringing above average temperatures and below average snowfall. El Niño, or “little boy” in Spanish, is characterized by the warming of the sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern parts of the Pacific Ocean. It tends to bring warmer and dryer conditions to the northern United States and Canada with increased precipitation to the southern U.S. states. El Niño patterns also globally affect South America, Asia and Africa. With ocean temperatures off the coast of South America being above normal, El Niño has brought warmer, dryer weather

to North Dakota. Coming into 2024, the rest of winter can expect much of the same weather according to KFYR. “That doesn’t mean there won’t be any cold snaps, but Arctic air will likely have fewer opportunities to spill down into our region with the polar jet stream overall farther north and east,” meteorologist Jacob Morse stated in a KFYR online news post. “The outlooks as we transition into the winter months and even throughout the season show this signal for above normal temperatures as a whole.” Northwestern North Dakota is estimated to have 40-50% below average snowfall for the winter, according to KFYR. This year’s El Niño is slated to be a strong one. The 2015-2016 El Niño, also considered strong, brought 7.7 degrees warmer average temperatures in the December through February months and only 24.1 inches of snowfall for the entire season. The winter of 1997-1998 was also a strong El Niño that preceded the historic snow season of 19961997. Last year the polar opposite weather

was occurring at this time. December 2023 brought repeated blizzards to northwest North Dakota and northeastern Montana, resulting in record amounts of snowfall for the year. April of 2022 was also historic when a three-day blizzard eliminated power and brought down power lines and poles. This occurred because a La Niña was taking place for the previous three winter seasons, leaving extreme cold and high snowfall in its tracks. La Niña, a fluctuation in the surface sea temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, brings unusually cold temperatures near the equator and occur erratically every three to five years, often, but not always, following the tail of an El Niño. Usually beginning in the fall and continuing into the spring, La Niña , or “little girl” in Spanish, has most recently occurred during the winter of 2020-2021 and continued until March of 2023. Although it may feel like the other shoe could drop at any time to bring a winter vengeance, that is unlikely. The 2024 Farmer’s Almanac expects winter to remain

warmer than normal across much of the U.S. and Canada.

Navigating icy roads

Essential tips for safe winter driving

BY VOCELLA STAFF

s we navigate through this year’s above-average temperatures, drivers in our region are facing a unique challenge — precipitation occurring when temperatures hover around freezing. While we’re accustomed to handling snow and wind, the current weather conditions, including rain, freezing rain and melting snow that quickly re-freezes, are contributing to icy roadways that we normally experience briefly in fall and spring. With these challenging driving conditions persisting, ensuring safety on the road becomes a priority. Here are tips for driving safely on black ice and snow: Winter Tires: The right tires can make all the difference when driving on icy roads. Having winter tires instead of all-season tires may be worth the investment if you commute daily to and from work or picking up kids. Ensure your tires are properly inflated for optimal performance. Carry Chains: Be prepared for slick conditions. Carry chains if possible and use them when the road becomes slippery. Four-Wheel Drive Caution: While four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicles are

Safety Services: Take advantage of free safety checks, air checks, flat repairs and road hazard protection sometimes offered at local dealerships and tire companies. IMAGE SOURCE: MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY SERVICES; TWITTER.COM/ MONTANADES

advantageous, don’t be overconfident. They don’t necessarily stop or steer better on ice than regular two-wheel drive vehicles. Mind Your Speed: Slow down. Reduced speed decreases the likelihood of skidding and minimizes damage to your vehicle in case of a slide. Gentle Acceleration and Braking: Apply gas and brakes with a light touch. This helps maintain control and stability on icy surfaces. Increase Following Distance: Allow for ten times the usual stopping distance on icy roads. A greater following distance provides more reaction time. No Passing: Avoid passing other vehicles on icy roads. If someone attempts to pass you, gently steer to the shoulder to create additional space. Road Icing Signs: Your car thermome-

ter is not an accurate indicator of road conditions. Look for ice on wipers, mirrors, road signs or trees as signs of potential hazards. Avoid Night Driving: Consider avoiding driving at night or very early in the morning when temperatures are at their coldest, if possible. Beware of Black Ice: Black ice is thin ice that can look like water on the road - which can be especially hazardous with temps hovering right at freezing. Watch for signs of icing elsewhere and stay vigilant. Bridge Caution: Exercise extra caution on bridges, overpasses and ramps — they freeze and thaw more rapidly due to their concrete composition. Defroster Usage: If rain or snow turns to freezing rain while driving, use the defroster to prevent ice buildup on your windshield.

When driving downhill in slick conditions: Anti-lock Brakes (ABS): If your vehicle is equipped with ABS, start at the top of the hill as slowly as possible. Use light, steady pressure on the brake pedal to maintain traction. No Cruise Control: Avoid using cruise control in icy conditions to retain steering control. Stay Patient: If your vehicle feels unstable, lift off the gas without slamming on the brakes. Patience is key to safe winter driving. The best way to stay safe on icy roads is to avoid them altogether. However, if you must travel when road conditions are not ideal, be prepared, stay informed and exercise patience. By following these tips, you can make your winter journeys safer and more enjoyable. Safe travels. Article adapted from Les Schwab “How to Drive Safely on Ice: Top Tips for Keeping Your Car on the Road” found at lesschwab.com

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Thursday, December 28, 2023

Lifestyle

Prairie Fare: Try this tool to evaluate online information The CRAAP test is a set of criteria to help people evaluate information found online

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

e encounter a variety of abbreviations and acronyms in our daily life. Some of this shorthand may appear in text messages, on websites and from a variety of media. My kids think I am from the dinosaur age when I say “what?” in response to a text. They are probably ROFL and thinking YOLO. By the way, that means they are “rolling on the floor laughing.” Sometimes they remind me that “you only live once.” I may use CDC or USDA when I provide references to national sources. WHO provides international health information. As you probably know, these acronyms stand for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the United States Department of Agriculture. WHO is short for the World Health Organization. In teaching about food safety, I sometimes use acronyms such as FATTOM to help people remember the items that promote bacterial growth or deter bacteria from growing. FATTOM is short for food, acidity, temperature, time, oxygen and moisture. FIFO refers to the rule of “first in first out” when storing food. Many of us gather information from lots of sources, especially websites. As we look for accurate information now and into the new year, I came upon a memorable acronym. It’s called the “CRAAP test” and is used widely in universities. Yes, that is the correct spelling, and I didn’t make this up. You can pronounce it

WHEN EVALUATING HEALTH INFORMATION ONLINE, CONSIDER THE INFORMATION’S CURRENCY, RELEVANCE, AUTHORITY, ACCURACY AND PURPOSE.

however you would like. Librarians at California State University-Chico developed the CRAAP checklist to help people evaluate information, especially from websites. CRAAP is short for currency, relevance, authority, accuracy and purpose. In evaluating the currency of information, check when the information was published, revised and updated. Information changes rapidly and 20-year-old website information may not meet today’s standards. In regard to the relevance, think about the intended audience and whether the information answers your questions. Is the information at the appropriate level (not too easy and not overly complex) for your needs? In terms of the authority, check the sources of the information and the author’s credentials. Look at the domain suffix on the website address. Information from educational entities, such as universities, typically end in .edu and government websites end in

.gov.

Next evaluate the accuracy of the information. What is the source of the information? Is the information unbiased and based on evidence from research sources? Last, and maybe most importantly from my perspective, consider the purpose of the information. Is the purpose to inform you, entertain you or sell you something? Be sure the information is objective and not based on someone’s opinion. Considering research-based information, I have something to offer for 2024. We at NDSU Extension and the Department of Health, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences have developed “Nourish.” This program provides North Dakota adults, especially those age 50 and older in rural counties, with information and strategies about nourishing their bodies and minds. Participants in the series will learn how

to eat more nutritiously and be more physically active to help reduce their risk of developing chronic diseases. The program is free of charge both online (in self-paced modules) and face-to-face in many rural North Dakota counties through county Extension. Participants can benefit by signing up for the program to learn ways to maintain health and well-being. As a part of the program, they will set personal goals for taking the learning to implementation in their daily lives. Participants can listen to short videos created by our experts, and complete puzzles, games and quizzes. The activities keep learners engaged and help make the program meaningful. We pilot-tested the program, primarily online in fall 2023, and our participants were very positive about their experiences. Register for Nourish at www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/programs/nourish. More counties add their offerings regularly. This colorful salad makes a nice accompaniment to meals and the variety of ingredients will nourish your body. You can personalize the salad with your choice of salad greens and dressing. Julie Garden-Robinson’s original article for the NDSU Extension, “Prairie Fare: Try this tool to evaluate online infrmation” can be found at https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/news/ columns/prairie-fare/prairie-fare-try-thistool-to-evaluate-online-information

Leafy Greens with Apples, Feta Cheese and Nuts 2½ cups spring greens (or your favorite greens) 1 small apple, cut into thin slices (with skin) ½ cup red grapes, sliced lengthwise 1/8 cup crumbled feta ¼ cup toasted walnut halves (or your favorite nuts) Salad dressing (of choice)

Rinse greens thoroughly under running water. In a large bowl, toss greens, apples and grapes together. Pour favorite dressing over the fruit and lettuce, and toss again to combine. Top salad with feta crumbles and toasted walnuts. Serve immediately.

Makes two servings. Each serving (without salad dressing) has 180 calories, 12 grams (g) fat, 5 g protein, 19 g carbohydrate, 4 g fiber and 115 milligrams sodium.

Williston Senior Center

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Thursday, December 28, 2023

Programs, activities and services to support local seniors looking to stay active, adventurous and connected!

Williston Senior Center

Meet your neighbors, and join in the fun!

Programs, activities and services to support local seniors Foractive, a calendar of upcoming events and ongoing looking to stay adventurous and connected!

activities, stop in or visit us online anytime.

Crafting Cards & Games

Williston Council for the Aging 18 Main St, Williston, ND 58801 701-577-6751 | info@willistonseniors.org www.willistonseniors.org

Meet your neighbors, and join in the fun!

Fitness Special Events

Crafting Meet your Cards & Games neighbors, and Fitness join in the fun! For a calendar & More!of upcoming events and ongoing Special Events activities, stop in or visit us online anytime. Crafting Meals Cards & Games & More!

Meals

Monday-Thursday | 8:00am-4:00pm Friday | 8:00am-3:00pm Saturday — Sunday | Closed

Williston Council for the Aging

January 2024

18 Main St, Williston, ND 58801 701-577-6751 | info@willistonseniors.org www.willistonseniors.org

Monday

Tuesday

& More!

Wednesday Thursday 2

Crafting

Contact Falon at 701-572-4851

Special Events Meals

Meet your neighbors, and join in the fun!

For a calendar of upcoming events and ongoing activities, stop in or visit us online anytime.

Fitness

Advertise in this spot monthly.

Friday 5

Cards & Games Fitness Williston Council for the Aging 18 Main St, Williston, ND 58801 Special Events 701-577-6751 | info@willistonseniors.org www.willistonseniors.org

& More!

Meals

Aaron Schmit - Financial Advisor James Laqua - Financial Advisor Oﬀering a complete range of ﬁnancial products and services

223 Main Street Williston, ND

701-774-4165

The right advice starts with a trusted relationship.

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC, and are not insured by bank insurance, the FDIC or any other government agency, are not deposits or obligations of the bank, are not guaranteed by the bank, and are subject to risks, including the possible loss of principal. American State Bank & Trust Co (ASBT) is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of RJFS. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc.

Please call 701-577-6751 by 9:30a to Add or Cancel Meal Donation of $4 per meal is suggested and appreciated

Slowdown Hoedown Supper & Dance

January 17th, 5:30 - 7:30PM Music provided by “Just Country” (Mabel Colebanks) Seniors must register by january 15th for this event at 577-6751. A $4.00 donation per meal is suggested. Western Attire is encouraged.

(701)-577-3738 •PRE PLANNING Specialists •Monument Design •Personal Care since 1922

** Menu Subject to Change Daily**

Mobility Products 1321 W Dakota Pkwy

• LiftWilliston, Chairs ND • Scooters 701-572-7711 • Power Wheelchairs Equal Opportunity Employer • Stair Lifts

Advertise in this spot monthly. Contact Falon at 701-572-4851 for details.

Northwest Dakota Public Transit Serving Williston & Watford City Seniors (60+) Ride FREE anywhere in city limits Paid for by a grant for seniors.

Door to Door Service Information and Reservations Williston: 701-577-6753 | Watford City: 701-842-3440