Bakken Living Sidney Winter 2020 by Wick Communications

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Bakken Living Sidney, Montana

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Winter 2020

VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 4

Carlson, Christensen, Lawrence

The Flower Basket

Sidney Health Center

Pg 20

HEALTHWORKS MAKES A SPLASH

Pg 15

CHRISTMAS TRENDS 2020

Pg 09

Distinguished Women of Richland County

BAKKEN LIVING SIDNEY, MT Issue 04 - Winter 2020

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Contents HEALTHWORKS MAKES A SPLASH SIDNEY HEALTH CENTER

DISTINGUISHED WOMEN OF RICHLAND COUNTY

09 03 05 07 09

MOVERS AND SHAKERS By Kelly Miller

THE MERC’S TOP SELLING MAKERS By Sidney Mercantile

Q&A WITH MIMI’S KITCHEN McIntyre, Hillesland, & McGrady

DISTINGUISHED WOMEN OF RICHLAND COUNTY

PAGE

Carlson, Lawrence & Christiansen

20 15 18 20 22

CHRISTMAS TRENDS 2020 The Flower Basket

PROCRASTINATION, THE ULTIMATE EVIL By Cara Storm - Farm Bureau Financial Services

HEALTHWORKS MAKES A SPLASH Sidney Health Center HE ATE, SHE ATE By Analicia Haynes

BAKKEN LIVING

A letter from the

Publisher

SIDNEY, MT Issue 04 - Winter 2020

Have a wonderful holiday season and a blessed new year. May 2021 be a shining light of hope for Sidney, the High Plains and the United States of America.

Hearty Beef Stew Ingredients:

Dad & the pack

2 T cooking oil 2 lbs. Beef stewing meat 1/4 cup flour Garlic salt, Accent, and pepper to taste 6 small potatoes (not Idaho (use new potatoes with skins on if possible) 6 small onions 4 good sized carrots 1 can Campbell tomato soup Hearty Burgundy wine 1 8 ounce package quick Pillsbury crescent rolls Instructions:

I have been amazed by the number 1. In heavy stainless or aluminum of women “movers and shakers” in casserole, place oil and stewing Sidney since I moved here two years beef. Sprinkle flour, garlic salt, ago. In this issue we are highlighting Accent and pepper. I like to place our first three amazing women. Our the meat in a plastic bag and goal is to spotlight a few each issue shake with the flour, garlic salt, for the next four issues. If you have a salt and pepper. suggestion please reach out to me. 2. Brown lightly about 10 - 15 minutes. Christmas is my favorite time of 3. In another bowl, Mix soup and year. It’s all about the food (and 3/4 soup can of hearty burgundy. family). Food, glorious food! We hope Pour over meat. Cover and bake you enjoy the new and different 2 hours at 325 degrees or until recipes we have for you in this issue. meat is tender. I am including on this page a favorite 4. Remove meat from oven. Add of mine. It is so good. I think it is one cup water and another 1/2 the wine that makes it so rich and cup hearty burgundy. Mix well flavorful. Unfortunately, Burgundy with meat. Cut carrots in strips, wine only comes in a very large potatoes in half or quarters and bottle. I have this left over if anyone onions in half. Add to casserole. needs it. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for one hour. I feel blessed each year when 5. Remove cover. Place 6 crescent I travel to Michigan and visit my rolls unfolded over stew. Bake family. Neither I, nor my brother ever uncovered for about 20 minutes had children. So you can imagine we or until rolls are golden. Make are a tight-knit little group. We do sure the rolls are good and brown have a pack of dogs that enjoy all the on the top. trappings of the holiday as well. We are small, but we are mighty. Serve with Greek salad. Serves 4 - 6

PUBLISHER Kelly Miller BUSINESS MANAGER Kristin Kennedy ADVERTISING SALES Jessica Kierstead Madina Sult CONTACT US Email:

publisher@sidneyherald.com

Address: 310 2nd Ave. NE Sidney, MT 59270 Phone:

(406) 433-2403

Published by the Sidney Herald and Wick Communications Designed by In the Mix Media Group, LLC PAGE

Veteran eteran owned handmade boutique featuring over 180 makers fr from 10 states, 2 countries, and counting. A little bit of something for everyone.

Chris Entzel, owner | 406-480-3319 Open Tues-Sat 10am to 6pm, Sun 10am to 2pm 214 S. Central Ave., Sidney, MT

BAKKEN LIVING SIDNEY, MT Issue 04 - Winter 2020

Cyndi Harris White Buffalo Apothecary

Chris Entzel Owner

& June, Harey & Dixie Val Butler

MERCANTILE The Sidney Merc is home to over 180 makers/small businesses. Vast majority are from Montana and North Dakota, but they also have items from 8 other states and 2 countries. Every maker is welcome to bring their items in to the Merc.

ulie Lander, mother to 4 amazing children and grandma to a handsome baby boy. Born and raised in Sidney. Making and creating has been a part of her life since she was wee little. Julie comes from a long line of women that were/ are amazing seamstresses. Currently, she make “Mitts”, minky lined up-cycled sweater mittens, perfect for our Northern weather. She also enjoys making honey and goat milk soaps and amazing skin loving bubble truffles, which are just like soaps with a bonus bubble bath options. Her animal loving side owns many dogs and horses. Julie enjoys encouraging others in their journey no matter what it might be and loves being able to see/help others succeed. Erica Elvsaas, mother of 2, is from Froid Montana. She owns and operates Breaking Barnwood, featuring barn

Cyndi Harris, born and raised in Miles City, MT, has resided in Sidney for 22 years. Married to a wonderfully supporting wood signs and rustic crafts. 7 husband, Brad. Cyndi has 2 years ago, she found a unique children and 2 grandchildren. board on an old barn. Erica She makes custom made slapped a photo with a quote epoxy tumblers, refinishes on it then hung it in her home. furniture, and more in her free time. Cyndi creates as a way Family and friends loved her of relaxing and she’s always work and soon orders started rolling in, her business was born. open to trying new crafts. She takes pride in her unique, one of a kind items and enjoys creating custom pieces for people. Erica loves the history of old buildings and the opportunity to turn those old boards into something beautiful. Her items are featured in a few stores in Eastern Montana. Erica loves the flexibility her hobby/job allows, including being able to enjoy a Miller Lite as she crafts.

Trish and Jessie Peiffer, owners of White Buffalo Apothecary, started creating bath bombs years ago when young Jessie wanted to give it a try with her mother’s help. After many attempts and failures, they finally perfected

their recipe of the ever moisturizing butter bomb. Their butter bombs are not only pleasing to the eyes (Jessie is highly skilled at painting each and every one of them) but, they’re also perfect for the skin with our brutally dry air. The duo have also created many salves, scrubs, creams, lotions and more. Many of their items are great for eczema. To this day, Trish is constantly researching and creating new products. Trish and Jessie love seeing the joy and relief their products bring to their many customers.

Please contact Chris Entzel at (406) 480-3319 or just swing on in at 214 S Central Ave, Sidney MT. Sidney Mercantile has normal business hours of TuesdaySaturday 10am-6pm MST and Sundays 10am-2pm MST. Closed Mondays. The Merc is open EVERYDAY for the 2020 holiday season starting November 27-December 23 from 10am-7pm MST and December 24 from 9am-4pm MST.

Val Butler, our local hermit, sews masks at night. She jokes she might be clinically depressed, but we’ll never know since she avoids sunlight. Val has a great sense of humor and you’ll never catch her not wearing flip flops, even during our cold winters. Julie Lander

Breaking Barnwood (Erica Elvsaas)

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BAKKEN LIVING SIDNEY, MT Issue 04 - Winter 2020

406.488 - MIMI (6464) 106 2nd St. SW, Sidney, MT

406.433.4624

WWW.MIMISKITCHENCO.COM

https://www.vagaro.com/rougellc 118 S. Central Ave. Sidney, MT

@MIMISKITCHENCO

rougellcdayspa@gmail.com

Find us on Facebook!

MiMi: /me-me/ - noun. 1. Like a grandmother, but so much cooler. We are a locally + family owned business that makes our customers our number one priority. We specialize in quality cutlery, cookware, bakeware, dinnerware, gourmet foods, coffee, and other special gifts. We want everyone to walk out our doors with excitement and a feeling of love and togetherness. After all, isn’t that the feeling you have every time you leave Grandmas, or MiMis?

• Manicures • Pedicures • Facials & Peels • Waxing • Body Treatments • Makeup • Massage • Semi-permanent Cosmetics • Lash & Brow • PEMF

This kitchen is seasoned with love.

MONDAY-FRIDAY 9AM TO 6PM • SUNDAY 1PM TO 4PM

117 Central Ave Suite C, Sidney, MT. 59270 | (406) 489-2712 mergefashionlifestyle.com

BAKKEN LIVING SIDNEY, MT Issue 04 - Winter 2020

McIntyre, Hillesland, & McGrady Owners of Mimi’s Kitchen

MIMI’S KITCHEN

For anyone looking to learn how to cook, looking to improve their cooking skills or to get out and have a fun time interacting with others, Mimi’s Kitchen has just the right ingredients.

Mimi’s Kitchen is offering cooking classes to the public, and they are not restrictive to just one of these things; you can learn to cook and be in a fun social setting all at once. On top of that, they are affordable and offer a variety of things to learn about. The owners of Mimi’s Kitchen are Billie Hillesland and her husband Chris, along with the other co-owners, Heidi McGrady and her husband Curtis. Amy McIntyre is the chef at Mimi’s Kitchen, and she also leads the classes. McIntyre, Hillesland and McGrady provided all the information people need to know about the classes, and more information for them can be found online at mimiskitchenco.com, or you can ask them yourself at their store located at 106 2nd Street SW in Sidney. Question: What sort of classes will be offered around the Holidays (Thanksgiving)? Hillesland: A lot of that I think is going to be cookie decorating, cake decorating and then some lefse, you know that’s big in our community.

Q: What nights/days, times and prices McIntyre: We’re very laid back, are the classes? we’re not hoity-toity by any means, everyone’s welcome, and I hope that Hillesland: We try to do classes twice everyone feels welcomed when they a week, they’re usually from 6 p.m. to 8 come in here. Most of the time, they’ve p.m., and then the price point is about been here so many times that they all $35 to $55, $60 somewhere in there, know each other, so they’re over the depending on what we’re serving you introductions and stuff like that. We know. When you have seafood and do try to have an introduction, where steak and things like that the price is everybody will say who they are, where higher because the price for that right they’re from, what they do, whatever now is a lot. their favorite color is, whatever little antidote they want to share. McIntyre: Some of our classes include books, and so that would have Hillesland: We’re gearing up for the price point a little bit higher. Christmas parties, so we’ve got some Hillesland: Yeah you get a cookbook of those on the schedule right now. If along with the fee. people have any ideas that they want to throw our way, we’re always open to Q: What are some things people that. should know when they sign up for classes, should they bring anything? McIntyre: It’s just a lot of fun. It definitely brings something else to the Hillesland: They can bring their community, having these classes other own drinks if they want to come in. We than going out for dinner. supply water and coffee and things like that, but usually it’s just bring yourself. Hillesland: A lot of people are using Come to mingle, you meet new people, it for ladies’ nights or date nights, or we have a couple that comes to just something to get out of the house for a about every one of our classes and you couple hours. get to know them. Q: Along with the cooking, is there something else you hope PAGE

BAKKEN LIVING SIDNEY, MT Issue 04 - Winter 2020

people take away from the classes and from the experience? Hillesland: A lot of people come in and have fun, that’s why we built this place, the kitchen especially is that you can learn something and have a good time. We’re not, like Amy said, hoity-toity, we’re down to earth and want to give something to the community. Q: From what you have seen, how much fun do people have when they are here? Hillesland: A lot of people post it on Facebook, how they’ve enjoyed it. We can take constructive criticism, we

only want to make it better, we always give out comment cards at the end and have them fill it out, say what you liked, say what you think we should change. People do, we encourage them to do that, and so far it’s been good. But we can always use some ideas, we always want to keep it interesting. McIntyre: Keep people coming back. Hillesland: And they can rent the space. We have a fee for if they want to use it for a meeting space, if they want to use certain things in the kitchen, if they want Amy to help, so it’s available. Birthday parties, get-togethers.

McIntyre added that when there is a class, the class gets 10 percent off at the retail part of the store, which is just one more reason to check out the classes offered at Mimi’s Kitchen, especially if you are looking to get ready to cook for the holidays. ■

Mimi’s Recipe Prep Time: 15 min

Cook Time: 1hr

Total Time: 1hr 15 min

Roasted Carrots with

Candied Pecan & Goat Cheese

Ingredients: 2 lbs carrots

2 Tbsp butter

4 Tbsp unsalted butter

1 Tbsp brown sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar 1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1/2 tsp cinnamon

3 Tbsp maple syrup 1 cup roughly chopped pecan halves 1/4 tsp flaked sea salt

4 oz goat cheese - crumbled

1 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves to garnish

Directions:

PAGE

1. Preheat the oven to 350° degrees F. 2. Then line a baking sheet with foil. Place the carrots in a single layer on the baking sheet. Sprinkle with the brown sugar and evenly distribute the pats of butter. Also, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and cinnamon. 3. Place in the oven and bake for 50 - 60 minutes or until the carrots are just fork tender. During baking, turn the carrots 3 or 4 times. 4. While the carrots are roasting, prepare the candied pecans by melting the butter in a small pan on low heat. Once the butter is melted, add the maple syrup, brown sugar, and pecans. Stir about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens. 5. Remove the candied pecans from the heat and stir in the flaked sea salt. Set aside. 6. Once the carrots are cooked, put them in a serving dish. Sprinkle them evenly with the candied pecans and goat cheese. Finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves.

BAKKEN LIVING SIDNEY, MT Issue 04 - Winter 2020

OF RICHLAND COUNTY

By Eric K. Gill

Lindsey Lawrence used to seeing a woman in my role,” she said of her IT leadership position at ONEOK. “This company is very inclusive. My gender has never been an issue to the role I play.”

djusting to progress and moving forward are crucial to Lindsey Lawrence. As an Information Technology expert, she appears to be a perfect fit for her role as an IT Field Services supervisor at ONEOK. Lawrence, 45, is also a perfect fit as one of a handful of distinguished women in Richland County. “I have a very hands-on approach to technology,” said Lawrence, who has worked for ONEOK for six years.

Prior to joining ONEOK, based in Tulsa, Lawrence worked at MidRivers Communications, one of the largest internet, television and phone-service providers in Richland County. Lawrence’s IT position at ONEOK entails working in the field among natural and liquid gas crews. She makes sure the high-tech communications equipment is functioning properly and up to speed.

She is a Richland County native (“born and raised right here in Sidney, Montana”). Lawrence returned to the area after attending Concordia Although she acknowlCollege in Bronxville, N.Y., edges it’s unusual for a where she studied history woman to prosper in IT education for three years. in the MonDak region, She graduated from Sidney Lawrence said it’s never been High School in 1993. a problem where she works. Throughout college, and “Not very often are they for one year after leaving

Concordia, Lawrence worked as a nanny. She considered a career in teaching, but decided against it. “When I came home from college, I knew I didn’t want to be a teacher,” she said, crediting her mom with encouraging her to consider a career in technology. After discovering she had an aptitude for computers, Lawrence decided on a career in technology. “I really enjoy the troubleshooting and figuring things out — coming up with solutions,” she said of her position as a tech supervisor. Her involvement with the Sidney Elks Lodge exposed Lawrence to technology, she said. “Prior to my role at ONEOK I was active with the monthly newsletter they [Elks] put out,” she explained. Although she now earns her living in high-tech, Lawrence has not lost interest in serving the

community; and she remains devoted to the Sidney Elks Lodge. For the past five years, Lawrence said she and her husband have been actively involved in the Elks. She lists helping children and community devotion as two reasons she admires the Elks. “Their community mindedness and what they give back to kids,” are important to Lawrence, she said. “And then, how the community shows up and supports them.” Citing annual fundraisers and generous support from local citizens, Lawrence said she is impressed by the Elks’ success. “For the size of the community, it’s absolutely amazing the amount of money that can be raised to help those in need,” she said. With a step-daughter, a step-son and two grandchildren, Lawrence makes it clear youth are important to her. The fact that the Elks

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BAKKEN LIVING SIDNEY, MT Issue 04 - Winter 2020

board, combined with her high-tech expertise at ONEOK, Lawrence brings a unique perspective to the local business community. “I think the Chamber is always moving forward and adjusting to the times,” she said of current changes in leadership. “I think it’s gracefully making adjustments to the new environment.

Lindsey Lawrence and her husband Dan like to ride “side by side.”

“My experience with the Chamber is a big thing,” Lawrence continued, noting her IT knowledge helps guide the chamber toward the future. “I’m able to help with some of the IT decisions. “Also, being born and raised here, I think it gives me a special love for this community,” she added. It is her passion for Sidney that drew Lawrence back to Richland County nearly 30 years ago.

Lindsey Lawrence, a 2020 Distinguished Woman of Richland County, enjoys fishing in the “beautiful rivers” of the MonDak region.

share her devotion to kids is one reason she and her husband, Dan, remain active. Lawrence’s other primary interest, outside of work, is the Sidney area Chamber of Commerce, where she worked more than two decades ago. PAGE

“I suppose my

first ‘real job’ was being administrative assistant at the Chamber of Commerce from about ‘98 to 2000,” she recalled. As a current Chamber board member (now in her second term), Lawrence has come far over the past 22 years. Because of her position on the

“I love Sidney,” she declared. “As I’ve gotten older I’ve gotten to have a greater appreciation for it.” In addition to the tight-knit community and devotion to families and neighbors — and kids — Lawrence said “kindness and hospitality” are two characteristics of MonDak natives she treasures most. That, and the location.

“We have the beauty of the Badlands and the beauty of the rivers,” said Lawrence, who likes to hike and fish, and ride in the open air with her partner. “My husband and I like to ride side by side,” she said. Returning full circle to her job as technician with ONEOK, Lawrence said she enjoys the challenges of technology, which is always evolving. “Doing the job to the best of my ability is what motivates me,” said Lawrence. “And being the best person I can.” ■

BAKKEN LIVING SIDNEY, MT Issue 04 - Winter 2020

OF RICHLAND COUNTY By Dillan Schorfheide

Faye Carlson

he is kind, helpful and caring, and she does a lot to help others and give back to a community that she thinks so highly of because it is in her nature. She was instilled with a giving nature when she was a child, and to this day, it is her goal to always be helpful and kind toward others. Her name is Faye Carlson, and both in her role as the Fairview city clerk and beyond, she does whatever she can to give back to the tight-knit community she loves. No matter if she is talking about her role as city clerk, if she is talking about her involvement with the Matthew House in Sidney or if she is talking about herself, the one thing she always mentions is, she wants to help others any way possible.

“It takes involvement to keep things moving forward. If you’re not willing to be involved, whether it’s just a little thing or a big thing or multiple things, find something to be involved in that you know will help your community,” Carlson said. Being involved in so much does take up a lot of her time, but she does not mind it. There are even times where she does not think she is giving as much as she should, but she added that the good thing is that she is giving something, which is better than giving nothing. “My mom once told me when I was a kid, ‘Always give when you can because no matter how bad off you are, and what you don’t have, there’s always somebody else worse off, so give when you can,’ and I like to live by that,” Carlson said. Carlson’s mother was a big influence in her life; she was a strong person and had a big heart, Carlson said. “I’ve always remembered when she told me that. She liked to do things for people and help people. She liked to make people smile when she

could, so we kind of all got that, all of us kids,” Carlson said. Carlson’s sister is the manager at the Matthew House, which is how Carlson got involved, and their brother works with the Boy Scouts and church youth groups in Texas. “It’s just who we are. When you see it, and you don’t have much yourself growing up, you like to move things on and help, you like to be able to make things better in any way you can. Whether it’s donating to the food bank or Matthew House or just doing a little extra for your family or your neighbor because you can, it’s just important,” she said. On top of being part of the board for Matthew House and being the city clerk for Fairview, Carlson also was a council member for Fairview City Council for 14 years; she has been working in the clerk’s office since the start of 2012. Over the years of working on the council and in the office, she said she learned about working together with the people sitting next to you and putting all your ideas together to help the community. With so much on her plate, there are a couple things that keep Carlson going: Her family and the community. The community is family, Carlson said, and when one person needs help, everyone

pitches in. Fundraising, checking in on someone or just saying hi goes a long way, Carlson said, and the way the community is so close is definitely a reason she likes to give back. And at the end of the day, she does not do any of this for any personal glory or public acknowledgment she just does it all to help. “I just want to be remembered as someone who was a good person. I don’t want to be remembered as a negative thing. Whether if it’s because I did something for the community or I was a good mom or a good wife, those kind of things I want to be remembered as. I don’t do it for glory, I don’t do it because it’s going to make me look good, I do it because it makes me feel good,” Carlson said. She continued: “If they’re going to remember me for being a person that cares about their community, great. If they want to remember me for being a good family person, fantastic, but I don’t do it to be remembered for that. If they don’t remember who I am later I know that what I did helped or made a difference or made somebody smile, and I’m OK with that. If they don’t remember that’s OK.” Fun fact: Carlson was asked to pick out one project or event she worked on in the past that she was really proud of, and she pointed PAGE

BAKKEN LIVING SIDNEY, MT Issue 04 - Winter 2020

to her work with the Literacy Volunteers of America. Carlson said that it was a great feeling to help somebody improve and be able to help teach them to read because there is nothing better than getting someone to understand the knowledge of a book and written text. She was also a volunteer tutor for the English as a Second Language program (part of the LVA), working with non-English speakers, and she said she was really proud of the time she spent working with those programs. She is kind, helpful and caring, and she does a lot to help others and give back to a community that she thinks so highly of because it is in her nature. She was instilled with a giving nature when she was a child, and to this day, it is her goal to always be helpful and kind toward others. Her name is Faye Carlson, and both in her role as the Fairview city clerk and beyond, she does whatever she can to give back to the tight-knit community she loves. No matter if she is talking about her role as city clerk, if she is talking about her involvement with the Matthew House in Sidney or if she is talking about herself, the one thing she always mentions is, she wants to help others any way possible. PAGE

“It takes involvement

to keep things moving forward. If you’re not willing to be involved, whether it’s just a little thing or a big thing or multiple things, find something to be involved in that you know will help your community,” Carlson said. Being involved in so much does take up a lot of her time, but she does not mind it. There are even times where she does not think she is giving as much as she should, but she added that the good thing is that she is giving something, which is better than giving nothing. “My mom once told me when I was a kid, ‘Always give when you can because no matter how bad off you are, and what you don’t have, there’s always somebody else worse off, so give when you can,’ and I like to live by that,” Carlson said. Carlson’s mother was a big influence in her life; she was a strong person and had a big heart, Carlson said. “I’ve always remembered when she told me that. She liked to do things for people and help people. She liked to make people smile when she could, so we kind of all got that, all of us kids,” Carlson said. Carlson’s sister is the manager at the Matthew House, which is how Carlson got involved, and their brother works with the Boy Scouts and church youth groups in Texas. “It’s just who we are. When

you see it, and you don’t have much yourself growing up, you like to move things on and help, you like to be able to make things better in any way you can. Whether it’s donating to the food bank or Matthew House or just doing a little extra for your family or your neighbor because you can, it’s just important,” she said. On top of being part of the board for Matthew House and being the city clerk for Fairview, Carlson also was a council member for Fairview City Council for 14 years; she has been working in the clerk’s office since the start of 2012. Over the years of working on the council and in the office, she said she learned about working together with the people sitting next to you and putting all your ideas together to help the community. With so much on her plate, there are a couple things that keep Carlson going: Her family and the community.

“I just want to be remembered as someone who was a good person. I don’t want to be remembered as a negative thing. Whether if it’s because I did something for the community or I was a good mom or a good wife, those kind of things I want to be remembered as. I don’t do it for glory, I don’t do it because it’s going to make me look good, I do it because it makes me feel good,” Carlson said. She continued: “If they’re going to remember me for being a person that cares about their community, great. If they want to remember me for being a good family person, fantastic, but I don’t do it to be remembered for that. If they don’t remember who I am later I know that what I did helped or made a difference or made somebody smile, and I’m OK with that. If they don’t remember that’s OK.” Fun fact: Carlson was asked to pick out one project or event she worked on in the past that she was really proud of, and she said her work with the Literacy Volunteers of America. Carlson said that it was a great feeling to help somebody improve and be able to help teach them to read because there is nothing better than getting someone to understand the knowledge of a book and written text.

The community is family, Carlson said, and when one person needs help, everyone pitches in. Fundraising, checking in on someone or just saying hi She was also a volunteer goes a long way, Carlson said, tutor for the English as a and the way the community is Second Language program so close is definitely a reason (part of the LVA), working with she likes to give back. non-English speakers, and she said she was really proud of the And at the end of the day, time she spent working with she does not do any of this for those programs. ■ any personal glory or public acknowledgment she just does it all to help.

BAKKEN LIVING SIDNEY, MT Issue 04 - Winter 2020

OF RICHLAND COUNTY By Eric K. Gill

Tami Christensen She is one of those rare, authentic individuals who volunteers because she wants to, not merely because it’s fashionable, or because it will advance her career.

ami Christensen leads by example. She moves at her own pace, but she covers a lot of territory. Christensen is soft-spoken, but well-grounded. She speaks her mind when compelled to do so, but Christensen seems measured when she talks. Christensen, 57, is among a handful of distinguished women in Richland County. The number of local boards and foundations, state associations and government entities on which she serves reads like a “lifetime achievement” record.

Christensen isn’t one of those people who is always smiling; but when she smiles it is genuine and heartfelt. The co-owner of Tri-County Implement is also a Sidney City Council alderwoman. She serves on the boards of the Boys & Girls Club of the MonDak, Chamber of Commerce and local cemetery. She is well-mannered, well-prepared and well-adjusted. Christensen moved to Richland County more than three decades after growing up in Choteau. The daughter of a state legislator, she is politically active and conservative.

She is also compassionate. Christensen cares deeply about her community, about education and children. Yet, she is also committed to free enterprise, the concept of allowing businesses to prosper without overburdening them with government restrictions. “I actually grew up in Choteau, Montana,” she said, as if sensing most people assume she’s a Richland County native. “We’ve been here 32 years.”

before returning to the family business. “It’s just part of a way of life for us.” Having served on several boards and numerous trade associations, Christensen is well-versed in the state’s Ag industry — especially issues of importance to eastern Montana. Although oil drilling and gas exploration are vital to the MonDak region, it’s the steady work of farmers and ranchers that keeps TriCounty Implement well-connected to the community.

Christensen moved to Sidney in 1988 — with husband Larry — after her “I like the interaction father was asked to relocate with the people everyday,” his Case IH dealership from Christensen said of her expeChoteau to eastern Montana. rience as the co-owner of a heavy-equipment dealership. Today, she and Larry — along with their children and She is quick to point out her father — are co-owners her husband is in charge of the ag equipment of selling the big tractors dealership. The name has and other equipment Trichanged to Tri-County County Implement handles, Implement, but the objective but Christensen said she remains the same: Service enjoys discussing issues the local ranching and that are important to area farming community. farmers and ranchers. “I grew up in that industry,” said Christensen, who graduated from Choteau High School and attended Helena College of Technology

“Right now, beet harvest is the big conversation,” she said, noting that with changing weather and fluctuating crop yields, there is always something of interest on the horizon to discuss. “One thing for sure is every year is a different year,” Christensen said, acknowledging she PAGE

BAKKEN LIVING SIDNEY, MT Issue 04 - Winter 2020

is relatively tapped into ag news stemming from the state legislature and across America’s heartland. The mother of two children — Andrea, 31, and Tyler 29 — seems reluctant to admit she is well-connected to some very important people in the ag community throughout the United States. She attributes her knowledge to longevity, as much as astute observation. “People come to me a lot wanting to know what’s going on in the state,” she said. “I have some Ag contacts nationally, as well.” One of the ways she stays informed about public policy is through her role as an alderwoman on the Sidney City Council, a position Christensen has held for seven years. “I wanted to be involved in local government and thought it was a good way to get started,” she said of her decision to accept the seat formerly occupied by Sidney Mayor Rick Norby. Although her role on the city council can be time consuming, Christensen said it’s worth the effort, in part because many of the decisions made at the local level track with what is happening in Montana’s state capital. “It keeps me plugged into what’s going on with the state,” she said of her position as a councilwoman. Her community work is not limited to the Sidney City Council, however; as vice president of the board for the PAGE

Boys & Girls Club of the MonDak, Christensen is active helping local youth. “The Boys and Girls [Club] is not just an after school program,” she said. “We also provide food and backpacks for kids on Fridays.” The backpacks are stuffed with lunches and sent home with kids in need, who might otherwise go hungry over the weekend. Christensen glances away as she discusses the plight of hungry kids in Richland County, as if to regain her composure. She makes clear the thought of area youth, who might not have food without the efforts of nonprofit groups like the Boys & Girls Club,

is difficult to embrace in the 21st century. “I try to help out where I can,” Christensen said, shrugging at the dozen or so groups to which she devotes her time. “I enjoy being involved and helping the community, and the state” she continued. “And, I don’t know any better. I’ve been doing this my whole life. It’s given me the opportunity to meet a diverse group of people across the U.S.” It’s easy to get the impression, based on the many groups to which she devotes her time, that Christensen

is a soft-hearted type. Like many women in the MonDak region, however, she emotes a certain self-sufficient frontier spirit. “I think Montana is unique wide-open spaces — especially eastern Montana,” she said of her attraction to the area despite its economic ups and downs. “We do our own thing here. Sidney continues to thrive.... People are still moving here. ■ Tami Christensen Commitments • • • •

Sidney City Council (alderwoman Ward 3) Sidney Kiwanis (board) Boys & Girls Club of the MonDak (board) Montana Jaycees

• • •

Foundation Sidney Cemetery (board) Richland Economic Development Corp. Sidney Area Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture (government affairs committee) Montana Chamber Foundation Montana Equipment Dealers Association Montana Retail Association

BAKKEN LIVING SIDNEY, MT Issue 04 - Winter 2020

Christmas Trends 2020 Christmas is just around the corner. I am Amy Temple, owner of the Flower Basket in Glendive, MT. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a little flower shop that also has cute gift Items. The store follows the seasons. Here are the top themes for Christmas 2020. This information was obtained through looking at Pinterest, catalogs and magazines.

Farmhouse rustic is still popular. Buffalo plaid ribbon in white and black and red and black predominate in this look. Tin accents in the shape of barns, windmills, snow fakes are a hallmark of this style Tin vases and pot covers are a good addition to your decor if you want the Farmhouse look There are all kinds of ornaments that

have tractors and barn yard animals in this trend. A centerpiece for your dining table following this trend includes festive Christmas greens with white/black buffalo plaid ribbon, seasonal flowers and tin snowflakes tucked in. PAGE

BAKKEN LIVING SIDNEY, MT Issue 04 - Winter 2020

A second trend is the Woodlands look. It includes moose, deer and bear silhouettes on ribbon and on wall art or even gift items in those shapes. Birch logs continue in popularity. Pine tree silhouettes on bell shaped ornaments are in this category. Rough cut log slabs are popular in this trend. For your holiday table, log slabs can be used as chargers or use the logs to vary the height of decor on the center of your table. Deer ornaments tucked in Christmas greens with burlap ribbon make a woodland centerpiece. There are also vases and boxes that are covered in bark that provide a woodland aesthetic. Faux pine branches in baskets with pine cones are also part of this style. Third is the Scandinavian style. Almost everyone has seen the trend of decorating with gnomes. They are a happy little calm item that can be used throughout the house. A new item is bells that are hanging in a Nordic style tin. Felt ornaments in snowflake shapes Simple wooden shapes trees are also part of this Scandi style. Chunky knit blankets are also a part of this style. Main color themes are gray-blue A centerpiece in this style would be in a wooden container with soft wool type ribbon and clean lines. Think of a spruce top in a wooden container or white ceramic pot The fourth theme is traditional with focus on the colors red and green. Tartan ribbon in red green and gold decorated trees and ornaments. Red berries in pine branches are part of living and dining room accents. Nativity sets and Holy Stars are also included in traditional decor Red and white dishware can top your holiday table well. A lantern with fragrant Christmas greens surrounding it is the perfect centerpiece. Jewel tones can also be included in this decorating class.

SHOW YOU CARE

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THE FLOWER BASKET (406) 377-5615 or (800) 376-8490 503 N Merrill Ave Ste. 4 Glendive, MT 59330 https://www.glendiveflowers.com/ *Our shop is open from 8:30a.m. to 5:00p.m. Monday through Friday, 10:00a.m. to 1:00p.m. on Saturday, Closed on Sundays.

The last theme is Rustic glam. It’s hallmark is anything sparkly and shiny. Silver candle sticks in a metallic finish are part of this style. Mercury glass in various colors adorn homes in this family of decor. Magnolia flowers in pink and silver with glitter grace arrangements of this class. Glitter and glitz is a trademark of this style too A Centerpiece in this style will have lots of glittery ribbon and reflective surfaces. Think of glitter ornaments in holiday pine bows with shiny ribbon down the center of your table. These are just a few general trends none more important than being thankful for this season, your family and your friends. 2020 has taught us to appreciate our homes in a whole new way. Enjoy each day and put your signature style throughout your home this holiday season. ■

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BAKKEN LIVING SIDNEY, MT Issue 04 - Winter 2020

the ultimate evil By Cara Storm - Farm Bureau Financial Services I think that we’ve all been guilty at one time or another of procrastinating!! Really, that’s why we procrastinate!! No one likes or wants to be uncomfortable! But in order to create or make change, we must be uncomfortable therefore we must NOT procrastinate. There, I said...Now what. Making a change is difficult at best. But procrastinating the inevitable makes it worse and I’m talking about any kind of change! One of the hardest things to change is an attitude. I mean what a better year to talk about this subject than 2020! Oh, wait that’s for another time, or is it? The longer we wait to address an issue, the more time there is for something to go wrong. I have always believed in grabbing the bull by the horns and if we have to tussle a little, so be it! So I’m going to just address what I think has definitely been and will continue to be a problem until more than most begin to make a change. PAGE

I believe that technology is a wonderful thing, but I also believe that we have lost the ability to communicate……do you need to read that again? Gone are the days of sitting down at the table with the family or sitting down to play a board game or dominos. It was in those moments that families talked about what was going on throughout their days and communicated with each other in order to gain a resolution. Parents and kids are so busy being busy that they are avoiding each other. Procrastinating precious time together has caused one of the biggest attitude shifts in history…..my time is more important than yours. Time is time; it’s the same number

of hours and minutes for every man, woman and child in this country.

Because if you don’t start somewhere, you will never start. Have you noticed how violent and selfish the world has become? Where do you think this attitude comes from? Over the past few

BAKKEN LIVING SIDNEY, MT Issue 04 - Winter 2020

Be confident.

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years, moms and dads have become so busy making money by both of them working, they have forgotten whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really the most important thingâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;Śfamily. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure that there will be a few that will argue this, but in the end, your family will be there for you. So many parents are working full time, trying to raise kids, have a house, a hobby, friends and the list goes on; they are tired. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m guilty of this. Many of us are. When we are tired, we tend to procrastinate things that require more energy because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just easier. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easier to let the kids stay up later, have a frozen pizza in front of the TV at night, go to their bedrooms and avoid talking to us as parents. Tell your kids â&#x20AC;&#x153;noâ&#x20AC;? once and see how that goes over. We are guilty of procrastinating the hard conversations, because we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to make them unhappy or

stir the pot. We need to stop procrastinating because the evil is lurking in the conversations that we, as parents, arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t having. Stop procrastinating and start making a change. Make your kids sit at the dinner table with you and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t allow the distractions. Have those tough conversations. Speak up and speak out! It takes years to see the outcome of small changes, so please start where you are. Be the changeâ&#x20AC;Ś..today, not tomorrow. â&#x2013;

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BAKKEN LIVING SIDNEY, MT Issue 04 - Winter 2020

By Rita Steinbeisser

SIDNEY HEALTH CENTER

35 years later makes a splash This December marks the 35th anniversary of Dr. Ashcraft’s relentless fundraising efforts to build a fitness center to aide in the rehabilitation of patients with heart disease and various health conditions.

n the early 80’s, Dr. Jimmie Ashcraft spearheaded a movement to build a fitness center in Sidney, Montana with the single purpose of providing a place for people to walk. At the time, there was a lack of exercise facilities for heart patients and the public to utilize, especially during the long winter months. This December marks the 35th anniversary of Dr. Ashcraft’s relentless fundraising efforts to build a fitness center to aide in the rehabilitation of patients PAGE

an indoor walking track. Three and a half decades later, the Community Health Fitness Center, which was renamed HealthWorks in 2001, continues to serve Sidney Health Center patients and the community at large through its group exercise programs, expansive weight and cardio equipment selection, and the infamous indoor track. with heart disease and various health True to its mission, HealthWorks conditions. In the beginning, the started construction on a therapy fitness center, which is located below pool project in collaboration with the emergency department of the hospital, featured a wooden floor with Sidney Health Center’s Rehabilitation

BAKKEN LIVING SIDNEY, MT Issue 04 - Winter 2020

Department earlier this fall. With the installation of the 15’ x 15’ Endless Pool, Sidney Health Center’s Rehab Services is excited to add onsite Aquatic Therapy (pool therapy) for patients.

• •

•

Musculoskeletal or neuromuscular problems. Sprains, strains, back and neck pain, fibromyalgia, or sports injuries. Rheumatoid or degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis). Neurologic or general medical conditions. Post-surgical rehabilitation (with healed incisions).

“As the name implies, aquatic • therapy involves using water as a medium to perform exercises and to • achieve physical therapy goals,” stated Kirby Halvorson, Rehab Services Director. “A variety of activities can be Rehab patients will be given firstperformed in water more efficiently priority use of the pool through a compared to land based exercises.” scheduling system. The pool has a Dual Propulsion System, allowing This type of therapy is used to two people to swim against a current improve mobility, enhance circulation, at one time. In addition, one side of reduce pain, increase balance and the pool will feature an underwater coordination, and improve tolerance treadmill creating a good resilience to functional activities. Historically, workout. water therapy benefits patients of all ages through the lifespan and Funding for the $400,000 pool proves to be very effective for several project was provided through conditions, including: designated funds from Sidney

Health Center, grant funds from the Foundation for Community Care, and a healthy donation from the Good Cents Store. With the completion of the latest construction project, the new indoor pool will allow members, guests and physical therapy patients an aquatic exercise venue year around, similar to the vision Dr. Ashcraft had with the indoor walking track years ago. To find out more about the services offered at HealthWorks, visit the website at sidneyhealthworks.org.■

Aquatic Therapy Pool Achieve Your Physical Therapy Goals with On-Site Aquatic Therapy • Improve Mobility • Enhance Circulation • Reduce Pain • Increase Balance and Coordination • Musculoskeletal or Neuromuscular Problems • Sprains, Strains, Back and Neck Pain, Fibromyalgia, or Sports Injuries • Rheumatoid and Degenerative Arthritis • Neurologic or General Medical Conditions • Post-Surgical Rehabilitation (with healed incisions)

SIDNEY HEALTH CENTER REHAB SERVICES | 216 14th Ave SW, Sidney, MT | 406.488.2166

BAKKEN LIVING SIDNEY, MT Issue 04 - Winter 2020

after the terrific flavors already consumed prior.

HE ATE Whenever the best parts of your meal are not even the main portion of the entree, you know you’re in for a good meal, and that is exactly what I experienced at Cattle-ac. Every part of the meal was great, the service and environment were great, but a couple things were extra-great and really made me want more. I shared a combo platter for the appetizer, which came with three mozzarella sticks, three crab wontons, onion rings and Asian flavored chicken wings, for the entree I had a rib eye (medium rare) with bacon macaroni and cheese, and for dessert, a gooey, chocolate brownie. Without taking anything away from the rib eye because it was delicious, the thing that truly astounded me and that I enjoyed the most was the Asian wings. The chicken wings come in other flavors too, but Asian was the decided upon flavor, and what a great choice that was. It is hard to recreate actual Asian food by just infusing that type PAGE

of flavor with chicken, but boy did the chefs at Cattle-ac do a great job of making the Asian wings. I specifically remember thinking and telling Analicia Haynes, who I shared the meal with for the couples review, that it tasted like General Tso’s chicken I have eaten at Chinese restaurants. Actual General Tso’s chicken has a bit more kick to it, but the wings at Cattle-ac had littleto-none of the kick and all the flavor. Not to mention, dipping them in ranch makes it taste so much better, which provided such a great precursor to the rib eye. The rib eye was great and quite satisfying; the cut I was served had a fair amount of fat on it, which I actually really like, but others may not like as much. Overall though, it had great flavor and definitely filled me up. What really brought the entree together, though, was the bacon macaroni and cheese. The sides are the most important part of the meal for me. If the rib eye burger or whatever else is not great, at least you have nice vegetables,

fries or onion rings to eat to make up for the flavor. If you have a great entree and the side is not great, it leaves you wanting more to complement the main dish. But if the main dish is great, and the sides are just as great if not better, it makes the experience better tenfold. Such was the case with the bacon macaroni and cheese. The familiar taste of macaroni and cheese is always nice, but the bacon was a mystery for me at first. Never really having bacon with macaroni and cheese, I did not know what to expect. What I got, though, was a cheesy, smoky taste that blended together perfectly. The smokiness that the bacon brought was such a nice aftertaste that made this side one of the stars of the whole experience. Of course, a full dinner is not complete without dessert, and the chocolate fudge brownie was such a rewarding taste

Each bite of brownie was accompanied by the fudge, and two scoops of ice cream accompanied the brownie as a nice extra treat. The drink of choice was a “blue omen,” a Cattle-ac original that was a good drink. Composed of multiple different liquors and juices/sodas, it created a good mix that was fun to drink. I am not someone who likes to taste too much alcohol in a mixed drink, but the blue omen had a nice balance between the taste of the alcohol and an almost candy-like flavor by its side. Shout out to Analicia because she put into words that it tasted like candy for me, it was really good. Overall, I would definitely recommend eating at Cattle-ac to someone else. Service was great and very helpful, the restaurant itself was very nice and has a great look/ atmosphere and the food was amazing. Usually, the sides or appetizers are just supposed to complement the main dish, but in this case, they did so much more and really tied together a great meal. ■