Issue 4, 2022 GRAND Lifestyle magazine

By Marla DeFoe

That’s a Wrap

And just like that, the year is almost over. And what a year it’s been. Our beloved GRAND community is as exciting and vibrant as ever. New businesses, restaurants and retailers have opened all over town and Greater Grand Forks has welcomed them with open arms. I can remember when Grand Forks virtually ended at 32nd Avenue South, and now I find myself getting lost on the south end of town! It’s so great to see the new visions and efforts being made in our community to help make it a great place to live and work. I know 2023 will have just as many exciting things in store for us.

In this last issue of 2022, we take a look inside the beautiful new location of a long-time Grand Forks business, visit with a local orthodontist about his efforts to always put his patients first, chat with the owner of arguably the sweetest shop in town, and learn ways to make the most of our longest season with fun outdoor winter activities everyone can enjoy.

With the holiday season upon us, our featured non-profit organization in this issue is the Santa Claus Girls. For more than 100 years, the Santa Claus Girls have been helping to make Christmas a little merrier for children in low-income families. They are like little elves diligently working yearround to ensure every child has something to look forward to during the holidays.

The team here at GRAND would like to thank all of our loyal readers and advertisers for your continued support and we wish everyone in our GRAND community the happiest of holidays. We’re looking forward to continuing to provide our readers with more great stories in the new year.

As always, please reach out with any story ideas or potential contributions. We love hearing from our readers! And be sure to check out our latest “The Art of…” podcasts on GRAND Lifestyle Magazine’s website and Facebook page.

That’s a wrap!

TAMI VIGNESS EDITOR

GRAND Lifestyle magazine tvigness@bbiinternational.com

GRAND LIFESTYLE TEAM

CEO

Joe Bryan

President

Tom Bryan

Vice President, Operations, Marketing & Sales

John Nelson

Vice President, Production & Design Jaci Satterlund

Editor Tami Vigness

Account Manager, Circulation Manager & Copy Editor Jessica Tiller

Staff Writer, Account Manager, and Marketing & Advertising Manager Marla DeFoe

Content Coordinator & Marketing Danielle Piekarski

Social Media Coordinator Tessa Fredrickson

Photographer Manstrom Photography Insta: @manstromphotography | FB: @manstromphotography | Twitter: @ManstromPhoto

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Subscriptions to GRAND Lifestyle magazine are free of charge to everyone, with the exception of a yearly shipping and handling charge. To subscribe, visit www.GrandLifestyleMagazine.com or you can send your mailing address and payment (checks made out to BBI International) to:

GRAND Lifestyle magazine/Subscriptions 308 Second Ave. N., Suite 304, Grand Forks, ND 58203

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

We welcome letters to the editor. If you write us, please include your name, address and phone number.

Letters may be edited for clarity and/or space. Send to GRAND Lifestyle magazine/Letters, 308 Second Ave. N., Suite 304, Grand Forks, ND 58203 or email to tvigness@bbiinternational.com.

COPYRIGHT © 2022 by BBI International

Please recycle this magazine and remove inserts or samples before recycling

ADVERTISERS

Advance Chiropractic Clinic 44

Alerus Center 35

Altru Health System 20

Amish Gallery 4

Avant Hair & Skin Studio 15

Country Financial 27

Choice Health & Fitness 2

Edward Jones 14 Elle Interiors 27

Gerrell's Sports Center/ Hockey World 40

GFisCooler 15

Home of Economy 21 King's Walk 43

Sublime Aesthetic Professionals 26

The Art Of... Podcast 39

The Lighting Gallery 39

United Way of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks & Area 3

Vilandre Heating, AC & Plumbing 26

Wall's Medicine Center 14

Outdoor Recreation Doesn’t Have to End When the Temperature Drops

By Marla DeFoe

Warm summer days have ended. The flip flops, shorts, bikes, and rollerblades have been put away for the season. With the end of warm temperatures, we all tend to tuck under a blanket and wait for the snow to melt. At least I know I’m guilty of hibernating once the weather turns cold.

There are so many reasons to get outside during the winter, though. Vitamin D is so important, and absorbing the sunlight and breathing the crisp fresh air has both physical and mental health benefits. There are endless opportunities to get outside and enjoy winter in the Grand Forks area. I’m here to offer you a few fun and new ideas.

Grand Forks is one of the top hockey towns in the US. The Grand Forks Park District offers ten areas equipped with warming houses and lighted outdoor rinks. Weather permitting, these rinks are open for public use generally mid-December through the end of February. There are warming houses located at ICON Sports Center, Ben Franklin, Kelly, Cox, Jaycees, Lincoln Drive, Lion’s, Optimist, Riverside, and University Parks. While the outdoor rinks can be used anytime, the warming houses are open with staff on-site 3:30 – 8:30pm on weekdays and noon – 8:30pm on weekends. “Both kids and adults love to ice skate at our outdoor rinks,” said Jill Nelson, Director of Operations & Community Relations for the Grand Forks Park District. “With supervised warming

houses and rink lights available at all of our park rinks, skaters can enjoy the outdoors even after the sun sets.”

The Grand Forks Park District also has two winter feature parks, with plenty of activities for kids of all ages. Besides the outdoor skating rink and warming house, Lincoln Drive Park and Riverside Park also offer cross-country ski trails, sledding, walking trails and snowshoe trails. Ice skates, snowshoes and cross-country skis are available on-site with first come, first served availability. “The Grand Forks Park District has tons of outdoor activities available,” said Nelson. “We have activities for people of all ages and abilities, so they can get out and enjoy the winter.” The Grand Forks Park District website has more in formation on events and activities during the winter.

Kids love the whoosh of cold air as they fly down the hill on their trusty snow sled. The Grand Forks Park District offers sledding hills at Lincoln Drive and Riverside parks as well. “Kids will sled for hours upon hours,” said Nelson. “It’s even fun to watch the parents join in. Before you know it, the whole family will be laughing, covered in snow, and having an amazing time outdoors.”

Have you ever thought about trying cross-country skiing? The Grand Forks Greenway offers over fifteen miles of groomed cross-country ski trails. You can view a map of the best places to access the trails on their website. See Dick Run, in Downtown Grand Forks, has a cross-country group ski every Thursday in the winter. Just meet at the store to learn more or join the fun.

In Lincoln Drive Park, there is a double classic cross-country trail available. “For those who like to venture into the woods and beyond, a classic ski trail follows the length of the Greenway from Riverside Dam to 47th Avenue South,” said Kim Greendahl, Greenway Specialist for the City of Grand Forks. “A solid pack trail is also available adjacent to the classic ski trail for those who prefer to walk, snowshoe, or bike.”

You may be asking yourself, “Biking in the winter?” Yes! The first snowflakes of winter do not mean you have to hang your bike for the season. Simon Murphy of the Ski & Bike Shop was excited to tell me all about the newest winter outdoor sport: fat tire biking. “The Greenway has packed trails that make for perfect fat tire biking conditions,” said Murphy. “We have a club that meets once a week to go on group rides.” If this sounds like something you would like to try, the Ski & Bike Shop has all the gear you need to get started, and anyone is welcome to join the group rides.

Downtown Grand Forks doesn’t shut down when the weather gets cold, if anything, it thrives! In Town Square, you can enjoy a beautiful downtown iceskating rink open for public use all day. There’s nothing more picturesque than skating under the beautiful cafe lights in the heart of downtown. “The DDA is a huge advocate for embracing the winter season,” said Jill Proctor, Chief Operating Officer for the Downtown Development Association. “We believe in offering things to do in all four seasons so we can help create an active and vibrant community that people want to stay in.”

Ready to get outside?

There are plenty of shops in the area that have the gear you need to get ready to enjoy any winter activity.

Gerrells Sports Center/Hockey World (701) 775-0553

www.hockeyworldgrandforks.com

Gerrells sells new and used skates, sticks, pads, helmets, and anything else you might need to play hockey. They also have some skate rentals available. Additionally, they offer skate sharpening, skate repair, and a lease program.

Play It Again Sports (701) 795-1424

www.playitagainsports.com/locations/ grand-forks-nd

Play It Again Sports sells and rents hockey and figure skates, as well as cross-country skis, snowshoes, and snowboards. They also have a collection of new broomball equipment and gently-used winter sport equipment.

The Ski & Bike Shop (701) 772-5567 www.skiandbikeshop.net

The Ski & Bike Shop offers a selection of boots, skis, and poles for cross country and downhill skiing. They also have snowboards, snowshoes, and fat tire bikes. Their shop offers repairs on skis and bikes, as well as ski and snowboard waxing, edge tuning, mounting, and inspection.

Grand Forks Scheels (701) 780-9424 www.scheels.com

Scheels sells ice hockey and figure skates, crosscountry skis and poles, sleds, snowshoes, fat tire bikes, and snowboards. They also have Scheels Bike Repair & Service Shop, which will keep your bike tuned up and ready to hit the trails.

Sierra (701) 772-0038 www.sierra.com

Sierra, a new addition to the Grand Forks shopping scene, offers snowshoes, snowboards, sleds and poles, as well as other winter activity accessories.

1915 LINCOLN DRIVE PARK SKI JUMP

In 1915, a 78-foot-high ski jump was constructed in Lincoln Drive Park. The ski jump was constructed by the Park Board at the request of the local Norwegian Club. The jump was built near the park’s toboggan slides and skating rinks, and officially opened in January of 1916.

As the years went on, the ski jump was raised even higher. In the 1930s, the jump reached the height of 200 feet. The ski jump was eventually taken down in the 1940s, as interest in ski jumping waned.

As for new activities in 2023, the Downtown Development Association is working with the Community Foundation of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks & Region, and the Knight Foundation to bring street curling to Town Square. “Curling is one of the fastest-growing Olympic sports,” said Proctor. “It’s a great new activity to add because almost anyone can do it, no matter age or ability.” They are also planning the “Average Person Winter Olympics,” an event where community members can compete to see who can shovel the fastest, speed dress in winter gear, and more!

Looking for something a little more “Instagrammable?” The Downtown Development Association also has plans to install snow sculptures and ice tables throughout downtown Grand Forks and East Grand Forks. “We are working with Copilot Designs to create ice tables to place downtown,” said Proctor. “The tables will be completely functional and able to hold your hot chocolate as you take pictures to share with all your friends.” You can find out more information about Downtown Frosty Forks on the Downtown Development Association’s website.

No matter your pace or activity level, there is plenty to do outside in the Grand Cities during winter. Bundle up, grab your gear, and enjoy everything the city has to offer. It’s the best way to fight the long, dark nights and the winter blues. G

Photos by Manstrom Photography

The

Sweetest SPOT

By Tami Vigness

Shopping can be a stressful time, especially around the holidays. It seems like everywhere we turn, there are crowded parking lots, throngs of people, long check-out lines, and the feeling of constantly being in a rush. Unless you are one of those savvy shoppers that buy gifts throughout the year, the closer we get to Christmas, the more hectic life becomes.

Away from the large retailers – and even larger crowds – is a small familyowned business unlike any other in Grand Forks. With its baby blue storefront and classic signage proudly displaying the family name, Widman’s Candy Shop might just be one of the only places that make you want to take a minute, slow down, and just enjoy the shopping experience. There are few places in town that give you that warm and fuzzy feeling quite like Widman’s Candy Shop. Almost as strong as the sweet smell of chocolates and candy, is the wave of nostalgia that washes over you the minute you step through the door. For the little downtown shop, it’s as if time has stood still. The endless displays of hand-dipped delights found on every shelf of the downtown Grand Forks store remind shoppers of sweeter, simpler times. There’s nothing quite like melt-in-your-mouth chocolate to make you forget about the stress at work, the endless list of chores to do, or errands to run. It’s the kind of place that warms even the coldest hearts and where you can’t help but smile.

Four Generations of Candymakers

Among the shelves of candy, chocolates, and other sweet treats are photographs of bygone days, showcasing four generations of candymakers. A black-and-white photo of William Widman outside of a candy store hangs on the wall of the downtown shop. William was the original candymaker of the Widman family and began his candy-making legacy in Dubuque, IA in 1885 by opening the New York Bakery

and Candy Shop. He later worked for Pearson’s Candy Co. in St. Paul, MN. In 1911, William’s son, George I, and his wife, Clara, opened the first Widman’s Candy shop in Crookston, MN where it is now operated by George Widman III and his wife, Lois. In 1949, George II and his wife, Betty opened the Grand Forks location, just down the street from its present-day location, which opened in 1955. A third location, Carol Widman’s Candy Co., is located in Fargo, ND and owned by Carol (Widman) and David Kennedy. Even without knowing the names, faces, or history behind the dozens of photos adorning the walls, it’s easy to see that there is a story to be told. Looking at the photos is like taking a trip through time. Faded photos of

candy shop storefronts, glass cases displaying a variety of sweet confections, many of which are still in production today, and portraits of the Widman’s store owners grace the walls and pay homage to the Widman legacy.

Dan Widman, son of George II and Betty, has owned and operated the beloved Grand Forks store for many years. To say that candy-making is in his blood is an understatement. “For me, I was never just a kid in a candy shop,” Dan recalled with a laugh. As one of six children, Dan and his siblings spent countless hours working around the store. “We’d come in early before school and spend every afternoon after class helping Mom and Dad.” There was always something to do: unloading deliveries, shipping packages to customers, dipping chocolate, and learning the business. Even today, Dan typically works at the shop six days a week, often stopping in on Sundays when the store is closed, just to check on things. “It really is a labor of love,” Dan said.

Some Things Never Change

Widman’s employs 15 people regularly, but around the holidays, about 35 people work various shifts at the little shop. Some work in the front of the store, helping customers as they come in, others arrange the displays of goodies served in Widman’s signature wicker trays, and of course, you can’t forget about those who package orders to be delivered all over the globe. When the Widman family first began their candy-making journey, little to no machinery was used in the process. Massive kettles needed to be paid close attention to, ensuring the chocolate melted properly and the sugar didn’t burn. While certain parts of the candy-making process have become more efficient and streamlined over the years, there are a few things that haven’t changed. Ev-

ery piece of chocolate at Widman’s is hand-dipped, just as it was more than a century ago. This is a fact Dan proudly touts, and one of the many things that sets Widman’s apart.

Chippers!

The display case at Widman’s is a sight to behold. Trays upon trays of homemade chocolatey goodness, in every imaginable combination, entice shoppers to try a little bit of everything. Traditional treats like chocolate-covered cherries, mint meltaways, maple cremes, marshmallows, peanut brittle, and toffee are stacked high on the trays, but there are also some surprising combinations you most likely won’t find anywhere else. Chocolate-covered green olives and jalapenos are two of the strangest combinations, but Dan and his team of candy makers aren’t ones to shy away from a new idea. “We’re trying new things all the time,” Dan explained.

Those of us familiar with Widman’s Candy Shop know that, without a doubt, the “Chipper” is far and away the most beloved treat the little store has to offer. For those unfamiliar with the legendary treat, a chipper is simply a chocolate-covered potato chip. Who doesn’t love the sweet and salty combination of a crunchy potato chip – made with potatoes harvested in the Red River Valley – hand-dipped in rich homemade milk chocolate, dark chocolate, almond bark, or peanut butter? This simple treat has really put Widman’s on the map and has a loyal band of consumers far and wide. Oddly enough, although Widman’s first started making chippers in the mid1970s, they weren’t nearly as popular then as they are today. Eventually, the chipper gained traction with shoppers and, as they say, the rest is history. Between Thanks-

giving and Christmas, and then again around Valentine’s Day, you’ll find entire displays devoted to chippers in pink boxes, fastened with red elastic bows.

The Widman’s Difference

It goes without saying that the best gifts are those that come from the heart. Whether it’s the scarf that was hand-knit by Grandma, a box of jams and jellies canned by the neighbor, or a hand-painted ornament from a child, gifts like these tug at our heartstrings in a way that most store-bought gifts don’t. When asked what sets Widman’s apart from other candy stores, Dan’s answer was simple: “Our candy is handmade with love.” G

Her Own WayLighting

By Tami Vigness

When it comes to lighting, there’s probably no one in Grand Forks who knows the business better than Sonia Roberton. For 30 years, she has been honing her skills in lighting and design, not to mention keeping up with the ever-changing lighting industry.

When Roberton began her career at the Lighthouse, located at Border States Electric in 1992, she couldn’t have known that she would one day own and operate Grand Forks’ premier lighting store. For eight years, Roberton worked with vendors from all over to provide unique and custom lighting services for both commercial and residential projects in Greater Grand Forks. But like most good stories, hers also came with a twist. When the Lighthouse closed, Roberton knew she wasn’t ready to give up the industry that she had come to know so well. Equipped with the knowledge she had gained over the years, strong relationships with lighting vendors, and a passion to continue to provide Grand Forks with unique lighting options not found anywhere else in town, Roberton took the plunge and opened The Lighting Gallery in June of 2000.

With mixed feelings, Roberton recently moved The Lighting Gallery from its former location in the center of town to a beautiful new building on the south end. “It was a family affair,” joked Jon Mattson, who works in sales and design at the gallery, and is also Roberton’s son. Over the course of ten days, the small crew of mostly family members disassembled the showroom that The Lighting Gallery had called home for more than 20 years, wrapped the fragile pieces in blankets, boxed hundreds of files, and made countless trips back and forth to the new store. The new location offered Roberton a blank canvas to really showcase what the store has to offer. Walls of windows bathe the showroom in natural light. Chandeliers are mounted from the building’s high ceilings, pendant lights dangle whimsically above seating arrangements, and custom-built displays feature sconces and wall lighting. Despite the hesitation she felt about leaving her former location, the daunting task of moving inventory, and designing everything from scratch, Roberton is incredibly pleased with the result. “There has been such support from the community,” she said. “If you build it, they will come.”

In addition to all the lighting fixtures you can imagine, the new space has provided the ability to offer more furniture and home décor items. Artwork hangs throughout the gallery, shelves of colorful throw pillows line one wall, and other accent pieces are thoughtfully displayed throughout the store. The gallery features a variety of nooks showcasing an inviting sectional sofa situated around a fireplace, modern dining tables and chairs, cozy bedroom furniture, a

soaking tub positioned between two vanities, and a full kitchen. Each of these spaces serves to make the store feel more like a home and help shoppers envision what their own spaces could look like.

As any savvy business owner will tell you, it’s important to keep learning and staying on top of the latest trends. “In this industry, you have to keep up or get out,” Roberton said. She explained that the industry is constantly evolving and stressed the importance of always learning. Roberton and her staff attend large markets in Dallas and Las Vegas that showcase the latest styles in lighting and décor. They get a sneak peek of the newest trends and are able to select items that fit with the local aesthetic styles. They also make sure to stay informed of changes in electrical and building codes to ensure a higher level of quality in their services. It’s things like this that really set The Lighting Gallery apart from the big box stores. “There’s no such thing as a typical day around here,” Roberton laughed. “No two days are the same. We’re both a retailer and wholesaler, which makes us unique,” she continued. While the store sees many customers that come in to buy a fixture or two, much of The Lighting Gallery’s clientele are homeowners designing their newly constructed homes and business owners either building or remodeling their spaces. Roberton, and the other lighting specialists at the Gallery, work directly with the builders and electricians, ensuring that each lighting element is not only installed properly, but is also appropriately suited to the space. The “rules” of lighting have changed as home designs have changed. Older homes often have individual rooms that don’t tie into other spaces. Newer designs typically feature more open-concept spaces and generally allow for larger light fixtures or focal pieces. Office remodels and new builds no longer have harsh fluorescent light-

ing, but rather feature warm lamps, soft recessed lighting, and maybe some stylish, yet functional, hanging pieces.

With the beautiful new space, Roberton has big plans. Already, The Lighting Gallery has hosted holiday events and open houses, inviting the community to come and see the new location, do a little shopping, and maybe get some inspiration for their own spaces. When the weather turns warmer, Roberton plans to construct an outdoor area to showcase landscape lighting and design.

For Roberton and her crew, it’s all about being a full-service store: everything from helping customers decide on the best pieces that fit both their taste and their space, to handdelivering orders to the job site. It’s a level of service not often seen; but for Roberton, it’s what sets her business apart. “I’ve been working with some of my customers for more than 20 years, the relationships I’ve built are so important,” Roberton said. “My vendors, sales reps, and customers…they are the best part of my job.” G

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PUTTING THE PATIENT FIRST

By Danielle Piekarski

Photos by Manstrom Photography

This is a phrase I remember hearing frequently at a previous job of mine. Not only were we expected to greet customers with a friendly grin, but we were also encouraged to crack a smile while we were on the phone with them. Our managers assured us this would make us sound more personable. I was skeptical at first, thinking the tone of my voice was much more important to service over the phone. But when I started smiling during phone calls, I did feel more personable, and confident. To this day, I still smile when answer the phone, because I feel like it allows me to be a much more effective communicator.

Suffice it to say, a smile is a powerful thing. Dr. Michiel Nuveen, of Smiles Inc. Orthodontics, understands the power of a great smile and is passionate about providing the services that will allow clients to attain their dream smile. With more than 25 years of experience, Dr. Nuveen has helped thousands of children and adults change their lives through orthodontics.

Dr. Nuveen followed in his father’s footsteps, making him a second-generation orthodontist. However, Dr. Nuveen didn’t always

“A smile is the most important part of your uniform”

intend to work in the smile business. Following his graduation from Colgate University (the same college his father and son attended), he planned on pursuing medicine. However, his parents convinced him to take the entrance exam for dental school. Upon receiving near-perfect exam results, Dr. Nuveen knew this was the career path he was meant to take. He was accepted to all ten of the dental schools that he applied to, but his ultimate decision was to attend the University of Connecticut. Dr. Nuveen then attended Temple University for Orthodontic Residency in PAthe same school where his son is currently enrolled.

In 2003, Dr. Nuveen made the move to Grand Forks to purchase the practice of Dr. Gjerset. From the start, Dr. Nuveen was committed to doing what was in the best interest of the customer. “You take care of the patient, they take care of you,” said Dr. Nuveen. His selfless patient care is reflected in his office space. When you enter Dr. Nuveen’s office, you won’t see any of his diplomas or accolades hanging on the wall. “That’s because it’s not about me, it’s about what I can do for my patients.” The true reward for Dr. Nuveen is seeing satisfied clients and their beautiful new smiles.

Last year, Dr. Nuveen started his largest patient care initiative yet. The office of Smiles Inc. Orthodontics was built in 1998, and Dr. Nuveen decided it was time for a facelift. The space was completely gutted, and everything from outlet covers to orthodontic chairs were replaced. Dr. Nuveen even tied one of his other passions into the project: technology. The computers in the office were built new by Dr. Nuveen himself. The reasoning behind all this development?

To make a more comfortable and efficient experience for his patients and their families.

The renovation was completed in June of 2022 and Dr. Nuveen couldn’t be more satisfied with the results. His new space is stunningly modern, and features impressive art pieces and exquiste furniture from local creators. A beautiful fireplace is located at the center of the waiting room to provide additional warmth to patients who visit Dr. Nuveen in the cold and winter months. Complimentary water and coffee are available to patients as well as an inviting tiled toothbrush station. “We have chairs located in the treatment area for patients’ parents, but many parents have stopped coming back with them,” said Dr. Nuveen. “Now we see more people bringing in books and laptops; some even take naps,” he added with a chuckle. “It’s great to see that we’ve created a space where people can relax.”

Dr. Nuveen contributes his success to his hard-working team, who are just as dedicated as he is to providing quality patient care. His team is small, yet diverse in experience. This includes an employee who has been in the practice for 46 years to newly certified orthodontic assistants who are eager to work under such experienced professionals. “Our team is the best it has ever been,” said Dr. Nuveen.

His customer-oriented service goes a step further

by offering a free consult to all clients. Clients do not need a referral for this consultation, and will also receive any necessary x-rays free of charge. From there, the Smiles Inc. team works with the patient to develop and execute personalized treatment, which incorporates the patient’s smile desires. If a patient is curious about how any steps of their treatment work, Dr. Nuveen created Smiles Inc. TV, a YouTube channel that explains what methods will be used during treatment and how to fix minor issues at home.

It’s impossible to put a price on the value of a smile. Studies have shown that smiling boosts confidence, the likelihood of getting a promotion, and even immune system function. Dr. Nuveen and the Smiles Inc. team are devoted to creating gleaming smiles that will set patients up for success, while fostering a comfortable and caring environment along the way. As Dr. Nuveen finished showing me around his office, he added, “Making my patients happy is what drives my every decision, and it’s what I love to do.” G

smilesinc.com | 701-772-4835 | 1165A Columbia Rd S

Santa Claus Girls

5 Questions with Jennifer Ekberg, Vice President & Shopper, Santa Claus Girls

Questions by Marla DeFoe

Jennifer Ekberg is a mortgage loan originator at Benchmark Mortgage, and has been involved with the Santa Claus Girls program since 2009. She has been a volunteer rearm safety instructor since 2011, volunteers as a foster parent for Circle of Friends and Journey Home Animal Rescue, and delivers Meals on Wheels in her free time. Jen is passionate about giving back to our community.

What is the mission of Santa Claus Girls?

The Santa Claus Girls organization has been serving the Grand Forks, ND and East Grand Forks, MN communities since 1916. Our mission is to provide toys, food, books, hats, gloves, and socks to children, aged 12 and under, from low-income families, during the holiday season.

Our volunteer board members include: Julie Ekberg, President; Jen Ekberg, Vice President & Shopper; Karen Bjornseth, Secretary; Allison Peterson, Creative & Marketing; Carol Schneweis, Treasurer; Theresa Polkinghorne, Board Member-at-Large.

Tell me about how Santa Claus Girls helps the community.

Each family who applies for our service and is approved receives, for each child in their family aged 12 and under, a gift bag containing an age-appropriate toy, one pair of socks, one pair of gloves, a hat, a toothbrush, toothpaste, candy, a reading book, and coloring book. Each family receives crayons, and a gift certificate for a large pizza from the local pizzeria, Deek’s Pizza. The parents/ guardians also receive a roll of wrapping paper and tape.

Donate or volunteer! The cost of providing this small package to each child amounts to over $45,000 per year. By donating $35.00 you will be sponsoring a bag for one child.

You can donate or sign up to volunteer on our website: www.santaclausgirls.com

There will be over 150 volunteers that gather that week to help us!

Santa

The Santa Claus Girls work out of a space at Hope Church. There is an overwhelming sense of joy seeing all of the completed gift bags ready to be delivered to local families. G

How can someone in the community help your organization?

How many volunteers are needed to deliver Christmas gifts to all the participating children?

What is your favorite part of being involved in Santa Claus Girls?

Norby's Work Perks

MARKETPLACE

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Mo's Cafe

Norby’s Work Perks

Norby’s is your turnkey solution for all office interiors; ranging from fully ergonomic office chairs to a complete smart building designed by us with modular walls, flooring, and adaptable furniture. We have evolved and we will keep adapting to the most current trends in design principles for Interior Spaces while never losing our commitment to our customers to provide “Service, Service, Service in everything we do”.

11 S 4th St

Grand Forks, ND 58201 701-746-9441

sales@norbys.com

Mo's Cafe

We are a small Cafe with a BIG Heart - focusing on breakfast and lunch and weekend bruch! We serve EVERYONE and EVERYONE is welcome! We support local businesses and do our best to use locally grown products. At Mo's Cafe, you can find a variety of cuisine such as Pastrami Hash, Steak Sammich, Scotch Eggs, Pistachio-Crusted Walleye Filet, and Mo's Famous Quiche. Order online for carryout or delivery!

1726 S Washington St, #31 Grand Forks, ND 58201 (701) 757-0319 moscafegrandforks.com

Greater Grand Forks Orchestra Symphany

Plains Chiropractic & Acupuncture

Greater Grand Forks Symphony Orchestra

The Greater Grand Forks Symphony Orchestra, established in 1908, strives to excite, educate, and inspire audiences with the highest quality performances of the most beautiful music. The GGFSO features local and regional musicians in performances of classical and modern symphonic music. Check out the next concert on March 5, 2023, at the Grand Forks Masonic Center!

3350 Campus Road, Stop 7084 Grand Forks, ND 58202-7084 701-732-0262 www.ggfso.org

Plains Chiropractic & Acupuncture

At Plains Chiropractic & Acupuncture we see you as an individual with a unique set of needs, and we view chiropractic care as a system of health care that can help you reach improved levels of wellbeing. Allow our combination of experience, evidence-based care, and collaborative mindset help you reach your health goals.

3750 32nd Ave. South Suite #103 Grand Forks, ND 58201 701-775-1034

PlainsChiropractic.com

MARKETPLACE

Nodak Insurance Company BioND

Paint the Town

ArtFest

Nodak Insurance Co.

In 1946, a group of farmers and ranchers started an insurance company to protect the livelihoods of North Dakotans like themselves. For 75 years, Nodak Insurance Company has continued that tradition of service and peace of mind for policyholders.

Talk to us about insuring your autos, homes, farm and small business. With local agents and competitive rates, Nodak Insurance can provide the protection you need. 1913 S Washington 701-757-1613 kmoen@nodakins.com

Paint the Town

The Grand Forks Area’s Premier Live Music Band. These days it’s hard to find a band that can play songs that everyone can agree on for weddings, corporate events and outdoor festivals. But, guys and gals today know where to find it and the band Paint the Town is “for real.” Based out of Grand Forks, Paint the Town can bring your event to the next level and be a crowd pleaser for all ages –playing All Hits.

Follow us on Facebook: paintthetowngf paintthetowngf@gmail.com

BioND

BioND's mission is bringing forward the entrepreneurial culture into bio-science, biotechnology research and business development in agriculture, life and energy science fields while concurrently growing economic opportunities in North Dakota. Our motto is “Building Biotech in North Dakota, One Company At A Time”.

ArtFest 2023

June 10 & 11, 2023

Hosting artists and artisans, food vendors, and entertainersArtFest offers two full days of art, food, family activities and youth art projects, live entertainment and more. With a wide variety of quality exhibits, and hosting up to 20 food vendors, ArtFest caters to more than 30,000 art lovers and festival goers from around the region. Contact us to reserve space for 2023.

Bioscience Assn of North Dakota 4200 James Ray Drive Grand Forks, ND, 58201 701-738-2483 ndbio.com

University Park Grand Forks, ND www.publicartnd.org/artfest info@publicartnd.org