Area Woman Dec/Jan '24

cont ents [ aw ]

48

on t he Cover Passion and Purpose Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch President/CEO Joy Ryan

dec jan

2023 2024

features Perleberg, Spicing Up North Dakota 12 Maya with Leela Thai & Unbreakable Determination

by Devin Joubert

Me a Cup of Tea 34 Steep

by Erin Foley Blooms - Flowers Blossom and Hearts Grow!

40 Hope

by Devin Joubert

62

giving

and Purpose 48 Passion Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch President/CEO Joy Ryan

by Dawn Duncan

Rise - Jodi Jordheim 62 Onby the Megan Elgin

Hand Up - Meaning-FUL Giving 16 Holiday

by Lend A Hand Up

life Wondering Woman 44 Dear

by Jessica Hoeper

22

style with Confidence 22 Dominate With Vintage Glamour

by Liv Burke

Fully Booked 56 She's

by Megan Elgin

Gift Guide 30 Holiday

by Dawn Duncan

58 Events Calendar Long Time Friends, 60 MSUM: Fellow Officers

46 Area Style + Shop Local

dining

by Kelsey Roseth

Holiday Trifle 27 Festive

by Stephanie Disse Chicken Parmesan 45 Crispy

by Stephanie Disse

60

health

To Serve - Tamala Anderson 28 Called

by Essentia Health A Primary Care Pediatrician 38 byChoosing Sanford Health

45

MEGAN

OUR WRITERS

Megan grew up on the family farm in small town North Dakota and graduated from MSUM. She is an artist and graphic designer who loves all things creative. She is passionate about reading as many books as possible and loves discussing them with others. Megan lives in Horace with her husband and teenage son.

[ aw ]

are the voice of Area Woman Magazine.

They bring to life the Fargo-Moorhead area and the incredible stories of the women we feature. These are the talented contributors showcased in this issue.

Learn more about these and our other contributors at areawomanmagazine.com.

ERIN

foley

Erin is a retired business owner with a degree in Graphic Design. She lives her free-spirited, ‘Be real, not perfect.’, life in Detroit Lakes with her cat, The Dude. More often than not, will answer in movie or tv quotes and is a lover and advocate for all animals. She is an Artist for Lakeshirts and loves to garden, write, paint, and cook and bake for others. You will often find her at the local yoga studio, behind the apron, elbow deep in dirt or on the lake.

8

:: areawomanmagazine.com

elgin

JESSICA

hoeper

Jessica Hoeper is a Social Worker, Reflective Coach, Author, Mother, and Founder of Ray of Hope, LLC. She is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with 17 years of human service experience, specializing in child welfare. Jessica runs her own human service consulting and training company, Ray of Hope, LLC. Jessica grew up in Fargo before relocating to Minnesota. Jess and her husband are raising their five kids on a farm in central Minnesota. Jessica recently added author to her tagline. She coordinated and co-authored a book that became a best-seller, “Where Social Work Can Lead You: Journeys into, around and even out of social work.”

STEPHANIE

disse

Stephanie Disse is a Certified Yoga Teacher and the owner of Time to Fly Healthy Living. Her passion for fitness and nutrition fuels her coaching business, helping clients to develop and sustain healthy lifestyle habits. She is a native of Detroit Lakes, MN and a married mother of two, grandmother of three, and consummate adventurer! You’ll find Stephanie cooking up new recipes in her DL kitchen, traveling around the country, enjoying live music shows, experiencing the outdoors, and spending time as a student and teacher of yoga.

DAWN

duncan

Dawn is driven by creativity and sharing her passion for writing, art, and healthy living with the masses. She is from Fertile, MN and now calls Detroit Lakes her home, after living in Colorado several years. She's a UND graduate and lifelong entrepreneur who is also a published children's book author. You'll usually find her hiking in the woods, kayaking, sweating in the yoga studio, or spending time with her husband, Michael, and their German Shepherd, Reva. Dawn is a writer, artist, creativity coach, and class facilitator, specializing in teaching art as therapy. Follow her @yellowbrightinc.com

DEVIN

joubert

Devin Joubert (pronounced "yo-bear") is a freelance writer and also a fiction author of all things romantic comedy, humor, and true love. Stories have always been at the center of her heart, believing they change lives. She lives in North Dakota with her husband and mini zoo, where the prairies and forests collide. When she isn’t writing or wrangling her pets, she loves going on road tripping adventures with her husband. You can find out more about her at lifewritingwanderlust.com

[AW] December 23 / Januar y 24 ::

9

celebrating 40 years

publisher / art director KIP JOHNSON

managing editor DAWN DUNCAN

design AARON BURGENER

advertising RENEE REDENIUS | 701.212.7227 JERRY SHEA | 218.205.7454 REBECCA HAARSTAD | 262.994.8744 TERRI JO PEERY | 320.491.5618

photography JUSTIN EILER PHOTOGRAPHY

read it online issuu.com/compmedia

find us areawomanmagazine.com

Area Woman is a proud member of the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce. It is published bimonthly by Area Woman Publishing, LLC and printed in the U.S.A. ©2023 Area Woman Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from AW. Area Woman is a trademark registered at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Area Woman Publishing assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs and does not necessarily agree with content or advertising presented.

10 :: areawomanmagazine.com

[AW] December 23 / Januar y 24 :: 11

area

PROFILE

When North Dakota comes to mind, one might not immediately associate it with bold spices, flavorful Thai curries, and delectable stir fry dishes. However, Leela Thai is no stranger to these culinary delights. They've been serving up zesty dishes since 2009. Their food has a solid reputation for traditional Thai food and now, meet the bright, funny, and inspiring woman behind Leela Thai–Maya Perleberg.

Little did Maya know she’d call North Dakota home when she first chose to study abroad in Jamestown, ND. After this, she went home to finish college in Thailand and came back on a fiancée visa in 2013.

When Maya went to study in Jamestown, she came with 10 other friends from Thailand for six months, but things were quite different when she returned.

Her friends weren’t here and Jamestown was smaller than places she was accustomed to living. “I always had something to do where I came from in Thailand. It only took a 45 minute boat ride to get to the mainland. I could go to the beach or the temple. I had depression and anxiety in the first year here. When you come with your friends, it’s all fun.

When I came back on the fiancée visa, I realized this was my real life. I didn’t know where to eat. There wasn’t any Thai food in Jamestown and no Asian market. I lived my life trying so hard to be a good wife. Then we thankfully moved to Fargo and there was more to do.”

Immigrating from one country to another can be a challenging and transformative experience. It’s a journey not only marked by physical relocation, but also the psychological and emotional adjustments that are required to adapt to a new environment. In addition, there is shifting in terms of culture shock, a new language, and different food. When asked what she thought of the Midwestern food, Maya said she loved it, but that, “It was so weird because I found out I love bagels. It was so surprising. The first one I loved was blueberry and the other was sesame.”

[AW] December 23 / Januar y 24 :: 13

In 2014, she moved with her husband to the FM area and started out as a server at Leela Thai. After two years of working her heart out with three other employees, her boss decided to go back to Thailand. “At that time, I was pregnant, and I didn’t want to lose the restaurant. So, we bought it from my boss. When I had my daughter, she was here with me the whole time in the office, until she was two years old. It was a little hard being a business owner and a wife and a new mom. And it was difficult without my family here,” said Maya.

“I haven’t been back since before the pandemic; the last time I went, my girl was three.”

Ever since Maya took over the restaurant, she’s been making it her own. As I sat with her in the restaurant, she told me about her favorite detail in the restaurant–the tiger wallpaper. Maya said, “There is a funny thing that people always joke about. They say Thai-ger, you know like Tiger?”

She wanted Leela to be like a little Thai house where customers could be cozy and the food was yummy.

Maya's not only the mastermind behind the renowned Leela Thai restaurant, but she also owns Wasabi and Poke Bowl. It’s not just her business skills or the way she has added zest to a region known for its milder palate that’s extraordinary; it's her drive to love and provide for her daughter amidst all seasons. She also exudes love for her dedicated employees. “They are kind of like family to me, I let my daughter call one of them uncle.

Thai people are the kind of people that if someone is older you show respect by calling them uncle or aunt,” said Maya.

The year before she remodeled Leela Thai, Maya bought Wasabi and Poke Bowl. Her life had been busy and stressful. “I put myself into a hard business and then my husband and I split, so I lost my family last year in October. Everything happened so fast and my heart was broken. I lost him and his family. So, I can‘t say it’s been hard, it’s been extremely hard. My stomach hurts every time I think about it all, but the other thing is I don’t have time to be heartbroken about it all.” Being responsible for 21 employees, she is dedicated to stay strong and work hard so everyone can support their families. “Yet, It’s my goal to make sure my daughter is in a good place. I want to keep her out of the drama. I love her. He loves her. No one is going to hurt her when she is with him. And no one is going to hurt her when she is with me.”

When I asked her if she enjoyed cooking as a kid or young adult, she said while laughing, saying, “I didn’t really like cooking, but I LOVED eating; I’ve also thought good food makes a good mood. You can’t live without good food.”

When it came to creating the dishes it was difficult at first, so the third year of owning Leela Thai Maya went back to Thailand to learn recipes at a Thai cooking school. “One person taught me new things. I wouldn’t go for more than two weeks, but I learned a lot about curry and stir fry dishes.

People love that here, so I learned how to make a perfect curry, coconut milk, and soup. Each dish has a secret ingredient. I took two classes and then also went to Texas to learn more about business management and organization.” One of Maya’s friends knew a restaurant owner in Houston, so she went there to learn more about managing restaurants.

Maya is extremely thankful for the FM community and how supportive they’ve been of the restaurants.

“During Covid, the community really supported us. Delivery and takeout orders really helped the restaurant. We got super busy. Covid changed my life as a business owner,”

said Maya.

With Thai food being popular, Maya was happy they were one of two Thai restaurants (Thai Orchid and Leela Thai) in the FM area. “I love the owners of Thai Orchid. They support me and are like family. But at the beginning there were only two restaurants and now there are five. Two of my workers opened their own Thai restaurants.”

Exploring different cuisine isn’t just a delicious adventure; it's also a window into diverse cultures and a key to expanding your culinary horizons. Trying new foods transcends borders and brings people together, while also opening doors to unique flavors, traditions, and spices, encouraging us to embrace diversity and it might also lead us to finding our “new favorite place.” Maya said, “Some people are afraid of trying Thai food, because they think it will be spicy. It doesn't have to be. You can make it less spicy. I will match with your taste. We do it with less to no spice. Just try it. Thai food is in the top five and you should definitely try it. If you don’t like it then you know you don’t like it. But if you try it, I know you won't hate it, I promise you! I never hear people say ‘I hate Thai food.” Never. If you try it, you’ll be able to have more conversations with other Asian people.” Then she laughed, “Maybe you won’t like Thai food, but you will like me or maybe my Thai tea.”

As a dedicated mentor to her employees, Maya

incorporates a unique approach to their development. She frequently takes her team to various restaurants across the FM area, providing them with firsthand insights into the dynamics of successful restaurants.

“Sometimes I take my servers out at different restaurants to see how others run their businesses. I want my workers to see it, I want them to learn from it. And plus, they get free food,” said Maya.

Beyond her professional life, Maya finds immense joy in spending quality time with her daughter and cherished friends. She has a delightful quirk; she eagerly anticipates weekends to explore the latest automobile offerings at Valley Imports.

"It might sound a bit unusual, but I absolutely love checking out the newest car models," Maya shared with enthusiasm.

As we concluded our conversation, Maya left me with a valuable piece of wisdom: "Being kind costs absolutely nothing. It's a choice we can all make.

I've encountered enough unkindness in my life to remind myself to be gentle with myself and others." Her radiant smile echoed the warmth of her words, leaving an indelible impression. [aw]

[AW] December 23 / Januar y 24 :: 15

area

GIVING

‘Tis the season of giving. It’s heartwarming to help others, especially around the holidays.

It’s even more meaningful when you know the recipient of your generosity is a neighbor.

Interested in serving as a holiday angel for a local family? his season, Lend A Hand Up makes it easy for you to help neighbors experiencing hardship due to health issues or trauma.

Whether you direct an online gift to an individual/family fundraiser through the Lend A Hand Up giving platform or make a tax-deductible gift to the program’s Holiday Hand Up campaign to support all active fundraisers, your gift will be boosted another 20% to increase your giving impact to help a local family.

16 :: areawomanmagazine.com

If you, your family, or business are looking to serve as an angel for a local family this holiday season, reach out to Lend A Hand Up to be paired with an individual/family experiencing hardship. As an angel, you will receive a note card to share a thoughtful message and/ or a gift card. Your kindness will be forwarded in coordination with this year’s Lend A Hand Up holiday boost. Whether you give anonymously or share your name is up to you.

Among the neighbors participating in this year’s Holiday Hand Up Campaign: → Rachael Otto

played for the NDSU Bison Women’s basketball team in the 1990s. She was known for being a selfless teammate and gritty player. On September 17th, while sleeping at her lake cabin, Rachael suffered a blood clot which would forever change her active life. After multiple surgeries and procedures, she was diagnosed with Locked in Syndrome (LIS). This is a daunting diagnosis which will require round-the-clock professional care givers for the rest of her life. Rachael’s sole source of communication is now limited to her ability to blink.

Make a Contribution Make an online gift or check payable to LAHU Holiday Hand Up to boost help for many local families through one charitable gift. Gifts to Holiday Hand Up are pooled and distributed to participating families experiencing hardship due to a health issue or other trauma.

Contributions to Holiday Hand Up may not be designated to help a specific individual/family. To designate an online gift to a specific family fundraiser, go to LendAHandUp.org. and give to the fundraiser you wish to support.

LendAHandUp.org the only give site with a boost Lend A Hand Up is a 501c3 nonprofit subsidiary of Dakota Medical Foundation based out of Fargo, North Dakota.

→ Lori Dickson

raised four kids in the FM area and was enjoying an active life up until April when she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. In May, she had a mastectomy. In June, she started chemotherapy which has made it challenging to maintain full-time employment. She appreciates the help of her family and friends and, as her sole provider, the compassionate flexibility of her employer, 20/20 Vision, for allowing her to work as able. She looks forward to resuming an active lifestyle and the birth of her second grandchild.

→ Shanna Knutson

volunteered her time to promote a Lend A Hand Up online fundraiser for a friend in December 2022.

By late February of 2023, Shanna started having her own health problems. As a loving wife to Tim who is disabled and mom to a combined family of seven children, two who still reside at home, Shanna was devastated when expansive testing led to a diagnosis of Stage IV Gastrointestinal cancer. She is currently experiencing exhaustion and other ill-effects from aggressive treatment.

[AW] December 23 / Januar y 24 :: 17

→ Bella Garcia

Trusted, Transparent Giving

is a 10 yr.-old who has endured multiple trips to Mayo to remove a vascular malformation that continues to reappear and require additional treatment. The medical expenses, as well as travel and lodging costs associated with out-of-area care providers continues to create financial burdens for this family of five whose sole source of income is a small bakery they own in downtown Fargo.

Lend A Hand Up’s mission is to make time and gifts go further through a trusted, transparent giving process supported by a local presence.

“For our team, helping our neighbors is personal.

We work closely with others in the community to connect their generosity with local families who are hurting. We care about the families we help because they are our friends, coworkers, and neighbors.”

Jeana Peinovich, Lend A Hand Up Director

→ Becky O’Meara

was transported by ambulance for chest pain and shortness of breath in May. After many tests and specialists, she was diagnosed with an aggressive, inoperable lung cancer called Small Cell Carcinoma. Following extensive jaw surgery due to infections and recurring cellulitis, she started a concurrent course of chemotherapy and radiation. Becky is a long-term resident of the FM area where she raised three amazing children and worked in the social service area. Currently, she is not able to work, which makes it emotionally and financially challenging for her and Tim.

→ Angie Sorensen

experienced painful kidney stone symptoms for many years, often leading her to the emergency room. When her symptoms worsened and lengthened, she started seeing providers at a local pain clinic which ended up with her referral to a renal auto-transplant program in Wisconsin. In October of 2022, she had her first transplant. In July of 2023, she had her second transplant. Angie lives in Ulen with her husband and three children among friends who are rallying financial help for them.

To learn about other families participating in this year’s Holiday Hand Up Campaign

scan the code below

Be An Angel Lend A Hand Up is looking for individuals, families, and organizations to make the holiday brighter for local families through their angel program.

As an angel, you will be matched with a family to extend a thoughtful message, gift card, or other small gift to uplift them this holiday season. Whether you give anonymously or share your name is up to you.

Learn more about the Lend A Hand Up Holiday Angel opportunity: 701.356.2661, lendahandup@gmail.com

18 :: areawomanmagazine.com

[AW] December 23 / Januar y 24 :: 19

Athena

Arya

Butler

Bluey Bronson Cozy

Chopper Elena

Frederick Klaus Jasper

Ike Buddy

Phantom 20 :: areawomanmagazine.com

Klondike

Jubliee Rosa

Phoebe

Prince

Sven 6

Chloe Denzel

Gomez

Monarch

Violet

area

STYLE

Spring Hair Trends 2024

model Laura Gabriel makeup Kat Monson hair Kate Ahlgren clothing Laurie's

The world may be buzzing about the latest fashion trends showcased during Fashion Week, but what about the stunning hairstyles that graced the runways in New York, London, Milan, and Paris? In a stunning throwback to the past as this year's runway shows were dominated by hairstyles that exuded vintage glam and unwavering confidence. It seems the age-old saying "less is more" is making a triumphant return to the forefront of the hair industry for spring 2024.

A Vintage Comeback In the spring of 2024, we can anticipate a refreshing change from the previous season.

Hairstyles are shifting towards a low-heat, minimalist approach that oozes sophistication and elegance. If you've been holding on to your bow, headbands, or ribbons, now is your moment to shine. Elegant hair accessories are stealing the spotlight, reviving the glamour of bygone eras. From sixties-inspired bows in both oversized and petite variations to '90s comb headbands, the spring 2024 trend is all about sleek, smooth, and classy looks.

model Maddie Strong makeup Lilly Messner hair Hathway Kritzeck clothing Laurie's

The Allure of Comb Headbands One trend that effortlessly brings the '90s vintage glam back to life is the resurgence of comb headbands. This easy-to-achieve style is a nod to the past while embracing the chic of today. With comb headbands, you can effortlessly transform your look into a retro masterpiece.

Soft and Vintage To add a touch of vintage softness to your look, consider loose, soft hairstyles with small braids. These small braids not only add a touch of whimsy but also pay homage to classic beauty. Pair this style with clothing that allows you to incorporate ribbons into your hair, and you'll achieve a captivating, timeless look. A long, flowing hairstyle with a few little braids strategically placed can elevate your style and bring a sense of flair to your overall appearance.

model Lexy Kleven makeup Lilly Messner hair Kate Ahlgren clothing Laurie's

model Liv Burke makeup Kat Monson hair Aurora Chappell clothing Laurie's

Sleek Vintage Glam with Strands for a Modern Spring 2024 Twist The vintage glam of the '50s and '60s is making a comeback, but with a contemporary twist. From low ponytails to rope-braid buns, models graced the runway with hairstyles adorned with dainty crystals and pearls. This fusion of classic beauty and modern elegance creates a striking contrast that is sure to turn heads.

Sleek strands are in for spring 2024. Think shiny, straight locks that mirror the iridescent, jewel-toned collections seen on the runways.

The crisp tailoring and bold lines of fashion this season perfectly complement the sleek strand trend, adding a touch of sophistication to your look.

Hair Accessories: The Ultimate Glam Accessories are the key to unlocking the vintage glam of spring 2024. Picture pearl pins, bows, and big barrettes adorning your locks, transforming your hairstyle into a masterpiece of elegance. Embrace the simplicity of vintage glam and elevate your style with these exquisite hair accessories.

The Total Package Corvette Gateway Chevrolet

Fashion in 2024 is all about bold lines, strong shoulders, and glamorous purses as the ultimate accessories. Embrace the new glam, making a statement not only with your hairstyle but with your entire ensemble. Fashion and beauty are seamlessly merging to create a head-turning look that is impossible to ignore.

As spring approaches, consider embracing the vintage glam trend with confidence and style. Let your hair do the talking and make a statement with classic accessories that reflect your timeless beauty. Whether it's a comb headband, a soft and vintage hairstyle, or sleek strands, you have the tools to create a look that is both classic and contemporary.

Welcome spring 2024 with open arms and a hairstyle that exudes confidence, grace, and vintage charm. [aw]

area

RECIPES

R E C I P E B Y STEPHANIE DISSE

P H O T O B Y DAWN DUNCAN

festive

................

Holiday trifle ..........................................................

INGREDIENTS

..........................................................

1 Lemon pound cake (boxed; White Lilly brand was used here, but any will work, including homemade); make in 13x9”pan as directed then cool, cut into 2” cubes 1 package vanilla instant pudding (5.1 oz.); mix as directed.

8 oz. whipped topping (packaged or homemade) 1.5 C fresh cranberries 1 C water 1 C orange juice 1 C sugar

SERVINGS

6-8

................

t i e mak [ aw ]

tonight

1 cinnamon stick

For cranberr y garnish: ½ C water

...............................................................................

THE METHOD

½ C sugar Saucer of sugar (cranberries will be rolled in this) 2 T lemon zest 2 T orange zest ..........................................................

TOOLS

..........................................................

Saucepan Measuring cups and spoons Large spoons (regular, slotted)

...............................................................................

Bake c ake and mix pudding as dire cte d. Cut c ake into 2” cubes when coole d.

Cook the fresh cranberries (preferably the night before assembl ing trif le) with water, orange juice, sugar, and cinnamon stick . Boil until sof t /cooke d through. Cool in fridge until thickene d. S ave ¼ C . of the cranberr y mix ture; set aside. Set aside ¼ C . of the whippe d topping. Mix the rest of the whippe d topping with the pudding to create “cust ard.” Pl ace the reser ve d cranberries in a small s aucepan and cook on me dium high heat with ½ C . sugar and ½ C water for 3 minutes . Stir throughout, then using a slot te d spoon, t ake the cranberries out and pl ace them on parchment paper to cool for 1 hour. From there, roll the cranberries in a sugar. These will be the garnish for the trif le.

Parchment paper Trifle bowl Mixing bowl(s) 13”x9” pan Grater/zester Small knife Spatula Small saucer

In a trif le bowl (clear gl ass , high sides), assemble the trif le by pl acing half of the c ake cubes , half of the pudding and cream “cust ard ”, and half of the cranberr y mix ture l ayere d in the bowl . Sprinkle with half of the lemon zest and half of the orange zest . Repeat . Pl ace sugare d cranberries on top and dollops of reser ve d whippe d cream as desire d.

Store in fridge until ser ving and then ser ve in small bowl . Ke ep lef tover trif le in fridge, covere d with pl astic wrap, for up to f ive days . [ aw ]

area

HEALTH

"My husband walked out on me and left me with our three kids and a boatload of debt,” explains Tamala. “I was in my last semester of graduate school and my life pretty much fell apart."

Instead of giving up, she began to pour herself into her faith. For Tamala, this translated into writing devotionals.

28 :: areawomanmagazine.com

Written By Caitlin Pallai Photographs Supplied By Essentia Health

“They just started coming to me,” she says, adding that God gave her the words, concepts, and ideas.

Initially sharing with close friends, Tamala began sending her devotionals to others. Eventually, they were being seen by 100 people a day. While encouraged to compile her writings, Tamala admits that she sat on this idea for several years before deciding to author her first book, “Starting the journey: A 30-day Devotional.”

“If you told me that I was going to do this years ago, I would have told you you’re out of your mind,” says Tamala. “But as you start walking on a journey to where the Lord can take you, it’s amazing what things open, happen and evolve.”

Tamala equates one’s faith journey to driving up a hill; you must keep your foot on the gas pedal to keep moving.

“Sometimes there are more questions than answers as to why things are happening,” she admits. “To push forward, you need to be balanced in your faith. You get different things from different people and resources.”

Tamala explains that her devotional is just one avenue of support for someone’s journey.

For her, faith has informed what she does professionally – working in health care. Tamala is an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner working at the Essentia Health-Fargo Cancer Center.

“I truly believe that God called me to be a nurse; I’ve believed that since I was little and that’s all I’ve ever wanted to do,” she says. “Health care challenges you from an anatomy, physiology, medication, spiritual, and emotional perspective.

It’s a job that drains every part of you some days, but you get so much back and so much in return that it’s all worth it.”

on a journey that forces them to dig deep emotionally, spiritually, and physically.

“It is a long journey,” Tamala adds. “But I think if you talk to most cancer survivors, they’ll say that it transforms you, you become somebody different and you grow from it.”

Reflecting on her year-and-a-half with the Fargo Cancer Center, Tamala describes it as a truly special place to work.

Over her 30-year career, Tamala has enjoyed getting to know her patients and feels privileged to work in oncology, where she meets people at a very difficult time and when they really need support.

“From the volunteers to the receptionists to the physicians, they know their patients and they know them well,” she says. “There’s a deep concern for them. I’ve never felt like the patients we serve are a number. They’re people to all of us.”

“Cancer is a terrible disease and, in a world filled with discrimination, this disease has absolutely none,” says Tamala. “We all face journeys in life, but nobody ever thinks they’re going to be the one sitting in the infusion chair. For our cancer patients, their lives fall apart with that initial diagnosis and hearing that cancer word for the first time.”

Regardless of your battle, Tamala stresses the importance of finding your source of spiritual renewal, peace and grounding. For women, she encourages them to find support from other women.

From experiencing disfiguring surgeries and treatments to feeling awful, cancer patients are

“As women, we are often left carrying a lot of the burden, a lot of the weight at home,” she explains.

“It’s important to surround yourself with the right people, those who are going to lift you up and support you.

“You can have sympathy for a lot of people, but not until you walk through really hard times do you really, truly have empathy for people. I want to help others find joy, peace and the amazing gift that God can be during difficult times.”

Tamala grew up on a farm in Hazen, North Dakota, and is the second of four girls. She has three adult children and is now a grandmother. She is in the early stages of starting her own ministry, Pursuing Christ Ministries, and continues her work on two other devotionals and a bible study guide. Her pen name is Tamala May and her website is pursuingchristministries.org.

Essentia Health offers comprehensive cancer care services at four cancer centers located in North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Located at the Essentia Health-South University Clinic, the Fargo Cancer Center is accredited for its Breast Program by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers and as a Comprehensive Community Cancer Program from the Commission on Cancer. [aw] Learn more about the Fargo Cancer Center at EssentiaHealth.org [AW] December 23 / Januar y 24 :: 29

area

STYLE

he shopping season is upon us! Take a look at a few of our fun picks for gifting that are available at FM area merchants. Remember to shop local and support the businesses that make our communities vibrant and unique! Nothing is better than a thoughtful gift with a story, so take the time this year to think about those you love and what would delight them.

STABO Scandinavian Imports 406 N Broadway, Fargo, ND

For authentic Scandinavian gifts, STABO Scandinavian Imports features a wide array of items from clothing to jewelry to various kitchen and dining pieces. There are kids’ items as well as many fun small gifts such as candies, table goods, aprons, mittens, and more. Bring a bit of Scandinavia into your life!

Dala Horse Cotton Socks by Ozone ($16.00/pair) Truly a standout staple of Scandinavian folk art, the Dala horse motif is one that is bright and eyecatching. These soft, durable socks by Ozone are a perfect blend of whimsy and comfort that display the beauty of Scandinavian designs.

30 :: areawomanmagazine.com

Uff Da Hoodie Sweatshirt (Kids’ sizes) ($25.00) Teach them young! The bright, high quality Uff Da sweatshirt is a cute addition to a kid’s wardrobe and the hoodie offers extra warmth during colder months. Featured in a bright red with blue and white accents, this piece is a traditional Norwegian colorway with the versatile expression of the culture.

[ aw ]

Midnight Sun Necklace with crystal accents ($39.50)

Kosta Boda “Contrast” Bowls (Medium; $125.00 ea.)

Kosta Boda of Sweden is known for its stunning Scandinavian design aesthetic in its gorgeous glass collectibles. The “Contrast” bowl in the medium size is a beautiful décor accent or memorable addition to your holiday table.

Available in multiple colors.

Nordic culture honors nature in exceptional ways through art, traditions, and folklore. The Midnight Sun necklace is a contemporary, crystal-accented piece that depicts the magical outdoors in a way that showcases the simplicity of Scandinavian design. With just enough sparkle and flair, the necklace is fashionable touch for everyday dress or more formal.

See More Holiday Gift Guide Items Continued On The Next Page [AW] December 23 / Januar y 24 :: 31

Tenderleaf Mini Chef Home Baking Set ($59.99) This fun set for kids features a stylish mixer with metal swivel whisk, wooden bowl, and clacking on/off button. Ingredients to weigh out on a modern kitchen scale include a wooden egg that opens to reveal a felt egg, a pack of butter, and a box of flour containing 15 white felt discs. Mix this all together and bake your cake in a wooden cake tin!

The Mix Picks Décor and Remix Design Studio 212 15th St. NE, Dilworth, MN • (218) 227-7030

Find expertly curated gifts and home décor at The Mix Picks and its sister company, Remix Design Studio in Dilworth. Business partners Libby Martin and Ashley Mickelson select affordably priced items for all budgets and needs, with an emphasis on quality and usability. These are just a few of the fun items you’ll find at their shop, with many more pieces such as candles, tabletop and home décor, soft goods, and kids’ items, to name a few.

Pura Device and Pura Scents ($89.97) The Pura Smart Fragrance Diffuser empowers you to personalize every detail of your home fragrance experience, all from your phone.

Simply plug in, program, and let premium, clean fragrance enhance your every mood. Control your Pura from anywhere with the app and at home using Alexa compatibility.

Winter white scent: Aromatic evergreen and frosted cypress are dusted with white peppercorn, spicy-cool cardamom, and a sparkling citrus nuance. Frasier fir scent: Fill your Pura with the fresh-cut forest fragrance of Thymes Frasier Fir. This pet and eco-friendly fragrance refill features notes of Siberian fir, cedarwood, and warm, earthy sandalwood.

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Wild Maine Blueberry Breakfast Holiday Kit ($44.99) Wish someone a “berry” merry holiday with this blueberry-packed gift! The best-selling Jam and syrup, both brimming with tiny, hand-raked blueberries from Maine, pair perfectly with the classic pancake and waffle mix and a cheerful tea towel for an all-in-one meal experience. Elegantly packaged in festive box featuring tartan and winter blooms, this ready-to-give present recalls the cozy comforts of the season.

Kittsona •

Locations: 23 8 th St. S., Fargo, ND 301 N. 3 rd St., Grand Forks, ND Kittsona is an on-trend, modern boutique with locations in Fargo and Grand Forks. With casual,comfortable clothing options and stylish accessories, the store offers unique fashion solutions with a contemporary twist.

The Lay Low Pullover ($54.00)

Signature Smooth Baby Tee ($22.00)

The Lay Low Pullover in pine green is a textured top of thermal waffle material. This is a great look for casual holiday get togethers and the top also comes in three additional colors (bubble gum, cream, and mocha) and sizes small-large.

Signature Smooth Baby Tee: Pair with the matching pants (featured) or with jeans, shorts, or skirts for a look that’s in and fun! The ultra-soft, stretchy fabric of this top offers a flattering look and versatility. Available in four colors: black, light blue, oatmeal, and toast, sizes small-large.

Signature Smooth Wide Leg Pants ($40.00) The Signature Smooth Wide Leg Pants are the perfect, flowy option that are comfortable yet incredibly stylish. These are a fabulous pant for travel, work, and parties galore with an ultra-high waisted cut, structured waist band, pleats, and a long length (size down if you’re between sizes). Note: These are the matching piece to the (featured) Signature Smooth Baby Tee and are available in black, light blue, oatmeal, and toast, sizes small-large.

Go Getter Leather Pants ($54.00) Go Getter Leather Pants are made from soft, vegan leather and offer a stretchy, flattering fit. They have a straight leg and are available in stone (featured) and black. These are a perfect alternative to a dress for a more trendy, high fashion look for your holiday events and beyond.

Sizes small-large. Also available in Black.

North Dakota + Minnesota Friends Embroidered Crew ($72.00) North Dakota + Minnesota Friends Embroidered Crew: This top says it all….let’s be friends! With our paired cities/regions, it’s time for a top that represents our love of our neighbors! Available in sizes small through XXX large and in bone/red colorway.

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PROFILE

Terisina Hintz grew up similarly to her fellow North Dakotans with a blend of farm, family, church, bacon cheeseburgers, and black coffee. In addition, her experience included the common activities of meeting your significant other over Long Island Teas at the bar and most events celebrated with alcohol and potlucks. Today, along with her husband, Jerry, they own Steep Me Tea Apothecary with locations in both Bismark and Fargo.

Terisina Hintz Never being around or exposed to tea until she was an adult, Terisina has only been influenced by tea for the last 18 years. “This all started because my husband and I felt America was due for a shift in wellness, from modern medicine to the kind our great great grandparents lived.”

Functional nutrition and functional fitness are the beliefs that drive Steep Me a Cup of Tea, now Steep Me Tea Apothecary. “We have been building a business that has been patiently and painstakingly evaluated as something that has never been offered in a class to learn. We see this as the thinking of people today by the fact that we have been open and growing both in customer trust

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This all started because my husband and I felt America was due for a shift in wellness, from modern medicine to the kind our great great grandparents lived.

and product offerings.” Thriving for 16 years in North Dakota, not a typical state one would think a business of such nature should even survive, let alone grow, the company has gone back to humble farm backgrounds, using the earth to feed one's body.

Terisina and Jerry were in the business of tea blending two years prior to opening their store in Bismarck in 2008. “We always thought that tea would be such a great alternative to other beverages available. Plus, you could not find anywhere that offered tea as the primary beverage.

You see coffee shops today offer tea, but nobody

focuses on the tea itself.” After being open for several years, they decided in 2010 to move the business into the realm of focusing on health and wellness instead of simply great tasting teas.

Thus began the development of the Self-Help tea line offered today with 135 teas hyper-focused on specific ailments.

“We have really been selling a lot of Wellness, Kick Ur Kold, and Virus teas because of the awareness of the Covid 19 and Influenza virus issues.

On top of physical issues with the changes we face we do a lot for mental health dealing with anxiety, stress, depression, anxious brain, and of course sleeping.” They research and evaluate all their own blends along with building them all in the Fargo warehouse. “Many of our teas go through a year or so of testing, getting a success rate of 60% per blend by testing them with 100 people. This allows us to get a good blend and get the tea into people's hands. Having an alternative option for people is important. For most, our teas are their health, no more prescriptions, thus saving their bodies.”

Terisina is not only the mother of four children and the grandmother of three, but she works with her husband, who is her best friend, every day. Together, they have been self-employed for more than 29 years. “Many people ask us how we do it, since our guests find it very unusual that I am working with my spouse. The best advice is to stay in your lane. We have our own specific tasks at work, and we are great at them. So, we do what we are good at and do not interfere with the other person's strengths. At times we do not have much work / personal life balance.”

They have been empty nesters for about five years. “That was hard for us because we always do as much with family as we could. But, with the way this business has been for the last five years

Terisina Hintz We love our guests, so this life is not a hardship.

We were called to help our guests to provide them with an alternative to healing. with moving to Fargo, finding good staff, the pandemic, and now the economy, in the last year we only had seven days off last year and five days off this year.” As a small business owner, your obligation is to serve what they call their “guests” in lieu of customers. “They trust us to provide a high-quality product that is as effective as it can be.” Many times, other sacrifices are being made in their personal time to make sure their doors are open every day. They have the products they are promoting in stock to purchase every day and that comes with sacrifices to their personal life.

“We love our guests, so this life is not a hardship.

We were called to help our guests to provide them with an alternative to healing!”

Having two locations can be quite an interesting adventure. All their tea blends are made daily in the Fargo location. With the help of their assistant managers at both locations helping to take up the extra hours they cannot fulfill, Terisina and Jerry drive 1,000 miles per week between the Bismark and Fargo stores to ensure inventory is stocked and to help pick up the extra hours in the week, allowing their staff to balance their work and personal life. “We have so many guests we have helped in both cities, it would be a shame

to not see them, hear their stories, have a laugh or hear about a celebration of some great life event, and just enjoy the positivity in their lives.”

Tea education is never ending. “We have developed our own systems over the years but there is so much you can learn online. That is where we send people to look for a basic understanding on what Tea is and where it comes from! It has an amazing history!”

They sell 90% tea or tea blends in loose leaf fashion. All their blends come in drink form in the stores, or the leaves to make at home. “We feel that learning how to make tea at home is where we find true healing and satisfaction.” Many of the tea blends have moved into ingestible blends meaning they are in capsule or tincture form.

They always develop a new blend in loose tea form to start the testing, aiming to have the new blend evaluated by 100 people, shooting for that 60% or better success rate. Once accomplished, many blends will leave the tea world and move into capsules. “At times we hear about how "not great tasting" the blend can be or we use an extensive number of powders, especially mushrooms, that are not palatable or easy to steep into a tea.”

[AW] December 23 / Januar y 24 :: 35

They then hand grind the herbs and hand pack them into vegan capsules creating another delivery method to enjoy the health and wellness of a blend. Tinctures of some blends are made as well.

“We offer these different delivery methods to allow the body to break down the herbs. In addition to using hot water to make tea, the capsules/tinctures allow you to ingest the actual herbs without throwing them away. It is amazing how well we can manage things like inflammation and neuropathy with a capsule as a delivery method.” In the capsule making process, there are many ingredients sourced that are in powder form and a capsule is necessary to achieve the nourishment needed, especially in the scope ranging from fertility health, PCOS, hot flashes, and COPD. As an additional herbal option, their guests have requested the potential of using hops in their builds. Upon studying the health benefits, nourishments, and healing qualities of hops, they have created an entire beverage line from the research conducted. The non-alcoholic beer, BeBold Beer – NA, will be alcohol and gluten-free.

Ancient grains will be used such as flax for their oils but will remain gluten free. “We have created “foofoo” and fun beers like Dilly Daze and Summer Sunrise and Summer Bash, but also working beers for anxiety, insomnia, muscle recovery, and other options we have developed with our guests giving us their feedback.” The beer is available in cans at 11 oz and drafted in store on carbonation, eliminating the need for preservatives and providing a fun alternative to tea.

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Upon entering either one of Steep Me’s locations, you will be shown around, talking a little bit about what tea is and answering any questions you may have, receiving your own personal oneon-one consultation if you will. “Our blends are really phyto-nutrition. We are providing you an additional supplementation to your diet you are not getting now. We are not macros or micros which we all know what they are. We are not Endo nutrition - you get that from CBD. We are the antioxidants, catechins, polyphenols and other antibacterial antiviral capabilities that each specific herb can provide in your diet.”

Terisina and Jerry’s main goal has always been to provide an alternative avenue for people to feel better and to provide that option to as many people as they can. “We are not here to cure an illness, but to help make you feel better and manage your symptoms. If you are experiencing pain - we are not going to make you pain free - we are here to help, take the edge off what you are experiencing, and to work with a regimen that you are currently using. We want to help people and give them options to try something different.”

What is on the horizon for Steep Me? They just received approval to change their name and are now Steep Me Tea Apothecary. Same people, same customer service, new name. They are health and wellness and all kinds of other wonderful things to make you feel better! “We are also in the pro-

Our blends are really phytonutrition.

Terisina Hintz

cess of franchising our concept. We have gotten our approvals in ND, so our Bismarck location is up for sale to continue all our hard work and become the first franchise location.” This will allow Terisina and Jerry the ability to cut back on traveling between locations, spend more time in the warehouse developing new blends, and expand their options to include more health for more people. “Being able to franchise will accomplish one of our goals, getting these items we developed into more hands, making more people aware of the health and wellness in teas and herbs, and hopefully making more people happy and healthy with an alternative to the traditional pharmaceutical route.”

Steep Me has changed Terisina’s life. “It has taught me that life has a lot of ups and downs.

It has taught me that faith over fear is my daily mantra. It has taught me that everyone has a story, and we are here to support each other through the good and the bad. It has taught me to walk so much stronger in my faith because we are here to provide a healing service to others and the community that we are in and know a higher power has a plan. It has taught me how important my family is and strengthened my relationships with all those around me. It has taught me the essence of hard work and running a business and knowing that I am lucky enough to do it every day.”

Steep Me has been put here as an option for everyone, their doors open to all. “We have been given this gift by a higher power to understand the herbs and how they can be put together to benefit the most people. It is our mission in life to develop these blends and share them with everyone.

We plan to use our voices, our knowledge, and our heart to spread what Steep Me is to as many people who are in need. We feel we have been put here on this earth, in this store we developed, to help others heal with our alternative options to traditional medicine. There are so many ways to look at health and wellness - GOD provided all these herbs on this planet so we find it is our job to study and understand these herbs and develop wellness options with these amazing herbs, spices, and tea leaves!” [aw]

[AW] December 23 / Januar y 24 :: 37

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HEALTH

STORY AND PHOTOS SUPPLIED BY: SANFORD HEALTH

There are same-day care options for kids in the Fargo-Moorhead area, but it isn’t always clear to parents where they should go and when.

What is a primary care provider?

A primary care provider is a general health care provider who helps manage their patient’s health through preventive care and acts as medical home for all other health needs.

For children, a primary care provider will specialize in either family medicine or pediatrics. Family medicine providers care for people of all ages, from newborns through seniors. Pediatricians offer primary care for infants through young adults.

hen it is time to choose a primary care pediatrician for your children, it’s important to know what options are available and what will be the best fit for your family. At Sanford in Fargo, ND, many options exist. The following points address common questions that may arise.

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Your child’s primary care provider is their main health care contact. They know your child’s health history, understand your goals and should always be your first stop with any concerns. And while you’re probably used to seeing a primary care provider for wellness check-ups, sports physicals and other preventive care, you might not realize that they can also help when sudden illness and injuries happen.

What is urgent care?

Urgent care is for sudden illnesses, injuries and minor health concerns that should be addressed immediately but aren’t serious enough for the emergency room. These types of clinics don’t require an appointment, so you can walk in for care when your child needs it.

hours. You can bring your child to any location, but Sanford Children’s Urgent Care Clinic has pediatric specialists ready to care for your child in a kid-friendly environment.

What are some FAQs about common reasons getting the right my child may need Will this visit care for your kids immediate care? be covered by There are same-day care options for kids in the There are many reasons why a child may need fast insurance?

Fargo-Moorhead area, but it isn’t always clear to parents where they should go and when.

Primary care providers and the providers at urgent care clinics can treat the same conditions, but there are some key differences regarding when to see the different types of providers so that your kid can receive the care they need quickly.

treatment. Families often seek care right away for:

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Body aches Cold and flu symptoms Cough Diarrhea Earaches Fevers below 104° Headaches and migraines Minor burns Rashes Sore throats Strains and sprains Urinary tract infection Minor to severe cuts and scrapes Pink eye or eye infections

Can I schedule a same-day appointment with my child’s primary care provider?

What if my child In many cases, you may be able to schedule quickly with a primary care provider. It’s a good idea to needs care in the see them for any new illness or injury your child is experiencing, if you can. Schedule an appointevening or on the ment by calling your local clinic. If your primary weekend? care provider isn’t available that day, they may recommend an appointment the next day or suggest you visit an urgent care clinic. Urgent care clinics do not require an appointment.

Injuries and illnesses don’t only happen when it’s most convenient. In Fargo-Moorhead, there are three urgent care locations with extended

Whether you find care with a primary care provider or at an urgent care clinic, we accept most insurances. Check your insurance policy to be sure.

Are there other types of appointments?

Even with the convenience of same-day appointments and walk-in care, there might still be times when an in-person appointment won’t work in your schedule. If you can’t bring your child into a clinic for an appointment, virtual care options are available. E-visits and video visits make connecting with a provider and getting treatment for minor health conditions even more convenient. [aw]

Find a primary care provider for your child at sanfordhealth.org

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FEATURE

elcome to the world of Hope Blooms, where fragrant repurposed bouquets bring hope, joy, and emotional healing to the hearts of countless individuals in the Fargo-Moorhead community. Founder Kelly Krenzel and her team of dedicated volunteers are spreading love, one repurposed flower bouquet at a time. Hope Blooms has grown into a flourishing non-profit organization that has been touching the lives of many in the FM area for seven years. But how did it all start? Kelly Krenzel's story is one that's filled with the warmth of family, a deep love for flowers, and a passion for making a difference in the lives of people around her.

Grandma Frieda's Legacy: Blooms of Love For Kelly, the journey began with her beloved Grandma Frieda.

When she spent her summers in Linton, North Dakota, with her grandma, Kelly absorbed the powerful lesson that even the smallest act of kindness can mean the world to someone. “I was very, very close to my grandmother when I was growing up. She was just the most lovely, caring, open, and warmhearted woman I knew. Every summer, I lived with her for six weeks until I was like 16,” said Krenzel. “One of the things we did together was gardening. That’s where my love of flowers came from.”

40 :: areawomanmagazine.com

Thrifting is my love language. So I love repurposing anything. I chatted with Christy and I said, 'you probably want to do this,' and she said, 'you should do it and I will help you.'"

Kelly Krenzel

Kelly's path to creating Hope Blooms was further illuminated during her eight and a half years working in hospice. There, she listened to individuals nearing the end of their lives and discovered that it's the little things that truly matter in the tenderest moments of life. Becoming a mother also intensified her desire to make a big impact on the community. Her journey began, not with the grand intentions of founding a non-profit, but with a heart full of love.

One of her friends, Christy Tehven, who was already in the flower business, shared Kelly's vision to bring the joy of flowers to the elderly. Inspired by her own grandmother's love for gardening, Kelly had a desire to repurpose flowers. “Thrifting is my love language. So I love repurposing anything. I chatted with Christy and I said, ‘you probably want to do this.’ and she said, 'you should do it and I will help you,’” said Krenzel.

One day, Kelly's house looked normal and then, after telling her husband her idea, things changed.

“He moved all our furniture to the perimeter of this tiny little office we had in a spare room and he set up two sawhorses and a piece of plywood. I called and started relationships with different assisted living centers, nursing homes, and memory care, thinking about what one tangible gift could do. Hope Blooms was founded from that source of fostering belonging in the community with surprise deliveries. It’s essential for people to have that social and emotional wellbeing attended to. That was really the inspiration behind Hope Blooms, and just knowing that a lot of things were going to waste after these big events. Whether the event is happy or sad, flowers are like that physical embodiment of love,” said Krenzel.

In a whirlwind of support and determination, Hope Blooms was born, Kelly and her husband set up the foundation for what would become a heartwarming venture. “If you think of a flower, there is probably a very specific memory attached to it. They are the keepers of memories. So being able to take that beauty in its simplicity to recreate these bedside bouquets that can be delivered out to create joy for community members. It gives a sense of I’m not alone. Because it can get really lonely. That’s the essence of where we came from.

We’ve done a lot since that room in the basement,” said Krenzel with a big smile full of love.

The Essence of Hope Blooms “I came to Hope Blooms because I have a floral background. I heard about them when I had a job as a florist. It was the core mission of Hope Blooms that focused on fostering a sense of belonging in the community through surprise deliveries,” said Katie Gehring, who is Hope Blooms' first full-time employee. Her experience allowed the organization to expand its floral offerings

and reach even more people. As she pointed out, "Flowers communicate things words can't." Kelly, Katie, and their volunteers understand that loneliness can be overwhelming, especially for seniors. They aim to ease this by delivering a slice of joy and a reminder that they are loved and not alone. Hope Blooms loves giving flowers "just because.” It’s nice to receive flowers for your birthday, your graduation, or for holidays, but this is more of an unexpected act of kindness which can make a profound difference in someone's life. It's all about creating joy and a sense of belonging when people least expect it.

In the words of Brandon Johnson, a board member, "Not every act of kindness needs to be a big, extravagant act, a lot of joy comes from the little surprises. The value of Hope Blooms comes in the moments when people are not asking or expecting it. When you receive joy in this way it hits a lot differently. It feels like it’s serving a layer of our life experience that doesn’t get served in other ways of nonprofit giving."

[AW] December 23 / Januar y 24 :: 41

We host 200-some volunteers a year for all of them to do something with their hands for the community to give back. And also that volunteering can be fun.

Katie Gehring

Volunteers: The Lifeblood of Hope Blooms Hope Blooms thrives with the support of its volunteers. They don't need prior experience to create beautiful bouquets, and their hands-on involvement ensures that the organization can touch the lives of hundreds in the community.

The volunteers don't just arrange flowers; they become ambassadors of love, brightening people's days and creating unforgettable moments of connection. “We host 200-some volunteers a year. For all of them to do something with their hands for the community to give back. And also that volunteering can be fun,” said Gehring.

The great thing is that people from all walks of life can come and volunteer there. “It’s a cool way to bond in a really different way. When volunteers leave, they are in an awesome headspace. There was a note that someone sent us once, that said thank you for doing this from even a community engagement perspective because Hope Blooms has become a place for widows, for friends, for new relationships. It’s become a hub of community connections and life long relationships are forming. They wouldn’t have become that without Hope Blooms,” said Krenzel.

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Flower Power: Transforming Lives One Bouquet at a Time Hope Blooms doesn't claim to be florists. Instead, they take discarded flowers and repurpose them, creating moments of connection through oneon-one interactions. “There is so much scientific proof out there that you are better off spending time around flowers. It reduces your anxiety, blood pressure, and improves cognitive performance. It does all these real and positive things for you. I read that people who spend time around flowers are three times happier than people who don't, so that's probably why we are doing cartwheels every time we have people come in here,” said Krenzel energetically.

Local stores, grocers, funeral homes, as well as area gardeners partner with them by donating flowers. As well as people who may have just celebrated a wedding or a family grieving the loss of a family member. Mourning families have come to Hope Blooms with the flowers from the funeral and have made new bouquets so the flowers could have a second life, bringing happiness and joy to others–as a neat memorial of their lost loved one. These blossoms find a new life as bedside bouquets to brighten seniors' days, bringing a message of love and care. “And then the great thing is that the senior communities, in turn, donate their jars back to us, which we recycle and reuse,” said Krenzel.

Katie Gehring

Kelly Krenzel

The Art of Giving Back Hope Blooms gives back to the community in many ways, but they also have started offering classes to the community, giving people a chance to learn new skills while also supporting them.

You can find out more about the classes they offer on their website: https://hopeblooms.org/ These classes allow them to use the flowers or items that wouldn't typically be used in the bedside bouquets–like moss and pumpkins.

What You Can Do to Support Hope Blooms While Hope Blooms is immensely grateful for all the donated flowers and volunteer efforts, they also rely on financial support to meet their various needs, such as acquiring a delivery vehicle.

Which they are still working on. Every small effort helps move the mission forward. “I was just a person with an idea and a heart to serve our community. We also hope to inspire people. What are you passionate about and what are your skills? Is there a way you can serve the community with that gift? And you don’t have to fund a nonprofit to do that,” said Krenzel.

Let’s make our community bloom with compassion. For every act of kindness, no matter how small–it’s a powerful force that can and does change lives. [aw]

For more information, contact: Kelly Krenzel 758 34th St. N. Suite O Fargo, ND 58102 hopeblooms.org • 701.491.882 1

wondering WOMAN

response by :: jessica hoeper

Jess~ I wonder A LOT, so I am wondering about wonder? Thoughts?

Dear Jen,

Sincerely, Jen

Wondering about wonder. How curiously fun! Jen, I have never seen this quote before, but I love it, and so appreciate you sharing it!

Wonder as a noun is defined by Oxford as “a feeling of surprise mingled with admiration, caused by something beautiful, unexpected, unfamiliar, or inexplicable”.

Jess

Wonder is such a layered concept! So many ideas, concepts, etc. make me feel wonder.

What evokes wonder in you?

As the holiday season is among us, I reflect on the moments where the feeling of wonder has been most activated for me over my lifetime. The holiday season for me is one of those times, whether it be the holiday tradition you observe or the New Year. For me that is Christmas and the New Year.

Christmas because there can be something so joyful about the connection and togetherness of the season. New Years is a time of intentional wonder for me. I try to participate with my wonder during this time of year, other times of year I play an observer role to wonder. The way I participate with wonder is to let my wonder guide my visioning of the New Year. I harvest my wondering into visions through the use of vision boards each year.

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The Holiday and New Years are the BIG moments of wonder that stand out as I reflect, but there are many more small moments that bring me to a state of wonder in everyday life. Those moments are often with my kids. Kids and adults alike love to wonder why, kids though often at the exasperation of adults. But curiosity and wonder are shared by all humans of all ages. When I stop and look at my kids faces, this brings me to wonder every time that I stop to really take in their features.

What brings you into a state of wonder amidst the ordinary of everyday?

Jen, your question has weight to it. “I wonder why, I wonder why. I wonder why I wonder.” will stay with me, thank you!

Your friend,

P.S. Write to me with your “wondering whys.”, a column where we can join in honest, real and love filled conversation around our shared wonderings. Let’s collectively as women share this wonder filled journey of life together! I plan to respond to a reader’s “wondering why” in each issue.

You can email questions to me at wonderingwhywithjess@outlook.com.

I can’t wait to connect! Your “wondering” may be featured in an upcoming issue! [ aw ]

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RECIPES

SERVINGS

P H O T O B Y DAWN DUNCAN

R E C I P E B Y STEPHANIE DISSE

crispy

................

4-6

................

Chicken parmesan

t i e mak tonight

[ aw ]

.................................................

INGREDIENTS

.................................................

1 onion, chopped 4 T olive oil, halved 2 cloves garlic, minced 2, 14 oz. cans tomato sauce 2 T Italian herbs (dried) 2 T sugar Salt and pepper, to taste 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 2 eggs 1 T fresh Italian parsley

..............................................................................................................

THE METHOD

..............................................................................................................

S auce: Heat 2 T ol ive oil in pan over me dium high heat . When hot , cook onion approximately 3 minutes then add 2 T garl ic and cook 3 0 se conds , until fragrant . Transfer to l arge pot . Add the tomato s auce, herbs , sugar, s alt , and pepper and simmer 8 -10 minutes until thickene d .

Chicken: Cut the chicken breast s into 2” strips . In a me dium bowl , pl ace the remaining clove of garl ic, e ggs , fresh It al ian parsley, s alt and pepper then mix . In a l arge bowl , pl ace the Panko, breadcrumbs , Parmes an che ese, and garl ic or onion powder. Mix . D re dge the chicken strips in the e gg mix ture then let sit for 1 5 minutes . While the meat is resting, heat 2 T ol ive oil in a pan over me dium high heat until hot . Using tongs , dre dge the chicken strips in the Panko mix ture. Pl ace the chicken strips in the hot pan and let cook approximately 3 minutes per side until golden brown . Note: Add more oil to the pan when f l ipping the strips over as it will hel p with even coloring and prevent sticking. Remove the pan from heat .

Add the s auce to a 1 3”x9” pan and then pl ace the cooke d chicken in the baking pan evenly.

Top with fresh or package d moz zarell a . Note: Adjust che ese amount to t aste. B ake at 4 25° for 20 minutes or until the che ese is golden brown . Note: Lower the heat to 40 0 if using package d shre dde d Moz zarell a . While this bakes , cook the package of spaghet ti as dire cte d then drain past a in col ander. Note: You may want to substitute rice d c aul if lower, zucchini noodles , a dif ferent t ype of past a (including G F ), or mixe d gre ens here for ser ving.

Remove the baking pan from oven . Pl ate a ser ving of past a or foundation of choice and top with chicken/s auce. G arnish with fresh It al ian parsley or substitute B asil . S er ve with a fresh s al ad if desire d . Store leftovers covere d in fridge for up to 5 days . [ aw ]

1 C Panko ½ C breadcrumbs ½ C Parmesan cheese, shaved 1 tsp garlic powder or onion powder Fresh mozzarella slices or shredded mozzarella (1-2 C) 1 package of spaghetti noodles or pasta of choice, cooked and drained .................................................

TOOLS

.................................................

Sauté pan Large pot for sauce Large pot for pasta Collander 2 Large spoons Tongs 13”x9” baking pan (preferably glass) Serving spoon [AW] December 23 / Januar y 24 :: 45

area

STYLE

18K Gold and Black Ceramic Link Bracelet $1,850.00 at

GUNDERSONS, 5601 28th Ave S, Fargo, ND

Alina Collective is a thoughtfully curated home and lifestyle boutique specializing in unique, artisan home goods, vintage rugs, sustainable clothing, jewelry, gifts & more. We value the "slow down" lifestyle and believe that the space you live in, and the things you surround yourself with, directly influence your life.

All items available at

ALINA COLLECTIVE, 716 Main Ave, Fargo, ND

Stanley tumblers in Rosewood Glow and Balsam Glow are EXCLUSIVE colors to SCHEELS in 20oz, 30oz, 40oz. Woodwick candles in all the holiday scents.

Yard games like Bottle Bash can be played inside or outside.

Comfy throws from Barefoot Dreams are soft and dreamy!

Boots from Ugg keep you warm all winter long. Freeze dried candies are all the rage! A gift pack from Amish Country Popcorn is a family favorite .Gourmet Village skillet kits are perfect gifts for everyone in the family All items available at

SCHEELS HOME & HARDWARE, 3202 13th Ave S, Fargo, ND

[AW] December 23 / Januar y 24 :: 47

cover

STORY

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hen a child has no foundation or grounding in their life, it takes not only a village to help them survive, but people like Joy Ryan, President/ CEO of Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch. From deep roots in her farm upbringing in Gilby, North Dakota to having married a (then) dairy farmer, to being a devoted mother of three and grandmother of four, Joy is testament to the importance of family. It is perhaps this strong footing that feeds Joy’s passion for helping others find solace in the world, especially those who have suffered trauma and abuse at a young age.

Founded in 1952 in Mapleton, North Dakota by a small Lutheran congregation, what has developed into Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch is extraordinary. Originally, the organization focused on helping the many boys in the area who were having to work to support their families after World War II. Many women were widowed and needed help from their children to run farms and businesses, and this was a sudden and taxing role that boys played, often enduring difficult situations at home. The congregation began recruiting foster families to host these young men in North Dakota, and the Butt family in Tolley, North Dakota stepped up beyond measure. They originally took in six boys at their ranch. Then the number grew to 10. Eventually, the groundwork was developed to expand, and the organization was run

by the board of directors at the church. Fast forward to the 1990’s and the entity had grown into a self-perpetuating organization based in Christ with its headquarters in Minot, North Dakota.

“We have chapels on our campuses and offer spiritual life studies,” Joy explains. “We believe in the values of the Bible as a compass and as a way of showing mercy and grace.” The organization, although faith-based, goes beyond the spiritual aspects of nurturing youth; they are avid promoters of progressive mental health treatment and support. “We balance science and faith,” she adds.

“We offer state-of-the-art psychiatry and psychology, we have highly skilled psychiatric nurses on staff, and we believe every child can be helped.”

Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch has residential services in Bismarck and Fargo, serving ages 1218, and in Minot, ages 10-18. Schools at each of these locations educate children in residential treatment and in the community through its Day Program. In Minot, children as young as second grade attend classes, while in Fargo and Bismarck, the school focuses on sixth grade through twelfth.

“Our schools serve youth. However, our clinics serve everyone,” Joy remarks, explaining that the medically-based psychiatric and mental health services are for people aged 2 through late 80’s.

The outpatient clinical services are full-range and interdisciplinary. Joy travels to each campus regularly and also does national travel in her position. She and her husband of 42 years, Jay, are also the caretakers of a therapy dog that goes to work each day with Joy. Sydney lives with Joy and Jay and is a working gal at the Fargo campus, helping kids feel calm and centered while developing skills such as empathy and kindness.

Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch provides two levels of residential treatment—Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities and Qualified Residential Treatment Programs. The trajectory a child takes is determined by their background and unique situation, as well as their mental health needs. Joy believes the organization’s approach is feeding a current need in society for further knowledge,

communication, and progress in the field of mental health.

“I believe we are going to learn a lot more about genetic research. My prayer is that we become more adept as a society, and that we learn there are more ways to think. We all represent some type of neurodiversity, and there is a place for growth.” She states that her organization is committed to furthering its community work and that its outpatient clinics are poised to grow as well.

Overall, Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch has three distinct corporations within its infrastructure: Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch operates the residential treatment services and the fully accredited school, Dakota Memorial School (DMS) DMSis listed as a District of Distinction by Cognia, which is the largest accrediting body in the nation for primary and secondary schools.

Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation is the fundraising arm of the organization. In addition to traditional fundraising, the Ranch’s Retail division is operated by the Foundation, which consists of eight thrift stores and three warehouses that sell goods to support the Ranch mission.

WE BELIEVE IN THE VALUES OF THE BIBLE AS A COMPASS AND AS A WAY OF SHOWING MERCY AND GRACE. -Joy Ryan

[AW] December 23 / Januar y 24 :: 51

Dakota Family Services, the third corporation, operates outpatient mental health clinics in Fargo and Minot. “These are all designed to support our mission,” Joy says.“I don’t believe we have the right to give up on any child. We are structured and fortified in ways that provide the resources children and their families need for support and rehabilitation.”

The Ranch is committed to creating treatment and education plans for children and families in order to directly address their specific issues and needs. The goal is to build upon a child’s strengths through psychiatry, nursing, occupational therapy, education, wellness, and spiritual leadership. The Ranch also brings in family and community supports which are important to each child’s healing.

So how does a woman from a very small town in North Dakota get to a position of leadership in a non-profit business that currently employs nearly 550 people across multiple locations? To Joy, the answer is education. “I wanted to be Perry

I WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW HOW REMARKABLE THE CHILDREN WHO COME TO THIS PLACE ARE AND THEIR ABILITY TO SURVIVE SEVERE ABUSE. THEY ARE MANAGING TO LIVE THROUGH UNIMAGINABLE STRESS AND MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES.

-Joy Ryan

Mason when I was young!” she laughs, recalling her early interest in law. She attended UND in Grand Forks and earned a degree in criminal justice, with minors in psychology and sociology.

From there, it was on to law school to pursue her dream of being in the legal system, changing the world one case at a time. She was surprised to find out that law school was not a good fit for her. “I was incredibly idealistic,” she explains. “It was the time of the women’s lib movement and I believed I could pivot. And I did.” Joy’s parents had co-farmed and she remembers her dad doing what was then very atypical for the man of the house; he cleaned. Her parents shared job duties and were on equal ground, something that many other rural families didn’t experience at that time.

Joy’s career ended up going in different directions. After marrying Jay in 1981, she managed a retail fur store. From there, she did media buying, selling, and research at a large ad agency.. Simultaneously, while moving up in the company, Joy became an instructor at UND. She moved into national sales and spent 150 days per year traveling, however, home was calling. She and Jay now had three young children and as she assessed her situation, she came home from a trip to find that she had lost her job. “It was the time of media mergers and there I was, right in the thick of it. My job

52 :: areawomanmagazine.com

ended overnight.” She was soon offered a job in Salt Lake City, Utah and because her husband loves to ski, seriously considered the move. Right then, a friend called to tell her about an opening at The Village Family Service Center where she would work for Gary Wolsky, The Village’s President and CEO. Joy interviewed and landed the job. She took an 80% pay cut for a one year position and ended up staying for 23 years. In that time, she earned her master’s degree in management. While at The Village, she also taught business classes the University of Mary’s in Fargo for 15 years.

In February of 2015, Joy’s life took another turn.

She got a call from a recruiter who told her that the President/CEO of Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch was retiring after 40 years, and they wanted her to interview for the position. Gary Wolsky, her boss at The Village, encouraged her to pursue it. She listened and by August of that year, moved into the role she has now held for eight years. She still loves her work every day, even in the face of challenges and being surrounded by heartbreaking stories that have affected children. “I want people to know how remarkable the children who come to this place are and their ability to survive severe abuse. They are managing to live through unimaginable stress and mental health issues.”

Joy goes on to state that we have a long way to go in terms of how we view children in our society.

“We have mental health issues in our country, and yet many do not want to believe that children are affected. It’s as if there’s a belief that they will magically heal on their own.” It is this view that fuels Joy in her tireless pursuit of improving the lives of others and sharing her intellect, resilience, and loving heart each day. “Our mission is to help at-risk children and to remove obstacles.

The clarity of mission is key to our success, and any obstacle we can remove is progress. We are a culture of purpose, caring, and learning.”

That mission has fostered healing on an exponential level for people for 70+ years. “I think of so many kids when asked about success stories,” Joy says with pride. “We have watched extraordinary things happen as a result of time spent here.

I think of the child who has gone on to be a water safety instructor, one who studies astrophysics at UND. They are superheroes who just need to be met where they’re at right now, to adequately serve them.” Joy notes that trauma rewires the

brain, and this is where the multiple therapies have their purpose. Rewiring the brain can result in healing and growth.

In her personal life, Joy continues to be deeply connected to her family. She and Jay are the parents of O’Mara (Ryan) Dunnigan, who is 38 and married to Adam. Both are UND graduates, with O’Mara having earned her degree in marketing and international business, while Adam earned

his master’s degree in engineering. Together, they are parents to Kinley, 11, and Ryan, 9. O’Mara is a REALTOR in Minnesota, North Dakota, and Maryland, and she and Adam are investors in real estate as well as owning the Chapel House in Detroit Lakes. Adam is the Director of Engineering for Freisen’s in Detroit Lakes, MN. Joy and Jay’s other daughter, Quin (Ryan) Seiler, is 36 and a partner at Winthrop & Weinstine in Minneapolis. She and her husband, Kole, a Physician’s Assistant, are parents to two young children. Quin was also a Division 1 soccer player at NDSU and is a graduate of the University of Minnesota School of Law. The Ryan’s son, Grady, 26, is the executive sous chef at Rustica in Moorhead. The Ryan kids are bright, ambitious individuals who are distinctly unique from one to the next (including having both UND and NDSU affiliations in the family); Joy remarks that her children continue to teach her humility. “I believe that our job as parents is to raise independent adults.” This ideology spills over into Joy’s work.

“This role is the most authentic I’ve ever been in a job. To be able to work on something so important while being 100% true to myself is a blessing,” Joy notes. She is a busy woman who stays focused on what matters most in her life, not letting priorities fall by the wayside. In fact, she has a recommendation for anyone who is married. “Every seven years, step back and look at who you are and who your partner is. You change tremendously throughout the course of a longterm relationship, and you’re not the same people throughout the time you are together. Observation and a renewed commitment to each other allow for growth and ensure your needs and those of your partner are addressed.”

As for motherhood, Joy has always worked while raising her kids. “They didn’t have to spend all of their time with me, which I think helped them be strong, confident, independent human beings,” she states. “I respect full-time parents with my whole heart. For us, I am grateful for the exceptional childcare we found; I was always a working mom, and childcare was a necessity for us.

Learning to incorporate good people into the lives of your children, people who truly love and value them, helps them grow into well-adjusted adults.” Joy remarks that, as a society, there is a need to return to values. “We need to go back to treasuring our children. Somewhere we’ve confused parental rights with needing to cherish the gifts these little lives bring. It’s hard being a kid, and we’d be a better world if we offered the support and nurturing that children need.”

This is a woman who is full of love, compassion, and sharp intellect who shows that work/life balance is possible and that one person can make a difference in a difficult world. Joy is in the business of education and in the mindset of hope; the two, when combined and offered to children, can only position the next generations for success. Joy is appropriately named, as her name represents a feeling of elation and happiness, something she is passing on to those whom she serves.

For information on Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch and to get involved with their mission, please visit DakotaRanch.org or call 701-297-4166 (Fargo campus) for information. [aw]

54 :: areawomanmagazine.com

THIS ROLE IS THE MOST AUTHENTIC I’VE EVER BEEN IN A JOB. TO BE ABLE TO WORK ON SOMETHING SO IMPORTANT WHILE BEING 100% TRUE TO MYSELF IS A BLESSING.

-Joy Ryan

THRIFT STORE LOCATIONS FARGO 619 13th Ave. E.; 2101 N. University Dr.; 5289 51st Ave. S.; 1601 32nd Ave. S. DILWORTH 1500 Center Ave. W. BISMARCK 1335 E. Interstate Ave. GRAND FORKS 2017 Demers Ave., Unit C MINOT 1206 S. Broadway St.

[AW] December 23 / Januar y 24 :: 55

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BOOKS

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inter is here and so is the holiday cheer! Cozy up with these great winter reads sure to keep you entertained while the weather outside is frightful. From a modern classic reminiscent of Jane Austen, to one woman’s journey to compete in the Iditarod, to a classic holiday romantic comedy perfect for laughs and good cheer.

The Sisters of Sea View

by Julie Klassen

“Sisters of Sea View” is the book you’re going to want to give to every Jane Austen or “Little Women” fan you know. It reads like a modern classic with nods to Austen’s works, rich details, and the warmth of sisterhood that makes it a great feel good novel perfect for the winter months.

Set in a seaside town in 1819 England, the story follows the four Summers sisters who turn their home into a boarding house as a way to make ends meet. Impoverished after their father’s death, Sarah is determined to keep the family together, care for their ailing mother and save their home.

Emily, an aspiring author, and Georgina, the baby of the family who prefers to be outdoors, agree and do their part to help the new venture succeed.

Viola, who wears a veil to cover the scar on her face, detests the idea and instead finds herself reading to invalids as a way to contribute.

56 :: areawomanmagazine.com

Soon they find themselves with a variety of unexpected guests who contribute their own colorful character to the story. Each sister has her own vibrant personality and works to overcome obstacles both individually and together, creating an ensemble cast that adds a lot of richness.

There is romance and one sister finds her happy ending by the last page with the threads of more romances left open to be picked up in future books in the series.

I was left with a feeling of hope and warmth and cannot wait for book two “A Winter by the Sea” which will be published in early December.

LOVED THIS? Pick up “A Winter by the Sea” or look for any of Klassen’s many other historical novels.

Epic Solitude:

A Story of Survival and a Quest for Meaning in the Far North

by Katherine Keith Are you looking for adventure in remote, wild snow filled places? Keith’s memoir follows the threads of her life through adversity and adventure, starting and ending with her running the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

Born in Minnesota, her travels take her across America as she grapples with her past and looks for the place she can truly call home. It is in the vast and rugged landscape of Alaska where she finds it. She and her husband build a log cabin miles away from the nearest road creating a

life they love. With that isolation comes brutal living conditions and tragic loss. She struggles to push on, alone with her infant daughter in the Alaskan backcountry. Keith then finds her love for long-distance dog sled racing where solitude on the trail with her dogs fuels her love of the raw wilderness.

At times heartbreaking and powerful, Keith’s struggle to achieve her dreams and live life on her own terms was impossible to put down.

The Holly Dates

by Brittainy Cherry

I love a good holiday themed romance novel this time of year! A recent favorite is this romantic comedy filled with emotion and heart. All Holly Jackson wanted for Christmas was a boyfriend for the holidays. All Kai Kane wanted was for her to take her crappy first dates elsewhere.

Holly is a quirky, relatable heroine who refuses to give up on love … even after her fiance left her at the altar for her best friend. She is a romance author after all. Restaurant owner Kai wants nothing to do with love after his last relationship crashed and burned. When Holly shows up at his restaurant every night with a different first date, he volunteers to help her find a suitor just to get her out of his restaurant.

Once Kai became Holly’s dating coach, her confidence grew. And the more Holly fell for Kai’s pick, the more overprotective he became.

When her date shows his true colors, Holly

needs someone to bring home for the holidays.

Kai will have to step up his game if he wants to show Holly he is really the one for her.

I loved the way Kai became her friend first and was truly there for her in every way. He even secretly read her romance novels and loved them!

With some delightful supporting characters in Kai’s brother and Holly’s family, this is a funny and heartwarming novel sure to put you in a joyful mood.

Area Woman’s resident Bookista, Megan Elgin, serves you up with books worthy of spending your entire afternoon with.

Search for Megan by name on Goodreads or @meganann on Litsy and find out what she’s reading now.

Read one of these books? Searching for something new to read? Tell us what you thought by using #areawomanbooks in your online review or send me an email with requests, thoughts or questions at bookishmeganann@gmail.com.

Dec

2

[ aw ]

14TH ANNUAL “HOLIDAY COLLECTIONS” CRAFT/ VENDOR SHOW Holy Cross Catholic Church of West Fargo will host a Craft/Vendor Show on Saturday, Dec.2 from 8:30 am – 2:30 pm at 2711 7th St. East in West Fargo (just south of Costco). Over 80 artisans will be available for all your holiday shopping needs. This is the largest church-held craft/vendor show in the region. Lunch will be available for purchase. Admission: $2.00. For more information, please call 701-282-7217.

TIME: Saturday, December 2, 8:30 AM; Sun 2:30 PM CONTACT: 701-282-7217 LOCATION: 2711 7th St. East in West Fargo, ND

Dec

Every Saturday in December & January

15-17

THE CLASSIC NUTCRACKER

PANCAKE BREAKFAST

The FMBallet's production of The Classic Nutcracker is a beautiful and captivating performance that is perfect for the whole family. This production features a live professional orchestra that sets the mood for the enchanting story. The choreography is stunning, and the dancers bring the story to life with their graceful movements and expressive performances.

Whether you're a fan of ballet or just looking for a fun and festive holiday experience, The Classic Nutcracker by the FMballet is not to be missed! When December 15 & 16, 2023 at 7:00pm December 16 & 17, 2023 at 2:00pm Where NDSU Festival Concert Hall Reineke Fine Arts Center 115 12th Ave N & Bolley Blvd Fargo, ND 58105 T ​ ickets On Sale: October 30, 2023 fmballet.org/tickets

The Masonic Building is having their pancake breakfast from 7-11 am. Cost is $10 for all you can eat buttermilk and Swedish pancakes, sausage, and eggs at the Moorhead Masonic Family TIME: 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM CONTACT: D Hennebry deannah32@mnjd.org LOCATION: Moorhead Masonic Center, 1815 11th St N Moorhead

TIME: 2:30 PM & Sun 7:00 PM CONTACT: www.fmballet.org/tickets or info@fmballet.org LOCATION: NDSU Festival Concert Hall, 12th Ave N & Bolley Blvd Fargo, ND 58105

Dec

16

FARGO MASONIC VENDOR & CRAFT SHOW Come to the vendor & craft show and support small businesses. The show will be from 11-3 and lunch will be served from 11-1. It all takes place at the Fargo Masonic Center, 1405 3rd St N Fargo.

TIME: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM CONTACT: www. fargomasoniccenter.org LOCATION: Fargo Masonic Center, 1405 3rd St N Fargo

58 :: areawomanmagazine.com

Jan

13

THE DINNER DETECTIVE FARGO America’s largest interactive comedy truecrime mystery dinner theatre show is now playing in Fargo! Solve a hilarious mystery, feast on a fantastic dinner. But, beware!

The culprit is among us- is it you?! The Dinner Detective Fargo is very uniquely different from traditional true-crime mystery dinner theater! Anyone in the room can end up being a part of the show, and the action happens around the entire room. Throughout the night, a crime will occur, hidden clues will be revealed, and our Detectives will help everyone try to crack the case. In the end, we have a Prize Package awaiting the Top Sleuth who provides the best answer before the killer is unmasked!

Jan

20

FARGO MASONIC VENDOR & CRAFT SHOW

TIME: 6:00 PM

Come to the vendor & craft show and support small businesses. The show will be from 11-3 and lunch will be served from 11-1. It all takes place at the Fargo Masonic Center, 1405 3rd St N Fargo.

CONTACT:

TIME: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

www.thedinnerdetective.com/fargo

CONTACT: www.fargomasoniccenter.org

LOCATION:

LOCATION: Fargo Masonic Center, 1405 3rd St N Fargo

Four Points by Sheraton Fargo, 5064 23rd Ave S, Fargo, ND 58104

Fargo Public Library events are free and open to the public. A complete schedule of upcoming events is available at all Fargo Public Library locations and on our website at : www.fargolibrary.org

DECEMBER 2

DECEMBER 10

DEC. 7, 14, 21, AND 28; JAN. 4, 11, 18, AND 25

DECEMBER 11

Intro to Engineering for Kids 10 a.m.

Northport Library - 2714 Broadway N. Children's Services: 701.241.1495

Beginner Yoga for Adults at Carlson 6 p.m.

Dr. James Carlson Library 2801 32nd Ave. S. Lori West 701-476-5977

DEC. 7 AND DEC. 21 Baby Rhyme Time at Carlson 10 a.m.

Dr. James Carlson Library 2801 32nd Ave. S., Fargo Children's Services: 701.241.1495

DEC. 7 AND JAN. 4 Sense of Place Book Club 11 a.m.

Main Library - 101 4th St. N. Beth at 701.241.1492

DECEMBER 7

Silent Reading Party at the Troll Lounge at the Sons of Norway 4:30 p.m.

22 2nd Ave. N., Fargo Sarah N. at 701.241.1492

DEC. 8 AND JAN. 12

Free Friday Movie at Carlson 1 p.m.

Dr. James Carlson Library - 801 32nd Ave. S. Lori West 701-476-5977

DEC. 9 AND JAN. 13 Paws for Reading 10 a.m.

Main Library - 101 4th St. N. Children's Services: 701.241.1495

Winter Solstice Tea and Art 2 p.m.

Main Library - Fargo Public Library 701.241.1494

Tea Time Book Club 6:30 p.m.

Dr. James Carlson Library 2801 32nd Ave. S. Jenilee at 701.241.8123

DECEMBER 14

Diverse Perspectives Book Club 6:30 p.m.

Main Library - 101 4th St. N. Megan at 701.241.1492

DECEMBER 18

Casual Crafters at Northport 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Northport Library - 2714 Broadway N., Fargo Adult Services at 701.241.1492

DEC. 21 AND JAN. 18 Online Book Party 7 p.m.

Library's Facebook page Megan at 701.241.1492

DECEMBER 27

LEGO Mania Design Contest for Kids 11 a.m.

Main Library - 101 4th St. N. Children's Services: 701.241.1495

DECEMBER 28

Family Trivia Night 6 p.m.

Main Library - 101 4th St. N. Children's Services: 701.241.1495

[AW] December 23 / Januar y 24 :: 59

area LIFE

ARTICLE BY: KELSEY ROSETH PHOTOGRAPHY BY: DAVE ARNTSON

Working with somebody you can trust and be friends with is great Irankuna Adel — M State Graduate

Resolute and courageous.

Steady and confident.

These core characteristics are shared by our region’s most successful peace officers. When these innate qualities are bolstered by extensive educational systems and proven training programs, it puts people on the path of a rich and rewarding law enforcement career.

Two women from our community - friends since elementary school - are recent recruits to the West Fargo Police Department (WFPD)

Originally, I was going to be a dentist Suham Ali — MSUM Student 60 :: areawomanmagazine.com

Suham Ali and Irankuna Adel have many similarities in life. They grew up in West Fargo. They attended colleges in Moorhead. These two Black women are daughters of immigrants with distinctive experiences and eager to serve their diverse hometown.

By day, Ali is a patrol officer and an MSUM student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice. The flexible online program prepares students to work as a peace officer or within law en-

forcement, courts, corrections, reentry and victim services. Adel is one of M State’s recent graduates.

She works the night shift as a patrol officer.

“Working with somebody you can trust and be friends with is great,” said Adel.

The pair honed this part-friend, part-colleague partnership while previously working together at Culver’s Restaurant and at Centre, Inc., a nonprofit providing rehabilitative services to individuals seeking social re-integration. Their passion for helping people goes way back.

“Originally, I was going to be a dentist,” said Ali, noting that changed following a positive experience with a school resource officer (SRO). “Working with the youth and getting to them there is helpful. Teaching them the better way of life.”

Her twin sister is a probation officer who also graduated from MSUM. With its campus culture valuing and celebrating the diversity of ideas, perspectives and people, MSU Moorhead ignited a spark within her.

“Professor Joel Powell is one of the most notable instructors I’ve had. He really interacted with us and got to know us as students. He was always looking out for our interests and our well-being,” Ali said.

With MSUM and M State’s support, the pair attended the rigorous, one-semester Lake Region State Peace Officer Training Program held at the West Fargo Police Department. The nine-hour days educated them on physical fitness, criminal law, defense tactics and more, even offering indepth training to serve diverse populations.

Some aspects didn’t come easy for Adel. “The first time we went shooting, I was scared,” she said. “I hadn’t shot a gun. Thankfully, they trained me until I was comfortable.” The pair left the program with two job offers from WFPD. Every day is graded at this early stage in their law enforcement careers. The culture strives for the success of all its officers. “She has been really supportive, and I’ve been supportive of her,” said Ali. “And we have been studying for many days together during the academy and learning what to do.”

She has been really supportive, and I’ve been supportive of her Suham Ali — MSUM Student According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program, in 2019, men made up 87.5 percent of full-time law enforcement officers nationwide and women comprised 12.5 percent. While the data didn’t clearly focus on sex, gender or both, nor how it included those who are nonbinary in their sex or gender identity, the distinction is clear: women are minorities in law enforcement.

Adel’s goal is to serve as a role model for her 16 nieces and two nephews and for the same community that welcomed her family 15 years ago.

“I come from [Tanzania] where people need help.

I knew I wanted to help people and make a difference,” she said, especially following troubled teenage years. “I liked how, even though I was in trouble, the police talked with me like I was human.” She forged a close relationship with her SRO, which led her to this calling.

As part of a historically marginalized population, Adel was concerned about a career in law enforcement. WFPD proved her wrong.

I come from was afraid I wouldn’t get a job because I am a [Tanzania] where “Iwoman of color,” she said. When she discovered another Black woman serving as an officer at people need WFPD, “It encouraged me. I thought, ‘if she is working there, I can too!’” [aw] help. I knew I wanted to help people and make a difference Irankuna Adel — M State Graduate

[AW] December 23 / Januar y 24 :: 61

area

FEATURE

odi Jordheim radiates bravery and heart as she shares her story leading to the recent opening of Styled with Strength this August. Located in the Northern Lights building on Sheyenne Street in West Fargo, Styled with Strength at first glance seems to be a small boutique filled with cozy loungewear, journals, cards, and other gifts perfect for letting someone know how much you care. But behind the scenes it is so much more than just a shop, it’s a safe space for women committed to building a community that helps victims of domestic violence heal and rebuild.

" The courage to share your story allows someone else to feel comfortable and seen standing within their own."

— Jodi Jordheim

To really understand all that Jodi dreams Styled with Strength can be, it’s important to first hear the story of her own journey. She was raised in Grand Forks by a single mother who often worked three jobs to support the family. Her freshman year of college had a promising start as she made the UND hockey cheerleading team, but took an unexpected turn as this was also the year she met the man who would become her abuser. “The emotional abuse was a factor from the very beginning with the cheating and the worthiness. So I went from being this really confident person you would never have guessed was insecure to really not thinking anything of myself. And that’s what I’ve discovered is how most abusive relationships start. They wear down that tough exterior,” Jodi says.

It was during this time that she poured everything into her work at Victoria’s Secret, which is where her career catapulted during the height of the company’s glamour days. She was doing incredible things, being top ten in the country and sent to the fashion show, but what was happening at home was dark and lonely. Jodi explains, “I was trying to keep all the wheels on the bus going between work and school and this relationship. I was trying to keep someone happy that I had no ability to ultimately keep happy.”

After an ongoing cycle of trying to get away from her abuser and the fear of what would happen if she didn’t go back, it all came crashing down in 2013. He drove to visit during a spring snowstorm, taking pictures of the road conditions and sending them to Jodi so she knew what would happen when he arrived. She was home alone and the situation quickly escalated, once again becoming violent. The Fargo police entered her bedroom mid-assault after being called by her roommate.

“That’s when the hiding was done and the truth had come out. When they are taking pictures of the bruises on your body and taking statements.

That’s what revealed to my family the depth of what was happening,” she states.

From there, the road to healing began as Jodi worked with the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center (RACC). She says “it’s somewhere I never thought I would be. I had never picked up the phone to call or sought any of those resources because they seemed really scary.”

Jodi also mentions the shame associated with domestic violence and how hard navigating that can be. “Friends and family are asking why didn’t you say anything? I didn’t know to help you.” She states, “When you're in it you are so focused on keeping everyone else safe because that person has made you think if you leave or a loved one finds out, they will hurt those people. They’ll be at risk. And when you’re out of it you’re trying to explain without really explaining because there’s a reason you kept that from them. To keep them safe.”

After finishing her degree online, she moved to Minneapolis for a fresh start and was recruited for a store manager position at Target. During this time, she began dating her husband, Mike, whom she married in 2015. “He had the patience of a saint. There was this sense of safety and protection.”

In 2020, Jodi’s career with Target had allowed them to move back to Fargo a few years before and she was now pregnant with their son, Dawson. She had healed, had put this experience away in a little box, and didn’t talk about it much. That is, until a Target team member in Minot was murdered by her husband. Jodi mentions it was a quiet eight years and then this horrific and extremely violent thing happened to a team member. “It was a really big catalyst, that first crack in the door of having those feelings.” She drove to Minot during the pandemic, nine months pregnant, to help lead her team members through their grief.

Another shift happened in 2022 as Target was planning to relocate Jodi and her family to Colorado. “Everything in my heart felt wrong. I would be crying at 7am when the realtor came because someone was seeing our house. It was strange how I was normally so resilient and this was so upsetting to me. I didn’t know what I needed to do yet, but I knew I couldn’t pack up my family and move.” So she took time away to reset and started working for a non-profit through her local church.

" Being styled with strength means that whatever you have come through, you enter into a room stronger because of the fire that you’ve walked through. Those experiences are your armor. Something to wear as a cloak of honor, not something to view as shameful."— Jodi Jordheim “It’s hard to even describe how different the last year was versus the nine years before.” Jodi explains, “Anywhere I turned there was someone who was hurting and someone who wasn’t seeing. It was always somebody unexpected. At the same time I was having to navigate finding my own voice and that bravery to truly stand in it, too.”

The statistics are staggering: one in three women have experienced violence from an intimate partner and last year in North Dakota alone there were 6,128 new victims of domestic violence according to cawsnorthdakota.org. Jodi discovered the Community Connect and Free Through Recovery program and she began asking questions: “is there anywhere that has only female care coordinators and peer support specialists?” The answer was not really and Jodi, thinking like a survivor, knew it could be really hard to even be in the presence of males in some cases. In the whole state, there was nowhere she could refer women for female only care so she began to build it.

The heart of Styled with Strength is bringing women together to serve, to be part of solving the problem and creating opportunity for belonging and worthiness. Jodi says “Being styled with strength means that whatever you have come through, you enter into a room stronger because of the fire that you’ve walked through. Those experiences are your armor. Something to wear as a cloak of honor, not something to view as shameful.”

The Styled with Strength foundation is focused on walking with victims of domestic violence to rebuild. Offering female care coordinators and peer support specialists to navigate the process with them making sure they get access to what they need. In addition, they also offer career advocacy and professional wardrobing. Jodi wants to ensure these women rediscover their own worthiness. “These are real women and real kids.

I care as much about the heart and behavior of the person offering the services. How we see the women in those moments shouldn’t feel like charity. You should do it because you authentically want to love and care for these families.”

Rooted in creating a safe haven, the shop is set up to allow space to ask questions or talk with someone who can guide you in the right direction to help a loved one. Subtly displayed on the shelves between journals and gifts are pamphlets for the YWCA and RACC. “We’ve enrolled people in programs right off the street. Which to have someone that has the time to sit down and fill something out with you is a different approach,” Jodi reveals.

Jodi also hopes that people will shop differently this holiday season knowing that proceeds from the store support the foundation. Focusing on carrying primarily items from women-owned businesses, a purchase supports women in a multitude of ways. “Holidays don’t just stop the hard things from happening. Someone might be walking through a breakup or loss or another dark thing. We hope to help you love that person differently and to say I’m going to walk with you through this. That’s the reason behind some of the things we sell too; we walk through the dark parts but still feel joy.”

Other ways to get involved include attending or volunteering for future special events. Styled with Strength will be hiring additional part-time care coordinators and peer support specialists in the New Year. [aw] For more information or to shop online, visit styledwithstrength.org Styled with Strength is located at 2920 Sheyenne Street, Suite 107, West Fargo.

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