Reflections Reflections

Beginnings . . . 2016 is really a game-changer on so many fronts: globally, nationally, locally, and even for all of us at The Woman Today

The election season is ramping up for the presidency with all of the hoopla, controversy, and endless political analysis on the national scene. Locally, however, with the race for mayor in our rearview mirrors, we look ahead with anticipation to a new chapter and new leadership.

Emily Larson has taken office and is hitting the ground running. She stopped long enough in “mile one” of the marathon that is now starting for her to chat over a cup of tea about her life, her family, and her high hopes for Duluth’s future.

A new year always means personal resolutions as well. Go Red for Women challenges all women to think heart healthy. Kristen Ryan is a living testament to the fact that any woman can suffer a heart attack.

Ryan, who is now the chairperson for the area Go Red campaign, relates her personal journey from a near death experience to inspiring others to take responsibility for their own health and well-being.

Sticking with the health theme, meet Annie Call who is waging her own local wellness campaign at her Fit Lab where she teaches yoga. Also read about what else is new in the Zen world of yoga and how it can be a beneficial activity for people of all ages and fitness levels.

If the winter doldrums have taken up residence in your home, why not get out for a little retail therapy? I love talking with the store owners in the Historic Arts and Theater District (HART) who have started a renaissance of exciting one-of-a-kind shops in the corridor around the long-awaited NorShor Theater. Find everything from funky fashion to gorgeous works of art in glass, from great meals to exciting theater, in this unique shopping, dining, and entertainment zone.

With 2016 underway, we have some big news from the Page Me Publications umbrella to report as well. As Forum Communications takes over as owners of The Woman Today, Moms & Dads Today, and Duluth Superior Living, I am very happy to welcome Neal Ronquist, Group Publisher, and Renae Ronquist, our new graphic designer for The Woman Today, to our magazine family.

I also want to wish Pat and Glenda Sherman, our former owner/publishers, the happiest of retirements! Working with them for 18 out of their 19 years in the magazine business has been a distinct honor for me.

To our readers, you can expect magazines of the same high quality and the same dedication from the staff as before to tell great stories and feature wonderful area businesses. We are looking at this as a time to reaffirm what has been the heart and soul of The Woman Today in the past and to promise to make it better and fresher going forward!

Happy 2016 everyone! Here we go!

Sheryl Jensen, Managing Editor

Neal Ronquist

PUBLISHER

Tracy Mangan