Fargo Monthly April 2020

APRIL 2020

Meet 4 local makers and see how their creations are brightening the Fargo-Moorhead community + resources on adapting to COVID-19 CONDITIONS

COMPLIMENTARY

TABLEOFCONTENTS

FARGO MONTHLY // APRIL 2020

COVER STORY

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WHATCHA' MAKING?

From crafting construction paper hearts and posting them in our windows to picking up a new hobby we "never had time for" before, creation abounds behind our closed doors right now.

Come with us as we meet four local makers and see how their creations are brightening the Fargo-Moorhead community.

In these unprecedented times, support your local doers and makers if you can and, who knows, maybe you'll even be inspired to start your own line of creations.

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FEATURES #InThisTogetherND Exclusive Jimmy Eat World Interview Our Adapting Community Sewing Creative Solutions

8 33 38 40 42 44

RECURRING Editor's Letter 5 Things to Eat and Drink Health & Wellness Spotlight Think Global, Act Local Culinary Spotlight Meet the Maker

RESOURCES 56 A Guide To Take-Out 62 Future Music Calendar

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FIND US ONLINE

info@spotlightmediafargo.com 701-478-7768

All your favorite things in one spot.

FARGOMONTHLY.COM Extended content, events, drink specials, giveaways and more.

6 | APRIL 2020 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM

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FROMTHEEDITOR

A

s we are all aware, the whole globe is feeling the effects of COVID-19. We are taking all necessary precautions, working from home, disrupting the flow we are so accustomed to and for some, morning the loss of loved ones. These are terribly unprecedented times. Times no one could have totally prepared for. In the heaviness of the current climate, it's hard to sit in the comfort of my house (which I'm especially grateful for now), writing about community events, restaurant specials and shopping guides.

NOW MORE THAN EVER,

SUPPORT LOCAL

I feel fortunate, yet enwrapped in melancholia. I fully believe we, as members of the media, should be taking the situation at hand seriously and we should be ambassadors for living safe and healthy lives. This is why we have taken to share a few stories relating to the current situation, showcasing how people have made lemons out of lemonade.

We recognize that it is draining to 100 percent envelop oneself with the devastation that surrounds us. A lot of news you've

been reading probably has been scary and dark. And yes this news is important, but we also think it is important to still celebrate the good things in the world and to continue to share the stories of our community.

We want to note that much of this issue was already created and written before the quarantine was mandated. The safety of our staff and our community are of the utmost importance to us. So photos on-site or in our studio were taken before COVID-19 hit the state of North Dakota and before such important precautions were being enacted.

That being said, our original issue was slated to be a local makers-based issue. We were focusing on shopping local and supporting your local artists. As the times changed, we switched around some content and added additional stories that we knew could be executed while practicing social distancing. The original "Whatcha Making" stories remain, and we hope you readers will still enjoy this content—as we enjoyed making it and learning all about their skills and products.

We hope you are making the most of staying indoors right now and supporting local makers, business owners and artists, if possible. It's been inspiring to see so many businesses and individuals shift and pivot to ensure our community stays positive and well-fed (thanks to all the take-out options!) By ensuring the safety of our families, community and nation now, we can enjoy the beautiful spring that is coming our way.

Happy Social Distancing,

Alexandra Martin

From

spotlight...

This March was the 10-year anniversary of Spotlight.

While it's hard to believe we have been creating magazines and other highlevel marketing tools for our community, it came with a certain amount of bittersweetness. Rather than celebrating our company's accomplishments over the past decade, we were battening down the hatches to prepare for a battle we have never seen before. Other businesses in the Fargo-Moorhead area were preparing for the same battle along with us.

For the first time in our history, our magazines were in jeopardy. In truthfulness, our entire company was in jeopardy. The COVID-19 scare had us leaving our office in Downtown Fargo and our entire staff quarantining themselves while working remotely. With no foreseeable solution in sight, it left many of us questioning if there would be a Spotlight on the other side of this mountain. It was easy for us to adopt a negative mindset in the face of almost insurmountable adversity.

And then we remembered what our company was founded upon. A positive and inclusive approach to our community.

We have always prided ourselves on focusing on the positive things in our community. Whether that be through the people (Fargo Monthly), the businesses (Fargo INC!), the places (Design & Living), our state's foundation (Future Farmer) or our favorite team (Bison Illustrated), our publications have never had a shred of negativity within them.

So why would we start now? We as a community (and as a company) have faced hardships before, so why would we fold now?

We're here to say that we're here to stay, regardless of circumstance. We've been supporting this community for 10 years and there is no reason to stop anytime soon.

Spotlight is also here to say thank you to those who have come alongside us and supported us through everything.

Without the community reciprocating their support, we are nothing.

desire. Thank you for placing that trust in our hands.

To our readers: A free publication is not always free, especially on our end. Your fervor for our content continues to be the backbone of our magazines. Our content means nothing when it is falling on deaf ears. Luckily, you have made that an impossibility. Thank you for letting us share our love for Fargo-Moorhead with you.

Thank you, Fargo-Moorhead. From us to you, remain strong, remain tall and we will all forge ahead together.

Stay #FargoForged,

The Spotlight Team

To our advertisers: In the face of hard times, you have continued to place your trust in us in spreading your word around town. Not only does this help us sustain our company at its most basic level, but we also take great pride in making sure you are reaching the outcomes you

M E D I A • INTERAC TIV E • STUDIO 10 | APRIL 2020 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM

Melissa Erdmann, FNP Jaeda Ertelt FNP

Sarah Baker, FNP

Volume 10 / Issue 4

APRIL 2020

Fargo Monthly Magazine is published 12 times a year and is free. Copies are available at more than 500 Fargo-Moorhead locations and digitally at fargomonthly.com.

Publisher Mike Dragosavich Drago@SpotlightMediaFargo.com EDITORIAL Editorial Director Alexandra Martin Alexandra@SpotlightMediaFargo.com Editors Alexandra Martin, Nolan P. Schmidt Graphic Designer Kim Cowles Marketing Designer Christy German Photographer Kayleigh Omang Photography@SpotlightMediaFargo.com Contributors Alexandre Cyusa, Dr. Sue Mathison, Ashley Morken, Casey Steele INTERACTIVE Nick Schommer Business Development Manager NickSchommer@SpotlightMediaFargo.com Inbound Marketing Strategist Videographers Executive Sales Assistant Graphic Designer

Kirsten Lund Tommy Uhlir, Laura Alexander Kellen Feeney Ben Buchanan

ADVERTISING Senior Sales Executive Paul Hoefer Paul@SpotlightMediaFargo.com Sales Executives Zach Olson Zach@SpotlightMediaFargo.com Matt Becker Matt@SpotlightMediaFargo.com Client Relations ClientRelations@SpotlightMediaFargo.com Client Relations Manager Jenny Johnson ADMINISTRATION VP of Human Resources Colleen Dreyer Controller Jay Borland Account Strategist Cassie Wiste DISTRIBUTION Delivery Bruce Crummy, John Stuber, Craig Sheets

Fargo Monthly is published by Spotlight, LLC. Copyright 2020 Fargo Monthly and fargomonthly. com. All rights reserved. No parts of this magazine may be reproduced or distributed without written permission of Fargo Monthly and Spotlight, LLC is not responsible for, and expressly disclaims all liability for, damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to, or reliance on such information.

Spotlight, LLC accepts no liability for the accuracy of statements made by the advertisers.

Spotlight, LLC 15 Broadway N, Suite 500 Fargo, ND 58102 or info@spotlightmediafargo.com ADVERTISING: 701-478-SPOT (7768)

Meet the team

MIKE

JAY

CHRISTY

BRADY

PAUL

NICK

JENNY

TOMMY

BRUCE

ALEXANDRA

KELLEN

ZACH

KIRSTEN

CRAIG

NOLAN

LAURA

BEN

COLLEEN

KIM

MATT

KAYLEIGH

CASSIE

JOHN

Learn more about us at spotlightmediafargo.com

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Spotlight Media's Other Magazines

Spring cleaning means giving your home a much-needed refresher, complete with sanitizing products, vacuums and mops.

But this month, we are thinking of spring cleaning in a different way: we are thinking about clean-living as a whole. Trending globally are discussions of how to be more eco-conscious and energy-efficient, so this month, we dove into how we've seen these practices enacted in our region.

From decorating with reclaimed goods to constructing with sustainable materials, we took a look at the variety of ways you can incorporate clean living into your space.

After three full years in office, Governor Doug Burgum has a lot to say about business in North Dakota. Our Owner Mike Dragosavich sat down with the Governor and successful entrepreneur to learn more about what is going on at the state level that directly affects our region's small businesses.

We want to try and remain positive at Bison Illustrated.

The past decade has brought wonders on and off the field of competition that no one ever thought possible. The next decade is sure to provide more incredible moments at NDSU too. We recall some of our fondest memories in hopes that it will give you a smile during this tough time. Together, the Herd is strong and regardless of circumstance, it is together that the Bison will forge ahead.

SPREADING POSITIVITY IS ESSENTIAL DURING DIFFICULT TIMES. THROUGH A DIGITAL CAMPAIGN, THE STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA HAS BANDED TOGETHER TO SHARE STORIES OF PERSEVERANCE AND HOW WE ARE ALWAYS THERE FOR ONE ANOTHER.

D

uring a time of unprecedented struggle, the whole state has come to realize just how important the little things are. #InThisTogetherND is a campaign centered all around sharing stories of North Dakotans taking care of each other when our state, and nation, need it the most.

The state of North Dakota recognized the importance of connecting people to the right resources, news updates and ever-updating facts. But we also realize the importance of positivity and sharing stories of North Dakotans persevering. The goal of this #InThisTogetherND is to gather stories from a number of buckets, all with the end goal of encouraging some smiles and positivity.

We are ND Smart, ND Strong, and most importantly, always in this together.

Find more #InThisTogetherND content on these platforms: facebook.com/InThisTogetherND medium.com/inthistogethernd instagram.com/inthistogethernd twitter.com/TogetherND #InThisTogetherND

HOW A FARGO COMMUNITY LEADER’S KINDNESS INFLUENCED A BUSINESS OWNER TO PAY IT FORWARD

By Emily Avdem

S

oma Employment Solutions is an employment agency and the Coronavirus has stopped all business functions which means businesses are not hiring new employees. Soma Employment Solutions has faced difficulty covering their business expenses and pay salaries to their employees due to COVID-19.

A community leader in Fargo, North Dakota helped Soma Employment Solutions reorient the business for job recruiting abroad while nobody is hiring here. This has allowed them to work from home and pay the bills! They are very thankful to that community leader.

Abdi, CEO of Soma Employment Solutions, has paid that thanks forward by leading efforts to share the message about social

distancing. He is using Facebook and Instagram to encourage people to follow the CDC guidelines and stay home.

In addition, he is making posters with different languages like Somali and Arabic. He thinks it’s a responsibility to educate everyone on what is going on right now and how we can each play a part to reduce risks and follow health and safety guidelines. Through connections and culturally relevant messages, he is helping his community stay home and save lives.

More Info: www.somaemployment.com

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LOVE AND MOURNING IN THE AGE OF COVID

By Scott D. Meyer

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tacy Jaeger, a beloved member of the Rugby community and mother of two, passed away at only 43 years old on March 20 from cancer.

Stacy at the family visitation. Hundreds came out and lined the streets to show support to the family as they arrived to the funeral home, all while maintaining social distancing.

Due to the restrictions in place with the current COVID-19 virus, the family was not able to hold a proper gathering and funeral for her at this time.

To show the family how much they cared and how much of an impact Stacy had, the community rallied together.

The community’s goal was that the family was able to know how loved and cared for them, and Stacy, were during this incredibly difficult time.

Green, Stacy’s favorite color, was seen all across the community. Businesses and homes alike hung out green ribbons, signs and more to show support.

On Monday, March 23, the community organized to line the street leading to the funeral home as the family gathered in the small group allowed to honor

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KOTA ORGANICS HOSTING GIVEAWAY TO HELP MOMS DURING COVID-19

By Emily Avdem

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ivian Fellman, founder of Kota Organics, is no stranger to anxiety and how it can cause many different symptoms. She used CBD oil to help her with panic attacks when she was going through the difficult time of spending four weeks in the NICU when her son was born.

There are many benefits of using CBD oil. CBD is known for helping with any mood related issues such as anxiety, depression, bi-polar, PTSD etc. CBD is also known for its antiinflammatory effects which is super helpful for chronic pain, arthritis, menstrual cramps.”

— Vivian Fellman

reached out to one of her partners, Tonic CBD, and was immediately sponsored 20 bottles to giveaway. She posted about this giveaway on her business’s social media pages and asked that people nominate mothers who deserve this special gift! She overwhelmingly received more than enough responses and was able to choose 20 lucky winners!

Vivian first started by helping one mom in the area by gifting her a bottle of CBD oil during this financially and mentally tiring time and realized she wanted to do more for moms like her. She

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Surviving, The Tour

Jimmy Eat World:

Q A Q A

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BY Alexandra Martin PHOTO PROVIDED BY RCA Records

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n the tails of their 2019 album, Surviving, alternative rock band Jimmy Eat World is playing a show at Sanctuary Events Center on May 10. We talked with the band's lead guitarist and lead vocalist Jim Adkins about authenticity, the band's staying power, advice for aspiring musicians and more.

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We are excited to have you in Fargo!

We’re excited. It’s been a long time since we played there. It was a really long time ago, it was back when we were in a van all together, sleeping on floors and stuff. I think I was maybe 20 when we played there last.

Well, I can tell you it has changed a lot here, so I think you’ll have a nice surprise and hopefully have a good time here. You’re returning to Fargo on the tour for your most recent album, Surviving. How do you define the word “Surviving?”

It is somewhat of the struggle to put into practice the things that you should be doing. What are the sustainable sources for your self worth? What is the right target you should be aiming for? Because a lot of the times, you’re placing a whole lot of effort into something that’s the wrong target. And then your life just ends up being a struggle. I mean, it’s going to be a struggle no matter what, but you’re making it unnecessarily doubly hard by getting lost in trying to attain the wrong target.

Your tracks are catchy yet heartbreaking at the same time, making them shift and grow with the listener—which is an awesome staying power. What do you think it is that has been able to hold our collective attention for the past decade-plus of work?

I think that we’ve done a really good job of making sure that we feel proud of something before we put it out with our name on it. I think that matters a lot. I think that matters a lot to the listener too, you can hear that. In a group, it might be like chasing the approval of some imaginary listener rather than trying to challenge themselves. And you can hear it. There’s nothing more of a turn-off when someone is trying to really chase your approval for something. At best case, you have a song that might be catchy for the summer, but how long is the summer in the grand scheme of your life?

People will resonate more when they can see that authenticity and what goes behind it, rather than just trying to make a hit.

Yea. The trade-off is, sometimes the real and true thing that you’re feeling or want to say...you might accomplish those goals of capturing that for yourself, but it might not necessarily fit right in with what’s popular, what’s currently on the radio,

Jimmy Eat World:

Purchase tickets @ etix.com

Surviving, The Tour with Special Guest White Reaper Sanctuary Events Center, 670 4th Ave N. May 10 - 8 p.m.

what the trend is. But then, not everyone is going to like it, but the right people will find it. And I think that we’ve been really fortunate that, in trying to keep that standard for ourselves this whole time, the right people have found what we are doing and continue to give us that opportunity.

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Over the span of your career, how have you seen your sound and energy shift, if at all?

I think at our core, we are still us. There is a certain fundamental that’s just us. And that’s just who we are as people and what we like and what we think is fun to do. Being a guitar/bass/melodic rock band is who we are at our core, and there’s still a lot to play with within that. I think there are endless ways to break the rules once you know them. We found the rules and now we are pushing to see how far we can break them.

You might have this really crazy goal and you meet it and then you’re done? So if you’re not proud of what you’re doing and if you’re not achieving some kind of strong personal reward that is outside of those goals or ambitions, then you’re always going to be dissatisfied, no matter how many goals you attain.

I guess that is true for bands starting out or musicians or artists or anybody...you are 100% in control of the quality of your effort. You have no control over outcomes or what people might think of your results.

That’s fun to play with. I think anyone, if they are doing it right, they are doing a bit of that.

I don’t think we’d get anything done if we didn’t provide ourselves some kind of structure to work within. But it's about asking how demented can we get within that structure?

Is there a moment in your career where you knew you’d "made" it?

Maybe around 2011. I felt like, 'oh man, I guess I’m doing this, this is what I do now!' I don’t have to go back and get a temp job or work retail again. I can just do this. Since then, I guess I feel like I’ve 'made it' all the time now. I think it’s really important to feel a sense of gratitude and to look for gratitude. That’s probably the biggest shift, for me personally, is that the longer we do this, the smaller and smaller things have to happen for me to achieve some sense of gratitude. There’s a lot of bands in Arizona that will never get the chance to come to play Fargo.

People that I’ve known since high school that do really good work will probably never get out of town. And we get to do that and, hopefully, people will show up. It’s not lost on me that not everyone gets to do this. And it means a lot when anyone bothers to give up their time. Because I know how precious that is.

You mention your friends playing the local circuit, we in Fargo have a lot of aspiring musicians. What advice would you give to them?

Ambitions are great. Goals are great. But you need direction, otherwise, you’re just going to drive yourself crazy. I think it is important to keep in mind what you can control and what you can’t. And then, of course, there’s going to be times where you have opportunities and you can be smart about which ones you take, but I don’t think anyone has the magic bullet to stay on top. You can control only a certain amount. And what you are guaranteed is being proud of what you do. You can always accomplish that. I think anything on top of that that comes your way, like achieving goals or accomplishments, is really secondary to that. Because at the end of the day, we’ve had accomplishments, we’ve met some pretty crazy goals and surpassed them, but then what?

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Speaking of goals and such, what’s next for you and the band?

I think it would be cool to go play in places that we might not have ever been to before. It’s funny, in a weird way that’s not too far off from our goals in the very, very beginning. We wanted to go and travel and take our music to places that were new to us. It would be rad to play in India. I’m sure there must be some sort of rock festival in India somewhere.

I feel like Fargo is one of those stops for musicians, where they have never been. I’m glad we get to be that check off the list for some people.

I bet you’re not wrong. We are pretty excited.

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When we first planned out this feature, times were a bit different. We were excited to showcase some of our community's vibrant creatives and the art they create.

As threats of COVID-19 have reared their ugly head and our city has been subject to quarantine, we determined we needed a feature like this more than ever. If you look around, creativity and craftiness are what have been helping keep many of us sane and grounded. From crafting construction paper hearts and posting them in our windows to picking up a new hobby we "never had time for" before, creation abounds behind our closed doors.

Come with us as we meet four local makers and see how their creations are brightening the Fargo-Moorhead community. Dive into ceramic art with Rising Dawn Ceramics, stickers and street art with Not_Hideuhs, playful jewelry with Meghan Stinar and cherished custom textiles with Remade to Remember. In these unprecedented times, support your local doers and makers if you can and, who knows, maybe you'll even be inspired to start your own line of creations.

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Kayleigh Omang

instagram.com/risingdawnceramics risingdawnceramics.etsy.com 24 | APRIL 2020 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM

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rtist Kelsey Williams creates earthy and organic ceramic pieces that are both practical and stylish.

From earrings to mugs to planters, her work under the Rising Dawn Ceramics brand reveals true craftsmanship and impeccable taste.

matter how long you have been doing it, there is always something new to learn and try. With technology, we have the opportunity to connect with communities all over the world. Learning and observing what other artists are experimenting with pushes me to try new things in my own work.

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you create

What have been the most challenging and most rewarding things about doing ceramics?

I have lived in Fargo for seven years and I have been a high school and middle school teacher for three years. Right now, I teach all of the clay courses at Davies High School. I create pieces that are designed for functionality. Nothing I make is meant to sit on a shelf. My goal is for all of my pieces to make it out of the cupboard and used daily.

The surprises. Sometimes it seems like I did everything right, but I still have firings with cracked pots and ruined pieces.

Paradoxically, the surprise and anticipation of opening a kiln and discovering that my work turned out better than I thought it would is very rewarding.

How did you get into ceramics?

I took my first ceramics course at MSUM in 2013 and just fell in love with the medium.

What is your most popular product you make?

My marbled clay pieces are my most popular products. It's beautiful because I get to let the raw textures of the clay show off and speak for itself. I don't like to over- complicate things.

What is a word that best describes you?

Purposeful.

How do you stay inspired to create?

I stay inspired because there is never a dull moment with ceramics. It doesn't

What advice would you give to someone interested in starting a handmade business?

I would give the same advice that my friend Sam (watercolor artist @sj_nielson) gave me. You have to treat your craft as a second job, not a hobby. Set aside time and stick to it. Make it a constant priority.

Where can people find your work?

You can find my work at Risingdawnceramics.etsy.com How can our community help your business grow?

In order for artists to continue to create, we need the support of those around us. From purchasing pieces, to sharing the artist's work with others, I can promise you, efforts like this are seen and appreciated by the artists in your community.

Kayleigh Omang

instagram.com/not_hideuhs 26 | APRIL 2020 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM

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atthew Wuorinen, better known as "Not_Hideuhs" is a one-of-a-kind sticker artist.

Making the transition from street art and murals to lively stickers and hosting a weekly Draw Club, he's established himself as an artistic force in the community.

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you create I am a self-taught artist that has made art my primary focus over the last six years. I didn’t know what I “want to be as a grown-up." I went to college for advertising and during my senior year, after making the Dean’s List, I realized it wasn’t something I was passionate about and decided to find a new path.

What I create could be viewed as a journal. I can look at any work of art I have made and tell the story behind it came to be.

How did you get into your particular art?

I used to buy sticker sheets of my art in bulk, but the annoying part was having to cut out every design on the sticker sheet. I saved those trimmings and decided to do some collage work with them.

Where did you get your name "Hideuhs" from?

It’s a triple entendre; 1. Hide Uhs (hide us) is how I approached placing stickers of my art worldwide while being anonymous 2. When asked if I wanted paper or plastic while getting groceries I would say, “uhhhhh” and then always get paper. It

was an ugly habit I noticed.

3. A relationship I was in ended poorly and it was all my fault, if I would have been more mature in the moment and owned my mistakes I could have fixed it. I was left with ugly thoughts and feelings and I used art to cope with how I felt.

Where can people find your work?

What is one of your favorite pieces you've created? Why?

It’s nice and you should follow @drawclub2.0 on Instagram. It’s a meetup for creatives with no structure.

Commissions for people’s pets, it’s great seeing their reaction. It’s hard capturing the uniqueness of a pet but when it’s done properly, it’s a real work of art.

What is a word that best describes you?

Altruistic

I'll be at Unglued starting in April.

You also host Draw Club. Tell us a bit about that and how people can get involved.

How can our community help your business grow?

Just support young local artists, we don’t need any more hay bale or bison pics, no offense to anyone that rocks that avenue, but we are trying to progress here.

How do you stay inspired to create?

Visiting family and spending time in nature always helps me. Disconnecting from social media is very important for the mind.

What have been the most challenging and most rewarding things about doing this work?

I know the price range of mass-producing stickers, I see a lot of people paying more than they should for stickers. Stickers are a passion for me, they’re not just a promotional tool.

Seeing strangers laugh at my crazy ideas for stickers is so rewarding. I’m consistently thrown off by the people that buy my work and I love that.

What advice would you give to someone interested in starting a handmade business?

Learn business ASAP 27

Kayleigh Omang

instagram.com/remadetoremember | Remadetoremember.com 28 | APRIL 2020 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM

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shley Dedin Carlson uses her sewing talents to repurpose cherished clothing items into memory items to wear and love. Through her brand, Remade to Remember, she upcycles textiles and she creates sentimental keepsakes for generations to come.

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you create I'm Ashley. I create handcrafted memory items from cherished clothing for people who are looking for a unique way to memorialize their loved ones.

How did you get into this type of creating?

Remade to Remember evolved out of my first business, AENDEE which was a ready-to-wear accessories brand that started with a brick and mortar store on 8th Street in Fargo. I started AENDEE right out of college and created all different kinds of items out of shirts I'd buy at thrift stores. Eventually, I realized that the projects were much more meaningful when there is a story involved.

What is one of your favorite pieces you've created? Why? This is a really hard question! I've been very lucky to be trusted with some amazing projects - I've deconstructed wedding dresses, military uniforms and the last pieces of clothing that a family held on to after a loved one passed away. Every project makes me feel very connected with the people I work with, I love hearing the stories of their loved ones and how they will use their new items to celebrate the life of their family or friend.

What is your most popular type of product you've made?

Infinity scarves and zipper pouches are very popular, I think because they are unique and also functional. I'm certainly not the first or only person to make

memory pillows but the other items that I offer are either wearable or usable and I think that makes them even more meaningful.

something you do for fun, for love, on the side or in secret, and the fruits of your labor are equally as valuable as someone who is running their handmade business full-time.

What is a word that best describes you?

Where can people find your work?

Passionate. I get very dedicated to my work no matter what it is and can't help but give 100%.

I can be found on Instagram at @remadetoremember and online at www.remadetoremember.com or shoot me an email at hello@remadetoremember.com

How do you stay inspired to create?

How can our community help your business grow?

My clients are really my source of inspiration, they usually come to me with a story that gets me so excited that I can't wait to work on their project. Sometimes the stories are sweet (a set of zipper pouches for siblings made from their mother's wedding dress) and sometimes they're sad (an infinity scarf made from a widow's husband's shirts who passed away just weeks after their wedding) but being able to take a raw material and turn it into something beautiful keeps me inspired and gives my work real purpose.

What have been the most challenging and most rewarding things about doing your business?

I went from being a full-time entrepreneur (I ran my brick and mortar for about four years) to beginning the next chapter of my life—closing my shop, getting married, becoming a mom and starting a new career. The biggest challenge with keeping my business alive has been finding balance.

I thought that it was something I could "put on hold" until I had "more time" but I eventually realized that it needs to be a part of my life no matter what. Even though my business isn't my full-time gig like it used to be, it is still equally as meaningful. The most rewarding part of running Remade to Remember is absolutely hearing from my clients how much their new items mean to them. I've had so many teary-eyed moments with clients where my heart was so full...that's by far the most rewarding part of it.

Since I am just making a return to my craft after a long pause and I underwent a huge rebrand from when I had my storefront, I think this type of feature (an article or a story) is incredibly helpful to spread the word that I'm still here in this community and my services are still available.

What's next for you?

Balance! I'm changing up my role in my career and working less hours, giving myself more time to pour into Remade to Remember and my own personal hobbies, art and craft. I'm also trying to actively nourish the parts of my creativity that aren't so goal-oriented and spend more time making just for fun and for play. I think we're in such a "boss"/"entrepreneur" culture that we forget that it's good to just do things "for no reason"...things that we don't share on Instagram or build a business around. I plan to take more time to cultivate those kinds of creations to help balance out my business endeavors.

What advice would you give to someone interested in starting a handmade business?

The advice I'd give today is different from the advice I gave seven years ago when I opened AENDEE. Back then I'd say, "Go for it! If it is something you'll always regret not doing...you at least have to give it a try!" and although I still think that's solid advice, I'd add that your craft does not haveto be your career. It can be 29

Kayleigh Omang

instagram.com/meghan.stinar.crafts etsy.com/shop/MeghanStinarCrafts 30 | APRIL 2020 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM

M

eghan Stinar creates colorful, bold and fun clay earrings to liven up any ensemble.

Through her brand, Meghan Stinar Crafts, she is always coming out with new designs and shapes to stay ontrend and delight her customers.

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you create I create polymer clay earrings, I like to create patterns for the earrings and choose interesting color palettes for my color-blocked earrings. For my full-time job, I teach 6th grade English in Fargo and love it. I have an addiction to crafting and lead the Ladyboss Book Club. I don't know how to relax, but I am working on it in my non-existent free time.

How did you get into this type of jewelry making?

Last November I took a class with Catie Miller at Unglued making polymer clay earrings. I've taken quite a few classes there because I enjoy them as a creative outlet, but this was a class I left feeling like it was something I wanted to pursue.

What is one of your favorite pieces you've created? Why? It is hard to pick a favorite, but I would say the ones I'm most proud of are the earrings I've created that have been floating around in my brain for a bit and then successfully transferred to a physical product. There is something magical about the creative process when all the pieces fit together smoothly.

What is your most popular product/ pattern/style you've made?

Recently, the most popular style I've had are sprinkle-inspired. Molly Yeh gave me an Instagram shout out and they kind of blew up. They take a long time to make, but are so joyous that they are worth it!

What is a word that best describes you?

Determined

How do you stay inspired to create?

Where can people find your work?

My husband always reminds me that this is something I do for fun. As soon as it becomes a chore or too stressful, it isn't serving the purpose it is supposed to. I find inspiration in the most random places, manicures, outfits, ad campaigns...I am always looking for new and interesting color combinations. I have a hard time sitting still, so creating is a good outlet for me to try to relax and find some peace. We also have an amazing creative community in the F-M area, so I am constantly inspired by my peers and other local makers.

I'm on Etsy at etsy.com/shop/ MeghanStinarCrafts and at Unglued in Fargo. I always post to Instagram first, @Meghan.Stinar.Crafts. I also will be at "i like you" in Minneapolis starting this spring!

What have been the most challenging and most rewarding things about doing your business?

I feel like there's a new challenge all the time! Most recently, I've started making simpler, color-blocked earrings. At first, I thought they were boring and basic, but now I love the sleekness and playfulness of them. I've been able to come up with color palettes that I think are so beautiful and interesting, so that has been exciting.

There is nothing more rewarding than seeing people wearing my product. At Unglued Craft Fest there were a couple of people wearing my earrings, and that will never fail to put a smile on my face.

What advice would you give to someone interested in starting a handmade business?

The best thing you can do is just jump in.

When I started, I decided to apply for the Unglued Craft Fest just to see if I would get in, then I did. After that, I had to learn on the fly how to get my business up and running. I think without that I would have sat around for a long time, wishing that I could make something happen. Not all hobbies need to become hustles, but if you think your product is something the world, or parts of the world, needs, then get out there and go for it.

How can our community help your business grow?

I am the first to understand that giant, colorful earrings aren't for everyone, but the best way to help a business grow is by supporting it by buying the product. Buy my earrings! Gift my earrings! Commission a group of earrings! The easiest thing to do is show support online, follow me on Instagram, favorite my Etsy shop, tag me in photos when you wear my earrings. I feel like I am on the cusp of exciting things and having community support is incredible.

If you aren't a person to wear big earrings or aren't on social media, nothing makes me happier when people shop locally. If you are buying something, if you are able to buy local, do it! I have so many maker friends that all work incredibly hard and make the most amazing products. Our community is so supportive that buying local couldn't be easier!

What's next for you?

Lately, I've been doing some custom orders which is fun. One for a bridal party, one for an individual looking for something specific that I hadn't made yet. If you know you want cute earrings for gifts or an event (bachelorette party, girls' trip, wedding party, graduation...), message me on Etsy or Instagram! I love the challenge of putting my spin on something specific for someone. I would love to have my earrings in more stores as well, so that is something I've been looking into.

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5

EAT & DRINK

Craving something deep-fried?

Look no further than these fine fried treats.

These delicious fried foods are available via takeout or delivery.

Please see the establishment website for specific details regarding their takeout and delivery policies.

1 Kayleigh Omang

Throttle Grips

Imagine a mozzarella stick wrapped in jalapeno bacon inside of an egg roll and deep-fried. Pretty crazy, right? What if I told you that something like that actually exists? The throttle grips at Silver Dollar are a perfect indulgence if you're in the mood for fried food.

Silver Dollar Flying Pig Bar & Grill

221 Sheyenne St, West Fargo digthepig.com 33

2

Cheese curds

Served with a side of ranch and a dipping sauce of your choice (highly recommend the sweet tabasco ranch), these cheese curds may be borderline perfection. You will have a tough time sharing these housemade curds with anyone else.

The Tavern Grill

4504 32nd Ave S, Fargo thetaverngrill.com

3

mussels and frites

In the event that you're feeling a little more upscale, try out this take on mussels and frites at Crave.

Jumbo New Zealand green-lipped mussels are served in miso butter with garlic, spinach and tomatoes.

Tack on some house-made french fries and you have the best of both worlds with this dish.

Crave

3902 13th Ave S #3643, Fargo craveamerica.com

34 | APRIL 2020 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM

4

Fish N' chips

You choose your type of fish (halibut, cod, walleye, shrimp, scallops or chicken strips) and make this classic fried fare. Accompanied with fresh fries or spiral chips and tartar sauce, you'll be in fish heaven.

Beer & Fish Company

230 Roberts Alley, Fargo beerandfishcompany.com

5

Spicy Breaded Cauliflower

For the vegetarian in your group, try out this spicy starter from Cowboy Jack's. This cauliflower is made spicy and lightly battered before being fried. Factor in some ranch to cool off the heat and you have a truly snackable appetizer for the table.

Cowboy Jack's

506 Broadway N, Fargo facebook.com/cowboyjacksfargo

37

HEALTH & WELLNESS SPOTLIGHT

BY Dr. Sue Mathison Catalyst Medical Center and Clinical Spa Founder PHOTO BY Hillary Ehlen

Creativity and Health 38 | APRIL 2020 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM

Dr. Sue Mathison is the founder of Catalyst Medical Center and Clinical Spa. She is a Stanford educated, triple-board certified physician who has received numerous accolades for leadership and Top Doctor for her clinical skills. Dedicated to the community, she is involved in the Dakota Medical Foundation, TedXFargo, The Choice Financial Board and more!

Life has changed dramatically for all of us in the past few weeks. And while we are all anxious to get back to normal, downtime can be a rare and precious thing, if we don't allow ourselves to be consumed by worry and fear.

This is a time to do things, make stuff and be creative with your time, even if you feel like you don't have a creative bone in your body. We all have unique interests and ways of expressing ourselves.

Some ideas: 1. Become a fashionista, even temporarily.

There are pages of inspiration in this magazine. You might be in a sweat pants mood, but you can shop your favorite local stores online. Some will even put items on Facebook for sale and will deliver to your door. Don't forget to shop your closet too. What lurks in the dark corners?

Put some new outfits together. Have your kids choose your attire for the day.

Have a family fashion show. Clothing and accessories are a beautiful way of selfexpression.

2. Make your face a canvas. Bring out your makeup and search for some crazy makeup tutorials. Maybe the whole family, Dad included, will sport rainbow eyeshadow for awhile. Take lots of pictures and make a video. You'll laugh for years.

3. Make something with your hands. A few weeks ago, my son Grant and I went to visit Ashley Rieck of Tin.ker at her West Fargo studio. We made cement letters "GROW" and decorated them with moss, succulents and gold leaf. We had a blast, and Grant is forever enamored with gold leaf. If you have supplies at home, learn to tie knots and make a macrame plant holder. They are back in style!

4. Paint something. Find the biggest canvas, poster board or box you have available and do a group project with your kids, significant other or yourself. Have some chalk paint left from 5 years ago?

Now is the time to paint that dresser.

5. Declutter with a purpose. Maybe you've always wanted to create a reading nook or a playroom or a craft table. Choose one area and project and focus on creating something new.

7. Have a group FaceTime chat or virtual party with friends near and far. Do some catch-up talk, but also do some deeper intentional questions. There are lots of ideas for meaningful conversation starters online. These questions deepen our relationships and soul-saving connections.

You can also arrange an online group chat, storytime, dance party or sing-a-long for kids.

8. Cook! Make a meal that's all one color, like salad and spinach pasta with pesto and mint ice cream for dessert. You've probably stocked up, but shop your fridge, freezer and pantry for hidden gems.

Lynn Rosetto Kasper used to have an MPR call-in show and she would make meal suggestions based on three to five ingredients you might have in your fridge.

Some were pretty random ideas!

You may ask why it's good to turn on your creative energy? Research shows that these activities help you be present.

It increases happiness, improves mental health, decreases dementia, improves your immune system and makes you smarter! Now go grab some crayons and start coloring!

6. Talk to your grandparents or parents (from afar) and create a family history.

We take for granted that we know these people well, but with the right questions, they can be a treasure trove of memories and wisdom. Search online for question ideas through genealogy websites or personal legacy interviews.

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THINK GLOBAL, ACT LOCAL

By Alex Cyusa Photo By Kayleigh Omang

LEARNING

While Serving Mugire Amahoro!

As we are confined in our healthy bubbles to prevent the spread of COVID-19, I wanted to interview someone who has pierced her social and geographical bubble to make this world a bigger compassionate village.

Zoë Absey is a servant leader who spent two years in my homeland of Rwanda with the Peace Corps.

I always find it amazing to hear impressions of my country through the refreshing lens of nonRwandans.

Fargo is fortunate to have Zoë wave its banner proudly wherever she travels and the world is fortunate to have Zoë be a global citizen making society better, one intentional act of service at a time!

Until our humble paths cross, Stay Healthy!

-Alex Cyusa

40 | APRIL 2020 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM

Give us a brief history of Peace Corp and what got you to apply?

Peace Corps was started in 1961

by President John F. Kennedy at the University of Michigan. The organization would send trained American men and women to foreign nations to assist in development efforts. There were 750 volunteers for the first group that went to 13 nations in 1961.

Peace Corps has three goals: 1. To help the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained women and men 2. To help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served 3. To help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.

I wanted to do better, be more and use my skills to help others.

Tell us about your journey’s growth and lessons learned living in North Dakota, Minneapolis and Rwanda.

Through my journey I have learned to leap before looking, to apply for the things you think are out of your reach, say yes to activities you normally wouldn’t and not be afraid of change. I have grown in how I see the world and how I approach different situations. I am thankful I have had a wonderful and supporting family with me along the way. I am hoping that I can use what I learned to better myself, my family and open up minds about what is out there and how we can truly help each other.

Where does Peace Corps operate and what communities does it serve? How did it shape your career aspirations?

Peace Corps serves in over 60 countries around the world. We go to countries that ask for our services. We listen to what the country wants and needs, which makes what we do more sustainable. Rwanda shaped my career aspirations in many ways. I went in not knowing what I wanted and came out changing my career path to

Social Work rather than teaching.

Along with that, I was able to see how refugee camps work and created relationships with many wonderful people who worked at the camp. I realized that maybe doing humanitarian work would be more my passion than teaching.

How was it leaving Fargo to go to Rwanda? How about coming back: any reverse culture shock?

The night before I left for Rwanda I was a mess; all the unknowns and how long the two years were going to be. Now here I am sitting back in Fargo after having two years in Rwanda under my belt. I did a lot in two years and in the whole picture, two years is a short amount of time. Take the leap to make the change or just make the most of what you have. It goes fast. I think what was more emotionally draining was coming back to Fargo.

Coming back to a land of abundance and realizing I didn’t have to watch how much toilet paper I was using…Anyways it was hard seeing how wasteful we are in the States. I was overwhelmed by little things; I couldn’t make a decision because there were just too many choices. But, things turn normal with time. I am reconnecting with friends and starting the next chapter, but I won’t lie, it was difficult.

Why should people read about outside the Midwest world and the interconnectedness between regions of the world?

I know it’s hard to care sometimes about what is outside your bubble. But what happens in the outside world is important, it matters. Get involved, read an article you usually wouldn’t. It may spark a new interest or just give you a different look at the world. A lot goes on out there that we don’t see and maybe if we all took a minute to look out, it could make a difference.

Were there any misconceptions of safety before you arrived in Rwanda (media impacting your opinion)?

happened in 1994 and asked if it was safe for me to go there. Valid question considering many don’t hear global news especially about a small landlocked country in East Africa unless it’s bad news.

After arriving and doing some research, I realized that I felt safer in my village in Rwanda than in the States. Stereotypes are dangerous, it’s hard not to use them but do research and create your own opinions and, if it’s possible, to go see for yourself. When we put places or people in bubbles it’s hard to get out of those stereotypes. Don’t put places or people in bubbles!

What did you learn in Rwanda that you can apply here in Fargo?

I learned how to be self-reliant and how to make do with less. Coming back after two years and having to start over with my clothes and objects, I realized that I went two years without many things I thought I needed. I am trying to be more aware of what I buy and if I actually need it or just want to go and shop; obviously still something I am learning.

I also am hoping I can become more involved in the community and help brainstorm and be a part of making Fargo more diverse and friendly and to create a safe place for New Americans and others more than just surface level.

How do you dismantle the “White Savior Complex” when serving communities in other regions of the globe?

I’m still learning about this one. I would say if you want to work abroad, research “voluntourism.” It is a real concern in this work. I would say research in general, be educated about the culture. Make real relationships with your community members and don’t go into it thinking you are saving the world, because most places don’t need or want saving. They want help and resources so they can do it on their own. Be flexible and acknowledge when you are wrong and that just because of your race or nationality that doesn’t mean you know all.

Before going to Rwanda, many people asked me if I had heard about what 41

culinary spotlight

The Word Of THE CURD

P

icture two adorable cheese wedges holding hands. They’re happy. One has a bow; the other has glasses. They are living their best cheese life. Megan Lewis is also living her best cheese life. She brought these two cheesy characters to our community through her business, Milk Made Catering and for that, we are forever grateful.

way to MState in Moorhead, she graduated with her culinary degree and quickly hit the entrepreneurial streets by starting her own catering and private cooking class business back in her hometown. When she met her soon-to-be husband, Derrick, they packed up and headed to Fargo, making the decision to leave the catering business behind. Little did Megan know, her future experiences in retail would help shape and guide her to the creation of Milk Made Catering.

Providing beautiful grazing tables, centerpieces and conversation-worthy cheese and charcuterie platters, alongside thoughtfully displayed crudites and freshly sliced baguettes is Milk Made’s specialty. How did such a unique catering business come to be? Glad you asked! Let’s start in New Rockford, North Dakota.

The jobs we hold throughout our lives shape us, one way or the other. Your takeaways can include things you enjoy, what you may do differently and little sparks of interest/passion pop up as well. Megan sold bridal dresses, worked in the interior design world for a while and eventually found herself behind a cheese counter. It was there that everything clicked.

In school, she had dreams of becoming a food stylist. This interest in design plus a passion for cheese helped her create the foundation for Milk Made Catering. Her natural charismatic charm provided the finishing touch that brought her newly found business to life.

Coming from a family of creatives, Megan not only had a love for cheese from a young age, but also for creating, cooking, small business (selling hair bows and handmade chapstick to raise funds for her own DVD player) and the arts. Finding her

By Casey Steele, Owner Of Square One Photos By Hillary Ehlen and Milk Made Catering 42 | APRIL 2020 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM

In May of 2017, she officially launched this unique, fresh catering business and has been a local, leading cheesemonger ever since. Adding classes to her repertoire came naturally and the support she has received from our community amazes her daily. We love cheese and Megan has shown us the light.

As a mother of two little girls (Lydia (5) and Clara (1) she finds herself balancing the world of a parent, spouse, food insecurity activist and business owner. It turns out, she has a fantastic sense of balance learned through pushing the limits, a solid Midwestern work ethic and finding that sweet spot where you can manage these things and still find joy in what you are doing.

Being innovative and passionate, Megan continues her education and the expansion of her credentials so she can best represent the cheesemakers that she features on her platters, grazing tables and in her classes. As a member of the American Cheese Society, 80 percent of the cheeses she features are made in the United States. Her next step is to take the Certified Cheese Professional exam in 2021, which is no easy feat. In order to qualify for the exam, you need to have 4,000-6,000 hours in the industry and Megan is 100 percent up for this cheese-centric challenge.

You can order platters, schedule private classes and find Megan’s upcoming events for this fall on Milk Made’s website: www.milkmadecatering.com.

The Cheesy Bus Trip (think mystery bus tour with cheese!) comes highly recommended.

In the meantime, check out the interesting pairings that Megan has put together for us.

Honey Butter + Gingersnap Cookie + Blue Cheese Blue cheese can go “dessert “ easier than most cheeses due to its inherent saltiness. It loves sweet things, like honey, chocolate, and warm spices like ginger or star anise. Give this appetizer a try to impress your guests!

Sour Beers + Fresh Goat Chevre

I love sour beers, and love that we have so many great breweries locally making them! Fresh chevre (or logs flavored with blueberries, cranberries, or other fruits) pair great with sours because the effervescent nature of the beer cuts through the fat of the cheesemaking it a palate-pleasing combo.

Fresh Watermelon + Mint + Feta

You may have heard of this one, but with summer coming up, this is such a refreshing combination! I like to serve my watermelon in triangles, sprinkled with high-quality feta and fresh mint (try chocolate mint for a new twist!)

Aged Gouda + Chai Tea Latte

This is a funky idea, but it is two items I love to eat and drink! The nuttiness of the gouda pairs so well with the spice and creaminess of the chai latte. If you are really wanting to go crazy, dip your cheese in the chai (like a cookie). It’s an amazing combination!

The Classic Combo: Aged Cheddar + Salami + Whole Grain Mustard

This is a classic for a reason, it is always delicious and peoplepleasing! Try a new spin on it and allow the salami to be the cracker.

Find a slice of small format meat (Like Red Table Meat’s Chuck Fred) and slice thick. Add a layer of french whole grain mustard on top, finish the perfect bite with an aged cheddar like Deer Creek’s Vat 17.

43

MEET THE

Lost In Fargo A

s you’ve seen people around you displaying their love of Fargo and all things Midwestern in their apparel, you can thank Nels Hunstad of Lost in Fargo for propelling that movement.

Hang with us this month to get to know the creative force behind the 'Aw Geez,' 'Uff Da' and now 'Ope' shirts you’re catching everywhere (and, nope, there isn’t anything more comfortable while you stay at home than wearing one of his tees!).

By Ashley Morken, Unglued Photos Provided By Lost In Fargo/ Kaytlin Dargen

44 | APRIL 2020 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM

Tell us about yourself: I grew up in Moorhead and spent a lot of my youth exploring the woods near my house, doing theater and playing sports. I like to camp, hike and travel in my free time with my lab, Boone and my seven-year-old daughter, Ren. What do you make under Lost in Fargo?

Lost in Fargo is a lifestyle brand, we screen print the most comfortable clothing we can find and encourage people to get Lost in Fargo. I use photography as a way to show a different way of looking at things and tie together the message that goes along with our gift items.

expanded into screen printing while I was in high school.

Favorite product you currently make?

There are so many, but the OPE t-shirt we released this year has been a lot of fun. It's hilarious to see everyone's reactions and hear their OPE stories.

Most popular shirt you've ever sold?

Our Lost in Fargo Logo tee is still the best seller overall. We're always doing small runs of different colors and styles for that one.

People love our Aw Geez, Uff Da, and You Betcha shirts as well.

How did you get into printmaking?

You've done Lost in Fargo for a while now how has your business changed over time?

My dad actually - he was active as an event coordinator and created a humorous line of Lutheran gift items when I was a kid.

Eventually, that business did so well that he

It seems like it has been in a constant state of change since the beginning. It's a lot of fun to have a business where I've been able to expand my craft while my

business grows. We started out with popups and wholesale, then we created our own studio/store and now we're back to mostly events. It's interesting to see how rapidly the retail business changes over five years.

What is a word that best describes you?

What is your favorite thing about having your own creative business?

Work harder, listen to advice and don't be afraid to take charge. It took me a while to open up to others and really unleash my full potential as a creative. Once I started to take on more responsibility and put in the work things clicked into place.

It's a great excuse to just create and create. Being able to have a business that incorporates photography, design, printing, community and adventure? Really a dream come true. I think the overall versatility of the project means every day there is a different project to do.

What is the most challenging thing?

Being flexible when things don't work out how you pictured them. Also being self-motivated to complete projects when social life and other opportunities come up.

Lost. Haha What advice would you have given yourself 10 years ago?

Where can people find your work?

We're all over the place, currently, you can find us online at lostinfargo.com We're also at the Red River Market every Saturday, in stores at Unglued, THIS Skate & Snow, Plains Art Museum and the Fargo Visitors center.

How can our community support you especially in this time?

I feel like we're all in a bit of a holding pattern. I'm hopeful that our community will come out of this even stronger and, in the meantime, if you haven't been impacted financially, keep buying from small businesses!

How can we stay in touch? lostinfargo.com instagram.com/lostinfargo facebook.com/lostinfargo twitter.com/lostin_fargo

45

01

Our Adapting

Community 02 46 | APRIL 2020 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM

In the face of unprecedented circumstances, businesses in the Fargo-Moorhead have found creative ways to stay top of mind.

O

ur community is one of resiliency and grit. Part of it is our Midwestern values, but much of our success is built on resourcefulness. The COVID-19 pandemic brought unforeseen circumstances to Fargo-Moorhead, the likes of which greatly impacted local businesses. In the case of small businesses in our area, they needed to find ways to keep their doors open in some cases.

That is where good old Midwest resiliency, grit and resourcefulness come into play.

Check out what some local businesses did to adapt to such quick-shifts in society.

O1 01

Cheese Please Do you enjoy cheese platters that are perfect for a day at home while social distancing? Well, Milk Made Catering made receiving cheese platters that much easier with a subscription service to their hand-crafted platters.

"During this difficult time during COVID-19, I wanted to reach out with an exciting new opportunity to purchase platters from Milk Made. With each subscription service, you will receive four platters: one for Thanksgiving, one for Christmas and two platters to use anytime during 2020 to eat and enjoy," said owner Megan Lewis.

"You save 10 percent with each subscription, which adds up to more delicious cheese at a great price. It's a win-win for everyone."

To find out more about Milk Made's cheese platter subscription service, visit their website or Facebook page.

Milkmadecatering milkmadecatering.com

O2 02

GRRRONA CARE PACKAGES Hotdog! Pet Salon knows that the COVID-19 quarantine is not only affecting us but our pets too. When we are all suddenly home 24/7, it's an adjustment that our furry friends might now understand. To battle pet boredom and anxiety, Hotdog! put together “GRRRONA� care packages. Each package came with a variety of treats and activities, like a silicone dog treat maker, dog shampoo, dog "beer," and other yummy treats. Packages were exclusive and limited, adding immediacy and a rush to be the first to treat their pet to what they deserved.

814 Center Ave, Suite 4, Moorhead hotdogpetsalon.com

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O3 03

photography... at a distance

It can be hard to take a photo when everyone is tucked away safely inside their homes. However, photographers have banded together in the form of a very neat idea: Front Porch Sessions. The idea was to shoot photos of community members on their front porches or behind closed doors in these challenging times.

O4 04

proof artisan distillers

The Downtown staple, known for its award-winning whiskeys, gins and vodkas, wanted to play their part in solving the COVID-19 crisis. With stores across the metro running low on basic essentials like toilet paper, cleaning products and even hand sanitizer, Proof Artisan Distillers saw their chance to help. With the

O5 05

dinner and an activity all in one

Some of us rely on Fargo's eclectic food scene as our main form of sustenance. However, with dine-in options limited or no longer available and our chef skills not quite perfected, some local restaurants stepped in to help. Blackbird Woodfire offered pizza-making kits for purchase. Each kit included dough, sauce,

O6 06

get your sweat on

Whether you desperately missed your regularly scheduled workouts or you were just antsy being stuck at home, FLY | a fitness revolution swooped in to save the day. For many, getting a sweat on is the ultimate way to release stress and lessen uneasiness. To keep our community feeling healthy, FLY began

O7 07

bloody mary kits

The restaurant and bar industry are at serious crossroads.

Restaurants have been forced to only offer take-out or curbside pick up for meals. While this has proven successful for many, it does not necessarily provide the same revenue stream as having a dine-in option. So, restaurants and bars have been vying for

In Fargo, KP Photography, M.Schleif Photography and Nicole Midwest were some of the many local photographers offering "Front Porch" or "Social Distancing" sessions. The photographer met you in front of your home or business and stayed over 10 feet away from you while shooting. Subjects could wear whatever they liked like and the local photographer captured an authentic look into this strange time in history. kpphotobykp.com | nicolemidwest.com | mschleifphotography.com equipment they have at their disposal, they learned they had the means to make their own hand sanitizer.

Proof is using its own house-made alcohol to produce the hand sanitizer. Since the bar portion of Proof is closed, it provided a much-needed source of work for Proof's employees. It also provided a much-needed commodity for the community. proofdistillers.com cheese and toppings, along with instructions for cooking. Not only could you receive a delicious pizza, but you could experience fun with the whole family while crafting it on your own. For those of us looking for an even easier route, they also made available freshly assembled frozen pizzas for just $10.

Blackbirdfargo 206 Broadway N posting live workout videos virtually every day on their Facebook page. Workouts ranged for HIIT exercises to calming yoga classes, making sure there was a little bit of everything.

Many other fitness-based facilities in town also offered live, virtual classes. For a slower, more relaxing pace, Ecce Yoga and Downtown Yoga Fargo also live-streamed yoga classes on their Facebook. fargofeelsfly |

downtownyogafargo |

ecceyogafargo

patrons to purchase gift cards to their favorite establishments. But some places got creative with how they do take-out as well.

Pounds and Lucky's 13 are two restaurants that offer up Bloody Mary Kits as a take-out option. Each kit is complete with everything you need to enjoy a perfect Bloody Mary, all you have to do is add the vodka. Now, you can enjoy a tremendous Bloody Mary while you are social distancing. poundsfargo.com |

luckys13pub.com

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O8 08

keep calm and craft on

To beat the fidgety feeling of being trapped in the great indoors, a lot of us turned to arts and crafts. Thankfully our local fountain of creativity and positivity, Unglued, offered DIY Kits and virtual workshops. DIY Kits were available to order on their online shop and shipped right to your door.

O9 09

live virtual trivia!

As for virtual workshops, they continuously added online tutorials for a variety of crafty goodness. Some of the classes were "Macrame Plant Hanger + Concrete Succulent" with The Plant Supply, "Watercolor Your Pet" with Painter Nicole, "A Creative Hand Lettering Practice" with Artist Nichole Rae and "Super Easy Tassel Earrings" with Aerow. Get ready to emerge from quarantine with a whole new set of skills.

Ungluedmarket | 408 Broadway N Bar trivia nights with friends are a weekly staple for many curious cats in our community. To keep our minds fresh with fun facts galore, Red River Trivia moved their trivia nights online. Just because you're stuck in your house doesn't mean we couldn't "get together" and play some trivia! The games were played via Facebook Live and weren't all too competitive or serious, which made for some fun, lighthearted entertainment.

Redrivertrivia

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channel your inner picasso, van gogh, etc.

11

reading is always a good idea

Isn't it wonderful how creating something with your own hands can make you feel so productive? Creatively Uncorked kept family-members of all ages entertained with their "Art Kits To-Go." With over 100 painting options available, everyone could find a subject that they wanted to give life to with their paintbrush. With

Thanks to the Fargo Public Library, you could use your time at home to catch up on some reading you've been too busy for.

With a library card, you can access thousands of magazines, ebooks and audiobooks...all virtually! Users could read and listen on their computers, tablet or smartphones. Utilizing their Overdrive

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livestream your favorite events

Some of our favorite weekly and monthly events were being livestreamed right to our computers.

1 Million Cups is a free, national program designed to educate, engage, and connect entrepreneurs. The Fargo chapter has been

your design selected, Creatively Uncorked prepared a kit ready for pick up, including a sketched canvas, paint, a reference photo, instructions and paintbrushes, if needed.

Creativelyuncorked 715 13th Ave E #101, West Fargo

Library2Go and Hoopla Digital applications, sharing books has never been more convenient.

Need some reading guidance? Ladybosses of Fargo-Moorhead has book club, Zandbroz hosts a "Books and Brews" club and the Fargo Public Library and West Fargo Public Library also have a variety of book clubs. fargolibrary.org running strong since 2014, and is the most active 1MC in the country! Not wanting this fire to fizzle out, 1MC live-streamed their weekly events every Friday at 9:15 a.m. on their Facebook page.

Also, every last Thursday of the month, community members hear an inspiring lecture thanks to Creative Mornings. With the physical meetings temporarily on halt, they also live-streamed their monthly meetup virtually, streaming to their Facebook page.

1MillionCupsFar |

Creativemorningsfargo

In the wake of the spread of COVID-19, a shortage of medical supplies has arisen. Fabricating sewn face masks for those in need, local seamstress Emily Brooks is one of many who are using their creative gifts for good.

Sewing Creative Solutions 52 | APRIL 2020 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM

n the midst of this global crisis, it seems like everyone is searching for ways they can help. We are thankful for community members who are looking to their own talents and abilities to try and come up with solutions to lend a hand. One Fargo community member lending her skillsets to the present medical crisis is Emily Brooks.

Brooks is an artist, small business owner and former president of the FM Modern Sewing Guild. An outlet for her creativity, she runs Taea Made where she specializes in machine embroidery, large-scale mural paintings and upcycling.

She's been sewing for as long as she can remember and as she grew more experienced, she continued to expand into other sewing ventures. In this, she creates her own patterns, upcycled unique projects, digitizes her own machine embroidery designs and, now, is fabricating medical-style masks.

With this vast background in sewing, Brooks saw a way to help out in during the COVID-19 outbreak. With the influx of COVID-19 cases came a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare personnel (HCP). Many of these professionals have begun requesting sewn masks, to make up for the shortage of medical-grade masks. An answer to this, local tailors have been sewing their own masks to donate to healthcare professionals.

“Prior to modern disposable masks, washable fabric masks were standard use for hospitals,” said Dawn Rogers, MSN, RN, FNP-C, Patient Safety & Infection Prevention Office. “We will be able to sterilize these masks and use them repeatedly as needed. While it’s less than ideal, we want to do our best to protect our staff and patients during this pandemic.”

It's been proven that the use of masks can be a great impediment to airborne microbes. Even masks such as these that are not sealed like the N95 masks. There are widespread debates over the usefulness of masks for containing the spread of viruses, but it's safe to say that every precaution helps.

While these home-sewn masks are not a replacement for the N95 masks and other medical-grade masks, they are still of use to medical professionals. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has listed such sewn masks as an option under Strategies for Optimizing the Supply of Facemasks. However, it should be noted that sewn masks are not officially considered Personal Protective Equipment, as they are not yet verified to protect healthcare professionals.

The CDC expresses caution to be exercised when considering the homemade option and that they should be used as a last resort. A great use for the sewn masks is to be used in combination with a face shield that covers the entire front and sides of the face.

Brooks became interested in contributing to the making and distribution of masks when people began suggesting it to her. "Through numerous people contacting me, I've learned of needs across the country. Joining groups on Facebook such as 'Plains — Relief Crafters of America' or 'Million Mask Challenge' are a great way to know where the current needs are," she said. The majority of masks she has made have gone to medical professionals in our community at hospitals, private practices and care facilities. She's also sent some to Maine, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Louisiana, filling requests as she sees them.

"I believe that God asks us to use our gifts to be of service to others. Sewing is my gifting. If making these masks can be of benefit to someone in some way, then I will do it," said Brooks. "Even if that benefit is simply to let them know that someone cares about them during this difficult time."

By giving her time and talents to help in any way possible, Brooks is just one example of how Fargo's citizens have risen to today's unique challenges. If you are willing to think outside the box, no matter what your skills are, you too can find a way to help.

For more information on CDC's recommendations facemasks, read more here: www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/ppe-strategy/face-masks.html

53

Step 1: Cut two 6x9 inch pieces of tightlywoven cotton fabric (or 5x7.5 for a child's size).

Step 2: Put two pieces of different prints together with the finished side facing inwards. Sandwich a 7-inch strip of thin elastic (I use 3/8") at a 45-degree angle facing in on both sides of the 6" side and pin in place.

Step 3: Do the same on the other 6" side, and pin.

Step 4: Sew all the way around your piece using a 1/4 inch salvage, but leave a 1.5 inch opening on one of the long sides to pull your fabric through. After completing this step, pull the piece inside out, so the right sides of the fabric and elastic are on the outside of your piece.

Step 5: Pin three tucks on each of the 6-inch sides, all facing the same direction.

Step 6: Sew completely around the piece twice to secure.

Step 7: The mask is complete!

54 | APRIL 2020 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM

How to make a mask There are a number of different mask patterns floating around, but Brooks has been using this one from Deaconess Midtown Hospital's website.

If you are inspired to make your own masks to donate, ensure the pattern you are using is CDC-compliant.

What You Will Need • Cotton fabric • Rope Elastic (beading cord elastic will work -you may also use 1/8” flat elastic)

• Cut the elastic 7” long and tie a knot at each end (DO NOT knot the ends of the flat)

*Pattern by Deaconess Midtown Hospital, found here: www.deaconess.com/How-tomake-a-Face-Mask

A GUIDE TO

Take-Out

Support local business and restaurants alike with these special take-out deals from your favorite Fargo-Moorhead hotspots.

Maxwell's Restaurant & Bar

- Take-Out and Delivery - Monday-Sat 4 p.m.-9 p.m.

- 10 percent discount on all orders - Wine-To-go (by the bottle) available on all take-out orders maxwellsnd.com 701-277-9463

Lucky's 13 Pub

- Curb-side pick up and delivery through Bite Squad, Door Dash and Uber Eats 11 a.m.- 8 p.m.

- Selling Lucky's popcorn for $3 bag and our Bloody Mary mix for $5 bottle.

- Offering a gift Card Promotion Purchase: $100 worth of gift cards gets a free $20 purchase. $50 get a free $10 purchase. luckys13pub.com 701-551-0013

Buffalo Wild Wings (All F-M Locations)

- Takeout or delivery only.

- Bundle packages of 10 wings/boneless wings and fries for $9.99, 20 boneless wings and fries for $21.40, 20 traditional wings and fries for $24.49 or 20 boneless, 20 traditional and fries for $42.49.

- BOGO wing Tuesdays and BOGO boneless Thursdays also available for takeout.

- To order go to buffalowildwings.com and select location and pick up or delivery then choose your food.

Milk Made Catering

- Cheese platter subscription service - Receive four platters: one for Thanksgiving, one for Christmas and 2 platters to use anytime during 2020 to eat and enjoy.

- Save 10 percent with each subscription, which adds up to more delicious cheese at a great price. milkmadecatering.com

Randy's University Diner

- Family Portions Made Easy - Breakfast- 12 scrambled eggs, 8 pancakes, 8 bacon, 8 sausages: $25 - Lunch- 4 cheeseburgers, 2 lb fries, 8oz coleslaw: $30 - Dinner- 2 lbs pot roast or roast turkey, 4 servings mashed potatoes/gravy, vegetable medley and dinner rolls: $35 randysuniversitydinerfargo.com 701-280-0414

Herd And Horns

- Family Style Dishes For Pick-Up (Feeds Four) - Cavatappi Pasta and Meat Sauce: $25 - Spicy Shrimp Mac: $25 - Chicken, Bacon, Ranch Mac: $25 - Cheeseburger Mac: $25 - 4 Burgers & Fries: $25 - 32 wings (traditional or boneless): $25 - Chicken Enchiladas: $25 - Beef Enchiladas: $25 - Mamas Mac: $25 herdandhorns.com 701-551-7000

The Tavern Grill - 20 percent off all curbside pick-up orders. thetaverngrill.com 701-532-0777

Specials Are Subject To Change

Pounds

Mexican Village

- Take out from Noon to 8 p.m. every day.

- Selling Bloody Mary kits for $15 apiece. poundsfargo.com 701-478-1234

Blackbird Woodfire - Making frozen pizzas of your choice for $10 apiece - $8 lunch pizza and a soda from 11-3 p.m. every day.

- Two specialty pizzas for $25 - Jam for sale for $8 a jar or $3 for 4 oz.

- $5 rye loaves, $3 baguettes blackbirdwoodfire.com 701-478-1968

- Bring Happy Hour to Your Home, any time of day, all for Just $25.00 - Pick One Option: Option 1: Pick 6 of your choice of mix and match beers & seltzers Option 2: Pick 4 of your choice of wines or a Margarita to-go kit (just add your own Tequila) - Pick one of our amazing appetizers to enjoy with our homemade salsa and a bag of chips mexicanvillage.com 701-356-0120

Holiday Inn (Savory Catering)

rhombuspizza.com 701-787-7317

- Offering grab and go meals for the public with special focus on providing easy, accessible, affordable and delicious meal options for service industry workers that are displaced right now.

- Selection of meals for $8 and less that can be purchased directly from the front desk. Offering bulk-buy discounts and are willing to deliver. Not just great for service industry workers, it’s great for anyone.

- Full line of wine, beer and spirits that can be picked up as well.

Youngblood Coffee

fargohi.com 701-282-2700

Rhombus Guys

- Take-out and delivery offered through Bite Squad - With each delivery order, receive a free roll of toilet paper (while supplies last) - Free kid's meals to any child.

- Offer take and bake 12 or 16-inch pizzas.

- Offering delivery of 5-pound bags of coffee and loaves of sourdough to your doorstep. $80 per bag of coffee, 1 loaf of bread is $6. youngbloodcoffee.com 612-400-5060

Specials Are Subject To Change

Other Restaurants

OFFERING TAKE-OUT, DELIVERY AND CURBSIDE PICK-UP - JL Beers (All locations) - 46 North Pints & Provisions - Bar Nine - Cafe Alladin (32nd Avenue location only) - The Boiler Room - Giant Panda - The Silver Linings Creamery - Chef's Table - Barcode - Hotel Donaldson and HoDo Lounge - Brew Bird - Wasabi - Poke Bowl - A&E Liberian Restaurant - BernBaum's - Kroll's Diner - Rustica Eatery & Tavern - Smiling Moose Deli - The Shack On Broadway - Thai Orchid Restaurant - Spicy Pie - Hooligan's - Granite City - Great Harvest Bread Company - Grand Junction - Fortune House - Fryn' Pan - Level 2 Eats + Drinks - The Gallery Restaurant - NoBull Smokehouse - Scoop N' Dough Candy Company - Ishtar Mediterranean - Slurp Ramen - Drunken Noodle - Jay's Smokin' BBQ - Sandy's Donuts

- Nichole's Fine Pastry & Cafe - Insomnia Cookies - Leela Thai Cuisine - Fargo Brewing Ale House - Luna - VIP Restaurant & Catering - Toscana - Tea & Crepe - Labby's - Tailgators Sports Cafe - Sammy's Pizza - Mezzaluna - The Bulldog Tap - Izumi - Brewtus' Brickhouse - SouthTown Pourhouse - The Gastropub At Fargo Billiards - GP's Greek Kitchen - Space Aliens - Blarney Stone - CRAVE - Legends Grill - The Flying Pig Grill - Mango's Mexican And American Grill - Mi Familia Mexican Restaurant - India Palace - Buffalo Wings & Rings - MacKenzie River Pizza - Acapulco - Plaza Azteca - Casa Mexico - Passage To India - Shanghai - Great Wall - Snap Dragon - Cracked Pepper

- Mr. Wok - Sol Ave. Kitchen - Duane's House Of Pizza - Three Lyons Pub - Everest Tikka House - Spitfire - Sickies Garage - Jade Dragon - Mandarin Kitchen Express - Nine Dragons - Peking Restaurant - Pho D'licious - CJ's Kitchen - Urban 42 - Hi-Ho - Erberts & Gerbert's - Taco Shop

Coffee Shops,Breweries, Bars, Grocery OFFERING TAKE-OUT, DELIVERY, OFF-SALE AND CURBSIDE PICK-UP - Atomic Coffee - Twenty Below Coffee - Black Coffee And Waffle Bar - Cold Fusion - Third Drop Coffee - Beans Coffee Bar - Babb's Coffee House - Red Raven Espresso Parlor - Daily's Market

- Drekker Brewing Company - Junkyard Brewing Company - Fargo Brewing Company - Wild Terra Cider - Front Street Taproom - Drumconrath Brewing Company - Flatland Brewing - Sidestreet Grille & Pub - Vic's Lounge - Duffy's Tavern

Local Retail OFFERING ALTERNATIVE SHOPPING OPTIONS - Beyond Running - Mint + Basil - Boots And Heels - Carmine & Hayworth Vintage - Unglued - Zandbroz Variety - Wimmers Diamonds - Kittsona - Red Silo - Kindred People - Stabo Scandinavian Imports - Proper - Others - Your Day By Nicole - Love Always Floral - Vinyl Giant

YOU CAN ALWAYS HELP YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL ESTABLISHMENT BY PURCHASING GIFT CARDS AS WELL.

FUTURE

M U SIC

SCHEDULE WE KNOW THE WORLD IS CRAZY RIGHT NOW, BUT WHEN IT DOES RETURN TO NORMAL, LOOK FORWARD TO THESE RE-SCHEDULED AND UPCOMING MUSICAL ACTS!

RESCHEDULED BORGORE Sanctuary Events Center Originally: March 12 New Date: October 1 BRYAN LOWEREE Fargo Brewing Company Taproom Originally: March 26 New Date: May 28 THE SUIT Sanctuary Events Center Originally: April 1 New Date: June 12

MERCYME Fargodome Originally: April 5 New Date: November 15

MAC LETHAL The Aquarium Originally: April 20 New Date: July 6

BEACH SLANG The Aquarium Originally: April 8 New Date: September 6

RICKY NELSON REMEMBERED STARRING THE NELSON TWINS Fargo Theatre Originally: May 7 New Date: August 6

CHER Fargodome Originally: April 11 New Date: September 26

LEO KOTTKE Fargo Theatre Originally: May 9 New Date: July 31

UPCOMING WAVVES WITH SADGIRL The Aquarium May 9 JON WAYNE AND THE PAIN Sanctuary Events Center May 16 ALABAMA Bluestem Amphitheater June 6 THE SUIT Sanctuary Events Center June 12 ELTON JOHN Fargodome June 13 BEN HARPER & THE INNOCENT CRIMINALS Fargo Brewing Company June 19 311 Fargo Brewing Company July 7 HAIRBALL Red River Valley Fair July 7 LANCO Red River Valley Fair July 8 TRACE ADKINS Red River Valley Fair July 9 CHEVELLE Red River Valley Fair July 10

Front Street Taproom

SKILLET Red River Valley Fair July 11

AMERICAN AQUARIUM The Aquarium August 10

DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS Fargo Brewing Company July 21

COLE SWINDELL Bluestem Amphitheater August 14

SURFER BLOOD The Aquarium July 26

GUNS N' ROSES Fargodome August 23

GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA Fargo Theatre July 25

SISTER CITIES SMOKEOUT Bluestem Amphitheater August 28

CODY JOHNSON Bluestem Amphitheater August 7 MAROON 5 & MEGHAN TRAINOR Fargodome August 8

Oxbow choose

Join before April 30 and receive

½ OFF YOUR INITIATION FEE

40 Clubhouse Drive Oxbow, ND 58047 | 701.588.4666 | oxbowcc.com

YEARLY SUBSCRIPTION

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$

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