SIOUXLAND WOMAN
Melanie
OLSEN
APPRECIATING THE FRUITS OF LABOR
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANE MONAHAN
Siouxland Woman
CONTRIBUTORS
Account Executives
Jill Foley 712-490-8506 | jill@michelscom.com
graphic designers
Ashley Carrison
Makenzie Jorgenson
team of writers
Lydia Gleiser, Joanne Fox, Cheryl Wells, Tanya Manus
Michaela Feldmann, Lisa Croston, Wayne Dominowski cover PHOTOGRAPHER
Shane Monahan Photography www.shanemonahanphotography.com
Editor
Heather Jordan | heather@michelscom.com
DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL MARKETING
Cory Johnson 605-951-3567 | cory@michelscom.com
REGIONAL MANAGER BLACK HILLS/GSM
Kevin Culhane 605-661-8509 | kevin@michelscom.com
chief of operations
Hanna Michels 605-760-4269 | hanna@michelscom.com
APPRECIATING THE FRUITS OF LABOR
By: Lydia Gleiser Photos By: Shane Monahan Photography
Being born and raised in the Siouxland area, Melanie Olsen admits that her childhood was pretty idealistic, but then again, at an early age she was taught the importance of having a positive mindset and valuing whatever God hands to you.
“My father, Tony, had been a farmer but wanted more for the family,” Melanie shares. “While my mother, Alice, was pregnant with me, my father ended up taking a correspondence course to be a ticket agent and ground crew member and that career change moved our family to Sioux City where he worked for Ozark Airlines.”
One of her most special memories as a child was being able to go to the airport on Sundays and watch the planes take off and land. She not only loved watching the planes, but she also took great pride in watching her father work at the airport.
“I felt my upbringing was the best and I was so lucky to have the joyful and loving family that I did,” Melanie says. “I was the middle child in my family. I had an older sister, Rhonda, and younger brother, Tim. My mother was a stay-at-home mom where she took care of our home and sewed all our clothes from hand-picked patterns at JC Penny’s.”
I felt my upbringing was the best and I was so lucky to have the joyful and loving family that I did.
Being able to use my talents to help others, but yet being able to challenge myself was very fulfilling.
Melanie shoveling plaster and lathe in the dining room of their first house in1979
Melanie and Roy with their 1930 Model A street rod, staying at a B&B in Indiana on the way to the Brickyard NASCAR race in Indianapolis in 2007
The crew who helped plant the original vineyard, 200 Frontenac Blanc grapevines, on May 7, 2016
In high school, Melanie attended East High where she was active in her church and band, eventually becoming a band squad leader. At East High she also met and began dating her high school sweetheart, Roy.
Upon graduating, Melanie wasn’t sure what she wanted to do, but she knew she wanted to stay close to the area so she could continue dating Roy, who had started building homes in the Siouxland area.
Although she was accepted to attend Morningside University, she still wasn’t convinced of where she should go and what to pursue.
Melanie thought about what she really enjoyed in life, and she knew that she loved English and enjoyed writing, and she was also a very skilled typist.
“When I was in high school, I learned how to type on a manual typewriter and spent a year typing this way. This really strengthened my ability to type quickly and accurately,” Melanie remembers.
The summer after graduation, Melanie stayed busy making wooden frames for beehives while she worked for a bee supply company. She also started working in their billing department because she was proficient as a typist.
“I had checked out Western Iowa Tech Community College (WITCC), and they had a program to become a medical secretary.” Melanie felt it was the perfect fit and she went through the year long program.
While completing her courses, Melanie was hired at St. Luke’s Hospital to work in their medical records department. There, she excelled as a medical transcriptionist because she could transcribe over 100 words in a minute. She was also meticulous with detail and having a love for learning new words and the English language, she was able to decipher complex medical terms effortlessly.
Right before she graduated the WITCC program, Melanie was offered a full-time job to transcribe for Sioux City Urological Associates, where she spent the next seven years.
“I found transcribing challenging, yet so rewarding” Melanie shares. “Being able to use my talents to help others, but yet being able to challenge myself was very fulfilling.”
During this time Melanie also got engaged to Roy and they decided to buy a house on the west side of Sioux City. They purchased their home from an estate sale and it was a complete renovation down to the studs.
Melanie and Roy would get off work and meet at their new house where they began to spend all their spare time working together to rebuild it from top to bottom. It was a huge project that only strengthened their relationship as they learned quickly how to work cohesively as a team.
“Roy is a naturally gifted and skilled craftsman,” Melanie beams. “He ended up teaching me so much about how to build houses as I assisted him with doing everything from building the basement to knocking down plaster in the dining room to hanging walls and ceilings. We did everything ourselves and we did it together!”
After getting married and living in their house for about five years, Roy ended up building a new house in the Morningside area for them to live in. This house was adjacent to Roy’s widowed mother.
“This opportunity allowed us to live close to her and also help take care of her,” Melanie shares. “Family is also very important to Roy and so being able to be there for his mother was something we both wanted to do.”
Melanie and Roy started finding hobbies that they enjoyed doing together, and this led to them buying a 1936 International pickup truck that Roy rebuilt as a street rod, a purchase that Melanie says ended up changing the trajectory of their lives.
“Buying this truck ended up getting us involved in car shows and traveling,” Melanie laughs. “We then ended up with a 1930 Model A street rod and found ourselves traveling to auctions and buying old car parts and antiques.”
Melanie and Roy started selling rare, sought-after car parts online and at one point they were one of the top sellers on eBay Motors. With so many car body parts and car bodies, Melanie said they both envisioned living somewhere with land and with outbuildings to house everything as their side business grew.
“We found that we really enjoyed traveling down South and we made a yearly trip out of it” Melanie says. “When Hurricane Katrina hit, we took it very personally and were devastated because we saw the beauty of the Gulf Coast and enjoyed staying there.”
Melanie’s church put together a team to help clean up the destruction and eventually rebuild the damage. Melanie and Roy went on the trip and found the experience so humbling and heartbreaking, yet she felt they were there to do God’s work.
“Everything was very emotional and eye opening. At the end of our mission trip, we knew that we would get to go back home to Sioux City, back home where we have stores that have food and essentials,” Melanie remembers. “These people lost absolutely everything, and there weren’t stores left to get clothing, food or any materials to build anything. They had lost it all.”
Back in Sioux City, Melanie and Roy heard from a friend of a friend that an acreage was being sold in Woodbury County. After going out and seeing the gorgeous property, they felt it was the perfect place to be able to house their hobbies and grow into the land.
One of their hobbies that they picked up while traveling was wine tasting. Melanie laughs as she shares that they weren’t huge drinkers and still aren’t, but once they saw the rolling Loess Hills and the pond, they became intrigued at what they could do with the land. After living on the property for nearly 25 years, the thought of being able to cultivate their own vineyard started to become a reality.
“After living there and doing our research, we felt there was a reason that we were able to get this property and the beauty that came with it, and we wanted to be able to have others experience what we called home. We felt that we would be able to at least try to plant our grape vines and see what happened.”
With help from family and friends, they planted their first 200 grape vines. Melanie shares that the very first row in the vineyard was planted with special dirt from her Grandpa Carl’s farm and ironically, it was the very first row of vines to sprout.
“Wine making wasn’t in our initial plans,” Melanie laughs. “But here we are.” Melanie says that one of her proudest moments since opening Oscar Carl Vineyard is winning the prestigious “Governor’s Cup Trophy” and “Best of Show – Sweet White” at the 2024 Iowa State Fair Commercial Wine Competition. Their signature wine, Loesscato, is named for the sweet style and the Loess Hills the grapes are grown in. Another one of their wines, Aunt Billie, a dry red wine, won “Best of Show – Red Wine” in 2021. The experience is still very new and Melanie is honored to represent the Siouxland area.
Ever humble and always wanting to share with others, Melanie says she wouldn’t have her life, her failures and her successes any other way. Melanie is not only comforting and kind, but a positive person who not only appreciates what she has been blessed with, but cherishes others who have aided in her success both professionally and personally.
Reflecting on her life and always optimistic, Melanie smiles as she says, “I love being able to share with others the opportunities and beauty of where we live in Siouxland. That’s what I am most proud of.”
Melanie is a firm believer in
“Everything is a part of God’s Plan.” She feels there are no coincidences in life and looking back on things, it all happens for a reason.
Melanie has shipped vintage cars internationally and as far as Switzerland.
For their 45th Wedding Anniversary, Melanie and Roy will be vacationing in Tuscany, Italy in October where they plan on going on a wine and food culinary tour.
Melanie loves crafting and makes her own stamped jewelry, pendants and fused glass bowls.
Oscar Carl Vineyard’s name is very important to Melanie. The name Carl is after her grandfather, and Oscar comes from Roy’s grandfather’s name. Tomorrow, a dry wine, is Melanie’s favorite. They hope to release a white port wine from their grapes by the end of the year!
(Mildred,
Last family photo. Alice and Tony, Rhonda, Melanie, Tim in July 2021
Melanie and Roy at a Casting Crowns concert at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
Melanie with her mom, sister and cousins in her parents’ front yard. The cousins call themselves “MILGEPA” - an acronym in honor of the seven-in-a-row Berg sisters.
Irene, Laura, Gladys, Evelyn, Pauline, Alice)
How the Red Shoe Shindig Makes an Impact
By: Michaela Feldmann
“When we are in a crisis situation, like when our child feels sick, we need support.”
- Christy Batien Clark
Thirty years ago, the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Siouxland opened its doors to some of their first families looking for the comfort of home when caring for a sick child.
“It’s pretty incredible to think that for 30 years we’ve been here, and we have no plans of going anywhere,” says Executive Director Christy Batien Clark. “When we mention the Ronald McDonald House so many people say, ‘Oh, I was helped by the house’ or ‘Our lives were changed forever because of your support’ and that’s just so inspiring to hear.”
Over the past 30 years, they’ve provided a place for thousands of families to find comfort and sleep, warm showers, hot meals and a shoulder to lean on. In 2018, they expanded their Ronald McDonald Family Kitchen Initiative.
“Since then, we have opened three of them and a refrigerator inside Unity Point Health St. Lukes,” says Christy. “Last year we branched out to Floyd Valley Healthcare in Le Mars, Cherokee Regional Medical Center in Cherokee, and Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake to expand our service offerings inside those kitchens.”
Siouxland
Christy says this gives families a more permanent space within the hospital to take a break.
“Sometimes mom or dad need time away from all the machines or a place to take the kids so one parent can have a peaceful moment. Of course, they provide meals, snacks and drinks, but sometimes it’s about creating a safe place to take a breath.”
That support is key and wouldn’t be possible without the backing of the Siouxland community, especially during their biggest event of the year – the Red Shoe Shindig. This year, break out your red on Friday, November 22nd at 6 p.m. at the South Sioux City Marriott Riverfront.
“It definitely takes an army of community and committee members, including our board members and staff to put on the Red Shoe Shindig, but it is one of the most impactful nights,” says Sydney Palmer, Fundraising and Events Coordinator. “It’s incredible to see volunteers come back year after year because they see firsthand the impact it has.”
“It has such a family aspect to it, and you just can’t feel anything but good when you’re talking to families, helping them and building them up,” says Christy. “It’s evolved from people who just want to help to people who have been touched and want to help. Maybe they have been, or they know someone who has been helped by the Ronald McDonald House and I think that’s what’s key. Every year we hear people talk about how excited they are for this event, and we are so grateful to the community for coming together to support us.”
Another highlight of the evening is the presentation of the signature Red Shoe Shindig Family. Kolin and Emily Peterson, from Aurelia, Iowa spent many long nights at the Ronald McDonald House when their son Miles was born.
Today, Miles is doing better and better each day. While he may still deal with some challenges, Christy says it’s heartwarming to know that they were able to make a positive impact on their lives.
“That’s the biggest blessing. We were just the tiniest little part of their life story,” says Christy. “But to know we gave them some small moments of peace, comfort or even food, that means the world. We really are here to take any amount of stress off parents that we can.”
“You
really get to know the families personally,” says Sydney Palmer, RMHC Fundraising and Events Coordinator.
“Over time, they start to feel like an extension of your own family. So, to get to see them down the line, catch up and see how they’ve been, that’s an incredible experience to get to have on someone’s life. To see that same enthusiasm and support from the Siouxland community for the Red Shoe Shindig, brings the biggest smile to our faces.”
A peek inside the family room at RMHC, renovated in 2022
The guys from My Jeweler ready for the Red Shoe Auction
Opening Day at RMHC of Siouxland; March 20, 1994
The table is set for the Red Shoe Shindig
Photo booth fun at the Red Shoe Shindig
RMHC of Siouxland located at 2500 Nebraska Street
The Dakota Valley Boys Golf Team is really excited for this season after a good summer of competitive play. We’re lead by 3 Varsity Seniors: Dylan Lukken, Tyler Cornelsen and Logan Collette and underclassmen Matt De Beer (Junior), Tate Cornelsen (Sophomore) and Cash Slater (Sophomore).
DON’T LET THE STRESS of Decorating Flatten Your Holiday Spirit!
Decorating for the holidays is one of the season’s most stressful tasks, but with a few tips from the experts at The Elements, it won’t leave you lifeless under the lights!
Clark W. Griswold showed us how to take holiday decorating to a stratospheric level, and the classic movie, Christmas Vacation, perfectly illustrated the frustration many of us experience when it’s time to spruce up our homes for the season.
Except when we’re confronted with a tangled ball of lights, it’s a lot less funny.
Although a traditional and
Hit all the senses – sight, sounds and scents. Holiday candles fill the air with memories, and battery-powered candles add worry-free ambience to your space.
gorgeous combination, homeowners aren’t limited to red and green. Snowy pinecones, evergreen, candles and white trees in a contemporary silhouette create a soft, warm and sophisticated mantle for the holidays.
Many homeowners feel they need to completely re accessorize their homes, but by just adding a few seasonal touches, you can completely transform a space for the holidays.
And if you think you’re limited to the traditional glass balls, Baker disagrees.
Christmas is a season for fun, family and good times. There’s enough stress with shopping and Christmas cards; decorating should be something you enjoy, not dread.
“According to a recent study, people who decorate early for the holidays are tapping into the excitement, joy and wonder of the season sooner than the rest of us, causing a neurological shift that actually makes them happier,” says Kathy Sorbe, owner and lead designer at The Elements in Storm Lake. “So, I say don’t argue with science … instead, let’s show you how to decorate without the challenges that make it seem more like a chore than something you love.”
Sorbe says they can’t offer much assistance with knotted-up lights; she recommends talking to whoever packed them last year! But with an amazing selection of lights (LED, incandescent and even battery-powered) and gorgeous pre-lit artificial trees moving into the showroom, you can toss that ball of tangled cords and simplify one of the most dreaded tasks: stringing the lights.
Rick Baker, a designer at The Elements, says stringing the lights on your tree is a lot like building the foundation for your house. That’s the first task to accomplish and really sets the stage for the rest of your tree.
“Start at the top and work your way down the tree,” says Baker. “Weave the lights deeper into the branches and pull others closer to the tips. This creates depth and ensures the entire tree is lit, not just the outer layer.”
By bringing not only the lights but some of your ornaments deeper into your tree, the lights will create an amazing effect as it shines from the tree and creates reflections and movement throughout the centerpiece of your holiday décor.
“Adding different types of evergreens, berries or greenery makes such a difference,” says Sorbe. “Long needle pine, flat cedar and northern pine add dimension, richness and fullness to your tree. And if you’re adding real greenery to your artificial tree, not only does it add texture, but the fresh pine scent will also really stir joyful memories.”
Baker and the Design Team make adding the ornaments seem effortless, but, after stringing the lights, this is a stage where many homeowners stall.
Sorbe reminds clients that there are no rules when it comes to decorating your tree, but they have a few tips.
“Start with the largest ornaments at the base and work your way up with the smaller pieces,” says Sorbe. “You can even bundle several of the same size or different sized ornaments together for even more impact.”
Again, place some ornaments well into the tree. It may seem like those may be lost, but once the tree is decorated and the lights are on, homeowners see
or in a foyer. Once the holidays are over, you can put it to work somewhere else in your home.”
But Sorbe acknowledges there’s nothing quite like a real candle. The flicker, warmth and scent – especially some of the new holiday candles available in the store – will really elevate the holiday mood.
“So many homeowners feel they need to basically re-accessorize their home for the holidays, but that’s just not the case,” says Baker. “Adding touches of Christmas and winter to what you already have in accessories is a quick way to thread that holiday spirit throughout the rest of your home.”
Baker recommends adding evergreen, berries and ornaments to the tray you already have on your coffee table or in your bookcases.
“The reflection in a mirror makes it one of our favorite pieces to accessorize for the holidays with greenery, ribbon, ornaments or lights,” says Baker. “Your décor is basically doing twice the work! And that same mirror that’s on your wall can be repurposed as an amazing base for a centerpiece on your dining or coffee table.”
One of the simplest ways to quickly add some holiday flair is with pillows and throws. Fun, festive pillows are a very affordable way to spruce up for the season, and a rich, warm fur throw not only looks great, but it’s 100% functional, too.
“Now all you need is to queue up your favorite Christmas song, curl up with a cup of hot chocolate and savor the holiday spirit,” says Sorbe.
One task that homeowners dread is clearing out the old decorations.
“Remember, holiday decorations don’t last forever,” says Sorbe. “Be alert and know when to say goodbye to the old and invest in some new, quality products. Adding a few new pieces each year can really refresh your entire space.”
“If you’re still feeling daunted about decorating for the upcoming holiday season, don’t miss The Elements’ Annual Fall and Holiday Decorating Seminar,” says Sorbe. “Not only do we debut the best of what’s new this year and show you how to use it, we also provide a lot of tips that apply for every season.”
The Seminar has been one of the most anticipated events hosted by The Elements in Storm Lake for decades. Guests arrive to an empty showroom and watch as the Design Team assembles rooms and spaces right before their eyes. There’s always a surprise, but the five-minute tree is a perennial favorite.
“We bring in an artificial tree that we’ve been using for years and then decorate it … in record time,” says Sorbe. “It’s a fun exercise, and we certainly don’t expect homeowners to beat our time, but it takes out some of the mystery of how we put together these incredible trees.”
Dates for this year’s Seminar are October 19th and 20th, and tickets are limited. To save your seat for the seminar or learn how the Design Team can help with your project, contact the store at (712) 732-2385 or info@ elementsbyksorbe.com. And don’t forget to follow The Elements on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected with all the latest happenings at the store.
Designer Rick Baker scales a ladder at the 2023 Holiday Seminar. The Design Team impresses the crowd as they take the mystery out of creating incredible spaces.
The finale of last year’s Holiday Seminar was an incredible dinner party setup, complete with “chandelier” made from LED lights, some weathered branches and soft greenery. Everyone wanted an invite to this party!
Holiday Seminar Registration
is Opening Soon!
The 5-minute tree is just one of the demos you can enjoy at The Elements’ Fall and Holiday Decorating Seminar. Design tips, quickie centerpieces, wine, treats and more! Watch for your email invitation and follow us on social to be first in line when tickets are available!
October 19th & 20th, 2024
1:00 – 4:00 PM Registration: $50
Seating is limited, so don’t wait to get your tickets!
874 NORTH SPANISH BAY, DAKOTA DUNES, SD
5 BEDROOMS | 4 BATHROOMS | 4-CAR GARAGE | 4,839 SQ. FT. | .72 ACRES | $1,550,000
Prepare to be impressed by this stunning Wegher-built walk-out ranch, offering unparalleled views of Spanish Bay Lake. Every detail of this custom home reflects thoughtful design and premium amenities! Step into the inviting entry foyer, where a main floor office with French doors awaits. The main level features soaring 11-foot ceilings, an expansive great room with an oversized gas fireplace, built-in shelving, and elegant wood floors. The chef's kitchen is a culinary masterpiece, equipped with top-of-the-line Wolf appliances, including a double oven and a Sub-Zero refrigerator. The sleek white cabinets contrast beautifully with the islands bold color and quartz countertops. Right off the kitchen is a butler's pantry with an additional stand-up freezer and additional beverage fridge. Off the dining space you step through a sliding door to a 20'x20' covered concrete deck with a built-in heater,
perfect for year-round entertaining. The main floor also includes three bedrooms, including a master suite that is truly a retreat. The master bedroom boasts breathtaking lake views and an en-suite bath featuring a luxurious jacuzzi tub, a walk-in tile shower, double sinks with a sitting vanity, and a massive walk-in closet. The finished lower level is designed for entertainment, with a lavish wet bar complete with a full size wine chiller, dishwasher, microwave, and a standard refrigerator. The space also includes a billiards area, a large family room, two additional bedrooms, and a 3/4 bath. Ample storage and an easily accessible furnace room features an efficient geothermal HVAC system. Come see for yourself how this immaculate home offers both warmth and elegance, making it a true gem.
"Barb Maxon is a rock star in our eyes! We whole heartedly recommend Barb. We have moved many times and she is the most knowledgeable, hardest working, and chill REALTOR ® that we have worked with. She did not make us practically redo our house before listing it, as other REALTORS ® have insisted we do. Because of Barb's recommendations, our house sold in 5 days. We appreciate her experience, professionalism, knowledge of the industry, and her humor. She has an incredibly amazing team working with her. Barb was always on time, communicated well, explained the process, answered our many questions, and allowed us whatever time we needed to show her stuff around the house. She made the entire experience a pleasure. Thank you, Barb, so much."
- Patricia and Eric, Dakota Dunes, SD
Sioux
Enjoy the benefits of optimal oral health with proper dental hygiene practices
Practicing good dental hygiene can also be good for your general health. Some overall health benefits can include:
Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease and Stroke
Poor dental hygiene can allow bacteria to enter your bloodstream and cause inflammation and infection in your arteries and heart valves. This can increase your chances of having a heart attack or stroke.
Improve Your Blood Sugar Control
Poor dental hygiene practices can lead to infections and inflammation in your gums. This can negatively impact your body’s ability to process insulin and control blood sugar levels properly.
Boost Your Self-Esteem and Confidence
Having stained, missing, or crooked teeth can make you selfconscious and reluctant to smile fully. Conversely, a healthy, attractive smile gives you confidence in social situations and business settings. It also works wonders for your mental health and self-image.
There’s no better time to take care of your oral health and smile. Whether you need a routine check-up, a filling, a crown, a denture, or a root canal, the professionals at North Sioux Dental are ready to help you achieve your dental goals.
CONNECTING THE DOTS –HOW DEPRESSION AND ADHD GO HAND IN HAND
By: Michaela Feldmann
October marks an important month – a time to bring awareness to depression and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Marit Westrich is a school-based therapy supervisor for Heartland Counseling Services with over 15 years in the mental health field and she explains the relationship between both.
“When we talk about depression, we have to talk about ADHD as well because the two often go hand-in hand.”
Marit says many times, people are suffering from depression or anxiety, but aren’t getting to the underlying cause, which can be ADHD. “ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, which means it has to do with the way the brain is wired or developed. There is a physical component there unlike other mental health disorders,” Marit explains.
“When people think of ADHD, they think of hyperactivity or impulsive behaviors, but it can be so much more,” Marit adds.
“A lot of times when people think of ADHD they think of hyperactive boys, or kids who have a hard time sitting still, talking quickly or interrupting a lot. It’s easy when you have someone bouncing off the walls who can’t sit still to say, ‘Oh, something might be different here’. Girls experience many more internal symptoms like difficulty focusing and following tasks or forgetfulness and they can get written off as lazy or daydreaming.”
For that reason, many young girls don’t get diagnosed until much later in life.
“Their symptoms are often misunderstood. If you were told constantly your whole life, that you’re forgetful or lazy, that’s going to have an impact on self-esteem. So, a lot of women, especially if they’re getting diagnosed later in life, when they finally hear ‘This is ADHD’ or ‘This is how your symptoms mash together,’ it can be a kind of a free feeling,” Marit explains. While it’s girls who are usually diagnosed later, boys can also experience the same issues.
“ADHD can absolutely cross genders. That is the interesting part about this being a neurodevelopmental issue. It really depends on how your brain is wired. ADHD can present differently individually. There are some differences that show up between boys versus girls, but it’s not always that way.”
ADHD can absolutely cross genders. That is the interesting part about this being a neurodevelopmental issue.
Marit says the important thing to remember is that you are not less than someone else because of your diagnosis.
“There are different symptoms that create difficulty in someone’s life because of the way the brain is wired, but people with ADHD are often some of the most creative and out of the box thinkers that we have. Sometimes we need different solutions and people with ADHD often have a way of thinking around things. Sometimes it’s tapping into the strength and not just the problems that it brings. It’s not just a negative thing even though that connotation can be there at times,” Marit shares.
The important thing is to talk to your primary care doctor or a mental health therapist.
“When you schedule an annual checkup, you can say, ‘I’ve been noticing these things,’ and your doctor can offer some referrals to different areas and places in town.”
The same is true for those suffering from depression. “From my experience, depression is something that everybody has experienced at different points in their lives.”
Marit points out that there are different types of depression like situational depression.
“I think of this as shorter term. That can be someone experiencing grief like job loss or any major life changes. That can lead to a period of depression but as time moves on, it lessens.”
MARIT WESTRICH
Marit is a School Based Supervisor who works in the South Sioux City Schools. She has over a decade of experience working with youth who have experienced trauma and other mental, emotional, and behavioral health issues. Marit is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS), TF-CBT, EMDR and received her LI in December 2023. This program is school-based and provides group and individual intervention. Marit started at Heartland in July 2021.
There is also long-lasting depression.
“These can be ever present. Sometimes we think of people lying in their bed paralyzed with the curtains drawn, but it can also be someone masking that depression. They put on a happy face, go to work and take care of their obligations, but when they get home, they’re exhausted from faking it and they do nothing but binge on their phones, computer or television. Then, they struggle to do it all over again the next day.”
Marit says it’s important to look for signs like isolation, withdrawal, less enjoyment out of things you used to love, sadness, bursts of anger or irritability and thoughts of suicide. Because these symptoms can mimic one another, it’s important to talk to your doctor or mental health therapist about depression and ADHD.
“If somebody comes in for depression and that’s all we are treating, and we aren’t looking for any underlying issues, that can be a problem. It’s like putting a BandAid on the real problem. It’s also important to talk about it to know you are not alone. You will be understood, and you will be heard.”
If you need help please visit heartlandcounselingservices.org
PO Box 355, South Sioux City, NE 68776
1201 Arbor Dr., South Sioux City, NE 68776 402-494-3337
221 W. Douglas St., O’Neill, NE 68763 402-336-2800
938 E. Zero St., Brown County Clinic, Ainsworth, NE 69210 402-336-2800
70 YEARS OF IMPACT: KTIV LOOKS BACK
By: Michaela Feldmann
In October 1954, KTIV turned on its cameras and entered the homes of Siouxlanders for the very first time.
“At the time, we were located downtown,” says Bridget Breen, Vice-President and General Manager of KTIV. “In the early 1960s, Tom Brokaw, a former NBC Nightly News anchor, got his start in television here at the station as a part-time employee. In 1977, our management moved us here to what we now call Signal Hill.”
Bridget Breen Vice President/ General Manager
With the goal of providing Siouxlanders with the most up-to-date information, it didn’t take long before KTIV became a household name, quickly becoming Siouxland’s News Source.
“Our commitment to our viewers has always been strong. We work to make sure they know KTIV is their source and that they can always count on us for news, weather and information. It’s important that we are there, on the front lines, to give people the information to try to keep them safe and protected,” Bridget explains. “For example, those times in our history that Siouxland has seen a lot of severe weather such as devastating tornadoes, fires and flooding. Those are critical moments where we can be there for our viewers and help to keep them safe.”
KTIV’S COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY
“We’ve been heavily involved with several nonprofits and helping support a lot of great fundraising efforts.”
Non-profits like Children’s Miracle Network –an organization Bridget says is near and dear to her own heart.
“We’ve been a strong support of CMN for decades. We want to make sure Siouxland kids and families have the healthcare they need like life-saving technology and equipment. My own family has benefited from local services provided by Children’s Miracle Network. It’s a soft spot for me. We love to be an advocate to help make a difference in kids’ lives.”
KTIV’S LONG-TIME SUPPORT OF THE ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION
“We have worked with the Alzheimer’s Association for 30 years, helping provide resources and information and helping them raise funds for research to try to find a cure. We are getting closer and closer to something. We love seeing the change and growth that has happened along the way,” Bridget adds.
From the American Cancer Society to the Food Bank of Siouxland, to Girls Incorporated and STEM to the Goodwill, there is a long list of non-profit organizations the station has partnered with over the years. KTIV is dedicated to making an impact in the community while delivering top-quality information to viewers.
“Whether it’s been medical care, healthcare activities, sports information or resources, we just want to make sure that KTIV helps make an impact. Like when we help to put new pairs of shoes on Siouxland children and make sure they have things to keep them warm, it’s very rewarding. It’s also important for us to be a message resource, delivering on all our platforms, to reach as many people as possible. That’s how we raise funds and have a big impact for the organizations we partner with.”
KTIV enjoys a deep bench of team members with longevity at the station.
“When you have Al Joens, Matt Breen, Ron Demers, and Larry Wentz, and many others on our team that are bringing 10, 20, or 30+ years of experience it is truly something remarkable for our station our size,” says Bridget. “We are a training market. Our experts can work with our newer people, show them some things from legacy and history that are still relevant for local broadcasters and teach them how to put together a great story or forecast. That’s how we grow our team and show them how to build on those relationships with our communities.”
Within the last couple years, KTIV also expanded their coverage when they picked up additional reporters, meteorologists and behind the scenes crew members. That increase in staffing has helped the station expand its news offerings to viewers.
“We’ve been talking for years about providing weekend mornings. We knew our viewers were looking for local weather and news to start their day on the weekends. To be first in the market to do that was very rewarding. We also expanded our bureaus in Des Moines and the Iowa Great Lakes. We never want to see a local broadcaster have to shut down an operation. But we were thankful to be able to provide them a home and expand our KTIV family.”
As Bridget reflects on KTIV’s community impact, there are a lot of memories that stand out for her.
“I think about the devastation of Katrina and the Siouxland connections we covered. Or, one day I picked up the phone and the woman said, ‘I think you just showed my biological dad on your newscast, and I’ve been trying to find him.’ We helped connect a daughter and a father. I also think about being able to go to the White House to cover a sitting president and provide information that was impacting our local farmers. I think my biggest reward is helping and watching others grow up and see them achieve their goals in their careers. Being able to serve and help our community is the most important thing we do and it’s very rewarding,” Bridget shares.
“We’ve been successful not only because of the support we’ve received from our viewers,” says Bridget, “but also because of the support and partnerships with our Siouxland business community. It’s exciting to look back on how long-term clients have grown alongside us over the decades.” And that growth hasn’t just been limited to broadcast television. “As technology has improved over the years,” says Bridget, “KTIV has been a leader in bringing new platforms and opportunities to our advertising partners. For example, we were first in the market with news and weather on the internet. We brought out the first local weather and news apps for mobile devices and we are leading the way with smart TV with our streaming platform, KTIV News 4 Now.”
FOCAL POINT
Every beautifully designed room needs a crown jewel — a focal point. A focal point is art, furniture, an accessory or a dramatic architectural element that immediately attracts your attention. It’s the stunning center of attention that gives a room unforgettable wow factor.
TIPS FOR BALANCE AND HARMONY
Having a strong focal point in a room can bring balance and harmony to the space. Here are some simple tips to help you maintain a well-balanced focal point in your room:
• Choose one dominant element in the room to focus on, such as a large piece of furniture or a striking piece of artwork.
• Ensure that the focal point is easily visible from all angles in the room.
• Avoid cluttering the space around the focal point with too many distracting elements.
• Use strategic lighting to enhance the focal point and draw attention to it.
• Remember that the focal point should reflect your personal style and taste to create a cohesive look in the room.
Together, every item in the room creates an effortless visual flow. Ultimately, your goal is to create an aesthetic that feels well-designed and harmonious.
Whether you’re decorating a new home, fully redecorating or updating a room, let Lisa and her staff at Mod House Interiors assist you in creating an appealing focal point for any room in your home.
255 5th Street, Sioux City, IA 712-224-2555
Tuesday - Friday 10am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 2pm
Bras
on the Bridge Highlights Breast Cancer Awareness Month
For the third year, Bras on the Bridge will highlight the importance of breast cancer screenings and celebrate breast cancer survivors and families.
Motorists on US Highway 75, Sioux City, will see hundreds of bras strung across the Morningside Avenue overpass on Friday, October 18, between sun-up and sun-down.
By: Joanne Fox
Radio Station Q102 Program Director and Morning Host Moose Cannon oversees the annual campaign.
“I was filling out one of those ‘I Fight for Cancer’ cards, and I thought, ‘This isn’t enough,’” Moose says. “One of the strongest people I have ever known is Heather, the wife of one of my best friends. She went through open heart surgery, a heart transplant, breast cancer, kicked breast cancer, brain cancer, kicked brain cancer and I thought, ‘What could I do to honor someone who is that strong and get a message out at the same time?’”
Moose found other campaigns similar to this concept, but had to ditch one idea quickly.
“We thought we could go over the Missouri River bridge between Sioux City and South Sioux,” Moose explains. “I stood on that bridge, and since I didn’t want to fall in the water and end up in Onawa, I decided against that.”
The event started with a small group of volunteers - Moose, his wife and daughter, his morning co-host Google, and a few other folks from the station.
“We
start putting the bras out at 4:30 in the morning on the fencing that protects the walkway and take them down about sunset,” Moose Cannon shares. “The Pink Ladies of Siouxland (an all-women dart league dedicated to raising funds for those in need) have been involved.”
Join us October 11th for Breakfast at the Burger King & Ashley Furniture parking lot 6:30 - 8:30am.
The station solicited bras from its sponsors, and the June E. Nylen Cancer Center in Sioux City is involved, Moose points out.
“Google and I were part of a ‘Brake for Breakfast’ drive-thru event held at the Tyson Events Center held in conjunction with Christie Finnegan, Marketing and Fund Development Manager at the June E. Nylen Cancer Center and Burger King, which gave people a chance to learn about cancer screenings and prevention plus a free breakfast burrito from Burger King across the street,” Moose adds. “Also, Century 21 in Le Mars helped with a full box of items and Walmart has donated.”
Q102 will broadcast live during the day, Moose notes.
“We are at Family Pet in Morningside all day to meet survivors and families who come out to honor their loved ones and explain to others what Bras Across the Bridge really is,” Moose says.
Another plus for the event was the connection individuals felt, Moose states.
“People would share their stories and write on a donated item. Last year, some people pinned a picture on an item. Some folks would get emotional.”
Moose confessed he had no idea how many bras were strung across the bridge.
“The first year, we had one string of bras across the 280-foot spa of the bridge, and last year, two strings,” Moose reflects. “Each bra needs a foot and a half of space. This year we hope for three strings.”
The bras will be donated to the Warming Shelter, a temporary emergency shelter in Sioux City, but the ultimate goal is to raise awareness about life-saving cancer screenings, Moose emphasizes.
“October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so we want to stress that,” Moose adds. “Plus, I want this to be a tribute to not just be about my friend, but all who have fought cancer and the families that have been left behind from this awful disease.”
BRAS ON THE BRIDGE Scan
for more info!
Annual angels
Your Annual Angel donation will be utilized to provide the clients served by Opportunities Unlimited with items and opportunities that would otherwise be unattainable with their limited personal funds. Annual Angel Funds are used to:
• Purchase age-appropriate toys and learning materials
• Purchase necessary items for a client that the family cannot afford on their own - winter coats, shoes, etc.
• Provide opportunities for community integration such as sporting, musical, and theatrical events
• Purchase therapeutic equipment to improve range of motion, strength, and dexterity
• Any other item or activity that may enhance a client’s quality of life or aid in reaching his or her goals
Upon completion of the full Angel amount ($365 or greater) you will receive a precious OU keepsake to thank you for the magnitude of your gift as well as a place of recognition on the Angel Wall at the entrance of the Opportunities Unlimited Center.
Featured ARTIST
Written by:
Joanne
Fox
If you
tell Kristy Tremayne
she looks like a witch, she won’t be offended.
This Homer, Nebraska, resident has not only dressed up as something out of “The Wizard of Oz,” she also creates and sells all types of enchantresses, hags, and charmers.
Kristy has spent her career as a youth drama coach for a variety of Siouxland schools as well as worked as a director, set designer, and costumer for a number of community and independent theater group productions, including New Stage Players -- a South Sioux City-based community theater which Kristy helped start in 2016.
“I’ve always loved to make things and my 4-H background as a young girl taught me how to sew,” she said. “One of my first costumes as a child was a witch costume, and I’ve dressed up as a witch many times,” Kristy adds.
While shopping one day, Kristy found a plastic witch head and began to think about how she could make that into an actual character.
“I had already been making porcelain dolls and had a kiln in my garage about 30 years ago,” Kristy says. “I made cloth dolls for a while, too.”
Kristy admitted to her love of fabrics, putting colors together, and creating characters that result in her personalized witches.
“Double,
“I collect anything that I can use to make the creations from craft stores, online, and thrift stores,” Kristy explains. “I use no patterns, because I hate using them, and no two witches I create are alike.”
Kristy creates these magical creatures in the loft of the brick home she shares with husband Merlyn Tremayne, a cattle feeder/farmer.
“I also began a witch mob group several years ago and dance with a group,” Kristy explains. “We have dancing at different locations during the Halloween season.” But it’s not all about witches that look like hags, Kristy points out.
“Although some of my witches are dressed in black with green faces, I have made witches dressed in pink, purple, and even sports-themed witches,” Kristy adds.” I also do Valentine and Easter characters and Christmas Santas.”.
“Making a witch will take me anywhere from thirty minutes to an hour,” Kristy states. “I remake lots of different things to have a variety of choices as I begin to put them together.”
The Co$t of Comfort
Does the purchase of that shiny, new object excite you? The new car or a pair of new shoes? Yes! A brand-new water heater? NO!
Spending our well-earned cash (or credit) is fun when the benefit seems like a treat, but spending on the necessities of life is not so joyous. Yet, when we are out of hot water, we have drop everything…we have an EMERGENCY!
Have you experienced this? You discover the hot is running cold. You run the water for another five minutes. Nope, it is only getting colder. It occurs to you to find the water heater. You discover a large puddle of water surrounding your water heater. It is Friday afternoon at 4:30 and the soonest a replacement can be installed is Monday, unless you want to pay the weekend rate, which is double the cost. You pay it. You’re desperate.
And then you’re annoyed, especially after you get the invoice. But…how old was that water heater?
Let's be honest, hot water plays a critical role in our daily lives, and for many, it's considered essential. We want a water heater that offers longevity, efficiency, and comes with a reliable 5-10-year warranty.
The average life of a gas water heater is 8-20 years, depending on regular inspection that includes draining and flushing it. Electric water heaters may last 10-15 years with regular maintenance. The average cost of a water heater is $500-$2500 depending size, brand and design.
Perhaps you could have waited until Monday for the water heater, but if this was the furnace and it was January in Iowa, there would be no option of waiting.
Neglecting maintenance or repairs is an all-too-common occurrence. A furnace might still provide heat even when the filter desperately needs changing. While the efficiency may decrease, you'll still feel some warmth.
According to a recent report from insurance firm Hippo, CNBC reveals that homeowners spent an average of $6,000 on maintenance and repairs last year. A separate study from home services website Angi indicates that in 2022, maintenance costs averaged $2,467, with unexpected emergency repairs totaling an average of $1,953 ($4,420 combined).
Owning a home is a significant part of adulting. The reality is that the essentials for a comfortable shelter come with a considerable price tag. As a homeowner, if you wish to avoid major expenses, investing time and money in routine upkeep is essential.
As you luxuriate in your bath with bubbles and ample hot water, that once bothersome water heater expense will undoubtedly seem well worth it in the end!
We are much more than your typical physical therapy clinic. At FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers, we specialize in treatment of dizziness, imbalance, and pelvic health disorders. We want to improve your quality of life by using a holistic, whole-body approach to connect your diagnosis with a customized plan of care.
October is about more than just ghosts and ghouls or witches and skeletons (although those are awfully fun this time of year.) It’s also a chance to celebrate the folks who know more about the skeleton—and all those muscles that attach to it—than just about anyone else: physical therapists.
Meet the Team
Leah Noel, DPT
Dr. Leah joined the team in 2022. She is specialized in pelvic health and vestibular therapy. She is Level 3 Pelvic Certified. Leah enjoys serving Siouxland with oneon-one, specialized physical therapy care!
Krissi Milton, PTA
Krissi joined the team in 2016. She is specialized in vestibular therapy and VNG testing. She is Level 3 Vestibular Certified. She takes pride in ensuring that patients have a good therapy experience.
Mallory Hertz, DPT
Dr. Mallory joined the team in 2016. She is specialized in pelvic health and vestibular therapy, but primarily treats patients in pelvic health. She is Level 3 Pelvic Certified, Dr. Mallory enjoys treating her patients in these specialty areas and serving the FYZICAL team as director.
Samantha Protexter, DPT
Dr. Sam joined the team in 2023. She is specialized in vestibular rehabilitation and orthopedic conditions. She is eager to utilize her continually growing skillset to positively impact patients’ lives in the Siouxland area.
Ana Cruz, PTA
Ana joined the team in 2024. She is specializing in pelvic health and orthopedic rehabilitation. She is excited to provide great care, education, and advocacy for all patients for years to come!
Sarah Sitzmann-Ruehle, DPT
Dr. Sarah joined the team in 2018. She is specialized in and focuses on vestibular therapy treatment. She also treats patients with TMJ dysfunction. She is Level 3 Vestibular Certified. Dr. Sarah is proud to serve her hometown community with the best technology, education and care!
Missie Kleinschmidt
Client Care Specialist
Missie is a Sioux City native. She joined Ear, Nose & Throat Consultants in 2017 as a receptionist. She expanded her role to Client Care Specialist at FYZICAL in January of 2022.
Restore your mobility and ensure your independence without surgery or medication. FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers of Dakota Dunes, is unlike any therapy center you’ve been to before. At FYZICAL, our highly skilled, compassionate team of physical therapists are 100% focused on achieving optimal health and wellness for you so you can get back to living the life you enjoy. Unlike other therapy centers, you will receive a specific program designed uniquely for you. NO ‘one program fits all’ here. There is NO other you!
At FYZICAL, not only will we fix what is broken, but through our comprehensive programs, you will discover how to achieve the pinnacle of healthy living, expand your boundaries and feel better. At FYZICAL, you will receive hands-on therapy treatments by our friendly, caring health experts during focused and individualized sessions.
How IsolatIon Can Lead to Elderly Depression
It is important to be aware how isolation can be a significant factor in depression among seniors. As individuals age, their social circles often shrink due to the loss of loved ones, retirement, or health issues that limit mobility. This reduced social interaction can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation, which, if left unaddressed, can lead into depression.
Isolation-induced depression appears because of a lack of social interaction. In other words, if the elder doesn’t have a strong support network or spends a large amount of time alone, isolation (and subsequently depression) can sometimes set in. Some studies have even found that perceived isolation—the feeling of being isolated even if you aren’t—can also have negative effects.
Psychology Today highlights that social isolation can occur by choice. For instance, some individuals may consciously decide to withdraw from social interactions. This type of intentional isolation might be temporary, such as during events like the COVID-19 pandemic, where social distancing measures were necessary for safety. However, when isolation becomes a long-term choice, the individual may be referred to as a “shut-in,” a term often used to describe those who have little to no contact with the outside world.
On the other hand, social isolation can also result from circumstances beyond an individual’s control. For instance, if it’s the middle of winter and snow and ice starts to accumulate on the roads, the senior may have a difficult time getting out, which creates a lack of social interaction until the roads become clear. Or, if the senior has poor health, it may make it more difficult to go out in public or make social calls, leaving the senior with a lot of time alone.
The consequences of such isolation are far-reaching. Chronic loneliness has been linked to various health problems, including cognitive decline, weakened immune function, and increased mortality. Moreover, the psychological impact of isolation can be severe, leading to feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and deepening depression.
At StoneyBrook Suites Assisted Living, we recognize the importance of maintaining social connections for our residents’ mental and emotional well-being. Our facilities are dedicated to creating a vibrant, engaging environment that combats the negative effects of isolation. We offer a variety of activities such as games, crafts, live entertainment, socials, holiday events and more, all planned to engage our seniors and create a loving and fulfilling environment.
We believe that every senior deserves the opportunity to live a life full of joy, connection, and purpose. By prioritizing social engagement and providing a warm, community-focused atmosphere, we help our residents build meaningful relationships and maintain a positive outlook on life.
sT on E yB R ook s UITE s!
o UR MI ss I on
We are a full-service assisted living community “To foster the well-being of each resident by nurturing the mind, body, and spirit while maintaining each resident’s enjoyment of independence and dignity in a secure and supportive environment. We invite you to come to StoneyBrook Suites, where our joy is in serving you.”
AME n ITIE s
• Coffee Shop
• Salon
• Walk-in Whirlpool Spa
• Centrally located meals and activities
s ERVICE s
• Caring, trusted, 24-hour staff
• Personal housekeeping
• Theater
• Courtyards
• Spacious suites all on one level
If you’re considering assisted living, we are here to help every step of the way. Schedule a tour and see the quality of life available to you or your loved one.
• Three homestyle meals per day
• Professional medication administration and laundry
• Scheduled daily social and and cognitive therapy exercise activities
• Wellness clinic
• Assistance with activities of daily living lI
• On-site physical, restorative
• Personal pendant system
Our passion for assisted living shines through every day at StoneyBrook Suites.
Voisine
Brookings 605-692-1013 Huron 605-352-0014
Sioux Falls 605-373-0013
Watertown 605-882-0013
A LIFE CHANGING
Journey
By: Wayne Dominowski
Contributing Writer
Copyright © 2024 Wayne Dominowski
All rights reserved
The right stuff. That was the title of a 1984 movie about American astronauts. Great story, great flick. Another narrative depicting greatness is a Sioux City woman: Sissy Crawford.
In high school, she was a swimmer, volleyball player, a track athlete whose fastest time was recorded at 6:48 in the demanding mile run. That was in her youth. After an early marriage, the world caught up with her.
Now age 49, going on 50 in September 2024, Sissy - a SC-West grad, a 1997 WITCC graduate in nursing who has her own home health care enterprise and recently earned her certification as a fitness instructor and nutrition counselor - has the figure of a fitness model.
You may not be impressed reading this, that is, until you learn that at one time, Sissy weighed just over 400 pounds. She did. Now she weighs 106/108.
The single mother of two got to where she is now not by pills, bariatric surgery, Weight-Watchers, or Nurtisystem,® she arrived at her aesthetic look by way of consistent hard work, perseverance, determination, proper nutrition, and a whole lot of sweat, tears, and a personal fortitude that comes closest to a competing Olympic athlete.
Yea, yea, sure, you might say, thinking she has all the time in the world with nothing else to do. Uh-uh. Sissy was brought up with three brothers. Her mother was always overweight. “She would drink and we would eat. That was our life back then,” she said. She married and had her son (Jamaal) at age 16, and had her daughter (Italy) at age 26 and later divorced. She put herself through cosmetology and beauty school, became a beautician, then went back to school and earned her degree as a practical nurse. She worked at a local hospital, raised both her children alone, then started her own home health care business. Her son is a physician in Atlanta, GA., and her daughter is a nurse in Sioux City.
Today, as a full-time Licensed Practical Nurse, Sissy has a full complement of patients she sees to.
The honest-to-goodness truth to her achieving an incredible ageless body was never simple. She learned to take advantage of every free moment she had and directed it to her fitness goals and the training that came with it.
It began in 2019. At that time, she had ballooned to over 400 pounds.
“I was very embarrassed and ashamed of myself,” Sissy said. “I would stay at home all the time. I’d work, come home, then binge in front of the TV. I’d take my food up to my bed, then sit up in my bed and eat. Then I’d fall asleep.”
Looking back, she said, “I was very successful. I raised two kids on my own, ran a business, had always worked, bought my own home, but… I couldn’t take care of myself.” Why, she pondered can’t I do something positive with myself?
She tried the Keto diet, Weight Watchers, LA Weight Loss and would lose 50/75 pounds; but what she needed to do, she said, was find a permanent solution to her plight. “I would gain the weight back, so I’d get sad, or depressed, eat, socialize and eat. I couldn’t get on plane (no seat large enough) to visit my kids, or even get up, or do anything. I was just miserable.” There had to be another way, Sissy said.
What started out as reading a diet book, she wound up loading black trash bags with all the high calorie, sugar products, and high cholesterol foods in her house, and dumped the large bags in a garbage disposal repository.
That was Step #1. Step #2 would have her enter into physical training. “I started out walking. I couldn’t go more than 10 minutes. I was short of breath. It would take me an hour to walk a quarter of a mile. This is where I was physically. Before all the weight, I used to run along Bacon Creek daily.”
YES, THERE WERE TEARS. CRYING. “I’D PRAY TO GOD AND ASK HIM: WHAT CAN I DO?”
One answer that came home was the word “Consistency.” To attain that, she would do a lot of self-talking. “I took each day one at a time… like a recovering alcoholic.”
The weight began to disappear, slowly, but along with that came cravings for food. “I’d mourn for Doritos, pizza, chips, donuts, pop… all of that. What I learned to do was walk it out… walk until the cravings disappeared.” That first year, Sissy lost 100 pounds.
You’ve heard the saying, “Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night… stays the swift completion of their appointed rounds.” Like mailmen, Sissy fought through Iowa’s weather elements of summer, fall, winter, and spring. Thus, weather conditions were not a factor in her training. She worked through extreme heat, fall’s climate, unpredictable winter conditions, and spring’s seasonal awakening.
She picked up a membership at Four Seasons Health Club. “Because I was still heavy and embarrassed with myself, I would don sweatpants and a big hoodie and arrive at the gym very early in the morning.” That was in the middle of the COVID pandemic.
“I’d walk the track, which seemed like miles and miles. I did this for three months. I then turned to running.” Once again, the going was tough. “By this time, it was summer, so I thought I’d run outdoors.”
She turned to running because her weight loss had plateaued. Also, the fat loss had created excess skin. She sought out a surgeon for skin surgery and was told she needed to lose an additional 78 pounds.
Fortuitously, while running on Four Season’s indoor track, her efforts were noticed by long-time Siouxland Acceleration trainer, Jesse Wavrunek, who approached Sissy and visited with her on fitness goals.
“I realized I needed someone to monitor me, to push me, to help me reach my goals, so thinking about it for a short while, I asked Wavrunek to be my trainer.” Not only was her fitness regimen upped, but Sissy learned about nutrition and how it fit into diet and exercise. The new experience taught her how proper, healthy nutrition was critical to a person’s life. That played a part in her obtaining not only a personal trainer certification later, but also an accompanying fitness nutrition certification.
Sissy reached her required goals for skin surgery, underwent 6 ½ hours of corrective and tightening procedures. When it was all said and done, she said, she could look in a mirror without feelings of disparity.
It sounds all so simple, but the reality of her fitness journey was anything but simple. It was very, very hard. It was taxing; it was demanding; it was relentless; it was extremely trying, and it took daily self-talks for Sissy to grab her gear, head to the gym, and submit to Wavrunek’s no-nonsense training sessions.
“I want to be honest,” Sissy said. “I trained with Jesse every single day and never missed a session. I hated every minute of it.” Yet she doggedly persisted until she soon reached a new stage in her mental approach to those daily sessions at Four Seasons. “I just drowned out the dread I put myself through. I accepted what I wanted to do and the light at the end of the tunnel was the transformation I wished to take place.”
“IT WAS THE START OF MY NEW LIFE, LITERALLY,” SISSY SAID.
Call it a beach body, an athlete’s body, a fitness model’s body, but Sissy’s acquired look accentuated physical – and yes, mental – achievement. She liked herself; she liked the result of all her hard work, effort, dedication, and stick-to-it-evenness. She had arrived, and she did it honestly: no enhancement products, no shortcuts, no pills, no anything other than diligence leading her to where she wanted to be.
The workouts continue right up to the present, and Sissy is fully committed to a fitness lifestyle. She’s gone through all the pitfalls, all the trials, and even lost friends along the way. She’s cried, felt hurt, ostracism, and negative comments exacted upon her from what were jealous individuals.
There are people out there who are bent on disparagement. They are jealous of your endeavors, your goals, your sacrifices, and your accomplishments; they seek to put you down. They don’t want to see you succeed. Sissy experienced that aspect during her sojourn.
In October 2024, Sissy Crawford will compete in a body building competition in Sioux Falls, SD. It’s not the final stanza in her life’s commitment. “There’s always more to accomplish, to achieve, to experience,” she said. “That’s what I work for. That’s what I want. That’s where I want to be the rest of my life.”
Dr. Joshua Kruse
SIOUX CITY
Foodies
Life is too short to eat boring food.
All of us at Siouxland Woman know that food is the ingredient that brings us together! In the coming months, we will be featuring the best foodie spots in Siouxland!
Want to feature your foodie spot? We’d love to have you! Email ads@michelscom.com for more information!
How Marto Brewing Company Became a Staple in Sioux City A PASSION FOR BREWING:
By: Michaela Feldmann
He started as a homebrewer – crafting delicious beers out of his house, but it wasn’t long before Erik Martin started making a name for himself.
“I used to just share it with some friends and they liked it a lot. Then, I started taking it to a homebrew club where I started winning some awards and got some hype built up. So, I thought maybe I could make a business out of it,” Erik explains.
Soon he started looking for a location and talking with investors. In June 2019, he officially opened the doors of Marto Brewing Company to downtown Sioux City – paying tribute to his childhood nickname Marto.
“When I was looking for a location, I started brewing with Rod Wellman, who is a partner here. The original plan was just for a brewery, but we thought, let’s add some food like pizza, a pretzel and some salads, kind of a simple menu, to bring more people in,” Erik adds.
Once they hired head chef Nick Goodwin, the menu started expanding.
“From the beginning, we opened with more than just pizza. Nick said we needed to make burgers, steaks, wings and more in our woodfire oven. He’s taken our food to the next level. Now some people come here for the food first, then a drink.”
Incredible food like their lamb pops – an item that was added to the menu a couple years ago.
“I think our lamb is just really approachable for people and the flavors, they just all work so well with each other. It’s three wood fire lamb pops served with goat cheese mousse, arugula, calabrese peppers and cherry IPA gastrique. I think it’s a unique dish in Sioux City. I don’t think anyone else is really doing it and it has a big following,” Erik explains.
Another popular item is the Erik’s Brew Burger, named after Erik himself. Cooked to perfection, the house patty is a mix of certified Angus beef ground with bacon, topped with bacon jam made in house, marinated onions, tomatoes and arugula all on top of a challah bun.
Sunday brunch is one of our busiest and most popular days.
“It’s the first burger we had on the menu, and it still stands out today. When you add that bacon jam to the top, it’s just hard to beat and you can’t go wrong. Some people even order a side of it to go. It’s a fan favorite.”
A few years ago, Erik decided to expand their menu even further – adding lunch and Sunday Brunch to their options.
“Sunday brunch is one of our busiest and most popular days.”
It’s on this menu you’ll find another fan favorite item: French Toast.
“We start with two thick slices of brioche bread. We use a mix of different spices and egg wash and serve it with maple syrup, powered sugar, whipped cream, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries. I think being cooked in our woodfire oven brings unique flavors to this dish, but it’s all the components like the brioche bread that makes it savory.”
It’s not just the delicious food that has people coming back every time. With more than 20 beers on tap and to-go cans, from hazy IPAs to wild fermented sours to barrel-aged stouts to European style lagers, you’re sure to find something that’s perfect for you.
“There’s always innovation in the brewing world and we think about different foods when creating drinks,” Erik adds.
Food like cobblers…
“It’s a sour-based beer and we add organic cherries, vanilla, cinnamon and granola to mimic the flavors of a cobbler,” Erik explains.
Back in July Marto Brewing Co. paid tribute to the Twin Bing with a Twin Bing stout.
“I roasted 90 pounds of peanuts and added actual Twin Bing candy bars to it. There was also vanilla beans and cherry extract, and it aged in a whiskey barrel for a year and a half. Sometimes we will brew something once a year but we do like to keep a solid core lineup so people know they can depend on certain items,” Erik states.
Erik says the thing that sets them apart is not the food or the beer, it’s the people.
“The community support has been incredible. We put out a solid product. Having all these things come together – great food, beer, service, location and a unique atmosphere, brings different types of people to one spot.”
As he looks ahead to the future for Marto Brewing Co., Erik has some great ideas brewing like expanding the patio, but he hopes to keep solidifying Marto as the major brewery in Sioux City.
“I want to be on tap at a lot more places. We are in a lot of stores already, but I look forward to collaborating with more organizations and just continuing to keep a fresh menu going every year,” Erik adds.
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LOVE, PASSION AND COMMUNITY:
The Journey to Become “United by the Arts”
By: Michaela Feldmann
“Since returning to my hometown of Sioux City, I have imagined a community where performing artists of different disciplines and genres come together to unite, collaborate, and inspire each other” - JESSICA MCCULLY 117 Midvale Ave., Sioux City www.fluxdancecompany.com
Breast self-exam, or regularly examining your breasts on your own, can be an important way to find breast cancer early, when it’s more likely to be treated successfully. Although no single test can detect all breast cancers early, many people report that performing a breast self-exam in combination with other screening methods can increase the odds of early detection. In addition, be sure to keep up on your annual breast exam!
