Grand Cities Woman Volume 3, Issue 3

Volume 3, Issue 3June | July 2014

COMPLIMENTARY

PUBLISHED IN GRAND FORKS FOR THE WOMEN OF THE GREATER GRAND FORKS AREA

Mickie NakonechnyThen and Now

THE 38TH ANNUAL CHAMBER FISHING TOURNAMENT

FRIDAY, JUNE 27:THE FORT TOTTEN LITTLE THEATER PREVIEW OF DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELSSTREET DANCE FEATURING THE BAND “REDLINE” CO-SPONSORED BY LOTTA’S

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CELEBRATE THE STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA’S 125THON JUNE 27 AND 28 WITH TOURS OF HISTORICPLACES IN THE AREA

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grandcitieswoman.com 3

Please call ahead to confirm events. Promote your August and September community events by sending information to [email protected] or calling Autumn at (701) 261-2692 by July 1, 2014.

June and JulyThe Norwegian Solje Wedding CrownVelkommen, downtown Grand ForksOpen Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Satur-days from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This is a permanent installation. The wedding crown is available for rent for weddings or special heritage events. Dates are filling up quickly so inquire at Velkommen by calling 701-775-8482 in downtown Grand Forks to reserve your date.

June 1-30#30DaysOfRunningAnytime, AnywhereAre you a first-time runner? Training for your first 5k? Experienced marathoner? Weekend warrior? No matter your level, commit to get moving throughout the month of June with #30DaysOfRunning. Go to www.30daysofrunning.org to make the commitment and get started.

June 3Freezer Friendly Meals 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.Holy Family ChurchCook freezer friendly, healthy meals with Altru’s dietitians. Participants will leave with ten healthy dinner meals. The cost is $75 plus food. Call 701-732-7620 to register.

June 6Relay For Life2:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.University ParkThe Relay For Life of Grand Forks County is an incredible and inspiring opportunity to unite as a community to honor cancer survivors, raise awareness about reducing cancer risk, and raise money to help the American Cancer Society fight the disease.

June 7 through July 31B.A.N.: Bits and NoveltiesVelkommen, downtown Grand ForksOpen Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. A Scandinavian exhibit, series, and sale showcasing the mixed media of “Uff Da” freelance designers and product developers-much to the delight of those who use the products. For more information, call 701-775-8482.

June 7Screening Saturday - Free Running Gait Analysis and Sports Nutrition Seminar8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.Sanny & Jerry Ryan Center for Prevention & GeneticsTrain for your best run yet. Learn how to properly fuel your body and find out about your unique form and footwear needs with a free run-ning gait analysis. To register, call 701-732-7620. Space is limited.

June 12Child Passenger Safety Made Simple6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.Rydell GM Auto Center, 2700 South WashingtonThis class is for expectant parents or those of newborn babies. If you have already purchased a car seat, bring it along for hands-on training on how to properly install the car seat into your vehicle. For more information and to register, please call 701-780-5179.

June 12Car Seat Checkup4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.Rydell GM Auto Center, 2700 South WashingtonStop by and make sure your children have a safe ride. For more information, contact Safe Kids Grand Forks at 701-780-1489 or go to www.safekidsgf.com.

June 14University Lutheran Church Annual Rhubarb Festival10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.Stop by for all things rhubarb! This free event includes a bake sale and a quilt and craft sale. Lunch will cost $7; coffee and dessert will cost $3.

June 19Survivors of Suicide Support Group7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.Altru Psychiatry CenterOffered by Altru’s TEARS Suicide Prevention Project, this group aims to bring together those who have experienced suicide loss to under-stand that they are not alone. Come share your stories or simply listen to others. (Meetings are held the third Thursday of each month.)

June 21Run for Your Buns8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.Lincoln Park / Greenway

Run for Your Buns is a 5K run/walk on June 21 benefitting colon cancer. Proceeds will be donated to Altru Health Foundation to help uninsured and underinsured individuals pay for colonoscopy screenings. Colonoscopy is the best line of defense in reducing risk of colon cancer. For more information or to register, go to altru.org/runforyourbuns.

June 24Child Passenger Safety Made Simple4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.Rydell GM Auto Center, 2700 South WashingtonThis class is for expectant parents or those of newborn babies. If you have already purchased a car seat, bring it along for hands-on training on how to properly install the car seat into your vehicle. For more information and to register, please call 701-780-5179.

June 26Coming Clean11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.North Dakota Museum of ArtGrand Forks native Michelle (Midstokke) Walters will be the keynote speaker for the NCCC Women’s Luncheon. Walter’s life and marriage was turned upside down on one afternoon in 2009 when her husband shared a painful letter with her. She will share her story of pain and loss and how the love and grace of God, along with counseling through Northland Christian Counseling Center, has helped her grow and move forward in her life. Tickets for this event are $15 and table sponsorships are $105 for a table of eight. Call 701-795-8550 to reserve your seat.

June 27-29Camp Good MourningPark River Bible CampCamp Good Mourning is an annual three-day grief camp for children and teens ages six through 18 who have experienced the death of a loved one. Group sessions and activities help children and teens express their feelings, learn healthy coping skills, and allow them to share their experiences with other children and teens in their own age group who have lost a loved one. For more information about Camp Good Mourning, call Altru’s Hospice at 701-780-5258 or go to altru.org/goodmourning.July 10Child Passenger Safety Made Simple6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.Rydell GM Auto Center, 2700 South WashingtonThis class is for expectant parents or those of newborn babies. If you have already purchased a car seat, bring it along for hands-on training on how to properly install the car seat into your vehicle. For more information and to register, please call 701-780-5179.

July 10Car Seat Checkup4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.Rydell GM Auto Center, 2700 South WashingtonStop by and make sure your children have a safe ride. For more information, contact Safe Kids Grand Forks at 701-780-1489 or go to www.safekidsgf.com.

July 22Child Passenger Safety Made Simple4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.Rydell GM Auto Center, 2700 South WashingtonThis class is for expectant parents or those of newborn babies. If you have already purchased a car seat, bring it along for hands-on training on how to properly install the car seat into your vehicle. For more information and to register, please call 701-780-5179.

July 17Survivors of Suicide Support Group7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.Altru Psychiatry CenterOffered by Altru’s TEARS Suicide Prevention Project, this group aims to bring together those who have experienced suicide loss to under-stand that they are not alone. Come share your stories or simply listen to others. (Meetings are held the third Thursday of each month.)

July 23Altru’s Rehab Autism Screening Clinic8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.Altru Rehabilitation CenterOne in 88 children is diagnosed with autism. Early detection con-tributes to more effective treatment while decreasing the likelihood of developmental problems later in life. Parents who have concerns regarding a child’s development have access to the autism screening clinic at no cost. For more information, call 701-780-2481 or go to altru.org/autism.

Save the Date

4 grandcitieswoman.com

Exhilaration. Go further. Deep breath. One more song. One more lap. One more minute.

These thoughts flood my mind as my feet hit the track or pound the pave-ment. I’m not an accomplished runner with dozens of marathons under my belt. In fact, I’m far from it. Only two short years ago, I made the commitment with a friend to start a healthier lifestyle. Running became part of my habit. Soon, I fell in love with the feeling I got when my feet hit the ground. I was hooked.

Those first steps weren’t easy. I’d run one minute and walk five. But, I stuck to my training calendar and pushed myself a little farther. After the first month, I reached my goal: I ran 30 minutes without stopping. I couldn’t believe it. Success! It no longer felt like effort or merely exercise. Running has become a lifestyle, and I look forward to it. Even better, no equipment is needed. Feet, shoes, ground, and go!

#30DaysofRunningRunners are like family. Have you ever noticed the head nods with a smile by the passersby on the sidewalk or track? How about the friendly waves of drivers as we share the streets? What better way to celebrate the healthy lifestyle that running brings than with a specific focus? Thus, last year’s introduction of 30 Days of Running.

30 Days of Running was inspired by a social movement based out of Min-neapolis, MN, 30daysofbiking.com. The movement challenged people to get on their bikes for any length of time during the month of April and then talk about it online. Our challenge is similar. The main difference is that this one uses your feet rather than two wheels.

Backed by Altru Health System and supported by a myriad of community businesses and organizations, 30 Days of Running celebrates its second birthday on June 1. Even better, national running day is June 4. June has 30 days. Thirty days of running. Coincidence? Sounds like the stars have aligned, if you ask me.

Make the CommitmentNever ran before? Training for your first 5K? Experienced marathoner? Weekend warrior? No matter your experience level, we want you to com-mit to get moving along with us during the month of June.

DeAnn Burckhard | WriterHailing from the Magic City (Minot, ND) and now a Minnesota transplant, DeAnn Burckhard has been part of Altru Health System’s family in public relations since 2003. She’s the co-creator of Altru’s #30DaysofRunning (30daysof-running.org) with running buddy and colleague, Annie Berge. When DeAnn isn’t playing make-believe and dress-up with her two young daughters, she can be found running up and down the beautiful streets of the Grand Cities.

If you would like to become a contributor to Grand Cities Woman, please contact us via email at [email protected] or call us at 701-261-2692. We are currently searching for experts in their industry to submit articles relevant to women in our area.

Written by DeAnn Burckhard

Here’s how you can join our movement:Make the commitment. Bookmark 30daysofrunning.org and see the contests and events taking place throughout the month of June.

Get moving. Start slow if you are new. Every day, challenge your-self to do a little bit more. Join classes and training programs that will help you along the way.

Talk about it. Runners are a family supporting each other at all levels in our journey. Go online and talk about what you did. Share pictures that you’ve taken on your run, either before, dur-ing, or after. Encourage your friends, family, and co-workers to be part of this healthy movement. » Trend the hashtag: #30daysofrunning » Twitter: @30DaysofRunning » Facebook: facebook.com/altruhealthychoices

Win stuff. We’ll encourage you through contests and challenges. Make sure to keep in touch with us on Facebook and Twitter to stay informed of the latest.

#30DaysofRunning Community Partners:Altru Health System, Red River Valley Runners, Wild Hog Half Marathon Committee, Scheels All Sports, Choice Health & Fitness, Altru Family YMCA


If you need routes or tips, we’ve got that, too. Go to our website, www.30daysofrunning.org for tips to keep you going and routes that many of us are tak-ing. With all of us running together, we are running toward a healthier community.

Lace Up Those SneaksWherever someone is lacing up their sneakers, we’re there. Whether you have two legs, one leg, or pros-thetic legs, push for a healthier lifestyle. If you’re a

seasoned runner or first-timer, we’ll be your sup-port. Winter, spring, sum-mer, fall—any time of year, we’re there. If you have the passion burning inside of you to get up and move, you’ll find us.

Throughout the month, we offer different challenges: » Two-Mile Tuesdays: Hit the road for two miles of exercise. » Wild Hog Wednesdays: Join the Wild Hog Half Marathon committee in a few different routes around Grand Forks. » Family Fridays: Get off the couch and get active with your family. » Far As You Can Go Saturdays: Set a personal goal for your distance or time. Tell us how you’ve accomplished it.

Go online and talk about your experiences. Tell your family and friends how you did. We’ll watch the conversation and enter you to win challenge prizes: shoes, yard games, and Wild Hog Half Marathon race registrations.

We’ll keep you interested and on pace. Even better, pick up a sweet pair of orange laces to show that you are part of the #30DaysofRunning crew. You’ll find these at area running events, Scheels All Sports, Choice Health & Fitness, or by asking us on Altru’s Healthy Choices Facebook page.

You don’t need to be an experienced distance runner. Just push yourself to do a little more every day. Every stretch of a run matters and counts. Some runs will be better than others, however, be proud of the dedi-cation you put in and how far you’ve taken yourself. Let’s run together toward healthier lifestyles. Let’s run toward a healthier community. Join the move-ment. Be part of #30DaysofRunning. [GCW]

Disclaimer: Please consult your doctor before begin-ning a new exercise.

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Find these items and more through local retailers. When purchas-ing an item that you’ve seen in our shopping guide, make sure you tell them that you saw it in Grand Cities Woman. Claims that products make in the Grand Cities Woman Shopping Guide are of product manufactures’ and not of Grand Cities Woman or Graber Media.

TruyubareSkin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation with Broad Spectrum SPF 20 is clinically proven tone-correcting mineral foundation and brightening serum in one. Made with the bare minimum ingredients and formulated without oil, silicone, parabens or fragrance. Available at Truyu at Choice. See their ad on page 10.

True ColorsBring the essence of nature home when you pur-chase a Rock Paper Scissors© bag from True Colors in downtown Grand Forks. See their ad on page 15.

Lifetime Vision CenterCoach personifies high class and tradition linked with modern style and trend. A widely appealing style that will enhance your eyewear collection is available at lifetime Vision Center. See their ad on page 13.$129

Studio SouthUntil now, hair extensions have been messy, dam-aging, costly, and a mediocre product at best. Get Dream Catcher® extensions from Studio South. See their ad on page 15.

Hot Spots to

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Grand Cities Woman Shopping Guide

PRODUCTS YOU NEED this summer

VelkommenThis boutique listened! The Norwegian table prayer is now back in stock. The prayer that is still heard in so many Norwegian-American communities is featured here on aged parchment, printed in black calligraphy and mounted with non-glare glass in a 9 by 12 ebony frame. Especially nice, we noticed the English translation is also included on the backside. Made in the U.S.A. and available from Velkommen, downtown Grand Forks. See their ad on page 19.$69.00

Day Dreeams SpecialtiesRemember important events in your life with glass engraving avail-able for bottles and glasses from Day Dreams Specialties in Grand Forks. See their ad on page 10.

Jack’s ShoesINo matter how much you are on the move during the day, OOFOS’ proprietary OOfoamTM technology and pat-ented foot bed provide unparalleled impact absorption, comfort and support while reducing fatigue and enhanc-ing recovery. See their ad on page 19.

Sublime Aesthetic ProfessionalsDesigned to smooth and soften dull, rough feet at home or between professional pedicures, the Pedi Sonic Foot Transformation System combines expertly engineered tools with sonically designed formulations to counteract the factors that cause dry, rough patches. Feet—especially heels and toes—become soft, supple and sandal-ready. See their ad on page 23.


Jack’s ShoesTreat your feet this summer with a leather Spring Step sandal from Jack’s Shoes in the Grand Cities Mall. See their ad on page 19.

True ColorsTrue Colors in Grand Forks is the prime spot to find your designer handbag. This red Youmi K handbag is just one of many available at True Colors. See their ad on page 15.

Studio SouthHave definition in your eyes and eye brows the moment you wake in the morning. Lash and brow tinting is avail-able at Studio South. See their ad on page 15.

TruyuCoolibar SUNTECT AttireCoolibar’s SUNTECT brand fabrics have a guaranteed Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of 50+ for the life of the garment. Look great, enjoy the sun, and have peace of mind with these great hats. Available at Truyu on DeMers. See their ad on page 10.

Lifetime Vision CenterMaui Jim Readers are perfect for Father’s Day. For intense sports activities and ac-tive lifestyles, Maui Jim Polycarbonate lenses are optically correct to ensure crisp optics. They’re lightweight, comfortable, and extremely impact resistant. Maui Jim’s are available at Lifetime Vision Center. See their ad on page 13.$199

Day Dreams SpecialtiesDecorate just about anything with metallic! This apron is perfect for the wine lover. Stop in at Days Dreams Spe-cialties for more information. See their ad on page10.

VelkommenFor Norwegian pewter here’s a partial selection from the Konge Tinn® collection. This finely-crafted pewter design commemorates the Viking (King Olav) and available in a large variety of boxed sets and pieces. Give the gift of heritage for all of life’s special occations from the area’s #1 Scandinavian resource, Velkommen, downtown Grand Forks. They also have complimentary gift wrapping! See their ad on page 19.Assortment and prices vary

Sublime Aesthetic ProfessionalsFor combination to oil skin with blemish control SPF, try the private line of skin care products from Sublime Aes-thetic Professionals. Stop in to see their line of products for all different skin types. See their ad on page 23.


trainND Northeast offers training to businesses in Rolette, Towner, Cavalier, Pembina, Walsh, Grand Forks, Nelson, Ramsey, Eddy, and Ben-son counties. Workforce training provides con-tent that can be customized for a business to improve productivity, lower costs, and unleash the potential of employees.

trainND Northeast has partnered with Devel-opment Dimensions International (DDI) to make its world-class leadership, workforce and customer service training programs available to local companies.

The 2014-15 schedule is being developed and will include DDI offerings, Strength Finder 2.0, Self Defense Tactics for Women—just to name a few.

Since 1970, DDI has helped thousands of or-ganizations achieve superior business perfor-mance through selecting, developing, and re-taining extraordinary people.

In 2013, for the fourth consecutive year, DDI was named a Top 20 Leadership Training Com-pany by TrainingIndustry.com. Kennedy Con-sulting Research & Advisory, the world’s lead-ing source of consulting market analysis also named DDI one of two leadership development providers in the Kennedy VanguardTM report. In the report, Kennedy describes DDI as a “true heavyweight in the field of leadership develop-ment.”

The alliance with DDI, widely recognized for its effective methods of improving employee performance, gives the northeast North Da-kota business community local access to DDIs expertise. Due to DDIs commitment to contin-

ued education, the company gives discounts to educational partners, who, in turn, pass that along to their clients. “This partnership allows trainND Northeast to contribute to the busi-ness growth and success of Grand Forks by pro-viding the best training and development re-sources to area companies,” said Edith Armey, Executive Director of trainND Northeast.

In conjunction with the DDI Partnership, four trainND Northeast trainers successfully com-pleted the DDI training institute and were awarded their DDI facilitator certification. They are: Grace Kurtz and Kyle Ternes of Dev-ils Lake and Missy Ohe and Terry Beich from Grand Forks.

A division of the North Dakota University Sys-tem, trainND comprises the largest network of professional, technical, and industrial spe-cialists for workforce training in the areas of health careers, computer applications, leader-ship and management, employee development, precision agriculture, manufacturing, welding, climb safety, and truck driving.

2014 classes offered in Grand Forks were: • Fundamentals of Selling• Effective Communication Skills• Supervisor Communication Skills• Performance Management• Advanced Microsoft® Excel• Effective Presentation & Public Speaking Skills• Develop a Winning Attitude• First Time Manager• Advanced Microsoft® Word

All of these course offerings will be conducted by trainND’s highly educated and experienced trainers.

Kyle Ternes offers train-ing in time management, coaching and conflict, del-egation, and business com-munications. Ternes has 20 years of experience in law enforcement and 10 years of management experience.

He is motivated, highly structured, and pays special attention to detail. Sharon Dowhy, R.N. says, “Kyle’s personality is magnetizing—he’s personable, energetic, and he related the mate-rial to our jobs!”

Missy Ohe has an upbeat style to her training and leaves you with information that you can use on a daily basis. She has spent more than 20 years encouraging and inspiring clients in a va-riety of roles, including public speaking, writ-ing magazine articles, and facilitating groups of various sizes. Former First Lady of North Da-kota, Mikey Hoven says, “Missy has an amaz-ing ability to personally connect with her audi-ence that inspires confidence, trust, and insight into how we can all achieve our life’s goals and dreams.”

Energetic trainer, Grace Kurtz, has a BA in Business Marketing from Mercyhurst University and an M.Ed. in Higher Education Admin-istration from Suffolk Uni-versity. She has over 20 years

of experience in administration, management, and sales. Grace is adept at helping leaders

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learn how to make effective business decisions while conducting a lively and thoughtful group discussion. She provides training in customer service, work-place communications, team building, leadership, management, and more. Laurie Bakke, President Western Equipment Finance, Inc. said this about Grace’s training style, “Thank you for the customer service training which was enjoyable, enlightening, and refreshing. Grace, your presentation skills are engaging and thought-provoking. You maintained a perfect balance with fun and light-heartedness.”

Cindy Brown feels it’s never too late to learn something new. She graduated from Valley City State University with majors in Business Administration & Business Education, and earned an M. Ed. in Educational Lead-ership from NDSU. She is a marketing instructor at Lake Region State College and is a certified instructor for Business Technology and Marketing, in addition to Microsoft® Office. Hector Pastor from the North Da-kota National Guard says, “Cindy Brown is an awesome

teacher—relaxed, composed, and uses good transitions between steps. She is knowledgeable and helpful.”

Jack Knopp admits that his passion for helping people is the driving force behind his love of sharing his knowledge and skills. While Jack has taught from middle school to college, his fondest memories are of his Adult Education classes. Jack has taught business and technology related classes for over 25 years. His relaxed, laid back approach in the classroom helps relieve students of the “fear fac-tor” when dealing with new topics and technology.

Greg Blanchfield is an experienced instructor for truck driving, aviation ground school, and commercial pilot training. “I want participants to gain insight into what it means to be responsible, legally capable, and safe,” Greg says. “My objective is that they leave with the confidence to pass the tests.” Greg’s life experiences bring added value to students.

Jolie Johnston enjoys working with students and seeing them succeed. She develops training curriculum for San-ford Health, with a focus on new employee orientation. She specializes in Microsoft® products including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. A friendly, positive trainer and communicator, Jolie believes learning should be fun and exciting. She hopes participants can take at least one new idea or process and implement it in their work to make their day easier. She has a BS degree in Business Management from the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND.

Terry Beich has worked in the education field for over 20 years with a wide range of students. He currently teaches courses for Lake Region State College and Park University at the Grand Forks Air Force Base. He is a graduate of Southwest State University, Winona State University, and the University of Hawaii at Manoa. He holds BA and BS degrees in Speech/Theatre Arts, Physical Education, and Education, in addition to an

MA degree in Theatre Arts/Communications. Travis Kiesel from True North Equipment says, “We attended a two day Effective Presentations class with Terry Beich. Due to the skills we developed in his session, I am pleased that my staff provided a conducive learning environment for over 200 customers. We received compliments on the training and our delivery. Thank you for helping take my team to the next level.”

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Terri Horpedahl brings a high energy presence and a di-verse career to trainND. She has had two dream careers—one in education and one in sales. In both, she helped others achieve their goals. Since 2005, she has won travel, prizes, and recognition for her sales achievements, become a divi-sion manager, and presented at national conferences. Still a teacher at heart, Terri’s training philosophy is to dream as big as you can, believe you can achieve, and then become

the person to accomplish it. She knows it works because she’s done it. Terri specializes in soft skills training such as communication, customer service, leadership, and motivation.

Melissa Moser, BSN/RN, is the CNA Lead Instructor and Health Career Trainer for trainND Northeast. Melissa’s goal is to ensure that her students are well-prepared for their certification exams and health career. Melissa is a LERN Certified Contract Trainer for classroom and online as well as an instructor for the Dakota Nursing Program. Melissa’s students appreciate her demeanor and comment that “Me-lissa challenges us, but makes the class rewarding and fun. She takes what can be so serious and helps us find the joy in caring for others.”

Are you caring for a loved one?Qualified Service Providers (QSPs) are friends, family, and community members who care for people who want to continue liv-ing in their own homes. trainND Northeast, in conjunction with the Department of Human Ser-vices (DHS) provides instruction to potential QSPs. Registered Nurses (RNs) throughout the state are contracted as part-time train-

ers. This is a great service that eliminates the need for trainees to travel far to receive quality instruction. DHS covers the cost of training, leaving only a $10 registration fee for the trainee.

Edie Armey is the director for trainND Northeast. She is an experienced trainer and public speaker, focusing on topics that include computer skills, motivation, commu-nication skills, and leadership. Prior to joining trainND, Edie served as the LRSC Program Manager, assisting the Vice President of Academic Affairs in maintaining and coordinating learning programs. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from North Dakota State University, cer-tification for Business and Office Education by the North Dakota Department of Career & Technical Education, and is a LERN Certified Contract Trainer.

Edith Armey asserts that having a staff of trainers in the Grand Forks area has been a great way to better gauge the training needs in the Grand Forks area and network with local businesses. “Our trainers are excellent, with a broad range of experience and deep knowledge of the subject matter. Participants will find the courses very helpful in their professional and personal lives,” says Armey.

For more information, costs, and registration for any of these courses to have a customized training for your business, please visit the trainND NE website, www.lrsc.edu/workforce. [GCW]

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Lately, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about weight loss, self-image, and the journey that I’ve been on for a dozen years. When I was 16, I tipped the scales at over 300 pounds. I didn’t see myself as a big person at the time, so when I held up my clothes and saw the larger sizes, it was difficult for me to accept the fact that not only was I large enough to fit them, but that I also challenged the thread power.

As I said, those days are long gone. A lot of hard work and better lifestyle choices have helped me maintain my 100+ pound weight loss. I’d be lying if I said that it has been an easy journey. I think at some point it did get easier, but I still struggle every day. If I’m not finding difficulty in saying “No” to a pound of peanut M&Ms, then I’m daunted with the task of looking in the mirror and not only accepting, but also loving my loose skin and remnants of stretch marks.

We all have bad days. Mine might look different than yours, but even the most successful people run into challenging moments that sometimes end in defeat.

The age of social media has somewhat muted people’s ability to accept that it’s okay to be anything less than perfect. Social Media allows us to share our highlight reel with the world, and if you’re anything like me, it also creates an unnecessary perception of pressure to continue “one up-ping” yourself or those around you.

A few weeks ago, I sat and ate a one-pound bag of peanut M&Ms. Yes, an entire pound. By myself. While watching television and relaxing. It could have been a combination of stress and emotional eating, too. When my hand hit the bottom of the bag, I was mortified at what I had done. I couldn’t believe that I was so weak. In my head, much harsher adjectives referenced my moment of weakness. Let’s just say I went from a moment of pure bliss in the form of sweet and salty crunchiness to complete defeat and horror.

The next day, I woke up still mad at myself and began plotting the things I would have to do to make sure that pound of peanut M&Ms didn’t end in a 100-pound weight gain. I would have to spend at least 5 hours at the gym. I would have to eat one meal per day and nothing else. I would have to not see anyone because they would surely smell the chocolate and peanuts seeping out of my pores.

Hold up. Stop the bus. Do you see how ridiculous my reasoning was? Reflecting back on it, I do. At the time, however, it seemed incredibly rational.

Here’s the thing: Sometimes you’re going to have a moment of weakness, a bad day, or a tough decision. Sometimes, the best option won’t be the one that you choose to make. But that’s okay. Just as important as making a good choice can be, it is equally as important to forgive yourself for be-ing human. Don’t let a lapse become a relapse.

As an emotional and stress eater, I know too well how easy it is to fall off the tracks. One “bad” bite can lead to a “bad” meal, which can lead to a “bad” day, which can then lead to a “bad” week. Before you know it, I’ve given up the gym.

Now, I’m working on a different mindset. For too many years following my weight loss, I had a “good or bad” mentality. The “good” included lots of exercise, fruits, vegetables, no fat, and smaller clothing sizes. The “bad” involved ice cream, peanut M&Ms, not exercising, and an increase in clothing sizes. Consequently, I had missed out on so much, and it finally got to the point that I felt deprived and was ready to rebel by eating every bad thing in sight. I’ve since learned to let it go once in a while—to enjoy a nice treat. I put in a lot of effort into eating healthy and exercising. And now, I’m working on loving what I see in the mirror. After all, I’ve worked really hard for the body that I have for a really long time, and considering what I’ve put it through, it deserves love!

Think about your own life. Allow yourself to fail lovingly. Forgive your-self, learn from the situation, and let it go when things don’t happen ac-cording to plan. [GCW]

Let It Go Without Letting It Go

Stacey Dimmler | WriterStacey grew up in Park River, ND. She attended the University of Mary and UND and graduated with a degree in Dietetics. She worked for the NDSU Extension Service from 2009 until she accepted a position as Executive Director of the Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals in August of 2011. She’s excited for her next career adventure as Events Coordinator for Scheels. Stacey, her new husband Dustin, and black lab Abby love calling Grand Forks home.


Written by Stacey Dimmler


Are you looking for ways to reduce your energy costs beyond changing out bulbs and turning off lights?

Since 1989, JLG Architects has led the region in designing buildings that lower—and sometimes even eliminate—maintenance costs. For ex-ample, the University of North Dakota Alumni Center is using 40% less energy than a traditional facility of its size, adding up to a cost savings of $38,000 annually. This type of sustainable design earned the Alum-ni Center LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum Certification, the highest level possible from the U.S. Green Building Council and the first of its kind in North Dakota. JLG’s Green Committee consists of employees from each of our seven offices who are constantly researching and evaluating new materials and design and con-struction techniques to provide the best future for North Dakota and all of its residents.

Energy usage incurs the highest costs in a home. But, according to JLG’s Green Committee, you can reduce that cost by enhancing your home’s efficiency in the following ways:

1. Home Energy AuditAn energy audit is a great place to start if you are unsure of how to make your existing home more energy efficient. The audit will show you where air is leaking and any hot/cold spots that could throw off your thermo-stat. The energy savings from reducing drafts and other sources of heat or cooling loss in a home range from 5-30% per year. JLG’s Marketing Director had a home energy audit in October, and with a little spray foam insulation was able to shave $50 a month off of her energy costs, which more than paid for the audit this winter.

2. Programmable ThermostatsReplacing your thermostat with an energy efficient or programmable sys-tem can improve the efficiency of the system and can save you an average of 10% on your annual utility bill. Many of us at JLG use The Nest, which

can be controlled via cell phone and learns your schedule so that your heat is lower when you are away and toasty warm when you are home.

3. InsulationInstalling insulation with a high R-value is important for an area like Grand Forks. Insulation with a high R-value, which is a measure of ther-mal resistance, ensures that less heat is lost through the walls and ceiling and keeps cool air inside during the summer. While it is more expensive at the onset, spray foam insulation offers higher energy savings in the long run over batten foam. I replaced all of the batten foam in my own home in phases over the years with spray foam and lowered my energy costs every year as a result.

4. Hot Water HeatersHot water is the second largest expense in your home, accounting for 14-18 percent of your utility bill. Make sure that your water heater pipes are well insulated and, if you have the have the ability to change water heaters, look for a high-efficiency or tankless model. Save your receipts, too—you can receive a tax credit for sustainable renovations or upgrades.

5. LandscapingPlanting deciduous trees near south, east, and west-facing windows provide shade in the summer and let in the sun’s heat in the winter. Planting evergreen trees on the north side of your home help buffer win-ter’s bitter winds.

Written by Lonnie J. Laffen, AIA, LEED AP

Green 101:Top 10 Ways to Reduce Energy Costs in Your Home


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6. Water-Saving AppliancesBelieve it or not, saving water also saves energy because a majority of the appliances in our homes use water for power. By changing out these appliances with energy efficient or high-efficiency counterparts, you can achieve a water savings of 25-60% and a reduction in your energy bill.

7. Windows and/or Skylight for Nat-ural LightingWindows and skylights provide natural light and a connection with the outdoors, warmth, and fresh air. They also dramati-cally reduce the need for artificial lights.

8. Ventilate Rooms That Generate Lots of SteamMake sure that rooms like bathrooms and kitchens are well-ventilated to prevent the growth of mold and other airborne bacteria that can be

caused from too much steam and not enough ventilation. Mold replacement and abatement is costly and requires your ventilation system to kick into high gear, thus raising your energy usage.

9. Install Renewable Energy Sources in Your HomeInstalling renewable sources of energy for your home can have a tremendous impact on the environment and lower your monthly utility bill. The renewable energy options to consider for your home include solar, geothermal, or low-impact hydropower. Your leftover energy will go back to the power-grid which will provide you with tax credits for the remaining energy that is returned and not used in your home as a result of green energy sources.

10. Replace Wood Burning or Gas FireplacesBurning wood in fireplaces is a major source of air pollution in the home during winter. Conventional open fireplaces suck air out of the house and send more heat up the chim-ney than they provide to the room. Existing wood burning fireplaces should be retrofitted with airtight doors to reduce down-drafting, heat loss, and the amount of air drawn from the house for combustion. A better alternative is a gas in-sert with sealed combustion. These products have efficien-cies up to 85 percent compared to typical fireplaces that are only about 13 percent efficient. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-certified wood burning stoves and Canadian Standards Association (CSA)-rated gas fireplaces reduce the

amount of particulate pollutants by 75 to 90 percent compared to a stan-dard fireplace. Efficient gas fireplaces consume less gas and save money compared to conventional gas fireplaces.

Although many of these renovation options can be initially pricey, the long-term cost of energy and impact on the environment are undeniably worth the effort. You will see an immediate difference in the utility bills and can feel better knowing that you are leaving a smaller footprint in the environment, therefore leaving a better world for future generations. [GCW] Sources for this article:

Build it Green Remodel Guidelines

Regreen: Residential Remodeling Programhttp://www.regreenprogram.org/case-studies

Environmental Protection Agency: Green Homeshttp://www.epa.gov/greenhomes/index.htm

Hot water heater Infographichttp://energy.gov/articles/new-infographic-and-

projects-keep-your-energy-bills-out-hot-water

Energy Saver 101: Everything you need to know about Home Heating

http://energy.gov/articles/energy-saver-101-info-graphic-home-heating

http://www.lvctr.com/


Ever had a busy day, yet felt like you didn’t accomplish anything? Does it seem like you’re constantly trying to keep up with domestic duties, er-rands, relationships, and even your health? Most of us have had those days, but not every day has to be that way. Whatever your obligations, you can get the most out of your day by applying a few simple tips that will also give you more time to do the things that are important to you.

#12 – What to WearDon’t waste time trying on different outfits in the morning. Determine what you’re going to wear the night before and then set your clothes out so they’re ready to go.

#11 – The Snooze ButtonThat snooze button can cut precious minutes off your morning. Decide what time you absolutely need to be up by and then set the alarm for 10 minutes earlier than that time.That way, you don’t oversleep, and you can still hit snooze once.

#10 – Morning RoutineTo start the day off right, create a morning routine to help you stay fo-cused and on schedule.

#9 – Multitask During Down HoursMultitask to maximize the down hours during your day. Use your lunch break to run errands. Combine your trips to the gym with a significant other or friend to catch up on your social life.

#8 – Organize Your ErrandsCombine as many errands as possible into one outing, grouping them by location to reduce travel time. Also, if your significant other, relative, or friend is headed to the same place, don’t be afraid to ask them to run the errand for you.

#7 – Avoid InterruptionsWhen you absolutely need to complete a task, eliminate interruptions and distractions.Avoid responding to email, taking phone calls, and allowing others to drop in for impromptu meetings because these interruptions and distrac-tions can slow your productivity. Set certain timeframes during the day to complete high priority tasks and then stay focused during that time.

#6 – Use Online ServicesThough seemingly simple, many people don’t take advantage of online services. Sign up for free automatic bill-paying services for all of your recurring bills. Not only will it save time, but it will also save postage and gas, creating one less thing you need to remember to do.

#5 – Review Your Day & Plan AheadAt the end of every day, spend a few minutes looking back on what you accomplished and what still needs to be done tomorrow. Then, create your to-do list for the next day while your tasks are fresh in mind. This is a great finish to your work day and lets you get off to a great start tomor-row.

#4 – PrioritizeIt’s crucial that you identify your most important tasks and projects and make it a priority to accomplish them before the end of the day. Avoid getting sidetracked by the smaller, less important tasks that come up. Instead, set specific time aside throughout the day to complete the less important tasks, thus keeping your important tasks as a priority.

#3 – Don’t ProcrastinateGive yourself deadlines and don’t wait until the last minute to get some-thing done.Procrastinating can result in feeling overwhelmed and rushed; you’ll stress more about what you didn’t get done rather than feeling accom-plished for what you did.

#2 – Be Productive During TV TimeWhen watching your favorite TV show, use commercial breaks to work on tomorrow’s presentation or squeeze in some of your end-of-day chores. Record your favorite show so you can skip commercials and save on the overall amount of time you spend watching TV each day.

#1 – Schedule a Meeting for YourselfThe most important tip for making the most of your day is making time for yourself. When you schedule a meeting with someone else, you block that time off so no other tasks can interrupt it. Do the same for yourself. Schedule a block of time for yourself and then don’t allow that meeting to be violated by anything else. Allow yourself time to shut down and un-wind some time during the day. This will allow you to refocus, which in turn will help you be more productive. You need to take care of yourself before you can take care of others.

These tips are simple notions that most of us don’t think about yet can have a huge impact on the quality of our day. Try these suggestions for one week and see if you notice a difference.

For an in-depth overview of this article, go to www.HerBrandDevelop-mentGroup.com to learn how to sign up for an Online Training Webinar. [GCW]

Mini Mentorship

Ashley Rae | WriterAshley Rae, owner of Brand Logic and founder of HBDG, is a dynamic combination of brand visionary, marketing strate-gist, and professional business consultant. Her experience, along with her true desire to empower and mentor women to reach their full potential, has provided her with a unique ability to help today’s independent business woman experience success professionally and personally.


Written by Ashley Rae

Secrets to Getting the Most Out of Your Day

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Whether your summer plans include vacationing in a campground at a national park, heading to the lakes, visiting local swimming pools and outdoor parks, or simply hanging out at home and enjoying a more relaxed pace, staying safe from unintentional injuries is foremost on the list of priorities for Safe Kids Grand Forks. During the summer months of June, July, and August, we see an increase in the number of injuries to kids both locally and nationally. In fact, nearly 2,000 children die each summer from causes that are preventable. The main reason for increased injury is because kids are typically not in the type of structured environment that school affords them, and they are often engaging in more active hobbies.

Therefore, Safe Kids Grand Forks offers our top 10 tips for keeping your kids and family safe this summer.

If your kids are heading to a playground, check to make sure that good surfacing materials have been placed underneath the equipment. This holds true for back-yard play sets as well. Nine to twelve inches of proper surfacing (sand, pea rock, mulch, wood chips, etc.) is

recommended to prevent injuries from falls.

Safe Kids CornerSummer Adventures: Top Tips to Avoid Injury

Carma Hanson, MS, RN, Safe Kids of Grand Forks/Altru Health System Coordinator | WriterSafe Kids Grand Forks is an injury prevention coalition whose mission is to prevent unintentional injuries and death to children. Altru Health System is proud to serve as the lead agency for Safe Kids Grand Forks. To learn more about our program or for other safety tips, go to our website at www.safekidsgf.com or “like” us on Facebook at Safe Kids Grand Forks. You can also send an email to [email protected]. Safe Kids Grand Forks is keeping kids safe at home, at school, at play, and on the way!


Written by Carma Hanson, MS, RNCoordinator – Safe Kids Grand Forks/Altru Health System

Make sure kids are well at-tended around campfires or backyard fire pits. Never use gas to ignite a fire and keep kids who

have loose blankets or clothing a safe distance away. Make sure the fire area is free from trip-ping hazards, especially when it is dark, so kids can safely wander near the fire to stay warm or roast marshmallows.

Hydration is important before, during, and af-ter sporting events and activities. Make sure that kids take water bottles with them to activities in which a water source isn’t

provided. Just as it’s important to bring a glove and bat to baseball practice, so is bringing a water bottle.

Know the signs and symptoms of a concussion. These include, but are not limited to, headache, nausea/vomiting, dizziness or balance problems, double or blurry vision, sensitivity to light or noise, feeling dazed or stunned, or feeling mentally

“foggy.” If you think your child might have suffered a concussion, have him or her checked by a medical profes-

sional before returning to play.

Make sure that kids who are staying home alone know and practice emergency procedures. This should include fire escape planning and practice, knowing who to contact in the event of an emer-gency, and basic first aid. Safe Kids Grand Forks

and Altru Health System offer a babysitter training

10


course and, even if your kids are not going to be watching others, the class provides helpful information that teaches attendees how to make good decisions when home alone.

Remind kids that they should never play around vehicles. This includes areas such as the street, parking lots, and driveways. Back-over

injuries are common injury types found when children play in and

around cars, especially young children who are not visible in the driver’s blind zone. Blind zones can occur as far as 50-80 feet behind the vehicle, so it’s just good practice to keep kids away from cars completely. As the driver of a vehicle, be sure that you take an extra few seconds to walk around the vehicle and check for objects such as bikes, toys, or children that might be in the car’s path.

Bike and multi-sport helmets should be considered a necessity, not an accessory, for kids using bicycles, in-line skates, scooters, and other wheeled sports equip-

ment. Scrapped knees and a broken bone are relatively easy to fix; head injuries are not. Helmets are incredibly effective in preventing head injuries that can have life-long consequences; all children and adults should wear them whenever participating in these types of activities.

Water safety is a life-long skill, and we strongly encourage you to en-roll your children in swimming lessons so they learn not only how to swim, but how to react

around water. Whether you are at a lake, sitting on the dock, boating,

fishing on the banks of the river, or visit-ing a local pool at a hotel or park, children should always have active adult supervi-sion. This means having an adult supervis-ing whose sole job is to watch those in or around the water, not eating, talking on the phone, napping, or visiting with friends. Lifejackets are also important and we en-courage you to check yours at the start of each season for proper fit and flotation (stand in shallow water and lift your feet to see if the jacket will keep you afloat). Safe Kids Grand Forks offers a life jacket loaner program at the Grand Forks YMCA and at Altru Clinic in Crookston. Anyone can check out life jackets (infant – adult sizes) for up to two weeks, free of charge. Visit these locations to learn more or to get your lifejacket.

http://www.sterlingcarpet1.com/

http://www.grandforks-montessori.com/


Don’t take a vacation from safety. If you are traveling, think of things such as childproofing your hotel room or cabin. Know the emergency escape route from hotels or resorts you will be staying at. When packing for travel, remember to keep your medications in their original and

childproof containers. Think about what safety equipment you might need for activities when you arrive at your destination,

and assure that these items can be rented or purchased (horse rid-ing helmets, life jackets, car seats, etc.). Make sure that doors are secured in your rooms so kids cannot get out and toddle off to a pool that might not have a fence or lifeguard. There is no time to “let down your guard,” even when on vacation.

Not only are motor vehicle crashes the number one cause of death year-round, they tend to increase in the sum-mer months. Ensure that your children are properly buckled in the correct seat (car seat, booster seat, seat belt). If you are carpooling with friends to summer

activities, make sure that all occupants have the proper seat and seat belts for everyone riding. When traveling by

other means than your own vehicle, such as in airplanes, taxis, or shuttle buses, seek out ways in which you can secure your child into the seat. For more information on these travel types or for travel intended devices (airplane harnesses, vests for taxis, etc.), contact Safe Kids Grand Forks, which has a variety of options.

Summer is a time of play, recreation, and fun! We want kids to be active, explore their environment, and engage in activities that are a part of being a kid. The tips we provide are not intended to limit those activities, but rather to help parents allow their children to engage in them while knowing that they are safe. We wish for you a fun-filled summer overflowing with lots of great memories and even more safety! For more childhood injury safety tips, visit Safe Kids Grand Forks at www.safekidsgf.com or contact us at [email protected]. We have many resources available to parents and caregiv-ers to make their job of learning how to keep kids safe easier. Altru Health System is proud to serve as the lead agency for Safe Kids Grand Forks. [GCW]

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At work …I took a sip from my cup, enjoying the comfort of the warm liquid while I looked through the file on the table in front of me. As I heard the words come out of my co-worker’s mouth, I breathed a sigh of relief and silently offered up a prayer of thanks that I was not the first, nor the only one, to admit I was “too busy.” No one wants to be known as the company slacker or be viewed as one who is not a team player.

At play …While standing in line at the grocery store, waiting to pay for my soda, I quickly glanced at the line and the clerk, searching for an indication of how much longer I’d be waiting to complete my transac-tion. My eyes darted for a quick scan of the area before returning to my phone screen and the “text conversation” I was using to assign after-school chores to my son. Before my gaze returned to the phone cradled in my palm, I noticed a former co-worker, who is now retired, standing at the end of the counter and looking relaxed. When I asked him what he had been up to lately, he said that he was “keeping busy,” but that he hadn’t accomplished much that day.

At home …An old friend surprised us when she stopped by the other day. It was nice to catch up on what was going on in each other’s lives, and as we talked, she inquired about the business venture in which my husband and I are involved. I’m sure I beamed while relating that business was going well and that I had left full-time employment to dedicate my time to the business’ growth. And then I heard the words come out of my own mouth: “Actually, I’m busier than I thought I would be.”

Why are we always so busy? The more I thought of these scenarios and other recent conversations with teachers, volunteers, and friends, I started to wonder: Are we thinking about time a little backwards? Does it seem that we idolize the act of being busy, and base our own self-worth on how time-deprived we are? Do we value our precious time so little? Have we confused being busy with being important?

Don’t get me wrong, I believe that being busy can lead to great accomplishments; I just don’t know if our bodies were intended to be busy all the time. It’s hard not to “feel” busy when you can simultane-ously converse with a former co-worker, buy a soda, and text a list of chores to your son. Our ability to multi-task is overwhelming with today’s toys, technology, and accessibility. We are constantly in a state of “doing” unless we are unplugged and recharging.

I can honestly say that I have never heard any of my own three children utter the words, “There’s noth-ing to do.” In today’s world, children—and adults for that matter—have so many things to occupy their time that the phrase “there’s nothing to do” (a phrase that, incidentally, was considered taboo when I was growing up) rarely comes to mind, much less falls from our lips. I got away with that sort of whining in front of Mom, but it only took once for me to understand that I should never, ever let those words escape from my mouth within earshot of Dad. He would certainly find something for you to do, and it most likely wasn’t going to be any fun.

Stop thinking about all the tasks on your To-Do list. Don’t worry. You wrote them down, and I guar-antee that they will still be there waiting for you tomorrow. Right now, on this day, you are not busy. You are relaxed, and have nothing to do. [GCW]

This DayAt Work, Home, and Play

Shannon Teigen | WriterShannon writes from her rural hobby ranch that is nestled in the peace and quiet of the North Dakota countryside. Her family, consisting of her husband, two teenage daughters, and one son, is the farthest thing from being peaceful and quiet, but she wouldn’t trade it for anything. After graduating from UND, Shannon established her career with foundation blocks of marketing, sales, customer service, human relations, and communications.

If you would like to become a contributor to Grand Cities Woman, please contact us via email at [email protected] or call us at 701-261-2692. We are currently search-ing for experts in their industry to submit articles relevant to women in our area.

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Mickie NakonechnyThen and Now

Written and photographed by Autumn Graber

ur lives were so public for so long,” said Mickie Nakonechny, owner of True Colors in downtown Grand Forks, as she remembers back to when her husband Perry began his battle with cancer. Mickie’s hus-band was already a high profile resident of Grand Forks. Perry was

a member of the University of North Dakota’s 1987 NCAA championship team and later coached hockey for Grand Forks Red River. “I’m a really private person so doing that publicly was difficult,” said Mickie. “But so many people helped us, so I felt I had to.”

On July 1, 2006, Mickie fulfilled her dream of opening her own business. She purchased a consignment shop known as New 2 You and rebranded as True Colors. “I always wanted to have my own business, but when you’re a family that includes a kid with disabilities, not having an income or having an income that you couldn’t rely on wasn’t an option for us.” However, when the oppor-tunity to purchase an already existing business came up and Mickie “ran the numbers,” she knew she had stumbled on to something. She presented her business plan to her husband, and when they realized Mickie would still be guaranteed a paycheck, they made the offer. “There was nowhere to go but up.”

Then the unthinkable happened. After being in business for six months in their first location on Demers, the lease was up and Mickie wanted to move the store to a prime location that she found downtown. The same week that they were scheduled to move the store to its new location in No-vember of 2006, Perry was diagnosed with cancer and had to have surgery at Mayo. “I have great friends and family; it all happened in a whirlwind.”

Perry’s parents traveled to Grand Forks to help take care of the kids while Mickie’s father paid for her to fly to Rochester to be with her husband. Perry

received treatment and was considered cancer free.

Shortly thereafter, Mickie saw an opportunity to expand her business, and when she knew Perry was healthy again, they felt that they could take another risk. She

peeled away her juniors section of the store and opened up Indigo near the UND campus. The plan for the spin-off store was to sell designer resale items to teens and

college-aged customers. “It was fun and successful.” Indigo opened in 2008 and ran for two and a half years before Mickie decided to close it. “Part of the joy of doing this is

the people that I work with.” Mickie wanted all her employees back under one roof, so she



moved her juniors section back to the downtown location when the space next to her became available. True Colors opened up the wall between the two spaces and basically doubled in size. It was during this time that Perry’s cancer relapsed. He passed away on July 14, 2010.

Mickie and Perry’s son, Tyler, is now 23 years old and has Ce-rebral Palsy, “He moved out the spring before his dad died. He

wants to live the same life any other 20 year old wants to live and that doesn’t mean sitting in front of a TV all night long,” she said.

“It’s been a challenge.”

Their daughter, Brenna, is now a 20-year-old Augsburg College student who plays hockey and softball. “I always say I can brag about her all I want

because I have no input into her talent—that was all her dad.” Perry coached Brenna in hockey from when she was a very young age until she started playing

in high school. Mickie smiles as she fondly remembers Perry coming home after hockey practice when Brenna was very young and saying, “They cry. What in the

hell am I supposed to do? They cry!” Mickie’s response was, “They are girls, what do you think? Don’t yell at them anymore.”

The summer after Perry died, Mickie was dropped into a position she knew nothing about. “We spent the summer after he died getting [Brenna] to hockey tournaments so she could be seen. I had to take over in a role I knew nothing about.” Brenna made it into a couple of select teams, so they traveled to a few towns in Minnesota. “I would show up at the rink and try to say the right thing to the coaches.” Then, Brenna got the call from the coach at Augsburg. “She wanted to play at

“I always say I can brag about her all I want because I have no input into her talent—that was all her dad.”


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UND like her dad, but I said, ‘You have to go on one recruiting trip to see what it is like.’” Mickie and Brenna went on a campus visit to Augsburg College to meet with the coach. “At one point, the coach left the room and [Brenna] whispered, ‘Mom, I really like it.’” Mickie was pleased that her daughter is academically gifted and was awarded a scholarship. “There is no way we could afford private school tuition.”

Now, Mickie finds that she has the house to herself. “I’m starting to have that freedom to spend time on myself.” Her business is thriving and she is thrilled to see the advancements happening in downtown Grand Forks and proud to be part of it. “I see some really cool things happening down-town. I love the vibe, I love the feel—I wouldn’t be anywhere else.”

“I am most proud of still being in business. I’m proud of any female busi-ness owner that is able to be profitable and stay profitable and keep evolv-ing. I’m also proud of the relationships that we have built in town and the image that we have.” When True Colors opened, they were the only resale boutique in town. “It’s part of our business model to provide a shopping

experience. It’s not just about used clothes. The point is just to be dif-ferent.”

True Colors has a good base of Canadian shoppers, in addition to rural travelers from Minnesota on their way into Grand Forks over the bridge on Demers. “I love hearing that ‘When we come

to town, this is the first place we come’ [statement]. That makes me feel good that we are a destination.”

Mickie has learned over the years that Grand Forks residents are excep-tionally caring and giving. “People still come up to me in the store and ask, ‘How are you doing? You look really thin.’ I say, ‘I’m okay, I’m just running. I just run.’” Mickie took up running again about a year ago. “One day I just woke up and said, ‘I’m going to run today.’” She has felt fortunate that by owning her own business, it has allowed her the flex-ibility to spend time with her family and doing things for herself when she needs to.

Something that is new to Mickie is dating. She describes it with one word: “weird.” “When you are 40 going on 50 it’s a whole different world. We are not who we were in college when we were all starting out living this life adventure together step-by-step.” Mickie is happy to say she now has someone in her life.

Mickie has learned to say “no” when she needs to because her priorities are her kids and her business. “Because I have a son with special needs, that responsibility never ends, and now I do it alone and that has prob-ably been the most difficult thing.”

Because of her vision and leadership, True Colors is the premier resale shop in Grand Forks. She is proud of her past and excited for her future. She has been blindsided a few times and because of that, she has a clear view of her life to come. She is looking forward to her retirement when she can enjoy a warm breeze and palm trees. She deserves it. [GCW]

http://sublimepros.com/

PRACTICAL NURSE PROGRAMBEGINNING IN AUGUSTCLASSES HELD AT ACHIEVETHERAPY AND FITNESSIN GRAND FORKS

DEVILS LAKE, ND

Practical Nurse Certificate (LPN)and Associate Degree Nurse (RN)programs also delivered atLake Region State Collegein Devils Lake and atMayville State University

http://www.lrsc.edu/

Date post:	22-Mar-2016
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Grand Cities Woman Volume 3, Issue 3

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