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CAREGIVING THE YEAR OF POWERFUL SELF CARE CALLED TO SYRIA EVERYDAY ABORTION DOULAS WOMEN MN NURSES UNION

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CAREGIVING ISSUE WOMENSPRESS.COM MAY 2018 ISSUE 34-5 MINNESOTA "What would it mean for me, a woman of color, to actually pause? None of the women around me ever WOMEN’S PRESS paused — they couldn't afford to. POWERFUL. EVERYDAY. WOMEN. There is always one more job to keep up with, bills to pay, rent due, children to raise, elders to care for." — Aida Martinez-Freeman

What’s inside? PHOTO BY SARAH WHITING SARAH BY PHOTO Editor Letter 3 The Nature of Giving Care Reader Response 4 Where Are You Giving Your Energy? Think: News Roundup 7 GoSeeDo Calendar 8

CareGiving ______12-18 • Lindsey Smith: Called to Syria • Minnesota Nurses Association: Protecting Patients and Caregivers • SPIRAL Collective Doulas THE DOULAS OF SPIRAL COLLECTIVE PAGE 16 • The Mental Game of Caretaking BookShelf 20 Contact Us MWP team Redefining Success: A Parent's Perspective Conscious Mind 24 651-646-3968 Owner/Editor: Mikki Morrissette Aida Martinez-Freeman: Caring for Oneself [email protected] Business Development Director: Shelly Damm Column 26 Send a letter to the editor/suggest story idea Managing Editor: Sarah Whiting Amoke Kubat: Care. Less. Whispers. [email protected] Contributors: Terri Banaszewski, Sharon Day, Christy Grounded 27 Subscribe [email protected] Diane Farr, Anne Hamre, Neda Kellogg, Amoke Sharon Day: Ni Mama Akii Advertise [email protected] Kubat, Khadijah Lamah, Aida Martinez-Freeman, Julie Novak, Erica Rivera, Lindsey Smith Art of Living 46 Events listings [email protected] A Conversation with Becca Cerra Reporters: Nichelle Brunner, Siena Iwasaki Milbauer, Our vision: There is much to be done, now Oluwatobi Oluwagbemi What Women WAnt more than ever. We believe it is the creative Digital/Events Development: Mikki Morrissette Annual Survey of Women's Favorites 30 and collaborative energy of women that will bring measurable change for all lives. We turn Design/Photography: Sarah Whiting the dial by bridging communities — by sharing Factchecker: Selena Moon Ad guides the perspectives of powerful everyday women. Copy editor: Kelly Gryting Buy Local 10 Terri Banaszewski: Why I Invest Locally Proofreader: Quinn Dreasler The Minnesota Women’s Press is distributed free at Julie Novak: Why I Buy Locally more than 500 locations. To find a copy near you, Advertising Sales: Shelly Damm, Michele Holzwarth visit womenspress.com and click on “get a copy” or call 651-646-3968. Help fund our storytellers with a Accounting: Fariba Sanikhatam Just for Kids 22 subscription: [email protected] Neda Kellogg: Project DIVA Operations: Kari Larson Minnesota Women’s Press LLC Home _____ 28 970 Raymond Ave., Suite 201 Past Publishers: Christy Diane Farr: Charismatic Clutter St. Paul, MN 55114 Mollie Hoben & Glenda Martin (1985-2002) Classified Ads 44 ©2018 by Minnesota Women’s Press LLC Kathy Magnuson & Norma Smith Olson (2003-2017) All rights reserved. ISSN #1085-2603

THE NATURE OF GIVING CARE MIKKI MORRISSETTE, EDITOR

“If all the world is a commodity, how poor we grow. When all the world is a gift in motion, how wealthy we become.” — Robin Kimmerer, “Braiding Sweetgrass”

Taking care of others has never been It was a gift to me to reverse our roles from the world sacred again? Even in a market my strong suit. When I was in middle decades ago, helping him get ready for bed, economy, can we behave as if the living school, my mother went back to college to turning out his light, and saying goodnight. world were a gift?” deepen her nursing education at St. Kate’s. My patient 14-year-old son was by my Strawberries, for example, simply give Eventually, she became a nurse practitioner. side — also a gift — using his spring break themselves to us. Humans have made them A neighbor asked if I would follow in my time to repetitively explain things to his a commodity that can be bought and sold. mother’s footsteps — nursing still seemed to grandfather. It was a rare extension of care I “The market economy story has spread like be one of the primary job opportunities for could give my mother, who gave herself the wildfire, with uneven results for human young women — which might have fueled luxury of reading a book. well-being and devastation for the natural my desire to start a completely unnecessary A gift in motion: when we see care as world. But it is just a story we have told neighborhood newspaper as my training giving, not as taking, and freely offer our ourselves and we are free to tell another.” ground instead. powers as interdependent beings to create Humans might better learn to share our I recently spent a week relieving my spaces for each other. own gifts, “to celebrate our kinship with the mother by taking care of my father, who has world. We can choose.” dementia, so that she could get a week to Giving Care With All of the Living In this issue, we look at the role of women recharge in Arizona. The funds my mother as gifts of living care. A few days after my mother returned, I saved from her nursing career are what had the privilege of interviewing Robin enabled me to make the down payment Kimmerer for a future issue of this magazine. In the coming issues, we dig more to purchase this magazine — one of many She is a scientist and the author of “Braiding deeply into how women nourish investments she has made on behalf of Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific community through food and place. family. Hers is a classic story of the power of Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants.” everyday women. She says our tendency is to make an "it" of While with my dad, I edited the articles in June theme: “Food” other living beings. In a public conversation this issue. Stories from: Food justice, community-based in front of a few hundred, with local • Lindsey, who describes her work with gardens and farms, bringing people author Heid Erdrich, Kimmerer suggested the Syrian refugee crisis. together with food. In this issue we we might consider replacing “he,” “she,” • Robin, a nurse, who advocates for want to know: Tell us about a time and “it” with the word “ki,” which comes patients and co-workers and volunteers with food that was special to you. from the Ojibwe word “aki,” or “the land.” in her spare time for the needs of people Send up to 100 words or a visual to The plural form of this non-binary, non- who are homeless. [email protected]. othering word, she suggested, could be • Aida, who has given herself permission Deadline: May 10. “kin.” A collective gasp of acceptance was to slow down. audible in the crowd. • The women in our expanded Reader Kimmerer writes that true leadership is July theme: “Spaces” Response section, who invest energy not about generosity — giving wisdom and Where do we feel safe? Where do only in others, but in themselves. care to others. In her soothing, lyrical way, we feel we belong? Or, are we still As cheré (whose name is not capitalized), she indicates that modern humans have looking? In this issue we want to a doula in a unique collective, put it: “It feels forgotten how to listen to the earth as a know: Tell us about a place where like a special sacred space — the work we living force that gives us care. you felt at home. Send up to do and the relationships we cultivate with She writes: “How, in our modern world, 100 words or a visual to editor@ each other and the culture that we create.” can we find our way to understand the earth womenspress.com. Deadline: June 10. The week with my father did feel sacred. as a gift again, to make our relations with

Minnesota Women’s Press womenspress.com May 2018 3 READER RESPONSE WHERE ARE YOU GIVING YOUR ENERGY? Dying With Dignity Giving and Finding Energy I am part of a group of Minnesotans leading the eff ort to pass I give and fi nd my energy being around those who are passionate the End-of-Life Options Act. Modeled aft er Oregon’s Death with about their work — whether education, policy, law, business, writing, Dignity (DwD) law, it would authorize the practice of medical science or any fi eld. Th ere is power when people from all walks of life, aid in dying. Terminally ill adults of sound mind may ask for and race, religion, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, or ability come together to receive a prescription medication they can self-administer for a discuss issues they are passionate about and fi nd a common ground peaceful death if and when their suff ering becomes unbearable. to stand on. Six states and the District of Columbia currently authorize medical I give and fi nd my energy knowing that I can make a diff erence for aid in dying and 20 more states have introduced legislation. others. "Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile." I am giving My volunteers inspire me and keep me working in this politically my energy to my community by making sure that I contribute my contentious environment. Sally quit her job to provide daily talent of writing, and volunteering when possible. I am focusing my physical care for her mother who lingered for months before dying energy on women who are in the minority so that they can have a fair from leukemia. Dave watched his active, robust, elderly father chance in the community when it comes to making decisions. slowly dwindle and die from metastatic melanoma. Pam supported — Oluwatobi Oluwagbemi her mother who, at the age of 80, discovered bladder cancer that had spread to her spine. All these committed caregivers were at the Transformation in Hospice bedside when their loved ones expressed desire for a peaceful end. I am retired from a career in hospice as a grief counselor. Yet I -Dr. Rebecca Th oman, Compassion & Choices continue in this work because it sustains me. I never fail to be awed and inspired by the resiliency of those surviving loss. Th e teacher Firefl y Sisterhood who returned to the classroom aft er a death and used her pain as a Diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 32, when my children teachable moment to read "Tear Soup." A parent who buried a child were one and three years old, I felt forced to strip life down to and started a bike helmet awareness program. Everyday experiences its simplest form: energy, and how to maximize the use of my — weeping and smiling, exhaustion and newfound stamina, anger dwindling supply. I searched for someone who could relate to my and forgiveness, loneliness and tranquil solitude, doubt and new situation and off er support as I struggled to parent my girls while perspectives of the sacred — all are transformative consequences of going through breast cancer treatment, but local groups were fi lled grief. It is my regular encounters with grieving people that nourishes with older women. Eventually, as a survivor, I learned about Firefl y my optimism and fractures my cynicism. Sisterhood. I now put my energy into supporting young women — Judy Young who are parenting through their own cancer experience. Th ere is power, hope, and healing in connecting with another person who The Ritual and Mountain Pose understands what you are going through. I measure out my husband's cereal, pour his milk, and brew his coff ee. My energy? It is limited. But with the help of breast cancer I bring in the newspaper and put out the sign to announce we are "okay." survivors, those recently diagnosed with breast cancer, caregivers, I check his blood pressure and wash his back in the shower. In yoga family and friends, we combine our energy to light the way from diagnosis to healing for the thousands of women diagnosed with class, I close my eyes. I breathe in. I breathe out. I fi nd the quiet in my breast cancer in Minnesota each year. center. I stand tall in mountain pose. I make dinner and do laundry. I — Amy Tix read "Twenty Poems of Love and a Song of Despair" by Neruda. — Katharine Málaga

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4 Minnesota Women’s Press womenspress.com May 2018 Natural World As an early childhood environmental educator, I am focused on Kids at Risk Action empowering children to follow their own interests and curiosity, We both work with Kids at Risk Action (KARA). It is easier to explore outdoors, and make connections with the natural world. raise a healthy child than try to rectify the dollars and damage that — Dani Porter Born happens when we let a child slip through the cracks. In Tiffini's case, that realization came after determining that family court was not about supporting many families with children. As a member of the NAACP Child Protection Committee, she is working to pass the African-American Heritage Act. She supports people fighting for their children in a bureacratic system that can destroy a family DANI PORTER BORN PORTER DANI in so many ways, including out-of-home placement, juvenile incarceration and the prison pipeline. In Patti's case, she adopted four abused children. A family friend, who observed the process, was horrified by the child protection system and formed KARA 25 years ago. Early trauma affects children's ability to reach full potential for the rest of their life. A CDC study, "Adverse Childhood Experiences," was recently highlighted on "60 Minutes" by Oprah Winfrey. The study found that you can help and treat, but not fix, brains that did not develop normally due to childhood trauma. The mission of KARA: increase understanding and awareness of the issues important to abused children by actively engaging the larger community in discussion and volunteerism. Being vs. Doing — Tiffini Flynn Forslund and Patti Hetrick, invisiblechildren.org When we think of giving energy, we immediately jump to doing work for others. I’d like to suggest that we consider the image of a gentle hug we give ourselves — making contact with our tired mind, body, and spirit, acknowledging that giving care to self allows for a more sustainable effort of caring for others. Perhaps sitting quietly on a park bench observing, admiring, and relishing the sights and Hawks View sounds in the fresh air. The beauty of the re-set to self, whether I Feminist therapy am the unapologetic woman saying "no" to one more commitment, Cottages & Lodges with a national or the apologetic woman saying "no" for the first time to heed the Deluxe forest cottages and lodges reputation for warning signs of overload. high above the Mississippi River I’ve had chronic Rheumatoid Arthritis for 24 years. I was diagnosed and Seven Hawks Vineyards at Valuing connection to with breast cancer in 2012. I had chemo and radiation, seven historic Fountain City, Wis. self and others reconstruction-related surgeries, including a double mastectomy, Supporting a woman’s lip cancer twice with ongoing plastic surgery, skin cancer, colon journey to fi nd her surgery, and, in December, open lung surgery. Underneath it all own voice simmers an auto-immune disease wreaking havoc on all areas of my Providing a safe body, yet I need to find value and purpose in what I “do.” envi ron ment Even with those forces against me, I struggled to embrace self-care. for women’s growth I was forced to slow down, stop, rest, and evaluate caregiving, yet my mind was still tallying the self scorecard of how much can I “do?” Indi vid u al, Couple & Family MindBody Skills Group How much am I “doing?” There was no column on my scorecard for just “being” and “self-care.” Those became self-criticizing words of Visit us at www.hawksview.net 612-379-2640 St. Anthony Main laziness and failure. [email protected] It was as though my mind had a choke-hold on the parts of me that wanted to celebrate being mindful. Being restful. Being quiet. Being 651-293-0803 still. So after a lifetime of measuring how to keep “doing” more, Enjoy FREE wine tasting the past five years have slowly taught me how to “be” more. The measurement stick of life is being replaced with measured stillness. in our Seven Hawks For any of you women out there who feel as though perfecting Vineyards Tasting Room your sense of “being” and self-care is in anyway self-aggrandizing, 17 North Street I call B.S. 608-687-WINE(9463) — Susan Pettit www.sevenhawksvineyards.com

Minnesota Women’s34-1 Press updated womenspress.com leaves May 2018 5 READER RESPONSE

Mending the Mindset About Mental Illness Pet Love “The mentally ill frighten and embarrass us. And I adopted a dog with socialization needs, who also needed to gain so we marginalize the people who most need our the strength to walk again. We eventually walked everywhere and acceptance. What mental illness needs is more got to know people who loved dogs or needed a dog to love. Now he insists on going for a walk about the time the school bus drops sunlight, more candor, more unashamed conversation.” off the high schoolers, and when neighbors go to and from work. —Glenn Close, whose sister has bipolar disorder He greets everyone as his long-lost buddy. I now work around his social schedule. He’s healthy and strong now. It’s been a lot of well- Years ago, when dressing aft er ninth grade gym class, I noticed invested energy and love. a wisp of blood on my panties. “Th ese can’t be mine,” I hollered — Peggy Arado hysterically. I was whisked to the nurse’s offi ce and then the ER. My fi rst panic attack. Other incidents followed, but at 16, I snapped out of it. I made National Honor Society, the synchronized swim team, My Energy Investment in the Deaf the girls' octet, and thespian of the year. Enhancing the quality of life for all people who are Deaf, DeafBlind, At age 22, I became a vagabond and traveled 40 countries in and Hard of Hearing is personal. As a Deaf person, I learned as one year. At 25, I ran away from an alcoholic husband, bunking a child that if I was going to succeed, I was going to break down on family and friends' fl oors. I was constantly sleep-deprived with barriers as part of my everyday job. I do not see myself as having racing thoughts. Eventually I stabilized, moved to Minnesota, an impairment, a disability, or any of the other terms. I see myself completed an MBA, and successfully pursued a corporate career. as someone who uses American Sign Language, and can succeed at Aft er another episode at 30, I was fi nally diagnosed with bipolar whatever she sets her mind to. I have helped Deaf people navigate and anxiety disorders and prescribed lithium. No one had told me a system that had barriers in court, going to shelters, working with the family history — my mother and grandfather were bipolar, and hearing service providers. As a Deaf life coach and yoga teacher, I my uncle had schizophrenia. A victim of genetics. have provided health, wellness, and yoga opportunities that are not One in fi ve people suff er from enduring mental illness. As one available. I am the only Deaf yoga teacher in Minnesota, and 1 out person put it, "Mental illness is an equal opportunity illness. It of 20 in the country. strikes across all barriers of race and class. Yet the public perception — Jessalyn Akerman-Frank, Deaf Equity is still the disheveled person on the street." I get a lot more respect as a breast cancer survivor than I do as a person with chronic mental illness. A majority of people with mental illness can be successfully treated — particularly if diagnosed early — with medication, Visit @mnwomenspress at Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and psychotherapy, physical exercise, supportive social relationships, a Instagram for links to our growing interactive communities. healthy diet, meditation/relaxation and good sleep habits. Visit womenspress.com for our library of articles on everything from Today, in retirement I live a rich and fulfi lling life. I am an Elder the environment to sexual assault, columns, letters to the Editor, a at my church, and a Community Board Member at the Ridgedale new video page in process, podcast recommendations, a songlist YMCA. I travel and write. I am a devoted and nurturing mother to about power, and more. my children and grandchild. See and support me for who I am, not the illness. A caring community matters. — Cindy Johnson Suplick

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6 Minnesota Women’s Press womenspress.com May 2018 THINK: NEWS ROUNDUP The Salvation Army Personalized fitness programs to help you live Booth Manor stronger and healthier. Early Childhood Data For seniors 62+ A new pilot program will help Minnesota begin connecting across from Loring Park information from home-visiting programs to the state’s Early • 1 bedrooms Childhood Longitudinal Data System (ECLDS). If successful, • Utilities included the program will help educators and policymakers measure the • Activities Director long-term benefi ts of home-visiting programs in Minnesota for and Service the fi rst time. Coordinator KARI LARSON, CPFT “Many children need better access to high-quality early •Smoke-free building learning opportunities and home-visiting programs well before 763-473-4840763-473-4840 1421 Yale Place, Minneapolis kindergarten so they are ready to learn on their fi rst day of www.KariLarsonFitness.comKariLarsonFitness.com school,” said Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius. 612-338-6313 “Linking home-visiting data to our early childhood data system will help us evaluate the long-term benefi ts of early learning investments. We are excited to work on this important project "Spiral," by Mary Simon-Casati, acrylic on Aluminum, 4’x6’ and learn more about what Minnesota children need early in life to help them succeed.” Hospital Prices Employers and the Minnesota Department of Health have joined together to add some price transparency to the hidden world of health care costs. A report of prices paid for a set of four diff erent common procedures at Minnesota hospitals found huge swings in prices depending on which hospital a patient selected. For example, while the average price paid for a knee replacement in Minnesota was $23,997, the range in prices paid to Minnesota hospitals between July 2014 and June 2015 was as low as $6,186 and as high as $46,974. Th e average price for a cesarean section delivery was $10,234, with the low price of $4,693 and the high of $22,831.

Tribal Wisdom Project Th e Tribal Wisdom Project develops the capacity of tribal communities in Minnesota to address trauma and promote healing through raising awareness around Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and building resiliency. Said one ACEs Interface respresentative, from Leech Lake: "As we discussed how ACEs can aff ect our behaviors, it was exciting to hear the comment, 'Oh, that would explain some behavior we have as soon as they walk through the door.' Being an ACEs trainer is important to me for that very reason. If I can help someone to have a better understanding of what ACEs are, what their impact is on our lives, and how to help build resiliency in others to overcome them, then I know I will have made a diff erence in opening the door to the acceptance and understanding of others."

Editor's Note: This issue shares several pieces relating to the life-long impact of trauma (an essay, a Reader Response, and the previous Think item). This is an ongoing discussion in our pages and on our website. Please send your own thoughts on the subject to [email protected] for a future theme.

Minnesota Women’s Press womenspress.com May 2018 7 GOSEEDO

TUESDAY 5/1, Minnesota Business Owners Hall of Fame SATURDAY 5/12, Undoing Racism Through the Arts Nine leaders will be inducted into Mixed Blood Th eatre invites Native the Minnesota Business Owners artists, artists of color, and allies from Hall of Fame, which honors all artistic disciplines to participate women who have made lasting in a day of dialogue, performance, contributions to Minnesota’s demonstrations, and creative workshops entrepreneurial community. Th is called “Living the Dream: Strategies for year’s honorees include Mary Jo Undoing Racism Th rough the Arts.” Copeland, founder of Sharing & Th e aft ernoon will include art-making Caring Hands and Mary’s Place, workshops lead by multimedia artist a transitional housing complex Ifrah Mansour, poets Sun Yung Shin and Nelle Palmer, who died in 1970, for women and children. 5:30pm. Su Hwang of Poetry Asylum, gospel and Ifrah Mansour is being awarded posthumously Golden Valley Country Club, 7001 soul singer Jayanthi Kyle, actor/educator for her role as owner of Lowell Golden Valley Road. Details: 612- Maria Asp, among others. $25, including lunch. 10am-4pm. Mixed Inn in Stillwater. 326-7772, nawbo-mn.org Blood Th eatre, 1501 S. 4th Street, Mpls. Details: 612-338-6131, mixedblood.com 5/4 - 5/19, The Princess Nightingale MONDAY 5/14, An Evening With Andrea Jenkins Andrea Jenkins made history last year when she was elected to the Minneapolis City Council. She became the fi rst openly trans African-American woman to be elected to offi ce in the country. She will talk about life, politics, and poetry. 7pm. Free. Quatrefoil, 1220 E. Lake St., Mpls. Details: 612-729- 2543, qlibrary.org Andrea Jenkins

DAN NORMAN/DAN NORMAN PHOTOGRAPHY NORMAN NORMAN/DAN DAN SUNDAY 5/20, HerStory Readers Houa Moua, Karina Yang, Alicia Th oj, Paj Zaub Vang, Houa Lor, and Christina Vang, are a group Natalie Tran as the Princess in "The Princess Nightingale" of Hmong storytellers moderated by host Mamie Xiong. It is part of the In this adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s “Th e Nightingale” @MinneAsianStories campaign. based in 18th century China — music, dance, and puppetry 3-5pm. St. Paul Neighborhood combine with a story about learning to see the world through open Network, 550 Vandalia St., Suite 170. eyes. SteppingStone Th eatre, in collaboration with Th eater Mu. 55 Details: [email protected], or Victoria Street N., St. Paul. See website for times and prices. Details: Facebook @mnherstory 651-789-1012, muperformingarts.org Mamie Xiong THROUGH 6/17, Japanese-American Nurses “Courage and Compassion: Our Shared Story of the Japanese American WWII Experience” is an exhibit that highlights the release of young Japanese-American women from internment camps to attend St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Rochester. It was an eff ort led by local Franciscan nuns. 9am – 5pm, Tues.-Sat. History Center of Olmsted County, 1195 West Circle Drive SW, Rochester. Details: 507-282-9447, olmstedhistory.com

8 Minnesota Women’s Press womenspress.com May 2018 Look for the Minnesota Women’s Press magazine at these events in May • Winona County History Center presents - Rooted in the Land: MN Women Farmers, April 14 – June 10 • Female Tastemakers’ Event 3.0, May 8 • Limitless Potential Luncheon for Girls on the Run Twin Cities, May 8 • FEW: Growing up in the Grocery Industry with Emily Coborn, May 9 • TeamWomenMN Annual Leadership Conference, May 11 • The Nicole Middendorf Foundation’s Annual Luncheon, May 11 • Anelace Night Market, May 11 • Literature Lovers' Night Out - Excelsior May 16 • Literature Lovers’ Night Out - Stillwater, May 17 • Training To Serve Annual Benefit, “Land of 10,000 Trained”, May 17 • 2018 MDVA Women Veteran Conference, May 26 • Tweed Museum of Art presents In Solidarity: Revolutionary Women of Print, May 29 - Aug 26 • Faribault AAUW Used Book Sale, May 30 - June 4 • MN Women in Networking (WIN) Events • Art of Counseling Workshops • MN Women in Marketing & Communications (MWMC) Workshops & Events • Irene Greene, MSED Workshops & Events • CanCan Wonderland Events • Women’s Environmental Institute (WEI) Events • Minnesota Peacebuilding Leadership Institute Film Series • Women Leading in Technology Events • Second Saturday Divorce Workshop for Women • PACER Center Workshops and Events • NAWBO-MN Events • League of Women Voters - South Tonka Events • Women Entrepreneurs of Minnesota Events • Women's Initiative for Self Empowerment (WISE) Events • U of M Women’s Center Events • TeamWomenMN Events • Business Development Mastermind Group Events by Rich Chicks

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Minnesota Women’s Press womenspress.com May 2018 9 WHY I INVEST LOCALLY WHY I BUY LOCALLY BY TERRI BANASZEWSKI BY JULIE NOVAK COURTESY PHOTO COURTESY COURTESY PHOTO COURTESY

Buy local. Support local independent businesses. We hear it all the When I pick up vitamins and prescriptions at St. Paul Corner time, but it is more important now than ever. Even big-box solutions Drug instead of CVS, I know that my pharmacist not only gives that we have grown used to for one-stop convenience are struggling me the information I need about my medications and vitamins, because of online shopping. but personally supports the local community. When I grab my Is that Buywhere local. our Support values local are? independentOnline? Convenience? What does morning coffee at Amore Coffee instead of Starbucks on my way thatbusinesses. do for our We sense here of it community? all the time but it is to work, I know manager Tara and owner Nancy roast their coffee moreI work important in a neighborhood now than ever. where Sure, wepeople all know my name. St. beans in-house and purchase their food products and supplies Anthonylike the bigPark box is solutions a small forcommunity a one stop touchingshop both St. Paul and from local vendors. When I recycle my old electronics with Tech Minneapolisbut in today’s that has environment been around and since with the the late 1800s. People move Dump, I know I’ve helped offer employment to those that need toadvent neighborhoods of the online like shopping this because craze, those it is bigwalkable and you can get it most while reducing my impact on the environment. When I your basic necessities,boxes plus are frills,even struggling.nearby. Retail, groceries, service enjoy a meal with my family at Stout’s Pub, I know the waitstaff businesses,Lets and take dining my local in a neighborhoodfew blocks. Not for a big box among them! will put their well-earned tip money back into our local economy. The communityexample. likesPeople it thatare moving way. However, to this my guess is that many Local businesses are personally and professionally invested in the of us neighborhoodstill get in our and cars many and driveneighborhoods a few miles — spending gas and neighborhoods they serve, in their employees, and in customers timesimilar in tra toffic it, because — for theit is "convenience" walkable and youof saving a few bucks at a big who spend their local dollars with them. boxcan store. get your basic necessities plus frills here. In so many ways, independent businesses can do what larger It is local businessesRetail, groceries, that create service neighborhood business jobs. Local owners corporations can’t. They give you personalized service and unique support local schools and nonprofits with donations. Some of them products that are often sourced locally and are thoughtfully diversify and create new businesses, or other investments in nearby selected specifically for our local needs. blocks. Local independent businesses help to keep our personal real I see this firsthand in my professional life. I know those local estate taxes in check. business owners, and they know me. The bank where I work runs a coffee bar; it donates at least $500 Sure, Amazon is easy — and sometimes a valid choice for each month directly to local youth, schools, daycares, and other what I’m purchasing — but the care, knowledge, expertise, and groups. A local owner developed a property into 25 units of multi- enthusiasm that is found at local, independent businesses is family housing, which increased the property tax base. undeniable. Isn’t that what it’s all about? We all do better when we I grew up in the small town of Wadena. Local business is what it all do better? was all about. Everything was centered in a few blocks. My first job What sets independent businesses apart is the personal was at the local Red Owl grocery store. I got to know every business investment of time and energy, caring about what is important, owner. All my friends worked somewhere “downtown” after school. the willingness to contribute, and the ability to make things We all shopped the local stores. happen locally. I am fortunate to have that same sense of community where I work As a consumer, you have the freedom to choose where and how now. That is why I do everything I can, personally and professionally, you spend your money. Investing it locally will have an impact to invest my money right here, right now. well beyond the dollar itself.

Terri Banaszewski is Vice President of Business Development at Sunrise Julie Novak has worked in banking for 25 years. She is happy to Banks, responsible for growing business, retail, and residential mortgage work as Vice President of Commercial Lending for BankCherokee, portfolios through business development activities, involvement in a local community bank that serves the needs of local clients and community events, and outreach. She serves on many boards including neghborhoods. She serves on Keystone Community Service board, St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce, and volunteers at WomenVenture. MetroIBA, and several local non-profit boards and committees.

10 Minnesota Women’s Press womenspress.com May 2018 Your local neighborhood Veterinary Clinic BUY LOCAL since 1973! 4104 East Lake St. Dr. Steven Olson Minneapolis 55406 Dr. Sally Dale 612-729-2374 Dr. Stephanie Athavale

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Minnesota Women’s Press womenspress.com May 2018 11 CAREGIVING CALLED TO SYRIA SUBMITTED BY LINDSEY SMITH

t was 2015 and millions of refugees were arriving on the shores of Greece. I watched in horror as images spread online of bodies washed up on beaches. I was a nurse practitioner, having Igraduated from St. Kate's 18 months earlier. I had backpacked through many countries, including those in the Middle East, aft er college. I wanted to get a better cultural understanding of Islam, since I would have many Muslim patients in Minnesota. Aft er seeing the images of refugees, I felt I had to do something. It wasn’t long before I was on a plane heading for northern Greece.

"If you save one COURTESY PHOTO COURTESY life, you also save all the children they would have, and their children’s children. The difference we make to one life transcends our lifetime."

Lindsey Smith (right) in the fi eld

By then, millions of people had fl ed their of goods, hoping to peacefully protest in pulled onto the edge of the sprawling camp war-torn country, crossed over the Aegean this manner until the borders re-opened. and started assessing and treating people Sea into Greece, and traveled further into Th e local town is very small and rural, and right outside the van in a farm fi eld. Europe to join their families. Th e countries there is only one ambulance for the region. Th e experience was overwhelming. I had bordering Greece reacted by closing their Riot police oft en came into the camp when never witnessed such a crisis and, at the borders. Th ey set up tall fences with huge protests escalated. Th ey would spray the same time, experienced such loving energy. coils of barbed wire on top and in front of the crowds with mace and shoot rubber bullets Refugees who were bilingual came to help fences. On the other side were tanks pointed larger than golf balls. us translate. Kids pulled on our sleeves to towards "Idomeni camp” and army stations. It was a horrible situation, but people play, people brought us hot tea in whatever People tried to cross a river so they could get really wanted to travel through. containers they could fi nd. Families insisted around the fence, but many drowned. When I arrived in Macedonia, I joined we eat their food rations to keep our energy Idomeni was the name of a large farm fi eld a humanitarian organization of people to do the work. Rations consisted of an in northern Greece along the Macedonian from around the world, called the Syrian apple, banana, bread and a bottle of water border. Th ere were 35,000 refugees gathered American Medical Society (SAMS). We met a day. Oft en refugees stood in line for two here, as it was an important point where each other at camp, worked out of a van hours to receive this daily allotment. trains ran from Greece to Macedonia. Th ey rented by SAMS, and carried medications Everyone was so friendly and grateful that slept on the tracks to stop train transport and supplies in our backpacks. We simply we were there. I was oft en asked about my

12 Minnesota Women’s Press womenspress.com May 2018 family and where I came from. They wanted seen the worst of it. as a nurse practitioner — caring for those to know how my parents were doing, even I came to Macedonia with full intent to suffering from war, genocide, or natural though they had never met them. Women make a difference. On that tragic day of the disaster — I have evolved. This work has invited me in their tent to lay on their mat bus accident, I started to feel that my efforts changed me. to rest and attended to me as if I was an were a joke. A few years ago, my goal was to find a honored guest in their home. A young man named Ahmed, who was soulmate and have children. Now I am in One day, not long after I arrived, was an English major, a poet, and a refugee, love with something larger than one person, the most tragic day I'd ever experienced. was volunteering as a translator. He saw me and I love the privilege of being able to care A young man was accidentally crushed by sitting in the dirt and asked, “My friend, for children all over the world. a bus that was used to transport the riot what’s wrong?” I’ve left a comfortable job and my home, police. He had lost so much blood that we I explained to him that I was leaving in a and let go of objects I’ve hauled with me over knew he had no chance of surviving, but few days and I hadn’t changed anything. The the years. I’m coming up with ideas to make wanted to stabilize him through mouth-to- situation there was only getting worse. a living while allowing me the freedom to mouth resuscitation, a medical air bag and “No my friend, you have it all wrong," he respond when my crisis skills are needed. chest compressions, until an ambulance replied, "There is a verse in the Quran I will I have the rare opportunity to follow my could arrive. It took an hour for that to share with you. ‘To kill one person is to kill soul path. I am excited by where this journey happen, before he was taken to a hospital, all of humanity, but to save a person is to will take me. I love being surrounded by where he died. save all of humanity.’" amazing, intelligent and loving people from The energy during that hour was intense, He went on to explain that if you save one all over the world. with word spreading that the police had life, you also save all the children they would Of course, it's not all positive. I find myself done this. I watched as people reacted with have, and their children’s children. The struggling with depression and exhaustion. every emotion you can imagine. There difference we make to one life transcends I struggle with wanting to practice self- was fear, screaming anger, uncontrollable our lifetime. "The change will be beyond care, and not finding the energy and time sobbing. I saw some people faint and others your understanding,” he said. to do so. People know me as strong and rage. Riot police pushed in, escalating the This brief but powerful conversation determined. But sometimes my heart can’t emotions. Tear gas rolled across the camp. has kept me going since, no matter how take any more suffering. Sound bombs fired, triggering every child’s exhausted I feel or how emotionally difficult When I am at my lowest and ready to post-war trauma. the work is. give up, I see the faces of the individuals After what seemed like an eternity, it was I have connected with. I know my Syrian all over. The crowd dispersed. The man was How to Keep Going American Medical Society family is only on his way to the hospital. I fell to the dirt a phone call away. I remember Ahmed's I’ve continued to provide care in military and felt completely hopeless and defeated. recitation from the Quran. "To save a camps in Northern Greece, on the front person is to save all of humanity." lines during the battle against ISIS in Mosul, Hopelessness in Iraq, and in Puerto Rico shortly after Many people have been affected by the hurricane Irma. Lindsey Smith is the first non-Syrian and second refugee crisis, and this was a small number As I write this, I leave on an airplane today woman president of the Syrian American of people in Greece. It did not include those for Lebanon on the Syrian border, where Medical Society Minnesota chapter. She seeking refuge in Jordan, Turkey, Lebanon, people are dying from hypothermia at night. serves on SAMS Global Response, focusing and so many other places. The ufferings is There I will lead a team, including 10 other efforts on serving countries in crisis and immense. The people I saw in Greece were Minnesotans. In July I will lead a medical natural disasters outside of the Syrian Conflict. the lucky ones. They had the money and training mission to Egypt. health to travel that far. I knew I hadn’t even Over the last few years of volunteering

Minnesota Women’s Press womenspress.com May 2018 13 CAREGIVING

PROTECTING PATIENTS AND THEIR CAREGIVERS REPORTED BY ANNE HAMRE

or Robin Henderson, the best part of being a nurse Fis interacting with patients. But her time with them is all about quality, not quantity. "I have to make an impact in about fi ve WHITING SARAH BY PHOTO minutes," she said, "because aft er that, they're asleep."

Henderson has been an operating room nurse for 17 years. In the fi ve — sometimes 10, maybe 15 tops — minutes she has with a patient before a procedure, she'll explain what will happen before, during, and aft erwards. You might wake up with a head the size of a pumpkin, for example. But no worries, the swelling will go down within an hour, she reassures. Aft er the patient is asleep and can no longer monitor what's happening, Henderson is the representative and advocate. Th e worst part of the job, Henderson says, Robin Henderson at the Minnesota Nurses Association is not "having what you need when you need it." What she and other nurses need, above longer than 16 consecutive hours everyone “working to give the patient the all else, is other people. (double shift ), or multiple nurses best possible outcome,” says Henderson. Th e Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) working consecutive double shift s. Th e ability to help others on a daily basis, represents 20,000 Registered Nurses and To address the problem, MNA wants a state and make a real diff erence in someone's life, other healthcare professionals in Minnesota, law setting standards for, and limits on, the is what drew her to working at a hospital Wisconsin, and Iowa. Henderson sits on the number of patients a nurse can be assigned more than 30 years ago, when she was 17 association's Board of Directors. to care for at one time. Legislators from both years old. Henderson worked in medical Short staffi ng is a major focus of the MNA, parties have authored nurse staffi ng bills in records, later becoming an administrative which compiles an annual safe staffi ng the 2017-18 session, but as of this writing, assistant, handling payroll and scheduling report. According to the 2016 report, "Short they have not moved out of committee. shift s for nurses in the surgery department. staffi ng occurs when there are not enough Although it doesn’t necessarily result in Th e experience inspired her to go to school nursing staff scheduled or available to care harm, Henderson says, patient care suff ers to become a nurse herself. for patients on a specifi c hospital unit at one when nurses don’t have time to simply sit Henderson spent fi ve years as a nurse time." In 2016, MNA documented 3,000 with patients and get to know them. “You in the psychiatry department, which she incidents of short staffi ng — a 45 percent have to keep moving. Your focus is always found interesting and rewarding. Yet she jump since 2014. Th e report uses Concern on the next task [when there are not enough wanted to get back to surgery, where she'd for Safe Staffi ng (CFSS) forms, on which nurses available],” she says. "Th at's what been an administrative assistant, “to prove nurses track patient care breakdowns in 17 causes your staff to burn out." I could, because they never had people of categories, including: Th e operating room has to be cleaned color there.” Henderson fi gured she'd stay • Delays in treatments, medications, and between procedures. If those who do that fi ve years in surgery, then move on to the care, and incomplete assessment work are stretched too thin, the half hour emergency department. Seventeen years and admissions. a patient sits in pre-op could become 45 later, she’s still in the OR. “I haven’t made it • Unanswered patient call lights. minutes or an hour. Th at's extra time for a back to the ER yet,” she says with a chuckle. • Incomplete discharge instructions. patient to get nervous. Along with safe staffi ng, workplace safety • Overtime that results in nurses working A hospital runs on teamwork, with — including violence prevention — is

14 Minnesota Women’s Press womenspress.com May 2018 another key focus for nurses. From 2002 walks with a mild limp. to 2013, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor "I have been lucky," she sums up, "but 17 Take Action Statistics data, workers in the health care years is considered a new nurse, so ask me Contact your legislators on nurse and social assistance sectors experienced again in another 17 years." staffing and healthcare workplace workplace violence-related injuries at a Clearly, nursing is mentally, physically, safety issues. If you don’t know who rate more than four times higher than and emotionally demanding. But it your legislators are, find out here: workers in the private sector overall. only takes "one thank you or one patient leg.state.mn.us/leg/districtfinder In 2013, 80 percent of serious violent squeezing your hand and offering you a incidents reported in healthcare settings small smile to let a nurse know why we do MNA holds a Mini Day on the Hill on were caused by interactions with patients. what we do," says Henderson. May 2, from 9am to 3pm, at the State The most common causes of violent The demands of nursing — mentally, Capitol. The 2018 session is scheduled injuries in healthcare occupations were physically, and emotionally — are to conclude on May 21. hitting, kicking, beating, and/or shoving. challenging. To relax, Henderson reads In 2015, MNA helped pass a state law and takes vacations. Are you a member of MNA, but not requiring hospitals to develop plans to She also volunteers on behalf of people involved in the organization? MNA prevent violence before it happens, not who are homeless or otherwise in need. For wants to hear from you. According to Robin Henderson, MNA is making a to simply respond to it after an incident. example, she spearheaded operating room particular effort to seek input from, Currently, enhanced penalties only drives to collect cotton socks for people at and encourage participation by more apply to assaults occurring in a hospital’s emergency shelters and backpacks for low- diverse voices, such as young nurses emergency department. This year, MNA income students. "We pick a school or a and people of color. supports a bill that increases criminal shelter," says Henderson. "We go where the penalties for assaulting a nurse, physician, need is greatest." or other healthcare provider anywhere in In that spirit, MNA’s platform also a hospital. calls for affordable housing, as well as Violence at hospitals, Henderson notes, affordable child care, a $15/hour minimum "I believe that fatigue doesn’t have boundaries. “There have to be wage, immigrant rights, and gun violence safety measures throughout the hospital," prevention. "As nurses, we're always going is the biggest obstacle she says. to take care of people," Henderson notes, to U.S. nurse's efforts to In addition to violence, nurses’ jobs "whether it's at work or out on the street." practice with integrity. On expose them to a variety of health issues. Back problems, shoulder injuries, and “bad a practical level, lack of feet” are common, she says. adequate staffing and poor Henderson considers herself fortunate Resources scheduling procedures can that her health issues have consisted MNA’s 2017 safe staffing report will be cause this." mainly of catching colds from patients, and released the week of May 6, which is National getting chicken pox — at age 35 — after Nurses Week. Look for it at mnnurses.org a youngster impulsively gave her a hug — Martha Turner, quoted in Spring 2018 and kiss. She also hurt her knee catching University of Minnesota School of a patient who tried to climb out of bed, Nursing magazine and later re-injured it helping a patient to the restroom. Henderson kept working for eight months before having surgery, because "the pain wasn't that bad." She

Minnesota Women’s Press womenspress.com May 2018 15 CAREGIVING PHOTO BY SARAH WHITING SARAH BY PHOTO

SPIRAL Collective teammates in front of the now-closed Cafe SouthSide, where they fi rst held meetings: Alison Goldsmith, Corenia Smith, Rowan Emmanuel, cheré bergeron. Not pictured is Nafeesa Dawoodbhoy. THE CARETAKERS OF SPIRAL COLLECTIVE REPORTED BY ERICA RIVERA

n 2012, the Twin Cities had one of the highest per-capita populations of doulas in the country. Most of them focused on birth work. Th e fi nancially sustainable ones tended to work with Ia homogenous group: white, wealthy, cis, and able-bodied. Th e SPIRAL (Supporting People in Reproduction, Abortion, and Loss) Collective started in November 2012 to help fi ll the gaps in reproductive services. SPIRAL Collective’s mission is to [as options]. A big thing we provide is broaden the spectrum of who gets just the entry point,” says co-director "This work makes me a support during their pregnancy cheré suzette bergeron, who uses lower better person," says outcome, whether that’s birth, abortion, case letters. co-director Corenia Smith. or miscarriage. Th e organization ffo ers One of SPIRAL Collective’s most birth planning, emotional support for popular off erings is its annual abortion "It brings out what your true miscarriage, and referrals to support doula training program, which trained values are — your core. It groups. Th ey also provide in-home 307 abortion doulas and reproductive makes you more critical and pregnancy tests, pregnancy options justice advocates between 2013 and analytical of the society that counseling, transportation to and 2017. Th e curriculum covers the from abortion appointments, abortion anatomy and physiology of abortion, we live in and how we've support at home and in-clinic, and comfort measures for medical and become complacent to it, abortion aft ercare kits. surgical abortions, and emotional but also how you don't have “It can be such a minefi eld trying to support strategies. Th e training also fi gure out who you can even disclose encourages participants to identify to be complacent." information to about your pregnancy their own privileges and biases, and status, or what you’re thinking about the stigmas surrounding reproductive

16 Minnesota Women’s Press womenspress.com May 2018 healthcare. After the two-day training, real with them,” bergeron says. “Sometimes training fees, and accepts individual participants can connect with Planned we end up being the messengers of really donations through a PayPal account. On Parenthood to volunteer abortion doula shitty news, like, ‘Sorry, there isn’t a clinic the leadership's wish list are more funding support on a shift basis. we can refer you to that we can guarantee sources, becoming a non-profit, increasing When SPIRAL Collective started, many will respect your pronouns.’” visibility, and training specifically for people white cis-gendered doulas were eager to SPIRAL Collective has supported more of color. add abortion support to their repertoire than 700 clients since its inception. Between The leadership keeps a low profile — their of paid services. But the organization 2016 and 2017, the number of clients it names and pictures are purposely not on the identified more as a grassroots project that served quadrupled. organization’s website. They want SPIRAL emphasized leadership from marginalized bergeron recalls their first transportation Collective to be about the work, not the communities — like trans people, people assistance client, who spoke Spanish. leadership’s personalities. But they can’t help of color, and people with disabilities. That's bergeron picked her up, answered her but be affected by the work they do. why the training is open to anyone on a questions, and informed her about what to “This work makes me a better person,” sliding fee scale, with scholarships available expect. They stayed with the client during says co-director Corenia Smith, who is a for marginalized people. the appointment and gave the client a ride birth doula and nursing student. “It brings If this were an ideal world, bergeron says, home. The client asked bergeron to take the out what your true values are — your core. there might be a future in which clients condoms she had been given at the clinic It makes you more critical and analytical don’t have to rely on an organization like because no one at her home knew where of the society that we live in and how we’ve SPIRAL Collective for support — where she’d been that day. She offered bergeron become complacent to it, but also how you they can turn instead to family members or $100 cash for gas. bergeron refused it, but don’t have to be complacent.” friends to provide abortion doula care. "We the client insisted. “Money isn’t the ultimate “SPIRAL gives my life such deep meaning,” recognize that may not ever be a reality for quantifier, but that [gesture] told me a lot echoes bergeron, who is a nursing student, some people," bergeron adds, "nor will it be about what that support meant to that herbalist, and body worker. “It feels like what everyone wants for themselves and person,” bergeron says. a really, really special, sacred space — their experience." SPIRAL Collective is a completely the work we do and the relationships we The advocates pride themselves on sharing volunteer-run organization. It received a cultivate with each other and the culture what they know, and admitting what they 2017 grant from the Trans Justice Funding that we create.” don’t, in conversation with clients. “We try Project and the Abortion Conversation to not sugar-coat it with people, and just be Projects, does its own fundraising, earns

Minnesota Women’s Press womenspress.com May 2018 17 CAREGIVING THE MENTAL GAME If it’s important to you it’s important to us. SUBMITTED BY JEAN WOOLCOTT* rticles about care-taking usually focus on the physical challenges of helping an aging or Adisabled family member: dressing, feeding, driving to doctors appointments.

But in the decade since my husband suff ered a stroke and I’ve been his caretaker, it isn’t the physical demands but the mental ones that have proven onerous. Like many mothers, I am the family’s logistical expert, juggling in my head soccer practice schedules, dentist appointments, and school lunch fees. Th en there’s the to-do list that most couples share: arranging home repairs, preparing taxes, talking to teachers, paying bills, helping with homework. Single parents know the burden of doing all that, right? It’s not those tedious, everyday organizational challenges that make me crazy, endless though they sometimes feel. Instead, it’s the whole range of extra incidents — mostly unpredictable but a regular part of living with a brain-damaged family member — that bring the stress and terror into my otherwise mundane days. Such as: • Th e time, shortly fta er he got home from the rehab center, that he threw away every piece of Tupperware because the containers didn’t match the lids.

18 Minnesota Women’s Press womenspress.com May 2018 • The time he chose a new dentist and proceeded to get $2,000 of Turn your unwanted work done without mentioning it to me. vehicle into a bright • The time his recumbent bicycle broke down on a remote path future for motivated and he called me to rescue him, but because of aphasia could not young adults in explain where he was. In my haste to find him, I managed to hit the Twin Cities. a kid on a bike. (The biker was fine; I was not.) • The time he stopped taking his allergy medicine because it made him sleepy, and ended up wheezing and gasping in the ER, needing half a dozen more meds and half a dozen extra appointments to learn how to breathe again. • The time he decided to stop taking his anti-seizure medication because it made him feel tired, and he suffered a full-fledged seizure while our 15-year-old was home alone with him. That ended in an ambulance ride and an overnight stay in the hospital. • The time he threw away a year’s worth of speech therapy Change someone’s life and get the fair market receipts, just because. Taxes? What taxes? value tax deduction that you deserve. • And the many, many times he has had something important to tell me — from the exact place in the house where the dog peed, Avoid the hassle and uncertainity of selling your car to strangers. Newgate will use your to his desperate need for a new leg brace — but he couldn’t come Newgate School up with the right words. I suck at guessing. vehicle as hands on training for their students who get more than a tuition free education, has a 5 Star rating! Staying one step ahead of him, reacting to various crises, and they get the experience and work ethic that it summoning the patience to wait out one more tortured story takes to build a career and support their family. telling — these are the truly exhausting parts of care-taking a brain- damaged spouse. Making dinner — now that’s easy. 612.378.0177

* The author is a longtime Minneapolis writer and editor. For her [email protected] husband's privacy, she is using a pseudonym.

Minnesota Women’s Press womenspress.com May 2018 19 BOOKSHELF

REDEFINING SUCCESS: A PARENT'S PERSPECTIVE BOOKS THAT RE-FRAME MENTAL HEALTH SUBMITTED BY KAY ROBBINS* "Trying Diff erently Rather Th an Harder: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders," by Diane Malbin “How are you?” A simple enough “How am I?” Worth the short read even if question, with a complex answer. “Drained. Frustrated. Uncertain. you are not aff ected by FASD. I have a neuro-diverse family. Th e Isolated. Grieving.” An epiphany for me to see brains of my children were wired Sometimes I feel I've lost myself. mental health conditions as diff erently from birth, with invisible Every ounce of my energy directed warranting accommodation conditions, ranging from depression toward someone else's well-being. similar to physical disabilities, and anxiety, to autism, to brain I make conscious efforts to care and understand that changing diff erences related to prenatal drug or for myself. To literally feed and environment amplifi es success. alcohol exposure. clothe and clean my own body. My days are fi lled setting my To do things that bring me joy. "Help for Billy: A Beyond children up for success. In our home: To connect with other adults and Consequences Approach to with nutrition and medications for nurture family relationships. To seek Helping Challenging Children the brain, clarifying expectations, communities where parents share in the Classroom," providing consistency and my experiences. Most importantly, by Heather T. Forbes mediation. In school: educating to celebrate the characteristics of Outstanding book full of real teachers on learning strategies that my children that delight me and stories and practical suggestions work, on brain-based reasons for motivate me to continue. about how to re-frame specifi c behaviors, on prevention I care for the children and I care for events from a mental health and de-escalation methods. In the the caregiver. To survive long term, perspective. My "go to" book community: supervising teens whose I need to re-defi ne “success.” If my when trying to help schools peers are independent, and educating hopes are truly unattainable, I'll be understand my children. librarians, police offi cers, anddiscouraged and quit, which serves employers as to why things seem “off .” no one. BOOKS THAT HELP BRING PEACE Th e needs of my children are so Not college-bound? Maybe food intense that I do this full-time now. photography earns a living wage. "Tear Soup: A Recipe for Th e world is not yet supportive Not able to get through a whole Healing Aft er Loss," of neuro-diversity. Educators, school day? Maybe online classes can by Pat Schwiebert physicians, judges, sales clerks, and make up the diff erence. An insightful tale giving others have certain expectations of Not launching independently? permission to handle grief in young people. When my children Maybe I have help with yard work for whatever ways make sense. can't meet those expectations, bad a few more years. Good for any age and any loss. things happen. Each re-defi nition could signify On the mild side, my kids are a loss — for a dream of mine, for a "Th ree Days on a River in a Red verbally reprimanded or shunned for potential of my child. But each re- Canoe," by Vera B. Williams their actions — too loud, too close, too set also involves hope. A future A children's book about a happy, too rude. On the extreme end, that might be diff erent from what I young girl that takes a canoe my children are suspended or jailed — envisioned, but that represents my camping trip. I delight in for scary words, for ripping classroom evolving perception of success. remembering the strength of posters, for throwing things. “How am I?” children and the healing that Th rough it all I am judged. In the “Determined. Hopeful. Loving. comes from a trip to the woods. eyes of many, the issues of my children Joyous. Satisfi ed.” stem from something I've done or not "How are you?" "Only One You," done as a parent, because my kids I save the too-complex-for-the- by Linda Kranz look identical to their neurotypical grocery-store explanation for another "Blend in when you need to. peers. You can't see brain diff erences day, and simply answer, "Fine." Stand out when you have the that cause impulsivity, or sensory chance." A good reminder that issues, or emotional outbursts. *Kay Robbins is a pseudonym used to being unique is OK! respect the privacy of the author's children while she writes from the heart.

20 Minnesota Women’s Press womenspress.com May 2018 Just for Kids Guide

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Minnesota Women’s Press womenspress.com May 2018 21 JOURNEY TO SELF-DISCOVERY SUBMITTED BY NEDA KELLOGG PHOTO BY SARAH WHITING SARAH BY PHOTO

Bush Fellow and Project DIVA founder Neda Kellogg (left) with DIVA alumni Khadijah Lamah at Birch Grove Elementary, where Khadijah teaches

hen I was young and my mom was mentally well, she talked to me a lot about life. She showed me her love through both actions and words, uplifiting my Wself-esteem and ensuring I was confident in the skin I was in. When I lost her to mental illness at age 13, I felt like my learning about life came to a screeching halt. In school in Omaha, they never taught important for them to be in school. explore their own possibilities and advocate me about the contributions made by people I wanted them to know that I 'saw' them, for help in reaching their goals. who looked like me, so I was puzzled about and that things would be okay if they shifted My team and I have been doing this work how I fit into society. their perceptions about life by taking time for 11 years. We've worked with more than After leaving my dad's home at 18, I was for themselves and being open to learning. 1,500 girls through Project DIVA — our homeless for two years, couch hopping and To help them see how their academic, Saturday elite girls programming, girls trying to become stable. Eventually I began social, and emotional behaviors could lead groups in the school districts, and one- a journey of researching many generations to strong lives, I brought to them real-life on-ones with girls that we meet along this of my global history, which led to me being examples of successful women who looked journey. The girls we have worked with have more confident about myself. I found that like them. been nothing short of brilliant and hungry there are countless contributions that slaves, Today I am the founding director of for the cultural knowledge we share. descendants of slaves, and the children of Project DIVA (Dignity, Integrity, Virtue, Khadijah Lamah is one of these girls. She descendants of slaves, have gifted to our Availability), a 10-month coaching and has #BlackGirlMagic. When she came to country. I learned that the earliest bones mentoring organization for Black girls Project DIVA in high school, she was quiet, found are that of a 3.2-million-year-old from third to 12th grades. The mission is to yet articulate, about what she wanted out of Black woman from Ethiopia. guide girls to self-discovery without limits. life. Her personality was lighthearted, and Finding out more about my deep lineage We reintroduce girls of an economically she loved her sisters in the program openly has added to my self-esteem and self-worth. challenged history to themselves and their and honestly, which made her an exemplary It enhanced the foundation of what my potential. role model. Watching her tackle life as a mom instilled in me when I was a child. teen, navigating the perils of school the It affirmed for me that I, too, can be the How does it work? way African-American girls must do, while change I want to see. working to stay true to her culture, was The girls and their caregivers commit to As I grew into my adulthood, and fascinating. Her accomplishments today the school-year program and its village began working with inner city girls on a (see next page) do not surprise me at all. concept. There are three levels of entry, more focused level at the charter school, through which we teach the girls that there Dunwoody Academy, I realized that these are levels to life. Each stage embodies an Resources girls were feeling the same crisis of identity. educational and life experience unique • NedaReneesWorld.com, includes access to They didn't know how they fit in to a society to that developmental time in their lives. books, "Guiding Girls To Self-Discover that largely seemed to ignore who they were We give girls the platform to self-discover Without Limits," and "Come Here Girl, and where they came from. That also meant without limits, loving themselves enough to Let Me Talk To You." they lacked an understanding of why it was • ProjectDIVA.org

22 Minnesota Women’s Press womenspress.com May 2018 The Words of Khadijah Just for I started at Project DIVA when I was in high school. I’m now Kids Guide a 24-year-old master’s degree student and I stay in touch with Ms. Neda and my DIVA sisters. At Project DIVA, we attended seminars on financial literacy, physical and sexual health, self- identity and expression. I vividly remember sitting in the back of Ms. Neda's car as we were driving to an event. We had such an intimate conversation about romantic relationships and marriage, and how we should present ourselves and our values when becoming involved with other people. I carry that conversation with me today. I grew up a very quiet child. I possessed a lot of power and wisdom, but didn’t have the confidence to speak my mind. I had a DIVA sister who was the June 11 ALL AGE YOUTH CAMPS THRU opposite. She was outspoken and Aug 24 embraced who she was. Her walk SUMMER THEATRE to self confidence taught me how See these ads online with links at womenspress.com SteppingStoneTheatre.org to be proud and confident as a full- figured, dark-skinned woman. When I initially became a DIVA, I thought every young Black woman I encountered would be FITNESS AND FUN FOR like me, with similar stories and desires as me. I learned quickly THE WHOLE FAMILY how diverse we are as Black women, and how much we have to REGISTER NOW offer each other. at tcmevents.org I recognize how much love and knowledge and support was poured into me. DIVA stood by me when I graduated from high school and college, and even today TC KIDS is helping me navigate this world. CROSS COUNTRY FUN RUN Today I am an educator, graduate HALF MILE, ONE MILE, K & TWO MILE RACES studies student, contestant for SATURDAY, MAY ,  A.M. • COMO PARK, SAINT PAUL the 50th Miss Black America and I am in the process of starting Medals and t-shirts for participants my own non-profit. It is because NEW! Inflatable obstacle course and bounce house organizations like Project DIVA Appearances by Team USA MN Pro Athletes existed for me, and because of Free picnic lunc for participants women like Ms. Neda — available to Special pre-schooler and parent wave support young women throughout every phase of our lives and careers — that I am successful. There are not enough ‘thank you’s’ in the world to show my appreciation.

Minnesota Women’s Press womenspress.com May 2018 23 CONSCIOUS MIND PHOTO BY SARAH WHITING SARAH BY PHOTO

CARING FOR ONESELF IS NOT OPTIONAL AIDA MARTINEZ-FREEMAN

Aida Martinez-Freeman in her kitchen, which she now uses as a home offi ce.

very fall, we made a family trip to Itasca State Park to take in the leaves, ride bikes, camp and hike. Th ere is just something so healing about being Ein nature. Th e sounds of the wind, and the shift in seasons always bring this sense of renewal to my spirit.

A few years ago, we were on one of appointments, addressing emergencies, tired, but not too much. Caring for myself those trips. I remember the day like it was and providing support and leadership to was optional. yesterday. We rented bikes to take in the a wonderful team. While my work was beauty of the park. It was a gorgeous sunny fl exible, I also tended to have 10-hour I grew up in a low-income day. I struggled to pedal, but blamed lack days, and worked evenings and weekends. family, so the idea of resting was of exercise as the culprit. As we progressed, If I was the on-call person, and we had an not native to me. My mother I began to feel fatigued, out of breath, and emergency on campus, my family could dizzy. I thought I was dehydrated. We expect me to be gone for days. worked three jobs to keep a roof paused to snack. I have always prided myself on having lots over our heads. Self-care was We jumped on the trail again. As we of energy. I was once that active student something someone with money continued, I felt worse. Eventually it leader who grew up to be that active got to do. Not us. We did not seemed like I would pass out, so I stopped professional who loved all that a college have that luxury. abruptly and yelled for the group to stop. campus off ered. For six years I had been Th ese symptoms were new to me. Aft er I working full-time, attending a doctoral My exhaustion continued to worsen, and was able to stand up, we walked our bikes program, and taking care of a family. my doctors could not fi nd anything wrong back to the campground. I loved it. I was living my passion and with me. Days later, I returned to work as a making a diff erence in education. So, I Th at spring, I could see thefi nish line to college administrator, fi lled with student rested and slowed down a bit when I felt

24 Minnesota Women’s Press womenspress.com May 2018 completing my doctorate. In May, I was Being Able to Walk Away homophobia — the systems keeping women hooded in front of many of my students, but tired, sick, in dead-end jobs, oppressed, My partner Chris and I have always been most importantly, in front of my daughter. abused. Produce, produce, produce. Who very careful with financial decisions. I have It was the third best day of my life, after her am I to rest? Who made me special? several rules that I thought every woman- birth and getting married to my partner, I prayed over this decision to step back, identified person should have: Chris. After I completed the degree, I meditated, and called on my grandmother’s Rule #1: Have a "Kiss My Ass" account figured I would regain strength and get back spirit, the Universe, and my ancestors to A colleague many years ago introduced to a regular schedule. Then I was sure the guide me. I needed permission to rest. me to the idea that, in order for us to do our symptoms would go away. One night, my grandmother came to me in justice work fearlessly, we need to actively Months later, I received a call from a friend a dream. She was quiet and sat next to me on build a savings account. In that way, when who encouraged me to apply for a job at a the bed. She took my hand and said, “rest is the day came to stand for your ethics and college in the Twin Cities. I had always a gift.” I woke up abruptly. principles, and you needed to go elsewhere, wanted to move there. This was an exciting My heart was heavy all day. What did she we could say 'kiss my ass' to an employer. opportunity. Within 30 days we had sold mean? It felt like guilt and shame wrapped Rule #2: The One Box Rule our house, bought a new one in St Paul, in a bath bomb. If I ever needed to make a quick exit, I and I started a new job alongside dedicated Then it clicked. If capitalism is one of the didn't want to need a U-haul to clear things professionals with a deep passion for social many ways I am conditioned to believe that out of my office. I wanted to be able to justice education. I had found my tribe! I’m not worthy of self-care, my grandma always fit into one box anything I needed for The first year was intense. The level of told me otherwise. I was being given a gift. I a quick stage exit. busyness and pace at this college was Rule#3: Live like a minimalist could dare to rest, not just for myself, but for different from other campuses I had been my mother, my grandmothers, and others. My partner and I rarely splurge. Our go-to on. I got on that fast train and never stopped. What if self-care and the act of resting is question has always been: Could we afford My body started to hit a new level of an act of resistance? A resistance that pushes this if we only had one income? This kept exhaustion. I began seeing doctors again. back on this culture of doing more with, and us honest and real about our purchases. We This time my hemoglobin and Vitamin for, less — of playing small, of fitting into a wanted to budget for flexibility. D were incredibly low. I started taking limiting box, of producing until we can no Thanks to these lifelong rules, I was able to supplements and assumed that in a few longer stand, and then you better do it again quickly change gears. months I would be good to go. tomorrow and the next day. Another year passed. My body stopped What if I welcomed the gift of rest? What absorbing nutrients. My mind began to get The "Class System" Narrative perspectives would I gain? What would I foggy. My energy level was at a record low. For many people, the ability to pause would uncover? What could I teach my daughter? I was not as sharp as I had always been. In be ideal. However, I have struggled with the So, I submitted my resignation and March 2017, I finally had an answer. I had decision. I have been working since I was 15. recently began a journey of self-care. Since Celiac disease. My childhood family's financial struggles then I have gained the gift of time. Time Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder became a big part of my identity. I was one with my daughter, my partner, my friends — in which the body has an inflammatory of those who fit the narrative we like to hear and time with projects that I am passionate reaction to the consumption of wheat, of the poor person rising from the ashes to about. I began to say yes to myself. rye and barley. It is often hereditary and a middle-class house and lifestyle because I That is part of the new consulting plan for at its worst can prevent the absorption of “worked hard.” my future. Helping women ask questions nutrients, among other symptoms. Trust me, I know the narrative, and I did like: What if you said yes to yourself today? By the time I received the diagnosis, I not want to play into that, but the reality is What would you gain? What new gifts and was completely debilitated. I could not that I felt like I was emotionally trapped into perspectives would you allow to emerge walk more than 10 minutes without this "class" story we have. and grow? In what ways do you play small feeling weak and dizzy. I lost the ability to The grief that came over me about and believe that this is all there is — that complete sentences and kept forgetting what stepping back had everything to do with somehow you don’t deserve to experience I was doing. I had limited my evening and past financial insecurities and a nice dose joy and health? weekend work hours, but it was not enough. of classism. I was also reluctant to depend If you stopped to listen to your body — What next? I asked myself. Will I need to on my partner — that narrative about giving which is your individualized storyteller — leave a job I loved, and a career I worked so away my independence, my power. what would it say? hard to have? What would it mean for me, a woman of The process of restoring soul is how we tell Eventually, I knew the answer. Slowing color, to actually pause? None of the women ourselves that we deserve to heal. down was no longer sufficient. I needed to around me ever paused — they couldn't stop altogether if I wanted to give my body afford to. There is always one more job to Aida Martinez-Freeman is a social justice time to heal. keep up with, bills to pay, rent due, children educator, consultant, trainer and life coach. The idea of walking away from a 20- to raise, elders to care for. Many of them She is committed to engaging in critical year career hit me hard. I grieved the loss couldn’t afford to get a cold without the conversations, and strategic planning that all summer. threat of losing their jobs. Let’s be real. transforms self, community and institutions Then there is the sexism, racism, into more equitable space to live and work in.

Minnesota Women’s Press womenspress.com May 2018 25 CARE. LESS. WHISPERS. A COLUMN BY AMOKE KUBAT

ama told me I was “tender hearted.” I nursed wounded pets to health and vitality. I cried for sad friends and luckless Mstrangers in TV stories. My students said I had heart. My ancestors tell me they are pleased. I have never closed my heart despite a long life with heartbreak and pain.

Now my heart tells me that it stand in solidarity that we must address gun control. has reached its tipping point. Racism is a mental health disease. It should be It whispers to me. I. Can’t. parallel with the discussions about opioid abuse. Care. Anymore. But when black, brown, and trans bodies are killed, Amoke Kubat is a retired My heart curls into a fi st. It contracts into a space the reciprocity for caring is absent. Th ere are no teacher, Yoruba priestess, that once was the center of my fi erce womanist love celebrity outcries, Go Fund Me campaigns, or and community activist. and compassion. In the still of the night, it bleats, I rational responses in biased media coverage. “Missing Mama: My Story of Loss, Sorrow and Healing” is am breaking. I can’t take much more. My heart asks, who cares for me? her self-published memoir. Th is frightens me: to care is to love, to love is to I whisper back to my heart. I do. “Angry Black Woman care. I cannot live lovelessly. I believe in a Creator Spirit that resides in all of us. And Well Intentioned My heart is like a yo-yo on a long string of feels. My I know we can do better. White Girl” is her fi rst play. heart beats a cautionary rhythm. In stage whispers Despite my weariness, my hope under fi re, I Yo Mama is the title of it threatens to shut down. My mind is now a fi rst care. I will take care of you. We have an enduring her motherhood work. responder arriving at every human disaster. relationship. We know tenderness is a healing balm. It asks, “What can I do? What more can I do? How Th e touch. Th e hug. Th e promise of being there for do I prioritize with so much to react to? I am losing someone. I say to my heart, let’s take care of our the ability to respond.” My capacity to answer in a body. Eat. Play. Rest. loving way is becoming a receding shoreline on an Let’s remember that we have been here before imaginary perfect dream world. — if not through our own experiences, those of It’s not that I have stopped caring. I continue to our ancestors. Despite not knowing their futures care fi ercely about a lot of people and a lot of things. or destinations, enslaved African women braided My heart and mind agree: CARING HURTS. seeds in their hair. Th ey held visions of planting, It hurts when caring has become undervalued in harvesting, and feeding others. What can I do? all aspects of human interaction. Talk to mothers, Beginning with the early Black churches, women What more can children and youth, the elderly, those with created mutual aid societies. Th ey organized to feed, I do? How do I disabilities. Ask men who are unsure about their clothe, and shelter families and kin. place in a society that must transform its culture. I grew up in a community where children belonged prioritize with so Talk to people in hospitality jobs. to everybody. Hard-playing children knew which much to respond Caretaking has been commodifi ed into service neighbor’s house off ered that extra butter-sugar or to? I am losing industries that respond superfi cially to human fried bologna sandwich. I witnessed women asking the ability to needs. Th ose who care for others — children, the how somebody was, and listening intently as the elderly, those with disabilities — are oft en brown person answered. respond. skinned and poorly paid. Women shared what little they had. For many Th en there is the matter of self care in a world women, caring was God in action. Th ey reached out frenzied with achievement, money, and a murky to others whose hearts were also challenged by the future that is as precarious as a snowman in July. disturbing signs of their times. It was a private joy. My heart is sympathetic when students are shot I remind my heart that Black women have been down in schools that should be safe places. I am making tender loving care into an art form. Always

immobilized in the cross hairs of fi ght ro fl ight and forever.

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when another black body is killed by violence. I am In spite of it all. I will continue to care. Deeply.

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26 Minnesota Women’s Press womenspress.com May 2018

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e Want ! m o W a Minnesot GRROUNDEDOUNDED NI MAMA AKII SUBMITTED BY SHARON DAY

In the Ojibwe language, Ni Mama Akii means My mothers and protect them fi ercely. Mother Earth. As humans, our mothers bring us into In this Minnesota legislative session, there are the world. We love our mothers. We would do anything laws proposed that would poison our wild rice to protect our mothers from harm. by nullifying the sulfate standards currently in Nibi gaa-bimaaji’iwemagak means Water Is Life. Every place, laws that permit pipelines, and laws that species on earth needs water to live. As a fetus in utero, allow the ever-present danger of sulfi de mining. we are nourished in the water of our mother’s womb for Th e time for extractive industries is over. nine months, arriving into the world in a gush of water. Let’s move on to renewables. Let’s be good When we are born, we are born with gift s. stewards and fi nd a good place in this web As humans, we give away some of those gift s: kindness of life. It’s time. for meanness, generosity for selfi shness, love for hate and so on. As humans we can get our gift s back, when we act Resources lovingly, generously, humbly and honestly. Th e rivers "Solar Storms," by Linda Hogan emerge from the earth perfect and clean, fi ltered by "Water Consciousness," edited by limestone and sand. Rivers fl ow — pure and sacred. Tara Lohan We, humans, pollute and poison the waters, thus we "The Water Walker," by Joanne are the only ones who can bring them back to health. Robertson We must nurture the earth and rivers, the very essence "Sacred Water," by Lea Foushee of our lives. We can do this by honoring them. Honor and Renee Gurneau the earth, Ni mama akii and our Nibi, zibi and zagiigaan "The Winona LaDuke Chronicles" by loving these life forces the same way we love our by Winona LaDuke

Sharon M. Day is an Ojibwe water walker. As the “Caretaking is the utmost spiritual and physical website for the Nibi Walks she founded puts it, a responsibility of our time, and perhaps that stewardship "Water Walk respects the truth that water is a life is finally our place in the web of life — our work the giver, and because women also give life they are the keepers of the water.” solution to the mystery we are. There are already so many holes in the universe that will never be filled, and each of them forces us to question why we permitted such loss, such tearing away at the fabric of life, and how we will live with our planet in the future.”

— Linda Hogan, Chickasaw

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Minnesota Women’s Press womenspress.com May 2018 27

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28 Minnesota Women’s Press womenspress.com May 2018 GIFTS AND OTHER CHARISMATIC CLUTTER SUBMITTED BY CHRISTY DIANE FARR

always loved my mom’s wedding ring and I lovingly harassed her for years, after she and my father were divorced, about how she didn’t need Iit anymore. She'd had the engagement diamond set among the smaller diamonds in the band, and had been single forever, so it didn’t feel like a wedding ring to me. It was a diamond ring that, like me, had its origin in my parents’ relationship but wasn’t really about them anymore.

I did not realize the explanation for my If we ask the right questions, we find the attachment to the ring until I wrote about deeper, more intimate details. We discover it in a book about making our homes our the secret stories that link us to our stuff. happy place — homes where we’ve released • Where did this item come from? old ways and old “stuff.” • What does it mean to me? The clothes that don’t fit, the gifts that don’t • Do I use this item, why or why not? feel true, the arts/crafts supplies that are • Would my life be different without it? (still) just supplies because they haven’t yet For years I offered to take that ring off of become art or craft. Remnants of life already my mother’s hands, to enjoy it on her behalf. left behind. Big stuff we avoid. On my 21st birthday, she gave it to me. I was Our homes need to be a place for living thrilled to have that ring, for a while. our lives, not simply storing stuff. Then there was a time — beyond all of the Yet for many of us, our homes reflect lives harassing and the gift giving — when my that feel more like we’re simply surviving, tastes began to emerge differently. with barely enough energy to make the I was fresh into adulthood and I started changes we long to make. Our minds are to get to know myself. I found out I’m not a overwhelmed, attention is strained. Our yellow gold kind of woman. I like silver and hearts ache for things we dare not even wish platinum. Before long, my family treasure for, as the money is not there and, when it is, was spending its days in the jewelry box. we fear a future without it. I considered having the diamonds reset Our space can sometimes feel like it is into something that I’d enjoy wearing. I closing in on us. The stuff is everywhere, could have put it away for my own daughter, and we can’t bring ourselves to part with it which would have been a wild extended re- because there’s too little time or attention. gifting timeline, because she wasn’t yet born. Christy Diane Farr is author of “Is Home Your Or perhaps it’s the fear. As I considered my options, ironically, I Happy Place? The Unruly Woman’s Approach to We’re afraid we’ll miss something in that learned how much my mom loved that ring. Space Healing.” This is adapted from chapters in book or magazine or paper or whatever She'd only parted with it because she loved that book. Find her on theunrulywoman.com. other clutter we’ve amassed that promises to me, too. In the end, I gave it back to her. help us turn everything around. That’s the thing about gifts. We give them There’s so much information — so much in love because it feels like a good idea. We stuff — it is paralyzing. cannot know if they want this exact thing, in this color, shape, and size. We cannot assume The Heart of the Matter it will be perfect for them forever. We don’t give in order to harness people with the stuff Finding where the attachment lies is a we thought was a good idea. common aspect of the de-cluttering process. It is the same for the gifts you receive. If As we audition the items in our physical it doesn’t serve you, or the person it came space, to see if they are of more value from no longer does, it is okay to let it go. to us than the space they occupy, we Releasing people that clutter life — that's a sometimes discover surprising details of our whole other chapter. relationship with those things.

Minnesota Women’s Press womenspress.com May 2018 29 You Told Us. We Tell All.

Here are the results of the Minnesota Women’s Press annual readers’ survey.

BUY LOCAL FAMILY & PETS IN OUR COMMUNITY PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Favorite Independent Favorite Independent Kids’ Favorite MN Nonprofit ...... 37 Favorite Accountant ...... 40 Clothing Store ...... 31 Bookstore ...... 34 Favorite MN Politician Who Favorite Co-sharing Favorite Independent Favorite Independent Stands Up for Women’s Rights ..37 Work Space ...... 40 Eyeglasses Store ...... 31 Toy Store ...... 34 Favorite MN Role Model for Favorite Estate Favorite Independent Favorite Kids’ Indoor Women in Education ...... 37 Planner ...... 40 Gift Shop ...... 31 Play Area ...... 34 Favorite Role Model for Favorite Family Law Favorite Place for Kids’ Women in Health Care ...... 37 Attorney ...... 40 Music Lessons ...... 34 Favorite Social Justice Favorite Financial DESTINATIONS Favorite Animal Hospital or Organization ...... 37 Institution ...... 41 Favorite Place for a Veterinarian ...... 35 Favorite Spiritual Community ...37 Favorite Financial Planner ...... 41 Girlfriends' Weekend ...... 32 Favorite Place to Board Favorite Graduate Program ...... 41 Favorite Retreat Center Your Pet ...... 35 or Resort ...... 32 OUT ON THE TOWN Favorite Insurance Agent ...... 41 Favorite Travel Agent Favorite Festival ...... 38 or Service ...... 32 HEALTHY DIRECTIONS Favorite Music/Dance Venue .....38 WOMEN-FRIENDLY Favorite Birth Coach ...... 36 Favorite Place to SERVICES Favorite Dentist ...... 36 EAT & DRINK Book an Event ...... 38 Favorite Bike Shop...... 42 Favorite Elder Services ...... 36 Favorite Brewery ...... 33 Favorite Place to Favorite Car Repair Shop ...... 42 Favorite life coach ...... 36 Meet New People ...... 39 Favorite Co-op or Favorite Home Remodeler ...... 42 Favorite Mental Health Favorite Place to Green Grocer ...... 33 Favorite House Painter...... 43 Care Service ...... 36 Take a Class ...... 39 Favorite Coffee or Tea Shop ...... 33 Favorite Plumber ...... 43 Favorite Place for Favorite Theater Favorite Farmers Market ...... 33 Personal Fitness ...... 36 Company ...... 39 Favorite Realtor ...... 43 Favorite Restaurant ...... 33 Favorite Wine Shop or Winery ...33

Congratulations to Amy Fairgrieve of Minneapolis, this year’s winner of the drawing for What Women Want entrants, who received a Fulton Brewery gift certificate.

30 Minnesota Women’s Press womenspress.com May 2018

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Two women, Michele Henry and Wesley Uthus, turned their s

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Favorite Independent Gift Shop Patina You enjoy the unique adventure of an “art project in progress” while browsing for gifts at one of Patina’s several Twin Cities locations. Patina’s owners have a vision to “provide an escape as well as to inspire,” so treat yourself to a visit and see what artsy gems you discover. You also troll for treasures at metro area stores: Bibelot Shops, Corazon, and i like you.

Minnesota Women’s Press womenspress.com May 2018 31 Destinations

Favorite Place for a Girlfriends' Weekend Favorite Travel Agent or Service Duluth AAA You and your girlfriends love escaping to “The Air-Conditioned “From road trips to cruises and everything in between,” AAA offers City” on Lake Superior. Charter a fishing boat, unwind at a spa in the a women’s travel club, TripTik routings and maps (including mobile historic Fitger's building, plunge down Spirit Mountain on alpine app), destination wedding planning, group travel packages, and skis, dance the night away, or stroll along the largest freshwater lake more. You leverage AAA’s complete suite of services to steer you in in the world. For diverse interests, Duluth delivers. the right direction for your next trek to Timbuktu. You also adventure by the big lake in Grand Marais, and along the North Shore, or enjoy the St. Croix River in Stillwater. Carmen Schaffer – Viva la Vida Travel You know Carmen Schaffer will provide expert advice for your next Favorite Retreat Center or Resort excursion, because she’s “slept in the beds, eaten the food, swam in ARC Retreat Center their waters, and gone on their adventures, just for YOU.” Schaffer’s passionate blog claims travel makes “way for vulnerability, which in Your favorite refuge beckons from 87 acres, north of Cambridge, turn will lead to great strength.” where the ARC Retreat Center offers lodging, meeting spaces, and meal plans. Meditate your stress away, walk a labyrinth, or repose You also trust your travel plans to Borton Overseas and Como Rose under majestic white pines. ARC is “where healers come for healing, Travel. Bon voyage! peacemakers find peace, and caregivers are cared for.” Other havens away from home include Bluefin Bay (Tofte), Grand View Lodge (Nisswa), and Lutsen Resort on Lake Superior (Lutsen).

32 Minnesota Women’s Press womenspress.com May 2018 Eat & Drink

Favorite Brewery Favorite Farmers Market Surly Brewing Company Saint Paul Farmers' Market You like Surly’s swagger and their beer, which is “brewed for An icon for over 150 years, and now operating six days a week flannel, winter, bikes, basement rock shows, long hair, bars (no Mondays), the Saint Paul Farmers' Market is not just for city with minimal sunlight, and more.” A video of Minneapolis dwellers. You visit the downtown market location and branches winter at its worst claims Surly is “made for this” and “Brewed as far away as Savage and Andover to find fresh local produce, for the North.” meats, and bakery goods. Fulton Brewing, Indeed Brewing Company, and women-owned You also stock your kitchen at the Maple Grove Farmers Market, Urban Growler Brewing Company also quench your thirst for Mill City Farmers Market, and Minneapolis Farmers Market. specialty beer. Favorite Restaurant Favorite Co-op or Green Grocer Chimborazo Mississippi Market Natural Foods Co-op Chimborazo is “a small restaurant with a big heart and a Consumer-owned Mississippi Market is where St. Paul shops warm and welcoming atmosphere.” Reflecting Minnesota’s for “organic, locally-grown produce, sustainable meats and dynamic demographics, you chose an Ecuadorian restaurant seafood, and fresh, made-from-scratch deli and bakery foods”. in Minneapolis as your favorite spot to satisfy your appetite. Everyone can shop at one of their three St. Paul locations, or you Menu items like “llapingachos” tempt palates interested in can make a one-time investment and get special discounts as a authentic cuisine. member-owner! You also frequent French Meadow Bakery & Cafe, J. Selby’s, and In Minneapolis you get your healthy groceries at community- Meritage when you want good grub. connected Eastside Food Co-op or Seward Community Co-op. Favorite Wine Shop or Winery Favorite Coffee/Tea Shop Surdyk’s Liquor & Cheese Shop Caribou Coffee Surdyk’s has been stocking your cellar with wine since Headquartered in Minneapolis, and inspired by an experience Prohibition ended in Minneapolis in 1934 – more than 80 with “thundering” Alaskan caribou, this hometown coffee starts years ago! Family-owned but full-service, the Minneapolis store with Rainforest Alliance Certified beans from around the globe. staffs six wine consultants and offers extras like a robust blog, a Caribou ensures beans are from sustainable farms with ethical wedding registry, and a cheese shop. Best of all, Surdyk’s delivers! employers. One of Minnesota’s hundreds of Caribou cafes is You also pop a cork for Solo Vino Bottle Shop, Total Wine & where you meet for coffee and conversation. More, and The Wine Thief & Ale Jail. Dunn Brothers Coffee, Nina’s Coffee Cafe, and Spyhouse Coffee Roasting Co. are alternative places to fuel up with a cup.

Certified Public Accountants 10 River Park Plaza Suite 800 St. Paul, MN 55107 651-227-6695 Bonnie R. Russ, CPA mucr.com We provide tax and accounting solutions for individuals, businesses, and nonprofit organizations.

Minnesota Women’s Press womenspress.com May 2018 33 Family & Pets

Favorite Independent Kids’ Bookstore Favorite Kids’ Indoor Play Area Wild Rumpus Eagles Nest Indoor Playground With a store name like Wild Rumpus and crazy creatures like Eagles Nest Indoor Playground of New Brighton is where you chinchillas, ferrets, and tarantulas lurking about, you should go for large muscle play on a sub-zero day. Your young friends be picking out exotic pets. Instead, you are browsing shelves (12 months to 12 years) expend their energy on such appealing of books, listening to a read-aloud story, watching enthusiastic attractions as the Quadruple Wave Slide, the Hanging Foam grade school students, or escaping to another time with a new Forest, and the Walk-on Piano Keys Player. hardback! Edinborough Park of Edina and Good Times Park of Eagan are Another place you find a good read in a creative setting is at also indoor play places where you escape the rain or snow all woman-owned Red Balloon Bookshop. year round.

Favorite Independent Toy Store Favorite Place for Kids’ Music Lessons Creative Kidstuff MacPhail Center for Music With a merry mission to “help families play,” Creative Kidstuff Your children discover the magic of music via learning entices “kids” of all ages to seven brightly-colored metro stores. opportunities with MacPhail Center for Music. Over 100 years of You feast on the spectrum of selections and even professionally- experience helps MacPhail excite students from all backgrounds recommended toys to assist with emotional development or at their five Minnesota locations (or online or in partnership social engagement. Go play! with communities). Musical programming starts from age 6 weeks and never ends! You also let your inner child out at LARK Toys and Mischief Toy Store. Kids also get in tune with Hopewell Music Cooperative North and Walker West Music Academy.

Senator Amy Klobuchar

I am humbled to be the recipient of these awards, and honored to serve as your Senator.

Thank you staff and readers of the Minnesota Women’s Press!

Paid for by Klobuchar for Minnesota www.amyklobuchar.com

34 Minnesota Women’s Press womenspress.com May 2018 Favorite Animal Hospital or Veterinarian Camden Pet Hospital From routine exams and vaccinations to specialty surgery, Camden Pet Hospital provides healthcare for the furry members of your family. The Minneapolis facility with an in-house laboratory is the place you go for your veterinary services. You also get care for your critters at Banfield Pet Hospital, Grand Avenue Veterinary Center, and Minnehaha Animal Hospital.

Favorite Place to Board Your Pet Avian Suites Avian Suites is for the birds... and ONLY for birds. This avian-exclusive boarding business is where you take your companion birds for expert care in your absence. The Minneapolis facility offers individual suites for boarding your feathered friends in comfort. They even have a “Frequent Flyer Program” for repeat customers! Your pets also get respite from your family at ADOGO pet hotels, Now Boarding, Pet Doctors, and Stone Mountain Pet Lodge.

nd out how we are diffnt. www.sunrisebanks.com

Member FDIC

Minnesota Women’s Press womenspress.com May 2018 35 Healthy Directions

Favorite Birth Coach Favorite Life Coach Susan Chargo – New Heart Doula Care Nancy Jambor “The word Doula is a Greek word meaning ‘women’s servant.’ You work with Nancy Jambor to transform your life. Nancy’s Women have been serving other women in childbirth for many mission is to “help women claim their power, speak their truth, centuries.” Whether your first baby or your fourth, or whether you manifest their dreams, and live up to their potential.” Work with plan a hospital or home birth, Susan Chargo supports you with her to “clarify your values, articulate your visions, and achieve your “education and care through pregnancy, birth, and beyond.” goals.” Surpass your own limits! The Minnesota Birth Center and Trillium Midwifery Care are also You also pursue your objectives with Karen Carr of Revitalize honored to assist you in bringing new life to the Twin Cities. Retirement Coaching, Freda Curchack Marver of Begin Again Coaching, and Dawn Morningstar of Venerable Women. Favorite Dentist Favorite Mental Health Care Service Fiant Dental You actually smile when you visit this Uptown Minneapolis dentist Natalis Counseling & Psychology Solutions who offers “dentistry for the joyful!” Fiant Dental is the fficialo dentist You like Natalis Counseling & Psychology as your comprehensive of the Minnesota RollerGirls and handles your check-ups and fillings, provider for mental health-related evaluations, therapy, or more complex work like dentures or surgery, and even orthodontia. psychiatry. With more than 30 clinicians, Natalis serves individuals, couples, families, and groups via a variety of treatment modalities in Additionally, University of Minnesota Dental Clinics and the women- their St. Paul and White Bear Lake locations. led clinics ADT Dental and Minnehaha Falls Family Dental Clinic (formerly Jakubas Dental) help keep your smile healthy and happy. Other providers you trust to assist you with mental health include the Associated Clinic of Psychology, Grove Psychotherapy, PrairieCare, and The Family Partnership. Favorite Elder Services

Sholom Favorite Place for Personal Fitness You have faith in Sholom’s continuum of care for seniors. Sholom offers Twin Cities communities with an opportunity to “live life fully YMCA in a Jewish environment where all are welcome.” Amnenities include It’s fun to stay (fit) at the YMCA! You enjoy working out with an senior apartments, memory care, adult day services, and hospice, organization that is “for youth development, healthy living, and which help every elder make life safer and more enjoyable. social responsibility.” Features include swimming pools, fitness equipment, exercise classes, gyms, indoor tracks, and childcare at Willows of Ramsey Hill more than 25 Minnesota locations. À la carte is not only a standalone dining dish, at TheWillows You also focus on fitness at Life Time and the YWCA. Of Ramsey Hill, you order à la carte services for seniors, such as “Pendant Call” and “Second Occupant.” For residents of assisted living and memory care units, activities such as “Balloon Ball” and “You Be The Judge” help keep seniors energized and engaged. You find further care for elders at Episcopal Homes, Mary T. Inc., and Presbyterian Homes & Services.

36 Minnesota Women’s Press womenspress.com May 2018 In Our Community

Favorite MN Nonprofit Favorite Role Model for Women in Health Care She Rock She Rock Sarah Stoesz – Planned Parenthood You support this organization that is dedicated to “empowering You identified Sarah Stoesz, the president & CEO of Planned girls, women, and trans and gender nonconforming folks through Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota as a the art of music.” You help girls and women let their inner rock star health care paragon. Not surprisingly, Stoesz prioritizes women’s out at sponsored programs like Beats by Girlz, Women’s Rock 'n' well-being. As their website indicates, in our region, unintended Roll Retreat, or the Sing and Sweat Class. pregnancy is at an all-time low, and the abortion rate is at the lowest You also appreciate the support for women conducted by level since Roe v. Wade. the Domestic Abuse Legal Advocacy Center, Phoenix Service You also expressed praise for Dr. Penny Wheeler, President and CEO Corporation, Planned Parenthood, Second Harvest Heartland, and of Allina Health. Twin Cities Ballet of Minnesota. Favorite Social Justice Organization Favorite MN Politician Who Stands Up For Women’s Rights Black Lives Matter Minneapolis Amy Klobuchar You affirm the work of Black Lives Matter (BLM) Minneapolis, You recognized that Amy Klobuchar’s public record promotes rights toward a goal of ensuring “ALL Black Lives Matter”, regardless of for women. As Minnesota’s senior U.S. Senator, she advocates to sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, ability, or economic improve women’s lives. She's worked to protect women’s reproductive status. BLM works “toward dismantling systems of oppression and rights, enable paid family and medical leave, prevent discrimination violence” and “uplifting and encouraging the creativity of our youth.” against pregnant workers, achieve pay equity, and support victims of You also recognize and support the commitment to advancing violence and trafficking. equality made by Headwaters Foundation for Justice, Planned You also appreciate the work of U.S. Sen. Al Franken, U.S. Rep. Betty Parenthood, Showing Up for Racial Justice, and Sisters of St. Joseph McCollum and State Reps. Erin Murphy, and Ilhan Omar. of Carondelet & Consociates.

Favorite MN Role Model for Women in Education Favorite Spiritual Community ReBecca Koenig Roloff – St. Catherine University Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet & Consociates You chose the 11th President of St. Catherine University as a role You relate to a spiritual community with 300-year-old French model in education. ReBecca Koenig Roloff currently directs this roots. The Sisters and Consociates “strive to foster the common esteemed academic institution, where 96% of the undergraduate good through advocacy, creative arts, education, healthcare, social students are women. Roloff has a long-time passion for empowering service, and spirituality.” Service initiatives target “love of neighbor women, and previously demonstrated this commitment as CEO of without distinction” and include immigrant education, feminist YWCA Minneapolis. theological learning, and a justice commission. You also look up to Presidents Rebecca M. Bergman of Gustavus Your spiritual communities also include Common Ground Adolphus College and Dr. Fayneese Miller of Hamline University. Meditation Center, Saint Joan of Arc Catholic Community, Tergar Meditation Community, and Wisdom Ways Center for Spirituality.

Thank you Minnesota Women’s Press Readers for voting for me as your“Favorite Female Attorney!” in 2008, 2011-14 and 2017! Elizabeth Cloutier 28 years of legal experience Family Law • Personal Injury • Estate Planning Employment • Business • Litigation • LGBT Law

10 S. 5th St., Suite 1005, Minneapolis, 55402 612-332-5100 www.cloutier-law.com

Minnesota Women’s Press womenspress.com May 2018 37 Out on the Town

Favorite Festival Favorite Music/Dance Venue MayDay Festival (Heart of the Beast) First Avenue Puppets, a parade, a party, and a pageant collide each spring. You You agree that First Avenue is “the epicenter of live music and help make giant puppets representing prairie, sky, river and woods. entertainment in Minneapolis.” With over 40 years of providing You “march, boogie, or roll” in the story-telling parade performance. intimate access to musicians (including Prince, Bo Diddley, and You paddle the red sun flotilla across the lake and re-awaken the Metallica), First Avenue is still playing your jam! The establishment tree of life. This is MayDay in Minneapolis. also promotes civic responsibility and hosts youth vote rallies. Minnesota State Fair You also get your groove on with performances at The Cedar, The Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts, the Dakota Jazz When you want a community celebration on a state-wide scale, you Club & Restaurant, and the Turf Club. head to the Great Minnesota Get-Together! The Minnesota State Fair provides 12 summer days of gluttony – where you eat unusual foods on a stick, watch farm animals give birth, and twirl in circles Favorite Place to Book an Event on thrill rides. Solar Arts by Chowgirls You also kick up your heels at the Minnesota Renaissance and Twin Cities Pride Festivals. Minneapolis boasts an award-winning space where you rally your relatives or entertain your employees. “Steeped in historic details,” Solar Arts by Chowgirls features wood, glass, and exposed brick to accompany any personal style. You seat up to 350 of your besties and serve “killer food” catered by Chowgirls. Women-owned! Carondelet Center and Landmark Center, both of St. Paul, also host your gatherings with style.

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31-11

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38 Minnesota Women’s Press womenspress.com May 2018 Favorite Place to Meet New People YMCA You are most comfortable meeting new people at a place where “we value what everyone brings to the table.” Minnesota’s YMCA organization works “to ensure that all segments of our communities are welcome at the Y, and have equal opportunities to become connected to other participants, members, staff, and volunteers.” You also meet new people at Can Can Wonderland, First Universalist Church of Minneapolis, or simply while walking your dog!

Favorite Place to Take a Class Goddess of Glass Connie Beckers opened Goddess of Glass in 2009 with a gift shop featuring art work from over 100 artists. Beckers offers award-winning expertise as a glass artist, and the studio classes that delight you include edible art (cookies!) and mandala painting, as well as glass fusing and stained glass. You also grow new brain cells at Community Education classes, at The Loft Literary Center, and at women-focused She Rock She Rock.

Favorite Theater Company Guthrie Theater You adore attending world-class performances right here in Minnesota! Housed in a dramatic blue glass building along the Minneapolis Mississippi riverfront, the Guthrie Theater “creates transformative theater experiences that ignite the imagination, stir the heart, open the mind, and build community through the illumination of our common humanity.” Other outstanding venues for an evening of entertainment include Children’s Theatre Company and Penumbra Theatre.

Minnesota Women’s Press womenspress.com May 2018 39 Professional Services Favorite Accountant Favorite Estate Planner Fox Tax Julie W. Olmsted – Blue Owl Law You know that Fox Tax agents are “not your average number Preparing for both the expected and unexpected, you seek counsel crunchers.” Alyssa Fox co-founded the company at age 24 with her at Blue Owl Law. Why trust a firm with the name of an imaginary brother and now they serve over 4000+ clients, including many creature? According to Julie W. Olmsted, “Blue is the color of artists and musicians. The Fox Tax Minneapolis fficeo includes an sincerity and trust. Owls are wise and keen creatures; they are art gallery, co-locating Fox’s passion for counting and creativity. symbols of transition.” That’s why! Other firms you trust to direct your dollars include GuideSource, Rachel T. Schromen – Schromen Law Karen R. Palm, CPA, Propel Nonprofits, and Bonnie R. Russ of Mahoney Ulbrich Christiansen & Russ P.A. You retain Rachel T. Schromen to “work with you in the pursuit of your life goals, dreams and legacy.” Schromen assists you with trusts and wills and powers of attorney, among other things. If those are Favorite Co-Sharing Work Space stressful topics, simply request that Mabel, the certified therapy dog, COCO attend your planning sessions! Need a workspace that can grow as your business grows? You use You also feel confidence in estate planning with Ann B. Burns of COCO for fully-furnished shared group workspaces, flexibly sized Gray Plant Mooty and with Chris Tymchuck of Unique Estate Law. to fit your needs. Just you for now? You grab a COCO dedicated desk at one of four metro locations, all with basic business services Favorite Family Law Attorney and some that are dog-friendly! Carla Kjellberg – Kjellberg Law Office You also set up shop with your laptop at The Coven or ModernWell, both of which are women-owned. Carla Kjellberg guides you through some of the toughest times of your life. With legal expertise relating to domestic abuse or divorce mediation, Kjellberg is by your side. She says, “You can trust that I will tell you what you need to hear, not just what you want to hear.” Anne E. Tressler of Tressler Law also handles your family law matters and protects your interests.

Now Playing 612.377.2224 / guthrietheater.org

Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner An Enemy of the People Now – May 27 Now – June 3 by TODD KREIDLER by HENRIK IBSEN based on the screenplay Guess Who’s a new adaptation by BRAD BIRCH Coming to Dinner by WILLIAM ROSE directed by LYNDSEY TURNER directed by TIMOTHY BOND

40 Minnesota Women’s Press womenspress.com May 2018 Favorite Financial Institution Favorite Graduate Program Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union University of Minnesota For money matters, you work with Affinity Plus Federal Credit University of Minnesota is where you train your brain with over Union which offers insured bank accounts, loans, credit cards – 200 graduate and professional degree options. With flexible course even student services that include an option to finance academic scheduling and many online options, you study when it works for technology purchases! You enjoy locations throughout Minnesota, you. If you are an older student, you appreciate the amazing value of 24-hour online banking, and member discounts at places like Sprint the Senior Citizen Education Program. and Nickelodeon Universe. Some of you continue your lifelong learning with advanced degrees Other local places to stash your cash include U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo, and certificates at St. Catherine University and the University of St. and Wings Financial Credit Union. Thomas.

Favorite Financial Planner Favorite Insurance Agent Joan Gilles – Financial Planning Partners Dash Leander – Farmers Insurance You choose Joan Gilles of Financial Planning Partners in Minneapolis You favor Dash Leander of Farmers Insurance in Mendota Heights to to help you count your beans and reach your financial goals. Her keep you covered. Leander strives to “help make you smarter about enthusiasm is contagious as she writes, “Listening to your story and insurance.” Leander provides guidance whether you are shopping helping you plan for the life you want makes my job energizing, to protect your automobile, home, belongings, or business. Drive a rewarding, and just plain AWESOME.” hybrid or electric car? Ask about an alternative fuel discount. You also navigate financial life changes with Stacey L Bartelson of You also insure things that matter with Davina Baldwin of State Edward Jones, Darla Kashian of RBC Wealth Management, Celine Farm (Brooklyn Park) and Deborah Streeter of Farmers Insurance Kitzenberg of Promus Financial Group, LLC, and Roya Moltaji of (Bloomington). Charterpoint Wealth Strategies.

Minnesota Women’s Press womenspress.com May 2018 41 Women-Friendly Services

Favorite Bike Shop Favorite Home Remodeler Erik’s Bike Shop Castle Building & Remodeling Considering new wheels or accessories? Looking to repair or trade If your personal castle needs an update or expansion, you love in your bike? Hoping to join others for a ride? You go to Erik’s working with Castle Building & Remodeling of Minneapolis. A Bike Shop year-round for info on the latest in bicycle trends and commitment to hiring, buying, and giving locally sets Castle apart. technology. Women of all ages and cycling abilities find what they Guarantees on upfront pricing and completion dates, along with need at Erik’s. a lifetime warranty, make Castle your preferred partner for home The Hub Bike Co-op, One on One Bicycle Studio, and Recovery Bike improvements. Shop also serve your cycling needs. REFINED and woman-owned Wonderwoman Construction also undertake your building projects. Favorite Car Repair Shop Turbo Tim’s Anything Automotive Based near the University of MN, Turbo Tim’s is who you trust for car care. You enjoy the shop kitties, the garage artwork and mural, and the 10% discount for displaying a bumper sticker! Bobby & Steve’s Auto World and Nghia’s Auto Service also help you stay safely on the road.

Home is the story of who we are.

Susan Bonne Anderson Realtor® 612-202-9133 [email protected]

42 Minnesota Women’s Press womenspress.com May 2018 Favorite House Painter Tim Dale – Dale Brothers Painting Inside or out, when you want to revise or refresh the hues of your home, you choose family-owned Dale Brothers. “If you aren’t happy with something, we fix it – no questions asked.” Dale’s celebrates 20 years of service by donating a Community Paint Job to a neighbor in need. You also pick the palettes of Headwaters Painting and woman- owned Ms. Greenjeans for painting your home.

Favorite Plumber St. Paul Pipeworks New bathroom? Clogged sink? For your metro area plumbing needs, you recommend St. Paul Pipeworks. These professionals help you with everything from inspections to repairs to remodels. “Most plumbing repairs can be done the same day you call” because St. Paul Pipeworks knows that “plumbing problems can’t wait.” When it comes to waterworks, you also call Jake the Plumber, Rascher Plumbing and Heating Inc., and woman-owned Suzie B’s Plumbing.

Favorite Realtor Stephanie Gruver To buy or sell a home, you call Stephanie Gruver of Re/Max Results. Gruver lives her real estate passion in a restored 1928 Tudor home in Minneapolis and is “Old Home Certified” by the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota. Whatever your personal housing style, Gruver’s expertise meets your real estate needs. For property deals, you also work with Susan Bonne (Keller Williams Realty Integrity Lakes), Margaret Thorpe Richards (Coldwell Banker Burnet), Amy Ruzick & Kay T. Johnson (RE/MAX Results), and Sandy Green Realty.

What Women Want since 2006

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Minnesota Women’s Press womenspress.com May 2018 43 CLASSIFIED ADS

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Minnesota Women’s Press womenspress.com May 2018 45 ART OF LIVING

BECCA CERRA: ALTERED AESTHETICS AN ARTIST CONVERSATION BY SARAH WHITING PHOTO BY MELISSA HESSE MELISSA BY PHOTO ecca Cerra is a multi-disciplinary artist currently collaborating with people who have amputations to create Bwearable sculptures. She sees her nonmedical "prosthetics" as her visual homage to the body’s story.

Where did the concept of this work come from? I went to Maryland Institute College of Art, where I integrated yoga and dance into my sculptural practice. Five weeks before my senior thesis, in which I was meant to perform, I suff ered an ankle injury. I made myself a steel ankle brace in the same visual language as the sculptures. My sculptural practice changed drastically as a result. Th at was thefi rst time I made sculpture meant to be worn and to change how the body works. Becca Cerra (right) fi tting Adela with her sculpture at Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center Can the models use the sculptures Adela is a Zumba instructor. She loves to How would you like for the work to dance, she loves to move. Her amputation as functional prosthetics? was four years ago, as a result of going into be viewed? Th e sculptures don’t restore the ability to cardiac arrest and losing circulation in her I would like for it to be out in the public walk. Th ey are simply to turn the body into leg. Since then, she is trying to fi gure out so that people who aren’t necessarily going a work of art. I’m not trying to replicate the how she can get back to doing Zumba. She to come into an art gallery or museum can knee or ankle joints. Th e models keep their is not going to be able to do it in the same experience this work and have conversations sculptures as my gift to them. way that she used to. She was in a coma for with people that they wouldn’t normally 45 days and woke up without her leg. She have conversations with. Sometimes How have your other projects sees it as gratitude that she gets to be alive, going into a space isn’t easily accessible for informed this one? because that wasn’t necessarily what was someone with disabilities. So my hope is going to happen for her. that if it’s out on street level, people would In a previous body of work, one of my be able to see it. models, Danielle, talked about her scoliosis. How have your models responded She alluded to the fact that it isn’t just What have you learned from the injuries that hold us back, but our limiting to being photographed? beliefs, which are tied to past events or past For Dan, it was quite emotional. He has models through this process? injuries or past trauma. We allow those scars on his stomach because he recently As I do the fi rst stage of the project — stories to hold us back. Th at’s what I want had surgery to remove his prostate due to making the mold of the limb — we’re sitting to highlight. cancer. Th e scars were only a few weeks old, together for about two or three hours. We Also, [the abled] look at amputees and so he was self-conscious about showing spend that time talking about their life, immediately think that they are limited. those in photos. my life, and what brought us to this point Dan, an ultra-marathoner, is the fi rst Adela keeps thanking me for creating together. What I am taking away from this amputee I worked with. He wasn’t an ultra- visibility. All of the amputees that are project is learning the intricacies of people's marathoner before his amputation. He involved in this project keep off ering ideas stories. When I had my ankle injury, it runs, he bikes, he swims. A lot of people and ways of participating and diff erent aff ected everything. I was in pain. It was are surprised to fi nd he can do that.[Th e avenues to show this work. aff ecting my mind. It was aff ecting all parts sculptures are about] breaking down those of my day. I am noticing how all parts of limiting beliefs about ourselves and others, people's stories are connected. and changing the conversation. Resources BeccaCerra.com gofundme.com/beccacerra

46 Minnesota Women’s Press womenspress.com May 2018 Could she be your client?

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