The Good Life – May-June 2015

3

PHOTO: URBAN TOAD MEDIA
10 BEST WAYS TO PASS THE TIME ON A CAR TRIP
“Dad, she touched me!” “Dad, tell
him to stop putting his feet on my
side!” Ahhh – the sounds of the family
road trip. We’ve all been on both sides
of those exchanges. Separated down
the middle and given a side “that we
better not dare cross.” Thankfully, we
have a few more options than our
parents did to help ease those boredinduced
frustrations from our kids.
Here are a few ideas to help Dad keep
his sanity:
1. Hollywood
Portable DVD players. The best friend
of the road-tripping parent. Think of
an eight hour car trip as four movies.
“Two more movies and we’ll be there
kids.” It’s wonderful. Let Hollywood
work its magic while you peacefully
chew up the miles. And make sure the
movies help enlarge your children’s
understanding of the world.
2. The License Plate Game
A classic. Drivers from all over the
country are out there sharing the road
2
with you. Give everyone a blank map
of the United States. As they spot
different state license plates, they fill
it in. Whoever fills in the most states
wins. Prize? They get to choose where
to stop for lunch.
3. Photo Journalists
Buy each of your children a onetime
use camera. They usually have
about 24 pictures. Instruct them to
document the journey through their
own eyes. They can take pictures of
anything they want as long as they are
taken during the road trip. It will be
very interesting and likely very funny
when you get them developed back
home. Funny faces, blurry mountains,
the back of Mom’s head. Who knows
what will show up.
4. Scrapbook Time
Give the kids paper, scissors and a glue
stick. Every time you stop, let them
pick out postcards of the area you
are in. Grab some of those millions
of brochures that tell of the local
adventures and sights. With these, the
kids can create their own personal
scrapbook story of the trip. Have them
write details of what happened. Later
on, they can add the photos they took.
5. Gadgets Galore
Electronic games, iPod’s, iPad’s,
cell phones. We have a whole lot of
gadgets in our arsenal nowadays. Put
them to good use. Challenge your
son to beat his own high score in his
favorite game. He won’t even notice
that an entire hour just passed by.
6. The Official Map
“Dad, when are we going to get
there?” A timeless question. Print out
your entire trip using Google maps
or your choice of site. Give a copy to
all of the kids. When that question
rears its inevitable head, you will be
ready. Simply tell them where you are
and have them find it on their map.
The first child to figure out how many
miles left to go wins a prize. Mom is in
charge of all prizes.

7. The Scavenger Hunt
Of course there are a lot of interesting
sights on the road. Giant plastic
dinosaurs. Historical landmarks.
Wildlife. Lots of different things. Pick
out a list of items you will be likely
to see on your trip. Some easy to spot
and some difficult. Whichever family
member checks off the most items
gets the prize. You can break it down
into categories or just make one big
all-inclusive hunt.
8. The Deep Discussion
A novel idea. The whole family putting
down the games, turning off the movie
and having a thoughtful discussion.
Deep discussions can last for hours.
Maybe the topic is religion. How do
you see God? What is He like? Maybe
politics. Do you feel like everybody is
treated fairly in this country? Not only
do religion and politics usually lead
to heated debates, but you will learn
a lot about how your child feels and
thinks.
9. Quirky Stops
Of course Dad wants to plow through
as fast as possible. However, you can
break up the boredom by planning a
few stops of fun along the way. Find
quirky and unique places to check out.
You have to get out and stretch your
legs anyway. Might as well do that in
an interesting location. Going to the
restroom inside a building shaped
like a great white shark is always more
fun than a boring gas station!
10. Car Picnic
Food and families go hand in hand.
Some of our best moments are shared
over a great plate of food. Keep
plenty on hand while driving. Snacks.
Drinks. Whole meals. Mom will want
to keep it healthy, but try to sneak in
a few fun things besides the bag of
carrots. Nothing like driving down the
great American road gnawing on a big
chicken leg. That’s what it’s all about!
Copyright 2015 All Pro Dad. All Rights Reserved.
Reprinted with permission. For more resources
like this, visit AllProDad.com
3

contents
may-june 2015 | volume 2 • issue 6
02
06
10
12
16
18
24
28
30
FATHERS
10 BEST WAYS TO PASS THE TIME ON A CAR TRIP
TAKE NOTE: BARBERSHOP SINGING IS ALIVE AND
WELL IN THE F-M AREA
HAVING A BEER WITH ...
TIM MAHONEY
THE FM CRUSADERS
BIG BIKES, BIG EVENTS, BIG GIVERS
THANKS, I THINK - RESPONDING TO
BACKHANDED COMPLIMENTS
COVER - ROGER GRESS
A WALK IN THE PARK
FARGO INVADERS • SUMMER
FOOTBALL IS SET TO INVADE
FARGO FOR A SECOND SEASON
WINE + GRILLING
BURGERS AND BORDEAUX?
LOCAL HERO - BRIAN RICHTER
DESTINED TO SERVE
4

PUBLISHED BY
Urban Toad Media LLP
www.urbantoadmedia.com
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Dawn Siewert
dawn@urbantoadmedia.com
PHOTOGRAPHY
Darren Losee
darren@urbantoadmedia.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Soo Asheim
Jessica Ballou
Aaron Black
Cantrel
Meghan Feir
Paul Hankel
Wanda Perkins
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHY
MJoy Photography
ADVERTISING INQUIRIES
dawn@urbantoadmedia.com | 701-388-4506
darren@urbantoadmedia.com | 701-261-9139
FOLLOW URBAN TOAD MEDIA
ON TWITTER & FACEBOOK
READ AN ISSUE ONLINE:
issuu.com/thegoodlifemensmag
The Good Life Men’s Magazine is distributed six times a year by
Urban Toad Media LLP. Material may not be reproduced without
permission. The Good Life Men’s Magazine accepts no liability for
reader dissatisfaction arising from content in this publication. The
opinions expressed, or advice given, are the views of individual
writers or advertisers and do not necessarily represent the views or
policies of The Good Life Men’s Magazine.
5

TAKE NOTE:
Barbershop Singing
is Alive and Well in the F-M Area
BY: MEGHAN FEIR | PHOTOS: URBAN TOAD MEDIA
C
andy cane stripes do not glide down their suits, and skimmers are
not required, but don’t let that fool you. These men are the real
deal. Great Plains Harmony is a barbershop singing group in the
Fargo-Moorhead area that is always looking for more members, if
you can sing, that is.
Great Plains Harmony member Jeff Irwin has been singing in barbershop
groups since 1982 and is actively encouraging men to join this brotherhood,
this frat for singers. As long as you’re a man, can carry a tune and blend well
with other singers, you can join.
“The foundation of the society is a true American art form, like jazz. It was
founded here (in America) and has spread,” Irwin said.
The group is a part of the Barbershop Harmony Society, an international
organization that aims to preserve and encourage the learning and spreading
of barbershop music.
“They’ve really started expanding in the
youth area,” Irwin said. “We’re trying
to set up the next generation so
{barbershop can thrive.”
The local chapter was started in 1951 and was originally
known as the F-M Ambassadors. “In ’96, we decided to
upgrade the name, so we changed it to Great Plains Harmony.”
They have been called one of the best-kept secrets in Fargo, a
phrase Irwin is tired of hearing. Averaging between 40-60 members,
Great Plains Harmony will be focusing on expanding their group in the
upcoming year with a goal of a 100-man chorus through their membership
drive, FAR-MOOR SOUND.
6

7

“When people hear a barbershop, especially a quartet, they’ll
stop and listen because it’s different. The more you listen to
it, the more you get hooked,” Irwin said. “We have a goodsounding
chorus and a solid core, but when you have 100
men on stage, the dynamics completely change.”
Irwin said they want to create an outlet for men of all ages.
“It’s a hobby that anyone can do. We’ve got kids 9, 10, 11
years old all the way up to 90,” Irwin said.“Sometimes your
knees give out. Different ailments and maladies prevent you
from playing golf and other things, but this is a hobby you
can do. It’s something you can do with your dad, your son,
uncle, or grandfather. It’s really neat that way. My son is 15
and he sings with us. There’s just no age barrier.”
The audition process isn’t a grueling one. Potential singers
must attend and watch three rehearsals before auditioning
with the director or section leader of your appropriate vocal
part. Practices take place every Thursday night 7:30 p.m. at
Knollbrook Covenant Church in Fargo.
Great Plains Harmony makes it a point to reach out to
members who may not be the strongest music readers but
can learn parts by ear.
“For people who can’t read music well, we have the learning
track for them to listen to,” Irwin said. “We really help teach
them how to learn music, even if they can’t really read it.”
Irwin stressed the extensive education one receives from
being a part of the group. “We get coaching from very
good musicians who come in, barbershop trained. There’s
Harmony College that they put on once a year for a whole
week. We have different coaches coming in all the time, and
we also compete.”
The competitions begin at a division level and proceed to
the Land o’ Lakes regional district level, which includes
Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin.
In 2013, they qualified for the international competition and
performed in Toronto. Out of 1,200 chapters internationally,
they were in the top 50.
“Unfortunately, because of work, I wasn’t able to participate,
but I watched and it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for
the members.”
The 2015 international competition will take place this
summer in Pittsburgh, P.A.
Great Plains Harmony’s director, Sheila Child, is a retired
choral director from Fargo North High School. Her dad and
uncle performed in a champion quartet, so Child grew up
hearing barbershop.
“It was a natural fit. She has earned the respect of everyone
and knows how to work with us,” Irwin said. “We all respect
and appreciate her. She’s got a gift and she’s fun, and we’re
very fortunate to have somebody like that. This chapter has
been blessed with great directors.”
Locally, you can find the men performing parodies and
“It’s a
hobby that
anyone can do.
We’ve got kids 9, 10,
11 years old all the
way up to 90,”
Irwin said.
8

theme shows, from Disney songs to gospel. “We go out
and sing national anthems. We’ve done things for the
American Heart Association, singing valentines, and
bell ringing for the Salvation Army. We try to give back,
and it’s really a lot of fun.”
The diversity of occupations among the singers is
extensive, but their differences fall to the wayside when
they enter the church to practice.
“We have heart surgeons, pilots, salespeople, and
farmers. It doesn’t matter what you do. When you
come here, it’s a brotherhood. You build lifelong
relationships.”
If you would like to join Great Plains Harmony or hire
them to sing for an event, visit greatplainsharmony.org.
9

*This interview was
conducted prior to
the mayoral election.
HAVING A BEER WITH...
TIM MAHONEY
BY: AARON BLACK | PHOTOS: URBAN TOAD MEDIA
The Good Life Men’s Magazine caught up with Tim Mahoney at Drekker Brewery, for
this issue’s installment of ‘Having a Beer with’. We chatted about his career, memories,
and how he balances the hectic schedule of being one of the city’s top surgeons as
well as its leader.
Family man, Experienced Traveler, City Leader
GL: Did you ever see yourself becoming the Mayor of Fargo? Was becoming the Mayor
a planned career goal?
TM: [Laughs] No, me becoming the Mayor is what I like to call a fluke! I used to go down to Haiti
and do mission work. We would generally go down there for a week and perform surgeries and other
community projects. We got back and my wife pointed out to me the fact that there are plenty of
people who need help in Fargo too. We have these 51 other weeks in which to do something. What
should we do about Fargo? I had to admit, she was right. So I ran for City Commission and put myself
out there.
GL: You have four children. Do you have any advice for young couples who are starting
families?
TM: A friend of mine always made it a habit of going out one night a week with his wife. I think that,
sometimes, when we have a family, we get so busy that we forget to be a couple. It’s really nice to just
have that private time to spend talking and connecting. I think that that notion is very important.
GL: Finish this sentence: On a summer weekend, my family and I will be….
TM: We have a lake cabin, so often times we will be down at the lake. We fish, ski and swim all
summer. However, there’s always so many events going on in town, so it can be a tough choice! Often
times, during the summer, people tend to evacuate town. What I love about Fargo, now, is that there
are always things going on throughout our community.
GL: What is your favorite Fargo activity?
TM: Well, sometimes we like to walk around downtown, eat at Sammy’s Pizza. We also like all of the
events like the Street Fair, and Bison and Fargo Force games.
GL: What is the most extreme thing you’ve ever done?
TM: I used to be in a water ski club, in Devil’s Lake, when I was young. In those days, we used to
do a maneuver with kites. It worked really well, until the boat hit weeds! So, there I was trying not
to hit the crowd!
GL: Do you still water ski?
TM: I do. I still like to water ski and I also like to play hockey.
GL: What is something that Fargoans may not know about you?
TM: One of my passions is, whenever I go to a new city, to try a new restaurant. It’s always fun
for me to experience new cities through their unique restaurants. The only time I’ve gotten in
trouble for that is when I went to a Chinese restaurant in San Francisco. I have no idea what
I ate, but I almost died!
10
GL: Being a frequent traveler, where have you had some of your favorite meals?

TIM MAHONEY AND MARK BJORNSTAD
TM: I like seafood, so one of my favorite places to go is Boston, right along the seafront. It’s the smells
and sounds that I like. Coming from Devil’s Lake, all of our seafood was always fresh-frozen. So when
you actually get something fresh caught, it’s delightful. The wharf and fishermen’s market in Seattle
is also excellent.
Respected City Leader and Devout Fargoan
Mahoney and his family have made Fargo their home since 1980. Living and working here for 35 years,
Mahoney has had the opportunity to fulfill his career goals, while also serving as a City Commissioner,
Deputy Mayor under Dennis Walaker, and now the Interim Mayor of Fargo. Along the way, he’s gained
some valuable insight into what makes Fargo so special.
GL: You’re the interim mayor of Fargo, replacing the late Dennis Walaker. What is your
favorite memory about, ‘Denny’?
TM: He was a great man. Denny knew that the people of Fargo loved him. However, he knew that that
love came with a price: he had to make the right decisions. I really respected that about him.
GL: What aspects of Fargo do you appreciate the most?
TM: I came here in 1980 and fell in love with this place. I like how excited the people of Fargo get
about stuff. The Fargo marathon started several years ago and just look at how it’s taken off. All these
people come out for it, whether or not they’re actually in the race. It’s just so great to see people
having a great time here. Also, if you come to town and have a certain interest, I can probably find
you some people who have the same interest. This is a city where you can find your niche. It’s not
like that everywhere!
GL: What’s your trick to getting through the long Fargo winters?
TM: Well I’ll have to give credit to my mother for this answer. She used to say to me, ‘Tim, North
Dakota is fine but the damn winters are too long. You’ve got to do one sunshine vacation every
winter!’ She’s completely right! We try to take one warm vacation every winter. We can tolerate the
cold, but it’s so nice to get away to somewhere warm. And when we come back the rest of the winter
seems shorter!
GL: Lastly, what do you consider to be living THE GOOD LIFE?
TM: Living the good life to me is making everyday count. As you go through your day, greet people
with a smile and shake their hand. There’s so many little interactions that I have every day with
people and that’s what really fun for me. When you go to bed at night, you should feel good
about what you’ve accomplished that day. 11

If anyone had randomly asked one of the very few
motorcyclists back in 1967 whether there would still be a
bikers club calling itself “The FM Crusaders” by the year
2015, who knows what the answer would have been.
But it really doesn’t matter because it is now forty-eight
years later and the FM Crusaders Motorcycle Club is still
very active and making an enormous impact in the lives of
the people they are able to help through their charitable
fund raising activities and contributions. Only this
past March the Ramada Inn was the setting for an FM
Crusader event and as a testament to what they are able
to achieve and who they focus on helping.
Celebrating their 40th annual Bike Show in the
Valley, the FM Crusaders had every type of machine
conceivable on display for the public to view, gawk
and yes, for some to drool a bit over as well. They
held an auction as well and in so doing managed to
bring in (at last count) over $16,000 for the charity
the Crusaders plan to donate the money to: CCRI in
Moorhead. An outstanding organization that helps
disabled individuals learn self-sufficiency and
independence. CCRI (Creative Care for Reaching
Independence) is among many the FM Crusaders
Bikers have helped over the many years. One
of the very first charitable organizations they
raised money for was the Big Brother/Big Sister
Program.
12

BY: SOO ASHEIM | PHOTOS: URBAN TOAD MEDIA
13

The FM Crusaders is not an organization packed
with formality or has a board room filled with
members so busy scrolling their iPhones and
making future appointments they cannot keep
up with the current conversation. Those I met
are hard-working “joe six-pack” types who have
families, jobs, and responsibilities like the majority
of us. What these guys also have is a passion for
motorcycles, their communities, and each other.
That is what has kept this particular bikers club
going. There are twenty-five or so “active” members
within the FM Crusaders. These are the members who
actively “pitch in” and do whatever needs to be done
when the FM Crusaders’ event is coming up. They are
usually the few who are also the “spokesmen” for the
club. However, there are probably over 100 who once
upon a time were also very active and even today are still
supporters for whatever the Crusaders are doing. Like
with everything else, the baton does get handed down
from generation to generation eventually due to age, years
of active “duty,” health, and for any number of reasons.
One of the FM Crusaders main events of the year is their
“Rally in the Valley” Motorcycle Challenge benefiting the
Roger Maris Cancer Center. During this rally participants
14
must purchase a ‘passport’ for $61. For questions regarding
passport purchases please call one of these FM Crusader
members: Lyn at: 701-430-9884 or Thumper at: 218-979-
1035.
The point to this Challenge is to achieve as many stops as
possible in four months. With each stop your passport will
be stamped and with every stamp the odds of winning a prize
at “61 for 61” on September 12, 2015 increases. Budweiser is
a major sponsor for this year’s FM Crusaders MC 3rd Annual
Rally in the Valley Motorcycle Challenge. The fun part is
going to all the neat places throughout the entire summer
to get your *passport* stamped! These are places made for
motorcycle cruising: 210 Bar & Grill in Foxhome; The Royal Bar
& Grill in Park Rapids, MN., LOBO’s near Itasca Park; Corner
Corral in Ellendale, ND., some trips will be further away, like
the one for the Easyriders Saloon, in Sturgis, SD.; and there
are a few others but for anyone who has a motorcycle and
loves the open road, this Valley Rally promises to be a dilly
of a great ride. Rally in the Valley Kickoff party will be held at
Tailgators and is May 1st from 5 - 7 p.m. All Rally Passports
purchased prior to April 15, 2015 will be eligible for a $200
drawing for bonus prize. The last day and prize drawing day
for Rally in the Valley is September 12 and will be held in
Sabin, Minnesota.

The FM Crusaders has a home-grown membership made
from what every mother who ever made an apple pie or
flew the American Flag from her front stoop would hope
to instill in her child as he or she grew into adulthood: just
enough curiosity to be adventurous, rebellious enough to
at least question a few rules without breaking any, strong
believers in camaraderie and giving to those within the
community who need it the most. But the FM Crusaders are
also givers to others as well. They’ve held street dances and
lawn mower races and various types of events, small and
large that the donations raised went for a few odd items—
one was a goat. This specific goat was sent overseas so that
it could provide milk. Another time money was raised for
a Lutheran organization in Haiti after the tsunami hit a few
years ago.
Motorcycles and the lurid falsehoods of days long ago
about “big, bad, bikers” should be laid to rest with Marlon
Brando and James Dean. Thanks to guys with nick names
like “Thumper” and “Hillbilly” and Lyn, Bill and Jason
“Shameless” the March of Dimes, Folds For Honor, Hope,
Inc., CCRI, The Village, Big Sister/Brother, Roger Maris
Cancer Center and many more have been recipients of
this motorcycle club with the name that says it all: The FM
Crusaders.
15

Thanks, I Think
Responding to Backhanded Compliments
BY: MEGHAN FEIR
As a woman, before Always
offered more than just feminine
products by beginning their
viral “Like a girl” campaign, drawing
attention to the evils of the most
common backhanded compliment,
hearing the demeaning phrase “You
(insert ability) good, for a girl” was
supposed to be taken as a compliment
by, of course, males.
Thanks, but no thanks, guys. You might
as well have said, “You’re nowhere
near the skill level of a man, but
I’m considering your performance
adequate because most women
would do an even worse job
than you just did.”
completely intentional, and they
make that painfully evident.
The irksome comment may concern
your shack of a home, receding
hairline, snaggletooth, Aunt Darcy,
IQ – anything. Whatever it is, the
remark is always offensive to
you, to what you have, do or
stand for, but you don’t need to react.
By taking away the reaction they were
hoping to ignite, the evildoer doesn’t
have any fuel to make it to Gloatsville.
However, if you hate change and
self-improvement, you
can always stick with
the “typical angry
Perhaps someone is
complimenting you on
the weight you seem to
have lost.
“Man, you look great! The last
time I saw you, you barely squeezed
through the doorframe.”
Maybe they are praising you on your
accomplishments.
“I’m so proud of you for landing this
job. Back in high school, I didn’t think
you’d amount to anything.”
Sometimes, backhanded compliments
are accidental. The commenter didn’t
intend to end their planned positive
with a negative. Other times, it was
16

guy” route, which involves becoming
extremely defensive, swearing at them,
followed by some sort of hand signal,
and either getting in a fight or leaving
in a huff. But let’s get a little more
creative, shall we?
From one bro to another
I’ve never been a man, nor will I ever be,
but I’ve observed many an interaction
between humans, including guy-toguy
run-ins.
In man land, there appears to be two
main types of these “compliments,”
the good and the bad. However, these
have branches. One example would be
the good-natured tease with the main
message being a compliment and
delivered with a smirk and shoulder
hit.
Conversely, there is a condescending
approach that also involves a smile
and shoulder hit, and for some reason,
every time I imagine this, guys are in a
locker room wearing football jerseys.
After all, that’s about as bro-ish as you
can get.
When fellow boys are giving you crap,
handling the situation good-naturedly
will not only aid in diffusing the
situation, it will eventually command
respect. At least, that’s the outcome
I can assume will happen over an
indeterminable length of time and
harassment.
The “Oh, really?” route
So someone outside of a locker
room just gave you a backhanded
compliment. Now what? It will only
be awkward if you give them a smirk
and a shoulder hit. Then again, maybe
doing something awkward is exactly
what you should do.
When you don’t know how to take
a snide comment, try embracing the
awkwardness. Stare at them with your
eyebrows raised, look off to the side
for a second or two, and look back
with the same expression. This may
not accomplish anything, but it
would be a golden reaction I’d like
to witness and try myself.
Cry and run
After the nasty remark has
reached your ears, look at them
square in the eye with a face
that resembles a hurt puppy
and begin quivering your
bottom lip. Brew some fresh,
salty tears. Stand in place for
a few more seconds before
proceeding to run.
This will successfully make
them uncomfortable.
What have been some of the meanest backhanded compliments you’ve received
and how did you handle them? Share with The Good Life on Facebook!
#ThanksIThink
www.facebook.com/urbantoadmedia
17

WHEN ASKED WHAT
THE GOOD LIFE
MEANS TO HIM, GRESS SAID:
“
A HEALTHY FAMILY
ENRICHED BY GOD,
A HAPPY MARRIAGE
AND LOTS OF
GRANDCHILDREN.
”
18

A WALK
IN THE PARK:
Gress reflects on past jobs, his time in the military and more
before retirement from the Fargo Park District
BY: JESSICA BALLOU | PHOTOS: URBAN TOAD MEDIA
W
hat do a shoeshine boy, a grocery carry-out,
bartender/bouncer, an architectural designer
and a Parks and Recreation employee have in
common? Roger Gress.
At the end of 2016 he’ll retire from the Fargo Park District after
working there for nearly 30 years, but he held a variety of positions
in the past that shaped him into the man he is today.
In his current position as Executive Director of Parks and
Recreation, he mainly works with the public, park commissioners
and senior administrators to solve issues or potential problems, as
well as manage new programs, but he has held quite a variety of
positions in the past.
‘An unbelievable eye opener’
Gress said he was always taught to work hard, get through high
school and serve in the military because then, his mother said,
when he came home, he could have his pick from any job.
He said he could’ve cared less about college back then; he just
wanted to join the Marine Corps. His mother begged him not to
join the Marines because there was fierce fighting in Vietnam in
1968, so he joined the Navy instead. He was drawn to a position
as a medical combat corpsman, which meant he served as a medic
assistant to nurses and doctors, because there was the possibility of
being transferred to the Marine Corps and fighting in combat. In
1969 Gress worked at the Philadelphia Naval Hospital, which was
the amputee center for the East Coast, where he saw many vets who
came back from Vietnam, and many were missing multiple limbs.
“I was 19 at the time, and I’m telling you, it was an unbelievable
eye opener to see what was left of a young man after he would be
hit by a ‘booby trap’ or land mine,” he said.
19

PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY:
ROGER GRESS
He served as a medical combat corpsman for a three-year
tour in the Navy-Marine Corps.
“The physical things that I did for people in the hospital:
helping them with their personal care, brushing their
teeth, dressing changes, taking out sutures, administering
medications, staying up with them at night and holding a
cigarette while they were post-op and recovering. That was
an eye opener, and I didn’t realize at the time the impact that
that would have on me,” he said.
After being transferred to the Marine Corps, he underwent
training for about ten months with the Second Marine
Division and then went to Vietnam with the First Marine
Division for five and a half months. He said his mother had
become very ill for a variety of reasons, and Gress was given
an early out of the military because of her illness. Upon his
return, he bumped into his high school sweetheart by chance,
and they got married that fall, which was 43 years ago.
He said that without a doubt, being in the military made him
a better man, husband, human being, father and certainly a
patriot.
20
“It’s really kind of unbelievable what it does for you when
you survive that and you think about the people that didn’t,”
he said. “It haunts you as a why. What are you supposed
to do in your life that’s more than what you’ve done when
you’ve been given such a blessing to come back home?”
“And this sounds nuttier than hell, but I thank God that I did
go,” he added.
‘Bit by the park bug’
Upon his return from the Navy-Marine Corps, he attended
and graduated from Northwest Technical College in
Moorhead, MN, in Commercial Art. He also graduated from
NDSU with a Bachelor of Architecture degree in 1979.
In June 1979 he was hired as a Park Designer and Planner
with the Fargo Park District, where he was responsible for
designing, presentation drawings, and planning construction
and expansions. Gress said this was when he was bit by the
park bug but didn’t realize it.
In February 1980 he began working a variety of jobs to keep up
and expand his knowledge with architectural firms including

Mutchler, Lunch and Associates; Norman Triebwasser and
Associates; and Rogers, Perlenfein and Associates.
He also ran and was elected for two four-year terms as a Fargo
Park Board Commissioner. Three years into his second term,
he resigned. During this time he also served as vice president
and president of the board.
After he resigned from the Board, he began working at the
Fargo Park District once again as a Facilities Coordinator.
In 1991 he was promoted to Director of Facilities and Park
Planner. On Sept 1, 1996, he was promoted to Executive
Director of Fargo Parks and Recreation, a position he will
hold until his retirement at the end of next year.
‘It’s the people’
Gress said that he had absolutely no idea that working with
parks would be in the future for him when he was younger.
“The favorite part of my job as a designer was not really
putting the buildings together, which you assume it would
be,” he said. “It was working with the people and getting
their plans and ideas and putting them down on paper.”
“I certainly don’t want to ever say that my job wasn’t
important when I worked in an architectural office,” he
added. “It’s just that I get more gratification solving people’s
problems or by going into a neighborhood where there are
issues and working with people and sport groups to solve
problems.”
At age 14 he was as a shoe shine boy at Eagle Shoe Shine
on First Avenue in Fargo, and he enjoyed chatting with
the people. At age 16 he worked as a carry out/stocker at a
Northside grocery store. Later on he served as a bartender/
bouncer at a night club, among other positions. And despite
the seemingly random nature of the jobs he used to have,
they all had one common theme: people.
“It wasn’t shining shoes, it was visiting with people. It wasn’t
removing someone from the premises, it was trying to talk
them off a ledge when they were drunk rather than having
to throw them out, to try to talk them down and ultimately
make a friend.”
Reflecting on his career
Gress said there have been numerous major changes at
the Fargo Park District during his long tenure, including
increased parent participation, more neighborhood park
development, walkable communities and flooding issues.
He said parents have become much more involved with
programs over the years, where they run the programs and
21

the Fargo Park District provides the
facilities. Gress said that due to the
competitive nature of how people
operate today, some parents and kids
prefer a more intensive atmosphere
than is provided from park programs.
Another goal of the Fargo Park District
has been to make Fargo more of a walkable
community, meaning constructing
neighborhood parks with connecting
trails in every new neighborhood
development.
Gress estimates there are about 135
parks of all sizes throughout Fargo,
which is why it’s called the City of Parks.
He said that’s important because parks
serve as a nucleus of a neighborhood,
a place where children can safely play,
parents can get together and have block
parties, teams can practice and more.
He said that during his nearly 30-year
tenure with the Fargo Park District, he
and his team have taken everything
to a new level, which is something he
promised his predecessor Bob Johnson
and the public years ago.
Gress said the park board and the
management team have been ambitious
in developing new programs, facilities,
parks and trails over the last 30 years.
“I always say, ‘Our staff, short of finding
the cure for cancer, can solve just about
any problem that is given to us,” he
said.
Overcoming stereotypes
Just like policemen are stereotyped
to love coffee and donuts, Gress said
many people think working in a public
service role is just an easy desk job
where you can just write a report, have a
meeting and answer the phone. There’s
much more to the Fargo Park District
than that, he said; each role involves a
lot of talent, heart and passion.
“We have close to 2,500 acres of parks,
and you would find pretty quickly that
there are a lot of people who work at
the Fargo Park District that are very, very
proud of what they do and understand
that it’s a privilege to work here,” he said.
He said some people just don’t realize
the complexity of the Fargo Park
District and what it takes to accomplish
the construction of new parks and
trails systems to the refurbishments,
neighborhood issues, developing
new programs and issues concerning
flooding and more.
Looking forward
“I started out in my first job as a shoe
shine boy over here on First Avenue.
I’d go home at night and I couldn’t
get the polish out of my cuticles, and I
made 50 cents an hour, but every day
I’d have four, five, seven bucks in tips in
my pockets,” he said. “But I went from
there to here. How do you do that unless
you’re in a city that’s so open, inclusive
and wonderful to live in? If you’re a good
person and you work hard in Fargo, I’m
living proof you can be anything you
want to be.”
“I SEE NOTHING
BUT ABSOLUTELY
THE BEST FOR
THE FARGO PARKS
SYSTEM.”
— ROGER GRESS
22

“I see nothing but absolutely the best
for the Fargo Parks system,” he said.
“It’s only going to be get bigger, it’s
only going to get better. Fargo’s going
to grow and so will the Fargo Park
District.”
After retirement, Gress plans to take a
part-time job, play a little golf and focus
on devoting time to his family with an
emphasis on his grandchildren.
He and his wife Nancy have three kids
and four grandchildren with another
on the way.
“My wife has had a profound impact
on my life. Hands down,” he said.
“You can say whatever you want about
me. Yes it’s down deep, but it never
would’ve come out if it hadn’t been for
Nancy.”
When asked what The Good Life means
to him, Gress said: “A healthy family
enriched by God, a happy marriage and
lots of grandchildren.”
23

24
PHOTO: MJOY PHOTOGRAPHY

BY: PAUL HANKEL
ummer, in this writer’s opinion,
Sis the best time of year. The lakes,
outdoor concerts, the Fargo
Marathon, FM Redhawks baseball
games and bro tank tops are just a
few of my favorite pastimes. The only thing
that’s missing during those warm summer
months is football, which is traditionally this
writer’s fall obsession. Well, thanks to Matt
Petznick and the Fargo Invaders football
team, I no longer have to wait until the leaves
to brown to get my pigskin fix.
Who are the Fargo Invaders?
The Fargo Invaders Football Club LLC,
formerly the Fargo Lumberjacks, are a local
semi-pro football team set to kickoff their
second season in Fargo. The team originated
in Brainerd and transplanted to Fargo for the
2013-2014 season, a season in which they
achieved a record of 7-2 and won the NSFL
Championship. The Invaders are part of an
eight team Midwest league. Other cities in
the league include St. Cloud, Duluth and
Brainerd and others. The Invaders consist of
a 65-man roster and play five home and five
away games each season. The team is ran by
Matt Petznick and a Board of Directors, and
coached by Humberto Rodriquez.
25

Where can I see the Fargo Invaders
play?
Fans will have a chance to see all five of
the Invaders home games this season.
Games will be played at Shanley High
School, in south Fargo. Games will be
held on Saturdays at 7pm, May 9th
through August 2nd. The Invader’s first
home game will by Saturday, May 23rd
versus the Tri-City Northstars.
Team practices are held in the evenings.
Winter practices are held in the Fargo
North gymnasium and at Bennett
Elementary fields during the summer
months.
Fans are encouraged to check out the
team’s website, www.fargoinvaders.org,
for more specifics.
Who’s on the team?
The unique thing about the Fargo
Invaders and other teams in the league
is that they consist of a variety of players,
with varying levels of experience. “Our
team last year had a variety of different
players. We had several former college
players, former high school standouts
and some players who are still in
college,” said Matt Petznick, President
and Founder of the Invaders, as well as
a defensive end on the team.
According to Petznick, last year’s 65-
man roster featured Former Valley
City State University players, and
former North Dakota State University
Bison players Tony Stauss and Nick
Jackson. He went on the say that
having former college standouts on
the team shouldn’t intimidate or deter
any potential players, “We have all
ranges of talent and ages on this team.
Our youngest players, last year, were
eighteen [years old] and our oldest
were forty [years old].”
How can I join?
The Invaders host two player combines,
yearly. According to Petznick,
PHOTO: MJOY PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTO: URBAN TOAD MEDIA
26

attendance at these combines
has been upwards of 100 players.
The team, however, has never
had to cut a player. According
to Petznick, “We’ve had great
numbers for tryouts. We really
want people who are interested
to come and try out and be a part
of our team.”
The fee to join is $150.00 and
goes towards team costs. Players
will also be responsible for
providing their own equipment.
Those wanting to join the
Invaders are encouraged to visit
the team’s website and contact
team officials.
As spring sets in, the Fargo
Invaders season is in full swing.
The team is currently practicing,
in preparation for their first game
of the season against on May 9th
versus the Sioux Falls Stallions, in
Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
PHOTO: MJOY PHOTOGRAPHY
“WE HAVE ALL RANGES OF TALENT
AND AGES ON THIS TEAM.”
— MATT PETZNICK, FOUNDER AND
PRESIDENT, FARGO INVADERS
27

BY: CANTREL | PHOTOS: URBAN TOAD MEDIA
WINE
GRILLING
Burgers and Bordeaux?
The warm weather and the sunshine bring out the BBQ master in all of us. Clean up that
grill, grab your favorite utensils and get ready to kick off the barbecue season!
Americans consume more
grilled food than anyone on
the planet. So we know what
we’re doing, right? Of course
we do.
Hamburgers top our list. Burgers and
Bordeaux. Fun to say and the perfect pairing.
The most popular foods for
our backyard barbecue are
burgers, followed up by steaks
and hot dogs. Chicken rounds
off the list of America’s favorite
food to cook outdoors.
We all know a cold beer is great
with any of these delicious
grilled foods, but this season
why not try something a little
different? Get ready to add a
little class to your backyard
grilling adventures.
Wine with your favorite
barbecue grub! Yes, we said
wine. Put down the cold beer
or set it aside for now and try
some wine with your favorite
everyday grilled dish.
With help from Ty Sigman at
D’Vine in downtown Fargo we
pair your favorite all American
grilled food with a delicious
glass of vino.
28
Chateau Recougne
Bordeaux 2010
a full bodied wine,
smooth texture with
tastings of plum,
cassis, caramel and
spicy oak.
About 80% of all Americans
will grill steak this year. A
porterhouse, a ribeye or NY strip will
pair up nicely with a Cabernet Sauvignon.
Joseph Carr 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon
a cabernet with raspberry and cherry
flavors. Perfect for your next steak dinner.

On the list of favorite food
to grill is chicken. 73%
of us will grill this bird
sometime during the year.
Pour a glass of Pinot Grigio
to pair nicely with your
favorite poultry recipe.
Pighin, Friuli Grave D.O.C.
with a fruity, floral banana
and pineapple aroma.
Wine and hot dogs? Sounds crazy and a little white
trashy, but they do work well together. Pop the cork on
a bottle of Pinot Noir with your next Nathan’s dog.
Francis Ford Coppola 2013
Votre Sante’ Pinot Noir
with raspberry, cherry and spicy
oak flavors.
29

DESTINED TO SERVE
A LOCAL MILITARY HERO SHARES ABOUT HIS
DEDICATION TO HIS FAMILY, COMMUNITY AND COUNTRY.
BY: WANDA PERKINS | PHOTOS: URBAN TOAD MEDIA
Most of us have the luxury of awakening refreshed after a peaceful sleep in
a comfortable bed. We sip our favorite cup of morning brew, listen to the
morning’s news and enjoy a warm shower before beginning the day. Amidst
the usual morning traffic frustrations and lengthy lists of errands, overloaded
schedules and appointments, we sometimes take for granted the daily freedoms
we enjoy and the great sacrifices our dedicated military heroes make each day.
Born in Fargo, SSG Brian Richter grew up in Hunter, N.D. and attended Dakota
High School. Just two days after graduation, he left for Basic Training. “I decided
early in my junior year of high school that I wanted to go into the Army,” SSG
Richter recalled. “My first thought was to become a police officer and this would
give me experience. I first served in a Combat Support Unit instead of a Garrison
Unit that normally performs regular police work on post.”
30
I LOVE SERVING MY
COUNTRY. I HAVE BEEN
THROUGH MANY THINGS,
SOME GOOD AND SOME
BAD. MOST OF THE BAD
THINGS YOU FORGET.
I’VE TRAVELED AROUND
THE WORLD, SPENT MY
21ST BIRTHDAY ON A
BEACH IN HONDURAS AND
SNORKELED IN PANAMA.
I WOULDN’T TRADE ANY
OF THE EXPERIENCES
THAT I HAVE HAD.
BRIAN RICHTER

The training and schooling SSG Richter
has received is extensive beginning with
Military Police School in 1989. In 1992,
he was no longer on active Army duty.
He attended Combat Engineer School in
April 1993 and also served in the North
Dakota Army National Guard for one
year and then in the Minnesota National
Guard in 1996. Following completion
of the National Guard Small Arms
Instructor Range Operations Course in
May 2000, he attended Infantry Training
in November 2002. He clarified he
went through Sniper School twice. The
first time was in March 2010, when he
sustained an injury to his knee.
“ONE OF THE
REQUIREMENTS OF SNIPER
TRAINING IS CARRYING
A 75-POUND BACKPACK,
ALONG WITH YOUR WEAPON,
WHILE RUNNING OVER
UNEVEN GROUND ON THE
RANGE,” SSG RICHTER
DESCRIBED.
“Unfortunately, I blew out my left knee
and had to wait until September 2011 to
complete the course.”
Additionally, SSG Richter began
training for deployment to Iraq in
Louisiana, where he learned how to
PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY: BRIAN RICHTER
31

drive the Heavy Equipment Transport
(HET) in September 2004. The day
after Thanksgiving, he was deployed
to Iraq. “My mission with the 778th
Transportation Company was
transporting vehicles or equipment into
and out of Iraq,” he recalled. “I spent
about half of my time in the HET and
half in a HMMWV gun truck doing
security for our convoys.”
He sensed the imminent danger of
driving a slow-moving vehicle across
dusty roads where roadside bombs were
always a possible threat. While serving in
Iraq, he received an urgent message from
The Red Cross notifying him of a family
medical emergency back home. The next
day he boarded a civilian flight back to
the states after serving eight months.
In 2005, SSG Richter was working as the
rear detachment Readiness and Training
(NCO) in Moorhead, MN and had the
opportunity to speak with wives of
military personnel. He answered difficult
questions about why their spouses chose
not to return home.
“ONE OF THE BIGGEST
MISCONCEPTIONS AND
DIFFICULTIES THE
MILITARY FACE IS THAT
SOMETIMES OUR FAMILIES
BACK HOME THINK WE
DON’T CARE, WHICH IS
NOT THE CASE. THERE
IS A COMRADERY IN THE
MILITARY WHERE EACH
BRANCH STEPS UP BESIDE
YOU. THERE’S ALSO AN
UNQUESTIONABLE SAFETY
RESPONSIBILITY AND
LOYALTY TOWARDS YOUR
FELLOW MEN AND WOMEN
THAT YOU SERVE WITH.”
Other than his Iraq deployment with
the Minnesota National Guard, he
was stationed at Fort Davis Panama
following Basic Training and Military
Police training. Then in October
1989, he was assigned to the 549th
Military Police Company (MP) and
later in December participated in
Operation Just Cause.
“For this mission, my duties were
spread over several different areas
which included securing buildings or
roads, clearing buildings and doing
raids in areas of town while looking
for weapons and drugs,” SSG Richter
noted. “While Panama was under
martial law, we operated as the police
force breaking up civil disturbances
and riots in the jail in Colon until
a new police force was established.”
One of the most rewarding aspects
of military service for SSG Richter

is the comradery. He confessed he
wasn’t a good student in high school
and didn’t have much discipline,
despite all the efforts attempted by
his parents. His advice to young men
and women considering a possible
military career is dependent upon
on what career choice is desired
and what an individual wants to
accomplish. He added, “A military
career will be hard, but it will be
rewarding.”
SSG Richter diligently served our
community during two floods. He
said that one of the aspects that
makes our community strong is the
fact that everyone joins together
when the need is greatest. “It is a
sign of strength when families and
friends come together to offer help.
This is certainly not characteristic of
all communities, where some simply
wait for help to arrive,” he explained.
In addition to his dedicated service
to his community and country, SSG
Richter has yet another challenging
role as a single parent to two sons,
Austin, age 16, and Cody, age 12. “I
am fortunate to have a command that
understands my personal situation
and works with me to make sure that
I have the time to take my children
to their appointments and to attend
their school functions,” he noted.
Although he said it is a sacrifice to
be away from his family one that
requires significant coordinating he
knows his sons’ needs will be taken
care of.
“There are many challenges to face
during deployment. These differ for
each person,” SSG Richter stated.
“When you have kids at home, like
when I went to Iraq, you always try
to get a little time to run over to
the Morale Welfare and Recreation
(MWR) tent. Everyone waits in line
for computer time to video chat
with family. I tried not to think too
much about what was going on back
at home so I could focus on my
responsibilities there.”
PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY: BRIAN RICHTER
33

HIS SONS ARE THE MOST
IMPORTANT PEOPLE IN HIS
LIFE, AND HE ENJOYS
SPENDING AS MUCH
FAMILY TIME WITH THEM
AS HE CAN.
SSG Richter also described his personal
reflection of what he considers a hero.
Without wavering he named Chris
Kyle, the trained Navy SEAL who wrote
the best-selling novel American Sniper.
The book was later released on film
in December 2013. Kyle was shot and
killed at a shooting range in Texas.
“I love serving my country,” he
admitted. “I have been through many
things, some good and some bad.
Most of the bad things you forget. I’ve
34
traveled around the world, spent my
21st birthday on a beach in Honduras
and snorkeled in Panama. I wouldn’t
trade any of the experiences that I have
had.”
Since 2002, SSG Richter has worked
with the Army National Guard in
Operations. His main responsibilities
include reviewing training, scheduling
equipment and resources, reviewing
travel or pay orders and working with
IT issues for his battalion for both full
time staff and the regular National
Guard side as well.
In December 2014, he completed
Electromagnetic Spectrum Manager
School (ESM) and is currently
one of three trained ESMs in the
Minnesota National Guard. This is a
specialized training that de-conflicts
any interference and works closely
with electronic communication and
electronic warfare.
Even when our busy lives are packed
with trivial daily annoyances, these
inconveniences pale in comparison
to the dedication and sacrifices our
military personnel provide every day.
For these true heroes that risk their lives
to protect and defend us all, we owe a
great debt of heartfelt appreciation and
respect.
When asked what The Good Life means
to him, local hero SSG Richter smiled
and thoughtfully answered, “My idea
of The Good Life would be cruising
down a curvy road on my motorcycle
while listening to Johnny Lang.”

MY IDEA OF THE
GOOD LIFE WOULD BE
CRUISING DOWN A CURVY
ROAD ON MY MOTORCYCLE
WHILE LISTENING TO
JOHNNY LANG.
BRIAN RICHTER
35

2