Siouxland Magazine - Volume 2 Issue 1

STARTING CONVERSATIONS
20
20
Vision
Volume 2, Issue 1

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Welcome to Siouxland Magazine
Siouxland Magazine | Vision / 3
Owners | Becca Feauto and Stacie Anderson
It’s in these pages that we hope to educate and inspire, even more importantly, to create a community
that thrives on connecting with one another. At our core, we all want to connect. When we seek to
understand, by listening more intently, we find that our relationships deepen and our community
strengthens as a result. With our appreciation for the power of connection through meaningful
conversations, it only made sense to name our business Empowering Conversations.
It all starts with a conversation; with a desire to learn; to see things from another perspective; to seek
truth. The truth is, we have more in common than we have differences. Well, maybe it would be
more accurate to say, what brings us together is stronger than anything that divides us.
We would never want to marginalize our differences. We love the words of Audre Lorde, “It is not our
differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.” We
are unique in vast and complicated ways. It’s our hope that we can come together with our unique
strengths, perspectives and ideas to build a community with a powerful narrative of “us.”
Through this humble publication, we will start having conversations. This is an ambitious and beautifully
optimistic attempt to shine light on all the things that make our community strong, but also discuss,
in a productive and compassionate manner, the challenges we face.
We are doing our small part in building a cohesive community by creating conversations that
refocus our attention on our similarities. We are bringing people together; replacing judgment with
understanding. Perspective is powerful.
We want to hear from you. At Siouxland Magazine, we feel it is imperative to understand what
the community wants and needs. Share your vision and dreams for Siouxland.
We want you to lean into the conversation and participate in the discussion.
E m p o w e r i n g
Conversations, LLC
siouxlandmagazine.com

Vision
Converse
22
Vision....................................................................................................................................................................8
Conversation Starters......................................................................................................11
Starting Conversations......................................................................................................22
Welcome Home - A Safe Haven for Families...............................24
Looking “Forward” to the Future.....................................................................26
Seeing Death.................................................................................................................................28
Message to Linda B............................................................................................................31
Balance
explore
5 Tips to Jumpstart your Goals.................................................................................46
Strengthen Your Spine, Strengthen Your Vision:
4 Exercises to Live Taller.................................................................................................48
Ask the Therapist........................................................................................................................50
Presence......................................................................................................................................................51
Using the Mind to Heal the Body................................................................53
Here’s your EXPLORE Winter Reading List!.................................54
Improving Food Security Through with the Garden......56
Bringing the Community Outside with Citizen Science... 59
“Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart.
Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.”
– Carl Jung

“Vision and strategy are both important. But there is a priority to them. Vision always comes first.
Always. If you have a clear vision, you will eventually attract the right strategy.
If you don’t have a clear vision, no strategy will save you.”
– Michael Hyatt
Inspire
Grow
Feisty and Confident: Age is Just a Number.....................................32
Cultivating Vision.............................................................................................................................34
Alzheimer’s Association Guides Siouxland Family...................36
Social Start-Up: Defying the Odds..........................................................38
Vision: Why It Matters........................................................................................................40
Leadership. Connections. Opportunities............................................41
Entrepreneurship Knows No Age...................................................................41
On an Afternoon Stroll with a Friend................................................... 43
Reserve Your Seat. It’s Time to Emerge.................................................44
enjoy
Remsen Restaurant Enters a New Vintage....................................60
Fashion as Personal Power.........................................................................................62
Visit Le Mars, IA............................................................................................................................64
At our core, we all want to connect. When we seek
to understand by listening more intently, we find that our
relationships deepen and our community strengthens as
a result. That’s what our Siouxland Magazine is all about!
We can’t wait to talk to you and truly connect with you
and your audience. If you’re interested in learning more
about how to advertise with us, download the media kit
on our website at siouxlandmagazine.com. Always feel
free to reach out to us via phone or email.
We promise to not disappoint. We’re creating a
magazine you won’t want to put down.
SAVE THE DATE
Siouxland Magazine’s first live forum
being held March 18th at 10am at the
Sioux City Public Museum.
Want to be included in our March issue?
Contact us soon!
Deadline to reserve space is
February 7th!
Media Kit at siouxlandmagazine.com
ON THE COVER
Photography by Britton Hacke Photography.

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Editors Note
Siouxland Magazine | Vision / 7
What is my vision for Siouxland? I have been thinking
about this for awhile now...and I have to say, since
the holidays have now come and gone, what I want
for Siouxland is to demonstrate more kindness. And
I actually don’t want it just for Siouxland, I want it for
the world. Yup, I’m going big here.
Over the holidays I always feel this sort of magic in
the air. My home is all decorated and feels warm and
welcoming with fires going and candles creating the
smells of Christmas. For me, there’s just no other
time of year quite like. Also, over the holidays I went
to Hy-Vee more often than I care to admit. Each time
there was someone being rude to another person. I
heard more honking than ever before, I heard people
yelling at each other in the parking lot about a cart
they wanted and inside I saw stares from people as
they glared at the person looking over the shelves
trying to find that one ingredient they need for their
holiday dish, you know, that dish they make once a
year. It broke my heart.
I get we are all busy and may seem like we need to
hurry to get to the next thing. I am guilty too. But
where in the world does it give us the right to be
rude, downright mean sometimes. I know I need
to check myself sometimes, to step back and take
a moment and simply allow the time needed, in
this case the grocery store, and display kindness
to those I see. Smile at them. Open doors. Offer to
get something off the shelf. Whatever it is, this is the
world we are raising our kids in. Let’s show them
how to treat others, kindly.
It’s a year to be bold and brave. It’s easier to do
when your focus is on service, when your putting all
your energy towards improving the lives of others,
forgetting how you may be perceived if you stumble
along the way. After all, stumbling is part of the journey.
You can be bold and be brave if you are determined to
make a difference.
This year I am diving deeper into getting “comfortable
with being uncomfortable.” I’m striving to be bolder
and braver. Siouxland Magazine is stretching too.
We said from the beginning that we are more than a
magazine. Print is just one way we are sharing stories
and starting conversations. Social is growing, but the
exciting announcement for 2020 is our expansion into
live forums. On March 18, we will have our first live
event! The conversation we be around homelessness
and we hope you will be able to join us at the Sioux
City Public Museum.
Welcoming 2020 with this…
A bold VISION that gets and keeps me excited.
QUESTION everything. Stay curious and open to
how it will manifest.
Embrace FAILURE. Attempt. Fail. Learn. Repeat
until Vision unfolds.
Recognize all the BEAUTY in the journey.
FORGIVE myself on the tough days.
Do my part to spread more KINDNESS.
Siouxland Magazine is owned and published by Empowering Conversations, LLC. All materials contained in this magazine (including text, content, and
photographs) are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published, broadcast or
modified in any way without the prior written consent of Empowering Conversations, LLC or in the case of third party materials, the owner of that content.
You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of this content.

Vision
inventiveness
dream
foresight
Anything is possible.
By Stacie Anderson
History has demonstrated that time and
again. From an “impossible” dream of one day
seeing humans fly to the current reality of over
100,000 flights departing daily, it’s only a matter
of time before what was once impossible unfolds
to fruition.
Eleanor Roosevelt said, “The future belongs to
those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
It all starts with a dream. It manifests with an
unwavering belief and a crystal-clear image of that
dream that employs all the senses. Want to make
your dream a reality? Cast a vision and take action.
Everything around us is constantly changing and
evolving. Life wants to exist at its fullest potential.
It moves, whether by intention or by default, with
no recourse. It ebbs and flows, but always seeking
more. It yearns for the edge. We too, forge forward,
stretching towards the limits.
If you are wanting to live your best life, then live
with intention. Be clear about what it is you want
and take the steps to get you there. Sometimes
that means taking the first step that you can see and
then another will appear. Don’t be fooled in thinking
you have to have it all figured out before you start. The
magic is in taking action.
I invite you to dream. What is it you want in your life?
Write it down in detail and then move. Seriously, take
action.
In our vision issue, we are not only encouraging you to
set personal goals, but we also want you to consider
Siouxland. If you were given the opportunity to influence
the future of our community, what would it look like to
you? What is your vision of an ideal Siouxland?
The reality is you do have the power to positively impact
our community. Start sharing your vision, connect with
others that share your goals and move.
We can consciously build a community that serves all of
its people. Let’s start dreaming.

imagination
believe
direction
When I close my eyes and visualize my ideal
Siouxland, I see people.
It all comes down to people. They magnify every
experience. When you have good news, what do
you do? You share it with someone. Our lives are
better because of the people we share it with.
People make a community.
In my ideal community, I see the Siouxland that I
love, but INTENSIFIED!
What do I mean by that? Well let me back up a
second. The Siouxland I know is made up of
wonderful people and organizations working
towards the betterment of Siouxland; filled with
people who enjoy engaging with one another. This
is my Siouxland because this is how I experience it.
I get involved. We get what we focus on.
Our focus becomes our reality.
With all that it is, for a dreamer like me, there is still
room to expand. Now to intensifying...
I see people. The streets of downtown filled with
music and conversation. Imagine the Old Market of
Omaha. The energy is electric. I see green spaces
everywhere covered with blanket picnics and
children playing. I see active people walking and
riding bike trails, and let’s not forget the dog parks.
I see community events at maximum capacity and
organizations with overwhelming support. I see
people coming together.
We address isolation, loneliness and mental health.
We focus on people first. That demands dialogue.
We encourage activity and healthy lifestyle which
requires a work / life balance. Getting away from
the desk and off the couch. Let’s flood the live
theaters, art centers and museums. Let’s provoke
conversation. Engage our minds and bodies. Find
one another.
We are moving in the right direction. For all of
those involved, my utmost gratitude. For those
who aren’t yet, I invite you.
Veterans Bridge facing South Sioux City.
In my ideal Siouxland, everyone feels empowered to
make a difference. Everyone enjoys the satisfaction of
contributing. We have a community with a strong sense
of “us.” We celebrate our diversity. We are proud of our
blue-collar roots and yet encourage diversification in our
opportunities.
With a deep breath and full exhalation, I open
my eyes to the horizon. I see my dream of a
pedestrian bridge linking Sioux City to South
Sioux City with a large circular viewing area
right over the river; connecting the cities and
bringing people closer together. We bridge
the separation.
We create another point of view. One with our river
running right through it. We are a community built from
the river.
Let the bridge symbolize our coming together and the
river our willingness to contribute to our community. As
my friend John Maxwell says, “Be a river, not a reservoir.”
Stacie Anderson is co-owner of Siouxland Magazine and
a Certified John Maxwell Speaker, Trainer and Coach.
Photography by Britton Hacke Photography.

Photo credit Jamie Lempares
Walking Capone in Grandview Park. Benefits of dog walking.

Sierra Club
What an Ideal Siouxland Would Look Like
The vision of the Northwest Iowa Group of the
Sierra Club is as multifaceted as the people within
our movement. Bob believes our youth can lead us
on climate issues. David’s priority is rewilding and
creating wildlife corridors. Linda believes strongly in social justice and doing good through the
legislative process. Jane’s passion is conservation and ecosystems. Jim and Bill fight for the Loess
Hills and Missouri River. Dianne is known as the expert on prairies and native plants. Eric gets into
nature daily regardless of the weather, and Chuck’s observational skills teach us to notice the
small things. Tom’s activism for clean water will improve the quality of life for all Iowans. Andrea
and Jeanne are driven to bring nature back into the lives of city kids. Carrie’s recent focus is on
waste reduction and recycling. Renee believes in sustainable and healthy foods, and Rex and
Maria are for the birds!
Siouxland Magazine | Vision / 11
The work done by people like you could lead to an exceptional
future. Imagine, our city, county, and state governments
prioritize quality of life and environmental protection. All
coal plants have shut down thanks to energy efficiency
practices, wind and solar generation, and improvements
in power storage. The entire west coast of Iowa is a prized
destination due to proactive protection of our unique Loess
Hills. A concerted effort to eradicate invasive species has
proven successful, and most trees, shrubs, flowers, and
grasses in the area are natives that thrive with little care and
no chemicals and support the myriad birds, butterflies, and
bees in our restored ecosystem. Children are able to see and
appreciate nature in their own backyards again, as well as
on other public and private properties. Residents recognize
the importance of our natural systems and provide data as
citizen scientists, ensuring that the precious resources of
our land, water, and air remain priorities. Our food systems
are safe and environmentally sustainable, as are all our
industries, supporting a healthy, vibrant economy in which
everyone is valued and cared for.
To help make any part of this vision a reality, contact the
Northwest Iowa Group of Sierra Club at nwiasierragroup@
gmail.com or 712.986.6210 to volunteer, learn about our
activities, or donate towards our mission to explore, enjoy,
and protect our planet. Become a Sierra Club member
like those driven to make a difference above: bit.ly/
JoinNWIASierra.
Carrie Radloff chairs the Northwest Iowa Group of Sierra
Club, and is a member of the Sioux City Environmental
Advisory Board and the Loess Hills Wild Ones.
Thoughts from a seasoned Sierra
Club activist
My vision comes out of the young
people, their needs. Therefore, I align
myself with the young warriors who
will lead the way in the struggle for
climate justice. This will mean, first of
all, working for the implementation
of the Green New Deal. Secondly, it’ll
mean working to achieve all of the
goals of the Paris Accords. Naturally,
those goals can be realistically pursued
only with leadership from young
people from all the nations. I see the
Sierra Club being in ever-more-fruitful
climate justice communications with
the United Nations. Here in Siouxland,
those visions will be borne out only by
my following the young ones around
me. My granddaughter and grandson,
eight years old and six years old
respectively, tell me that recycling is
good for the earth, so I need to do
better recycling each day. I need to
do better listening to the younger
members of our Club, too. It may be
time for this old-timer to shut up and
follow the young people.
Bob Fritzmeier has been a Sierra Club
member for 35 years and currently
serves on the Executive Committee for
the Northwest Iowa Group.
.

Siouxland Magazine | Vision / 12
Cyndi Hanson
Executive Director of the SSC Extended Campus for Northeast Community College
What is your vision of the ideal community? That’s one of those questions - like what would
you do with a million dollars - that really sets your mind to dreaming. There are so many
possibilities, so many times you remember saying, “Gee, I wish we had . . . “ or “If only . . . .”
After pondering this question for a few weeks, I’ve really settled on my vision of the ideal community.
My ideal community is a community of unity. What does that look like, what does that sound like, you ask?
Beautifully Different – I was recently watching an animated futuristic show with my daughter and everyone
was dressed alike, had the same body shape, focused on the same programming on their tablet device
and didn’t interact with each other. It’s that last part, not interacting with each other, that is the danger of
sameness. After all, why would I need to talk to anyone else if they all had the same thoughts I did? There
is a tremendous beauty in differences of appearance, thought, experience, etc. The ideal community
embraces that beauty and relishes in it.
Filled with Disagreement – My ideal community has conflict and disagreement. It is a natural outcome of
difference, and we are all the better for it. Yes, I’ve been known to say, “If everyone would just agree with
me, things would be a lot smoother around here.” But I always say that tongue-in-cheek. Disagreement is
a wonderful thing! Healthy conflict – where we can be curious about our disagreements, we can explore
and ask clarification and offer alternatives – is essential to growth and progress. After all, we would never
change if we all had the same opinions.
Built On Communing Spaces – There are parks, entertainment options, retail and dining choices, swimming
pools, and smooth roads but those aren’t the focus of the community. We focus first on the people and
then on the things that bring people together. When things are built, we involve different perspectives to
make the ‘things’ as accessible as possible to those with challenges related to mobility, sensory-overload,
economics, transportation, etc.
Welcoming – My ideal community is one where everyone feels valued and appreciated. Where everyone
KNOWS someone cares in a real and personal sense. Someone knows their name, someone knows their
likes/dislikes, someone loves them for their quirks and oddities.
You might ask what is this ideal community united in, what is the element of unity? Simply stated we
are united in our humanity. We are a community focused on understanding one another, not changing
one another – but understanding one another. We learn about each other, discuss, disagree, learn and
change. We may agree to disagree, but at least we can have a level of understanding that allows us to
appreciate each and every human we encounter.
That’s my ideal community – a community of differences with healthy disagreement and productive conflict,
focused on people first and understanding the value of each and every member of the community.
I pray my behavior takes us in that direction each day, and I ask that you gently bring it to my attention and
forgive me when I misstep.

Lance Morgan
President and CEO of Ho-Chunk, Inc.
The Future Growth of Siouxland
The Sioux City area has a history of creating its own companies that have thrived over the
years. We have Palmer Candy, Jolly Time Popcorn, Security National Bank, Bomgaars, Sue
Bee Honey, Wells Blue Bunny, and BPI (now named Empirical Foods) to name a few. We also
have had local companies grow here and then sell and move their headquarters, such as IBP, Gateway
Computers, and Terra.
Siouxland Magazine | Vision / 13
I believe that creating our own companies is key to the growth of Siouxland. The local companies need
local management and all the ancillary benefits that come with having large companies headquartered
in Siouxland. These benefits include creating good jobs for college educated young people who would
otherwise move away. If we don’t create our own companies, then our community risks being just a lowcost
labor pool for larger national companies.
I run Ho-Chunk, Inc., a company owned by the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. We didn’t exist 25 years
ago and now we have 1200 employees and are one of the larger local companies in Siouxland. No
one, including me, could have foreseen our emergence. Our community was mired in decades of
poverty and all of the social problems that came with such tough conditions, but now we are developing
projects and creating jobs all over the Siouxland.
Ho-Chunk, Inc. even took over the Terra Centre, a company that was sold and moved their headquarters.
I made a joke after we bought it that tribe was moved 5 times in 20 years in the 1800’s and that we have
no intention of ever moving again. My point is that we weren’t for sale and we were never going to move
our headquarters away from the area.
My experience working for an emerging company run by tribal members has opened my eyes to a few
things. I realized that empowering any group leads to success. In America, it can be hard for minority
groups to make the leap from worker to business owner, and then even harder to create a large business.
When I look at Sioux City, I see a town with all the ingredients for growth. We have the people, the
educational system, and the work ethic to thrive. However, companies come and go, and therefore, we
need to be constantly creating new companies to replace those that leave or go out of business.
Ho-Chunk, Inc. was the largest local company to emerge in the last 10 or 20 years, but if I had to bet on
the next company to rise up, I would guess that it would be a Hispanic owned company. If just one or
two could grow to a few hundred employees or even 1,000 then you could see real locally generated
growth in our community.
Immigrants to our country follow a pattern. It usually takes about two or three generations to fully
integrate into a community. Our Hispanic population is at that stage and seems to already be highly
entrepreneurial. The Hispanic entrepreneurs face some challenges. They are not fully integrated into the
existing business community. They don’t have the same access to banking and other capital resources
to grow their companies, and they are stuck in the service sector or sub-contracting portion of business.
I believe Siouxland will see another round of growth and success if we create more access to capital and
other resources for our Hispanic and other immigrant communities. It might look a little different than
past growth in our community, but it will match the changes that our community has experienced over
time. The beauty of America is that it is constantly evolving and if our approach to business in Siouxland
opens up these changes it will blossom both economically and culturally.

Siouxland Magazine | Vision / 14
Dave Bernstein
What an Ideal Siouxland Would Look Like
To me an ideal Siouxland would be less apathetic. It would physically look close to
what it looks like right now with a few exceptions. First we redo the Riverfront to have a
great entrance to our city with an area that is engaging and appealing, to complement all
the other awesome amenities we have. Second we help migrate the remaining heavy industrial
businesses in the downtown area to our industrial areas. As more folks live and work downtown,
public safety and engagement become more important and desirable. To that end, the City needs
to analyze public risk from industrial activity in our downtown core, especially if we want more folks
living and working there. Finally, we implement a lot of the recommendations of the Roger Brooks
Study that we have been supposedly working on for 5+ years, items that help the community portray
a more welcoming, less apathetic image.
On the non aesthetic side of things, an ideal Siouxland would “look” a lot more proactive then it does
today. We seem to be completely complacent on the innovation and business development front with
a few exceptions. Our economic development efforts across many organizations (with the exception
of City Hall who embraces some of it) are years behind others in embracing the opportunities that
exist in our region for nurturing innovation, and leveraging programs the State of Iowa and others
have to foster this activity (programs overseen by a Siouxlander no less). Our best growth potential is
from within.
We also need to be proactive on workforce housing and the foresight of economic cycles and how
we react. As people start to get a bit easier to hire locally, we are just starting to take action on the
workforce front and are years behind the curve. We need to get ahead of the curve, not react to
the curve. And we need developable industrial ground and a Mega site. We will want this sooner
than we think, and are really good and giving lip service to this concept but need to actually act in a
meaningful, and big way.
We also need to address the needs of the many in need in our community and start to pull together
the many organizations that offer parts of the equation in to something more holistic that can truly
start to move the needle on homelessness, mental health, support for those in need and those new
to our community, etc. I have great hope that the next few years, on this front, see our community act
in a proactive manner to pull this all together, as we as a community really seem to care and have the
people to make this happen.
In short we need to fight the apathy we often seem to be plagued with on some fronts, and push for
more proactivity in quality of life, economic development, and helping those in need. We have a lot
of good things going on in our community, but need to keep charging forward proactively.

John Gleeson
President of Klinger Companies, Inc.
As a life-long resident as well as fourth generation of Sioux City, I certainly have my
ideas on what I visualize for my community. Just maybe, my comments below will stir
some positive action and some discussion as to what we need to address.
I visualize a totally new airport terminal that looks like a progressive city and serves us well for the 21st
century instead of the renovated 1950s terminal that we have today. This will be a catalyst for growing
Siouxland and help with attracting new air service. Look no further than the airport of Sioux Falls and
their progressive leadership on this one item.
Siouxland Magazine | Vision / 15
I visualize an actual population growth for City of Sioux City so we have a population of 100,000
people in our city limits instead of the 82,000 people that we have had as our City population for over
the past 50 years. (Source: United States Census)
I visualize the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) for Sioux City, which includes Woodbury, Plymouth,
Dakota, and Union Counties population reach 250,000 (currently approximately 168,000).
I visualize the City Manager of Sioux City with the City Administrator of South Sioux City, Sergeant
Bluff, Dakota Dunes, and North Sioux City having lunch or coffee on a routine basis on how to work
together for the betterment of Siouxland. Twenty years ago, this happened on a regular basis.
I visualize that the City of Sioux City work to drop the average age of our existing houses from its
current 62 years to the national average of 40 years. Over 56% of our houses in Sioux City were built
prior to 1959. 35% were built before 1939. Sioux City has the oldest average age of our housing of
the larger cities in Iowa. (Source: Bestplaces.com)
I visualize new single family houses on the Northside, Westside, and in Morningside each year by over
400 new starts. This will require new residential tracks of land be opened on the north and west sides
of our City. Currently, our average number of building permits for single family houses for the past
three years has only been 73. (Source: City Hall of Sioux City) In Sioux Falls last year, they had 672
permits issued for new single family houses.
I visualize the old housing stock in our community receive a major effort to restore these neighborhoods.
I visualize the median household income that we currently have of $54,281 as of 2018 increase to the
national average, which is currently over $5,000 higher. (Source: US Census)
I visualize increasing our student achievements and ACT test results over the status quo.
I visualize the Siouxland Community Foundation with over $100 million (currently $14 million) in its
endowment.
I visualize the United Way of Siouxland campaign raises over $6 million annually (currently $3.5
million) to help fund the social agencies in our community that do such vital work.
I visualize the cities of Sioux City, South Sioux City, Sergeant Bluff, North Sioux City, and Dakota Dunes
work in a cooperative matter for a long-term joint solution for our waste water plant.
I know it is easy to sit and write such a list. The hard part is to do all that must be done. That will
require people in all areas of our Siouxland community to work together to achieve a strong, healthy
and prosperous community for all our citizens. This challenge is for all of us to do our respective
share.

Siouxland Magazine | Vision / 16
Ivonet Torres Deanda
Director of Sales at Courtyard Sioux City Downtown & Convention Center
“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” I recite these
words, said by many great leaders, to my two young children daily as a reminder for them
to have big hopes and dreams for a better future. My vision, just as many DACA recipients
also known as Dreamers, is to strive for a better future for their families and communities
as together, they can build a nationwide movement of scholars. When a scholar succeeds, the nation
prospers. Currently there are over 800,000 Dreamers in the US, 97% are working or enrolled in school
with over 900 DACA recipients serving in our military.
At the risk of sounding cliché, DACA opened doors for me. It wasn’t until I realized this was it, now is the
time. I was brought here to accomplish great things and that is what I will set out to do. I realized that one
single piece of paper was just the start of something great for not only me, but for my family. My mother
always showed me anything is possible by working hard for it. And with this proactive attitude, I felt
empowered to go above and beyond anything I ever dreamed possible, it was just the start of change.
The vision is there, it has always been there for DACA recipients.
Now is the time to set your best foot forward and make that vision come true. It is what you have been
waiting for your entire childhood and just as the quote says, “ You don’t have to be great to start, you
have to start to be great.” Now is the time. At an early age growing up in a country foreign to me and
to my family, I soon realized the challenges of adapting to a new language, new friendships and new
beginnings. I grew up with the mentality and vision that if you wanted something you had to go out and
get it, no one was going to go after it for you. “Hard work is not easy…that is why it’s called hard work.
The feeling of accomplishment is something no one can take from you after you’ve worked to hard
to get to where you are. Who are Dreamers? They are our children’s teachers, our law enforcement
officers, our neighbors, all with a common vision to succeed and build a better future for our youth
and community. The vision I wish to share with our Siouxland community is to listen to their stories of
hope and persistence. This will better help in understanding our great community made up so many
diversified cultures all sharing common ground for a better tomorrow for our youth.
United We Dream.
Photo credit: Teresa Caro Photography
Regina Roth
I am concerned about the conditions
of the near northside neighborhoods.
Most of the area appears significantly
blighted, though there are the occasional
homes that reflect a former glory.
Cities in much of the US are realizing the importance
of revitalizing their older residences; most notably
Brooklyn NY, but also cities across the country that
share similar characteristics.
With our housing shortage, it seems we could
accomplish two worthwhile efforts; beautify our
neighborhoods and ease the shortage.
We give millions to outside corporations to build
hotels; where is that same effort and commitment
for our citizens?
It seems this could be a worthwhile endeavor for
public/private partnerships.
Where is the leadership?

Chris McGowan
President of Siouxland Chamber of Commerce
Entering a new decade represents an ideal opportunity to examine the recent qualityof-life
improvements that have or will soon enhance our tri-state Siouxland community.
For starters, with a strong economy and unemployment at or near historic lows, quality-oflife
amenities take on heightened importance as both the public and private sectors collaborate
to attract young families and new residents as potential employees. Fortunately, there is a great deal of
positive news to summarize regarding capital intensive projects that have already begun to positively
impact our region.
Siouxland Magazine | Vision / 17
The four-lane completion of Highway 20 in western Iowa is now finished and has been a tremendous
improvement in terms of safety, efficiency, and convenience, not to mention the positive impact a fourlane,
east-west thoroughfare will have on economic development. Additionally, despite a recent and
unforeseeable setback, Interstate 29 is nearly complete, and six lanes of traffic will soon flow freely
through the heart of our downtown district.
In addition to the hundreds of millions expended on these major transportation projects, there are also
major investments in regional recreational amenities. Cone Park has been a homerun and the Travel
Federation of Iowa bestowed its 2019 “Outstanding Attraction” designation as the top new attraction in
the state for larger cities. With its 700-foot tubing hill, ice skating rink, splash pad, fire pit, and warming
lodge, Cone Park is certainly deserving of such recognition. After years of wrangling over what to do
with Ruth Cone’s initial $200,000 gift (which grew to $2.5 million) for a new park, everyone seems to
agree that the committee charged with this important decision got it exactly right.
Speaking of parks, the proposed development of the riverfront along the Missouri River is well into the
fundraising phase for a $14 million comprehensive facelift that can only be described as “transformational.”
Across the river in South Sioux City, the Freedom Park continues to expand its features while maintaining
its mission to honor the brave men and women who have served in our Armed Forces.
“Linear parks,” also known as recreation trails, have also made progress as the proposed $18 million
PlyWood Trail linking Plymouth and Woodbury counties is gaining momentum. The recent addition
of the Miracle Field in Riverside Park, as well as the hosting of that organization’s signature national
showcase event this past summer added to a young but unique legacy for this park. Furthermore,
emerging athletic facilities at the United Sports Academy (former Gateway building in North Sioux City),
the Arena (formerly Hobby Lobby in Sioux City), and the new First Serve indoor tennis facility (South
Sioux City), along with the $15 million Siouxland Expo Center, will all contribute substantially to the
increasing number of visitors traveling to Siouxland for sports competitions.
Of course, with more families traveling to Siouxland for these athletic events, there is a need for lodging,
and the considerable dollars being invested in hotels has far exceeded the expectations of nearly
everyone is Siouxland. Starting with the South Sioux City Marriott Riverfront, and including the Marriott
Courtyard on 4th Street (which connects to the newly renovated Sioux City Convention Center), the $73
million Warrior Hotel in downtown, the Avid Hotel at Virginia Square, and the Holiday Inn Express and
Suites in Dakota Dunes, it is hard to imagine a more rapidly growing sector in Siouxland.
Let’s begin 2020 by focusing on the positive progress of late, and recognize that a significant number
of people have been working very hard to design, develop, and deliver quality-of-life improvements for
our tri-state community that will make a difference in Siouxland for decades to come.

Siouxland Magazine | Vision / 18
Danielle Gutierrez
Director of Retail Operations, Ho-Chunk
Siouxland is a diverse community, full of different nationalities. I love seeing the variety
of stores and restaurants we have that are run by business owners of various ethnic
backgrounds. These businesses have come up over the years and thrived. I enjoy seeing
their kids, now adults, running these businesses, and it makes me happy for them. I am proud
to be a part of an organization with a mission to create jobs and economic self-sufficiency for tribal
members. I love to see all the different nationalities in our schools and how accepting our younger
generations are of each other regardless of differences or ethnic background. We have made great
strides over the years, but there is still a divide. We are not comfortable with what we don’t know
or the unknown. I know Siouxland has great potential and there are emerging leaders from all our
nationalities. I often hear a lot from our younger generations, including my own daughter, that they
plan to eventually move away. My vision of the ideal Siouxland is to see more diversity in key leadership
positions, to be a community that encourages and supports participation from everyone, to create a
Siouxland that people want to come home to and where our children want to stay.
Dagna Simmons
League of Women Voters
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization that is committed to
increasing public understanding of voting rights and policy issues. 2020 is the 100th
anniversary of both the founding of the League of Women Voters and the ratification of
the 19th amendment granting women the right to vote. To commemorate these anniversaries,
League of Women Voters Sioux City (LWVSC) is committed to bringing programs and opportunities
to Siouxland that highlight historical achievements and educate the work that still needs to be done.
To achieve this goal, LWVSC will be sponsoring State Legislative Town Halls, Voter Registration events,
Education programs at Betty Strong Encounter Center, and Candidate Forums. LWVSC vision for
2020 is to educate through our programs so that every person in Siouxland is informed on issues.
LWVSC also encourages all eligible citizens to be registered to vote and to use that right and privilege
wisely.

Erica DeLeon
Director of One Siouxland
Vision for Siouxland articles: Source For Siouxland
“Without leaps of imagination or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities.
Dreaming, after all is a form of planning.” Gloria Steinem was probably not dreaming about
community planning when she made this statement, but her words are nonetheless applicable.
Community planning starts with a vision – a dream – of what we want Siouxland to be. We must then
listen to stakeholders and community members – but also to the data – to understand where we are
and build collaborative efforts to move us forward.
Siouxland Magazine | Vision / 19
Since 1996, Comprehensive Strategy has served as a clearinghouse for much of the community
data that affects positive youth development. Quarterly meetings educated community partners
about that data and factors impacting our youth and led to collaborative efforts that brought about
improvements in the data. But the leaders of this coalition knew the community needed more. Not just
more data, but actual community planning; intentional efforts to collectively gather, analyze, share,
and use the data to align efforts of nonprofits, businesses, educational institutions, funders, and civic
entities for greater impact.
And so, in 2019, Comprehensive Strategy became Source For Siouxland, a collaborative, strategic
community planning initiative for a vibrant, safe, and healthy Siouxland. The initiative will measure the
economic stability, education, health, safety, and quality of life of the community in order to identify
opportunities to build a stronger, more engaged community; prioritize the opportunities; and lead
collective impact teams that will improve community outcomes.
Communities that succeed are communities that plan. Studies show community planning leads to
increased resources of 25-40% in the form of funding, in-kind resources, and expanded donor and
grant support. Communities that plan also report increased economic development, health, higher
quality of life, and greater safety.
These outcomes are the result of effective collaborations across multiple sectors that are coordinating
efforts for greater impact, such as Siouxland’s award-winning 0 to 3: Prime Age to Engage initiative.
0-3 was launched in 2017 after data reported at a Comprehensive Strategy meeting revealed that less
than 17% of Sioux City preschoolers were at or above literacy benchmarks. Prime Age to Engage is
an ongoing public awareness campaign to ensure parents, childcare providers, medical providers,
and the community at large understand how essential a child’s first three years are to their longterm
cognitive development. In the coming years, we expect kindergarten readiness scores will
steadily rise, due in part to the work of this 70+ member collaborative. Source For Siouxland will
ensure collaborative efforts like this continue to be identified, stakeholders are engaged to develop
actionable strategies, and progress is measured to show impact in the community.
Ultimately, the vision is for Source For Siouxland to be an actual resource center – the ‘source’ for all
organizations and Siouxlanders to find community data and to learn about or participate in initiatives
working to strengthen our community. Until then, Source for Siouxland will work to ensure the data
collected, analyzed, and disseminated into the community is comprehensive and accessible so that
community partners from all sectors utilize the information to make informed decisions that strengthen
Siouxland.

Siouxland Magazine | Vision / 20
Sioux City Mayor’s Youth Commission
Children Are Our Future.
We often hear the phrase, “Children Are Our Future”. These four
simple words seek to articulate a million different reasons why
we need to invest in our youth. Not tomorrow, but today. The
Sioux City Mayor’s Youth Commission is a commission of the City of Sioux City. Their mission is to explore,
communicate, and provide for the needs, problems, issues, and activities affecting the City’s youth. It’s a lofty
mission but these youth leaders are up for the challenge.
Each year, the Mayor’s Youth Commission Executive Council is tasked with developing an action plan full of
innovative ideas that can be accomplished within the year. Some past projects included raising funds for disc
golf courses at Sertoma Park, Grandview Park and Leif Erikson Park; developing and maintaining 10 Little
Free Libraries®; and, most recently, co-hosting a Town Hall Meeting on Underage Drinking & Vaping. Adult
Advisors for the Youth Commission have quickly realized that these youth leaders can – and do – make a
difference in our community.
In December 2019, the Executive Council elected their 2020 Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem. Mayor Areeha
Ilyas, Sioux City North High School, and Mayor Pro Tem Sarah Jabre, Bishop Heelan High School, delivered
speeches to the Executive Council in hopes that they would be elected (hint, they were!).
Mayor Areeha Ilyas shared, “Some new ideas that I would love to see on our agenda for the 2020 calendar
include doing a variety of different things. For example, I would like to plan a day where all the members in
the Mayor’s Youth Commission go out and plant trees throughout the community. I love nature and want to
protect our environment. Another item I would like to see on our agenda is volunteering at the Food Bank.
Everyone deserves the basic needs of food and it breaks my heart when I see people having to worrying
about where they will get their next meal.”
She continued, “Lastly, I would like to see us raise awareness of the lack of food around Sioux City. One way we
can do this is by attending the Sioux City CROP Hunger Walk together. The CROP Hunger Walk is a three mile
walk where the slogan is, Ending Hunger One Step at a Time. The environment and hunger are two issues that
I believe need our attention for the new year.”
Mayor Areeha and Mayor Pro Tem Sarah were sworn into office on December 9, 2019 by Sioux City Mayor
Bob Scott. In 2020, they will lead approximately 125 Mayor’s Youth Commission members and 25 Sioux City
Young Ambassadors.
The Sioux City Mayor’s Youth Commission is a commission of the City of Sioux City. Their efforts are coordinated
by Siouxland CARES About Substance Abuse. Members of the Youth Commission are students in 9-12 grade
who reside in Sioux City or attend a school in Sioux City. To learn more, please visit: http://siouxlandcares.org/.
Britney Book serves as the Executive Director of Siouxland CARES About Substance Abuse. She served on
the Sioux City Mayor’s Youth Commission and its Executive Council in high school (to which she cannot praise
enough!).
Areeha Ilyas is a Junior at Sioux City North High School. She is excited to take on the role of Mayor of the Sioux
City Mayor’s Youth Commission.
Photo: Sioux City Council Members with 2020 Sioux City Mayor’s Youth Commission Mayor Areeha Ilyas and
Mayor Pro Tem Sarah Jabre.

Mason Hahne
Morningside College Senior
My ideal Siouxland would be centered on creating a community that wants to grow
and look towards the future, but also stays connected through its core values. Currently,
I am almost finished with college, and I am planning on starting both a career and family.
My primary vision for Siouxland is to make this area a great place to start a career and a family.
One issue that happens often is that both high school and college students go to school here and
then move elsewhere to start their futures. To help put a stop to this trend, I envision growing our
cities up and out to provide more job opportunities in this area. I also see more suburban areas and
safer neighborhoods added to help make the region the ideal place to start a family.
Siouxland Magazine | Vision / 21
In addition to more jobs, suburbs, and safe neighborhoods, I also would like to see the region embrace
the future by adopting the latest and greatest technology trends from around the country. Being in
the Midwest, this area tends to be late to the game when it comes to embracing new technology,
but I envision a there being a Midwest version of a high-tech West Coast city located right here in
Siouxland. I picture cities and towns with several electric car charging stations and technologies such
as artificial intelligence incorporated into businesses and events.
In my ideal Siouxland, I also envision having more environmental preservation measures put in place.
As a younger individual, I continue to think about my future and the future of the next generation.
Being amongst my peers, I hear a lot of talk about climate change and how there is so much pollution
and hazardous waste in the environment, but I can see a Siouxland where there is fresh air and
tidiness no matter where you travel to. This ideal Siouxland would reduce pollution and harmful
chemical emissions, promote recycling further across the region, and add more green spaces in cities
to provide a healthier environment.
One final piece to my ideal Siouxland is keeping the sense of community and Midwestern values that
are ingrained into the region. These qualities are unique and are necessary for success in the future.
By combining these visions together, I provided my vision for my ideal Siouxland, and now I would
like to challenge you to think about what your ideal Siouxland looks like.
Share your goals for 2020 with us on our Facebook Page.
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converse
curious
truth seekers
Cultivating Meaningful C
Powerful narrative of “us”
c
Starting Conversations
CONVERSE is the heart of our magazine. It’s here,
we are starting conversations focused on issues that
matter to our readers and that impact our community.
We invite everyone to take a seat at the table and share
their unique perspective. We are diving into difficult
conversations, approaching seemingly unanswerable
questions, with a commitment to embrace possibilities.
We are allowing things to unfold by trusting in the
process, leaning into the conversation with an insatiable
curiosity.
It’s not our intention to persuade anyone, nor is it our
intention to arrive at a solution. It is our desire to get the
conversation rolling, to hold space for ideas to manifest,
to encourage full participation, and facilitate in this
process that moves us forward.
Starting Conversations
in our Community
Align your business with Siouxland Magazine.
Advertise your business in a publication
commited to improving our community.
Visit SiouxlandMagazine.com
And by the way…
…we want to hear from you.
Send us your stories. Visit our website
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l Conversations
coming together
strengthening our community
exploring perspectives
open minded
focused on common good
Certainly we want to see positive impact in our
community from these discussions. It is our hope
that our readers will continue the conversations,
create momentum, and implement strategies that
make sense for their neighborhoods, organizations
or any other facet of their lives.
We will not shy away from difficult conversations just
because the answers aren’t clear or because they
may be uncomfortable. It is our inherit responsibility
to make every effort to lighten the loads of others
and leave the world a better place than how we
found it.
In this issue, we are continuing to discuss
homelessness. This is a world-wide, enduring and
complex problem. Again, we are not looking to
necessarily solve it, but meet it with compassion
and bridge understanding. Due to the complexity, and
the sheer gravity of this topic, we will continue to explore
it in future issues.
We recognize that there are many people and
organizations working tirelessly to help those in need.
We applaud their dedication and encourage our readers
to support their efforts. In recognizing the limitations
of their time and resources, we also want to help with
expanding collaboration. We will be having live forums
in the coming months to have collective and powerful
conversations, connecting our change makers and
multiplying their results.
Stacie Anderson is co-owner of Siouxland Magazine and
a Certified John Maxwell Speaker, Trainer and Coach.
Save the Date
Siouxland Magazine’s first live forum.
Creating a platform for our community to have dynamic conversations
about the challenges we face with our homeless population.
Meeting with compassion and bridging understanding.
Public Welcome
March 18th at 10am
Sioux City Public Museum
Get all the details
on Facebook.

Siouxland Magazine | Converse /24
Welcome Home - Community Action Agency of Siouxland.
Welcome Home - A Safe Haven for Families
By Kim Wilson
“With nowhere to go it was such a relief coming
home every night to my own place.” For months,
Sarah’s family moved from shelter to shelter, unsure of where
they would end up. Then she discovered Welcome Home,
a transitional housing program that since 2011 has helped
more than 250 homeless families and given them a fresh
start. Today, she and her husband have new jobs, along with
a safe, affordable place to call home for them and their three
children.
Welcome Home, an initiative of Community Action Agency
of Siouxland, provides these families with a fully furnished
home and a one-on-one family development specialist, who
meets with each family daily. Over the course of 90 days this
specialist helps each family work towards self-sufficiency.
“For many families when they come to Welcome Home they
are facing some of the worst times of their lives,” said Connie
Noreen, Family Development Specialist. “Each family has
their own unique needs. We work with everyone to set up
goals they can accomplish so they feel capable and confident
about their future.” While the goals are intensive because
of the short stay, many families are able to achieve them
before they walk out the door. Some of those goals include
new or different employment, setting up regular medical
appointments and find a new, permanent place to live. To
date, more than 50 percent of the families at Welcome Home
have found new, permanent housing and more than 65
percent have found employment following their stay.
Marvin Berenstein, a local Sioux City attorney knew people
in this community were in need and he wanted to give
back. He gathered a group of community leaders and
began to brainstorm ways to help homeless families. After
several meetings, Berenstein approached Jean Logan,
Executive Director at Community Action about his drive
to help others. As the concept of Welcome Home came
together, she knew it fit perfectly with the mission of the
organization.
Since 1971, Community Action has worked to meet
the needs of low-income families with research based
programs. While many programs are primarily for
Woodbury County residents, some programs serve other
counties. “We believe that if we can connect individuals
and families with the right resources in the short term, it
will create positive long term changes for the family,” said
Logan. “We are grateful to the Berenstein family not only
for their leadership in the project, but their generosity.”
Welcome Home is primarily funded by private donors.
Logan says, “Through our local donors, we have been
able to keep the doors open to this unique, critical and
successful program for Siouxland families.”
Often times, many of the families who have come to
Welcome Home have never been homeless before. “There
is such a stigma around being homeless,” said Noreen.

“People believe that you are homeless because
you are too lazy to work or are an addict, when
that is not the case for everyone.” Families
have shared with Noreen that a major medical
diagnosis left them not only with large medical
bills, but they lost their job because of needing
time off to recover.
Others have said their hours were cut or eliminated
altogether. Some families were living in a home, but found
themselves evicted without notice when the property was
foreclosed. For some, like Katie, Welcome Home was a
place where she could find safety and security. She and her
family came to Welcome Home after she had just gotten
out of domestic violence situation and run out of money
after paying for a hotel. She said Welcome Home is “our
safe haven, offering us peace of mind to search for jobs
and just rebuild my life.” Katie worked closely with Noreen
day after day as she was connected with resources, like
job counseling. It was not long after that, Katie had found
a new job and now is so grateful to be able to build new
memories with her children in their new cozy apartment.
Katie’s success story is just one of many for families that
stay in one of Welcome Home’s eight transitional housing
units. In order to stay in the homes, family members must
have a job or working to obtain employment.
Perhaps one of the most critical pieces of Welcome Home
is that it’s a family program. Before this program began
families had to be split apart. The father would have to
be in one place while the mother and children had to
be in another. Another complication to keeping families
together is if they have a teenage son. Shelters in this
area currently do not allow teenage boys to stay in men’s
shelter and they are too old to stay with their mothers in
a women’s and children’s shelter. This leaves the teenage
boys without their families. Some are placed in another
person’s home, putting them at risk for abuse. In other
cases, the families do not want to be broken up so they
choose to sleep in their cars or on the streets.
However, this is not the case at Welcome
Home. “Breaking a family apart during one
of the hardest times is not the answer,” said
Logan. “It is critical they stay together and
succeed as a family.”
Siouxland Magazine | Converse /25
“Many of our families are already working
when they come in,” said Noreen. “However,
the job they have is not paying them a wage
that allows for them to be self-sufficient and
that is why we work with other organizations
to help with job counseling or trying to see
how they can further their education.”
Noreen also works with families to overcome barriers to
maintaining a job such as finding reliable transportation
or finding them a bus pass. Each participant in the
program is also assessed and referred to resources such
as food assistance, social security, children’s health care,
education for children either in the school system or with
Community Action’s Head Start programs. “We are so
grateful to all of our partners in the community, they truly
help to make a difference in the lives of our families,” said
Noreen. “We could not help the number of families that
we do each year without them.”
While homelessness is often viewed as a condition that
only impacts adults, children are also dealing with it too.
“You do not often see families and their children on the
streets, but they are there,” said Logan. The Sioux City
Community School District reported that during the 2018-
2019 school year more than 360 children experienced
some form of homelessness, meaning they were
doubled up in a home, at a shelter, hotel/motel or living
unsheltered. At Welcome Home, more than 560 children
have come with their parents since it opened.
Welcome Home is just one of the many programs offered
at Community Action Agency of Siouxland. Each year,
Community Action helps approximately 15,000 people
through early childhood education, food assistance,
emergency assistance, heating assistance, weatherization,
senior employment training, child care nurse consultant,
family development, along with a program that reimburses
in home daycare providers with nutritious meals and
snacks. For more information about the programs at
Community Action please visit their website at www.
caasiouxland.org or by calling 712-274-1610.
If you would like to help financially to Welcome
Home or Community Action, you can send a check to
2700 Leech Avenue Sioux City, IA 51106 or donate
through Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/
CommunityActionAgencyOfSiouxland. All donations are
tax deductible.
Kim Wilson, Chief Development Officer, Community
Action Agency of Siouxland
Photos submitted by Community Action Agency

Siouxland Magazine | Converse /26
Looking “Forward” to the Future
By Alex Watters
Being a member of the City
Council causes me to not
only reflect on the decisions
that will impact us in the
immediate future, but also
the systematic changes
that will shape the future
of our community in years
to come. Thinking about what
lies ahead and having a vision of
where we will be is something
that continually inspires me. I couldn’t be more optimistic
for the future of Sioux City and feel we are going to
experience an incredible transformation in the coming
years. However, while some of these things are already in
motion, others will take continued focus and commitment.
Recently completed projects, along with several under
construction, will continue to have a great impact on our
future and can be directly correlated to the influx of recent
investments in our community. Having Highway 20 and I
29 completed will relieve a decade (or longer) headache
and incentivize industry to expand or relocate here and
bring more people to our area than ever before. The
citywide residential tax abatement has produced a record
number of building permits in 2019. State programs such
as the Reinvestment District have allowed us to capture
$13.5 million in taxes that would otherwise go to Des
Moines and instead reinvest them into our community.
Our city was able to leverage those dollars into nearly
$150 million of development in our downtown. This
includes projects such as Courtyard by Marriott and
Convention Center improvements, the Virginia Square
redevelopment that includes market-rate apartments,
retail, and an Avid extended stay hotel, the Siouxland
Expo Center, and the long-awaited restoration of the
Warrior Hotel and Davidson building.
Looking to the future there are ample opinions and
viewpoints as to what should be our priority moving
forward. Here are some of mine:
Diversify our Workforce
If we want to grow our population, increase our tax base,
and compete with cities in our region, we need to prioritize
diversifying our workforce. I understand this is easier
said than done and can be multifaceted. To attract these
companies, we can begin by emphasizing renewable
energy. Our renewable gas project is a step in the right
direction and if we can continue pushing projects to make
our city more ”green” we can make sure we are on their
radar. In addition to renewable energy, tech companies
and white-collar jobs require faster internet speeds and
the city must find a way to utilize our fiber network. This
will not only incentivize companies to relocate here, but
can also open a door for a remote working culture, expand
co-working spaces, and promote entrepreneurship. Our
workforce is saturated with similar industries that require
similar skills and are predominately entry-level positions.
If we incentivize other types of industries to relocate
here and encourage our current industries to shift their
administrative offices here and make sure our wages are
competitive across the region, I think you will see a greater
number of our college graduates staying in Siouxland.
Brand our Identity
Another elephant in the room that we must address
going forward is establishing our identity. For decades
we were a blue-collar community that was home to the
largest stockyards in United States. However, a lot has
changed. While we can continue to be proud of our
heritage, we must look to our future. From my perspective,
we are becoming an entertainment destination. I’ve
heard musicians, athletes, and patrons talk about their
experience in our city.
When you look to all we have to offer, it’s no
wonder that more and more people are visiting
Sioux City.
Badgerow Building.
For live entertainment you have the Tyson Events Center
that hosts a multitude of different events, the meticulously
restored Orpheum Theatre, the Hard Rock boasts
multiple venues with Battery Park named “Casino Arena
of the Year” in 2018, and multiple outdoor amphitheaters,
including Grandview Park that is home to Saturday In The
Park that attracts tens of thousands of people to Sioux City
each year. We also have dozens of smaller events and
venues that host musicians, including the Downtown Live
concert series, The Marquee, Vanguard Arts, The Sioux

Siouxland Magazine | Converse /27
Sioux City Art Center.
City Conservatory of Music, and many others. In addition
to musical events, we host the NAIA women’s basketball
and volleyball national championships and the city was
named “Best Championship Host” by the NAIA in 2017
and 2019. In 2019, Sioux City’s Miracle League hosted the
national tournament bringing in over 100 athletes from
23 states and Mexico; however, national championship
tournaments aren’t the only athletic game in town. We
have the Sioux City Bandits- an arena indoor football
team, the Sioux City Explorers, a AAA baseball team, and
the Sioux City Musketeers, a USHL team. With the addition
of multi-sport training and tournament facilities, The
Arena and the United Sports Academy, there will rarely be
a weekend in Sioux City where someone is not traveling
here for an athletic event. Finally, not only do we have
events to entertain, but we also have a number of quality
of life amenities to enjoy. Cone Park was named “Best
New Tourist Attraction in Iowa” by MSN.com, we have 27
miles of trails, and many outdoor parks for walking and
hiking, including Bacon Creek, Stone State Park, Adams
Nature Preserve, and others. Sioux City has become
an entertainment destination and a great place to visit,
play, and stay. It’s time that we start recognizing that and
branding ourselves as one.
Embrace Regional Coordination
One final component that I would prioritize in our vision
for the future of Siouxland would be a coordinated
effort on a multitude of fronts. We have a number of
organizations that are advocating on behalf of our region.
The Siouxland Chamber of Commerce, the Siouxland
Initiative, Sioux City Economic Development, and our
Economic Development partners, Woodbury County,
Downtown Partners, Leadership Siouxland, the Sioux
City Growth Organization, Spectra, and others all have a
vested interest to recruit companies, financial resources,
and people to our community. Having lived in Sioux
City throughout college and since 2012, I have noticed
the territorial mentality in a lot of different capacities. I
understand how easy it can be to draw a line in the sand and
become defensive. However, I am hopeful that we will be
able to build off of recent collaborative efforts to address
systemic challenges moving forward. Take for example
regional tourism. When I was first elected to the City
Council I talked about the need to bolster our marketing
and tourism efforts to tell the story of transformation
that we are currently experiencing. Having these initial
conversations and working through some of the details
presented its challenges and a competitive rather than
collaborative inclination was palpable, yet this group
comprised of city officials, hoteliers, and stakeholders
from all three states came together in the name of regional
betterment. I am not necessarily a patient person and this
process has taken much longer than I had hoped, but I feel
that we are making substantial progress and after in 2020
we hope to have the funding mechanisms in place and
look to hire staff to champion this effort. The work that this
committee has done leaves me hopeful that in the future
we can continue to collaborate on challenges that we face
as region.
If we are going to address our workforce
shortages and lack of a diverse workforce,
our brain drain, aging population, and
homelessness, and our self-deprecating
negativity we are going to need everyone to
come to the table and row in the same direction.
I have worked with a great number of these organizations
and know how hard they’re working. However, in my
opinion, we will need to venture out of our silos and be
certain that we are working together, regardless of state
lines and affiliation.
I have no doubt in my mind that our community is at a
point of great transformation. For me, it’s invigorating.
If we continue to improve upon the areas in which we
are lagging, tell our story with an amplified voice, and
coordinate as a unified region, I am confident that we can
capitalize on this momentum and charge into this new
decade knowing that the best is yet to come.
Alex Watters, City Council of Sioux City
awatters@sioux-city.org
Photo contributed by Alex Watters.

Siouxland Magazine | Converse /28
I find myself asking, “Who was my mom before all this?”
Seeing Death
By Brittany Cordero
The first time I saw death, I was 12 years old. I saw
my best friend’s father take his last breath on a yellowed
hospital mattress in his living room. He was a large man,
with deep crevices lining his face and the fat under his
chin sunk into his short neck. The air felt stale and vacant,
but with a lingering musk of urine and sweat. I remember
taking small breaths because I feared I would somehow
breathe parts of him in.
I walked over to the edge of the bed as the hospice nurse
swatted a fly from his cheek. She looked at us and said:
“Say your goodbyes, honeys.” My best friend could not
understand what was happening. She tightly grabbed
my hand, and the two of us moved in closer. She leaned
over and whispered, “Goodbye, Daddy.” There were no
tears, just a painful stare of confusion.
My mind understood what death was—I just did
not know what death looked like until then.
It’s an image, a feeling, a moment in time, that I have
come to see again but in different forms throughout my
life. That vacant hollowed gaze of the eyes, the smell of
the body leaving this world and the movement of breath,
diminishing. I knew her dad would no longer breathe
among us, but I could not think further from that, what
this meant for my best friend, and how the pain I saw on
her face, would be the same pain I would see again over
the years.
In the last seven years, death has now been the
centerpiece at my kitchen table. My mother has an
unknown autoimmune disease that is slowly killing her.
When I look at her, I am reminded of the frailty of this
human experience and often, I am faced with the fact
that I may lose her any day.
When someone has a disease that is medically
categorized as “unknown” with no prognosis on life—
no time frame to work on—death can loom over you
like a starling murmuration, blocking the sunlight. The
uncertainty has been frightening. I look at her and I see
that familiar vacancy in her eyes starting to take over. I
hug her and that musky smell from long ago seeps into
my nose.
I find myself asking, “Who was my mom before
all this?” I no longer see a woman taking rollers
out of her hair at 6 a.m., flashing her big red
nails and #5 red lipstick. The mom who would
answer the phone, saying, “Hello, baby girl,”
now says it with a slur.

The mom who would run her fingers through my hair
and tell me everything is going to be OK, is now hearing
those same words from me.
Doctors say it is not her autoimmune disease that will
kill her—it will be her falls. The falls that have previously
shown to cause major damage—the snapped wrists,
bruised knees, and smashed-in cheekbone.
I’ve come to learn through my mother that, while my first
exposure to dying was physical, death starts way before
that. My mom is tired. She is tired of not knowing what
will make her lose her balance and fall, tired of the pain
and bruises, tired of sleeping in bed for days because
she is so exhausted, tired of having days of confusion
and slurred speech that make her incoherent, tired of
the bouts of migraines that take her vision, and tired of
the lack of dexterity making her need to ask for help.
Siouxland Magazine | Converse /29
Throughout the years, she has become more unseen.
It gets exhausting. She battles this with always trying
to not be a burden on her daughters, because to her,
leaning on her daughters is not what a mother does.
I have found that the best way to bring life back into her
eyes is to show my mother her dignity. I still ask her for
advice even though her capacity to think clearly often
departs, her speech gets slurred and mumbled, and
her ability to move splinters. I tell her that she’s right
even if she’s wrong, and I still tell her what a wonderful
mother she is. I laugh at her jokes and seek her wisdom.
I remind her of my childhood. I carry her dignity for her
and remind her of who she is when she forgets. I make
sure to look into her deep beautiful green eyes with
all the love and appreciation I have for her. And I have
found that by reflecting her dignity when she cannot
seem to find it, is the very same medicine we all need
in times of grief.
When we are faced with loss—whether it is the loss of a
marriage, child, career, parent or best friend; when we
grieve our lost opportunities, lost time; when life takes
the wind out of our sails and nothing but darkness lurks
on the horizon—reminding others of their dignity is what
brings back the light.
When we are seen for who we are, we realize we are still
whole even when we fail, still worthy even when we hurt
and loved even when we are losing parts of ourselves.
*A version of this story was originally told at Beacon
Story Lab on November 1, 2019. The theme was
Turning Points.
Photo provided by Brittany Cordero (left page). Photo
provided by Ally Karsyn (right page).
Brittany Cordero told her story live on stage at Beacon
Story Lab on Nov. 1, 2019.
Founded by award-winning journalist Ally Karsyn,
Beacon Story Lab creates more courageous,
compassionate and connected communities
through the healing art of storytelling.
The next live storytelling event is 7 p.m. Friday, February
7 at The Marquee, 1225 Fourth St. The theme is Love is…
Beacon Story Lab will be celebrating four years of live
storytelling in Sioux City.
Find updates on the Facebook page for Beacon Story
Lab or at beaconstorylab.com.

Siouxland Magazine | Converse /30
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Message to Linda B.
By Tony Micheals
I recently discovered one of the best minivacations
getaways. One Friday morning, I tiptoed
out of the office and went to a movie at 11 a.m.. The
ticket was cheap. The theater was as empty as a wealth
management convention for radio employees. On this
occasion, I saw “It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood”
starring Tom Hanks. In my favorite scene, Rogers attempts
while taping, to set up a tent. However, he fumbles with
the process for about a minute. He decides to keep the
footage in the show and says something to the effect that
kids need to see how you handle emotions when things
don’t go your way and you need another plan. For some
reason, this hit home for me.
Siouxland Magazine | Converse /31
It was the early 1990’s and I was practicing my future radio
hosting gig as an employee at Interstate telemarketing in
Omaha. Yup. It was next to an interstate. Glamorous. Try
not to be jealous.
Linda B. was one of my favorite co-workers there. We had
a great connection and spent a lot of time talking about
our future plans.
She was about 20 years my senior and seemed
to have it all figured out. Linda informed me she
saw me as a CEO of a company in 2020, driving
a Mercedes Benz next to the Pacific Ocean.
As you can tell, she was wicked awesome about seeing
the best in her co-workers. That’s probably why I liked
chatting with her so much. I’ve searched for Linda online
with no success. If you know a Linda that worked in
telemarketing in 1993, let her know I’m trying to buy her
lunch. Specifically, tacos.
Fast forward to this article. I am not a CEO. I recently paid
cash for a new tricked out SUV that retails for $55,000….in
2002. I paid far less a few months ago. Thank you Facebook
Marketplace. I occasionally drive by the Missouri River,
however I don’t believe you can hear the waves.
In 1993, that gig, the sports car and the ocean is what I
thought I wanted. As I write this, I can assure I am forever
grateful I handled my emotions and came up with a new
plan.
The world of autism, marriage, kids, career can
really throw your plans in a different direction.
What’s my vision for the future?
I would love to place great import on cherishing the
meaningful relationships I have in my life. My plan is to
drive my 2002 SUV to visit friends I haven’t seen in a while
Tony Michaels and his lettuce. 1993.
and spark up conversations about the good questions
in life like what was the last line uttered in the “Friends”
series?, why did Garth Brooks want to become Chris
Gaines and why do tacos make everything seem better?
My life as a CEO would probably be frittered away with me
fixated on columns on a grid in an Excel spreadsheet. I’ve
never quite mastered the manual transmission in a sports
car. I’m bald, so my awesome lettuce would not blow in
the wind while driving my convertible. Yes. I used lettuce
to describe my hairstyle. I heard it on a sitcom one time.
Linda’s vision for me was really a sweet vision for the future.
In 1993 it was all I ever wanted.
With this article, I am officially going to stop asking high
school students what their plans are after school. The
best part about the unknown is that your plans change.
Hopefully, you can discover what happiness is in your own
life, with or without the Mercedes Benz.
27 years later, I’m smart enough to realize
finding your smile through struggles is really a
great skill to learn.
For me, hold the Benz. I do still want the lettuce. Just for
one day.
Tony Michaels is a morning show host
at KSUX 105.7. Feel free to text him your
thoughts on this article at 712.274.1057 at
time or reach out to him on Twitter at KSUX.
Paid advertisement.

Inspire
Lessons learned from stories in our community.
Ines at a competition celebrating a victory with her Taekwondo friends.
Feisty and Confident: Age is Just a Number
By Debbie LaCroix
Ines Cervantes has lived her life outside her comfort
zone, and she always does it with a smile and
optimism. Though the scariest thing she ever did was
go through the process of becoming an American Citizen,
stepping onto the taekwondo mats at Johnson ATA was a
close second. But both felt natural to her.
Feisty and confident at about 5 foot tall, Ines doesn’t look like
someone you would ever need to fight. But it doesn’t mean
she hasn’t been fighting obstacles her entire life. At age
55, Ines did something most people never accomplish, she
stepped onto the dojo at Johnson’s ATA to take her first step
towards defending herself and building her confidence. At
age 59, she got her black belt.
It all started with her son, Christian, who was being bullied at
school. He signed up for classes behind her back. Ines was
mad and went into the academy to talk to Michael Beazley,
his instructor. “She wasn’t excited about Christian learning to
be violent or learning to fight and didn’t really trust me. I told
her to hang out, watch a class and then talk to me again. I told
her I don’t teach people how to fight, I teach them to defend
themselves.” So Ines stayed and watched.
As she watched, she became engaged. “I felt
like I could do that,” said Ines, and she stepped
onto the mat. “It wasn’t easy. It’s different
when you are outside, sitting. When I started,
it was an adventure.”
This was the first real extracurricular activity Ines had
experienced since she was 5, and it didn’t come easy.
Breaking boards and memorizing forms was hard. “She
struggled with many things and learned more and more as
she went,” said Beazley. “She had so much heart and put
her all into everything. I love how much passion she had for
it and she worked so hard at it all.” It paid off. Being in her
50’s didn’t stop her. Ines went to Taekwondo tournaments,
and won! It was at a tournament she met a new mentor, Mr.
Yardwood, who reminded her that age is just a number and
she could accomplish anything, including getting her black
belt. She is both state and district champ in her age bracket.
Ines’s life has never been easy. At the age of five, she was
going to be a ballerina. But when her mom left, her family
no longer had the money to pay for lessons. Growing up,
she was the little mama. She had to take care of her siblings,
and do most of the cooking. This didn’t leave her the

non-profit
community
family
small business
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opportunity to do fun activities like dance or sports that most
kids got to do.
“I raised my brother and sister. Dad remarried when I was 10.
At 12, I cooked for everybody, 8 people.” It was the start of a
Cinderella story, complete with a strict and controlling step
mom. “But we survived.” And in a positive Ines fashion, her
cooking was never a burden, but became a light that helped
her get through life. Today she is known for homemade salsa.
Ines did have a close relationship with her father, though she
hardly got to see him since he worked all the time. “Sunday
was our special day. We went to the Gulf of Mexico.”
At age 25, Ines married her prince. “He changed once we
were married. He was not the same person.” Though he never
hit her, he was verbally abusive. Finally Ines took a stand and
got divorced. Soon after she was laid off from her job.
At 26 Ines came to the United States for the first time to be
with her friend, and to escape. She worked in a food truck.
They would start at 5:30 in the morning and go until about 10
at night, 5 days a week. “It was hard work. But they paid cash.
I used to cry. I wanted to know what I was doing here.” She
spent 6 months in the states, and then went back to Mexico.
A few years later her friend reached out again. Immigration
reform had passed, and she could come live in the states for
6 months and apply to stay. When her 6 months was up, “they
didn’t want to accept me,” explained Ines. “But the Catholic
church gave me a letter of amnesty. I was able to get a work
permit, but I couldn’t leave the country.” Then in Chicago,
she met her second prince and got pregnant. He left her and
went back to Mexico. Ines worked hard at a factory to support
herself and her new baby. But the hours were long, and she
had to leave Christian, her son, with a babysitter. She soon
got a job in the elementary school, which was the perfect fit.
For extra money, she would clean houses.
Karma led Ines to Sioux City, where she followed her friend.
She got a job in the school system. Not long after she met her
true love, Tim Black.
For many, this would be enough to give up.
But not Ines. “I always make good friends
wherever I go.” When she hit bottom, she kept
going. “What can you do? I’m very optimistic.
We aren’t perfect, but I always try to find the
good. I tell you the same thing I tell my son,”
Ines paused. “If you are good, things will come
to you. I believe in karma.”
At age 58 Ines became a US citizen. Though Mexico will
always be home, she felt like it was time. It was scary because
she had to study hard. The application fee was high for her
income, and she didn’t want to fail.
In some ways, applying to become a citizen was similar to
getting her black belt. “What I learned when I got my black
belt is that all my hard work pays off. It wasn’t easy, it took me
four years of training, learning, sweating. Taekwondo, it’s not
only kicking and punching, it takes time, practice, memorize,
practice, practice and repeat. How many times I was frustrated
when I couldn’t break the green board. Perseverance and
time.”
In her journey, Ines has touched a lot of people. She is a role
model for both adults and children. She mentioned friends
helped her persevere, but her friends are also her family.
“I love Ines for so many reasons,” says Beazley. “But I also
respect her as an amazing human being with a heart of gold,
I’m truly thankful for her and all she did to make me grow as
a human being as well.”
Life still has its ups and downs, but Ines is ready to take on the
world. “It’s the bad things that make me strong.”
“If you really want something you need to put your mind and
heart on it,” says Ines. “Don’t give up. There were moments
that I wanted to quit, but the support I had kept me going.”
Ines says she is still learning everyday. “So if you want to do
something for yourself, do it even though it is hard. Go for it!”
Debbie LaCroix is a mother to two, freelance writer, children’s
book author, and owner of Just Because.
Photos offered by Ines Cervantes.

Siouxland Magazine | Inspire /34
Yoga at Saturday in the Park 2019.
Cultivating Vision
By Erin Kuehl
There has been a theme in my classes lately.
Cultivation. Cultivating observation, reciprocity,
gratitude, trust, acceptance, and vision. Life is a constant
germination and cultivation, always creating, tending,
weaving, and dreaming. It is the cultivation of the dream
that creates vision. That dream that resonates within the
core of who you are. That dream that you passionately
state aloud in utter knowing that it will happen one day.
You connect with it, feel the truth of it in every cell of
your being, and then you let it go, because your role of
dreaming your vision into reality is complete and it is
time to trust and accept the role of the Universe to meet
your dream and manifest.
My wise mother consistently says, “Turn it over.”
When we create the vision of who we were
meant to be, align our passions with our heart
and our capacity to create the vision, it is only
manifest through the surrender.
We must release the dream to sources more powerful
than ourselves and KNOW it is real.
Evolve Yoga and Wellness was born out of that deep
knowing. After my first yoga class I knew I would teach.
Fresh off the heels of baby 5 and trying to maneuver life
as a cancer survivor, I never pondered all of the obstacles,
I only knew I wanted to teach. Two months later I had
just completed teacher training at Lotus House of Yoga
in Omaha. I held onto the knowing and my only thought
was, “Well, then I need a space to teach.”
The dream will come back to you when you
step beyond fear. After being rejected in numerous
venues to teach yoga throughout the city, I had one last
call to make. So I embraced discomfort and I reached
out to a friend to see if I could rent her vacant home a
couple of days a week. She suggested her husband’s
physical therapy clinic. Rather than finding the very real
excuse of not being able to afford rent, I simply said yes.
He took a chance on a gestating idea of a business and
an emerging new teacher.
The universe will place people in your path that
will have a profound effect on the trajectory of
your life.
It was surrendering my vision, the letting go, that
introduced these people to me. It was vision and
gratitude aligning the heart with the sources that bring
the energy back to you.
Early on, it was a constant venture into the unknown, and
into fear. Thinking about making ends meet, finding

customers and paying overhead filled me with equal
amounts of fear and excitement. I had to consciously let
go of my finite plans for the outcome and have faith in
my vision and the gratitude I had about it and then step
out of my own way to make room for the infinite vision
and possibilities that were available. Like a farmer turns
the earth in order to compost the stalks of the old crop
to plant and cultivate a new crop, I let go of old fears in
order to plant and nurture a new vision.
It was a very simple concept, to bring this gift of fulfillment
to others, and to provide a healing center where
complementary types of natural therapies are provided
under one roof. No pills, no scalpels, no anesthesia.
Just good common sense. If you suffer from low energy,
let’s see what foods give you more energy. If you suffer
from joint pain, let’s see if some stretching, yoga and
supplements improve mobility and comfort. If you suffer
from unhappiness or loneliness, like so many, let’s get
you among people who are determined to feel better,
physically and emotionally. There are trusted remedies
that have fallen out of vogue in our modern tendency for
instant gratification and instant results.
The path of Evolve’s growth began as simply the desire
to bring this practice to everyone, knowing that I could
make that happen and trusting the people who showed
up to play a role in that journey.
I didn’t know what the practice was and how it
would transform me, all I knew was how I felt.
This practice has offered me the opportunity to transform
on deep levels mentally, physically, emotionally, and has
connected me to my spirituality immensely. I’ve tried to
conceptualize the idea of vision, but my understanding
comes from a much deeper place. A place of true
knowing that is rooted so securely within me that it is a
part of my physical body. I knew I wanted to be a yoga
teacher, even after rejection I knew that I would teach.
I knew I had to say yes when the opportunity to rent a
space presented itself. I knew I had to say yes to opening
a second location, and then to say yes to purchasing our
property downtown. Even though sometimes saying yes
has also brought devastating loss, pain, and setbacks, I
still showed up and accepted those parts of my journey
and continued to say yes. Yes to the beautiful and difficult
parts equally.
Amazing things happen when you fully step into
fear. Transformation happens. By confronting all
my fears of unworthiness, lack of knowledge about a
business, lack of experience teaching and with practice
of yoga itself, I allowed doors to open that I didn’t know
existed. I stepped off the trajectory of my life and stepped
into the realm of possibilities. This surrender to vision
introduced so many amazing people to me. People
came forward that saw my passion and were moved by
my mission. Opportunities presented themselves time
Erin Kuehl at Evolve Yoga and Wellness Center.
and time again, from when we opened the first studio
to our most recent expansion offering holistic healing,
massage, and energy body work. After eight years, the
dream has finally become a reality. There is a saying that
when Spirit calls you, you answer; and when you call, Spirit
answers. The call is never to stay small or be intimidated by
details like money, lack, the limitations of ego, being seen,
being good enough. Rather accept what you can do in
the moment and know Spirit is calling us to answer to our
greatest ability and capacity.
Vision is a constant cultivation of reciprocity. The dance
of letting go and receiving, returning us to balance so we
can dream well. Dr. Wayne Dyer reminds us that “What you
think about with the greatest focus and intention is what
expands in your reality. If your thoughts are centered on
what is missing, then what is missing by definition will
have to expand in your life.” So instead of playing small, I
weave a story of the cultivation of gratitude and vision and
how the energy of these unites to draw to me the people,
spaces, and resources to create my dreams.
As I look toward 2020, I’m being called to dream bigger, and
honestly dreaming bigger throws me back into the depths
of fear. So my mantra has shifted toward the cultivation of
vision, “I receive the abundance of the universe and trust
the appropriate resources will be available, as always.” I will
continue to build on this foundation that I have successfully
and consistently co-created with Spirit and remind myself
that what feels like fear when I stay small behind a closed
door, is really passionate excitement for what is waiting on
the other side. When we Evolve, our expansion is limitless.
Erin Kuehl is the founder and visionary force behind Evolve
Yoga and Wellness Center, a place of wellness , healing
and growth located in downtown Sioux City, Iowa
Photo credit (left page) Sarah Ann Photography and Madeline
Huff (photo above).
Siouxland Magazine | Inspire /35

Siouxland Magazine | Inspire /36
Sioux City Alzheimer’s Walk.
Alzheimer’s Association Guides Siouxland Family
By Acacia Deadrick
Imagine losing the ability to get dressed. Imagine
forgetting how to turn on the television or a
computer. Imagine no longer being able to read.
Those are just a few possible challenges someone might face
when living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. Dementia
is an umbrella term for the diseases and conditions that cause
a decline in cognitive ability. Alzheimer’s disease, the most
common type of dementia, is a progressive disease that
causes severe cognitive and physical decline in its victims.
The sixth-leading cause of death in the United States, one
in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.
Currently 5.8 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s,
and over 65,000 are Iowans. In just six short years, those
numbers are projected to increase by 27%. Alzheimer’s is
devastating and expensive. It’s highly prevalent, is on the
rise, and doesn’t discriminate. Worst of all, it’s incurable.
Siouxland resident Pat Boggs has experienced the harrowing
realities of living with dementia; her husband, Mike, lives
with Lewy Body Dementia, the third most common type of
dementia. In 2014, she noticed bizarre changes in Mike’s
behavior. “He would explain to me that he didn’t know how
to turn on his computer and he didn’t really know what he
was supposed to do at work,” Pat said. “He didn’t have those
executive functioning skills.”
Dementia doesn’t just cause forgetfulness; it impedes one’s
capacity to problem solve, complete familiar tasks, and
communicate with others. It renders sufferers unable to
perform everyday activities.
Mike lost his ability to drive, can no longer use a
cell phone, and has trouble with mobility. Many
dementia patients are prone to wandering,
repetitive speech, and even aggression.
Dementia affects much more than memory, and
dementia is not a normal part of aging.
This unfortunate disease doesn’t only affect those
diagnosed. Caregivers frequently report high levels of
stress, and many experience depression. “It’s the isolation,
the loneliness,” Pat cites as her biggest struggles as a
caregiver. “My role has gone from being a wife, to being a
care partner, to being a caregiver.” Mike now lives in a local
care facility, but Pat still grapples with heavy emotions.
“It’s the long goodbye, the ambiguous loss, and the
anticipatory grief,” she says. Aside from intense emotions,
caregivers often are burdened financially. More than
80% of caregivers are unpaid; the 136,000 caregivers
in Iowa provided 155,000,000 hours of unpaid care in
2018. Caregiving inevitably impacts work life, with over
half either significantly adjusting their schedules or
quitting completely to meet the demands of caregiving.
Caregiving is hard, and it alters lives in myriad ways.

Here in Siouxland, we’re all connected to this
disease. Whether it’s a loved one, an employee,
or an acquaintance, someone we know is
affected. At the Alzheimer’s Association Iowa
Chapter, we’re dedicated to finding a cure
through diligent research.
Our events, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, The Longest Day,
and Wine & Chocolate Festival, raise funds for research,
as well as resources for caregivers and those living with
the disease. The Alzheimer’s Association supports the
community and raises awareness through caregiver
support groups, education programs, early-stage social
engagement, and care consultations. We’re a hub of
resources, available at no cost, for anyone affected by
Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. When she
found herself in a dire situation, Pat reached out to the
Alzheimer’s Association. “It gave us a sense of hope. It
gave us a sense of direction,” she says of her interaction
with the Alzheimer’s Association.
Pat’s involvement with the Alzheimer’s Association now
goes beyond support and education; she’s a dedicated
volunteer committed to aiding the quest for a cure. “I’ve
decided I need to find ways to broaden my world instead
of making my world so small,” she says. “I really feel like
that’s what I’ve been called to do - to combine my teaching
skills and my awareness of what dementia is to impact
others.”
Walter and Pat Boggs at the Alzheimer’s Association
conference.
Others are encouraged to get involved as Pat did. Through
our new online engagement platform called Volunteer
Community, there are opportunities for advocacy, support
group facilitation, community outreach and education,
faith outreach, and participation in the Walk to End
Alzheimer’s and The Longest Day; we provide an avenue
for anyone to serve their community.
For more information, visit alz.org/volunteer.
Acacia Deadrick is the Program Specialist at the Alzheimer’s
Association in Sioux City.
Photo credit J Lynn Photography.
Siouxland Magazine | | Grow Inspire / 39 /37
I am Elite.
www.elitestaffco.com | 712.224.4208

grow
Don’t fear failure. Embrace it. It’s where the learning happens.
Ribbon Cutting at Chatterkick’s new location in downtown Sioux City.
Social Start-Up: Defying the Odds
By Beth Trejo
“I think the best value one can provide a new
business or start-up is helping them network or
build connections that ultimately will grow their
customer base.”
Beth Trejo is a trailblazing entrepreneur who loves to take
risks and starting Chatterkick in 2012 was her biggest one
yet. Chatterkick is a creative Social Media Agency with
Midwest roots, representing clients all over the world with
locations in Sioux City, IA: Baton Rouge, LA: Sioux Falls,
SD: Omaha, NE: Des Moines, IA
What motivated you to start your business? What
drives you each day?
I wanted to change how businesses viewed the priority
of social media and where it fits within an organization. I
knew that relationships, transparency, and brand strength
could significantly drive business, and I saw the potential
of social media to impact that opportunity. In addition,
there are many executives who understand the potential
of business growth through social media but get stalled
entirely on the execution, strategy, and analysis of
results, helping them overcome that barrier is extremely
rewarding.
What’s unique about your business?
We are an educated and approachable voice in a noisy
space of blogs, articles, and “social media experts.” Our
clients trust us because we tell them no when needed and
we help to realign their “I need this” with practical approaches
to their problems. For example, many businesses go to
agencies, and those agencies tell them everything to do in
a perfect world with a large budget. I think we have unique
expertise to break that down to say, “You know what, you
don’t need this,” or “Let’s start here,” or “Let’s train Karen in
your office do it”.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve had to
overcome as you’ve grown your business?
One thing that has been challenging for me in the
beginning, and is still today, is how to set priorities with
time. Making sure I’m giving significant energy to family,
friends, and work in ways that are impactful is something
I’m continuously working on.
What has been your greatest reward?
I’m very proud of the ecosystem that exists between our
Chatterkick team members and clients that allow us all to
learn and grow together.
How have you benefited from the startup community
in Sioux City and the region? What resources did
you use?
In the beginning, I was awarded a top prize from the
Swimming with the Sharks competition that allowed me
enough money to buy a new computer. It seems silly and
trivial but it did really help build the foundation of being
comfortable taking risks. An essential skill for new business
owners!

personal growth
leadership
determination
business development
influence
Siouxland Magazine | Grow / 39
IAWESTCOAST.COM I 866.537.6052
Entrepreneurs and small business owners now have
access to an information specialist who can assist you
in finding solutions to your most pressing questions by
facilitating connections to the right people, data, and
resources.
Recipient of Growing Sioux City Award in 2013.
Why is it important for the community to support startups
and small businesses? What more can be done to help
them?
I think the best value one can provide a new business or start-up
is helping them network or build connections that ultimately will
grow their customer base. An intro email or a coffee meeting can
go a long way.
What is one thing you know now that you wish you knew
when starting your business?
Celebrate the journey. Starting a business will provide you with an
education like no other.
What advice would you give to someone looking to start
a business?
Surround yourself with people who support you in celebrating your
strengths and supplementing your weaknesses. Self-awareness is
key.
How can the community continue to help your business?
Spread the word! Social media is more than just one thing. It’s
multiple networks, personal and business, ugly and wonderful,
young and old. We frequently speak to groups and organizations
on the responsibility and power of these platforms, so give us a
call!
What are some future goals for your company?
To continue to educate our community and business leaders of
how powerful social media can be when used for good.
Beth Trejo is the leader, mentor, torchbearer, innovator, founder
and CEO of Chatterkick.
Photos offered by Chatterkick.
IASOURCELINK.COM I 866.537.6052
IASourceLink is the premiere business resource in Iowa
for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Free
business webinars, expert advice, and a searchable
directory of organizations that assist Iowa businesses
can all be found on IASourceLink.
IOWASBDC.ORG I 712.274.6454
Do you need free, confidential and customized business
counseling? Contact SBDC for advice on developing a
successful business plan.
SIOUXLANDEDC.COM I 712.279.6430
Siouxland Economic Development Corporation offers
financial assistance programs and services to assist
small and medium sized businesses in getting started or
expanding.
MAKERSPACESIOUXCITY.ORG I 712.251.6050
MakerSpace Sioux City offers shared space for hobbyists,
inventors, artists and innovative people to come together
to create and teach through hands-on learning.
SPRINGBOARDCOWORKING.COM I 515.809.0052
Springboard Coworking offers shared office space in
downtown Sioux City for entrepreneurs that combines
the best elements of cafe culture with a productive,
functional, and affordable work environment.
ISUSTARTUPFACTORY.ORG I 515.294.7444
ISU Startup Factory is designed to help businesses bring
new products to the market and work with companies to
make them attractive to outside capital investors.
VENTURENETIOWA.COM I 515.471.1300
VentureNet Iowa connects ideas to resources,
management, and investors, to create jobs and build
businesses in Iowa. If you have a business idea in the
areas of Biosciences, Advanced Manufacturing, Value-
Added Ag, or Information Technology, you may qualify
for assistance through VentureNet Iowa.
Did you use one of these great resources? We want to
share your story! Visit our website at siouxlandmagazine.
com, fill out the form and connect with us today!

Siouxland Magazine | Grow /40
Vision: Why It Matters
By Todd Rausch
We are entering into a new year and we are
filled with hope for good for our businesses and
ourselves. But, how will we make that happen?
How will we get from point A to point B if we don’t know
how to get there? Taking that vision and making it a reality
is a definition of success.
The Vision is the foundation and guide on our way to
success. So start by asking yourself what is it I want to
accomplish this year? The next three years? The next 5
years? What does that look like and what actions will I
need to take to get that done?
Typically, we would call that a business plan. WHAT???
Yes, that is what a business plan is, a map detailing your
vision. Our vision should drive our planning and our
actions. Our vision should be purposeful and direct.
We should plan it out as best as we can. We all plan.
Whether we put that on paper or keep it in our head. We
all plan and when we fail to plan we simply plan on failing.
but because they are usually ambiguous and vague.
I do think every business needs one. Be specific and
purposeful in your Vision statement. Forget the flowery
words. Keep it simple and make it so everyone on the team
knows what they have to do to get there. Think it through
and write it down.
I would encourage everyone to write a plan for the
coming year and work that plan. Put it into practice and be
disciplined in executing it. I know that if you do that you
will be a lot closer to your goal at the end of 2020 than you
thought you could be. Just do it. I know you can.
I wish you the greatest success in the coming new year.
Todd Raush is the Regional Director of America’s SBDC Iowa at
Western Iowa Tech Community College.
Proverbs 29:18, “Where there is no vision, the people
perish:”. If we want to prosper and succeed we need to
have that vision. It implies that our eyes are open and on
our goal or objective.
I have never really been a big fan of Vision statements.
Not because I don’t think they are important or necessary,

Leadership. Connections. Opportunities.
By Shawn Fick
Leadership is not about the
person in the position of
power or authority, it is about
helping others on their path of
discovery and growth.
Leadership Siouxland (LS) is by its
very definition for leaders, usually
those who are already in positions
of authority or for someone in whom others have seen
great promise and potential. In many cases the participant
needs a little help and the opportunity to expand their
knowledge, skills, abilities, and talents. LS is about
connecting people in ways they might not have previously
considered and creating life-long contacts and resources
that everyone is able to benefit from in the long run.
LS is successful in helping students explore their talents
which is imperative to the long-term prosperity of future
leaders. In order to do this, though, a leader must be
willing to challenge what others are doing and to ask the
right question(s) to help themselves and others come to
their own conclusions. This is where LS excels.
Whether it is in learning about individual
strengths or being put on teams with
personalities different from your own, LS works
to bring out the very best of each person while
helping them build their connections and
knowledge of the great community.
The most successful among us are the ones who are willing
and capable of taking these connections and new-found
knowledge and network and utilize it for their own success
as well as with everyone they get to work with. These are
also the same people who are willing to take risks, and
even when things do not go as planned, and working to
be successful in community and work-based projects and
programs.
Although it has been at least a few years since I was
fortunate enough to be selected to attend the nine-month
long program, the benefits remain with me to this day. I
was fortunate to serve on the LS board for six years with
dedicated and community minded people who want only
the best for our region. The greatest lesson learned is also
the reward I am fortunate to enjoy every day. I have a list
of contacts and friends that I know I can call, text, email, or
just go visit and have a cup of coffee with on almost any
day of the week. As I continue to learn how to be a leader,
which I know I need to keep doing for the rest of my life, I
understand that I will always be a student of those around
me as I seek to learn from others how to be a better me
and encourage others to be a better them. I also know
the journey of my leadership path will always be unique to
me and must remain open to new options, opportunities,
and possibilities. LS helped me develop many of these
prospects which help me be a much better leader and
member of the community.
Shawn Fick, Director of Mission Services Goodwill of the Great
Plains, former Leadership Siouxland Graduate and Board
President.
Siouxland Magazine | Grow / 41
Entrepreneurship Knows No Age
By Ellie Ernster and Mollie O’Neill
Know any teenagers changing the
world? Send us there story at
converse@siouxlandmagazine.com
Big ideas can come at
anytime, at any age. One
school project opened the
door to an unexpected
opportunity.
Flour Power is a team of two
seniors at Bishop Heelan Catholic
High School who have been best
friends since first grade. During their sophomore year,
Ellie and Mollie had a journalism assignment to make a
process photo essay. Since it was Christmas time, Ellie
and Mollie thought it would be fun to bake and decorate
cookies. While doing so, they each realized how much
they enjoyed it and continued making cookies for friends
and family throughout the year. It wasn’t until a year later,
also around Christmas time, that they started selling them
and opened their small business, Flour Power.
As they received more and more orders, they decided
to create a Facebook page, “Flour
Power”, to make it more convenient
for people to contact them and share
their fresh baked creations. Since
then, they have received more orders
than they ever imagined. They always
make sure to keep school as the
number one priority and never take
more orders than they can handle.
There is no doubt they have gained valuable time
management skills because of this experience. Next year,
although they will be attending college, they will still
continue selling cookies on breaks and holidays. To keep
up with the young entrepreneurs and continue to support
them, you can contact them for ordering or follow along on
Facebook.
Ellie and Mollie are both seniors at Bishop Heelan Catholic
High School and operate Flour Power together.

downtownsiouxcity.com
LIGHTING • WAYFINDING • DEVELOPMENT • LIVING • RIVERFRONT
SIOUX CITY
IS MOVING
FORWARD
DEVELOPMENT • LIVING • RIVERFRONT • LIGHTING • WAYFINDING
That means more people,
stronger businesses,
and a closer community.
Our vision is a vibrant and
bustling downtown. And we’re
helping make that happen.

On an Afternoon Stroll with a Friend
By Josh Shcanda
Recently I went on a walk with an old friend who
has been around Sioux City for a long time. I had
not seen her in forever, and I must confess I barely
recognized her. “Yeah, I get that a lot,” she admitted.
We started off in the Historic 4th Street District, using
the ”This is Sioux City” mural for a picturesque photo
opportunity. I congratulated her on rediscovering her
artistic side, referring to the countless murals that have
been popping up around downtown in recent years.
“All it takes is initiative and vision,” she said with a smile.
Skywalk Banner “I Love Sioux City”.
Siouxland Magazine | Grow / 43
We turned at the corner at 4th and Court Streets, passing
underneath the new festoon of lights and kept strolling
alongside Sioux City’s well-known entertainment district.
“You know, this used to be a rough place down here,” she
remembered, referring to a time when gangs, brothels,
and underground liquor stores defined the night life of
Sioux City. “Little Chicago, they used to call it. It was wild.”
“What happened to all of it?” I wanted to know as we
approached the brewery, watching a couple in their midtwenties
carefully arranging beer, a pretzel, and plates in
an ideal angle for their growing Instagram fan base.
“There are a lot of reasons, but simply put, people just
stopped trusting me, and that really affected my inner
and outer self; I felt neglected,” she said.
We hurried along, crossing the street to escape the
hammering construction site noise of the new Courtyard
by Marriot hotel. As we moved on, the afternoon
sun marvelously illuminated the Native American
ornamentation on the terra cotta façade of the iconic
Badgerow building in a golden light.
“This used to be the tallest building in Sioux City,” she
said, peaking at the top of the twelve-story building that
was completed in 1933. “Many of those older buildings
were simply torn down, businesses moved out and
people did not see a reason to come visit anymore. That
was probably the hardest time for me.”
As she painfully recollected the decades, I remember the
conversations I had with older folks in our community
who, for the longest time, did not see a reason to ever
make their way downtown.
“They love the fact that you turned things around,” I told
my friend.
She laughed, as if she hadn’t noticed herself, “life is fun,
nowadays, you know? I just want people to give it another
try, and really get to know me.”
A cool breeze hit us from the south as we crossed Pierce
Street.
“Nowadays, people can visit my art exhibitions for free,
attend classes, and get creative themselves,” she said as
she pointed to the recently opened Gilchrist Learning
Center.
“Or what about that beauty?” she said with pride in her
voice as her head turned towards the soon-to-be opened
Warrior Hotel. “Reviving the most iconic 19th Century hotel
after decades of nothing really tells you something. Things
have come a long way.”
We slowly walked next to each other for a few moments.
We then arrived at the Missouri River and took in the view.
“Don’t get me wrong, there certainly are things I have yet
to change, as I am not perfect,” she said as she looked me
straight in the eyes, and just when I was about to confirm
how much healthier she looks to me, she adds, “and after
all, I am old.”
We laugh.
“But I want people to know that I will forever be the beating
heart of this city,” said my friend.
I watched the final moments of yet another magnificent
Iowa sunset. When I turned around, she was gone, and I
had a clear view of the downtown skyline, now wrapped in
a blanket of purple-orange light. I realized how grateful I
was to know her. The growth story of Downtown Sioux City
is quite remarkable, I thought to myself. All it takes is the
dedication and vision of people who love Sioux City; not
despite, but maybe because of her perfect imperfections. I
smiled, got in my car, and drove home.
Downtown Partners in a non-profit organization that
works with stakeholders to create a vibrant, expanding
downtown. To learn more about Downtown Partners and
to stay up to date with downtown projects and events, visit
www.downtownsiouxcity.com.
Photo courtesy of Downtown Partners.

Siouxland Magazine | Grow /44
2019 Own It group on stage.
Reserve Your Seat. It’s Time to Emerge.
By Amy Eaton
“Siouxland women rock!”
That is a direct comment from a participant after attending
last year’s Siouxland Women Lead Change Conference.
We had the room packed with 350 women plus 40 college
students, eager to learn from one another and network.
A total of 90 Siouxland companies were represented and
22 local Siouxland organizations financially supported this
event with their sponsorship dollars. Whether you are a
woman business owner, work for one, or support Siouxland
women leaders, this conference can help set you up for
great success! But don’t just take our word for it!
What were some other key takeaways from
attending the 2019 conference? We’re so glad you
asked. Hear from some of our past attendees:
• I left ready to tackle some big goals. It gave me the
push I needed to get started and helped me connect
with local female businesswomen.
• It gave me some great ideas on how to tactfully deal
with difficult coworkers.
• I am ready to go after my goals even if someone says
I’m crazy.
• Everyone has a story. I realized I am not alone.
• I learned ways to prepare for tough conversations.
So what’s in store for the 2020 Women Lead
Change Conference on Feb. 20 at the Sioux City
Convention Center?
• 60 Ideas in 60 Minutes from Siouxland leaders.
• Six Siouxland leaders share 10 ideas each - both
big and small - that can be applied to any business.
• Keynote Address from Beth Shelton, CEO Girl
Scouts of Greater Iowa.
• Embracing disruption and innovation in the workplace.
• Workshop from our very own Sioux City Native,
Cy Wakeman on How to Live Happy in a Messy World.
• We will dig deep and learn three questions for
self-reflection that can help you to toggle up into
your higher self and approach your world from a more
effective mindset.
• We’ll also learn three tools that will “change everything
without changing anything.”
If you’ve never been to a WLC Change conference, hang
on to experience the empowerment gained when you
begin to question everything you think. Grab your gals
for day of learning and application, you can take right
back to the office or weave into your business.

Who should attend the Siouxland Conference?
Are you looking for practical, tactical, leadership
development skills? This conference is for you. Are you
a company looking for opportunities to develop future
leaders? This conference is for you. From emerging
leaders to senior-level executives, all attendees will
have takeaways from this day of education, inspiration,
and empowerment.
“The conference allows us to meet and connect with
other women across Siouxland,” Catherine Bloom,
Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer at Interstates said.
“The conference is also a great opportunity for women
within a company to connect for a day, build stronger
relationships and dream about how they can have a
bigger impact within their companies.”
Siouxland Magazine | Grow / 45
Bloom will be one of the local leaders participating
on the 60 Ideas in 60 Minutes panel. When asked for
her vision for women leaders in Siouxland in 2020 and
beyond is, she said…
My vision is that women leaders and,
frankly, all leaders, will be respected for the
knowledge and skills they bring to the table.
The strongest teams are those that include
members with diverse backgrounds and
experiences where all ideas can openly be
shared. My vision is for us to encourage the
next generation of women to be confident
leaders in their communities, companies,
and homes.
This conference isn’t just for women, it also welcomes
men to join in the conversation about advancing
women leaders as well! “I also think that in order to
really evoke change, there should be more men in
attendance,” a 2019 conference attendee said. “Men
have to be on board too in order for women to make a
change in the world and the workplace.”
What next? Reserve Your Seat.
There are some things you can do to prepare for the
Women Lead Change Siouxland Conference.
• Register for $190/person at WLCglobal.org.
• Gather a group from work to sponsor a table for
10 for $2,500 and receive a copy of No Ego by
Cy Wakeman for each attendee. Email:
info@wlcglobal.org by Jan. 31, 2019.
• Listen to the Cy Wakeman No Ego podcast.
• Make sure to have plenty of business cards ready to
exchange on the day of the conference.
• Take lots of notes and watch for the follow-up
discussion guide to share with colleagues and
friends. Keep the leadership development going!
• Follow Women Lead Change on Facebook, Twitter,
and Instagram for updates and more.
Ann Marie Bledsoe-Downes is the Executive Vice President,
Community Impact & Engagement at Ho-Chunk, Inc.

alance
Inside and out.
5 Tips to Jumpstart your Goals
By Hali Benson
We each have an idea of the way we would like to
start out 2020, and maybe you’ve made your list
of resolutions to accomplish within the year. That’s
great, and I applaud those that can follow through on their
commitments. If you are anything like me, I need to set
my focus on one goal at a time and then build from there.
It’s much easier for me to focus just on cutting out sugar
(incorporating more fruits and sweet things like dates) than
it is to exercise 5 times a week. I’m starting with cutting out
sugar, then to drink less caffeine and eat more plants.
I am here to give you five tips to get your 2020 plans
accomplished:
Intentional Breathing
70% of the toxins we release is through the breath, so
when you are intentionally taking deep inhalations, deep
exhalations you are allowing that natural detoxification to take
place. This also centers your mind on the present moment,
you can find yourself taking a few deep breaths before you
eat which will help you mindfully eat and slow down.
Eat balanced meals:
80% being fruits and vegetables and 20% everything else
(nuts, seeds, grass-fed meats, homemade treats) When we
concern ourselves first and foremost with incorporating
fruits and vegetables in everything we eat then the rest
comes more naturally.
Get Accountability:
Find a friend, share your goals or intentions with and ask
for theirs. Be real about what it is that you want to achieve
within the next few weeks and check in on each other. It’s so
much easier to follow through on what you want when you
have someone to hold you accountable. Right now, text one
friend who aligns with your motives and tell them you want
to meet to chat about your exciting goals!
Practice intuitive eating:
We all have had those moments of over-indulging so what
is it that we can do in order to stop that cycle? There is an
acronym I use in my practice called HALT (hungry, angry,
lonely, tired) and when I am in the midst of busy-ness or even
mid-binge I’ll remember HALT and decipher which of these
I am to stop myself and reflect. This allows me to create a
new pattern to that feeling. Try this the next time you are
reaching for your vice: breathe deep and ask yourself am
I really hungry or am I tired, bored, lonely, or angry? This is
the first step to intuitive eating.

eathe
clarity
nutrition
flexibility
Roasted Winter Vegetables
Ingredients:
1 pound carrots
1 pound parsnips
1 large sweet potato
1 small butternut squash (peeled and seeded)
3 tbsp. Olive oil
1 ½ tsp himalayal salt
½ tsp black pepper
optional: 2 tbsp chopped parsley
½ tsp dried garlic
Directions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
Cut the carrots, parsnips, cauliflower, sweet potato and
butternut squash in 1in. cubes.
Place all the cut vegetables in a single layer baking
sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper. Toss well.
Set small achievable goals:
What is that one thing that seems to come up year after
year? Is it exercise, eat healthier, reduce caffeine/sugar
consumption? Once you have your one thing: make a list of
steps you can take the next three weeks to set yourself up
on that path. Here are examples for you regarding cutting
back on sugar: (1) eat fruit during the times I would have
ate sweets (2) stock your pantry and fridge with ready to
eat fruits and vegetables (3) drink plenty of water and eat
hydrating fruits (4) allow myself to enjoy homemade treats
free from white flour/sugar.
With these tips and your determination, you are sure to be
on your way to a happier, healthier you!
Hali Benson is a certified Holistic Nutrition and Wellness
Practitioner working with Evolve Wellness Center helping clients
heal through nutrition, yoga and spirituality. You can find her
under the name of Blossom Services at https://evolvesiouxcity.
com/nutrition/.
Photo (left page) courtesy of Hali Benson. Photo (above)
credit Natasha Renae Photography.
Bake for 25-35 minutes, until all vegetables are tender.
Season with garlic and parley, serve hot.
Promotes the building of bone-density.
Promotes better balance and agility.
Helps reduce joint and back pain.
OsteoStrong Sioux City is offering
FREE introductory sessions…
mention that you saw us in
Siouxland Magazine
and receive a special offer.
712-522-5675
5001 Sergeant Rd. Suite 265, Sioux City, IA 51106

Siouxland Magazine | balance / 48
Strengthen Your Spine, Strengthen Your Vision:
4 Exercises to Live Taller
By Meghan Nelson
A healthy spine is the key to a healthy life, so
if you want to live long and well, work to keep
your spine long and well. One of the greatest
threats to the postural and spinal health of today’s
society is the forward head posture epidemic that
has progressed to what is often referred to as “text
neck” or “tech neck.” Posture analysis is the start to
determining the stress and strain we put on our spine
throughout our daily activities. As a physical therapist,
one of the most common postural abnormalities I
observe in individuals with complaints of neck pain
and headaches is the forward head posture.
Ideally, we want our head stacked over our shoulders,
with earlobes in line with lateral tip of your shoulders.
However, we commonly see the head protruded
far forward with rounding of the upper back and
shoulders which creates alarming forces of pressure
on the spine and surrounding muscles and ligaments.
It’s no surprise in today’s society, as we are constantly
focusing on what is ahead of us: the road, a computer,
our smart phone, or tablet. In addition, we are
perpetually rushing, moving, reaching, trying to get
ahead, catch up, and reach deadlines while we nudge
our noses forward during this race through life. This
situation has progressed to us essentially walking
around with abnormal posture all day long while
creating overuse injury to those postural muscles that
are designed to help support an upright and alert spine.
The solution to keep our vision clear: stop rushing and
stay in the present moment.
I cringe at times when I see our youth hunched over their
screens and displaying this exaggerated and prolonged
forward head flexion while texting and scrolling, or with
any use of tablets, smart phones, video games, and
laptops. As the chin drops down towards the chest we can
increase the force that our head is putting on our spine to
as high as 50-60 pounds of pressure to the back of our
upper spine. This is like carrying my 7-year old around
on the back of my neck all day long which would be
detrimental. The neck is not designed to withstand that
amount of force, as it is built and intended to hold up an
average 10-pound head. If we continue to put this amount
of strain on our vertebrae, muscles and ligaments we can
end up with compression, irritation, pain and stiffness, and
the problems will progress from there. If forward head
posture is not addressed and treated properly it could
advance to degeneration of the cervical spine, limited
mobility, arthritis and chronic pain.
Y, W, L, T Exercises – “You Will Live Taller”
These exercises can be performed seated or standing
but with a focus on working towards a neutral spine for
optimal breath. Head should be retracted back with a

subtle chin tuck while lengthening the back of the neck.
Try to avoid shoulder blades scrunching up towards ears
or pinching too tightly along the backside as this creates
increased shearing forces along the spine.
Bonus benefits for all if you include loving thoughts
to someone with each inhale as you open your heart
towards yourself, a loved one, a stranger, an enemy.
Exhale, release and relax as arms stay held in the W
position. Repeat 5-10 times.
Siouxland Magazine | balance / 49
Y– Stand with arms in a Y position, thumbs point
backwards.
L – Stand with arms in a L position, palms face upward.
Inhale, gently squeeze shoulder blades together, expand
and open the heart as thumbs reach backwards and hold
(3-5 seconds).
Exhale, release and relax as arms stay held in the L position.
Repeat 5-10 times.
Inhale, gently squeeze shoulder blades together,
expand and open the heart as hands reach backwards
and hold (3-5 seconds).
Exhale, release and relax as arms stay held in the Y
position. Repeat 5-10 times.
T – Stand with arms in a T position, palms face forward.
Inhale, gently squeeze shoulder blades together, expand
and open the heart as hands reach backwards and hold
(3-5 seconds).
Exhale, release and relax as arms stay held in the T
position. Repeat 5-10 times.
W – Stand with arms in a W position, palms face forward.
Inhale, gently squeeze shoulder blades together,
expand and open the heart as hands reach backwards
and hold (3-5 seconds).
When performing any exercises, always listen to your
body, move slowly, and remember to breathe. It can be
common to feel a gentle pulling sensation with stretches
or toning of muscles through engagement and holds.
You should not feel any numbness, tingling, sharp,
shooting, intense, or burning pain. If you do, back off
until it goes away or consult your physical therapist.
Dr. Meghan Nelson is a licensed physical therapist and
professional yoga therapist with a passion for using yoga as
medicine for optimal health, injury prevention, and overall
health and wellness. Meghan is co-owner of Lumin Therapy,
which provides integrative healing of the mind, body, and spirit
through the practice of physical therapy, yoga and mindfulness.

Siouxland Magazine | balance / 50
Ask the Therapist
By Jackie Paulson
If you’ve ever been to therapy, I’m sure you
can relate to the question; “I wonder what my
therapist is really thinking?” It takes tremendous
courage to enter into a room and sit face-to-face
with a complete stranger to share with them the
most intimate details of your life. I, even though I’m
a therapist myself, can experience the apprehensive
fear of judgment when I share some of my most
challenging questions, thoughts and experiences with
a therapist.
I have great admiration for those that walk into my
office and trust me to hold their raw wounds with
the utmost grace and respect. It makes sense why
some people would shy away from ever sitting on
the “proverbial couch”. It seems so cliche in some
ways, yet every human being has some THING that
they are wrestling with in their lives. Many times, we
might think that what we are dealing with is deeply
personal and unique to our own life. “Surely no one
would understand and would judge if they knew I had
this question, thought, behavior, etc.” I often wish my
clients and those around me could see and hear what
I do on a daily basis. How easily they would come to
understand that they are not alone in their ordeals.
Send your
questions to the
therapist.
comfort in group sharing activities, podcast interviews,
magazine articles and stories and other mediums that
remind me that I am not alone and might even get an
answer to a question that I have without having to be the
one to ask it. This is why we’ve designed this column. So
that in each issue you can have the opportunity to read
about the problems and questions that other people
have and get a therapist’s take on it! Or, maybe you are
the one who decides to take the leap and share your
question with us at Siouxland Magazine! We will keep
your identity private and you can get some perspective
on your situation.
So, you’re all invited to sit on your own couch each issue
and join us in a conversation! Take it or leave it, either way
I’m happy to be on this journey with you in just another
form of connection.
You can submit your “Question to the Therapist” by
visiting jackiepaulson.com and send your question
through the contact page. Please put “Question to the
Therapist” in the subject line.
I’m fascinated by just how much we all are dealing with
the same underlying challenges, even if the specific
storyline and characters differ. I’ve always found

Jackie Paulson is a Licensed
Mental Health Counselor
and Registered 500 Hour
Yoga Instructor. She has
over a decade of experience
in the helping field and
offers holistic therapies that
combine an east meets west
approach to therapy.
Jackie specializes in working with adults who
may be experiencing a wide array of concerns;
including, relationship difficulties, sexuality and
intimacy, depression and anxiety, trauma, grief
and loss, addiction, and other life transitions and
adjustments. Her training in mindfulness based
stress reduction, somatic work, existential theory
and depth psychology all enhance the investment of
your time in session with her.
Siouxland Magazine | balance / 51
Ultimately Jackie offers a humanistic approach and
Her overall hope is to empower individuals to seek
and connect into their own deep and sacred wisdom
that resides within them. Jackie believes that each
person has an innate ability to heal themselves
and journey through any experience with the right
support. You can sit with Jackie in her therapy office
located on Historic 4th street in downtown Sioux City.
She accepts BC/BS and other private pay options.
Each concept will provide you with ways to put it into practice every day, as well as reflective
“table questions” that can initiate meaningful conversation over a delicious dinner with
loved ones. Gather together, and get to know one another. After all, we’re better together.
Presence
the fact or condition of being present
(Merriam Webster Dictionary)
One of the books I always come back to is 7,000
Ways to Listen by Mark Nepo. In it, he says, “The secret
is that the temple is anywhere you wake.” These words are a
perfect reminder to look at where you are, and express awe.
We each have a different story. Each story contains dozens
of mountains and valleys that we’ve travelled through. Our
mountains are the high points and joyous moments. Our
valleys are the times we couldn’t see the mountains anymorea
little lost, afraid, and lonely.
We spend a lot of time traveling between each mountain
and valley, often not realizing that the temple we’re looking
for is exactly where we are.
As humans, I think we spend a lot of time rushing to the next
high point of our life that we miss out on the magic that lies
in between. We forget to listen to the birdsong. We scroll on
our phones during our morning coffee instead of slowing
down. We rush through conversations instead of looking
each other in the eye.
PUT IT INTO PRACTICE: Be where your feet are. Do
nothing while enjoying your cup of coffee or tea. Get
outside and listen to birdsong. Pay attention to the changing
seasons. Practice presence.
TABLE QUESTIONS: How can you be more present in
your day-to-day life? What are your thoughts on the quote
from Mark Nepo? What is the temple in your life? What have
been the mountains and valleys of your past year?
Jianna Hoss is a yoga teacher and movement practitioner. In
her free time, she loves to climb, slackline, and be outside regardless
of the season. Learn more about her at jiannahoss.com.

Siouxland Magazine | balance / 52
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Siouxland Magazine | balance / 53
Guided Imagery.
Using the Mind to Heal the Body
By Nesrin Abu Ata
In guided imagery, you use your “mind’s eye”
to picture the situation you are dealing with or
the disease that is affecting you. Guided imagery
connects the mind and the body by activating the
parasympathetic response. The body does not discern
the difference between an image and reality and reacts
with the same response of relaxation. In a state of total
relaxation, the mind and body respond more to healing
and growth. Research has found that athletes that use
guided imagery as part of a comprehensive program for
healing after injury heal faster (Ievleva and Orlick 1999).
Imagery involves using all of the senses to
create an experience. There are two types of
imagery: direct (when you choose a specific
part of the body to heal), and indirect (when
you have an image of something healing to
promote a response in the body).
Guided imagery can be done alone while listening to a
recording or with an experienced guide. A guided imagery
script usually includes starting at a calm place. The guided
imagery script has the listener imaging how s/he may
approach a problem, or visualize the challenge the listener
is facing take a different form.
While engaging in guided imagery, the listener
becomes active in his/her own healing process,
rather than being passive.
Anyone can benefit from guided imagery, including
adults and children. Guided imagery is not meant to
replace getting medical care or working with a healthcare
professional, but is rather meant to enhance recovery and
healing. People that have a history of trauma or psychosis
should be cautious when using guided imagery and
consult with a healthcare professional.
Using guided imagery in the medical field has been
studied in different areas. For example, cancer research
on using imagery (psychoneuroimmunology) has found
that patients report improvement in mood, decreased
anxiety, decreased pain after surgery and improvement in
quality of life (Baider et al., 2001; Burns, 2001; Donaldson,
2000). Patients with cancer were asked to visualize an
army of soldiers (macrophages in the immune system)
surrounding an enemy of invaders (cancer) and eventually
subduing them. In other cases, patients were asked to
visualize more abstract non tangible images, like certain
colors, or flowing water as a source of healing going
through the entire body. Dr Martin Rossman (Integrative
Medicine) lists some areas where guided imagery can
be used for, including preparing for surgery, coping with
chronic illness and managing pain and fear.
Some resources that you may want to check out are:
• Guided Imagery podcast- health videos and podcasts-
Kaiser Permanente
• The Healing Mind
• Health Journeys Library
• Apps: Insight Timer, the Mindfulness App, Wellscapes, Calm
So, what are you waiting for before trying guided imagery?
After I tried it myself, I have not turned back and I suspect,
neither will you after you try it out.
References:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/think-well/201601/can-visualizationtechniques-treat-serious-diseases
https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/guided-imagery
Nesrin Abu Ata, MD, is a family medicine physician, a
psychiatrist. She has a private practice and can be reached
on drnesrinabuata@gmail.com. Photo credit Nesrin Abu Ata.

explore
Get dirty.
What you want to do…
Here’s your EXPLORE Winter Reading List!
By Carrie Radloff
While some enjoy the natural world when it’s cold
outside, many of us are more inclined to hunker
down and let our minds explore it through the
written word. I asked some friends for their favorite
books about exploration and nature. Here are their
reading recommendations for armchair explorers.
Tom Brown Jr. and Richard Louv are Chuck Hopp’s and
Jeff Neary’s favorite authors. Chuck recommended
Brown’s latest release Guide to Healing the Earth
and Louv’s Our Wild Calling. Louv’s Last Child in the
Woods highlights the benefits of getting outdoors and
describes the problems children experience from not
being connected with nature. The Way of the Scout, like
all of Tom Brown’s books, highlights the many Native
American aspects of living with nature, understanding
it, and understanding our own interaction with it so we
can better understand our role in nature and on earth.
Jon Young’s What the Robin Knows combines indigenous
knowledge and scientific research with his own
observations to show how birds are key to understanding
our outdoor world.
The Big Year: A Tale of Man, Nature, and Fowl Obsession by
Mark Obmascik is a lighter read about birdwatching and
follows three competitors trying to check the most species
off their lists in one all-consuming year of adventures. You
may have seen the movie adaptation starring Jack Black,
Owen Wilson, and Steve Martin.
Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey is often compared to
Walden by Henry David Thoreau (which was suggested as
the original back-to-nature book by Grant Garrod) and to
Aldo Leopold’s A Sand County Almanac. John Muir and
Rachel Carson (Silent Spring), round out this group of
widely regarded leading visionaries in the environmental
movement.
Doug Tallamy carries the legacy of those before him
as evidenced in his Bringing Nature Home, showing
how wildlife depends on native plants, how our human
presence impacts these natural systems, and how you

fresh air
get outside
protect
active
play
can make your own yards and gardens into havens for
biodiversity.
Recommended by Grant Garrod and my husband, Chad
Heath, who both read it as young teens, My Side of the
Mountain (first of a trilogy) by Jean Craighead George is
an adventure in self-reliance. A boy goes to his family’s
long neglected ancestral property in the mountains to
live off the land, makes a home inside a gigantic tree,
adopts and heals a wounded hawk who then becomes his
hunting companion. This book shows how independence,
knowledge, and creativity are used to determine your own
life path, something most young folks surely crave.
The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben dives into,
well, the hidden life of trees. This and the other books in
the trilogy, The Secret Wisdom of Nature and The Inner Life
of Animals are sure to change how you think about all living
things around you.
The Overstory by Richard Powers won the 2019 Pulitzer
Prize in Fiction and is cited for being an easier read and
focusing more on the human connection to nature than
some of his other novels.
Desert Notes and River Notes, companion pieces by Barry
Lopez, were recommended by Mandi Howard, who says
she loved these because they focus on the Southwest,
which in her opinion is the most beautiful region in the
U.S. Lopez focuses on what it feels like to be in the wild,
to be alone in the middle of the world, rather than the
visuals and physical features of it.
Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard was suggested
by Marc Christofferson. It won a Pulitzer in 1975, but
if that’s not enough to make you pick it up, maybe the
thought of spending some time along a Virginia creek
with monarchs, coots, muskrats, and grasshoppers will.
It’s full of insights and facts about nature combined with
some historical interest.
Other recommendations include: Ishmael by Daniel
Quinn, A Girl of the Limberlost by Gene Stratton-Porter,
Joy of Man’s Desiring by Jean Giono, Fordlandia: The
Rise and Fall of Henry Ford’s Forgotten Jungle City by
Greg Grandin, The Black Hills Yesterday and Today by
Paul Horsted, Coming into the Country by John McPhee,
and anything by Jack London.
Carrie Radloff keeps busy with the Northwest Iowa Group of
Sierra Club, the Sioux City Environmental Advisory Board,
and Loess Hills Wild Ones, and aspires to become an
armchair explorer now that she has a reading list.
Photos offered by Carrie Radloff.
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Siouxland Magazine | Explore / 56
Improving Food Security Through with the Garden
By Lisa Cox and Jenny Jorgensen
The literary device dénouement is a often a
writer’s favorite. It takes vision and careful pacing
as the reader starts on a journey meeting the
characters, learning the setting, and discovering
the plot. Along the way, the reader invests time while
they actively delight in the main character’s internal
and external struggles. Dragons may need to be slain,
woodchucks may be plaguing the pumpkin patch, or
volunteers might be unable to access the Facebook
event signup. Whatever the problem, when it is all over,
our writer makes sure the hero assess the situation, ties
up all the loose ends, and is moving forward.
Forward motion and careful planning are also key
ingredients to a great story. In 2014, Up From the Earth
began its tale. In this narrative, mighty gardeners set
their sights on food insecurity in the Siouxland area. At
first it was the maneuvering of an abundant harvest, by a
few local gardeners, into 10 established collection sites.
Then, relationships were built and by 2019 Up From the
Earth had 25 fully functioning collection sites. Many of
which are pantries! During these six growing seasons,
nearly 135,000 lbs has been provided through the
food pantry system to families who struggle with food
insecurity.
According to the 2019 Map the Meal Gap Study on
siouxlandfoodbank.org, there is a disruption in Siouxland
household food supplies. This study is Feeding America’s
most current data on the national food bank systems.
The Siouxland findings reported that “there are 25,380
food insecure individuals in our 11 county service area,
including 10,780 food insecure children. The rate of food
insecurity remains steady at 11%. The childhood insecurity
rate is 18%.” This translates into kids in schools partaking
in the Free and Reduced Lunch Program. If you haven’t
stopped in at nokidhungry.org to check their statistics
concerning food insecurity, here is a little preview:
3 out of 4 of educators see students who regularly
come to school hungry because they are not
getting enough to eat at home. 46% of these see
hungry students arrive nearly every day. 92%
of teachers are concerned about how hunger
impacts their students’ ability to succeed. When
their students don’t get enough to eat: 80% of
teachers see them lose the ability to concentrate.
76% see poor academic performance. 62% see
behavioral and discipline problems. 47% see
sicker and less healthy students.
Food impacts student behavior, thoughts, academic
performance, success, and most importantly health.
This summer, we as Master Gardeners worked with several
parents and their families in school and community
gardens. While in the garden, families willingly shared
their time, labor, knowledge, recipes, and stories with us.
One standout was “Taylor,” an athlete who chooses to eat
healthier. On the family budget, fresh fruits and vegetables
are pricey. In order to get nutrient rich foods and complex
carbohydrates, this family was willing to Plant, Grow, Share
alongside us. During this time, “Taylor” learned some vital

things about broccoli and beets, and the younger brother
got an earful about corn too.
The need is clear. It is not just kids though. It’s the elderly,
veterans, disabled, couples, single fathers. It is Siouxland.
How do we help? We Plant, Grow, Share in 2020. If you
haven’t started thinking about it, your story starts now.
The plot thickens. Small steps and simple plans will take
you in a forward direction. Winter is a wonderful time to
think about what you want to plant and where you want to
plant them. Whether you are thinking a traditional garden
plot or a container garden, there are amazing resources
in the area to help you succeed with your seeds. Do a
little reconnaissance at your local library branch. The ISU
Extension Office in your county is always willing with an
answer. This is true of local nurseries and growers as well.
Siouxland Magazine | Explore / 57
Other things to consider are, is there a viable space in the
back, side, or front yard that gets just the right amount
of sun? What was an easy thing that your grandparents
grew? We invite you to come visit our collection sights. We
encourage you to look into each vital cog of Up From the
Earth and how they are woven together.
In French, dénouement means, “unties the knot.” The tangle
is undone. Our vision to decrease food insecurity, using
the existing infrastructures, with excess produce, UNITES
gardeners who have excess produce with the current food
bank systems and churches to increase food security. With
your help, Siouxland, our numbers will increase as you Plant,
Grow, Share at our collection sites. Let us set our sights on a
clear vision of food security for Siouxland in 2020!
Cutline here.
Jenny Jorgensen is a Master Gardener and
community volunteer. As a retired kindergarten
teacher, she enjoys working with school
gardens and kids helping them to learn about
growing foods and from where food comes.
She believes in people working together to help
each other in our community.
Lisa Cox is a Master Gardener and community volunteer. A
Certified Athletic Trainer and former high school teacher,
she enjoys working with kids, learning opportunities, and
nutrition. She is active in DKG, the South Sioux Cooperative
Learning Garden, and the Sioux City Garden Club.
Graphic courtesy of Up From the Earth.

Siouxland Magazine | Explore / 58
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citizen science.
Resources:
https://www.citizenscience.gov/
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https://monarchwatch.org/
https://gbbc.birdcount.org/
www.Jensendealerships.com

Siouxland Magazine | Explore / 59
Kids waterfowl watch last summer at Woodbury County Conservation’s Bluebird’s Camp at Snyder Bend in Salix, IA.
Bringing the Community Outside with Citizen Science
By Olivia Parks
Being active in your community may seem out of
reach for many. Misconceptions about time, money,
or lack of skills may be stumbling blocks. Some may be
very active in certain aspects of the community like churches,
schools, and other organizations but ignore other parts of
the community. One section that commonly is ignored is
the science community. People tend to ignore this aspect of
the community because they feel they lack the learned skills
to be a part of it or that the projects are at times they are
preoccupied working or with family. Luckily there is a part of
the science community that almost everyone can take part in,
and that is known as citizen science.
Citizen science is a way the community can
become involved in the discovery of new
scientific information. The different projects in
citizen science can be one person or millions of
people working together to accomplish a study.
A community can help with any project by involving
themselves in the data collection, analysis, and reporting
of data which is shared widely for public and scientist to
have access. One of the best features of citizen science is
that everyone can participate and follow the same ways of
collecting information that will be combined for real scientists
to use and help them reach their research conclusions.
Also, citizen science includes a huge diversity of different
sciences from ecology and medicine, to psychology and
engineering, so everyone can find something that they are
interested in to get involved.
Thinking that collecting data sounds like a lot of homework
with little reward? Connecting to your community has never
been so easy thanks to the hand held devices accessible in
almost everyone’s pocket! There are common, free apps that
are used to help connect community citizens to scientist.
Common apps such as iNaturalist are used by citizens to
identify birds, plants, and animals in nature.
When you are able to identify what you find, using these apps,
you are also reporting a sighting of that species. Scientists are
then able to see what you are reporting, and find out when
and where you saw it to help with scientific studies.
For example, tagging monarch butterflies and
reporting when and where you tagged them
helps scientists find global migration patterns
for butterflies.
Another commonly known citizen science is to participate in
the annual Great Backyard Bird Count. The Great Backyard
Bird Count is a way that you can get involved with nature
by counting what birds you find visiting your backyard and
reporting it to the backyard bird count website.
Citizen science is essential for studies, one person can’t
observe the whole world at once, and it is easy and convenient
for anyone to help. Find a science study that interests you and
find a way that you, your family, and your community can get
involved to help the whole world.
Olivia Parks, AmeriCorps 4-H Environmental Education
Naturalist, Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center.
Photos courtesy of Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center.

enjoy
You only live once.
Remsen Restaurant Enters a New Vintage
By Kolby DeWitt
The Golden Pheasant has long been a Remsen
mainstay. Although Remsen is a town of just over
1,600 people, the positioning along Highway 3
has helped to surmount that challenge.
“It was a gas station before it turned into a restaurant
in 1963,” said Tom Ahlers, who took ownership of The
Golden Pheasant earlier this year. “It has been a smooth
transition,” said the strikingly young Tom, at 21 years
old. He continued, “Our goal was for people to not even
realize it had been sold.” Tom is hardly a new face to The
Golden Pheasant, having been a cook since the age of
14. “I didn’t think even a year ago I’d ever be a small
business owner, let alone this soon!” said Tom, amid an
endearing chuckle.
Tom enjoys a wide support group as many of his family
members have roles, “My father Randy bartends, my
brother Christopher cooks, and Christopher’s wife
Justine also bartends,” listed Tom, while his mother Carla
and his aunt Patty were decorating for an upcoming
Christmas gathering in the party area adjacent to the bar.
“My grandma Carol Ruba makes the 1,000 Island Dressing,
which has been a hit with customers.”
Sitting at the large, square, dark-wood bar, I sampled the
8oz Filet. Wrapped in bacon, this steak was prepared
“medium” and was delicious. “This is our most popular
dish,” added Tom, proudly. The inch-tall Filet is served
with au jus There was enough pepper and seasoning to
cause one to salivate, but the meat itself was free to stand
out. The bacon was almost a desert itself, and a perfect
complement.
Next, I tasted the Teriyaki Chicken. The grilled chicken
breast is served with a light sauce on top, and rice. “This is
our most underrated dish, and a good, healthier option,”
said Tom. With a mouth-watering menu full of delicious
red meat options, the chicken would be an ideal choice
for someone looking for a lighter fare. The subtle Teriyaki
was enough to notice, but careful to not be overwhelming:
Which is a perfect metaphor for The Golden Pheasant, as
it is a truly splendid steakhouse, that is careful exercise
restraint, and avoids being ostentatious. “We aim to

have fun
entertainment
culture
gather
relax
be versatile and accommodating,” said Tom, as he juggled
bookings and orders with the upcoming holiday weekend.
Lastly, Siouxland Magazine Owner/Editor Becca and I savored
the Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos. This irresistible appetizer
consists of halved jalapenos, filled with shredded cheese and
cream cheese, wrapped in bacon (a recurring theme at The
Golden Pheasant). The usually articulate Becca, upon tasting,
was only able to collect herself enough to call this dish “Da
Bomb,” and she‘s exactly right! One would be remiss to dine
here and not order them.
“The Remsen Chamber was a huge help, and offered a low
interest loan for some remodeling and improvements,” said
Tom, adding: “The whole Remsen community has been very
supportive, as have surrounding communities. I’d say a majority
of our business comes from Kingsley, Marcus, Sioux City, Rock
Valley, etc.”
His father Randy pointed out that since Tom assumed ownership,
they have repainted several areas, replaced flooring, and many
other cosmetic touches. It definitely shows, as the atmosphere
is much the same (including the famous rose-gold tinted
mirror), but there is a renewed freshness to it.
They’ve also undertaken re-engineering of the large kitchen,
helping to improve efficiency and communication among the
staff. “I always told people this is the only place I’d ever want
to buy,” said Randy, “and then my son beat me to it. It’s just
as well, because I can walk around, just acting like I own the
place!” Randy cajoled with a hearty laugh as he fondly slapped
Tom on the back, beaming with pride. The family nature of this
steakhouse isn’t just a mantra, it is evident.
The Golden Pheasant, now well past its golden anniversary,
enjoys a sterling reputation online: with a 4.8/5 review on
Facebook, 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor, and a 4.5 on Yelp, reviewers
are keen to point out the great portions of great food, and
good service.
The Golden Pheasant is open Wednesdays and Thursdays
from 5pm-9pm, and Fridays and Saturdays from 5pm-10pm. It
is also open Sunday evenings from 5-9pm. Wednesday nights
feature a chicken and ribs buffet. For more information, visit
them on Facebook: @goldenpheasantsteakhouse
Kolby Dewitt has enjoyed writing (primarily about food) for
Siouxland Magazine since 2010.
Photo credit Becca Feauto.

Siouxland Magazine |
Siouxland Magazine | Enjoy Design / 62 Issue / 20
Fashion as Personal Power
By Erika Hanson
It’s been scientifically proven, by Harvard
researchers and others, how we view ourselves is
directly tied to our feelings of personal power (or
lack thereof).
Also, how we present ourselves on the outside can
drastically change others’ perception of how powerful we
are (or aren’t).
When I was a kid in middle school, I loved clothes. I loved
everything about them. The way they looked hanging
in my closet, the way they allowed me to express my
creativity, the smell of something brand new, the way
they made me FEEL. But it was a love/hate relationship,
because at that age, I was also bullied. And when I’d go
to school wearing new clothes, sometimes the other girls
would be downright mean about whatever I happened to
have on. When you’re an adult, it’s easy to brush off the
comments as those of kids who don’t know what they’re
saying, who don’t think before they speak. But when
you’re a kid, you start to develop lots of insecurities. And
you stop wanting to wear new clothes.
In high school, although still racked with the insecurities
of every other 17-year-old girl, I had a breakthrough. I
attended modeling classes weekly at a school in Omaha,
Nebraska, and suddenly I was surrounded by other
girls (and guys) who loved fashion as much as I did. No
one was shy about putting together killer looks for our
Register to
Appear in
Upcoming
Issue.
Saturday workshops. We’d comb through the editorial pages
of Vogue magazine and try to come up with replications on
our own (keeping in mind there was no online shopping –
and we were in Nebraska). And I started to piece together
how fashion and outward appearances could change the
way other people perceived you in a positive way; not just
the negative reactions I’d been used to.
At 18, I signed a multi-year contract with Elite Model
Management, an international agency that represented
Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Iman,
and many others. But
those insecurities crept
back in. Elite wanted
me to skip college and
instead move to Miami
or Los Angeles where I
would spend my days
going on casting calls
for shoots, working
with photographers,
and continuing to
build up my portfolio
of work. But at 18, I
wasn’t ready to venture
that far outside of my
comfort zone. Erika at age 17.
I was told – “You need to do this right now. Because by the
time you turn 27, you’ll be too old.”

Everyone has perception issues with their body, their
look, their style. Everyone. And it’s very easy to let that
perception become your reality. But our focus is on taking
back your personal power. Relaxing. Having fun. Removing
limits that are holding you back from expressing yourself
in your most authentic way.
Fashion is way more cathartic than people give it credit for.
When you feel amazing about the way you look, it changes
your internal thought process. It’s about time we stop
apologizing for wearing whatever makes us feel fantastic.
Whether it’s the perfect pair of jeans, or an awesome new
dress, or a concert t-shirt from 1997. Wear it. Way more
people are going to recognize that glow and think you
look amazing than will criticize you for your style choices.
And you’re always at your most powerful when you feel
like your authentic self.
Siouxland Magazine | Enjoy /63
Hair and makeup artist Lauren Wermersen focuses on
the details.
So, I did work regionally for a few years, while going to school
at Briar Cliff, and then scrapped modeling altogether. I let
cultural pressures dictate what I did, and when I did it. I let
people in my life tell me to stop daydreaming and focus
on reality (Who was I to think I could actually be a model?).
And I spent the next several years of my life buying into
the concept that I was too old to wear “this”, too young
to do “that”. If I’m a wife, I behave like “this”. If I’m a mom,
I’m supposed to do “this”. If you get a divorce, better get
yourself prepped to do “this”. Oh, you just turned 40? Now
“this” is what you’re supposed to act like.
And while my life has turned out pretty great, and I don’t
have any regrets for the choices I’ve made, I’ve finally
realized that taking limitations off of yourself and making
decisions that feel right to you, regardless of what society
says, is a much more fulfilling path.
So, here we are.
At age 45, I am still perusing the back pages of Vogue,
picking up on the trends for the month, and figuring out
how to incorporate the latest looks into my everyday
wardrobe. I’ve started modeling again, and am a huge
fan of the development of age-inclusivity in the world of
fashion and advertising (apparently life does NOT end
when you turn 27). And thankfully, the industry seems to
have permanently recognized the beauty of humans who
are all sizes, all body types, all ethnicities, and all cultures.
It’s a great time to play with fashion and curate your own
individual style.
And that’s exactly what this newly-created column will
focus on. In each issue, we’ll have a couple of objectives:
• Work with an individual in Siouxland who wants help
addressing their own particular style challenges, and
• Explore the area’s retail scene to prove once and for
all that style exists everywhere.
Gia Emory puts the finishing touches on a style from
the Gimme Shelter Anti-Mall.
Have a style challenge? Email Erika at KingsFromAsh@
gmail.com with a short description (include a selfie
if you’d like!) and you could appear in an upcoming
issue!
Erika Hansen is a lifelong Siouxland resident. Curious about
exploring the connection between outward appearances and
inner power, Erika is passionate about making fashion fun,
and fostering a spirit of inclusion with no limits. You can find
more of Erika’s love of style on Instagram kingsfromash.
Photo credit Britton Hacke Photography.
Photo courtesy of Nancy Bounds Models.

Siouxland Magazine | Enjoy /64
LE MARS
Ice Cream Capital of the World
IOWA
Make a point this winter to drive to Le Mars, IA and enjoy
some of the sweet flavors of ice cream at the Wells Visitors
Center and Ice Cream Parlor. Be sure to watch the videos
and view the Wells memorabilia.
(712) 546-6416
10 Central Avenue NE
Le Mars, IA 51031
www.claussensonline.com
urban-eclectic home décor
vintage nds nds • unique gifts
cards • • custom framing
jennifer scholten
manager
manager
15 central ave sw
15
le
central
mars, ia
ave
51031
sw
le mars, ia 51031
712.548.4447
jobasgifts@frontier.com
712.548.4447
jobasgifts@frontier.com
urban-eclectic home décor
vintage nds • unique gifts
cards • custom framing
urban-eclectic home décor
vintage nds • unique gifts
jennifer scholten
manager
jennifer scholten
15 central manager ave sw
le 15 mars, central ia ave 51031 sw
le mars, ia 51031
712.548.4447
jobasgifts@frontier.com
712.548.4447
jobasgifts@frontier.com
jobasdecor.com
cards • custom framing
100 Plymouth St West
Le Mars, IA 51031
712.541.6606
While you’re in town head to the Le Mars Arts Center to do a
hands-on project like painting, ceramics, alcohol ink, clay or
an acrylic pour. Classes are offered for adults and children.
Just call 712-546-7476 and the staff will have everything
ready for you.
Our five-floor museum can definitely keep you busy for many
hours. An elevator serves access to all areas of the museum.
The museum features: Turn of the century domestic rooms,
agricultural rooms, a music room, heritage rooms, Loess
Hills exhibit and more. Make sure to stop in Miller’s Lunch
to have an old-fashioned root beer float before you leave.
If you’re a fan of model railroads, you need to contact the
Floyd Valley Model Railroad Club and make an appointment
to enjoy a tour.The group has a huge display room located
on the lower floor of the museum. The train club layout
features: UP, BNSF, D&I, CN&W, CN and Burlington Northern
railroads. Call 712-548-4971 to set up a tour.
Enjoy shopping in the stores throughout Le Mars. In January
and February, you’ll find markdowns in many of the stores.
Take some time and go from store to store to view the
bargains and see what’s new for spring.
Le Mars has a wide array of restaurants from coffeehouses
to steak houses. Be sure to have a steak at Archie’s – the
restaurant has received the
prestigious James Beard
award. Bob’s Drive Inn, written
up in Gourmet Magazine, has
the famous Bob Dog. Plus with
25 other restaurants across
town you’ll be sure to find a
cuisine that fits your taste.
Take a drive around town and
view the 55 fiberglass ice cream
cones. Standing five feet tall,

Siouxland Magazine | Enjoy / 65
the cones all depict a different artistic look. The cones
were painted by Siouxland artists. Stop in to City Hall, the
Chamber of Commerce or the Convention and Visitor
Bureau to pick up a map.
What are you
hungry for?
Order Online.
www.pspizzahouse.hungerrush.com
Do you drive the alleys much? I bet you haven’t been asked
that question before. Well, in Le Mars you want to hit the
alleys. Nine alleys in Le Mars are filled with murals and
paintings. The Public Art Project started in 2013 has over a
hundred art pieces painted by numerous artists. Get an ice
cream cone from the parlor and enjoy it while you drive the
Le Mars alleys. You’ll be glad you did.
For more things to do while in Le Mars pick up a copy of
the Le Mars Visitors Guide available at most businesses and
restaurants as well as City Hall, the Le Mars Chamber of
Commerce and the Le Mars Convention & Visitors Bureau
to view the many things you can do in Le Mars.
Come see us … Le Mars where Life is Sweet!
ProLink
Julie Hurt ABR, CRS
REALTOR
41 Central Avenue NW
LeMars, IA. 51031
Cell: 712.540.7757
Web: www.juliehurtc21.com
Licensed in Iowa
Dedicated to Results!

We’re not your Grandma’s Symphony
February 15th
7:30 pm
Come Feel What
You’ve Been Missing!
siouxcitysymphony.org | 712.277.2111

Ralph Reeder, M.D.
HEALING
brains and spines
BY DAY
GIGGING AND GIVING
by night.
IMPROVING HEALTH IN SIOUX CITY and TANZANIA.
Dr. Reeder and his band, The Spinal Chords, play a fundraiser for Hope Ministries in downtown Sioux City.
Hope Ministries provides spine surgery and training for physicians in Africa.
CNOS.NET | 605-217-2667
IOWA • SOUTH DAKOTA • NEBRASKA