Siouxland Magazine - Volume 2 Issue 2

STARTING CONVERSATIONS
Are you asking
the right questions?
get focused
20
20
Question
Volume 2, Issue 2

Morgan Leather Sofa
Thomas Cole Designs delivers style and quality that is found in the finest name brand products but at
values you will only find at HOM Furniture. Our team of professional buyers have partnered with some of
the worlds finest furniture makers to create this outstanding assortment of indoor and outdoor furniture
and even mattresses. No matter what room you are looking to furnish Thomas Cole Designs will have a
solution for you. You will find yet another reason why “There’s no place like HOM!”
French Quarters Storage Bedroom Suite
Natalie Dining Table wtih 4 Chairs & Bench
415 4th Street | Sioux City | homfurniture.com

Welcome to Siouxland Magazine
Stacie Anderson, Owner
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.
Siouxland Magazine | Question / 3
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.
connect@empowering-conversations.com
E m p o w e r i n g
Conversations, LLC
siouxlandmagazine.com

Question
Converse
22
Are You Asking the Right Questions? Get Focused.............8
Do We Ask Enough?...........................................................................................................10
What Is Wrong With ‘Kids’ These Days?..........................................11
Conflict Getting The Best Of You? Managing Your
Reactions....................................................................................................................................................12
Periods, Not Just for the Privileged.............................................................15
Coming Home..................................................................................................................................16
Questioning Your End of Life Care – When, How
and Why..............................................................................................................................19
Questions of a Conversationalist...................................................................21
Balance
explore
Ask the Therapist.........................................................................................................................38
Revision..........................................................................................................................................................4 1
Discover Your Core, Unlock More..................................................................4 2
The Polyvagal Theory: What happens in Vagus stays
in Vagus.........................................................................................................................................................44
Loess Countries: New US-China Collaboration on the
Loess Hills....................................................................................................................................................46
My Hands Smell Like Onions..................................................................................48
The Monarch of the City...............................................................................................50
Digging Deeper to Answer Nature’s Questions.................51
“Life is as simple as these three questions:
What do I want? Why do I want it? And, how will I achieve it?”
- Shannon L. Alder

“So just ask the question. After all, what’s the worst that could happen?
“No” isn’t really so bad, and “Yes” might take you places you’d never expect.”
- Katie Couric, The Best Advice I Ever Got: Lessons from Extraordinary
Inspire
Grow
Real Questions of Life.............................................................................................................22
Goodwill Is Changing Lives..........................................................................................24
Beating the Odds..........................................................................................................................26
Conservatory of Music’s Fashion Ball Sound & Style.........28
Women’s Power Lunch............................................................................................................29
Hello, Honeywave......................................................................................................................30
Question Everything?...........................................................................................................33
5 Questions Answered (about Downtown Partners).....34
What Are You Worth?.........................................................................................................35
Chamber Champions Local Businesses................................................36
Let’s Talk........................................................................................................................................................37
What Can SCGO Do For You..........................................................................37
enjoy
M’s on 4th Making its Own Mark..............................................................52
Eight Spring Trends to Try...............................................................................................54
Visit Le Mars, IA..............................................................................................................................56
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.
Want to be included in our March issue?
Contact us soon!
Deadline to reserve space is
March 30th!
Media Kit at siouxlandmagazine.com
JOIN US! You won’t want to miss...
Siouxland Magazine’s first live forum
being held March 18th at 10am at the
Sioux City Public Museum.
ON THE COVER
Photography by Britton Hacke Photography. Local actor
Casey Kappes and make up artist Dani Rose.

Yesterday.
Today.
Tomorrow.
A Station for You.
A Station for Everyone.
Join the Conversation.

Editors Note
Asking the question is not always about finding the answer. I’ve been seeking answers
to some of life’s most challenging questions since my early childhood, after losing my
mother in an auto-pedestrian car accident. Questions like, “Why do bad things happen
to good people?”
Life often prompts us to ask the tough questions, but it’s not always as forthcoming
with the answers. I’ve come to accept that, but that doesn’t mean I don’t continue to
contemplate over the questions. What I do know is there’s still a lot of value in asking
questions.
Often, it’s been life lessons, not answers, that have surfaced. I still don’t know why my
mother died so young, but I learned early that life is short and precious. What I’ve
pulled from that is to live with extraordinary passion and love deeply.
Siouxland Magazine | Question / 7
I know we are all in this human experience together and seek answers to similar profound questions. Through
conversation, we can connect, and when we are struggling with unanswerable questions, we find comfort in
knowing we are in this together. There is tremendous beauty in this journey.
Although some of our biggest questions may never have definitive answers, there as so may more that when
asked, lead us to our best life. For me, asking questions such as, “How can I contribute to my community?” and
“How can I encourage people to start meaningful conversations?” prompted me to purchase this magazine. It has
been and continues to be a passionate endeavor for me. The key is to never stop asking questions because the
answers may change as we evolve.
Becca has been on a discovery journey. Her answers are leading her on a new path, but I’ll let her share her
story. It’s in these moments, at the fork in the road, we realize the significance in asking questions, and the right
questions, in helping us make good decisions. My hope is that you too will chose to live an inquisitive life that leads
you to your true North.
It’s ironic that our theme for this issue is Question, as I have been doing that very
exercise for the past few months. I have had to question how I spend my time, and
to allow myself the right to let some things go to find a better balance. It’s no secret
I have two businesses, both demanding my attention, plus my family deserves some
quality time. I was getting overwhelmed and not giving my best to any of them. I had
to take a step back, slow down, and do some soul searching.
During that time, I asked myself this question: What is it that I really want? Once I
answered that question, I had to have some hard conversations to move me closer
to a major decision. I’m stepping down as a partner in the magazine. Stacie has been
a driving force since the beginning, and she’ll continue giving you her heart. I’m so
grateful to Siouxland for being so supportive of this local publication, and allowing
me an amazing ride.
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.

Question
curiosity
inquire
examine
Are You Asking the Right Questions? Get Focused.
By Stacie Anderson
Ever wonder where our childhood curiosity
wandered off to? Did we find all the answers we
were seeking? Do we have nothing left to ask or did
it abondon us as we started clinging tighter to our
answers?
You only have to observe children to know that our
innate curiosity should be guiding our lives. That
insatiable curiosity pulls them forward catapulting
their growth. When prompted with a question, the
answer only provokes another “why?”. It seems as
though they will never be satisfied with the answer
put forth. What is it they are seeking? In a trail of whys
comes another level of understanding. Each answer
gives way to greater clarity.
When did we cross the threshold? When
did we become the keeper of the answers
instead of the seeker of truth? Maybe the
more important question is, how does
clinging to our beliefs serve us?
Could we once again embrace that curiosity, and in
the process not only grow as individuals, but also see
our relationships become stronger? Could questions
once again become a driving force in our lives?
The key is remaining curious, allowing questions
to guide us so that we can evolve to our highest
potential. Questions open us up and expand our
world. They improve our understanding of others,
but maybe more importantly, living an examined life
gives way to better knowing thy self.
Are you asking the right questions?
What exactly are the “right” questions?
When we don’t have an attachment to the answer, the
questions come easier. We allow the process to unfold
and the questions to build off of one another. Remind
you of anything? Maybe our childhood? Questions
not only lead to answers, but often more questions.
What’s the quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson? “Life is
a journey, not a destination.” Enjoy the process of
asking questions.
Maybe there aren’t any “right” questions, but a right
mindset. Maybe it’s a matter of focusing on learning
and understanding, and that will unlock all that we
need to know.
“The question is the answer.”
- Thomas Vato
Stacie Anderson is the owner of Siouxland Magazine and
a Certified John Maxwell Speaker, Trainer and Coach.
Photo credit Sarah Ann Photography (left page) and
Britton Hacke Photography (right page).

answers
understanding
challenge
seek
Zachary Bowman
Where is Your Lock, Sculpt Siouxland
Photo credit Britton Hacke Photography

Siouxland Magazine | Question / 10
Do We Ask Enough?
By Cyndi Hanson
Do you have a little voice
that prompts you to think
deeper? What does it say? Am
I the only one who has a voice
full of questions? Where do the
questions come from? Do we
all have them? Have we trained
ourselves to tune them out?
Why don’t we ask the questions
of our youth? Why? How? What
does that mean? Why Not?
When did we stop asking those questions? WHY did we
stop asking them?
What will it take to renew our sense of questioning? Is it
as simple as committing to one question every day? Is
one question enough? What if we developed the habit of
questioning every hour?
Would our interactions with others change if we asked
more questions? Would it create tension? Or would it
create authentic conversation? Would we understand
each other more? Would we be less polarized in our
worldviews? Would we tolerate more? Would we tolerate
less? Can we be “Midwest Nice’’ and still ask questions? Is
a question a disagreement? Why?
How would our interactions with others change if THEY
asked more questions? Would we be caught off guard?
Would we be offended? Would we feel threatened? Why?
What if we saw questions as opportunities rather than
offenses? As exploration rather than indictment? What if
we embraced questions with honest curiosity?
Is the value of a question in the answer or in the asking?
Seek knowledge, seek understanding – ask more questions.
Dr. Cyndi Hanson is an avid learner who asks questions - of
herself and of others. Her work as the Executive Director for
Northeast Community College’s Extended Campus in South
Sioux City provides her opportunity to learn much, explore needs
and collaborate with many to answer questions and ask more.
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
and click on article submission.

What Is Wrong With ‘Kids’ These Days?
By Cyndi Hanson
I’ll bet you’ve heard that statement in the
workplace – an environment where we have the
potential of four to five generations working
side-by-side.Questions such as: how do you manage
millennials? Why are baby boomers such control-freaks?
Who are the Gen-Xers? Why do they email everything
instead of getting up and talking to me? And my favorite
– why can’t these people just get along?
When it comes to generational issues in the workplace,
I posit that it really isn’t a generational issue – it’s a
communication and understanding issue. I was first
introduced to this idea more than a decade ago when
the notion of generational differences was just starting to
emerge as a relevant workplace topic. The concept that
was introduced is called “Generational Repetition”.
Generational Repetition is the notion that each generation
believes four characteristics regarding the next
generation. Are you ready for them? As you read them,
ask yourself if you ever heard someone a generation
older say this about you? And ask yourself if you’ve said
this about someone in a younger generation (yet)?
Did you chuckle? I did, because there is so much truth and
so much fallacy in the notion. The truth of the matter is, we
probably do think that of the following generation(s). The
fallacy is that the assumptions aren’t accurate. I would take
this step further and suggest these assumptions aren’t just
true of generations, they are often true of people period.
Many of us tend to see through our own lens, assume
others see things, believe things and want things the same
way we do. That projection of our ideas and ideals onto
others is not new. What is newer is that our society is less
homogeneous. We encounter people with different ideas
of success and ‘hard work’ more often than we used to –
and some of those are people from another generation.
If you struggle with “generational issues” at
work, I think one of the best ways to improve
the situation is to ask questions.
The first question I recommend is to be asked of yourself
– What assumptions do I have that may be impacting the
situation?
Ironically, the most vivid example of a ‘generational
issue’ that I encountered was when I was the “kid” in
the workplace. I had a knack then (as I still do today) for
asking questions – such as why do we do it that way? Have
we ever thought of doing it this way?
I found that I was having a lot of conflict with a supervisor
centered around my questions. Prompted by the
questions of a friend and mentor, I took a step back from
the situation and tried to see how my questions might be
interpreted. COLOR BLOCK: Suddenly I realized, while I
was asking for explanation to learn and understand what
had been done before; what the supervisor heard was
someone questioning her intelligence, criticizing a process
or system she created. I “assumed” she knew my question
was curiosity not critique.
With this newfound knowledge, I started approaching
my supervisor in this way. “I don’t have the history, can
you explain to me why we do it this way?” The reaction to
my question was distinctly different. Our relationship and
communication improved dramatically and before long
I didn’t need to preface the question with a statement of
intent, we both got over our assumptions.
If you don’t know what assumptions you have or
how they may impact a situation, ask someone
to help you. It’s hard to see our own blind spots.
Look back at those generational repetition
concepts and ask yourself if any of those are
assumptions? Or you could be really brave and
take the courageous step to ask the person you
are interacting with.
“It seems like we have a conflict and I don’t understand the
root cause. Can we talk about it so I can see what I’ve been
missing?”
Said with a sincere sense of curiosity, a question like this
can open a tremendous dialogue and opportunity for
both parties to better understand each other. It doesn’t
mean that you’ll walk away sharing the same belief about
the situation, but you may walk away with information and
perspective you didn’t have before.
How much better generations (or people in general) may
get along if we all asked more questions and made fewer
assumptions?
Dr. Cyndi Hanson and her daughter enjoy exploring the
world and asking a lot of questions together. Cyndi is also the
Executive Director of Northeast Community College’s South
Sioux City Extended Campus. This position allows her to use her
experiences with questions to guide interactions with students.
Siouxland Magazine | Question / 11

Siouxland Magazine | Question / 12
Conflict Getting The Best Of You? Manage Your Reactions
By Colleen Freeman
After my first two years
of college, I met a man
about five years older
than me. The worries of my
day just grew exponentially
because this person is arguing
with me about something I feel
justified in commenting. Just
as I am getting to the point of
throwing my computer out the
window, another person enters
the comment and shares their
two cents. Maybe this new person agrees with me or
maybe they don’t…either way I am ready to battle over
my beliefs in the Thunderdome that is social media!
Needless to say, I am thoroughly entrenched in the
argument and just want people to agree with me.
Does this scenario feel familiar to you? Do you find
yourself in conflict online or in person when it comes
to politics, religion, racism, sexism, ageism, or any of
the other topics that confront us daily? We currently
live in a culture where if you are not 100% in support of
something you must be 100% against it. For those of us
who live in the middle or have a logical argument for or
against something, we can find our day totally controlled
by conflict and anger. Everything today feels tense and a
wrong word can send us suddenly into a heated debate.
Misunderstanding and judgment rule the day and we are
just trying to navigate this world of bias and “fake news.”
As a counselor, I used to lead Anger Management
classes for people who were recovering from addictions
and other issues that led to conflicts in their lives. There
are many things we can glean from the information I
used to share with them about anger and what it does
to us. 1. Anger and happiness cannot reside in the same
space. They are incompatible and anger impedes our
happiness. 2. Anger leads to increased stress which can
cause everything from health issues to poor relationships
with the people closest to us. 3. Anger leads to more
mistakes because we struggle to process information
correctly.
Let’s be honest, sometimes anger is completely justified,
and it is okay to let anger motivate us towards action
and change. Before you immediately justify all of your
anger and all of your responses to other people, let’s ask
ourselves some questions and talk about tips that can
help us control our responses:
• Will the object of my anger matter ten years from now?
This question gives us some perspective on whether
we really need to respond to this issue now or not.
• What are the consequences of my anger? If you are in
an online debate you may feel like this doesn’t affect
your life much but remember that anger puts stress on
your body which can take its toll. If you are having
conflict with a friend or family member, you must
consider if it is worth damaging the relationship.
• If you are mad at a person for doing something that you
think was “foolish,” stop and consider the fact that you
have done foolish things too. Road rage is perhaps one
of the best examples of individuals doing something
that make you angry that may have been a mistake.
Admit that you may have done something similar behind
the wheel too.
• Ask yourself if the person you disagree with has done
something to hurt you on purpose? Typically, people just
do something careless or in a rush not intending to harm
anyone.
• Take a breath and relax. The old adage of count to ten
is a bit ridiculous, in my opinion, because I often catch
myself getting angrier. I found that if I step away from
what is upsetting me and reconfigure my thinking it is not
worth the fight in the long run.
• If something is worth your anger, then find a way to
calmly express your anger. When you are thinking clearly
you can express what is upsetting you in a clear and
direct way. This is the concept of thinking before
you speak.
• If you are going to bring up problems to people
you should have solutions ready too. You may end up
compromising on your ideas with the other person but
having solutions means you are ready to work through
the issues. Bringing problems with no solution is often
just complaining or whining.
• Do NOT hold a grudge. Forgiveness is one of the most
powerful tools to ridding yourself of negative feelings
and creating positive feelings. Unforgiveness is like
drinking poison and hoping the other person dies.
• Adjust your expectations. 100% of the people cannot
please you 100% of the time and vice versa. Realize that
people are fallible and liable to be upsetting. You cannot
control them, but you can control your responses to
them.
• Recognize your stress. External and internal stressors
can be impacting your ability to deal effectively with the
world around you. Once you recognize your stress find
healthy ways to cope with your stress…use humor,
practice relaxation techniques, go exercise, go take a

nap, or any other thing that helps you release your
stress.
How we respond to conflict is important. Many people
react to the world around them which means that
they are driven by their emotions. Reacting to conflict
means that anger and yelling may be the “go to” in
every situation. I challenge you to begin responding to
conflict. When we respond to conflict we understand
the unique and wonderful things that the other person
brings to the world—even when we are frustrated with
them. We take some time and space to think through
what the frustration is and then with compassion and
empathy come back to the conversation. Choose a tone
that respects the other person. Finally, follow the advice
of Elsa in Frozen and “Let it go.” Remember it may not
matter in 10 years, so why let it ruin today.
I am a person who can often be guilty of plowing myself
into a fight or getting angry with people over things
that really are not that big of a deal. I can blame my
Irish/German heritage, my red hair, my intense sense
of justice, or my tendency to be a know-it-all but in the
end, I have made the choice to respond in certain ways.
When I am wrong, I try very hard to apologize and make
it right with the people that I have reacted rather than
responded to. Apologizing when things get heated might be
the gift we give ourselves during conflict—it helps the other
person too! Humility and empathy keep us grounded in
resolving conflict.
Colleen Freeman is the Psychology Instructor at Northeast
Community College in South Sioux City. She has her Master
of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is a PhD
candidate in Organizational Psychology.
“Questions open a space in
your mind that allow better
answers to breathe.”
– Richie Norton
Siouxland Magazine | Question / 13
More wow MoMents
kchev.com

converse
curious
truth seekers
Cultivating Meaningful
Powerful narrative of “us”
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 will not shy away just because the answers aren’t
clear or because it may be uncomfortable. 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.
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. Our stories are meant to educate
and inspire our readers, and to get them engaged and
hopefully empowered to take positive action.
In the last couple of issues, we’ve shared stories focused
on homelessness. Now it’s time to take it to another level.
We will have our first live forum on March 18 to build on
the conversations we’ve started. We want to get people
in the room, literally.
We hope you will join us as we meet this topic with
compassion and strive to bridge understanding. We will
hear stories that will open our hearts, connect and learn
from change makers to multiply their efforts, and have
powerful conversations provoked through Q&A time. 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 by attending this event.
Stacie Anderson is the 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.

strengthening our community
Conversations exploring perspectives
coming together
Periods, Not Just for the Privileged
Contributed by 7UPforHope
open minded
focused on common good
It is a safe bet that when asked to picture a
homeless person living in our community, most
people will not be imagining the face of a woman.
The truth is that women account for roughly 30% of the
homeless population across the nation today according to
the National Alliance to End Homelessness’s 2019 report,
with women and families being among the fastest growing
segments of the homeless population.
Living as a woman without sustainable housing poses
many challenges, specifically finding access to free or
affordable menstrual hygiene products. Many of these
women are faced with the financial burden of choosing
between purchasing necessary health care items or their
next meal. Tough choices like these force many homeless
women to adapt, often using toilet paper or ripped pieces
of cloth instead of sanitary napkins causing a great risk
of infection, not to mention creating negative self-body
imaging.
Iowa, like 32 other states, imposes a tax on feminine
hygiene products and because they have been deemed as
unnecessary luxury items women in need are denied the
ability to purchase these items with any form of government
assistance. Access is often further complicated due lack of
funding to local shelters as well as societal stigmas, leaving
women too ashamed or afraid to ask for help.
Why are feminine products considered
an unnecessary luxury item?
7UPforHope, a Leadership Siouxland group, has partnered
with The Warming Shelter for what they hope will be
one of the biggest and most eye opening campaigns in
Sioux City’s history. After speaking with Lindsay Landrum,
Director of The Warming Shelter, it was determined that
some of the most needed and least donated item to the
shelter are feminine hygiene products like tampons, maxi
pads, and panty liners; which each female guest staying at
The Warming Shelter has an urgent need for every month.
The group developed the Siouxland Dignity Drive in an
effort to alleviate the burden of this constant need.
Siouxland Dignity Drive will be placing donation boxes
at local business beginning in March and collecting
items through April. In addition to the much needed
tampons, maxi pads, and panty liners; the boxes will also
serve as collection spots for both men’s and women’s
socks and underwear. The group asks that any donations
made are in new, unopened condition. When the drive
is complete, all donations will be taken to The Warming
Shelter to be distributed to their guests as needed. This is
just the beginning. The ultimate goal of the drive is to raise
awareness and educate the public. The group hopes that
this is the first of many Siouxland Dignity Drives and that it
becomes an annual event.
If you are a local business interested in hosting a donation
box, interested in learning more about the drive, or for a
full list of donation drop box locations; visit Facebook at
Siouxland Dignity Drive.
One of the Siouxland Dignity Drive donation boxes full
of items to be distributed to homeless women in need at
The Warming Shelter in Sioux City.
Look for Siouxland Dignity Drive Drop Boxes at:
• Chesterman Company
• Sergeant Bluff Eye Care
• Casey’s General Store, Sloan, IA
• Wells Enterprises, LeMars, IA
• Shear Beauty Salon
• KW Siouxland
7UPforHope is a group of local professionals consisting of Abby
Weibel, Dirk Richou, Jose Flores Jr, Karri Wilde, Kolleen Queener,
Mollie Pry, and Tammy Hartnett. The group has been meeting
once a month with Leadership Siouxland since September 2019
with a planned graduation date of May 7th, 2020.
Photo by 7UPforHope, a Leadership Siouxland Group.

Siouxland Magazine | Converse / 16
Samantha Dailey tells her story live on stage for Beacon Story Lab on Nov. 1, 2019.
Coming Home
By Samantha Dailey
I was unrecognizable from the person I had always been.
It was a struggle to get up in the morning. To live.
I needed something to dull the pain.
I wished to never wake from sleep again.
Restrictive eating: one Diet Coke a day. Binge eating:
stuffing those feelings away.
Drinking alone in my room, smoking weed and cigarettes,
Slicing small cuts into the side of my wrists.
Hating myself, shaming myself,
Asking, praying, begging God to take the pain away.
Aching all over. Sickness in my stomach. Sharp pain in my
chest. Heart ached. Barely breathing.
Eyes red and puffy from all of the crying. Cheeks soaked.
Sore throat. Wailing.
Living in a world of darkness. Depression. Suicidal ideation.
Trauma overwhelmed my system.
Sexual assault. Rape.
Then enter in my “protector,”
My knight in shining armor,
Master manipulator.
After my first two years of college, I met a man
about five years older than me. Early on, I opened up
to him about being raped by an ex-boyfriend. He vowed to
protect me. Instead, he used my vulnerability as a means to
manipulate and control me. I tried to leave the relationship
by moving to Omaha.
One day, he showed up on my doorstep saying he was
moving to South Carolina and wanted me to go with him.
He said he was doing this for me. He knew I always wanted
to live on the coast. So away we went.
Away from my family. Away from my greatest
support. That was the only way he could
keep me.
About three months into the move, I was standing in the
kitchen asking, begging, for him to listen to me. To hear
what I was saying. He kept apologizing to me for the way
that I was feeling. I asked him to take some responsibility.
He said he had never done anything to hurt me He had
never done or said anything wrong. That I was imagining
things. He told me I needed to go get some psychological
help because there was something wrong with me.
Rage filled my entire being and before I knew it, I was
slapping his back, screaming, “You are not listening to
me!” He looked shocked. I grabbed my purse and my
keys. I walked to the door and yelled, “When you feel like
apologizing for yourself, let me know. Until then, f-ck you!”
I slammed the door behind me.
I had never hit anyone in my entire life. And I felt guilty for
it. So guilty. My outburst confirmed what he had said all

along: I wasn’t a good person. He was a good person, a
“good dude.” He told me that all the time. But this was also
the first time I had stood up for myself.
That night I went home and apologized.
Many of my days on the East Coast were spent lying on
the couch. Lifeless. Staring at the TV, either not eating, or
binging on chips and ice cream. There was nothing left in
me. No feeling.
One day, when I needed some kind of attention, a hint of
validation, maybe a little nourishment, I did my hair and
makeup and put on a black lace bra and underwear.
I stood in our bedroom doorway, looking at him in the
kitchen. I asked, “What do you think?” He analyzed my body,
looking me up and down, then said, “We can improve.” He
made sure to remind me of his offer to buy me fake boobs.
I walked back into the bedroom and shut the door. Shame
filled my being. How could I be so stupid? I balled up and
cried on the floor.
Within a week, I was sitting at my dining room table, staring
at the computer screen, desperately searching for answers. I
knew I couldn’t stay here any longer, but where would I go?
I googled “wilderness therapy,” and seriously pondered
a move to Utah or Idaho. I even applied to a homestead
program in Vermont. I didn’t know what to do. Tears
trickled down my face. That’s when I heard a loud voice
that seemed to come from outside of myself, saying, “Go
home.”
I packed my bags and left South Carolina. I took a small
detour down to Florida to see my grandparents for
Valentine’s Day and then headed home—back to my
parents’ house, where I was loved, supported and safe.
I left my old stories behind when I left that East Coast
As I write this story, the grief of things that
happened to me tries to hold on, and then I
breathe. Breathe through the grief and the
pain, touch into it, but don’t lose myself in it.
town. The stories that said I wasn’t good enough. Wasn’t
interesting enough. Wasn’t pretty enough. Wasn’t skinny
or toned enough. Wasn’t strong enough. That I was a
depressed person. A sick person. Someone who needed
serious help.
I was someone who had experienced trauma. The moment
I moved home was the moment I decided to move through
that trauma and live the life I was meant to live. Happy. At
home in my body.
I followed my intuition and pursued my passions, things
that helped me to feel like myself again. To feel alive again.
I started working as a stagehand at Hard Rock and as a
resident monitor at a halfway house. I worked harder than
I had ever worked in my
life, sometimes clocking 18-
hour days. I was tired, but
I was so proud of myself.
Being a stagehand required
a lot of physical strength
and endurance. Moving
my body was essential to
healing.
I started running through
the woods. I’d leave my hair
down so I could feel the
wind blow through it. I took
deep breaths at the top of
the hill, as I reconnected
with Mother Earth.
Graduation Day
Sometimes I would lie down in the grass, looking up at the
blue sky and admiring the sunlit leaves as they waved hello
to me. Mother Earth held me.
I got a dog, Eloise. She taught me what it means to love
unconditionally. I started playing music again. I bought a
drum set and joined a band. Happiness and excitement
overwhelmed my being. I started doing yoga and
reconnecting with my body.
I started taking care of me. Learning what it
meant to listen to my body, what it wanted,
what it needed. Tuning in instead of out.
I enrolled in graduate school, something I had wanted to
do since 2013, the year I had graduated from Morningside
College and visited Naropa University’s campus, in Boulder,
Colorado, with him. While we were there, he said that the
school was too weird, too many hippies. He told me this
school wasn’t for me and that I needed to find a different
place to go. But I felt at home the second I stepped foot on
Naropa’s campus. I finally found a place I belonged.
Last May, I graduated from Naropa with a master’s in
clinical mental health counseling with a concentration in
mindfulness-based transpersonal counseling. I met the
most incredible people of my life and learned so much
from them. I call them my family.
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,
May 1 at The Marquee, 1225 Fourth St. The theme
is Bloom. More details at www.beaconstorylab.
com or by finding Beacon Story Lab on Facebook.
Find updates on the Facebook page for Beacon Story Lab
or at beaconstorylab.com.
Siouxland Magazine | Converse / 17

Siouxland Magazine | Converse / 18
We inspire and empower you to create the life
you want, on your terms.
Contact me to join our family! We’re ready to help
you on your path to financial confidence.
(712) 274-6622
4625 Singing Hills Blvd, Sioux City, IA
Gregory G. Giles, J.D.
505 5th Street, Suite #100
(located inside of Heritage Bank)
Sioux City, IA 51101
E-mail: gregory@legacyrdawealth.com
Website: www.legacyfinancialllc.com
Telephone: 712-587-8070
Cellphone: 323-363-0374
Fax: 712-258-6633
Advisory services offered through RDA Financial Network, a registered investment advisor. RDA Financial Network, d/b/a Legacy Financial, LLC. RDA
Financial, Heritage Bank, & Legacy Financial are not affiliated. Investments are not FDIC insured, not a deposit, not bank guaranteed, & may lose value.
www.VernEideHondaSiouxCity.com

Siouxland Magazine | Converse / 19
Questioning Your End of Life Care – When, How and Why
By Adam Cory
There comes a time in everyone’s life when
difficult decisions need to be made. Life comes
at us fast, and quite often these decisions need to be
made very quickly. What if I told you some of life’s most
difficult decisions can be made well in advance of a crisis
situation? Would you take the time to address these
decisions, or wait until they were staring you in the face?
One of the most difficult questions to address is - what
type of care do I want at the end of my life? Unfortunately,
some are faced with this question earlier and more
abruptly than others. Dying or planning for your death
are rarely comfortable subjects to discuss with your
loved ones. However, planning for the care you desire
when time is short is not only critical, but it can prevent
an incredible burden from falling upon your spouse or
children.
As a topic that is not often discussed, it may be surprising
how many important decisions need to be made at the
end of life. How much treatment do you want at the
end of your life? In a crisis situation, do you want life
support measures administered on you such as CPR, a
feeding tube and breathing machines? Who will make
my healthcare decisions for me if I am no longer able to?
These are only a few examples of why planning for your
end of life care is so important.
Once you have considered a few of these questions,
imagine your loved ones having to make these decisions
for you. Not only are they emotional with the change
in your health, but now the remainder of your life is
essentially in their hands. If they have no idea what your
wishes are, how will they ever feel comfortable knowing
they made the right decision? One of your greatest gifts
to your loved ones at the end of your life may be to relieve
the burden of making these decisions for you.
At Hospice of Siouxland, we are experts in end of life
care and services. We started serving the Siouxland
community in 1981 and have continued to pursue our
mission of providing high quality, compassionate care
at the end of life ever since. We see this problem all
too often in our line of work. A family member falls ill, is
diagnosed with a life limiting disease and their time is
limited. They have never discussed their wishes with their
family and suddenly these life-altering decisions fall into
their hands. You can help prevent this by planning your
end of life care.
If you are having a difficult time knowing what to plan or
how to do it, Hospice of Siouxland is here to help you.
We provide education, free of charge, to the community
regarding end of life wishes. We can meet with you
individually, with your family or in a larger group setting.
Whatever atmosphere proves most comfortable for you
to be able to digest these decisions will work for us.
If you are interested in learning more about end of life
planning, please call Hospice of Siouxland at 712-233-
4144 and ask for Adam Cory.
Adam Cory serves as the Marketing and Fund Development
Manager at Hospice of Siouxland. He is a graduate of Sioux
City West High School and the University of Northern Iowa.
Adam lives in Dakota Dunes, SD, with his wife Kelsey and
their daughter Kinley.

Siouxland Magazine | Converse / 20
Quality discount fuel
and tobacco, plus
grab n’ go drinks,
snacks and hot food!
Join our Rewards Program
and save 5 cents off
every gallon of gas and
diesel! Fleet cards accepted!
Make your day better with Sweetwater Café’s specialty
coffees, savory soups, delicious sandwiches, fresh salads,
and sweet baked goods!
Open M-F
7:30am-4:00pm
Sioux City:
Ho-Chunk Centre
Skywalk level
600 4th Street
712-224-4226
Winnebago:
Ho-Chunk Village
601 Buffalo Trail
402-983-9457
Sweetwatercafe.net
Emerson • Rosalie • Sloan • South Sioux City • Walthill • Winnebago
Ponyexpressstores.com
+ Google Search Ads
+ Facebook Ads
MARKETING BUILT
FOR YOUR BUSINESS!
> DIGITAL MARKETING SERVICES
+ Custom Websites
+ Digital Display Ads
+ YouTube Ads
+ Video Marketing
888.828.7934 | arvigmedia.com

Questions of a Conversationalist
By Tony Micheals
When listing off my top qualities, I would like to
think of myself as a really good conversationalist.
I guess when you work at a radio station, this skillset is
something you want to possess. I would be absolutely
dreadful at performing surgery, giving relationship
advice or fixing an alternator. You know, that one car
part next to the flux capacitor. (You know that movie
reference, right?)
Siouxland Magazine | Converse / 21
When I am really invested in a conversation with
someone, I LOVE asking probing questions. It’s when
I go silent that I start tapping out of the dialogue. My
co-host Candice Nash can’t stand when I do this; she
wants me to just LISTEN. Oddly enough, my wife has
the same request. The zest for added details is not met
with enthusiasm from my real wife or my work wife. But
my favorite movies always have quick back-and-forth
dialogue, like in that café scene from “When Harry Met
Sally.” Man, I need more current references. Oh, like
“Marriage Story.” (What a great movie—lots of questions
to ponder in that one.)
Here’s a listing of my favorite questions that have been
asked to me. Remember, I enjoy hearing questions. (Fire
away at @ksuxtonym on Twitter.)
“Do you really cry after Husker football losses?” I did…
in my youth. Now, I just mope around. Sadly, I’m getting
better with pigskin disappointment.
“What time do you go to bed?” About 2 hours later than
I should. I drink way too much coffee.
“How did you convince your lovely wife to marry you?”
I have no idea. I used up all of my luck on that question.
Coincidentally, the state of Nebraska football went down
the drain after we wed.
My son, at the age of five, asked me why my hair fell out.
I told him, “Right after I said, ‘I do.’ Your mother screamed
the other follicles right out of my scalp, see?” I’m sure
it’s my wit that allured my wife to say yes to my marriage
proposal. On second thought, maybe that’s a question
best left unasked.
“How has raising a son with autism changed you?” I am
a much more compassionate and patient man now than
I was 15 years ago, when my only exposure to autism
was Dustin Hoffman’s portrayal in “Rain Man.” For me,
seeing the world through the prism of autism made me
reallocate what was important in life.
“Is country music your favorite type of music?” Absolutely!
No other genre sings about trucks, beer, dogs and
Tony Michaels & wife Shana
finding love in a honky-tonk bar. Speaking of canines, my
golden retriever asks me with her eyes and wagging tail
every hour to play and take her for a long walk. Don’t you
wish the loved ones in your inner circle had that same lust
for life and non-stop joy?
“Do you ever run out of things to talk about on the radio?”
No way. There are about 500 great thought starters in this
issue of Siouxland Magazine alone. Life is a better journey
when you have someone in the front seat with you on
the road trip of your life asking questions – both silly and
serious. Hey, that sounds like a country song.
Tony Michaels
Lover of questions
Tony Michaels has been with KSUX since
1997. He serves as morning show host with
Candice Nash and is one grateful dude.
Paid advertisement.

Inspire
Lessons learned from stories in our community.
Real Questions of Life
By Cyndi Hanson
What do you want to be when you grow up? A
question we’ve all been asked and probably asked
numerous young people ourselves. A question that seems
harmless when asked, yet can feel overwhelmingly heavy
when you don’t know the answer. This is the story of my
unconventional – yet not uncommon – pursuit of what
becoming I have the heart to be.
I grew up in the ‘70s and ‘80s in what I would describe
as a very normal family. I’ve come to appreciate the
extraordinary nature of my youth. I knew and spent time with
all four of my grandparents and my great-grandmother. My
four siblings and ten cousins were close in age and most
lived fewer than 5 miles away. Family time and church on
Sundays were priorities. All this was normal to me. So why
didn’t I have a clear answer to that question of “What do
you want to be when you grow up?”
2013 Hanson Family photo in honor of parents
50th Wedding Anniversary
I distinctly remember as a high school senior really wrestling
with that question. In my heart, I knew what I wanted to be – a
wife and a mother. Those dreams weren’t exactly in line with
the socially expressed aspirations women were supposed to
have in the late ‘80s. To complicate matters, I hadn’t had a
serious boyfriend and prospects were certainly not knocking
down my door. I was a very good student and involved
leader in 4-H, FFA and Church groups, so it seemed natural –
I should go to college and become ‘successful.’
How do you choose a college when you don’t
know your career calling? How do you navigate
becoming an adult when you aren’t really sure
who you are?
These are questions I have the pleasure of helping students
with now in my career – but at the time I just pretended
I knew what I was doing. I chose a college based upon
which one sent me the most recruiting material! Luckily
for me, that came with a hefty academic scholarship as well
and I found myself attending Buena Vista College in Storm
Lake, Iowa.
Like many college students, I embarked on a journey to
discover who I was and what I wanted to do in life. What I
quickly learned is I had no idea! And two years in, I made
a decision that broke my father’s heart and is one of the few
I have regrets about – I quit school. For me the question
that had prompted me to make the decision was – Why
spend the money on college if you don’t know what you
want to do?
To prove myself an adult I bought a house (why pay rent
when you can pay a mortgage and own something in the
end?), became assistant manager at a pizza place and
entered into a serious relationship. This was good for a
year or so until I was wrestling with the next question –
what now? I moved nearer to Sioux City and I returned to
college at night and on the weekends while working fulltime
and sometimes part-time too. Being busy was good
– it left little time and energy for the questions to haunt me.
What are you doing? Where are you headed? Is this what
you are made to do?
In 1994, I did what you do next in life – I got married. For the
next 10 years we wrestled with all the questions we didn’t
talk about before making this major decision. What were
our, collective, goals in life? What careers did we want?
How many children? It was that last question that would
create the most angst. My upbringing led me to want a
larger family. His upbringing led him to want no children.
This was a big question we should have talked through
before getting married, but we didn’t. Instead, two years
into the marriage, at 22 years of age, I signed a consent
for my husband to have a vasectomy; effectively putting an
end to my dream of becoming a mother. Why?

non-profit
community
family
small business
people
So many questions are a part of a major life decision – and
this was a major life decision. What is the impact to me if I
say yes or no? What is the impact on my marriage? How
is this disagreement about family already impacting my
marriage? My mental well-being? What will fill the void?
What new dream will take the place of motherhood?
Would making a final decision make it easier to go to
family events and face all the questions there? The wellmeaning,
innocently asked but deeply painful questions
of – when are you having kids? Should we send the
maternity clothes to your house next? Could I reveal the
secret marital struggle to my family?
My decision to support my husband and agree to no
family together, meant eight more years of marriage.
Eight years that were not unhappy. Eight years that led
to a focus on more education and a career – something I
probably wouldn’t have done otherwise. Eight years of
being more attuned to the impact of innocent questions
that can have painful consequences for people struggling
with fertility or marital strife or any other sort of personal
issue that is not public. Ultimately though, my void was
not filled, he wrestled with guilt and we escaped into
individual interests rather than drawing closer together.
Another series of self-reflective questions led me to
decide I was done living a lonely life with someone. Do
you know that it can be far lonelier to be with someone
who is absent than to be alone?
What was the process for artificial insemination? What did it
cost? How do you select a donor? What will people think?
How will I react to those who judge the decision?
I can tell you these aren’t easy questions and there isn’t one
‘right’ answer for everyone. The decision I made was not
a flip decision. It wasn’t made on a whim. It was the result
of months – more than a year – of wrestling with questions
myself, talking them out with friends, family and a counselor,
getting a lot of different opinions and perspectives as well as
hours of prayer for guidance.
Whatever that major life decision is that you are wrestling
with – changing careers, changing marital status, choosing
a college, starting a family, adopting/fostering – whatever
decision it is, ask a lot of questions over and over and
over again. And then take a leap. You’ll never have all the
answers, there will always be more questions. Trust yourself
and make a decision knowing that you’ve analyzed and
come to the best decision you can at that point. Then don’t
look back. Don’t question the decisions made – just look
ahead to the next chapter of your life.
What next?
Rediscovering who you are is a journey of
questions. What makes me happy? How do
I define myself? What fills my soul? What
impact do I want to make in the world?
My journey involved professional career exploration
as well. On one return trip from Minneapolis, where I
had interviewed for a new position, I found an answer. I
didn’t want a new job. I didn’t want to move. I wanted
what I had always wanted – to be a mom.
This seemed preposterous. And then a friend said – why
not do it yourself? You can become a mom without a
husband. You can have artificial insemination. You are
financially stable, secure in your career and have a great
support system. You can do it.
And a new series of questions emerged. Could I really do
it? Was it selfish? What was it like to be a single parent?
Cyndi holding her newborn daughter.
In all the questioning of my life, I have never questioned the
decision I made in August 2007 that ultimately led to the
arrival of my daughter on July 27, 2008.
Dr. Cyndi Hanson and her daughter enjoy exploring the
world and asking a lot of questions together. Cyndi is also the
Executive Director of Northeast Community College’s South
Sioux City Extended Campus. This position allows her to use her
experiences with questions to guide interactions with students.
Photos contributed by Cyndi Hanson.

Siouxland Magazine | Inspire /24
Jon and his mentor, Chasity
Goodwill Is Changing Lives
By Carissa Chatfield
“With nowhere to go it was such a relief coming
home every night to my own place.” Many individuals
who arrive at Goodwill need someone to believe in them.
Two special individuals overcame significant obstacles in their
life and worked hard to become independent because of
their amazing mentors and support systems who encouraged
and guided them every step of the way.
At Morningside College, you can find Nicole busily working
in the dish room with a smile on her face. As soon as you
meet Nicole you know she loves her job and is proud of the
work she accomplishes. “I work hard, and do my best, Nicole
proudly states. Part of Nicole’s strong support system is her
tight-knit family because they are proud of her and support
everything she does and her mentor, Christine who always
believed in her potential.
A few years ago, Nicole completed the Pre-Vocational Training
Program. (A program providing job training for individuals
with disabilities or mental illness. Pre-Vocational Services are
available for up to two years to support additional soft skill
development as the participant becomes work-ready). Nicole
struggled during her community supported employment
training. In particular, she didn’t like wiping down tables in the
cafeteria. It wasn’t fast-paced, and she found herself bored
with the job quickly. Nicole didn’t know how to communicate
this struggle with her manager appropriately.
Nicole and her mentor, Christine
Christine McCullough, Nicole’s Skills Trainer, recognized
Nicole needed help with communication. Christine worked
with Nicole to find job duties she would like and identified
tools to help her better communicate. The encouragement
and support Christine gave Nicole inspired her to become
more confident in herself. Nicole communicates her
concerns directly with her supervisor and adapts to change
in her routine thanks to Christine’s encouragement.
Christine believes Nicole’s life dramatically changed
because of Goodwill training programs. “Being in the
community helped her become independent. Nicole
genuinely wants to succeed, and Goodwill has helped her

Today, Jon works for 1st Class Security as a Gatekeeper
at Menards. He has found an apartment and is gaining
independence. Jon credits Chasity and his Goodwill family
for the support and encouragement they have given him to
be the best version of himself.
A job opportunity can make a dramatic difference in
someone’s life. It only takes one job to help individuals
gain independence and a sense of pride. Goodwill’s job
training programs have helped many individuals receive
job opportunities right here in the Siouxland region helping
the community thrive and grow.
Siouxland Magazine | Inspire /25
Nicole working in the dish room at Morningside College.
become an inspiration to everyone she meets,” Christine
shared with pride.
Before Jon came to Goodwill, he had been misunderstood
most of his life. His family led him to believe he wouldn’t
amount to much of anything and would never become
independent. Because this mindset was instilled in him
throughout his life, Jon struggled to find his place.
Several dead-end jobs later, Jon was referred to Goodwill’s
Employment Skills Training program that teaches
individuals the hard and soft skills needed to be successful
in the workplace. Jon’s life changed forever when he
found a mentor and friend in Chasity Colton, Employment
Specialist for Goodwill.
Chasity saw Jon’s potential because he came to work with a
positive attitude and took pride in his job. After completing
the Employment Skills Training Program, Chasity helped
Jon find a job at Shopko as a Hardlines Team Associate. Jon
loved his job at ShopKo and appreciated the opportunity
he was given.
Jon working hard as a Gatekeeper for 1st Class Security.
On his last day of work at Shopko, Jon was presented with
the Star Service Champion Award by Cynthia, Assistant
Manager at Shopko. Jon was presented with this award
because he went above and beyond the expectations that
had been set and went the extra mile for the customers.
Jon was in tears. This was a defining moment for Jon when
he learned, “People in the community see me for who I am.”
Individuals with barriers come from many different
backgrounds, experiences, and circumstances but have
one thing in common. They want to succeed and have a
sense of accomplishment at the end of the day. Nicole and
Jon are incredible individuals that needed support through
Goodwill Job Training Programs, mentors, and support
systems who believed in their potential.
Shawn Fick, Director of Mission Services, explains
“Partnering with Goodwill is a long-term investment for
businesses. The benefits of employing individuals with
barriers are tremendous. You have loyal, hardworking
individuals who are appreciative of the opportunities you
gave to them. The only thing a business needs to give these
individuals is a chance. A chance to prove themselves and
what they can do.”
Goodwill Job Training Programs give individuals the tools
necessary to sharpen their skills, meet new challenges,
and create more rewarding and independent lives. When
individuals come to Goodwill, the challenges they face are
assessed and opportunities for improvement are identified.
They are placed in the appropriate training program and
are mentored by a Skills Trainer or Job Coach. Together,
realistic goals are set along with a plan to meet the goals.
According to Cindy Wilde, Mission Coordinator, “It might
take years for individuals to reach these goals, but we
continue to support these individuals. We do not give up
on them.”
Goodwill changes people’s lives every day and continues to
inspire individuals to become better today than they were
yesterday. Goodwill’s mission is to serve as an advocate
for economic self-sufficiency through employment and
education. For more information on Goodwill Training
Programs visit our website at goodwillgreatplains.org or
our Facebook page at Goodwill Great Plains. For more
stories on individuals who overcame significant barriers,
visit our blog at goodwillgreatplains.org/blog.
Carissa Chatfield, Public Relations Specialist at Goodwill of
the Great Plains, is dedicated to sharing stories of individuals
whose lives have been significantly impacted by Goodwill’s
mission.
Photos contributed by Carissa Chatfield.

Siouxland Magazine | Inspire /26
Inside the shop at McArthur’s Sheet Metal
Beating the Odds
By Cyndi Hanson
In our world, it seems we often seek wisdom
from people as they reach particular
milestones in life. When a person turns 100 years
old or when a couple celebrates 50 or 60 years of
marriage, we gather round them and ask questions
such as “how have you managed to live so long?”
or “how did you beat the odds and stay together so
long?” We long for an answer that reveals a secret
we can all adopt; we often receive an answer that
reveals the simplicity of purpose.
As I sat down to talk with Dave McArthur, fourth
generation owner of McArthur Sheet Metal, I was
seeking a similar secret. How did this familyowned
business reach its 85th year of operation and
employment of the 5th generation of McArthurs?
Statistics tell us only 12% of family-owned businesses
will reach their third generation and few have any
succession plan – McArthur Sheet Metal is one
of the few who have it figured out. It’s a story of
perseverance, communication and passion.
Dave proudly shows me a fragile document detailing
the partnership agreement between Lloyd McArthur
and EM Dyke entered into on March 1, 1930, for a
specified duration of 5 years, which formed the
company, Sioux City Sheet Metal. In 1935, with the
country still in the midst of the Great Depression, Lloyd
and his nephew, Harold McArthur, bought the business
for $1,000. Located on the 2nd floor of 418 Court Street,
above a laundromat, the business was strong and viable.
In 1952 a fire in the laundromat resulted in the building
being deemed unsafe, and McArthur Sheet Metal moved
to 401 Dakota Avenue. Located just at the foot of the
Combination Bridge spanning the Missouri River, the
building and business survived the great flood of 1952.
Less than a quarter century later, the business would once
again be forced to move when the land they occupied
McArthur’s in its early beginnings

was purchased for the construction of the Veterans
Memorial Bridge in 1978. Their move to 501 W 9th in
South Sioux City continues to be the current location.
By this time, Harold’s son, Terry McArthur, had become
an employee of the business – beginning the first
generational transition. When Harold died in 1983
the business was 51% owned by Terry. Terry would
eventually buy out his brothers. Terry has two sons,
Dave and Bill, who grew up around the business. Dave
remembers he and his brother playing on the dirt piles
and writing their names in the concrete as the business
was moved and buildings went up. “We played hide
and seek in the shop a lot as kids.” Dave recalls, “This
is where I grew up. “ By 1986, Dave had begun working
part-time in the shop on weekends and in the summer,
learning first-hand what the business entailed by
working alongside his father and others.
Custom creation by McArthur’s
Siouxland Magazine | Inspire /27
In 1987, he made his way to Arizona to study mechanical
drafting, was drawn home after graduation, and
returned to full-time employment at the family business
in 1992. He entered into a 4-year apprenticeship
learning every aspect of the business and around
1997 became the shop foreman; then vice-president.
In 2015, he purchased 100% of the business from his
father, becoming one of those “beating the odds” and
transitioning a family-owned business past its third
generation.
Looking to the future, in 2016 Dave took the leap of
expanding the business and evolving into current
technology to keep the custom sheet metal business at
the cutting edge. In the four years since, that investment
has resulted in a rapidly growing business. As demand
for his products rose, he has nearly tripled the number
of employees to 14 today.
The family-owned business engages in all kinds of sheet
metal fabrication, catering to food processing and
construction industries, while also proudly producing
custom fabricated parts for individual consumers. The
main-stays of the business are on-time delivery of highquality
products that focus on the customer needs.
“One of the things I love about the business is being
around people who have sound mechanical minds,”
Dave says, “It is easier for me to communicate what
people want because I started in this business so young.
I’ve learned I just have to keep them talking about their
vision until I get enough detail to sketch out what I think
they want. It is so rewarding to see eyes light up and
hear, ‘That’s exactly what I was thinking!’”
The shift to the leadership role of the company means
he doesn’t get to engage in the hands-on design
and production work as much as he used to; instead
he spends time planning out workflow, interacting
with customers and keeping an eye out for potential
employees who have fabrication background,
experience with Solid Works software and the desire to
work hard in a family-owned business.
Dave describes growing up in the business as never
having had a “real boss”. He said he was never yelled
at and was always treated like the other employees. He
strives to be the same strong communicator his father
was. In speaking with Will and Tonya, two of the 14
employees of the business, he seems to be doing a fine
job. “There’s nothing like working for a family-owned
business,” Tonya says, “we become part of the family,
there’s a sense of understanding that you wouldn’t get
at other places.” Will agrees adding, “You get to have
some input into the company.”
And as Dave begins to look towards retiring in the
next decade, he plans to turn the business over to
the 5th generation of McArthur’s. His son, Drake, will
be graduating from University of South Dakota in the
spring. Drake, like his dad, has been working part-time
at the business during the summers and on breaks from
school. It seems the passion for the business is in his
blood as well.
McArthur Sheet Metal marches into its 85th year of
operations as a strong, growing business serving
the sheet metal fabrication needs of Siouxland and
beyond. In answer to that question – how has your
business managed to transition through generations?
The answer is simple “it’s just in my blood,” says Dave
McArthur, “I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
Dr. Cyndi Hanson and her daughter enjoy exploring the
world and asking a lot of questions together. Cyndi is also
the Executive Director of Northeast Community College’s
South Sioux City Extended Campus. This position allows her
to use her experiences with questions to guide interactions
with students.
Photos contributed by McArthur’s Sheet Metal.

Siouxland Magazine | Inspire /28
Conservatory of Music’s Fashion Ball Sound & Style
Grace Emory at just 14 years old is possibly the youngest
fashion designer in Sioux City! We were curious as to what
inspires her. Besides music and art, she loves to look at the
stars and fashion divas in the industry who she admires. Gia
Emory, her mother, was a stylist in Los Angeles who had
clients like Britney Spears. “I see such potential in Grace.
“My purpose as a parent is to pay as much attention to her
interests and then nurture them.”
Please join us in the excitement.
Grace Emory
Conservatory of Music’s Fashion Ball Sound & Style
April 4, 2020 in the Bellevue Ballroom at 6:00 pm
Tickets on sale now
$25 Individual ticket
$90 Table
Tickets can be purchased on Facebook (Sound & Style) or stopping by
Blue Café at the wine and cheese bar
Grace Emory original design
If you
are reading this,
so are your customers.
The New Chrysler Wing is a trademark of Chrysler Group LLC.
1000 Chrysler Drive Auburn Hills, Mchigan 48326
Filed for registration with the US Patent and Trademark Office, July 2009.
First use in commerce, November 2010.
Check out our
media kit at
Siouxlandmagazine.com
Rendered February 2011 by John Conti
www.Jensendealerships.com

Women’s Power Lunch
By Aaron Beutler
For 20 years, women in Siouxland have gathered
together in early spring in support of a special
mission to lend a helping hand. Each year, women
leave United Way of Siouxland’s Women’s Power Lunch
inspired and ready to face the challenges of the world.
From humble beginnings with an attendance of 340,
the event has grown to be revered and enjoyed by over
1,200 people each year.
Siouxland Magazine | Inspire /29
“Not only is this event a chance for women to be
nurtured through education and strengthened through
empowerment, it provides an opportunity for women to
take the lead in focusing on issues that impact their lives,”
said Angie Van Otterloo with Central Bank and Chair of
2020 United Way of Siouxland’s Women’s Power Lunch
Committee.
The event was established in 2001 with the intention of
focusing on educating women about strategic problems
and needs affecting Siouxland. Today, it has grown into
a chance for women to create a positive impact through
a unified effort.
On April 22, 2020, Erin Gruwell
will take the stage and share
her impactful story about how
she transformed her student’s
lives. By valuing and promoting
diversity, Gruwell encouraged
them to re-think rigid beliefs
about themselves and others.
She and her students captured
their collective journey in The
Freedom Writers Diary, which Erin Gruwell
was the basis for the 2007
movie, Freedom Writers, starring Hilary Swank.
Gruwell founded the Freedom Writers Foundation where
she teaches educators around the world how to implement
her innovative lesson plans into their own classrooms. She
created the Freedom Writers Methodology, a progressive
teaching philosophy and curricula designed to achieve
excellence from all students.
“Erin’s message aligns perfectly with United Way of
Siouxland’s mission and credo,” says Heather Hennings,
President of United Way of Siouxland. “We are so honored
to bring her to Siouxland to share her memorable,
impactful story. It’s going to be an inspiring event.”
In years past, speakers at this event have included Delilah,
Leigh Ann Touhy, Doris Roberts, Linda Armstrong Kelly,
Della Reese, Elizabeth Smart and many others.
United Way of Siouxland’s Women’s Power Lunch will be
Attendees at Women’s Power Lunch 2019
held on Wednesday April 22, 2020 at the Marriott Center.
The luncheon will be preceded by a VIP Reception at
10:00 a.m. where guests will be able to meet Gruwell and
have a photo taken with her. The luncheon will begin
promptly at 11:30 a.m. and the program will conclude at
1:00 p.m.
Proceeds from the event will provide scholarships and
certification grants for single parents in Siouxland to
attend local colleges and universities. To date, $468,000
has been awarded to help single parents further
their education and increase their earning potential.
Applications for the Single Parent Scholarship are now
available and can be found at unitedwaysiouxland.com.
The Power of the Purse Raffle will be held at the conclusion
of the luncheon with at least 100 purses and several grand
prizes up for grabs. Purse donations are currently being
accepted.
Table sponsorships, individual tickets and raffle tickets
are available at: https://wpl2020.eventbrite.com
“We cannot wait to celebrate 20 years of this wonderful
event,” said Van Otterloo. “Grab a friend, get your tickets
and join us on April 22nd at the Marriott Center.”
Submitted by United Way of Siouxland.
Women’s Power Lunch tickets available at
wpl2020.eventbrite.com
For more information about
Women’s Power Lunch contact
United Way of Siouxland: 712-255-3551

grow
Don’t fear failure. Embrace it. It’s where the learning happens.
Taylor in the Honeywave Studio with his partner Devin Phaly in the background. The Honeywave Studio is housed in the
same building as the new Stone Bru Roast Lab.
Hello, Honeywave
By Taylor Grote
Short description of your business:
Honeywave Media is a creative content production house
that creates video and photo content optimized for
performance on social media and other digital platforms.
We help businesses and public figures use social media
content to more effectively tell their story. On top of our
content for businesses, we create original content to help
promote all of the amazing things happening in Sioux City.
Currently, we have three original content series: The Sioux
City Show, which is a podcast I host to give an inside look at
everything from the local music scene to entrepreneurship.
The Hustle and Joe Podcast, hosted by Devin Phaly, focuses
on interviews with go-getters and creatives to provide tools
for self-development. Straight Work // No Cut is a music
video series that utilizes single-take videos (one continuous
camera recording from start to finish) allowing local
musicians to showcase their talent for an affordable price.
What motivated you to start your business? What
drives you each day?
I was motivated to start the business after looking at the
way the advertising industry was moving increasingly
toward social media. I would watch content on Facebook
and basically feel like it could all be done better, so I started
Honeywave Media to create the content I wanted to see
online. The big picture that drives me is helping people see
Sioux City from my perspective. I love this city. I’ve traveled
all over the world between my time in the military and work,
but there is nowhere I love more than Sioux City. I think all
of the subcultures present here deserve a spotlight, so I help
provide that as much as possible.
What’s unique about your business?
It’s unique that we only create for digital platforms. We don’t
aim to make TV commercials and that helps keep things
focused on the audiences looking for engaging content on
social media.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome
as you’ve grown your business?
The biggest challenge that I’ve overcome is just understanding
the day-to-day backend of running a business. I have a film
degree, not a business degree, so the details of running
a business were pretty foreign to me at first. A little over a
year ago, I brought local businessman Brad Lepper in as a
business partner and his wealth of knowledge has helped me
immensely.
What has been your greatest reward?
The greatest reward is anytime our work helps a client get
recognition for the work they are doing.
We created a music video for “Hard Times” by 35th & Taylor
that was submitted for a national contest to open a show for
Bon Jovi. The video was selected and they opened for Bon
Jovi at a sold-out show in Chicago.

personal growth
leadership
determination
business development
influence
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.
Taylor in the process of shooting a music video at the
Honeywave Studio for local musician, Tae Groove.
How have you benefited from the startup community in
Sioux City and the region? What resources did you use?
The Swimming with the Sharks competition was a boost for
Honeywave Media in the sense that we had positive feedback from
local business leaders and some money to help fund our early stages.
Why is it important for the community to support startups and
small businesses? What more can be done to help them?
It’s important for the community to help support small businesses
because they tend to offer great service and awesome jobs for
the community. Spending money at a small business rather than
corporate chains also helps to keep money in our local economy.
What is one thing you know now that you wish you knew
when starting your business?
I wish I was quicker to ask for help when I was started the business.
So many questions that I spent hours or days researching could have
been easily answered by other people with more experience.
What advice would you give to someone looking to start a
business?
Do it. Bet on yourself. Find your unique skill and figure out a way to
monetize it.
How can the community continue to help your business?
The community can help me out by reaching out to taylor@
honeywavemedia.com if they are looking for any creative services.
They can also listen to our podcasts, “The Sioux City Show” and
“Hustle and Joe,” on YouTube or Apple Podcasts.
What are some future goals for your company?
The future goals are to continue building upon our progress and
continue finding exciting clients looking to tell engaging stories online.
Taylor Grote is the founder of Honeywave Media.
Photo credit (left page) Ryan Martinez and (right page) Devin Phaly.
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!

Congrats Mary & Team!
Mary Sterk Named to Forbes List Best-In-State
Wealth Advisors for 3 Years Running!
We are truly honored to announce that Sterk Financial Services founder,
Mary Sterk, has been named to the 2020 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors List.
Mary said, “While my name might be on the list, this recognition is really about the
Sterk Financial Team and their 16+ years of unparalleled dedication and efforts to create
an exceptional client experience and team culture.”
Congrats Mary & Team!
350 Oak Tree Lane, Suite 150, Dakota Dunes, SD 57049
Phone 605.217.3555 Toll Free 866.800.2186 Fax 605.217.3535 Web sterkfinancialservices.com
Securities and Investment Advisory Services are offered by Mary Sterk through Woodbury Financial Services,
Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC.
Insurance offered by Mary Sterk through Sterk Financial Services which is not affiliated with Woodbury Financial.
Forbes Best in State Wealth Advisors list includes 10 recipients per state. The award is based on qualitative
and quantitative data, rating thousands of wealth advisors with a minimum of seven years of experience and
weighing factors like revenue trends, assets under management, compliance records, industry experience and
best practices. The award is not based on portfolio performance or client reviews. There is no fee in exchange
for rankings. Third-party rankings and recognitions are no guarantee of future investment success and do not
ensure that a client or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance or results. These ratings
should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor by any client nor are they representative of any one
client’s evaluation.
celebrating
5YEARS

Siouxland Magazine | Grow /33
Question Everything?
By Todd Rausch
We have all heard it, but what does it really mean?
I am a business consultant and also an owner. I get asked
a lot of questions, which is awesome. I also ask myself a
lot of questions, which forces me to seek answers. The
most important questions we will ever get asked are the
ones that require us to gain knowledge, to grow, and to
improve our lives and the lives of others. Being asked
questions is a good thing.
As business owners, our goal is to make sales and keep our
customers happy. I, personally, hope that the customers
ask questions; that way, I can give them knowledge that
will allow them to make good buying decisions. I don’t
want anyone to walk away regretting a purchase, ever!
I want everyone to feel that they received a good deal
when buying from me or when getting advice from
me. That is something we can improve on every day by
listening and gaining more knowledge ourselves.
I have been asked questions by customers that I really
didn’t want to answer. We like the questions we are
comfortable with, but the others, not so much. So, how
do we get comfortable with questions that put us on
the spot? We have all heard the tired, but not wornout,
saying: “Transparency! Honesty is the best policy!”
It all means the same thing: be open and honest with
ourselves, our families, our friends, and our customers.
Being open to non-hostile questions is good. It makes
us have to think, and that is a good thing. Anytime we
can be driven to become better at what we do is really
wonderful for us.
Now, if the questions are hostile, don’t bother trying to
win the person over. They have already made up their
mind; leave that alone. I have done presentations and
sales pitches where the people are openly hostile and I
wonder why they would waste their time if they don’t like
the product or the price. They are free to go to someplace
else. I think some people are just having bad days and it
is easier to take it out on a stranger than someone they
know. Cut these people some slack, be nice, and end the
conversation as quickly as possible. Then, forget about it.
Don’t take it personally and move on.
My hope for you is that you wake up each day asking
yourself, “How can I improve as a person, an owner, a family
member, or a friend? How can I get better? What will it take
to reach my goals?” Those kinds of questions move you
forward and lead to an attitude of continual improvement.
Every success story I have ever read or heard has
begun with questions and really never ends, as
the questions never end.
That is good. It is fine to constantly question. The point
is that questions should lead us to answers, and if we
take positive action on those answers, we will eventually
achieve our goals and dreams. Never give up on your
dreams. Never let anyone steal your dreams. And, finally,
never quit asking questions.
Todd Raush is the Regional Director of America’s SBDC Iowa
at Western Iowa Tech Community College.

Siouxland Magazine | Grow /34
5 Questions Answered (about Downtown Partners)
By Downtown Partners
We are fortunate to be part of a creative community
that consistently comes up with fresh, inspiring
ideas. At Downtown Partners we strive to take ideas and
either incorporate them into existing projects or shape
them into something entirely new. We want downtown to
be the place where questions become ideas, and ideas
get transformed into something tangible. So, please,
keep them coming!!
What is one way you help a business in downtown?
One of our primary goals as an organization is to facilitate
business success through beautification projects.
Therefore, we set aside a budget to help match some of
the funds our business owners invest into their storefronts.
It has been a great way to help our businesses and we will
continue that program this year. If you have a business
in downtown, please reach out on how we can help you.
What are some of the things people can look
forward to soon?
As most of you can see driving through downtown, there
are quite a few projects under development. YES! We
love to see progress and investment in our community.
To help complement these projects, we have a few of our
own that will be taking shape this spring. We received
a great response to the lights at 4th and Court Street,
but that was only one aspect of our ongoing effort to
connect areas of downtown and create a safe, walkable,
attractive environment for pedestrians. In the next few
years, you will see lighting play a big role in parks and
connections to entertainment, art, and the new riverfront
development. Another project you will see installed this
spring is pedestrian wayfinding, which will help both
locals and visitors navigate through Downtown with ease.
What can you do to help?
First, you can keep visiting downtown (bring your
friends) and continue providing us with feedback. We are
constantly trying to ask our stakeholders better questions
on what they would like to see in downtown, in what ways
we can support them, or what it is we are doing right. If
you own a business in Downtown Sioux City, we
need you to go to our website, make sure your
information is correct and fill out a short survey to
confirm anything we are missing.. We’ve designed
a series of short surveys that will help us better serve you
and to promote your business in our marketing efforts.
We could also stop by and talk through it all instead.
What are some things we can start to look at as a
business that could help downtown?
There are a few things that people could be thinking
about as business owners. Some of these are pretty easy
fixes and others can be incorporated over time and/or
with help.
Your curb appeal: Are you attracting people to your
business through window display, plantings (even fake
ones), hanging signs that are easy to see from the street,
pleasant smells, seating, etc. Consider leaving your lights
on at night.
Consistent hours: Simple, yet powerful. Make sure your
social media, website, even your front door, has your
correct hours and that you are open during those hours.
Staying open later or being open earlier may serve you well
depending on your customer. Keep the hours, just adjust to
opening later, for example 10am – 7pm instead of the hours
when your customers may be working, 8am – 5pm.
Outdoor activity: True, we are a multi-climate community,
however, people are looking for things to do in every
season. A few heaters could activate your outdoor seating
or opening your front door in the summer makes your store
more inviting. Is there an event or theme that you could
host outside with your neighbors? We are always looking
for fun ‘block party’ ideas and we can help!
Downtown Partners is 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.downtownpartners.com.
Pedestrian Wayfinding Design Draft.
Photo courtesy of JDG.

What Are You Worth?
By Alex Watters
I recently was appointed to The
Complete Count Committee
as a representative from the
City Council. This group was
established as a partnership
among the city, government
agencies, and private industry with
a goal of increasing the turnout for
the upcoming census.
One of the interesting
questions that was posed early on was, “what is a
person worth?“ Not in the philosophical sense about a
person’s intrinsic worth, but more of a financial question.
What does each person represent in terms of federal dollars
in our community?
It is estimated that in Iowa and Nebraska each individual
represents at a minimum $4,400 per year. That means,
if 100 people in Sioux City go uncounted, and since the
census data is for a period of 10 years, Sioux City would
not receive over $4.4 million of federal funding. This is your
tax dollars that should be coming back to our community,
but won’t if we don’t encourage our friends, families, and
neighbors to “count“ themselves. This is money that can go
toward schools, roads, hospitals, emergency services, etc.
Therefore, it doesn’t matter whether you are white, black,
or brown, we need to make sure our numbers are accurate
and reflect the amount of people that call Siouxland home.
Some other questions you may have about the census:
What is the timeline?
March 12–24, 2020-- postcards are mailed out.
April 1 is “Census Day“ where you reside on April 1 is where
you should register.
How do I complete the census?
You can use the online portal that opens on March 12.
The online version is offered in 59 languages. You can
complete it by phone where 12 languages are available
via interpreters or fill out the paperwork that will be mailed
to you and send it in.
It is nine questions and should only take you 5–10 minutes
to fill out, depending on how many people are in your
household.
What can I do to help?
Talk to everyone you know about filling out the census.
Ask your employer if they would be willing to send out a
companywide reminder explaining the importance of this
information.
Volunteer with organizations that are assisting with this
effort.
Work part-time to interview residents and have them
complete their census information or to simply drive
around and update/verify addresses and electronically
lists. These jobs have flexible hours and pay more than
$18 per hour.
When will we know the results?
The results will come out in April 2021.
Have questions yourself?
Visit sioux-city.org/2020census or 2020census.gov
The City Council is fighting to fix our roads, build more
parks, and improve our public safety while keeping our
taxes low. However, this is an example of where we need
your help. Census data is used to distribute $1.5 trillion
of federal funding annually to states and communities.
We need that money to support all these projects and
continue building a community we are all proud to call
home. So, if you are looking to make a difference in your
community in 10 minutes, fill out your census!
Siouxland Magazine | Grow/35
Alex Watters, City Council of Sioux City
awatters@sioux-city.org
Image contributed by the US Census Bureau.

Siouxland Magazine | Grow /36
Chamber Champions Local Businesses
By Katy Karrer
In today’s world, small businesses are anything
but small. There are 30.2 million small businesses in the
US accounting for 99.7% of all businesses in our country
and employing 47.5% of the entire country’s workforce
according to the Census Bureau. They are found in brick
and mortar establishments, home offices, online and popup
storefronts and while these stats alone are impressive,
where the real value comes in is the impact they have on
our communities.
Sioux City Riverfront, will host the 2020 Small Business
EXPO on April 16th from 4:30 – 6:30 PM. The EXPO will
showcase 50 vendors from Siouxland’s dynamic small
business community. Attendees will visit face-to-face with
vendors from a diverse mix of industries and learn about
their unique products and services. There will be numerous
cash and product giveaways, games, complimentary food
samples from our Savor the Siouxland Chamber vendors
and a cash bar making the atmosphere lively and fun.
Approximately 67% of every dollar spent at a small
business stays in the local community. Small businesses
employ local residents and serve the area’s larger
companies as customers and vendors, stimulating local
economic growth. Equally important, our small businesses
become integrated in to the communities they are located,
ultimately helping shape the character of the community.
While concerned with the success of their company, small
business owners know that a vibrant community helps
build their business so they invest locally and support
quality of life projects in their neighborhoods.
In appreciation of Siouxland’s small businesses the
Siouxland Chamber of Commerce and Marriott South
The EXPO is free and open to the public with something
for everyone. The Siouxland Chamber encourages all
to attend this event being held at the newly renovated
Marriott South Sioux City Riverfront ballroom located at 385
East 4th Street in South Sioux City. Watch for more details
on the Chamber’s website, siouxlandchamber.com, or the
Siouxland Chamber’s Facebook page. To inquire about
vendor opportunities, contact the Siouxland Chamber at
712-255-7903.
Katy Karrer is the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce,
Director of Events.

Let’s Talk
By Peggy Smith
In this world of technology, it is easy to lose
the personal touch. It’s hard to have a meaningful
conversation through text. Our conversations have become
much shallower, and we take people’s responses for
granted – at face value. We ask an acquaintance to join us
at an event, and he or she decline. We think, “oh well” and
move on instead of asking “why”. We make assumptions
instead of really asking, and then listening, to understand
the answers we are given.
We’ve probably all used the “Five Why’s” to learn the root
cause of a problem. Asking why the project failed, and then
asking why that circumstance happened, and so on until
we really come to the true cause. But do we use the “Five
Whys” in personal conversations to understand another’s
viewpoint and why she feels that way?
Learning more about each other breaks down barriers and
allows us to connect on a personal level, despite differing
viewpoints. Going around the room and answering the
same question can provide enormous insight into the
personalities and values of the group. Just asking, “What
is one thing you do virtually every single day?” will open
conversations and take them from shallow to deeper and
is more personal and more enlightening. A person may
comment, “I drink 2 cups of coffee.” But as you go around
the room, people start to answer on another level – “I tell
my children I love them every morning” or “I take time to
What Can SCGO Do For You?
By Emily Vondrak
journal”. Once one person responds more intimately, it
gives the next person permission to also provide a more
intimate and personal answer. And once we get beyond the
mundane, we start to “know” each other.
Another way to open honest conversations is to
ask someone why they do what they do.
Their answers may contain a story – about an experience from
their childhood or youth that impacted them so strongly, it
influenced their career decision. Once we learn the “whys”
we can better understand differing viewpoints, differing
values and differing priorities. We can see similarities
between us, and we no longer feel so “different”. We can
respect why our paths are so divergent, and why we respond
to situations and challenges the way we do.
Curiosity and inquisitiveness are traits we should never lose.
They signal interest – if you ask me questions, I can tell you
want to know more – you are interested in me and my story.
To connect with each other, we need to be purposeful in our
conversations. We need to take the time to look beyond
the quick answer and figure out where the answer came
from. We need to practice the “5 Whys”, not just in problem
solving, but in connecting with others on a personal level.
Personal connections make for true understanding!
Peggy Smith is the Executive Director of Leadership Siouxland.
Siouxland Magazine | | Grow/37 / 39
Throughout history, there have been questions that
make us pause and think. Shakespeare asked, “To be
or not to be?”. According to Martin Luther King, Jr., “Life’s
most urgent Question is ‘what are you doing for others?”.
Each question that has stood the test of time relates to us in
different ways, and each allows us to broaden our horizons.
The question that best encompasses the Sioux City Growth
Organization is one from President John F. Kennedy, “Ask
not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do
for your country”.
Here at SCGO, we continually ask ourselves, each other, and
the community what can we be doing to make Siouxland
even better? How can we change the status quo? What can
we do that will make an impactful difference? How do we
attract, develop, and retain young professionals?
Like all big questions, there is not just one answer, and
solutions come from more than one place. We bring
together young professionals, each with their own
background, experiences, and ideas, to work together to
tackle these questions.
Since 2002, our mission of improving our community has
been encompassed by three pillars: Network, Volunteer, Get
Involved. We work to create a network within our region that
leads to business connections and long-lasting friendships.
We work to help new entrepreneurs get the resources they
need to succeed through the Innovation Market. We hold
events open to the public that bring new things to the
community, like our 3rd Thursdays or Music Bingo. We love
volunteering with local organizations and express the value
of staying in Siouxland after college.
I also ask the same question of everyone reading this
fantastic local publication - What do you want to see SCGO
do to help the community? Do you know of an organization
that needs volunteers? A fun event you’d love to see us
host? Or, even better, maybe you’re interested in joining our
group? We’re open to all and we’d love to have you!
Emily Vondrak is the Sioux City Growth Organization
Marketing Chair.

alance
Inside and out.
Send
Ask the Therapist
By Jackie Paulson
Question: “I’d like some advice on the first steps
towards repairing communication between my
husband and I. I used to be more vocal about my needs
and wants, mostly in regards to sharing household
duties, but he’s become defensive over time. I have
drastically reduced my requests and comments to
him in order to avoid conflict. I am highly mindful
of not “nagging” and so I stay silent but what this is
doing is building resentment. How do I say what I
need without criticizing? How do I communicate with
him in a way that helps him understand what I need
or want so I don’t have to keep stuffing my thoughts
and feelings?”
First, Thank you, reader, for sharing your experience with all of
us. I believe many couples can relate to this experience, not
only in their home with their partners, but with other people
in their lives as well! Communication, both what is being said
and not said in relationships, can be powerful both to the
demise, as well as the success of those relationships.
your
questions to the
therapist.
As I contemplate this question, there are numerous ways
to begin exploring this common dynamic in, especially,
intimate partnerships. Including; conflict management,
communication styles, boundary work and codependency,
the list goes on! When I further meditated on it, see it I only
have a small article to work with and not an entire book (trust
me, I could write that much on this one question alone!), I
was able to connect with what each of these topics have in
common. TRUST + INTIMACY.
I find that most of my work these days, no matter what
the scenario, swirls these two pivotal dimensions of life. It
seems we all are longing to loved and to belong. I truly, do
believe that this is oftentimes the motivation driving all of
our behaviors whether healthy or unhealthy they may be.
First, let’s define what it actually means to trust and to be
intimate. According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary:
Trust is an assured reliance on the character, ability, strength,
or truth of someone or something; one in which confidence
is placed; dependence on something in the future; it is
HOPE.

eathe
clarity
nutrition
flexibility
Intimacy as an adjective is described as a warm friendship
developing through long association, of a very personal or
private nature, marked by very close association, contact,
or familiarity, INTRINSIC, ESSENTIAL, belonging to or
characterizing one’s deepest nature. As a verb, it is defined
as to communicate delicately and indirectly and to make
known especially publicly or formally.
What I find interesting about these definitions, specifically
as it relates to the above question are the indications that
to have trust means we must be able to rely on something
or someone and to have hope in the future; and in being
intimate, that we are communicating from our deepest
nature. Trust is an essential aspect of intimacy. The work
I practice most with clients involves getting to know
ourselves so honestly, meaning being willing to see all that
we are, especially where our own wounding and defense
mechanisms have developed; so that we may move into
an intimate relationship with ourselves. To be able to relate
to ourselves in the deepest way possible. Only in this ability
to relate to ourselves with great understanding allows us to
trust ourselves to operate from a place of consciousness
in our relationships with others and the world around us.
Put simply, when we are awake to our own baggage, we
can unpack it consciously with ourselves and our partners
in real time in a way that is productive and life giving in the
relationship as opposed to ineffective ways that only keep
us trapped in cycles of resentment, disgust and separation
from the ones who we probably love most - our partners
and our selves.
Likely, as it sounds, you as well as many of us in our
relationships come to this awareness because we find
ourselves stuck in this place of extreme resistance in our
partnerships at home. Often times, one partner realizes
that the partnership has entered into an insane cycle of
expectation and disappointment leading to a dangerous
spiral of contempt and stonewalling, leaving each partner
feeling dissatisfied and unloved. This definitely does not
describe a safe environment that involves trust and allows
for intimacy. Yet, these two things are the foundation on
which you must rebuild this home within the relationship
between the two of you.
What this requires may make you cringe, at first. But if
you truly would like to explore the possibilities in the
relationship, I invite you to SURRENDER and to move
towards your partner first. This does not mean you do not
have needs or boundaries. It means that you are willing to
assert those feelings through the expression of conscious,
healthy love.
One person, often the one who awakens to the insanity and
is suffering enough to be motivated to change it, will need to
allow their heart to open when they have closed it because
of many missed expectations and sore disappointments
from their partner. My question to you is, are you willing to
risk being disappointed again? If so, I invite you to begin
practicing moving through love in your relationship. This
requires the ability to forgive and to accept your partner for
who he or she is or is not. This includes, grieving that the
relationship isn’t all that you expected it to be. This then will
require you to explore the relationship you have with your
own heart. To become intimate with where your wounds are
at the helm versus you deepest self - Allowing fear to drive
over love. In order to soften, we need to create a SAFE place
emotionally in our relationship. Through vulnerability, we can
begin to re-establish a secure emotional attachment with our
partner and healthy communication and boundary setting
can begin.
I believe one of the most challenging aspects of relationships
is when we have been hurt over and over again, when
promises have been broken or trust has been betrayed. But
two people can learn to trust each other again. Consider
that your partner is not the only one responsible for creating
an atmosphere of safety and security in the relationship.
Here are some questions you can ask yourself to begin the
process of overcoming mistrust:
What is the story I am telling myself?

Siouxland Magazine | Balance /40
Does my fear of loss, abandonment, betrayal cloud my
perspective and cause me to overact?
Is my mistrust coming from something that is actually
happening in the present, or is it related to my past?
Do I feel comfortable asking for what I need and allowing
myself to be vulnerable?
Do I bring my best self to my interactions with my partner?
Do I possess self-love and allow myself to be loved and
respected?
We can often tell when our past wounds are taking over
when we become reactive. When the above question says
“our best self”, it is that part of us that is calm, centered
and connected in the moment. I call this the Self with the
capital “S”. Whenever we have moved into reactivity - pain
is present, the Self often gets overridden by protectors
within us that wants to prevent us from feeling that pain
(i.e. defense mechanisms). It is in this moment, that we
must first turn inward and be curious about what inside of
us is really needing to be heard - by ourselves first - in that
moment and then through the Self respond to our partner
in the way of love, trusting that they have our best interest
at heart, as we do them.
In summary, I invite you to lean into to your own heart and
be curious about what is needing to be heard and held
within you right now. Practice mindfulness (being present
in the moment) in order to soften the edges within your
own body and mind so that you can then go toward your
partner instead of away from them. If you have the desire
or curiosity to see what might happen, allow yourself to
open to him or her in a way that builds the foundation of
trust. In my work with couples, I have found that conflict can
be an incredible resource for developing deeper intimacy.
It begins with creating a safe environment to connect. We
learn so much about ourselves and our partners amidst
conflict, that it can deepen the connection that you have
with all of life. Since you have no control over another
person, begin with yourself. Ask yourself; How can I do my
part in mending and creating a safe environment for my
partner and I to work with one another and weave love
back into the equation. Stop gripping and open yourself
to the process. One of my favorite quote by the author
David Deida sums this up.
“Practice surrendering not to your own fears, nor to the
demands of an there, but directly to love. Do you best
to feel through your own resistance...Behind all resistive
emotion is the motive of love. The desire to give and
receive love underlies every emotional actions and
reaction, including hurt and anger....Whatever the emotion
- anger, fear, closure - feel through it, breathe through it,
relax through it, into the love that lies behind it. And then,
actively, surrender to that love. Open AS that love. Magnify
love by loving.”
Photo credit Sarah Ann Photography.
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.
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.
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.
Did you put our live event
date in your calendar?
March 18 at 10am
Homelessness in Siouxland
Sioux City Public Museum
Get all the details
on Facebook.

Revision
By Hali Benson
How are you doing with the intentions you set for
this new year? Without judgement, begin to ponder
that as we break down how we can continue to make wise,
healthy decisions.
There will be days when you feel unmotivated, lazy, angry,
sad, etc. But, if you are consistent with yourself choosing
to follow through on the things you say you will you’ll 80%
of the time feel better that you accomplished something
versus not. If your goal this year was to eat more
vegetables, for instance, have you prepared your meals
to include more vegetables? How about finding time to
prep your meals, include the family while coming up with
a menu for your week!
Get yourself inspired to begin this next
month with a few more tips to keep the goals
moving in the right direction.
Reflect and redirect: Reflect on what it is you are
desiring for 2020, how is it going so far? Are there new
steps you can take to open the path and give your mind
and body the preparation needed to get going? Think
about your goal and begin to work backwards from there
in order to really achieve those goals.
Action: This requires your full commitment, because
when we commit to something it tells our bodies there is no
other way, we simply must do. So configuring those steps
and putting one foot in front of the other. Community with
action will really get the ball rolling - find an accountability
partner, let them know your plans and tell them to keep
you accountable for what you say you will do.
Revise: Every week or every other week return to your
steps, make adjustments based on what works and what
doesn’t. If your plan is to eat more meals together as a
family take note of when everyone is home and when you
are in a pinch have meals ready for the nights that are
hectic.
Don’t miss the opportunity to become your best self this
year, look at your life and see how you can make small
improvements for you and this world. It can be little things
like reducing your waste, buying more fresh foods, eating
more meals at home, trying one new food every week.
Have fun with it and try making this delicious recipe ASAP!
Hali Benson is a Certified Holistic Nutrition and Wellness
Practitioner working with Evolve Yoga and Wellness Center
helping clients heal through nutrition, yoga and spirituality.
You can find her under the name Blossom Services
at https://blossom-services.webflow.io/
Vegetable Stir Fry
Ingredients:
1c quinoa
1/1 cup veggie broth/water
1 onion
3 garlic cloves
2 medium carrots (I used colorful carrots)
1/4 head of broccoli, chopped
1 cup frozen peas
Directions:
In one pot bring 2 cups of veggie broth/
water to boil. Add quinoa. Cook 10 min
covered on medium heat. Remove from
heat and keep covered for another 10-15
minutes.
On low-medium heat add 4 tbsp veggie
broth to the pan and add roughly chopped
onion, garlic, carrots, broccoli and sauté for
5 minutes. Then, add green peas and stir
for another 2-3 minutes.
For sesame sauce:
1/3c coconut aminos
2tsp ACV
2tbsp EVOO
.5tbsp Sesame Oil
4 small dates (or 3 large)
Place water in a mug, microwave for 2
minutes so water is hot, add dates. Soak
dates in very hot water for 5 minutes.
Remove dates and combine with all
remaining ingredients in a blender or food
processor. Process until dates are finely
ground and dressing is a creamy texture.
Siouxland Magazine | Grow /41
Photo credit Hali Benson.

Siouxland Magazine | Balance /42
Discover Your Core, Unlock More
By Meghan Nelson
As I think about the questions that we face in our
day, from the profound to the mundane, there
are opportunities everywhere that challenge
who we are and what we believe. Whether
questioner or questioned, we want to feel confident
and strong in our core identity and in-line with our
gut instincts. Our core is the central, so we want this
foundation to keep us stable in knowing where we
stand against these questions we face. This core center
is the fire within driving us towards accomplishing our
dreams, keeping us aligned with that Divine light and
energy that protects and guides us.
There are several muscles that make up the core
muscles of the trunk. The function of these muscles
is to stabilize the trunk in a neutral position while
maintaining the natural curvatures of the spine.
Let’s focus on four major core muscles, the Core
Box. When we think about our Core Box we have to
remember to include all sides, the bottom, and the
top. Because if you think about a cardboard box, how
sturdy is that box without a base or a lid?
This diagram highlights the four muscles which make up
the foundation of the Core Box.
The base of the Core Box are the pelvic floor muscles. This
thin sling of muscles helps to hold up and support our
reproductive and other internal organs. These muscles can
be put through a lot of strain, stretching and even possibly
tearing for women during pregnancy and childbirth, which
is why females are so commonly instructed in engaging
Kegel exercises for proper toning and healing of these
muscles. However, Kegel exercises do not only benefit
pregnant and childbearing mommas, all females and even
males can benefit from awareness and proper toning of
these muscles to secure a strong core engagement.
A common cue for Kegel exercises is to imagine trying to
stop the flow of urine during mid-stream, this tightening is
engagement or contraction of your pelvic floor muscles.
However, this often only engages the front portion of our
pelvic floor muscles. So, not to be crude here, but you also
must remember to engage the back portion of our pelvic
floor muscles as if you were trying to hold in a fart. There,
I said it.
The top to our core box is the diaphragm. This domeshaped
muscle separates our thoracic and abdominal
cavity. When we inhale deep into the belly the diaphragm

contracts and flattens in a downward motion creating
pressure inside the thoracic cavity for the lungs to fill
with oxygen when we take a breath in. As we exhale,
the diaphragm relaxes and draws back up into its dome
shape into the chest while pushing air out of the lungs.
Then we have the sides of our Core Box, maybe the most
critical of all core muscles, the transversus abdominis
(TA). These muscle fibers wrap around our waist from
the low back to the navel. When we draw the navel in to
the spine, we contract this muscle, providing our trunk
an all-natural back brace. So, the breath exercise to help
engage these core muscles may be simple to do, but a bit
more difficult to say—the transversus abdominis-assisted
thoraco-diaphragmatic breath, aka TATD breath.
4-point Bird-Dog: Position self on hands and knees
on the floor or modify with a chair.
Inhale, lift right arm and left leg. Exhale and lower. Inhale,
lift left arm and right leg. Exhale and lower.
In conclusion, find your core. Face the challenges you
encounter with confidence and grace. Discover stability,
unlock the key to the Self. The practice begins. TATD.
Namaste.
Siouxland Magazine | Balance /43
TATD Breath: Inhale through the nose. Exhale and
draw the navel in towards the spine as you contract the
TA until you feel an upward lift of navel and pelvic floor
muscles. Be sure not to over engage the core muscles
and flatten the curvature in the low back; the goal is to
maintain a neutral spine. As you inhale, feel the ribcage
expand but sustain engagement throughout the TA to
maintain that neutral spine.
The final group of core muscles found along the
backside of the core box are known as multifidus
muscles and these fibers span across 2-5 vertebrae in
our spine. These muscles work to create the fine stability
at each segment of the spine. Weakness in these
specific muscles have been found to strongly correlate
with individuals with chronic low back pain. Alternate
arm and leg lifts are great exercises for strengthening
multifidus.
Prone Swimmers: Lie face down. Inhale, lift right arm
and left leg. Exhale and lower.
Inhale, lift left arm and right leg. Exhale and lower.
Similar to 4-point Bird-Dog photos but on belly.
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.
Like us on
Facebook
and
Instagram

Siouxland Magazine | Balance /44
The Polyvagal Theory: What happens in Vagus stays in Vagus
By Nesrin Abu Ata
Have you ever found yourself at a social
event and feeling uncertain about being
there, or even in danger, but unsure as to
why? You may look around and nobody else seems
to be bothered.
You may not realize this, but when you are walking
around the world, your body is taking in many
social cues about your environment. When you
are interacting with others, your body is picking
up facial expressions, tones of voice and bodily
movements. All these cues continuously interact
with your nervous system, informing your body if the
environment is a safe place where you can connect
with others, or a dangerous place where you either
have to run, fight or freeze. The interaction with the
environment and the body’s way of relating to it is
known as the Polyvagal Theory, a term coined by Dr.
Stephen Porges. The term that describes how our
nervous system assesses whether people or places
are safe, dangerous or life threatening is known as
Neuroception.
What is the Polyvagal Theory?
The Polyvagal Theory explains how our nervous
system responds to stress or danger. It has a threepart
hierarchical system, all of which involve a cranial
nerve called the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve
(Vagus: Latin for wandering) connects (or wanders)
from the brain through all major systems in the
body: the stomach and gut, heart, lungs, throat, and
facial muscles!
The three-part hierarchical system means that
only one part can work at any given time, while the
other two parts take the back seat.
• The ventral vagal system, also known as the
safety system, green zone or social engagement
system.
When this system is engaged, the person feels
safe, loved, and able to share feelings with
others and be social while maintaining eye
contact. The person is attuned to other people’s
facial expressions and tone of voice. Heart rate is
regulated and one is able to take in a full breath
and breathe slowly. The person has a healthy
blood pressure, good digestion, a healthy
immune system and good sleep. He or she is
able to reach out to others and ask for help or
support.
• The activation system, also known as the sympathetic
nervous system, yellow zone or fight or flight
response.
When this system is in charge, the person d o e s n ’ t
feel at ease, doesn’t feel that others can be trusted,
is constantly scanning the room for danger, and
is listening to sounds of danger instead of friendly
voices. The person’s breath is shallow and his or her
heart is racing. In such a state, the person may h a v e
e l e v a t e d b l o o d p r e s s u r e , p o o r d i g e s t i o n ,
poor immune system and poor sleep. He or she may
report more headache and back tension.
• The dorsal vagal system, also known as
immobilization, freeze system or the red zone.
When this system is engaged, as a last resort if the
person is not able to fight or run away, the body
shuts down or collapses. Heart rate slows down, and
breathing slows and becomes shallow to the point
where the person may feel like fainting. The person
may feel like they dissociate, report a foggy memory
and lack energy. The person may report weight
gain, low blood pressure and stomach problems.
Sometimes, when a person is in this state, he or
she has reported feeling ashamed, trapped or “too
small to be seen or heard.” Quite often, patients
with post-traumatic stress disorder talk about how
they “froze” when the trauma happened and feeling
shame: both of which can be explained by the third
system kicking in as a response to danger.
How Understanding Polyvagal Theory Can Help
You Regulate Stress?
The better you understand which one of the three states
you are in, the more you are able to engage yourself
in self-regulation and returning to the green state: the
social engagement system.
Here are a few things you can do to re-engage in the
social system:
• Change your breathing so that exhalations are
longer than inhalations. This is often taught in yoga
practices. Doing this re-engages the ventral part
of the vagus nerve, which, in turn, slows down the
heart rate.

• Seek environments that are soothing and where
you feel safe, loved and connected. For some
people, it is walking in nature, for others, it is
spending time with their pets or loved ones.
• Listen to soothing music.
For some people, seeking therapy also helps,
especially when there have been traumatic events
that make personal attempts to engage the green
state unsuccessful.
References:
Yoga Therapy and Polyvagal Theory: The Convergence of Traditional Wisdom
and Contemporary Neuroscience for Self-Regulation and Resilience. https://www.
frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2018.00067
https://www.therapistuncensored.com/tu18-polyvagal-theory/.Therapist
Uncensored.
The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment,
Communication, and Self-regulation. Stephen Porges, PhD.
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.
Artwork: Attachment and Bonding: A New Synthesis.
Stephen Porges, PhD. Psychophysiology: Systems,
Processes, and Applications. Stephen Porges, PhD.
Siouxland Magazine | Balance /45
712-276-STEM
joint relief
WitHoUt
SUrGerY
SIOUXCITYSteMCellS.COM
learn more at one of our upcoming seminars. Call or visit our website today for all the details.

explore
Get dirty.
UCELL team
Loess Countries: New US-China collaboration on the Loess Hills
By Graham McGaffin
While U.S.-China relations have been tense
recently when it comes to international trade, one
area that has witnessed a new era of collaboration
and cooperation between the two countries is with
the study of the loess hills and soils. In June, a small
gathering of U.S. and Chinese experts on loess soils and
restoration met in Yangling, Shaanxi Province, China to
share information on the Iowa Loess Hills and the China
Loess Plateau, their condition, value, restoration and
protection, as well as the latest research on loess soils.
Loess (pronounced as “luss,” “Lois,“ or “less”) refers to the
yellowish deposit of wind-blown rock dust found in many
parts of the world, including Germany, Argentina, New
Zealand, the U.S., and China. However, loess deposits of
significant depth (60-350m) and area occur only in two
places: in the Yellow River region in and around Shaanxi
province, China, and in the mini-mountains (bluffs)
of western Iowa. Our Loess Hills parallel the Missouri
River 220 miles from Mound City, Missouri to Westfield,
Iowa. The beautiful sharp-cliffed hills can be seen along
Interstate 29 through the western sides of Fremont,
Mills, Pottawattamie, Harrison, Monona, Woodbury, and
Plymouth Counties. They were formed from glacierground
rock powder brought down the Missouri River
and blown into dunes by westerly winds.
The Chinese Loess Plateau, which covers an area only
slightly less than the entire state of Texas, is located
several hundred miles southwest of Beijing. The loess
there eroded from various mountain areas over millions
View over city of Ansai from Loess Hills
of years, was collected in the Gobi and other deserts, and
from there was blown into the plateau region. Over the
centuries, the Loess Plateau lost much of its vegetation from
overgrazing and deforestation, with the resulting erosion
filling the Yellow River with deposits of so much loess that
devastating flooding of croplands became common—the
name Yellow River originated from the color the water
because of the sedimentation with loess soil.
A huge restoration project funded by the World Bank and
others set out to partially restore the plateau over an area
roughly the size of New Jersey. While the age and size of
the two landforms differ significantly, the natural resource
issues that have challenged China’s loess plateau are not
unlike those facing Iowa’s Loess Hills and Missouri River
system today. Similarly, many of the solutions are also
applicable to both places.

fresh air
get outside
protect
active
play
The June U.S.-China Exchange on Loess Landforms
(U-CELL) came about as a result of a lecture series on the
Loess Plateau done in Western Iowa and Omaha in 2017
by John Liu, a Chinese-American documentary film-maker
from Beijing, who has recorded the dramatic conditions of
the Plateau before and after restoration. Acclaimed soil
scientist Professor Robert Horton of Iowa State University
worked with his long-time friend, senior Professor Baoyuan
Liu (no relation to John) and Professor Fan Jun, both soil
scientists at China’s Northwest University of Agriculture and
Forestry (NWUAF), to have NWUAF host the Exchange.
Homes built in loess soil
The Sioux City-based Gilchrist Foundation, which cosponsored
John Liu’s 2017 lecture tour, funded the
participation of two young professionals in the U.S.-China
exchange, Graham McGaffin of The Nature Conservancy
in Iowa and Assistant Professor Bradley Miller of Iowa State
University. Also participating from the U.S. were Professor
Michael Thompson of Iowa State, and Bill Blackburn of the
Green Hollow Center in Fremont County. Presentations from
the U.S. were also given online by Professor Tom Bragg,
plant specialist from the University of Nebraska-Omaha,
and John Thomas, loess erosion expert from the Hungry
Canyons erosion control program at Golden Hills Resource
Conservation & Development (RC&D) in Oakland.
Besides the one-day conference in Yangling, the U.S.-China
delegation visited NWUAF soils research stations in the
Loess Plateau near Chang Wu and Ansai to review their
latest research projects. The tour was capped off with a
visit to the famous terra cotta warriors of the Qin Dynasty
Emperor that were buried near Xian in the Plateau around
200 BC---warriors we were surprised to learn were made of
loess soil glued together with rice water. The agenda and
presentations offered at the Exchange and pictures from the
tour of the Plateau can be seen on the Golden Hills RC&D
website (www.goldenhillsrcd.org/ucell.html). A follow-up
meeting in Western Iowa is now being considered.
As one of the “young” professionals that had the good
fortune to participate in the Exchange, I was impressed not
Loess “canyons”
only by the scale of the landform in China, but also by the
hospitality of our hosts. The list of shared interests between
Iowa and China extends far beyond trying to wrap our
heads around how to preserve our loess landforms, which
is perhaps best captured by our former Governor’s current
appointment as U.S. Ambassador to China. The experience
of traveling to north-central China filled me with a renewed
sense of optimism in our countries’ commitment to the
natural resource challenges we face, as well as the amazing
intellect and passion of those who dedicate themselves
to the science and preservation of such unique areas.
In western Iowa, the Nature Conservancy and our many
partners in the public and private sectors are committed
to preserving the native vegetation that contributes to
holding this unique soil in place, in addition to providing
essential habitat for our region’s birds, pollinators, and big
game species.
To get a look for yourself at the landform and learn
about what’s being done to preserve this amazing
geologic treasure, I’d encourage readers to visit Dorothy
Pecaut Nature Center, Stone State Park, and The Nature
Conservancy’s Broken Kettle Grasslands Preserve. At our
Preserve, which is located about ten miles from Sioux City
up State Highway 12, we’ve reintroduced American Bison to
help us manage woody vegetation which, if not managed,
can overshadow the prairie and lead to excessive erosion
of the soil, which is the source of many of our Chinese
friends’ challenges. A portion of the Preserve is open to
public hiking, maps and more information can be found at
our Visitor Center, located at the Preserve headquarters at
24764 Highway 12, Westfield, Iowa.
Graham McGaffin is an Associate Director of Conservation &
Director of the Loess Hills Program for The Nature Conservancy
in Iowa. In this capacity Graham works with landowners &
partners in Iowa’s Loess Hills to achieve durable land protection
of the landform & restoration of the native habitat.
Photo Credit (left page) Bill Blackburn and (right page)
Graham McGaffin.

Siouxland Magazine | Explore / 48
My Hands Smell Like Onions
By Lisa Cox and Jenny Jorgensen
The Onion is a satirical news source that has had
many Americans laughing since 1988. Its ability
to peel back the surface layer and poke fun at current
events and issues reminds us of egos, fallacies, and
inequalities. While writing this article we came across
one titled, “I Am So Starving vs. I Am So Starving.” This
point/counterpoint essay is worth the read. However,
it also does not necessarily give us a full picture of true
hunger in Siouxland.
When our statistics state 1 in 6 Siouxlanders are
in food insecure households, we almost expect
adults and children with bloated bellies to start
appearing in Walmart or schools.
Nevertheless, this is not the case. Oftentimes we see
very overweight or obese people who are without food
security and wonder to ourselves, “How can this be?” By
digging our trowel into the cause of food insecurity and
its resulting hunger, we can see the effect it has not only
on those who are facing a food deficit, but also those
who are not. Ideally, through this deliberate furrowing,
we can answer the question, “What can I do?” as hunger
is no laughing matter.
To borrow from Shrek, “Onions have layers,” food
insecurity has layers. You get it? They both have layers!
The first layer is lack of funds. It is not always poverty that
causes a household’s food supply to be jeopardized. As
stated in the American Academy of Pediatrician’s report
on “Promoting Food Security for All Children,” “For many
families, seemingly small changes in income, expenses, or
access to federal or state assistance programs may instantly
reduce the ability to purchase healthy food and result in
increased vulnerability to food insecurity.” In other words,
changes in bills, medical expenses, or even enrolling
children in extracurricular activities can wreak havoc on
the family budget. As a result, we see individuals and
families cut back on things such as dental visits, physicals,
medications, fresh fruits and vegetables, exercise, and
other healthy “luxury” expenses.
When this happens, the divisions of the tunicated bulb are
further exposed. Much documentation can be found on
obesity, poor growth, poor oral health, asthma, learning
disabilities, lower physical functioning, frequent colds
and stomach aches, behavioral and social problems, and
mental health concerns in children. Adults also suffer
from similar issues compounded by years of nutritional
deficiency which leads to conditions like diabetes,
stroke, heart disease, cancer, kidney disease, suicidal
ideation, pregnancy complications, hyperlipidemia, and
hypertension. Subsequently, these lifestyle conditions
expand and continue into the geriatric population.
As a result, our kids, as classmates and we as co-workers,
church friends, and members of our Siouxland community,
are also exposed to colds and other communicable
diseases. Daily we unknowingly interact with the food
insecure in our neighborhoods. Afterall, it is not necessarily
one of the questions we generally ask people. “Hi, how
are you?” “Do you have enough to eat?” “Are you getting

enough vitamins and minerals?” That is a Mom or Dad
question, not necessarily a neighborly one. If we truly
fixed our brains on this, we could contemplate the
times we might run into someone vulnerable to food
shortages.
Screening tools for food insecurity do exist for medical,
community, or clerical professionals. Whereas, there
really isn’t one for the average Sue or Joe.
Awareness, assistance, and alignment are our
power tools. Every day, our cumulative efforts
are making a difference in Sioux City and the
surrounding areas. Positive conversations are
happening that expose the layers of food insecurity.
They unearth falsehoods and shine a light on
stereotypes, generalizations, and judgments.
Siouxland Magazine | Explore / 49
Likewise, the word is spreading about our Siouxland
donation sites and food pantry locations. Up From the
Earth now has 28 collection sites to assist you and your
bumper crop, so that you might assist others. Lastly,
people are taking the time to cultivate a culture of
compassion. Our mission to educate others about food
insecurity is going beyond hoeing a row. We are Planting
seeds of change, we are Growing food to nourish, and
we are Sharing compassion with our neighbors.
Have you had the conversation in your home?
Among your friends? At your church? At your
work? While we have many outstanding
resources for those who are hungry to help feed
them, ask yourself and others:
What is food insecurity in Siouxland?
What does hunger look like in Siouxland?
What are the resources we already have?
What might I/we do to help?
What impacts of hunger or food insecurity
have I seen?
Find our collection sites listed on our website
or our Facebook page. The Facebook page
has more frequent updates: https://www.
facebook.com/upfromtheearth/ and https://
upfromtheearth.wixsite.com/siouxland
Want to donate cash directly to a food pantry?
Every dollar donated will buy 13 pounds of food.
Lisa Cox is a Master Gardener and community volunteer.
Jenny Jorgensen is a Master Gardener and community
volunteer.
Graphic courtesy of Up From the Earth.

Siouxland Magazine | Explore / 50
The Monarch of the City
By Jim Jung
Searching for information on a building can be a
highly rewarding process. Of course, there are the usual
facts such as date of construction, architectural style and so
on. However, the exciting find is the “aha” moment when
long-forgotten facts come to light.
This scenario occurred while researching the Badgerow
Building located in downtown Sioux City. It was discovered
that the building was originally named the Monarch of
the City. Even more interesting is that the original cost to
construct the building was $750,000. To do so today would
be $11,000,000.
However, how coincidental that the City of Sioux City is
considering purchasing it for $750,000?
This site was chosen because, at the time, it was located
near a large wholesale district, railroad terminals and a
trucking depot. It is also close to the riverfront and was in
the midst of a thriving 4th Street.
The Badgerow Building was dedicated in 1933 to honor
Gordon R. Badgerow. He immigrated from Canada in 1866,
and in 1876, arrived in Sioux City. While in the city, he was
admitted into the practice of law in the courts in Iowa. He
continued on to be Deputy Internal Revenue Collector
and then Postmaster. He was best known for his large
investments in real estate as an agent. He eventually moved
out of Sioux City and died in 1916 while residing in Tacoma,
Washington.
The site of the Badgerow Building is the location
of one of the worst disasters in the city. On
December 23, 1904, the Pelletier Department
Store caught fire, which resulted in two downtown
blocks being destroyed.
At the time of the Badgerow Building’s construction,
America was experiencing the Modern architectural
movement. The style of the building is best described
as the melding of Sullivanesque, Modern and Art Deco
architecture. The architect stated that it was an interpretation
of Art Deco, erected in memory of a pioneer, and would
add to the skyline and be typical of city spirit and the desire
for higher and greater things.
The products used in the construction of the building were
of the highest variety and quality. A facing of 360 tons of
terra cotta, 4 railroad cars full of mahogany woodwork,
12 railroad cars full of Belgian marble, several tons of
Tennessee pink marble and terrazzo floors contributed to
the structure. No expense was spared, and the dream of
a building with a personality of its own had been realized.
Local architect Knute Enoch Westerlind designed the
Badgerow Building. Born in Sweden in 1889, he received
his architectural training there. As a young man, he came
to Chicago to join his brother who was also an architect
and specialized in the use of terracotta. Westerlind was
the architect for the City Auditorium on Gordon Drive; he
also designed a Modern house on E. Solway and several
other buildings in Sioux City. He is buried in Memorial
Park Cemetery where the Singing Tower that he designed
dominates the landscape.
This research revealed the history of a uniquely-styled
building that adds to the fabric of downtown. Almost a
century has passed since its construction and, with care,
it can endure another century. Therefore, it is a great idea
for the city to purchase it and guide its preservation and
ownership so that the Monarch of the City can continue on.
Jim Jung is a freelance historic preservation specialist.
As a past member and chair of the Sioux City Historic
Preservation Commission, his experience and knowledge
on the subject are invaluable.
Photo credit Tom Stock

Digging Deeper to Answer Nature’s Questions
By Olivia Parks
Exploring nature for young children includes many
questions: What is this? Why is this here? How does
this move? How do I fit in with this place?
Having a safe place to be engulfed in nature is very important
for a child’s development. This encourages independence,
exploration, curiosity, and eagerness to learn. Time for
exploration without structure allows children to become
whatever their imaginations can build: from a zookeeper
with a collection of wild bugs, to a chemist measuring water
quality from your backyard kiddie pool, to an archeologist
digging up old artifacts like the watch you lost years ago.
Siouxland Magazine | Explore / 51
negative reaction by making their first encounters with
insects positive and informational, and that starts with
ensuring the safety of the child and the safety of the insect
being studied. Children should approach all insects with
curiosity and the understanding that they are a fragile part
of the environment. After recognizing this in the smallest
creatures in the environment, children will apply it to
larger wildlife they will eventually learn about and study.
Not only is it important for children to have the
opportunity to be able to explore and question
what is around them, but it is also important to
find those answers independently. Many times,
while exploring the outdoors, questions will
have a domino effect. One question will lead to
many more, sparking curiosity in children and
motivating them to always seek the answers to
their questions.
One thing that children find fascinating, but as adults we
tend to overlook, is what you can see while looking at the
ground. An example is insects! Children who see insects
have a positive or negative reaction to them based on
those who are around them and their reaction to bugs.
Many children become scared of bugs since some adults
react suddenly, scaring the child and teaching him or her to
react negatively to insects. We can help children avoid that
Children exploring nature will stumble upon many
questions. As people they look up to, we must do our
best to help them find the answers, and we must also be
sure to act as role models in helping nature and not being
afraid to explore. We must take it into our own hands to
show them it is alright to want to learn about reptiles, even
if we have learned to fear snakes. We can teach children
it is alright to not know all the answers, and then help
them find the resources to discover them. Not all animals
can live inside as pets, but we must help save the homes
animals do have. This will help them learn how to help
nature and have a positive impact on it, rather than taking
advantage of what we have.
Olivia Parks, AmeriCorps 4-H Environmental Education
Naturalist, Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center.
Photos courtesy of Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center.

enjoy
You only live once.
M’s on 4th Making its Own Mark
By Kolby DeWitt
M’s on 4th has solidly found its own footing and
has surpassed the shadows of its renowned
predecessors. Beginning its 4th year in business, owner
Vernon Meyer is rightfully proud of the establishment
he’s created: “We don’t compromise. We’ll never be
like a chain, or anyone else. We emphasize quality, and
provide excellent food at a reasonable price.”
Although M’s on 4th has a sophisticated menu and
ambiance (complete with dark woods, high ceilings,
boutique fixtures, and impressive array of wines that
one would expect to find in a city at least quadruple the
size of Sioux City), Meyer has surprising roots: “I’m just a
small town kid from Lytton, Iowa. I attended Morningside
College, graduating with a business degree.” Meyer
spent several years with HyVee, in roles including
Department Manager and Beverage Director. He also
had experience in the nonprofit sector. “At that time, I
met a client for lunch, and we talked about our passions,”
which led to starting M’s on 4th with a partner he’s since
bought out.
Meyer was never intimidated at taking on the former
Luciano’s and Victorian Opera Company site: “It is about
having the right vision and having the right people on the
team. Once we had our game plan and we were unified,
it all came down to execution,” Meyer said. They kept the
Italian theme of the prior restaurants, but also wanted
to be known for steaks and entrees. “Most everything
is handmade, not from frozen. Our sauces are made
on-the-spot.” Meyer added that they’ve kept the everpopular
martinis the same, but added flavors. His drive is
unmistakable: throughout our meeting, he never stopped
working, with his laptop at hand; but he never made me
feel like I wasn’t his sole focus.
First up was the Wedge Salad, which was a healthy offering
of lettuce that it could qualify as a meal for most: “This dish
is baby iceberg lettuce, chopped up, with blue cheese
crumbles, an in-house dressing, and red onions,” said
Jenny Van Beek, a confident and capable chef who started
with M’s on 4th as an intern and trained under Head Chef
Melis Spencer at Western Iowa Tech’s culinary program.

have fun
entertainment
culture
gather
relax
Next was the Chicken Tortellini Carbonara, which contains
bacon, grilled chicken, broccolini, bruschetta mix, and threecheese
tortellini, all in a creamy white wine sauce. This dish
was also a filling fare, but still fresh and light. Also sampled
was the Seared Ahi Tuna: “This is sesame crusted, rare ahi tuna
with citrus, blood-orange vinaigrette and wasabi sauce,” said a
satisfied Van Beek, who knows her creations (and craft) frontto-back.
Lastly, we sampled my favorite: Bolognese with Penne. This
traditional, tomato sauce dish absolutely hit the spot for
someone craving a traditional Italian dish, which tasted like
a spaghetti and meatball dish. The peppery notes and the
delicious noodles are the perfect cold-weather dish.
“I love making the Pasta Rosa,” said Van Beek, highlighting
another traditional Italian dish. “We glaze it with vodka, and
the pan ‘wooshes’ with fire when preparing!” Her zeal for her
trade is evident: Van Beek has assisted Chef Spencer in many
aspects of the business, including with the menu and some
recipes. Van Beek also handles the deserts.
“We love to do the farm-to-table ingredients,” said Meyer,
who added: “we strive to get as local as possible. All of our
beef is grass-fed.” Meyer also noted many great partnerships
in Siouxland, including with Holiday Inn Express (Dakota
Dunes), Country Celebrations, Tucker Hills Vineyard, Oscar Carl
Vineyard, the Le Mars Convention Center, and Willow Creek
Golf Course.
M’s on 4th has also expanded to include robust catering
services and offers venues: “We have three venues on-site,
which offer everything from our wine room, to a room for 30-50
people, and even our main dining room,” said Meyer, noting
that one loyal customer is booked to have an entire wedding
and reception at M’s on 4th this year. “People are still learning
about this service. We acquired Timmy’s Catering from Le Mars
in 2017, almost by accident.” Since, they’ve maintained its
customer base, and have seen a decent expansion. However,
Meyer is eagerly looking for more: “This isn’t just a job, for me
or for staff. We offer a true experience of great food, great wine,
and great service.”
M’s on 4th is open from 4pm to 9pm Tuesday through Thursday,
and open from 4pm to 10pm on Friday and Saturday. They also
offer catering. For more information, visit www.mson4th.com.
Kolby Dewitt has enjoyed writing (primarily about food) for
Siouxland Magazine since 2010.
Photo credit Becca Feauto.

Siouxland Magazine |
Siouxland Magazine | Enjoy Design / 54 Issue / 20
New spring merchandise arrives at Bohme Southern Hills Mall, Sioux City.
Eight Spring Trends to Try
By Erika Hanson
Register to
Appear in
Upcoming
Issue.
Q: I’m so tired of winter! I
want to start incorporating
some spring looks into my
style choices, but I’m not
sure where to start. Help!
-Angela K.
As a self-proclaimed winter
superfan, my favorite six months
of the year are September
to February. My DNA is just
Erika Hanson
programmed for the colder months, and it’s when I feel
most alive.
But – there is nothing like that first scent of spring.
Everything smells damp, like the deepest reaches of the
earth are thawing out. If a season could smell like a color,
spring most certainly smells like green.
In the Midwest, when temps reach 40 degrees, it’s time to
reach for shorts and flip-flops. OK, maybe not really, but
you’d never know it by the insanity that overtakes people
who are ready to kiss snow goodbye, and welcome
sunshine with open arms.
And the world of haute couture is no different. Designers
flooded the Spring 2020 runways with the typical
energetic, happy colors of warmer weather – but with a
kick of wild pattern, a cool dose of slouch, and more polka
dots than are reasonable.
With torrents of complaints about the Siouxland retail scene
overtaking local fashion discussion – it’s time to prove the
haters wrong.
Lots of great spring fashion choices exist here, you just have to
know where to look. And lucky you, dear Siouxland Magazine
Reader – I’ve done all the legwork for you. Here are a few hot
local spots to check out for winning on-trend looks.
If you’re looking for slouchy wide-leg pants, never fear. Several
retailers offered the look, including the very current cargo
slouchy pant, which designers paired with everything from
dressy tops to bras-as-outerwear (more on those later). Check
out American Eagle, Bohme, and Francesca’s, all at Southern
Hills Mall, for the best selection of sizes, colors, and styles.
Spring leather was a hit on runways from New York to Paris,
and while it’s usually thought of as a cold-weather staple,
lighter weights and colors make it an ideal material to bridge
the cooler early months of spring. Stop at Versona, located
at Lakeport Commons, for faux leather leggings (no animal
cruelty!) that will update basic camisoles or T-shirts.
Polka dots were front and center at Fashion Weeks all over the
world. This is a trend that’s highly-wearable and easy to find.
Stop in almost any store and you can find something covered

in the whimsical pattern. Look for oversized polka dots –
it’s the freshest spin on a tried and true classic. The most
current looks can be found locally at Southern Hills Mall
favorites Bohme and Francesca’s. Black and white is an
easy entry-point to the trend, but check out the adorable
red and white polka dot dress at Francesca’s.
Designers seemed ready to forego dainty chains this
season, as a gravitational pull toward collar necklaces
took over Planet Accessories. Versona won the award for
most oversized collar necklaces, with a variety of materials
and styles to choose from. And Gordmans had a fabulous
collar necklace adorned with feathers, another designer
trend for spring. Check out both locations at Lakeport
Commons.
Siouxland Magazine | Enjoy /55
Bra tops as outerwear. Admittedly, not a trend for everyone.
But don’t be afraid to pair yours with a tissue-weight
t-shirt underneath. It gives the wearer more coverage,
while still highlighting a fashion-forward style update.
Not surprisingly, stores that cater to a younger audience
had the widest selection. Check out American Eagle and
Aeropostale, both at Southern Hills Mall, for cool options.
Bonus points for choosing one in crochet – another hot
look for spring.
with jeans (I’m still thinking about it. Which means I need
to go back and buy it.)
Yes, “60s Wallpaper” is a thing. And there is one local
boutique where you can find blouses and skirts, in all
price points, to satisfy your psychedelic cravings. Threads,
inside the Sioux City Conservatory of Music’s Gimme
Shelter Anti-Mall on Pierce Street, is a veritable treasure
trove of vintage and second-hand options that are
authentic nods to one of the most iconic counterculture
decades in history. While you’re there, you can also
marvel at a very on-point vintage loafer that would be
incredible with a sheer sock. Throw down a little prayer
that you’re the right size for it. And come back often, as
the selection is constantly changing.
And there you have it! A list of some of the most popular
trends spotted on spring runways, and where to find
look-alikes right here in Siouxland. It’s tough out there for
brick-and-mortar retailers everywhere, but nothing beats
the immediate gratification of finding the perfect look
and taking it home with you instantly. And supporting
local stores, where real local people work, feels great!
That’s a bonus you can’t get online.
Tiered skirts are fun, but OK – maybe not always that
practical. Unless you’re Sarah Jessica Parker, wearing a
tiered ball gown skirt to the office might seem a little…
over-dramatic? But rejoice! There’s an easy way to get the
same basic look with a little less overt glam. Bohme had
a fantastic selection of dresses with just the right amount
of ruffle – perfect for work, brunch, or ladies-who-lunch.
Highlighter hues are a trend that can be incorporated
into any wardrobe right now, and the best part? They
always make the wearer look tan. Even when it’s still pastyskinned
March. Target was the clear winner for the neon
looks of spring. Choose from t-shirts, dresses, belts, even
oversized sweaters to get you through those final chilly
months. And Buckle, at Southern Hills Mall, had a great
fluorescent tie-front sweater that would look fantastic
Know someone who deserves an all-out style
makeover? Nominate a friend, a relative, even
yourself, by sending a short description of the
nominee to KingsFromAsh@gmail.com. Photos
are also welcome. This year, Siouxland Magazine
will choose one winner, and treat that person to
a style excursion to boost body, mind, and spirit.
Everyone and anyone is welcome to participate!
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.

Siouxland Magazine | Enjoy /56
LE MARS
Ice Cream Capital of the World
IOWA
Life is sweet in Le Mars! We received some exciting news at
the end of January --- the Des Moines Register biking event,
RAGBRAI, is going to start in Le Mars on Sunday, July 19.
Plans are underway and committees are being formed. Le
Mars will rise to the occasion and showcase our community.
What a great place to start RAGBRAI – the Ice Cream Capital
of the World.
(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
Make it a point to get out of the house this winter and bring
the family to the newly remodeled Wells Visitors Center and
Ice Cream Parlor. You can spend hours there enjoying ice
cream, but also watching a movie about the Wells family
and business, experiencing interactive displays and even
finding out, by taking a computer quiz, what ice cream
novelty your personality is most like.
Mark your calendars for the 2020 Ice Cream Days Festival
June 17 thru June 21. We’re adding some new events this
year…virtual ice cream run/walk, a pickleball tournament,
Le Mars Arts Center Tees in the Breeze, Golf Fun, ice cream
flavor contest, ice cream eating contest, a cricket tournament
and the BIG BASH (a Saturday evening concert). Watch for
upcoming announcements.
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. During Ice Cream Days the Art Center will
be displaying the very prestigious American Watercolor
Society 153rd Annual Traveling Exhibition. Forty selected
paintings, submitted by artists from the United States and
around the world. You don’t want to miss this opportunity
to see original works by these accomplished artists.
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.
Le Mars has a wide array of restaurants from coffeehouses
to steak houses. Be sure to have a steak at Archie’s – the

Siouxland Magazine | Enjoy / 57
restaurant has received the prestigious James Beard
award. 4 Brothers offers a wide selection of food options
and drinks in a relaxed atmosphere. Bob’s Drive Inn, written
up in Gourmet Magazine, features the famous Bob Dog.
Habitue’ Coffeehouse, on Central Avenue across from
the Ice Cream Parlor, has delicious pastries and gourmet
coffee drinks. 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, 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. If you have
a party of 10 or more people the CVB will help you plan
your day in Le Mars. Give Jessica a call at 712-548-4971.
Come see us … Le Mars where Life is Sweet!
ProLink
Julie Hurt ABR, CRS
REALTOR
Century 21 ProLink
41 Central Avenue NW
LeMars, IA. 51031
Cell: 712.540.7757
Office: 712.546.6833
Web: www.juliehurtc21.com
Licensed in Iowa

Are you sure the
Symphony’s not your “thing”?
Ask the SOLD OUT crowd from our last
concert what they think.
7:30 pm
Come Feel What You’ve Been Missing!
siouxcitysymphony.org | 712.277.2111

SURGERY
when you need it.
Alternatives
when you don’t.
Trust our experts to explain your treatment
options – and deliver them – close to home.
Together, we’ll find your best path forward.
CNOS.NET | 605-217-2667