Siouxland Magazine - Volume 3 Issue 3

STARTING CONVERSATIONS
Setting an Example for Others -
Kevin McCormick’s Story.
“Vulnerability will change your life.”
“Quiero que la gente de Siouxland sepa
que cada desafío que enfrente será
siempre una experiencia de aprendizaje.”
- Jesus Jimenez
Volume 3, Issue 3
20
2Vulnerability
21
Volume 3, Issue

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Welcome to Siouxland Magazine
It’s in these pages we educate and inspire. Even more importantly, we
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 appreciation for the power of connection
through meaningful conversations, it only made sense to name the
b u s i n e s s Empowering Conversations.
Siouxland Magazine | Vulnerability / 3
Stacie Anderson, Owner
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
Facebook @siouxlandmag
E m p o w e r i n g
Conversations, LLC
siouxlandmagazine.com

Vulnerability
Converse22
Be Vulnerable. It Will Change Your Life.......................................................8
Conversation About Vulnerability...................................................................10
Young Fighter with a Heart of Gold......................................................12
Inclusive Peek................................................................................................................................14
Seek Out the Quiet Ones for the Best Convos............16
Attracting Business and Industry to
Our Community........................................................................................................................17
Grow
Balance
Show Up Social.............................................................................................................................24
Build a Business with a Heart..........................................................................27
Beautification Pays!..................................................................................................................28
Give a Good Look to Siouxland...................................................................29
2020-2021 Graduating Class of Leadership
Siouxland..................................................................................................................................................31
Shopping Local...............................................................................................................................33
Your Business Being Vulnerable....................................................................35
What Makes Us Vulnerable to Dis-ease?......................................38
The Vulnerable Heart.........................................................................................................40
Ask the Therapist........................................................................................................................4 2
Access Mental Health Through the Body..................................44
“To share your weakness is to make yourself vulnerable; to make yourself
vulnerable is to show your strength.”
– Criss Jami

“It’s very hard to have ideas. It’s very hard to put yourself out there,
it’s very hard to be vulnerable, but those people who do that are the dreamers,
the thinkers and the creators. They are the magic people of the world.”
– Amy Poehler
Inspire
Vulnerability Is Key To Building Relationships.......................18
Experiencing Human Connection Through
Vulnerability...........................................................................................................................................20
The Brightside Café.............................................................................................................22
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 are 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, email or Facebook.
We promise to not disappoint. We’re creating a
magazine you won’t want to put down.
Want to be included in our July issue?
Contact us soon!
Deadline to reserve space is
June 11th!
Media Kit at siouxlandmagazine.com
explore
Sioux City Farmers Market Manager................................................46
Vulnerability Is.....................................................................................................................................48
Les Vulnérables................................................................................................................................50
Saving Summer for Later..............................................................................................52
Market Experience................................................................................................................54
JOIN US!
You won’t want to miss...
Siouxland Magazine’s Facebook
Spotlights
Monday @ 7:30 pm,
Small Business Spotlight
Wednesday @ 7:30 pm,
Nonprofit Spotlight
ON THE COVER
Photography by Jetske Wauran.

Siouxland Magazine writers
CONVERSE
Jetske Wauran,
People of
Siouxland -
Portraits of the
Extraordinary.
INSPIRE
Dr. Cyndi Hanson,
Executive Director for
Northeast Community
College’s Extended
Campus.
GROW
Stacy Orndorff,
Entrepreneurial
Community
Navigator &
Stacy O. Speaks.
Tony Michaels,
KSUX Morning
Show Host with
Candice Nash.
Michelle Lessmann,
Fully Licensed Office
Professional in Keith
Bales Office of Thrivent.
Todd Rausch,
SBDC Regional
Director at
WITCC.
EXPLORE
Alex Watters,
Sioux City Council.
University of
Nebraska – Lincoln
Nebraska Extension
Educators.
Up From the
Earth Leadership
Team.
BALANCE
Hali Benson,
Certified Holistic Nutrition
and Wellness Practitioner
& Owner Blossom Services
Dr. Meghan Nelson,
Licensed Physical Therapist,
Professional Yoga Therapist &
Co-owner of Lumin Therapy.
Gladys Smith,
Licensed Independent
Social Worker &
Co-founder of Soul
Creek Nature Therapy.
Grace Nordquist,
Business
Development
Coordinator for
Downtown Partners.
Nolan Shook,
Marketing Board
Chair for Sioux
City Growth
Organization.
Peggy Smith,
Executive Director
for Leadership
Siouxland.
Adrian Kolbo,
Host of the Webseries
Sioux City
Foodie and Local
F&B Fanatic.
Dr. Nesrin Abu Ata,
Family Medicine
Physician, Integrative
Psychiatrist & Yoga
Instructor.
Erika Hansen,
Lifelong
Siouxland
Resident &
Model.
Emily Larson,
Licensed Massage
Therapist & Private
Yoga Instructor.
Kari Nelson,
Graphic Designer.
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.

Editors Note
“It is not the critic who counts, not the
one who points out how the strong
man stumbled or how the doer of
deeds might have done them better.
The credit belongs to the man who
is actually in the arena, whose face
is marred with sweat and dust and
blood; who strives valiantly; who errs
and comes short again and again; who
knows the great enthusiasms, the great
devotions, and spends himself in a
worthy cause; who, if he wins, knows
the triumph of high achievement;
and who, if he fails, at least fails while
daring greatly, so that his place shall
never be with those cold and timid
souls who know neither victory nor
defeat.” - Theodore Roosevelt
To those who dare to put themselves out there, to be vulnerable
and honest, I applaud your brave hearts. This issue celebrates you.
Let’s be honest, it is hard to open up and share personal things.
The concern of being judged or rejected is deep-seated. It is not
our initial inclination to divulge our innermost feelings, thoughts,
or even life experiences. It is, however, one of the most effective
and powerful ways to connect to another human being.
Through our shared humanity, we see each other, or maybe
better put, that we see parts of ourselves in others. This expands
our understanding, and ultimately, strengthens our compassion
and empathy. We relate to one another in new ways. It is through
this connection that we can heal, grow and even thrive.
It certainly isn’t easy, but it is worth it. Allowing yourself to be
vulnerable can promote healing, provide access to support and
encouragement, create a sense of belonging, and even deepen
the intimacy in our relationships. Allowing ourselves to show up
authentically is liberating.
I encourage you to explore how vulnerability plays out in your life.
When and with whom do you open up, and what parts of yourself
do you let them see? It is a delicate balance of trust. Trust in the
timing, in the relationship, and trust in yourself. Over time, it does
become easier, and the rewards become greater.
This publication has been instrumental in my exploration of
vulnerability. I have always been fairly transparent in sharing
my struggles with those close to me, and over the years with
those I knew I could help with my story. I have felt the power of
vulnerability and connection.
Now, through the magazine, I am experiencing it on another
level. I am putting myself out there on a larger scale and in front
of people I have never met. At times I feel very exposed, but more
often, I feel embraced. This community has been overwhelmingly
supportive and embraced my vision. This is a passionate endeavor,
and my heart is on my sleeve.
As with anything, there will always be critics, but I have found
that they are few and far between. It’s those that express their
appreciation and share how stories within the magazine resonated
with them that carry me forward. It’s those that stand in the arena
with me, that dare to get vulnerable, to get dust on their face
and roll up their sleeves for the betterment of others. It’s those
individuals that hold my attention and have my eternal gratitude.
Siouxland Magazine | Vulnerability / 7
Stacie Anderson
Owner of Empowering Conversations LLC & Siouxland Magazine
Certified John Maxwell Speaker, Trainer & Coach
Passionate about Leadership & Communication
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.

VULNERABILITY
transparent
courageous
Kevin McCormick with his family.
Be Vulnerable. It Will Change Your Life.
By Jetske Wauran
From a very young age, men are taught that
opening up is a sign of weakness. Even more
so, being vulnerable to others.
The societal pressures of masculinity have hindered
many men from displaying their true emotions and
feelings. For centuries, men all over the world have
been facing a set of standards to keep up with, from
gladiators to samurais, to super jocks and modern-day
“bros”....boys simply don’t cry.
After all, a man’s world is meant to be an emotionally
stoic place, where vulnerability is not only unfavorable,
it is unwelcome.
But that is not the case for former Sioux City Police
Officer Kevin McCormick. In his eyes, vulnerability is a
sign of strength and empowerment. And he is a living
testament of that.
“You have to experience it in order to know what
strength feels like.”
Rewind to the afternoon of April 29, 2013. McCormick
was performing a routine traffic stop when a suspect
jumped out of a vehicle’s passenger side and opened
fire at him.
(Quote pulled directly from dashcam video) “Christ.
Shots fired, shots fired. Holy Sh*t.....I think I’ve been
shot in the f*cking head*...”
McCormick had been shot, suffering from a gunshot
wound just above his right eye.
“The guy gets out and starts shooting as I back up. At
the 8 or 9th round, I could tell the bullet went through
the windshield.”
McCormick said as he recalls that day like the back of
his hand.
“I felt so good. I wanted to stay in the fight pretty bad,
and if I had been on a little longer, I would’ve done
things differently, but I was only on for a year and a half
at that point. But I was told not to continue.”
But while the scar is not clearly visible to the naked
eye, the scars of those most critical moments after the
shooting stayed with Kevin and eventually took a toll
on his mental health. McCormick was struggling with
stress and anxiety for several months.
“It really didn’t take long for me to recover. I went back
to work 12 days later. I showed up every day with my

open
trustful
confident
evolved
game face on, with that cop mentality where you just
have to act like nothing bothers you. Everything’s fine,
and you can handle all that stuff you see day in and
day out.”
McCormick struggled in silence and didn’t address his
issues to anyone, keeping the challenges and feelings
to himself.
“I was playing this game for months like I was okay,
and eventually, it caught up to me. I could not do it
anymore. I couldn’t fake it anymore. I finally said,
‘guys, I’m messed up,’ and then started crying. It was
one of those stops you couldn’t stop either. But all of
a sudden, it felt like a huge weight had been lifted off
my shoulders. Then I started being myself again, and
I wanted to take it to the next level. I know you don’t
have to get shot in the head to get messed up in this
job. So, when I look around in roll call and see this
guy just responded to a nasty accident, a drowning,
whatever, I just know they’re messed up. They’re doing
what I did and hiding it.”
McCormick couldn’t keep up with living in this spiral
of self-doubt and struggle. He stepped up for himself
and began meeting with a therapist regularly.
“I would get on the radio and say J-2 and announce that
I was headed to Omaha to see my doctor. Everybody
knew when they heard that McCormick was going to
see a therapist down in Omaha. I wanted them to hear
it because I was hopeful that maybe one other person
would be inspired to see a therapist too. As open as I
am about my feelings, I can tell you that for a long time,
I wasn’t willing to go that far for fear that I would lose
this sense of manliness or lose the ability to take care of
this situation.”
McCormick would go every two weeks, then once a
month for three years. He said, seeking therapy was
not only an eye-opening experience for the 43-year-old
father of one, but it was also most definitely a rewarding
one that shaped him into who he is now.
“More empathetic, more understanding, healthier and
happier.”
Therapy helped him to improve in all areas of his life,
from expressing emotions better to thinking more
positively.
“Let your guard down and put it all out there.
I do believe to get to the next level, you
do need to open yourself up completely,”
McCormick said.
“I think every single time that I have put myself out there,
it has made me into a better person.”
While the journey wasn’t easy, it was absolutely worth
it, he said. It took years in the making, and McCormick
made it happen. His willingness to be open with others
inspired him to develop self-care actions, as he learned
the tools to help him in all areas of his life. And because
of vulnerability, McCormick says, he’s become a better
husband, father, and stronger man.
“Be vulnerable. It will change your life.”
In November 2019, McCormick retired from the police
force after serving for nearly eight years. He is now a
Family Services Coordinator at Habitat for Humanity, a
nonprofit organization that helps families build and
improve places to call home. He and his wife Jessica
have been married for 16 years. Together they have a
beautiful daughter, Wren, and a dog, Trooper.
Jetske Wauran, People of Siouxland - Portraits of the
Extraordinary.
Kevin McCormick with his daughter reading.
Photo Credit Jetske Wauran

Siouxland Magazine | Vulnerability / 10
Christine
Peggy
Conversation About Vulnerability
In this issue, our Conversation participants are
Peggy DeBoer and Christine Cappetta. Each
woman will respond to the same questions, providing
you an opportunity to hear different perspectives and
continue the conversation with your circle of friends.
Peggy DeBoer is an ARNP certified in Adults and Geriatrics
and has been involved in healthcare since 1979. She
currently works with the Siouxland elderly to help them
continue to live in their own homes as independently and
healthy as possible. She is also an adjunct professor at
Morningside College in their Graduate Nursing program.
Christine Cappetta is the Lead Pastor at ARK United
Methodist Church in North Sioux City, SD. She has a BS in
Youth Ministry and Biblical and Theological Studies from
North Park University, Chicago, and is currently getting her
MDiv through Sioux Falls Seminary. She is wife to Matthew,
a foster, adoptive, and bio mom to six kids volunteers as
a Client Advocate at Her Health Women’s Center in Sioux
City, and an aspiring chicken homesteader leaning on the
grace and hope of God amidst life’s messes.
Siouxland Magazine (SM): The theme for this
month’s magazine was inspired by Brené Brown.
She states that only through allowing ourselves to
be vulnerable to rejection do we open ourselves
to acceptance, love, and belonging. What are your
thoughts on this?
Christine Cappetta (CC): We all desire to be known,
loved, and belong as we fully are. Until we allow others to
see “the good, the bad, and the ugly” in us, we won’t know
if they truly love us completely or just the parts they see.
Unfortunately, some people will choose to walk away when
life gets difficult or when there is a rift in the relationship.
If we never risk having someone walk away, we also never
have the chance to have relationships with true acceptance,
love, and belonging.
Peggy DeBoer (PD): I think allowing yourself to be
vulnerable to rejection is the gold standard of solid mental
health. In working with older people, I have noticed they
have a difficult time showing vulnerability by asking for
help when they need it. Many times, they think if they ask
for help, it will lead to losing their independence or their
family rejecting them as being a burden. Most times, it has
the opposite effect, and they receive what they need to
keep their independence, and their family will make more
effort to help them maintain their independence.
SM: Facing vulnerability takes enormous courage.
How have you faced your own vulnerability in life?
PD: When I lost my first husband, I found myself in a very
dark place. My pride prevented me from asking for help
because I didn’t want to look weak or wasn’t capable of
doing things on my own. I also didn’t want to look like I
had lost my faith or no longer trusted God, because as a
Christian, faith and trusting God is important to me. Once

I accepted my problem and reached out for help, my
situation and my mental health greatly improved.
CC: I think two of the most important times to be vulnerable
are when you need to express an emotion or a need (to
express love, to ask for help, etc.) and when you have an
opportunity to help someone else. I have experienced
postpartum depression (PPD). When I had my first child
nearly 11 years ago, I had never heard anyone talk about PPD
except in a clinical setting. After my second child was born,
I knew I was suffering from PPD, but I was too embarrassed
to say anything. I suffered with it for three months before I
overheard another mom casually talking about having PPD
and how her doctor helped. Her vulnerability to talk about
her experience gave me the courage to be vulnerable with
my husband and my doctor so that I could seek treatment. I
don’t want others to feel shame or embarrassment about
mental health struggles, so I often share my experience to
try to help normalize it and to simply tell others, “I see you.”
SM: What do you say to people who are consumed
with what others think of them?
CC: It takes a lot of energy to worry about what others think
of you. I tell people that it is important to focus on what is
important to them and their goals, and they will be happier,
and the people who matter will see you.
PD: I tell people that it is a waste to let others rent space
in their heads for free and kick them out. I think age has a
lot to do with whether you are consumed with what others
think of you. I have noticed younger people today are more
self-confident and not as consumed with what others think
of them. Older generations would never leave the house
until they looked proper and were very concerned about
whether others would approve of them. Many thought that
if they looked put together, people would think everything
was okay, even though it might not have been..
SM: In a world that currently seems very polarized,
how can we embrace the vulnerability of sharing
thoughts or opinions that might differ from the
majority (or loudest) voices? Is this important? Why?
PD: I think it is important to share our thoughts, even if
they may be different from others, as long as we do it in
a manner that is not demeaning, mocking, belittling or a
personal attack on the individual. It is only through open
and honest, face-to-face conversations conducted in a
civilized manner with those who have opposite opinions
that we can find common ground. When we have more of
those conversations, we can truly understand where the
other person is coming from, why they think what they think
and feel what they feel. Without that, we can only assume
what they think and feel, and we can be completely wrong.
CC: Sometimes, the most vulnerable thing we can do
is admit we don’t know everything. During a polarized
conversation, stating, “I don’t know everything about this
topic,” “I am trying to learn,” or “I have never thought about it
that way before,” can relax the conversation enough so that
a dialogue can happen. We also need to recognize that not
every conversation is helpful or even necessary. We don’t
always need to share our thoughts and opinions, especially
with someone who is unwilling to be open to listening or
if it is an unsafe place (whether physically or emotionally).
Photo Credit Britton Hacke Photography (Christine), Photo
Contributed by Peggy DeBoer (Peggy).
Siouxland Magazine | Vulnerability / 11

converse
curious
Cultivating Meaningful
Powerful narrative of “us”
truth seekers
Young Fighter with a Heart of Gold
By Jetske Wauran
Born in 2005, Molly Sek is a mixed-martial
artist and Judoka. She has won more than
70 medals from local, state, to national Judo
competitions. Molly became a Judo champion,
earning back-to-back golds in the Iowa State games
and Sioux City Judo Championships.
This North High School freshman just completed her
first season of wrestling. She discovered her passion
for martial arts when her dad introduced her to the
sport at a very young age. A powerful athlete, Molly
has bravely dived into unknown waters, defeating
some of the strongest competitors, mainly boys,
since she started Judo approximately eight years
ago. She is resilient and knows how to stand up for
herself; however, she’s also very compassionate to
others and especially her family.
As a Cambodian-American, Molly said it is a great
honor to be of mixed races. Her dad arrived in the
U.S. from Cambodia in 1985 to escape the war and
to pursue a better life for his family. Fast forward to
the future. It was more than two decades later that
Molly’s parents would be married in July of 2017.

strengthening our community
Conversations exploring perspectives
coming together
open minded
focused on common good
“Representing our country is everything.
Representing my family is even more important.
My dad gave everything for me to be who I am and
worked so hard to be here. Representing where I
come from is something I keep close to me,” said
Molly.
Today, you can find Molly teaching Judo to aspiring
fighters and kids in Siouxland, teaching them not
only the ancient techniques of “the gentle way”
(Judo), but also the art of accomplishing your
biggest dreams.
“Don’t let people stop you from what your goal is,”
said Molly
Photo Credit Jetske Wauran
Collage Photo of Molly Sek Contributed by Kien &
Alexis Sek
Hello, I’m Jetske Wauran and I am so excited to team up with Siouxland
Magazine! This team effort will serve as an avenue to share my passion
project, “People of Siouxland - Portraits of the Extraordinary.” I launched
this in September 2020, in hopes of inspiring and uplifting others in the
most trying of times. As a visual storyteller, my mission is to highlight
people who have made a profound impact in our community and write
stories about the underrepresented individuals and hidden gems within
Siouxland. It is an honor to share their unique and remarkable stories with
you. Stories that are worth encouraging, enjoying, and celebrating.
Jetske Wauran is a community activist, professional photographer, and
Emmy award winning journalist.

Siouxland Magazine | Converse / 14
Inclusive Peek
What challenges have you experienced living
in Siouxland? When I first moved to Siouxland,
my parents brought my brother and me. My brother
was four and I was six years old then. I had to skip
kindergarten and start first grade, which was very
difficult for me at first because I needed to learn to
read and write English. It was a very scary situation
not knowing what to do because I didn’t understand
what people were saying to me. I spent the majority
of my elementary school years catching up in English
as a Second Language classes. Things would become
easier over time and I was able to overcome those
first challenges.
How has Siouxland been Welcoming?
Siouxland is a welcoming community in the number
of groups and activities you can be involved in. I’ve
had the pleasure of being a part of Leadership Dakota
County. Participating in Leadership has shown me
around the community that I have grown up in. I was
fortunate enough to attend all of the seminars and
was able to visit new places and learn new information
throughout Dakota County. I would encourage
anyone who is wanting to be involved and meet new
people, to join a group or activity in the community.
What do you want the people of Siouxland to
know?
I want the people of Siouxland to know that every
challenge you are faced with will always be a learning
experience. Those experiences you will be able to
Jesus Jimenez
look back on and reflect. Whatever the outcome negative
or positive will not determine your future, because you will
always have the ability to change it and learn from it.
Inclusive Peek – En Espanol
¿Qué desafíos ha experimentado viviendo en
Siouxland?
Cuando me mudé por primera vez a Siouxland, mis
padres nos trajeron a mi hermano ya mí. Cuando mi
hermano tenía cuatro y yo seis. Tuve que saltarme
el jardín de infancia y empezar el primer grado,
lo cual fue muy difícil para mí al principio, porque
necesitaba aprender a leer y escribir en inglés. Fue
una situación muy aterradora sin saber qué hacer
porque no entendía lo que la gente me decía. Pasé
la mayor parte de mi primaria poniéndome al día en
las clases de inglés como segundo idioma. Las cosas
se volverían más fáciles con el tiempo y pude superar
los primeros desafíos.
¿Cómo ha sido la acogida de Siouxland?
Siouxland es una comunidad acogedora en la cantidad
de grupos y actividades en las que puede participar. He
tenido el placer de ser parte de Leadership Dakota County.
Participar en Leadership me ha mostrado la comunidad en
la que crecí. Tuve la suerte de asistir a todos los seminarios
y pude visitar nuevos lugares y obtener nueva información
en todo el condado de Dakota. Animaría a cualquiera que
desee participar y conocer gente nueva a unirse a un grupo
o actividad en la comunidad.
¿Qué quiere que sepa la gente de Siouxland?
Quiero que la gente de Siouxland sepa que cada desafío
que enfrente será siempre una experiencia de aprendizaje.
Podrás mirar atrás y reflexionar sobre esas experiencias.
Cualquiera que sea el resultado negativo o positivo, no
determinará tu futuro, porque siempre tendrás la capacidad
de cambiarlo y aprender de él.

Inclusive Peek – In Somali
Maxaa looltan ah oo kula soo gudboonaaday intii
aad ku noooleyd Siouxland?
Markaan u soo guuray Siouxland waalidiintay waxay
keeneen aniga iyo walalkay.
Walaalkay markii uu jiray 4 sano, waxaan jiray 6 sano,
waxaan kabooday wax barashada xanaanada, waxaana
bilaabay heer ka koowaad taas oo aad iigu adkeeyd
markii hore.
Siouxland Magazine | Converse / 15
Sababtoo ah waxaan u baahnaa in aan barto sida
wax loo aqriyo iyo loo qoro Ingiriiska. Waxay ahayd
xaalad aad u cabsi badan, adoon garaneeyn waxa aad
samaykarto adoon fahmayn waxa dadku idhahayaan.
Waqtiga intiisa badan waxaan ku qaatay ischoolka
hoose si aan olaqabsado luuqada ingiriiska fasalada
lagubaro luuqada labaad. Tani waxay noqon kartay mid
iifududeysa waqtiga soo socda waxaana awooday inaan
kagudbo caqabadahaas.
Sidee Siouxland kuu soo dhawaysay?
Siouxland waa bulsho soo dhawayn leh koox ahaan iyo
wax qabad ahaan ba, waana kaqeyb qaadan kartaa.
Waxaan aad ugu farax sanahay inaan ka qaybqaato
hogaanka dagmada Dakoda county.
Kaqeyb qaadashada hogaanka waxay itusisay bulshada
aan ku soo dhexkoray. Nasiib wanaag ayay ii ahayd inaan
kaqayb galo dhamaan tababarada, waxaana booqan
karay goobo cusub iyo inaa barto warbixino cusub guud
ahaan dagmada Dakota County. Waxaan ku dhiiri galin
lahaa qofkasta oo doonaya in uu ka qayb galo lana kulmo
dad cusub, kasoo qayb gal oo kamid noqo koox da wax
qabadka bulshada.
Maxaad rabtaa in dadka Siouxland ay ogaadaan?
Waxaan rabaa in dadka Siouxland ogaadaan caqabad
kasta oo aad wajahdo, waa dhacdo aad wax kabarato.
Dhacdooyin kaas waxaa awood u yeelan doontaa inaad
gadaal ufiirisid waxa ay katarjumayaan.
Waxkasto oo natiijadu tahey midqaldan iyo mid saxsan,
ma go aamin doonaan mustaqbal kaaga sababtoo
ah markasta waxaad awood u leedahay inaad wax
kabadasho waxna kabarato.
Photo Credit Jetske Wauran.

Siouxland Magazine | Converse / 16
Seek Out the Quiet Ones for the Best Convos
By Tony Michaels
If you are a regular reader of Siouxland Magazine
and have seen my previous articles, you are well
aware I am a big fan of genuine conversations.
There are so many tremendous viewpoints represented
in this publication. I try my absolute best to mirror those
authentic chats with listeners on the radio every weekday
starting at 5 a.m. Some of those conversations are 100%
fueled by caffeine and curiosity.
When you dive into the way-back machine, and the
outcome is 1995, radio broadcasting had a distinctly
different feel to it. Bombastic shock jock personalities
like Howard Stern, Mancow, and Bubba the Love
Sponge were making waves with outrageous gimmicks
and R-rated material. Hey, it was fun. If I ever decided
to clean out the storage room in my basement, I’m sure
I’ll come across many greatest hits cd’s from those radio
stars. If you are under the age of 20, CDs are just like
digital streams that you can throw like a frisbee. Don’t
get me started on cassettes.
When I shared my desire to work in radio with my coworkers
at the horse racetrack I worked with way back
then, they openly mocked my dream and told me I was
way too quiet to ever become a shock jock. They were
right.
The best conversations on the radio and in life happen
when you LISTEN and share the vulnerable moments in
life. The big, boisterous individual usually gets the early
attention in a room, but how exhausting can that be? The
best convos at a mixer (that’s a 2019 term) happen when
there is some give-and-take in the mutually pleasant
dialogue.
One of my favorite on-air moments was far from some
outrageous prank like was seen in the movie “Private
Parts.” It was a Wednesday morning and surrounded a
pre-planned interview with a volunteer from a charity
walk…a segment that would never appear on a Stern
broadcast. Her name was Trisha, and she shared with
me before the live interview, she was scared to death to
go on the radio, but the committee she was on said she
would do great sharing their mission and goals. That day
I was amazed by her compassion and storytelling. She
talked about her love for her daughter, how proud she
was of her overcoming struggles with her challenges,
and how important it is to be part of the solution and
simply join the walk on a spring Saturday morning. At
the end of the segment, she was teary-eyed, and I would
remember that moment when my oldest had his own
challenges with autism. Hopefully, some listener that
day shared in her drive and compassion as well. It was
an inspiring moment on the KSUX airwaves. It was also
rooted in fear and vulnerability to share her heart openly
on-air. Not an easy task.
Trey has a big interest in seeing a picture of his father and
grandpa in the last issue of Siouxland Magazine.
It takes more courage to be vulnerable than it does to be a
bombastic and outrageous voice on the radio.
If only I could find all those co-workers at the horse track
in 1995.
Tenderhearted radio dude on KSUX / Author
of the book “Tacos and Beer Atmosphere.”
Photos Contributed by Tony Michaels.
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Making a Difference for Small Businesses & Nonprofits

Attracting Business and Industry to Our Community
By Alex Watters
Having served on the City Council for the
last four years, I hear from many constituents
regarding their hopes for the future, frustrations,
and occasionally, things that are going well.
Some of the conversations that I enjoy most are
brainstorming about what our future could look like and
what businesses, restaurants, stores, or even housing
options they would recruit or incentivize to come to
Sioux City. However, one thing I have learned is that it
is never that easy. Economic Development uses several
tools to attract business and industry to our community;
here are some examples.
Siouxland Magazine | Converse / 17
• Shovel-ready sites - Land that is ready for development
and fully served by infrastructure (e.g., roads, water,
sewer, electric, gas, etc.) is more attractive to a company
and expedites the location selection process. Shovelready
sites have been instrumental in attracting and
retaining large-scale developments in Sioux City like
Seaboard Triumph Foods and Sabre Industries.
• Tax Increment Financing (TIF) - TIF is the City’s most
versatile and helpful tool for encouraging economic
development. The increase in taxes generated by a TIF
district project can be captured by the City for use in
financing public improvements. Examples in the city
where a TIF has been used to accomplish significant
commercial developments include Lakeport Commons
and Sunnybrook Plaza and construct the industrial
infrastructure needed in each of the City’s business
parks. TIFs have also been used to assist developers
with the revitalization of historic buildings downtown,
leading to renovated storefronts for new retailers and
restaurants to locate. TIF can also provide the flexibility
to offer such incentives as property tax rebates and
other creative scenarios to meet the unique needs of a
specific project or company.
• Workforce Housing Tax Credit Program - This State
program provides tax benefits to developers who
create housing in Iowa communities and focuses
primarily on projects that use abandoned, empty or
dilapidated properties. Several projects in Sioux City
have received funding through this program, including
Virginia Square, Bluebird Flats, Urbane 1220, and The
Summit at Sunnybrook, to name a few. Currently, there
is a $13 million backlog of projects statewide, and the
Governor is proposing to add $50 million into this
program annually for three years. These tax benefits
are essential to keep the housing costs down and
continue housing development in Sioux City.
• Façade Improvement Program- The Façade
Improvement Programs are in place to improve
the aesthetic appearance of the exterior façades of
buildings and businesses in the project areas, to restore
W. 7th St. recently got an entire makeover. A number of
businesses took advantage of the façade improvement
program. Lessman Lighting’s improvement is a great
example!
the unique character of buildings in the area as much
as practicable, and to encourage private investment in
properties and businesses. The property owner must
provide a 25% match to the funding award and sign
a promissory note and mortgage, which forgives the
loan amount over five years. For example, if a property
owner has a project to replace exterior windows, repair
brickwork, and improve accessibility to the building
at a total cost of $30,000, the city would participate in
the project at $22,500 in the property owner would be
responsible for $7500!
Our community has experienced tremendous growth
and expansion in recent years, earning a number one
ranking in 2021 for small-size metro areas with the most
economic development projects happening for the eighth
time since 2007. Incentivizing businesses and industries
to come to our community can be a complicated dance,
but I’m optimistic for our future. In my opinion, we must
continue to diversify and recruit varied industries, stores,
and restaurants. If you have business and industry ideas
that you would like to see expand into Sioux City, please
reach out!
Alex Watters, City Council of Sioux City
awatters@sioux-city.org.
Photos Contributed by City of Sioux City.

Inspire
Lessons learned from stories in our community.
Rachelle Rawson and family
Vulnerability Is Key To Building Relationships
By Michelle Lessmann
Many young people in Siouxland grow up in
something other than fairytale conditions. Some
of them are frequently hungry or live in homes with
absent parents; others live in households with domestic
violence and are looking for a safe place to go or are a
combination of these. These children are considered “atrisk”
youth, which means they are less likely to transition
into adulthood or reach their full potential successfully.
Rachelle Rawson works with many of our at-risk youth
through Siouxland Youth for Christ, the Crittenton
Center, Juvenile Detention, and the Rosecrance Jackson
Center in Sioux City. Rachelle describes herself as a
“crazy, people-loving nerd,” and anybody who knows
her can attest to that proclamation. Rachelle’s official
title is Juvenile Justice Ministry Director at Siouxland
Youth for Christ. She is willing to be vulnerable, honest,
and “messy” as she opens herself up to the youth she
works with. She also operates a neighborhood teen
center called City Life, where kids can hang out, have a
family-style sit-down dinner and play games, then do a
character-building lesson.
Brené Brown inspired the theme for this month’s
magazine. She says that it is important for us to
allow ourselves to be vulnerable because you
“cannot selectively numb emotions . . . you can’t
numb hard feelings without numbing the other
affects and emotions – joy, gratitude, happiness,
etc.” What are your thoughts on this? Have you
found it true in your life?
It has been true in my life. I have discovered that I would
rather let people in and get hurt than have the absence
of any emotions, which I believe would be far worse than
feeling vulnerable. To make connections and build rapport,
I need to show vulnerability with the youth I work with and
let them know that life is hard and that good came from
their struggles. I tell them that I was in foster care, too, and I
know what it is like to feel rejected and unloved. I tell them
about all the holes in my heart and that I felt extremely
lonely. Then I tell them that I am well and explain what
worked to get me well.
She also said, “I did not learn about vulnerability
and courage and creativity and innovation from
studying vulnerability. I learned about these things
from studying shame.” What relationship do you
think shame and vulnerability have?
They are absolutely tied together. Shame is a lie, and when
we believe that lie, we are more open to the false narrative
that we need to keep our past hidden from others. When
we feel shame for something in our past, we want to keep
what happened in the darkness and not bring it to the
light to share it with others to help them. But when we flip

non-profit
community
family
small business
people
that vulnerability and choose to turn it into something
good, we can use our stories to help others. This also
helps create more conversations where others can
share what is happening to them when they know that
you have gone through something similar.
How has allowing yourself to be vulnerable – by
showing you care or sharing some past mistakes
– made a difference in your professional life?
Many of the youth that I work with are going through
similar things to what I faced when I was their age.
Growing up, I lived in 6 different foster homes and
went to 10 different schools in Kindergarten through
4th grade. It wasn’t until I was 21 before I was legally
adopted. I let them know that I made mistakes in my
past that I am not proud of, but I have now been in
recovery for over seven years. I tell them about having
an amazing, loving husband and five wonderful
children of my own. Hearing this gives them hope that
they can do it too. I tell them that their past explains
everything but excuses nothing, so they need to take
ownership of their actions and want to make the
changes they need. These kids want to hear “me too”
and want to be able to share their stories. By being
vulnerable, I can build that connection to help them
tear down their walls they have built. If I were not
vulnerable with them, they would not trust me; they
would think I am just another adult there to judge
them. You need a connection with people. If people
know that you care about them, they are more likely to
listen to what you have to say.
How has being vulnerable made a difference in
your personal life?
I used to be terrified of public speaking because of the
lies I believed, like I’m not smart enough, I’m boring,
nobody will listen to me. My love for people is greater
than my fear, so I push myself to be heard and make a
difference. I eventually realized it is not about me and
got over myself. I have also gotten over the feeling that
I needed everyone to like me. My thoughts now are
you don’t need to like me, but I’m still going to love
you. People have told me they don’t like me because
I’m too happy or “too much.” I haven’t changed, and I
continue to be vulnerable to what other people think
of me. I live for an audience of one, and I have nothing
but the best intentions. I’m not going to please
everyone, and I’m okay with that.
Rachelle Rawson
What do you think we can do in our community
to help the vulnerable, at-risk youth to have the
biggest impact on their futures?
We have developed an adult advocacy program for these
at-risk youth to help them build healthy relationships,
especially when they come out of long-term placement
or Juvenile Detention. I help train adults in advocacy and
trauma-informed care, then match them up with one of
our youths where they work together once a week for at
least a year. Evidence-based studies show that having an
adult from the community, from outside of their family,
to mentor and walk alongside them for at least a year
greatly increases their chance for a successful transition
into adulthood. We are always looking for community
members who are willing to be vulnerable and have
open communication with our youth to help with this
program. Anyone who is interested in more information
can contact me at Siouxland Youth for Christ.
Rachelle can be contacted at 712-899-0920
or rachelle@ siouxlandyfc.org.
Michelle Lessmann, Fully Licensed Office Professional in
Keith Bales Office of Thrivent.
Photo Credit Katie Taylor Photography.

Siouxland Magazine | Inspire / 20
The HOPES program helped Deidra and her family learn what to expect as the children grew. With their support they’ve had the
patience, practice and determination to parent differently.
Experiencing Human Connection Through Vulnerability
By Dr. Cyndi Hanson
Allowing yourself to be vulnerable and finding
yourself in a vulnerable situation are two entirely
different things, yet Crittenton Center is there
to support people in either circumstance. “Most
people don’t realize we have four programs and employ
80 people,” stated Executive Director, Leslie Heying .
“We have a whole spectrum of programs that support
individuals, families, and children.”
The Crittenton Center operates Supervised Apartment
Living (SAL), H.O.P.E.S education program, The Resource
Center, and four child care centers. “The SAL is a huge
success,” said Heying. “We are one of only a few programs
in the state to work with kids who are aging out of foster
care. They are 16-1/2 years old and need to learn how to
live independently or they end up homeless. We teach
living skills – how to do laundry, find a job, cook meals,
clean their apartment and take care of themselves.”
“We kind of become family to some of these young people,”
said Tracy Feathers, Manager of Major Gifts. Listening to
Heying and Feathers share the stories of those they have
helped, it is clear the program has impacted lives.
The education programs support parents who are learning
parenting skills. Healthy Opportunities for Parents to
Experience Success (HOPES) begins with meeting parents
in the UnityPoint Birthing Center. The new parents have
the option to enroll their newborn up until they turn
3-months old. Crittenton Center staff then provide personal
support, education, and encouragement up to the child’s
fifth birthday. “We’ve been able to help parents identify
hazards they didn’t recognize themselves, like a child eating
paint chips or a baby drinking iced tea instead of milk,”
explained Feathers. Heying continued, “We really get to
know the families. It takes courage for a new parent to ask for
help! These are people who have allowed themselves to be
vulnerable, acknowledging they don’t have all the answers
and need some help.”
The Resource Center is similar in that parents can come in to
ask for help or be referred by social services. The Resource
Center provides incentives for parents to participate in
learning activities. “They can earn diapers, formula, or other
things,” said Feathers.
“Our Child Care Centers cover the entire city,” said Heying.
“We have the West High Infant Center, the preschool at Liberty
Elementary, Stella Sanford Center, and we just opened our
Morningside location in March.” The Morningside location is
a partnership with the Sanford Center and something that
progressed to fruition despite the pandemic. “Partnering
with another non-profit is a risky proposition,” explained
Heying. “We had to make ourselves vulnerable to sharing
mission and resources. It’s not always easy to do that, but we
knew it made sense, and it’s working well.” The Crittenton
Center provides care for children birth to five years old, and
the Sanford Center provides before and after school care,

and transportation, to school-age kids. The shared location
allows both organizations to provide service in an area of
Sioux City that is underserved with child care resources.
The Crittenton Center is continuously evaluating services
provided and those needed. Sometimes that means
making tough decisions. Recently, they closed the doors
on their emergency shelter for children. The landscape
of child welfare has changed significantly over the years.
Instead of caring for kids who had recently been removed
from their homes, or kids from the local community, the
shelter provided services to more clients from outside
the community. These clients also had multiple health
diagnoses and histories of physical and sexual aggression.
Maintaining and hiring appropriate staff for the 24/7 facility
became impossible.
“Closing a program is never easy; however, we remain
stronger and more committed than ever to serving
children and families. The Crittenton Center is actively
engaging in conversations with local partners to reimagine
our shelter space so we can continue fulfilling our mission
and serve children in the area in a new capacity. We are
excited about being part of the solution on the prevention
side and rethinking how we deliver services in the shelter
facility,” said Heying.
In discussing this month’s magazine theme of vulnerability,
Heying and Feathers see many applications to the
Crittenton Center. They recognize that vulnerability is really
an opportunity to experience human connection. Together
they share the story of Cheyenne.
Cheyenne first came to Crittenton Center’s emergency
shelter when she was two years old. For the next 14 years,
Cheyenne lost count of how many times she returned to
the emergency shelter. “She experienced physical, sexual,
and emotional abuse,” explained Heying. “She came to see
the staff here, at Crittenton, as her family since it was the
only place she was safe.” Eventually, Cheyenne aged out
of the system, but she has learned to be independent with
the help of the SAL. She graduated high school, is getting
a job, and thinking about a future. “She’s someone who
Preschool and Childcare is the key to a child’s success and
vital to parents, so they can provide for their families.
knows her vulnerability,”said Heying. “She acknowledged
what she’s overcome and that she has a lot to overcome in
the future, too. That vulnerability and her resilience makes
her one of the most courageous people I know.”
Feathers expanded the conversation by explaining,
“Research shows it takes generations to change the cycle of
abuse, poverty, or neglect. That’s a lot of intentional effort,
and who’s there to support it when previous generations
don’t know how? We are!”
“The best ways readers can support us is with the old adage
– time, treasure, and talent,” said Heying. Feathers added, “A
lot of people want to donate goods, like clothes or toys. We
don’t have a place to store these. And some of our youth
have never had anything new. So when we can utilize our
partners and monetary donations to purchase something
new, they realize they are valued and important.” Heying
enthusiastically added, “A few months ago, a young lady
came to us with just the clothes on her back. It wasn’t her
first time interacting with Crittenton Center. She was always
in oversized hoodies pulled low over her face. After she got
a new outfit that she picked out, I almost didn’t recognize
her. Her head was up. Her hair was combed. She had some
self-confidence. Those things we take for granted are really
important.”
Time and talents are also greatly appreciated by Crittenton
Center. “We always need activities for kids. If you have a
talent to share – crafts, sewing, games – we would love to
have you come do that with our kids or parents. Volunteers
are needed for all kinds of tasks and are greatly appreciated.
Just stop into the office (located in the Ho-Chunk Center
downtown Sioux City) or call us.” Heying says. “Allow yourself
to be vulnerable and connect to these young people who
greatly need someone to care.”
Siouxland Magazine | Inspire / 21
Erin is a mother of 3 who has defied all odds. Through the
Resource Center Program, Erin was able to rekindle her
relationship with her older kids and learn all she needed to
know about parenting.
Ways you can support the Crittenton Center:
• Donate funds
• Donate gift cards for department stores
• Volunteer
• Share a talent
Dr. Cyndi Hanson, Executive Director for Northeast Community
College’s Extended Campus.
Photos Contributed by Crittenton Center.

Siouxland Magazine | Inspire / 22
Juan and Riley Munoz in front of Brightside Café.
The Brightside Café
By Dr. Cyndi Hanson
Bathed in a bright yellow and emblazoned
with quotes of encouragement and positivity,
Brightside Café is designed to be a light in
downtown Sioux City. “From the beginning, the
concept was to be a positive spot in downtown Sioux
City, the heart of the city, where we can give back to
the community,” recalls owner Juan Munoz.
“We wanted this restaurant to be a gift
to downtown Sioux City.”
Opening day for the restaurant occupying the iconic
location at the corner of 4th and Nebraska streets was
3 short years ago – May 21, 2018. “My dad wanted to
open a restaurant with his friend, a chef in California.
My brother and I were just going to help out. Then
two weeks before we were set to open, circumstances
changed and we took over entirely,” says Juan. “Because
I already have another business (he’s a chiropractor),
my role was to set up the business end of operations,
my brother Erik managed the day-to-day.”
The two brothers have managed to balance their
talents and stay focused on the vision for Brightside.
Today, Erik focuses mainly on marketing and Facebook
promotion. This summer he will be responsible for the

launch of their food truck. “Our goal was always to
add a food truck, three years after we started, I guess
we are right on track!” declares Juan. The food truck
will feature the same burritos, breakfast items, and
some sandwiches as the brick-and-mortar location.
“The menu will be a little smaller, but it will be the
same great food and positive experience,” adds
Juan.
Starting a business, especially a restaurant, requires
a bit of vulnerability. “You have to put yourself out
there to really see a change or make a difference,”
says Juan. “When we began, we knew we had this
iconic location, that downtown didn’t have a place
for breakfast or the types of lunch options we
provide. We saw an opportunity there. Then we
asked how can we make this a gift to Sioux City –
that’s really what we want, to support and give back
to the community.”
Siouxland Magazine | Inspire / 23
The answer to the question was the Feed It Forward
program. The program allows any customer to opt
to add $7.49 to their bill to purchase a meal for
someone in need. The purchaser is given a notepad
that details the menu items included and space to
write a note to the recipient. Then when a person
in need arrives, the note is retrieved, and a meal
provided. “It took some courage to launch this
program,” Juan says. “It hadn’t been done in Sioux
City, but we felt it was needed. We educated the
whole staff about what to expect. We might have
people come in who had challenges, but we wanted
them to feel welcomed.”
What you’ll find at 525 4th Street every day of the week
begins with bountiful, delicious breakfast, brunch, and
lunch and results in truly a little more brightness in your
day. Be on the lookout for the Food Truck bringing the
Brightside side to you!
Dr. Cyndi Hanson, Executive Director for Northeast Community
College’s Extended Campus.
Photo Credit Britton Hacke Photography
There is a zero-tolerance alcohol policy at the Café.
Individuals receiving meals in the Feed It Forward
program need to be sober. “We often develop
relationships with the ones who are regulars,” Juan
explains. “We have Richard who is usually across the
street with a big shopping cart. We talk to him when
he comes in, find out what he needs and care about
him. We’ve been worried this spring because we
haven’t seen him for quite a while.”
It’s that sense of caring that the Munoz family and
their staff take carrying into every aspect of their
lives. “We are all trying to better ourselves,” Juan and
his wife explained. “Some of the staff have had hard
lives. We’ve three or four who were felons, including
one who was a regular Feed It Forward recipient.
These are people trying to restart their lives and we
want to give them a chance.”
That positive attitude literally surrounds you at
Brightside Café. As you sit and enjoy a quality meal,
you are surrounded by quotes of positivity and
inspiration. “There were just collected over time,”
Juan responds when asked about them. “Some are
from people who’ve inspired us or favorite authors.
Others we kind of stumbled upon. It continues to
grow – we just added 4 more this year.”
Watch for
Sioux City Progress
in the July issue of
Siouxland Magazine!

grow
Don’t fear failure. Embrace it. It’s where the learning happens.
No risk. No reward.
Show Up Social
Iowa’s West Coast Initiative Feature
Short description of your business:
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than 16 social media caption prompts, national days
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media prompts are for entrepreneurs who manage
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Clients begin with our Getting Started Guide, where
they fill in adjectives, verbs, and other relevant
information to their business. They then receive the
monthly issues where they fill in the blanks. It’s like
Mad-Libs for their image captions.
What motivated you to start your business?
What motivated this start-up was hearing other
entrepreneurs say, “I know I need to be joining the
conversation on social media to move my business
forward, but I don’t know what to say most of the
time” I knew I could help. I have spent a great deal
of time learning about the psychology of marketing
and using that to create a social media marketing
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What drives me each day is knowing that this
business will have a creative impact on each of its
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What’s unique about your business?
Social media prompts aren’t anything new. I drew
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We created the product with small business owners,
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What has been your greatest reward?
The greatest reward in this has been knowing that I
have the formula to help small businesses stand out in
a very crowded online world. I feel like it’s our purpose
in this world to learn what we can, master it, and then
use that knowledge to help someone else.
How have you benefited from the startup
community in Sioux City and the region? What
resources did you use?
The greatest benefit from the Siouxland startup scene
has been inspiration. It’s nice to be surrounded by
people with an entrepreneurial mindset like me.
Iowa’s West Coast Initiative’s networking programs
have helped me connect with other people that aspire
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personal growth
leadership
determination
business development
influence
Why is it important for the community to support
startups and small businesses? What more can be
done to help them?
Entrepreneurship can be
a very lonely world. We
spend most days stuck
in our own heads with
an abundance of ideas
flowing. It’s important
for us to have a likeminded
community to
connect with and places
to work that foster
creativity and inspire
ideas. Some of the best
business ideas come
from attempting to solve
other business owner’s
problems. If we can all
stay connected and have
organizations that foster
those entrepreneur
relationships, we can
essentially keep building Jess Carrier
and growing.
What is one thing you know now that you wish you
knew when starting your business?
I have now co-owned 4 very successful businesses. The
biggest thing I have learned is to always have a very particular
person in mind when developing a product or service. They
can test your product for you and provide valuable feedback.
Chances are there are around 7,000 people in the world just
like that person (That is if they are one in a million). With this
technique, you will know exactly who you are marketing to,
then you show up where they are looking for your services
(Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, Etc.). This saves a lot of time
and marketing dollars.
What advice would you give to someone looking to
start a business?
This isn’t my advice, but it’s the best advice I ever received:
If someone wrinkles their nose at your idea, then you are
probably on to something.
What are some future goals for your company?
My plan this year is to continue to add value to the product
without adjusting the price. I have pretty big ideas for where
to take this program, but I’m still ironing out all of the details
and fine-tuning the process.
Photos Contributed by Jess Carrier.
IAWESTCOAST.COM I 712.224.5500
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.
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.
iowaeda.com/innovate/ I 515.348.6159
The Iowa Economic Development Authority offers
funding to demonstrate proof of concept for an
innovative technology, develop and bring new concepts
to market, accelerate the pace of market development
and expand product lines.
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 515.296.6532
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!

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Build a Business with a Heart
Start by engaging your own heart. Connect at a deeper level with those you serve.
By Linda K. Krei (ActionCOACH ExcelEDGE)
Is the human touch getting lost in our current
age of digital communication, automation, and
artificial intelligence? Put yourself in the customer’s
shoes, where one size does not fit all, at least not
comfortably. The customer experience often gets
defined by standardized email responses, scripted virtual
assistance, and programmed chatbots. Connecting with
and talking to a real person has become more of a novelty,
often absent of any personal touch. Systemizing business
is an essential element of growing your business, yet it
needs to be focused on what the customer wants in their
experience; something more significant than a simplified
impersonal exchange relationship.
Consider these recent customer
statistics (SmarterHQ)
Other ways to humanize your business with heart:
• Add photos of real people to your marketing (with
permission, of course).
• Engage your employees as advocates for your
business.
• Show your playful side as well as your business side
online.
• Write personal notes as handwritten correspondence.
• Create online communities to discuss issues and
share ideas, utilize user content.
• Send welcome or thank you gifts to loyal or new
customers.
• Be vulnerable and learn from it. Don’t be afraid to talk
about setbacks or failures.
• Rewrite emails to be more conversational and less
sanitized.
• Insert names and customer-specific information in
your marketing outreach.
Siouxland Magazine | Grow/27
• 80% are more likely to purchase a product or service
from a brand that provides personalized experiences.
• On average, 71% feel frustrated when their shopping
experience is impersonal.
• 63% stop purchasing products and services from
companies who offer poorly executed personalization.
• Personalization can reduce acquisition costs by as
much as 50%, lift revenues by 5–15%, and increase
marketing spend efficiency by 10–30%.
Get the heart of your organization pumping. Once
you have the pulse on your client and customer needs,
you can adapt to meet those needs more effectively and
personally with an authentic heart.
Take Action Today.
Contact Coach Krei for your Complimentary
Strategy Session to get you started.
Shift your thinking. You might think making changes
to your marketing or business operations are too
costly, yet ask yourself about the lifetime value of a
customer who feels cared for and intentionally served.
Think of it as an investment in a long-term relationship.
Shifting your culture must extend to all levels of your
organization. Involve your team members to transform
the journey of your customers. Share ideas openly and
reward risk-taking to foster a sense of connection and
real engagement within your organization.
Our Head Knows this, and our Heart needs to be
engaged. “A better customer experience generates
loyal customers who recommend you to colleagues,
friends, and family. Adding a human touch at every stage
of the customer’s journey requires an objective evaluation
of your current situation. Everything should be driven by
your customer’s data which provides clues and insights
you need to stay informed about purchasing behaviors.
Then focus on transforming your processes, policies, and
actions, so your organization appropriately adapts. Since
customers have more options than ever before, stay
relevant, authentic, and top of mind. As a former CEO
often stated, “The customer may not always be right, but
they are still the customer…we need to focus on their
experience with us, or they will vote with their feet.”
As an award winning, globally
recognized, Certified Executive
Business Coach and Facilitator,
Linda would love to help you take
your leadership to the next level.
Linda Krei, ActionCOACH Excel Edge
712.251.7189
E: lindakrei@actioncoach.com
https://lindakrei.actioncoach.com

Siouxland Magazine | Grow/28
Beautification Pays!
By Grace Nordquist
According to ‘The 20 Ingredients of an Outstanding
Downtown,’ by Destination Development, “Besides
word of mouth, shoppers typically have only curb
appeal to help determine whether or not a shop
is worth visiting. Curb appeal can account for 70% of
new visitor sales at restaurants, retail shops, and hotels and
lodging.”
Your business’s curb appeal matters, and Downtown
Partners wants to help ensure it draws people in instead
of pushing them away. There are many things you can
do to help make a great first impression. For example,
consider removing any dark tint from your front windows.
Tinted windows do not allow customers to see into your
store, instantly creating a sense of skepticism. If the sun is a
problem, consider a canopy or sunshades.
Downtown Partners Storefront Grant was created to help
enhance existing downtown spaces. Funds can be used
towards storefront improvements and start-up business
needs. Grant funding is available for a 50% match, up to
$2,500, of the owner or tenant’s investment. For example,
if owner or tenant investment is $2,000, the project would
qualify for a Storefront Grant award of $1,000 (50%);
projects more than $5,000 could be eligible for a maximum
Storefront Grant award of $2,500.
Check out our latest summer events list that includes things like
litter pick-up dates, outdoor concerts, food trucks, and more.
Are you a downtown owner or resident, and want to be more
involved or get a rundown of what has been happening at
Downtown Partners? Join us for our annual Board of Directors
meeting on June 15th, at 7 p.m., to learn more about things like
the storefront grants, events, other projects, and how you can
play a part in creating a vibrant and expanding downtown Sioux
City. Email info@downtownsiouxcity.com for your invitation.
Before
After
The storefront grants can be used for various updates
like signage, windows, murals, outdoor seating, security
cameras, lighting, and more.
For more information on our storefront grant or to apply,
visit our website downtownsiouxcity.com. While visiting our
website, make sure you know when events are happening
downtown so your business can capitalize on the foot traffic!
Midtown before and after storefront.
Downtown Partners is a non-profit organization that works
with downtown stakeholders to create a vibrant, expanding
downtown. To learn more about Downtown Partners
and stay up to date on downtown projects and events,
visit www.downtownsiouxcity.com.
Photo Contributed by Downtown Partners.
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Give a Good Look to Siouxland
By Chris McGowan
Siouxland has a great deal to be proud of, and
the last few months have indeed served as a
platform for our community to highlight some
excellent news. That said, we also have some work to
do on our regional image, and it has never been more
critical than right now as we are welcoming first-time
visitors from all over the United States.
On the good news side, Site Selection magazine of
suburban Atlanta recently recognized our Metropolitan
Statistical Area (MSA) as first in the nation for economic
development in our population category. Additionally,
the Milken Institute just published their analysis
entitled, “Best-Performing Cities 2021; Foundations for
Growth and Recovery,” and the Siouxland MSA jumped
a remarkable 43 spots from 122 in 2020 to 79 in 2021
among Tier 3 sized cities.
Furthermore, in the last year or so, we have added the
Siouxland Expo Center, United Sports Academy, and
the Arena to our list of impressive local sports facilities.
These entities are bringing unprecedented numbers of
visitors from out of town for youth athletic competitions.
Coupled with the significant number of athletes,
coaches, and families traveling to the NAIA national
championships in women’s volleyball and basketball at
the Tyson Events Center, it quickly becomes apparent
that there are countless opportunities for our community to
make a strong first impression.
Of course, if we do not step up and make every effort
to showcase what makes Siouxland a truly exceptional
community, a less favorable impression could be planted
with our guests. For this reason, on April 6th, representatives
of both the public and private sectors came together to
discuss the importance of a long-term plan to address
litter control and clean-up in Siouxland. The response to
attend this initial meeting was so overwhelming; it had to
be relocated from the offices of the Siouxland Chamber of
Commerce to an alternative location.
This group actively engaged the entire tri-state area in
focusing on a region-wide plan to develop a strategy to
effectively remove litter in problematic areas, especially
those traversed most frequently by our new visitors and
their families. It was an excellent example of what we can do
when working together to achieve a common goal.
Many recognize that a “spring cleaning” is always in order
after winter. There are some very effective programs,
volunteers, and efforts already underway in our metro area.
Still, as we welcome new visitors, we need to develop and
maintain an effective litter mitigation plan to show the rest of
the world our true colors.
Chris McGowan, President, Siouxland Chamber of Commerce.
Siouxland Magazine | Grow/29
Let the Chamber work for you!
Learn Network Promote
Small Business Education Series
Community Enhancement
Transportation
Government Relations
Retail Roundtable
Entrepreneur Hour
Connect 101
New Member Coffee
Rush Hour Connect
Annual Dinner
Chamber Golf Classic
WMN Mentoring & Networking
Ribbon Cuttings
Newsletter Advertising
Post Your Job Openings, Events,
Sales & Services
Chamber Event Sponsorships
Post Your News Releases
Call to become a member today! 712.255.7903
www.siouxlandchamber.com

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Siouxland Magazine | Grow/31
2020-2021 Graduating Class of Leadership Siouxland.
2020-2021 Graduating Class of Leadership Siouxland
By Peggy Smith
Do you know how to manage change
effectively? Have you ever participated in a “Privilege
Walk”? Do you truly love yourself and understand how
important self-love and self-care are to your mental
and physical health? Are you aware of how economic
growth and development really work? Do you realize
that 83,570 minority patients die annually due to
healthcare disparities? How many non-profit agencies
in Siouxland can you not only name but explain their
mission? Do you understand the different styles of
leadership and which style to employ and when? Are
you aware of your own personal talents and how to
turn them into strengths?
If you are intrigued by the questions and want to
learn more, Leadership Siouxland is for you. All of
those items are things the thirty-three professionals
who will graduate from Leadership Siouxland in
May learned during the 2020 – 2021 community
leadership development program. The nine-month
curriculum provided the class the chance to learn
about themselves, their community, and to form
lasting relationships with other professionals.
This year’s program was structured differently due
to the constraints of the Pandemic. The majority of
the classes were offered virtually, and community
projects were replaced by “connection circles”. This
change in structure did not affect the engagement or
enthusiasm of the participants or the speakers. We all
learned together that challenges stretch us and make
us stronger.
The graduates are now poised to add value and make
positive differences in their community. The graduates and
their sponsoring organization/business are: Willy Bass,
Danielle Gutierrez, and Dulcie Greene, sponsored by Ho
Chunk Inc; Amanda Brophy and Erich Erdman, sponsored
by Sunnybrook Community Church; Aaron Christensen
and DeAnna Pennings Faris, 185th Refueling Wing; Kelly
Greenfield Joe Hofmeyer, Gary Main, Nick Morgan, Preston
Nibaur, Keri Poeckes – Wells Enterprises, Inc.; Veronica
Guzman, Wayne State College; Victoria Halloran, SIMPCO;
Justin Huffman, Long Lines; Jenny Joaquin and Ashley
Powell, Gelita; Damon Magstadt, Premier Bankcard; Sara
Matthews and Tyler Tigges, Great West Casualty; Teresa
McElroy, WITCC; Brenda Meyer, NW Arkansas Community
College; Deborah Moore and Billy Vogt, Goodwill of the
Great Plains: Leticia O’Kane , Great Southern Bank; Paula
Parmelee, Foot and Ankle Associates of Siouxland; Heidi
Reinking, Siouxland Chamber of Commerce; Pat Rosacker,
Central Bank; Krista Roscovius, D2 Worldwide; Stacey
Selk, Unity Point St Luke’s; Bre Willems, Target; Leo Woods,
KCAU Nexstar Media.
If you are searching for your passion and how to make a
positive difference, reach out to info@leadershipsiouxland.
org or contact the Executive Director at 712-898-8594.
Photos Contributed by Leadership Siouxland.
Leadership Siouxland is an organization dedicated to
developing diverse, informed leaders who shape our
community for today and tomorrow.

Siouxland Magazine | Grow/32
Yesterday.
Today.
Tomorrow.
A Station for You.
A Station for Everyone.
Join the Conversation.

Shopping Local
By Nolan Shook
It has been more than a year since the
pandemic started, and it has affected a lot
of locally owned businesses. We have seen
multiple family-owned businesses go under this
year. Twenty percentof small businesses fail within
the first year, and 50% fail by their fifth year in
business. While many bigger businesses may be
able to ride out a recession, small businesses do
not always have the resources necessary.
It is important to shop locally and support your
local neighborhood store. Maybe it’s a local coffee
spot other than Starbucks, a family-owned diner
instead of a chain restaurant, or buying clothing
from a local boutique rather than a chain store
at the mall. Many people like to say they support
small businesses, but when was the last time
you went more than a week without shopping at
Walmart?
As our stores begin to reopen, think twice about where
your dollars are going. Due to quarantine, many people
have gotten into the habit of buying from Amazon.
Although buying local may cost a little more, keep in
mind that you are supporting your community members
rather than stockholders and CEOs. We are supporting
the people we live and work with in our community.
While small businesses may be extra vulnerable right
now, let us show them our support by buying our
products from them and giving our money and support
to local businesses.
Sioux City Growth Organization welcomes progressive
and innovative ideas. As a group, we work to put these
ideas into action and build the momentum to take Sioux
City into the future.
Nolan Shook, Marketing Board Chair for Sioux City Growth
Organization, Owner of Shook Handyman Service, and a
Realtor for Keller Williams.
Siouxland Magazine | | Grow/33 / 39

Siouxland Magazine | Grow/34
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Siouxland Magazine | | Grow/35 / 39
Your Business Being Vulnerable
By Todd Rausch
We all know the negative connotations of
being “vulnerable.” Our business would have
gaps in security or risk management that may put us
at risk of the dangers of a predatory world. It could be
catastrophic for any business.
What if there were a positive state of vulnerability for
our business that would draw customers. Not only
draw them but get them to be our security and our
defenders. What if there were a way to be vulnerable
and still be secure without putting the company at
risk.
The answer is, of course, there is a way. It is simply
to be open and honest at all times with our potential
customers. It means doing the right thing even when
it may hurt us financially. It may even seem foolish to
the rest of the world, but it allows us to maintain our
integrity.
What am I talking about? When I used to teach
college business classes, one of my favorite stories to
share was about Sam Walton. He understood people!
It appears that back in the 80s, Sam Walton had a
habit of visiting his stores unannounced. This time he
came to customer service to find a manager having
an argument about tires the customer supposedly
bought there and wanted a refund. The customer was
insistent on getting a cash refund. Mr. Walton caught
on right away and ordered the full cash refund for
the tires. The customer walked away with $400 in his
pocket. When he was gone, the manager turned to
Mr. Walton and said, “but Mr. Walton, we don’t sell
tires!” In response, Sam Walton replied, “I know that,
and the customer will realize that, but he will tell
everyone how we treated him today.”
Sam Walton, at that time, was about getting lifelong
customers. He realized that the customer who just left
with a refund from the store for tires he never even bought
there would be loyal for life.
We don’t have to be so brave, but we can be honest and
open in our dealing with our customers and make them
feel appreciated and valued. I have always advised owners
to make sure the customer leaves with a smile. If they do,
they will come back and be sure to tell everyone how they
were treated. If they don’t, they won’t come back and will
tell everyone how they were treated.
Our vulnerability is just about treating every customer
as we would want our grandma to be treated. It is that
simple. Often, people are very gracious to me when I do
not understand something, or I simply cannot seem to
grasp an idea or concept. The same should go for every
customer we have.
In our area especially, those who seem not to have a penny
to their name from their look may very well be the largest
landowners in the county. You can’t tell a book by its cover
or a person’s circle of influence by their appearance in
our area. There are times we take risks with customers
simply because it’s the right thing to do. We may never
see a direct payback, but we will reap what we sew, and
in business, excellent customer service leads to the best
payback of all… a good report to others who will come
and be our customer. We can’t all be Sam Walton, but
we can be the best we can be and treat everyone like we
would want them to treat our grandma.
Todd Rausch, Regional Director for the Small Business
Development Center at Western Iowa Tech Community
College. | 712-274-6454 | Todd.rausch@witcc.edu
America’s SBDC Iowa provides free, confidential,
customized, professional business advice and consulting
in all 99 Iowa counties to entrepreneurs.

Siouxland Magazine | Grow /36

Siouxland Magazine | Grow/37
Siouxland Magazine is proud to host the
10th annual 2021 “10 Under 40”
competition! The highly anticipated issue comes
out in September, featuring young professionals
in Siouxland who are making a real difference in
our community. Nominations will be open starting
June 1 and the form can be found on our website
at siouxlandmagazine.com.
2020 Winners
Here is what we look for in Siouxland’s 10 Under 40.
Look around to your co-workers, employees, bosses, friends, colleagues, and think about who meets the
following criteria:
• Under the age of 40 as of December 31, 2021 (Yes, you may have to ask, but he/she will be
honored you are thinking of them for an award!)
• Is a business owner or high executive/manager/director (or has experience in this area) within their
organization (this can be a large corporation, small business, or non-profit organization).
• Must be in their current position or have had experience in a managerial role for at least one year.
• Lives and works in the Siouxland area (approximately a 60-mile radius around Sioux City.)
Has a history of displaying:
• Vision and Leadership
• Innovation and Achievement
• Growth/Development Strategy
• Community Involvement/Contribution
• Consistent display of excellent character and ethics

alance
Inside and out.
Placing a bowl of fresh fruit on your countertop creates an invitation.
What makes us vulnerable to dis-ease?
By Hali Benson
The truth is, this is a difficult question to answer
with so many factors effecting our health daily.
Many things we face environmentally have the most
significant effect on the health problems we face. These
include the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food
we eat, and the homes, buildings, and neighborhoods
where we live and work. All of these may contribute,
sometimes by disrupting how the body works.
We become vulnerable to our environment in
various ways:
• Air Pollution: From car exhaust to wildfires, ozone,
both natural and human-made substances, can
wreak havoc on the body.
• Smoke: A single cigarette can carry hundreds of
chemicals such as lead, formaldehyde, and arsenic.
• Pesticides, Herbicides, and Insecticides: The toxins
they use to kill the critters eating our food are
also extremely toxic to humans’ health containing
carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, and slowly
affecting our health, but in the long term has
detriment.
• Unclean Water: City water alone can have hazardous
microbes, heavy metals like arsenic and lead, as well
as chlorine.
• Chemicals: ranging from the perfumes we wear, the
cosmetics, cleaning agents, body care products,
disinfectants, some of the foods we eat.
Freedom of expression, an act of creation.

eathe
clarity
nutrition
flexibility
Although some of these factors are much bigger than
we can take on for a change, there are a few ways that
you can take charge of your health easily with resources
that are right in our city!
Your Lymphatic System
Taking care of this key system year-round is essential
for healthy immune responses to our environment. A
few things you can do to support a healthy lymphatic
system is drink plenty of water, exercise to get the blood
flowing (dancing is my favorite way to move), eat lots
of alkaline foods (lemon/lime, most fruits, leafy greens,
and some legumes), cold exposure (cold showers, ice
baths, or a Tabata of both hot/cold shower)
Eat Real, Whole Foods
I cannot say this enough, what you eat 80% of the time
will either give us life or feed dis-ease. You get to choose
this aspect of your life, and I see that most people will
put this on the bottom of their list of priorities. I said 80%
because we need balance in life, and if we can maintain
a healthy eating pattern 80% of the time, the 20% for
mere pleasure allows us to enjoy life guilt-free. Make
this a fun and creative part of your life, buy vegetables
you do not usually cook with, and remain playful as if an
art form is being created.
Drink Clean Water
Water is a fundamental need for humans, and polluted
water is not just dirty; it is also deadly. Having access
to clean water should be a basic human right but is
not an option for some. Contaminated water can host
many pathogens and heavy metals, causing dis-ease
like chronic diarrhea and disrupted gut microbiome.
Something simple you can do is purchase a water
filtration system to clean the basic metals and chlorine
out of your water. You can find a place to buy fresh
spring water near you like findaspring.com or boil your
water before drinking it.
Shop Local
When we purchase from online sources, we are
keeping the cycle of environmental toxins going.
Shopping local can keep the exhaust from trucks down,
support your city by keeping the dollars within your city
(where your money goes, energy flows), and we have
some amazing options here in Siouxland that can truly
benefit us all. Since Aldi has popped up in our city, we
have access to fresh organic produce at a portion of
the cost of what some of our other stores offer. If you
are looking to stay on a budget, this is a great option.
Post Cold Exposure.
Next to Nature is where you can go locally for high-quality
supplements, herbs, and non-toxic home care products. A
place where you can find a Mind-Body-Spirit approach is
MindBody Connection with herbal tinctures, bodyworkers,
and various TCM classes.
As you progress towards your goals of becoming healthier
in every aspect of your life, remember to take your time,
build yourself up to be strong in one area at a time, and
fuel yourself on the cleanest ingredients you can. If I can
recommend for anyone looking to make changes, begin
drinking plenty of clean water throughout your day. Eat
fresh fruits and vegetables — as much as you can consume
in each meal. And when you get those two things down,
begin incorporating a good practice of moving your body,
supplementing, and enjoying a massage to release toxins
from the body.
Hali Benson, a certified Holistic Nutrition and Wellness
Practitioner helping clients heal through nutrition,
yoga and spirituality. You can find her under the name
of Blossom Services at https://blossom-services.
webflow.io/.
Photo Credit Hali Benson.

Siouxland Magazine | Balance /40
The Vulnerable Heart
By Dr. Meghan Nelson
It is important to consult your physician or physical
therapist before beginning any new physical activity.
Always listen to your body and respect any warnings you
hear.
“We are never so vulnerable as when we love.”
– Sigmund Freud.
To be human is to be vulnerable. It’s rooted in
our primal need to belong. And that belonging is
grounded in the dynamics of the relationships that fuel
our lives and give them meaning. No one is immune.
And this is why we practice—not to avoid the hurt and
pain that come from being vulnerable, but rather, to
embrace it, to open our hearts to it, and to welcome
it as the guest “clearing us out for some new delight”
(Rumi).
This isn’t a metaphor. My husband and I just sold the
first house that we purchased 11 years ago to the day.
The perfect home to which we brought each of our
three babies home from the hospital, the one guarded
by our late and great dog, Bear, the place with the best
neighbors you could imagine. So many memories. So
much love. That’s why it hurt so much to leave…even if
we were literally busting at the seams.
onward through these heart-opening poses. I invite
you to find the heart opener pose, which is most
compassionate for you at this moment. Breathe in
thoughts on forgiveness, acceptance, and 100% pure
unconditional love, releasing fear, anger, or pain
through the exhale. Stay grounded in these poses and
reflect on how life is hard, full of challenges, and full
of tasks—and how wonderful it is to have this chance,
this opportunity to learn and grow. Trust your heart to
lead, and know it is okay to wail and cry because it’s
hard. We’ve all been there. Let us just sit together at
this moment in support of each other with love and
forgiveness.
Heart-openers can physically bring an openness to
space where we tend to store hurt feelings of pain and
fear from disconnection. Take the risk! A broken heart’s
pain only tells us that the love that exists within is great
and powerful. It will always be worth experiencing
hurt and pain to know that we have that connection of
sharing the entire array of feelings with all of humanity.
Cramped into temporary housing, we know we are
not the only ones who have been in this situation.
A friend laughs, “we lived with my in-laws for six
months when we first moved to town. My father-inlaw
still says it was the longest eight years of his life!”
As we hear rumors of houses coming up, my spouse
and I drive by, imagining the layouts, admiring the
landscape, scanning the neighborhood. At one spot, I
discuss how I’d like to change the color of a house to
something dark but to keep a white or light-colored
trim. “Yes,” my husband says, “you have to have the
dark, to see and appreciate the light.”
I know he is talking much deeper than just the outdoor
paint and trim.
We see it in our kids too. My oldest boy just lost his
championship basketball game in overtime. It was a
heartbreaker. There were many tears from the boys
(and mothers) as they felt the pain of loss, as they
witnessed their goals and dreams slip away before
them. It’s a hard lesson when you give your all and still
come up short, and yet an opportunity too—to redefine
success by opening our hearts up to failure, to loss,
and yes, eventually, to renewal.
Being vulnerable allows us to experience what all
humanity faces—loss, pain, and hurt. Let us embrace
the risk of pain and hurt as we move upward and
Heart Opener (Chair): Firmly root feet and sits
bone, lift heart-center onward and upward. Many
options for arms, go where it feels right: rolling
shoulder blades and upper arms backward, grasping
seat or back of the chair, or opposite wrists or elbows
behind the back. Be mindful of the low back as the
core is engaged, spine lifted. As you exhale into this
pose, relax your head back comfortably, protect your
spine by lengthening the back curve of your neck.

Siouxland Magazine | Balance /41
Heart Opener (Partner): Rotate arms back
towards partner, who firmly grasps forearms. The
front partner will open heart, draw shoulder blades
together, lead with an open heart, and trust the
partner’s support in back. The back partner should
keep firmly grounded with knees bent or staggered
stance, tall spine, strong core, and equally open
heart and lean back to match the partner’s strength.
Neither partner is trying to overpower the other but
to fall into the support of open hearts.
Camel Pose: Start in a high kneeling position,
knees lined with hips and ankles. Focus on
maintaining core engagement with the tailbone
tucked under to protect low back. Move slowly,
draw hips forward, while heart center lifts upwards.
Shoulder blades draw towards each other while
arms spiral backward. Options of hands: on hips,
pelvis, or low back for support; or grasping heels
or ankles. If comfortable, gently allow the head to
release backward slowly and safely to protect your
neck.
As you come out of these poses, move out slowly
in reverse. Pause in stillness in a mindful seated
posture. Just notice the exhilarating effects
throughout the body when we tear away the armor
of fear or hate by bursting the heart space open
to love and acceptance. The reward will always
outweigh the risks.
Dr. Meghan Nelson, 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, medical therapeutic yoga, and
mindfulness.
Photo Credit left page Meghan Nelson. Heart
Opener (Partner) Photo Credit Sarah Gil. Heart
Opener (Supported) Photo Credit Amy Focht.
Camel Pose Photo Credit Meghan Nelson.
Heart Opener (Supported): Find a supported tall
kneeling or seated posture where the assisting yogi
can encourage hips and heart-center up and forward
while serving as support for the head and neck of the
practicing yogi.

Siouxland Magazine | Balance /42
Ask the Therapist
By Gladys Smith
Question: Over the course of the pandemic,
I’ve lost touch with the family and friends
who had been an important part of my life.
Although I miss them and want to reconnect
with them, thinking about doing so makes
me feel anxious and afraid. How do I deal
with this lingering fear of connecting with my
loved ones again?
Response: The COVID pandemic has brought
about the need for social distancing, quarantine,
and isolation to protect the health of our vulnerable
populations. Unfortunately, this isolation has created
what Michael L. Stallard, and Katherine P. Stallard,
2020, refer to as an “epidemic of loneliness”. The
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report
that loneliness can contribute to an increase in stress
and anxiety. According to the Stallards, we shouldn’t
ignore our “primal human need for social connection
as it appears to improve our performance of the
cardiovascular, endocrine and immune systems,
which can help reduce the risk of contracting
COVID-19”. The neuroscientist, Matthew Lieberman,
refers to connection as “a superpower that makes
humans happier and more productive”.
In an article entitled, “How to Be Sensitive to Your
Mental Health During COVID-19”, 5/21/20, licensed
therapists Lindsay Potts and Trisha Palencer, state that
it’s important to understand that anxiety is a normal
response to the pandemic. With the vast amount of
changes we’ve had to process and deal with, it can
leave one feeling overwhelmed. The social isolation
and lack of connection to others can exacerbate
these feelings.
The American Psychological Association’s 2021
“Stress in America” report states that “nearly half
of Americans say they feel uneasy thinking about
in-person interaction once the pandemic ends”.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to manage
your feelings of loneliness and anxiety and move
towards reconnecting with others. Potts and Palencer,
2020, state that one of the first steps you can take is
acknowledging your feelings and realizing that they
are a normal response to the changes brought about
by the pandemic.
Taking small steps and using caution when
reconnecting with others can be helpful in managing
your anxiety and fears. In his article entitled, “Why
We’re Scared for the Pandemic to End,”Dastagir,
2021, states that the worse thing we could do is
completely avoid things causing us anxiety because
Send Your
Questions to
the Therapist.
avoidance can work in the short term but it impairs us in
the long run”. When avoidance becomes our go-to for
dealing with anxiety, it can actually reinforce feelings of
fear and anxiety.
As a way to manage your fear and anxiety, it’s helpful to
develop and adhere to a daily routine. Having a routine
in your life adds structure and a measure of predictability.
Predictability contributes to feelings of safety, relaxation,
and calm. Don’t forget to include in your daily routine
eating a healthy diet, getting some exercise (preferably
outdoors), staying hydrated, and practicing good sleep
hygiene. Although getting good sleep is difficult when
experiencing stress and anxiety, it’s a critical function in
managing those feelings. I find it helps to try different
ways to relax before bedtime. Many benefit from the
use of aromatherapy products, especially lavender, as it
has a natural calming effect. There are also phone apps
you can listen to at bedtime that promote feelings of
relaxation and aid in falling asleep.
In our quest to stay updated on what’s happening
around us, we’re often glued to our televisions, phones,
computers, etc. With all the negative things we come
across while staying informed, allowing your brain to
unplug and take breaks can help quiet your feelings of
anxiety and stress and cultivate more positive feelings.
You can do this by taking meditative walks outside while
focusing on how your five senses are experiencing
nature. If you’re artistically inclined, try using your talent
in this area to express your feelings. I often recommend
journaling to both express and process feelings as this
can lead to new and creative ways to address our present
situation.

Making a concerted effort to reach out to friends and
family in other ways can help mitigate feelings of
loneliness and anxiety and move you closer to venturing
out to reconnect. The use of social media can offer
new and creative ways to have the meaningful human
connection we crave. I feel it’s important to use those
sites that offer ways for you to not only see your loved
ones but to also hear their voices. Although texting is
a convenient way to communicate with others, it lacks
the essence of that human connection. Using Zoom
or Facetime can offer the kind of connection that you
need to feel closer to your loved ones as you can see
and hear them in real-time. You may want to develop
a consistent schedule to spend time with your loved
ones this way as it offers you something to look forward
to. Don’t hesitate to be creative when using these sites.
You could plan a game night, a cooking event, or an
exercise session as a way to make connections with
others. Attending church services and support groups
online are additional ways you can connect with and get
support from others.
If you continue to struggle with the level of stress, anxiety,
and loneliness that inhibit you from truly participating
in your life and in the lives of your loved one, seeking
professional help is a viable option. Allowing yourself
to be vulnerable enough to ask for help is a strength – a
strength that can offer an opportunity to heal from the
losses inherent in our new normal.
You can send your questions for “Ask the Therapist”
to gladyss@mentalhealthassoc.com. Please put
“Ask the Therapist” in the subject line.
Gladys Smith, a Licensed Independent Social Worker
with Mental Health Associates, who has over 35
years of clinical experience in inpatient, outpatient,
and residential settings. Although she provides
therapy to adults and families, she specializes in
working with adolescents who are struggling with
mental health, behavioral and substance disorders.
Gladys is a co-founder of Soul Creek Nature Therapy
that focuses on offering peace and healing through
a connection with nature.
Photo Credit Carolyn Goodwin Photography.
Siouxland Magazine | Balance /43
GIVE US A CALL TODAY!
712.277.2424
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Siouxland Magazine | Balance /44
The Hakomi method integrates well with many forms of therapy, including massage.
Access Mental Health Through the Body
By Emily Larson
The world in which we live today is changing.
We are becoming more and more aware of the
continued growth in complexity and persistence of
the constant stimuli outside our own bodies from long
to-do lists, colorful advertisements, and seemingly
endless streams of information and opinions to subtle
yet complex forms of communication from loved ones
and lessons in parenting from our greatest teachers,
our children.
As these stressors mount, they can feel heavy and
overwhelming, but from deep within they are calling
us to turn inward and see the landscape of our being
in its beauty as well as its dark, unexplored valleys we
may want to avoid. However, this last year or so of
compounding, collective stress highlights the need
for loving attention to the self. Navigating its vastly
complex aspects, including physiological, emotional,
spiritual, and psychological, can most certainly require
assistance.
Taboos, misconceptions, and misinterpretations of
“mental healthcare” can create barriers to proper
and complete assistance for many people. The
vulnerability necessary to take a closer look can reveal
a real solution because it comes with the realization
that the self requires more than just “mental help”. The
Hakomi Method is one of these real solutions because
it is a body-centered form of therapy that combines the
scientific and the spiritual to address the human being as
a whole. It helps people access the “core material” held
deep within the subconscious that shapes their unique
behaviors, perceptions, and beliefs about themselves and
the world, some of them self-expressing and some of them
self-limiting. Thus, a Hakomi practitioner does not assert
his or her own agenda but follows each of Five Principles
and the intelligence of the client’s own body to discover
and explore their core material and transform the material
that is limiting.
Attentive, compassionate contact guides the client
through her own inner experience.

The 5 Principles of Hakomi
• Mindfulness is a meditative state accessible by any
human, in which one takes notice of his or her own
inner experience. These days, the arena of our
conscious thoughts can feel chaotic, pinging with
worry, habitual thought patterns, and to-do lists.
Mindfulness practices usually begin by teaching a
person to simply notice and observe these thoughts
rather than become attached and carried away with
them. Taking this role as the observer is a valued
tool in the practice of Hakomi, as it leads to a path of
discovery of the truest and wisest inner self.
Siouxland Magazine | Balance /45
• Nonviolence. Exploration of the inner world of
the self usually encounters some resistance or
learned defense systems that have developed in
response to trauma or chronic stress. Hakomi aims
to meet resistance with compassion, knowing that
these defenses do not have to be “knocked down”,
pulverized, or defeated. It fully accepts the existence
of these defense systems and respects them for the
teachings held within.
• Unity. This principle helps a person see the many
layers of the self with the understanding that
everything living exists as a whole made up of many
interconnected parts. For example, the cells of the
body are microscopic parts that make up the whole
tissues, and the tissues are parts of whole organ
systems. This thread continues through the whole
body, the community, the planet, and the entire
Universe. Hakomi methods help a person to follow
this thread within and get to know him or herself on
emotional, psychological, spiritual, physiological and
many other levels interwoven. Thus, the unification of
all parts as one whole is integral to the self-exploration
process involved in Hakomi.
• Organicity. Each person has unique parts to their
whole person along with unique barriers, blockages,
and defenses. Thus, the Hakomi method recognizes
that each person will have a unique process of
discovery and transformation of this resistance. The
practitioner has no agenda of his or her own, but
works together with clients in their unfolding, trusting
their unique direction and inner wisdom.
• Mind Body Integration. Hakomi deeply recognizes
and utilizes the mind-body connection because
it is through this connection that we feel, know,
and express ourselves. The beliefs we host about
ourselves and the world are the source of this selfexpression.
With various methods, Hakomi explores
the mind-body connection to discover core beliefs,
how they were created, and helps the client integrate
transformation of their belief systems when necessary.
Hakomi relies on somatic (bodily) feedback from the client.
By integrating every one of these principles, the Hakomi
practitioner honors his or her client’s wholeness, even the
pieces they have wished to leave unexposed. Stepping
into this vulnerability occurs in a safe space where the
client can address their shadow, being guided by the
wisdom of the body. For more information, please visit
the website for the Hakomi Institute. To book a session
locally, please call the Mind & Body Connection in Sioux
City, Iowa. (712) 252-1157
Emily Larson, Licensed Massage Therapist, Private
Yoga Instructor, Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
& Human Performance, Co-teacher of Anatomy for
massage therapy students at the Bio-Chi Institute,
mother to Noah.
Photos Contributed by Emily Larson.

explore
Enjoy Your Life.
Adventurous
Sioux City Farmers Market
Sioux City Farmers Market Manager
The 2021 season of the Sioux City Farmers’ Market
promises to safely bring together locals from all
walks of life to enjoy the bounty of locally grown
produce, artisanal baked goods, and hand-crafted
items. Each item featured at the market is grown locally or
handmade by the seller. With nearly 20 area farmers selling
fresh produce and others offering a wide array of locally
roasted coffee, savory snacks, sweet treats, and even live
local music, you’re bound to find something to enjoy at this
year’s market. Located just west of the Tyson Events Center
in downtown Sioux City at the corner of TriView Avenue
and Pearl Street.
Market Season: May 5, 2021 - Oct 30, 2021
Market Hours: Wednesdays & Saturdays, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Becky Barnes has been with the Siouxland Farmers Market
for five years and has played an integral part in managing
operations, as well as the market’s steady growth in
popularity year over year. The 2020 season brought about
some significant challenges for local farmers’ markets
throughout the country. I had the pleasure of sitting down
with Becky for a discussion about this year’s market season
and what to expect from this beloved Sioux City staple.
You are five years into your role as Market Manager,
how do you feel things went for the 2020 season,
and is there anything new we can expect for 2021?
Going back to last year, the 2020 season, we weren’t really sure
if we were going to be able to open for the year. Everything
was shutting down and then the state came out with protocols
we had to follow in order to open. We ended up opening
the market on May 5, as originally planned, but we were only
allowed to have produce and food vendors. Vendors were
spaced apart and items were roped off like a “point and pick”
shop where vendors would then bag items for patrons after
they made their selection. We [increased] our handwashing
stations with 6 of them located throughout the market. We
also received a grant from the Iowa Delta Dental Association
that allowed us to build hand sanitizer stations, and then we
purchased sanitizer from a local distillery Century Farms, and
used that throughout the market. All vendors wore masks
and gloves, and we asked the community to help us out by
wearing masks and socially distancing as well.
Going forward for this year for the 2021 market, we are
still going to provide hand washing stations and sanitizing
stations and we will ask patrons to socially distance and wear
masks. When you come down this year vs. last, it will look a
little different as we will place all of the vendors back together
and implement that patron social distancing as we move
through the season.
Interesting, so expect masks and social distancing
again this year but otherwise the market is fully open
to all vendors and patrons?
That is correct.

Community
Entertainment
Nature
Appreciation
Indulge
In welcoming back vendors this year to the market,
have you seen an increase in interest from new
growers, vendors, and artisans, or has it been fairly
consistent?
In 2020, we kept that option up to the vendor and their
business. If they wanted to vend they certainly could and we
are thankful for those who came back. We also had some
businesses that sat out just because of the whole situation
that was going on. So last year our vendor count was down
to 33, which is about half of what we normally see each
year. Normally we see 56-60 vendors come through. The
vendors that were there in 2020 all had reported that their
sales had increased significantly, which just goes to show
how important and essential a farmers market is to get that
fresh produce and other items.
As of right now, the majority of vendors are returning and
I’ve had about 12 new businesses interested in vending, so
the market is really getting noticed and it is healthy and will
continue to grow.
With all of the growth do you find that there are
any space constraints there near the Tyson Events
Center?
Back in 2019, there was a waiting list for vendors to get in
because during our peak season of June, July and August
the whole parking lot is full. I had new businesses that were
waiting to get on the list, so there are sometimes restrictions
on space. But as far as the infrastructure goes, we have all
of our electricity there and the amount of parking to the
south really helps out a lot. So, yeah, if I could take the
curbs and push them back just a little bit, I certainly would.
Did the building of the new parking garage at Hard
Rock cause any challenges for market patrons and
vendors or have there only been positives from that
new construction?
Not at all, we really welcome any amount of parking that
we can get down there. In previous years we have had the
carnival come in and other visitors in the south parking lot
that does take up space normally used by our patrons. So
we welcomed that parking lot with open arms!
After 5 years of managing the market, what are a
few things that you’re always excited about each
year as the farmers market is starting up again?
My number one thing is getting to see everybody because
you are with them for 6 months and then you don’t see
them for 6 months. It’s like, “I really miss you guys!” We’re
all just like a big family down there. Not just the vendors
but the patrons, the kids that come down as well - and the
puppy dogs, they are always my favorite too. So just that
atmosphere of community and bringing people together,
that’s what I look forward to each year.
Puppy dogs really do make everything better. How
about live music and special entertainment for patrons?
Yep! We are excited to have live music back this year and
actually secured a sponsor for our music tent for this year
and next. So the live music will go on.
Where can people go to stay “in the know” with all
of the happenings each week at the market?
Our website is a great resource where you will find
information on our vendors, our board members, and
contact info as well for any interested vendors. Go to www.
farmersmarketsiouxcity.com, and you can also follow us on
Facebook.
Spotted at the SCFM: fresh local produce, fruits &
berries, honey, ready to eat foods from local small
businesses, handcrafted items, yard ornaments,
soaps, and so much more!
Hi! I am Becky Barnes, Market Manager for the Sioux City
Farmers Market. I have lived in Siouxland my entire life; I
love the MidWest and the seasons here. This will be my
fifth year with the market as a Market Manager. The market
is like a big family to me and I can’t imagine living without
it. When you come down, be sure to say hello. I am onsite
every Wednesday and Saturday and would love to talk
with you. In addition to the Market, I teach at Western Iowa
Tech Community College and also work as a freelance
graphic designer. Hope to see you soon!
Photos Contributed by Sioux City Farmers Market.

Siouxland Magazine | EXPLORE /48
The collection by Mina, designed for Omaha Fashion Week, Fall 2020.
Vulnerability Is.
By Erika Hansen
I’m not sure there is anything we can do to rid
ourselves of vulnerability. It just…is.
The great thing about vulnerability, though, is EVERYONE
feels it. In that sense, we should think of it as an emotion
that unifies us, not separates.
But realizing that every person in the room also has
insecurities is a game-changer.
When you find yourself in a vulnerable position, my
advice is to talk to those around you. When I do that, I
find companionship, solidarity, and understanding. It’s
But that doesn’t make us feel any better, does it?
When we feel vulnerable, we feel completely alone and
isolated.
Lately, I’ve found myself in this position frequently.
I’ve been pushing myself to try new things, meet new
people, and take advantage of opportunities that come
my way. But all of it comes with an oversized helping of
vulnerability.
The fashion industry is one of the most vulnerable
industries imaginable. For designers, putting their very
personal creations out to the public for criticism and
critique is a vulnerable process. And for models, just
showing up is a vulnerable process.
If you want to feel completely and totally self-conscious,
walk in a runway show at age 46. When the rest of the
girls and guys are in their late-teens or early-20s, trust
me, you become VERY AWARE of every flaw you have,
real or imagined.
Selfies with a few of the beautiful girls backstage.

incredible to imagine some of the young, gorgeous
models I talk to having insecurities, but across the board,
it’s universal. We’ve all heard we’re hardest on ourselves,
and wow – is it ever true. When a group of flawlesslooking
girls and women are standing backstage at a
runway show comparing the tiniest of details about their
bodies, or their height, or their walk, it’s not because
they’re superficial. It’s because they too feel vulnerable!
They’re trying to figure out how to fit in with the group,
meet expectations, deliver an anticipated image.
And we all do that, every day. We come up with a
story about what’s acceptable in whatever situation
we happen to be in, and we try to mold ourselves to
fit. Are we in a business meeting? Then we should
look professional, competent. Are we showing up at a
party? We should appear fun, carefree, magnetic. And
if we’re about to walk a runway, we should be flawless,
aspirational, perfect. And if we’re less than any of those
things, we feel vulnerable. Oddly, sometimes even
when we are radiating our best, we still feel vulnerable
because of our deep-seeded fears about what others
might be thinking.
Siouxland Magazine | EXPLORE / 49
When I’m in a vulnerable place, physically, or emotionally,
I try to get to the root of what’s bothering me. Because
it’s never what we think. It’s never (and I mean NEVER)
because we’re too thick around the middle or because
our arms are too flabby. Most of the time, my insecurities
are based in fear. And when I concentrate my energy to
focus on love instead, the fear can’t survive. When I look
at the women around me and appreciate and support
what I see, instead of comparing and contrasting, I feel a
camaraderie that somehow makes me feel better.
Because, at our core, we’re all the same. We worry about
different things. But we’re all the same.
If one woman wishes she weighed less, another woman
is self-conscious about her skinny legs. If one woman
feels irrelevant or out-of-date because she just turned
40, another feels invisible and unimportant because
she’s only 20.
I’m thankful the fashion industry has come so far in not
only accepting, but celebrating women of every shape,
size, age, and ethnicity. There is still much work to do.
But compared to where things stood when I started
modeling at age 17, it’s astounding how inclusivity now
permeates every aspect.
And that naturally gives room for vulnerability because
it gives room for each individual person to be fully seen.
And while that can be scary, it’s also comforting. It puts
us all on an even playing field. And it gives us permission
to be creative and playful.
I love what BrenBrown says about vulnerability:
The designer, Charmaine Miranda, fitting a model.
Yet we too often lose sight of the fact that vulnerability
is also the birthplace of joy, belonging, creativity,
authenticity, and love.”
The next time you feel vulnerable, realize the same
energy is pulsating through those around you, and
understand it can be used to fuel you rather than drain.
And it can always, without exception, be used to bring us
closer together, instead of further apart.
Curious about exploring the connection between
outward appearance and inner power? Erika is
passionate about showcasing accessible style, and
fostering a spirit of inclusion with no limits on age or
body type. You can find more of Erika’s journey on
Instagram, @erikahansen.official.
Erika Hansen, a professional model, influencer, and
lifelong lover of fashion.
Photo Credit (left page) Erika Hanson. Photo credit
(right page) Charmaine Miranda.
“In our culture, we associate vulnerability with emotions
we want to avoid such as fear, shame, and uncertainty.

Siouxland Magazine | EXPLORE /50
Beautiful basil eager to be transplanted.
Les Vulnérables
By Lisa Cox
In 1862, Victor Hugo penned a one hundred and
twelve-word preface to Les Misérables. There the
narrator states that as long as society as a civilization
continues to diminish its men through poverty, women
through hunger, and children through abuse, there will
always be the need for books such as his. One hundred
and fifty-nine years later, our society still experiences
hunger, poverty, and abuse of both genders and
children. Unfortunately, because there is darkness in
society, many forget to seek light and celebrate or join
the good. Here at Up From The Earth, we celebrate the
light, and we applaud the hero, the underdog, the one
who steps up and surfaces through their own restrictions
of vulnerability. We often see this journey as the story of
the seed.
According to Dr. Brené Brown, in her book Daring
Greatly, “Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation,
creativity, and change.” This is a perfect narrative for a
gardener. Every winter, we go wild. We pull out the seed
catalogs and start choosing our favorite old reliable and
some new “experimental vegetables.” You know the
kind; tomatoes we haven’t grown before, a new type
of bean, or even onion sets that might end up smelly!
This loosening of control is a bit out of our comfort
zone and sets up for, as Brown says, “uncertainty, risk,
and emotional exposure.” These variables are difficult,
especially since we think we have mastered the old tried
and true.
However, annually, gardeners around the world and in
Siouxland take the risk. They plant the seeds. Some wait
and plant their seeds directly in the ground and see
what will happen. Others open their hearts to the frailty
of the seed and the seedling as early as February to see
the struggle up close and personal with seed trays and
domes.
For some, the young seedlings vulnerability can be
considered a microcosm of our existing social structure.
The seedlings encapsulate in general our society’s
characteristics in miniature. Often, they are susceptible to
many negative factors beyond the gardener’s immediate
control and imagination, but not beyond the realm of
possibility. For example, some gardener’s gardens are
foraged by “pesky wabbits.” Who knew that rabbit-proof
fence so diligently constructed would be breached by a
simple snuffling of a snout?
For the seedling, the basic needs are many to reach
their full potential. Like people, they require light (sun),
warmth, water, and nutrition. They need protection from
adverse winds and temperatures and protection from
pests and trauma, especially when trying to harden
them off. Many gardeners remember the day they were
accidentally trampled by exuberant grandchildren.
Likewise, the planned summer vacation that left the
garden unattended. In all situations, there were variables
that altered the growth of the seedlings. Ultimately,

the plants either adapted or were vulnerable to their
environment.
Hardening Off is the process by which transplants
are toughened up so they can withstand nature’s
stresses as they grow.
9 Things You Can Do to Help Harden Off Your
Plants for Outdoor Planting
• Read your seed packets.
Siouxland Magazine | EXPLORE / 51
• Think about temperature. Wait until it is at least
45-50˚, depending on the seedlings, to move
plants outdoors to a shady, protected spot.
• Start with seedlings in a shaded, sheltered
location for two to three hours.
• Shelter from the wind, kids, and pets too!
• Increase the amount of sunlight gradually that
the plants receive over two weeks. The end
goal is the last two days the plants can spend
the whole day and night outside. (This too is
common sense – judge the size of your plant
and nurture.)
• Back off on your watering, but do not allow
the plants to wilt. This helps trigger rapid root
development in the plant.
• Use common sense. Avoid putting your
seedlings at risk outside.
• Seek appropriately structured shelter. If you
do not have a cold frame, there are nice shelter
places that can be sought out on a porch for
protection.
• Be prepared. Like any good scout, if the forecast
looks iffy, bring in your seedlings before
heading out. Know your Siouxland weather.
We, as humans, are also susceptible to many negative
factors. Of Maslow’s three first-level necessities for
existence, food, clothing, and shelter, food often
becomes the most critical common denominator.
The vulnerability of those facing food insecurity,
defined as not knowing regularly where your next
meal is coming from, and therefore their susceptibility
to increased difficulties, endangerments, and threats
must be met with understanding, compassion, and
vision not unlike the young seedlings, to meet their
full potential and expectations.
This is why we at Up From The Earth strive to encourage
new and knowledgeable gardeners alike to take that
risk into the uncomfortable growth zone and Plant,
Greenhouse carts created last year, as, necessity is the
mother of invention, due to COVID.
Grow, Share this 2021 growing season. Maybe your
positive venture is a squash arch. Maybe, it is starting
seeds indoors. Maybe, it is just stopping by our website
or a collection site for the first time. The seed has been
planted; the next step is yours. Vive les legumes!
Happy Gardening!
Visit us at our Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/upfromtheearth
Or the UFTE Website:
https://upfromtheearth.wixsite.com/siouxland
Randy Burnight, an avid gardener for more than 40 years,
is the founder of Up from The Earth and an ISU Extension
Master Gardener.
Lisa Cox, also an ISU Extension Master Gardener, loves
to combine her passions of gardening and education
through Up From The Earth.
Up From The Earth exists to connect extra produce
from home gardens to people in need.
Photo Credit Lisa Cox (left page). Photo Credit Lisa Cox
(this page, left column).

Siouxland Magazine | EXPLORE /52
Fresh assorted tomatoes.
Saving Summer for Later
By Carol Larvick
As the days are getting longer and warmer, I love
getting outside. Sometimes I just take a walk, but I am
itching to begin working in my garden. Last fall, I planted
some spinach seeds, and this spring, I keep going out to
see how they are doing. Early March, when we had a bit
of warmth, they sprouted. I cannot wait till it is time to eat
the spinach. Every year I look forward to saving some of
my garden produce to eat in the winter.
During 2020, both gardening and preserving food at
home grew by 600%. No wonder it was hard to find
supplies like canning jars and lids. The prediction is for it
to be as popular this year as last year.
If you canned last year for the first time, or the hundredth
time, there is always something more to learn.
Tomatoes are a popular item to preserve. They work well
frozen, canned, or dried. Frozen is an easy option if you
have only a few extra tomatoes and freezer space. It can
be as simple as rinsing them in water and cutting the
core out, then putting them in a freezer bag. With any
product you preserve to use later, it is always a good
idea to think about how you will use it when that time
comes. Frozen tomatoes for example would work well in
soups, stews, casseroles; think of anywhere you would
use cooked tomatoes. Once frozen, they will not work to
put on a tossed salad.
I also fix tomatoes for the freezer by roasting them with
a bit of olive oil and some spices. When finished, I cool
them and package them up with a label that includes the
date, the word tomatoes, and what I did to them, so I will
remember months later when I am hunting in my freezer.
Have you ever thought about drying tomatoes? A friend
was telling me after they dry the tomato slices, she uses
a coffee grinder (that has not had coffee in it) to make
the tomatoes into a powder and uses them in place of
tomato paste. I think that is a great idea and plan to dry
some tomatoes this summer.
Tomatoes can be canned in various ways – tomato sauce,
stewed tomatoes, tomato juice, spaghetti sauce, and
salsa. One important thing to remember is to follow a
research-tested recipe if you are canning tomatoes or
any food product.
What is the difference between a research-tested recipe
and one from a blog or on a website? After COVID, we all
know about things we cannot see but can make us sick.
For long-term storage of home canned food, they must
be heated. But what temperature and how long we heat
them is based on the acidity and the density of the food
inside the jar. A research-tested recipe does just that; it
tests the recipe to make sure it will keep without having a
microorganism grow.

Foods higher in acid, like fruits, pickled foods, jams,
and jellies don’t need as much or as high of heat to
keep them safe, we can process them in a boiling water
canning. But foods like meats and vegetables that
are naturally lower in acid need temperatures above
boiling, a pressure canner, to kill the bacteria that
causes Botulism.
Tomatoes vary in their acid content and are right on
the boarder between a high acid and low acid food.
Research has shown that we can safely add acid to
tomatoes and process them at home as a high acid
food. Vinegar, bottled lemon juice and citric acid are
what we use to add acid to the tomatoes. A researchtested
recipe will tell you the proportions of each of
these to add to your canned tomatoes. My favorite is
citric acid, it is found in powder form in the canning
aisle at the store. It does not change the flavor of the
tomatoes and is easy to use.
Another factor we need to remember is that water
boils at a lower temperature at higher elevations. In
Siouxland, most of us are above 1000 feet in elevation.
Most all home canning recipes need to be adjusted for
this elevation. Again, a research-tested recipe will tell
you how to adjust to your elevation.
Home canning is not the place to use diseased,
bruised, or overripe produce. Canning will not improve
the product. Produce that is diseased or bruised
may be lower in acid and may contain a high about
of microorganisms. If you want to keep this produce,
freezing is a safer method to preserve it. With tomatoes
select disease free, preferably vine-ripened tomatoes
that are firm. Do not home can tomatoes from dead
or frost killed tomato vines. A safer way to keep these
tomatoes is to freeze them.
Have you ever tried to peel a tomato? Some canning
recipes want the skin removed. An easy way to do that is
to dip tomatoes in boiling water for a couple of minutes,
then immediately dip them into ice water. The skins
easily slip off the tomato.
If you are interested in canning, now is the time to be
checking the stores for canning jars and canning lids. I
have seen both in Siouxland this spring; you just need to
keep checking. You can also look online. Purchase high
quality lids for best results.
A couple of things to remember when canning.
• Use a research tested recipe and follow the
instructions.
• Plan enough time, canning does take time.
• Start with clean counters and enough room to
work.
• Use a plastic or silicone knife to get air bubbles
out of the filled jar before putting the lid on it.
• Make sure to wipe the rim of the jar off with a
clean wet dishcloth or paper towel, so no food
is in between the jar and the lid.
• Do not start counting processing time until
your canner water is boiling for a boiling water
canner, or with a pressure canner the air has
escaped, and the steam has built-up pressure
in the canner.
• Never quickly cool a canner or the jars after
processing. Allow them to cool naturally and
away from drafts.
• Always lift jars straight up when they are filled
with food, so the food does not come in
contact with the lid.
Siouxland Magazine | EXPLORE / 53
Carol Larvick is an educator with Nebraska Extension.
She canned, froze, and dried food with her mom
growing up and continues to do all of them now with
help from her grandkids. Besides helping people learn
how to properly can to keep food safe, she teaches food
safety to anyone who will listen.
Up From The Earth exists to connect extra produce
from home gardens to people in need.
Freshly-canned-tomatoes.
Photo Credit Carol Larvick.

Siouxland Magazine | EXPLORE /54
Stacey Selk, Director Children’s Miracle Network announcing the Carlson Group at RE/MAX as Siouxland first “Miracle
Agents” and outlining the impact “Miracle Homes” will have on Siouxland area kids.
Jeff and Rachel Carlson, Owners and
Realtors at the Carlson Group – RE/
MAX Preferred, have partnered with the
UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Children’s
Miracle Network to become Siouxland’s
first Miracle Agents.
“We are so excited to be the first Miracle Agents
in Siouxland,” says Jeff. “We personally know so
many families whose lives have been impacted by
the Children’s Miracle Network and we couldn’t be
prouder to partner with them.”
This partnership means that a portion of every
transaction the Carlson Group – RE/MAX Preferred
makes will go to the Children’s Miracle Network.
Rachel adds, “When you list a home with us, you will
get our standard ‘for sale’ sign in the yard, but it will
also have an addition at the bottom that says ‘Miracle
Home’ – letting everyone who passes by know that
a portion of the sale of your home will go toward
supporting local kids here in Siouxland.”
Stacey Selk, Director of the Children’s Miracle Network
here in Sioux City expands upon just how exciting this
partnership is.
“RE/MAX Corporate has been a wonderful sponsor of
the National Children’s Miracle Network for some time
now,” says Selk. “Having this local office partner with us
means that more dollars can stay right here in town and
support the children in our local community. It’s just

such a blessing and we are so grateful for Jeff and
Rachel’s support!”
Children’s Miracle Network treats more kids with
more afflictions than any other children’s charity,
raising more than $300 million each year for
hospitals serving kids.
“A partnership with the Carlson Group at RE/MAX
will open so many doors and directly impact kids
in our community,” stated Selk.
Siouxland Magazine |EXPLORE/ 55
“A portion of every Carlson Group real estate
transaction, including residential and commercial,
will go directly to the CMN in Siouxland. Listings are
considered “Miracle Home” featured here.”
“Kamdyn Krull was the 2018 St. Luke’s Children’s Miracle Network
Champion. The Carlsons met Shantel Krull through her work at
Chiropractic 1st. Her family’s story had a tremendous impact on
Carlson’s desire to become Miracle Agents. Kamdyn was born
with Charge syndrome and has heroically persevered through
many surgeries in his young life.”
To learn more about your local Children’s
Miracle Network visit unitypoint.org. To learn
more about The Carlson Group – RE/MAX
Preferred, visit preferredsiouxland.com.
“Miracle Mattison Twins, this year’s St Luke’s Children’s Miracle
Network Champions.”