Siouxland Magazine - Volume 3 Issue 4

STARTING CONVERSATIONS
i n s i d e
20
21
EXPRESSION
Volume 3, Issue 4

ON THE MOVE.
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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 | Expression / 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

Expression
Converse22
Passionate About Conversation - Artist Dialogue...........8
Bridging the Language Barrier.......................................................................10
Inclusive Peek................................................................................................................................12
You Can’t Filter a Really Good Conversation..........14
What’s Your Big Idea?...............................................................................................15
Grow
Balance
Loess Valley...........................................................................................................................................22
Interested in Delivering Impressive Results
and Making Boundless Progress?...........................................................25
Downtown Events Are Back!...............................................................................26
Tri-State Governors’ Conference.................................................................27
Knife, Fork, or Spoon?.......................................................................................................29
2021 Innovation Market............................................................................................31
Getting Out of Survival Mode and into
Expansion Mode.................................................................................................................33
Expressing Yourself Through Your Brand........................................35
Grow Lighter........................................................................................................................................36
‘Express Yourself’: The Art & Practice of
Accessible Yoga...........................................................................................................................38
Ask the Therapist........................................................................................................................4 0
Cultivating your Ability through your Vulnerability:
The Yin and Yang of Mindfulness Self-Compassion.....42
The Art of Healing...................................................................................................................44
Ten Under 40............................................................................................................................47
“I want to affect people like a clap of thunder, to inflame their minds with the breadth
of my vision, the strength of my conviction, and the power of my expression.”
– Rosa Luxemburg

“There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into
action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you
block it, it will never exist through any other medium and will be lost.”
– Martha Graham
Inspire
Larger Than Life Expressions...............................................................................16
A Promise to Yourself..........................................................................................................18
Artistic Expressions on Stage and Canvas..............................20
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’re creating a magazine you won’t want to put
down. We promise to not disappoint.
explore
Expression of Beauty..........................................................................................................48
Home Grown Expressions..........................................................................................50
Celebrate Wins.............................................................................................................................52
Market Experience................................................................................................................54
Want to be included in our
September issue?
Contact us soon!
Deadline to reserve space is
August 16th!
Media Kit at siouxlandmagazine.com
JOIN US!
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ON THE COVER
Photography by Britton Hacke.
Ike Rayford, Becky Carlson, Peggy La and baby Zeus.

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.
Erika Hansen,
Lifelong
Siouxland
Resident &
Model.
Up From the
Earth Leadership
Team.
University of
Nebraska – Lincoln
Nebraska Extension
Educators.
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.
Dr. Nesrin Abu Ata,
Family Medicine
Physician, Integrative
Psychiatrist & Yoga
Instructor.
Emily Larson,
Licensed Massage
Therapist & Private
Yoga Instructor.
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.
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
I love all the ways we are able to express
ourselves - life never ceases to amaze me.
All around us, there is a dynamic expression,
and even in the interaction between, an
evolution into its form of being. Life is
demanding play and growth and fuller
expression. It’s fun to watch it all unfold.
This publication encourages conversation, which in and of itself
has vast possibilities of expression. Then sometimes words just
aren’t enough and outpours music with all its emotion, visual
art with its multitude of forms, and movement. Yes, movement.
From talking with our whole body to dancing. We just keep
moving.
Over the last couple of years, I’ve tried hard to express my
commitment to this community through this publication;
setting the stage for all of you to share your stories and for
connections to take place. It’s exciting to know it’s being
received. With so much gratitude, I am pleased to announce a
new partnership with the City and to bring to all of you Sioux
City Progress. Together we will keep progressing.
Siouxland Magazine | Expression / 7
A new partnership!
For more than 15 years, the City of Sioux City’s Progress newsletter has shared positive stories, project
updates, and event information with residents and visitors. The publication has evolved over time—both
in design and distribution—but its goals have remained the same:
• Showcase the success in our City to residents and visitors
• Attract and recruit new businesses and employees to the Siouxland area
As we considered new ways of reaching our diverse audience, inserting the Progress newsletter into Siouxland
Magazine was a natural fit. Siouxland Magazine strives to educate and inspire its readers, and it seeks to create a community
that thrives on connecting with one another. We share these aspirations, and we are proud of this new partnership.
Designed as a pull-out piece, the City Progress newsletter can be a handy reference throughout the summer and beyond.
We hope this issue will not only inform you of what’s happening in the city, but also invite you to become part of it!
Anne Westra
Communications & Public Engagement Specialist, City of Sioux City
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.

Expression
statement
communication
Todd
Ryan
Passionate About Conversation - Artist Dialogue
In this issue, our Conversation participants are Todd
Behrens and Ryan Haskins. Ryan is the Music Director
for the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra, and Todd is the
Director of the Sioux City Art Center. As artists, these two
gentlemen have an interesting perspective on Expression.
SM: People are dealing with a lot of uncertainty
and anxiety in general. How does the ability to
express oneself via fine arts help with this?
Behrens: In the best of times, the fine arts show us new
ways of thinking about the realities of life and provide
sensory reminders of the more significant meanings that lie
just above or below the surface of our daily experiences. In
the worst of times, they provide hope. Since the pandemic,
we have been reminded of how precious and short life is.
The pain, uncertainty, and isolation of the last year have
been so challenging. We effectively have had two options:
ignore the problems and proceed with our usual patterns
of life; or use this moment to explore the countless things
that each of us usually has no time or reason to consider.
At their heart, the fine arts are about exploration and
innovation on the creative side, discovering new ideas, and
considering the viewpoints of others on the appreciative
side. All of these things can provide both the intellectual
and emotional stimulation that not only get us through
these tough times but can genuinely make our lives better.
Haskins: Since the beginning, the arts have provided
civilization with a means of comfort and a vehicle to express
our innermost worries, concerns, and anxieties. One of the
reasons this works is because you have to learn to let go
and be willing to be vulnerable to create art. You have to
be willing to put everything on the line and say - “this is
me” - it’s not easy - especially in a society that is so quick
to pass judgments. This unguarded letting-go is powerful -
and where art can express the inexpressible. When we find
it difficult to express ourselves, but we have a desire for
emotional release - the arts can help us. It’s one of the main
reasons why the arts can have a lasting effect on the overall
health of our body and mind. The arts can help us manage
our quality of life and wellbeing.
An experience in a concert hall, theatre, or gallery can all
provide us with the opportunity to disappear and travel to
a distant time or place. We can be transported away from
our world that is so filled with constant uncertainty and
upheaval.
SM: We find a lot of division and polarization in
current society. In what ways is artistic expression
connected to unity?
Haskins: The arts heal - they provide us with the
opportunity to accept the challenge, then manage it, and
finally heal and recover from it.
Art brings us together - and if we are willing to leave our
“stuff” behind - and allow ourselves to be open - we can
then enjoy some unbelievable experiences - moving us
beyond the unimaginable.
Arts are reflective of what is happening around us, past and
present. This is why a live concert can transport us in just a
few notes to a new land, a new time, or a new experience.
This is what drives us to continue creating a new sculpture,
designing a contemporary dance, or composing a musical
composition - they preserve time so that future generations
can look back and experience where we were at that very
moment. It is pretty magical.

image
delivery
impressions
attitude
Our culture and society need to be built not wholly of
like-minded people but of a diverse and rich collection of
individuals who come together to live, gather in celebration
and mourning, discuss, change, and evolve. This bringing
together through culture is what should unify us - even
during these times of division.
Behrens: Artistic creation is one of the many things
that connects all communities, nations, cultures, and
time periods. The impulse and the need to make artistic
interpretations of our lives, whether verbal, visual, musical or
performing, unites all of us. But it is important to remember
that these generalities refer to the entirety of artistic
production. No individual artist or artwork can fully contain a
unified expression of our contemporary society. If we look at
American art over the last century, we find a non-stop effort
on the part of younger generations of artists to redefine
what art’s appearance, purpose, and subjects should be.
And that has only accelerated over time as—finally—women,
BIPOC, and LGBTQ artists have had their voices more fully
considered. Increased participation has brought new ideas
into the conversation, and asking questions and stimulating
conversation is a vital part of what the arts can do.
SM: In addition to visual arts, how do you express
your individuality?
Behrens: Actually, I have no special skills to express myself
within the visual arts. Give me lots of time and I can probably
draw something fairly competently. You wouldn’t want me
on your team for a game of Pictionary. My studies and
career in the arts have provided me with the confidence to
see the significance within things that might be overlooked
or explain why broad concepts that might be accepted as
givens are based on shaky foundations. Though there can
be a great amount of subjectivity within the fine arts, at the
core of meaningful artworks lie clear purposes, logic, and
vision.
I enjoy working with others to achieve goals as much as I do
working on my solitary ideas. The fun is in shaping a new
vision for the Art Center that allows it to expand whom it
partners with and whom it serves. Basically, working to make
participating in the arts as inclusive as possible for everyone
in the community.
SM: In addition to music, how do you express your
individuality?
Haskins: This is a tricky question for me - there isn’t a day
that goes by that I am truly without music - whether I am
preparing for a concert, rehearsing with other musicians, or
just listening to something that I have yet to discover. I will
say, though, I do enjoy cooking. I have fun experimenting
with different ingredients and spices and usually create as I
go. My husband always tells me he thinks I should be on the
Food Network show “Chopped”. I’m not convinced I am at
that level - but I suppose I love putting my special touch on
dishes I serve up at home.
SM: What would a first-timer be surprised to
experience at the Sioux City Art Center?
Behrens: First and foremost, a first timer—particularly a
Sioux Citian—would be surprised to learn that our city has
been exceptionally artistic for virtually its entire existence.
The Art Center’s collection is small by many museum
standards, with only about 1,200 artworks. But the Art
Center has more than 100 past and present Sioux City
artaists represented in its collection, with a minimum of 25
on display at any one time—the first gallery a first-timer will
discover in the Art Center is filled with more than a century’s
worth of art produced by artists who have lived in Sioux City.
Though we work to bring the best artworks of the region to
Sioux City, quite honestly there is always a lot of great art
being made right here.
The second thing is that we are free and a lot of our special
activities are free, as well. While we’reº still being a bit
cautious on the size of crowds in the buildings, when we get
back up to full speed, everything from receptions and artist
talks to concerts and other performances are almost always
free. The brochures we create to describe exhibitions are
free. And we always offer several free children’s workshops
during the year, and other classes and workshops are as
affordable as possible. We want to make sure there are no
obstacles between Siouxlanders and access to great art.
SM: SM: What would a first-timer be surprised to
experience at a Sioux City Symphony performance?
Haskins: UNEXPECTEDLY AWESOME - For a first-time
concert goer - the Symphony is not what you might think. I
have had more conversations with people who have lived in
Sioux City all their entire life; they walk through those doors
for the first time, sit down, and are blown away with what
comes out of this Symphony. It truly is one of the greatest
around - not just because of its ridiculously talented
musicians, some who travel hundreds of miles to play at
the Orpheum, but also for the cutting edge, experimental,
unusually cool concerts that we produce. From Beethoven
to Queen, from Mozart to Star Wars, there is something for
everyone. It’s not what you expect - and that’s OK - we want
you to come through those doors and discover one of the
most exhilarating live concert experiences around!
Photos Courtesy of Sioux City Symphony Orchestra and Sioux
City Art Center.

converse
curious
Cultivating Meaningful
Powerful narrative of “us”
truth seekers
Bridging the Language Barrier
By Jetske Wauran
In 2005, Fatiya Adam came to the U.S. at the
young age of 17 years-old. She didn’t know how
to read, write, or speak English. “Zero English,” she
said.
Fatiya was born and raised in Ethiopia, a landlocked
country on the Horn of Africa. She never imagined
she would be living in America.
“I was a teenage mom with an 8-month old; alone,
without my parents, without my family.”
Despite her challenges, Fatiya graduated from
Marshall Senior High School in Marshall, Minnesota
in 2009, and pursued her college career at Marshall
State University, where she received her Bachelor of
Arts in Early Childhood Education. Fast forward 15
years later to 2020, Fatiya is the Director of Refugee
Program at the Mary J. Treglia Community House in
Sioux City, Iowa. MJTCH is a non-profit organization
that educates, empowers, and advocates for
Siouxland’s newcomers and immigrants.
“I love what I do, and I get to do it every day.”

strengthening our community
Conversations exploring perspectives
coming together
open minded
focused on common good
Fatiya has been part of MJTCH since 2013,
empowering and educating hundreds of families
as they adjust to a new life in Siouxland. “This place
is like my home.”
She speaks five languages and serves as an
interpreter for the community house, helping
translate paperwork like employment applications
and other necessary documentation for immigrants.
“Helping people, helping their lives, it makes me
smile knowing that I can do that for others.”
In 2019, Fatiya and her husband purchased their
very own home in Sioux City’s Northside. Together
they have three daughters, one son, and a newborn.
Photo Credit Jetske Wauran
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 / 12
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Inclusive Peek
What challenges have you experienced living in
Siouxland? I first came to Sioux City from Mexico as a
freshman at Morningside College. It was the first time in
my life moving away from home and my family. I decided
to move to another country to earn my college degree
and continue with my golf career. While it was the best
decision I have ever made, it was also challenging since
there was a clear language and cultural barrier. My first
semester in college was challenging since I had trouble
understanding the conversation I was having with
people and the lectures in college. Also, the cultural
shock was pretty drastic. I constantly found myself in
awkward situations when I kept trying to say hello by
kissing in the cheek (Mexican tradition) instead of just
doing a handshake as Americans do.
How has Siouxland been Welcoming?
I felt extremely welcomed when I first arrived in Sioux
City since everybody around me cared about my
well-being and constantly offered help with rides and
even groceries since I was alone in the country. My
teammates always invited me over to their homes to
spend holidays so I wouldn’t be alone. My internship
supervisor and mentor, Treyla Lee, introduced me to
a fantastic program called The First Tee that allowed
Inclusive Peek – En Espanol
¿Qué desafíos ha experimentado viviendo en
Siouxland?
Vine por primera vez a Sioux City desde México como
estudiante de primer año en Morningside College. Fue
la primera vez en mi vida que me mudaría de casa y de
mi familia. Decidí mudarme a otro país para obtener
mi titulo universitario y continuar con mi carrera de
golf. Si bien fue la mejor decisión que he tomado en
mi vida, también fue un desafío ya que había una clara
barrera cultural e idiomática. Mi primer semestre en la
universidad fue un desafío ya que tuve problemas para
entender la conversación que estaba teniendo con
la gente y las lecturas en la universidad. Además, el
impacto cultural fue bastante drástico. Constantemente
me encontraba en situaciones incomodas cuando
trataba de saludar con un beso en la mejilla (tradición
mexicana) en lugar de simplemente dar un apretón de
manos como lo hacen los estadounidenses.
¿Como te ha dado la bienvenida Siouxland?
Me sentí muy bienvenida cuando llegué por primera
vez a Sioux City, ya que todos los que me rodeaban
me to spend the last
three summers working
with hundreds of kids
and their families that
accepted me and
my culture into their
community.
What do you want the
people of Siouxland
to know?
I would like them to
know that it is okay to
be scared of change
and the unknown. In
life, we often pass on
opportunities because
we are afraid of failure
Maria Jose Zorrilla Rodriguez
or don’t want to get out of our comfort zone. But if there’s
anything I learned from the past year, life is unpredictable,
and we should embrace and cherish every day and every
opportunity as they come.
The Siouxland Community has been a part of the best years
in my life, and I am incredibly grateful for every person I
meet in this town.
se preocupaban por mi bienestar y constantemente me
ofrecían ayuda con los paseos e incluso con la comida,
ya que estaba sola en el país. Mis compañeros de equipo
siempre me invitaban a sus casas a pasar los dias festivos
para no estar sola. Mi supervisora de pasantías y mentora,
Treyla Lee, me presento un programa fantástico llamado
The First Tee que me permitió pasar los últimos tres veranos
trabajando con cientos de niños y sus familias que me
aceptaron a mi y a mi cultura en su comunidad.grupos y
nimaría a uiera que desee participar y conocer gente nueva
¿Qué quieres que sepa la gente de Siouxland?
Me gustaría que supieran que está bien tener miedo al
cambio y a lo desconocido. En la vida, a menudo dejamos
pasar oportunidades porque tenemos miedo al fracaso o
no queremos salir de nuestra zona de confort. Pero si hay
algo que aprendí del año pasado, la vida es impredecible,
y debemos abarcar y apreciar cada dia y cada oportunidad
que se presente.
La comunidad de Siouxland ha sido parte de los mejores
años de mi vida y estoy increíblemente agradecida por
cada persona que conozco en esta ciudad.
upo
Photo Credit Jetske Wauran.
Siouxland Magazine | Converse / 13

Siouxland Magazine | Converse / 14
You Can’t Filter a Really Good Conversation
By Tony Michaels
Whenever somebody talks about expressing
yourself, I am immediately taken back to that jam
by Madonna in 1988. Do I believe in love? You bet
I do. You don’t need diamond rings or big fancy cars.
That’s like a radio guy’s anthem! Man, Madonna was so
ahead of her time.
Social media has changed the game when it comes
to expression, and in my humble opinion, that’s not
necessarily a good thing. Posting adorable pictures
and victories only alters the validity of the account.
Can you imagine if there was a fact-checker on your
Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter pages? I
guess someone like Andy Cohen from “Watch What
Happens Live” on Bravo popping up and saying, “that
sweet picture of your kiddo is totes adorbs, but do you
want to address the temper tantrum little Braeden had
in aisle three next to the pop-tarts at the grocery store?
Seriously, that kid is out of control. TMZ had a camera on
that lil’ devil, and social media nation will want a reaction
video from you and apologies to everyone who had to
witness that debacle.”
I’m here for the crash. When not everything is perfect,
that’s the kind of expression I want to see.
In the longest 15 months of our lives, where our faces
were covered with a mask and loved ones emerged in
fear, mental health took a hit. I’m quite certain social
media was not a help. Division, frustration, and angst
were dialed up when we needed calm, compassion, and
care. Less filter. More heart.
I picked a career path where I probably share too much
on the radio. No doubt. My lovely wife will validate this
theory. When the pandemic hit, I decided to double
down on this personality quirk and self-published a
book, 263 pages of self-deprecating humor and real
stories. It is the antithesis of social media. Way too
honest, and I share too many blemishes.
Tony at his book signing for Tacos and Beer Atmosphere at
Sioux City Gifts. His youngest son Beau and his book editor
Kelli as security for the event.
Ok. Papa is done preachin’. It all goes back to the queen of
expression, Madonna.
Tony “Michaels” Michalski is a morning show
host on KSUX 105.7 and author.
Photos Contributed by Tony Michaels.
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Authentic expression is discovered throughout countless
conversations that take place during breakdowns at 2
a.m. after life kicks you in the shins. I can tell you there
are a handful of individuals who know who I am. That
opinion was not based on my social media profile. If you
were to only base your opinion based on what I post,
you would guess I live and die with every Husker loss
and place significant importance on funny actions my
golden retriever does daily. True. But that is just the
narrative I want the world to see.
Siouxland Magazine does a great job of starting
conversations in our society. Just imagine the joy gained
in our closest relationships if we spend less time scrolling
and more time listening.

What’s Your Big Idea?
By Alex Watters
In my last article, I shared information about
the tools that the City’s economic development
team uses to attract and retain businesses to
our community. Now, I want to empower the people
of our community to utilize City staff and our resources
to see if we can help put ideas into motion. Here are
some examples of where a simple conversation has led
to positive results.
other city staff to see what would be possible. After
learning about various permits and incentives, they
developed Yummi Blox, a new food truck hub opening
this summer on West 7th that will bring more diversity
while helping small businesses in the community.
Siouxland Magazine | Converse / 15
Tiny Homes
A couple of years ago, a constituent reached out
to me about her idea to build a tiny home
community in Sioux City. I had always felt that the
city needed to expand our housing stock to include
more affordable “starter type” homes. I was excited to
help get things rolling. She and I exchanged messages
and began conversations with Neighborhood
Services Manager, Jill Wanderscheid, to advance
the idea. Jill helped us brainstorm potential
funding options, identify lots where it would be
appropriate, and what the RFP process would
resemble. A partnership with Kelly Construction began,
and now three smaller homes are nearly completed on
Center Street, with hopes to build more. They may
not be as “tiny“ or as “affordable“ as I had hoped;
however, they are a great start, and I’m anxious to see
what more we can do with this effort in the future.
Yummi Blox
After traveling to various cities across the United
States with her husband, John Keoasa, Hong Kong
Supermarket Owner Peggy La wanted to develop
a community space for food trucks on West
7th Street. After visiting with me about the proposal,
I recommended that she speak with Community
Development Operations Manager Jeff Hanson and
Kayak launch.
Parks and Recreation
Several quality-of-life amenities have been proposed
by local groups and citizens that have been pursued and
completed to create a more vibrant city. A couple of
these projects can be enjoyed at Bacon Creek Park.
The mountain biking trail and recent kayak launch were
both originally proposed by community members
and pursued by City staff. Additionally, some disc golf
courses throughout Sioux City have been proposed and
supported by the Mayor’s Youth Commission.
As you can see, these are three very different examples
where members of our community had an idea and
worked with City staff to bring it to reality! I understand
that not every idea can be implemented, but it’s important
to start the conversation and explore possibilities. If you
are feeling inspired or have an idea, don’t be afraid to
share it! I would love to hear from you and direct you to
the appropriate member of our staff. Please feel free to
email me at awatters@sioux-city.org.
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.
Jessica
Olivia
Larger Than Life Expressions
In this issue, our Conversation participants are
Jessica Hammond and Olivia Lorenz. Each artist
will respond to the same questions, providing you an
opportunity to hear different perspectives and continue the
conversation with your circle of friends.
Jessica Hammond is a local artist with a formal education in
audio engineering and a passion for creating larger-thanlife
artwork. Jessica is involved in the Sioux City Alley Art
Festival, has created several murals around town, and has
an upcoming project at State Steel which you can watch the
progress on Court and Virginia Streets. You can follow Jessica
on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube by searching for
“Brutal Doodles” or on her website www.brutaldoodlesart.
com.
Olivia Lorenz is a 15-year-old local high school student and
artist. Olivia’s goal is to create pieces to which others can
relate and connect. Olivia is driven and, after graduation,
aspires to attend the University of Iowa to become a surgeon
or doctor. Olivia has the gift of expressing her artistic ideas
into works of art for others to enjoy. Olivia recently completed
a mural in the Woodbury County Juvenile Detention Center.
Siouxland Magazine (SM): The theme for this issue
is Expressions. People share themselves through
various forms of expression. Why have you chosen
murals as your form of expression?
Jessica Hammond (JH): Even though my formal
education is in audio engineering, I’ve always had a passion
for all forms of art. I got started with murals at the 2019 Alley
Arts Festival when my friend Kitty Hart and I created our first
mural. That was followed by one for SUX Pride, then Work &
Church, and others since. I didn’t set out to do murals, but it’s
like the perfect storm for the things I love, creating art, being
outside, and doing challenging and rewarding work. Plus, I
get paid for living my passion.
Olivia Lorenz (OL): Murals are a great form of artistic
expression for various reasons, whether to show emotion,
color, movement or make a statement. My goal was to create
a lively and vivid space at Juvenile Detention Center for the
kids to observe and interact with, opposed to sorrowful blank
walls with no color. I saw this as an opportunity to change how
these kids feel, allowing them to be seen and understood
through art. Since they are my age, I can appreciate how
isolating rooms can make one feel alone and upset. It can
be difficult for them to handle the emotions they are going
through with nothing to do but stare at walls in a small space.
Creating a dedicated mural for these young people attempts
to show them they are understood, no matter their choices.
SM: What other forms of expression do you use to
share yourself with others?
OL: I use platforms such as Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram,
and Etsy, which all make it easier to reach a wider audience
and connect with others like me. I paint with various mediums,
draw, and sculpt with the mindset of showing who I am and
what I enjoy. It is an amazing thing knowing I can be myself
and share what I am working on with the world.
JH: I have many different forms of expression that I use, and
they are very fluid for me. I was constantly drawing in school,
but I also played guitar, wrote songs, and penned poetry. I

non-profit
community
family
small business
people
like all forms of art, and I think each form of expression
does something different for me. For instance, my art is
very meditative for me. I use my poetry to help me sort out
my feelings and emotions and sometimes incorporate my
poetry into my music. I use my singing and guitar playing
as an outlet for other emotions.
SM: Where do you find inspiration for your murals?
JH: I find inspiration everywhere around me, including
nature, space, and music. Often,, the client I am working
with will have part of an idea but won’t know how to
describe their vision. I take their idea then create a word
web, listing thoughts that come to mind around their
idea. After that, I will take a picture of the wall and use my
iPad to draw up my vision to show the client, then make
adjustments before I start on the actual piece.
OL: The idea for my mural was to create a colorful and
lively painting so I headed to Pinterest. I know ideas for art
are common on this platform, so all I had to do was find
something my mind was heading toward before starting
the painting.
SM: What do you want your murals to express to
those seeing them?
OL: I want the mural to express understanding, change,
and opportunity. I want these kids to see this painting
and see color and liveliness in situations they may
believe deserve darkness. My main goal is for the ones
encountering the mural to feel seen and understood, and
to believe they still have a chance of a childhood filled
with love and understanding.
Olivia Lorenz
JH: My hope is that my murals will cause people to think.
With the murals, they generally create a positive response
because they are interesting for people to look at with the
bright colors which tend to cheer people up. Each mural
has a story to tell. I like to use a lot of symbolism. It is up to
people to interpret what they see how they see it.
SM: Has anyone shared with you how your art has
impacted on their life?
JH: I received a lot of positive feedback from my work at
the Alley Art Festival, from both other artists and people
who attended it. The entire Festival inspired various
people in the Siouxland community, especially other artists
who are now taking chances they otherwise wouldn’t have
taken with their art. Sometimes it’s not just the art, it is the
fact that I’m doing it and inspiring others to take on projects
they have put off or to take a leap and pursue something
they are passionate about in life.
OL: As a young artist, I haven’t had too many chances
to express myself through art and haven’t had much time
to expose others to my work. I’ve made pieces for family
and friends, and they’ve always replied positively and
encouragingly. I’ve taught others my understanding of
aspects of art and they took that information and still use it
today. It’s a very rewarding feeling to hear simple lessons
have changed the way others see art for the better.
Jessica Hammond
Photo Credit Britton Hacke Photography.

Siouxland Magazine | Inspire / 18
Kincaid and Hough.
A Promise to Yourself
By Dr. Cyndi Hanson
You’ve met one before – a person who seems
to be positive all the time, who has a cheerful
disposition, and looks for the silver lining on the
cloud when problems arise. That is an optimist!
And it seems like in the last 18 months, we’ve needed
optimists more than ever. You will find a group of these
people meeting every Wednesday, at 7 a.m., at Dakota
Perk in South Sioux City. They are members of the South
Sioux City Optimist Club.
Club President Diana Kincaid said, “I joined because
I knew some of the members and shared their glasshalf-full
approach to life. I enjoyed the positivity and
found it a good way to plug into the community.”
The club formed more than 100 years ago. Optimist
International’s mission is to provide hope and positive
vision, to bring out the best in youth, our communities,
and ourselves. The South Sioux City club has been
active for 36 years.
Kincaid proudly noted, “We kept meeting all through the
pandemic! When it was warm enough, we met outside
at Koffee Knechtion, and when it was cool, we met at the
Legion Hall where we could socially distance.” The club’s
weekly meetings consist of planning for that month’s
activity, recognizing an achievement of a youth, and/
or a speaker. Two components that are always present
at the meeting are reciting the Optimist Creed and
positive social interaction among members. “The creed
is a great way to start the day,” said Kincaid. “It reminds
me of a poem by Chuck Swindoll about attitude. Every
day we have a choice to make that decides how our day
is going to be. I choose to make it a positive one.”
If you’ve ever interacted with Kincaid or other club
members, you know that the spirit of Optimism is
authentic. Their positive approach to challenges inspires
even the most curmudgeonly of folks to believe that
positive outcomes can be achieved.
“Every day we have a choice to make that
impacts others – it’s our attitude.”
The South Sioux City Optimist club has a calendar
full of activities, supporting youth and community
improvement. “Some of our projects fell off last year, just
because parents weren’t comfortable sending their kids
to events, but we are getting back to it,” Kincaid noted.
In 2020, the essay contest, oratorical contest, and Spring
Youth Appreciation event were held outdoors. This year,
the youth appreciation was at the Legion Hall, where
extra space made it possible to do indoors. The event
is to honor youth who have worked in the community
volunteering, often behind the scenes. “It’s important

to recognize kids,” Kincaid explained. “It provides them
some encouragement. They realize someone notices
what they are doing, and then they encourage others
to get involved too. I recently met a young professional
who told me she has the trophy she got from the
Optimist Club in 8th grade. She is so proud of that, and
it has reminded her to keep volunteering to help where
she can.”
“All kids need encouragement
and recognition.”
Recently, the club has been supporting the efforts of
Siouxland Freedom Park fundraising. The exterior of
the park’s Interpretive Center was completed a few
years ago; however the interior and exhibits are not
yet complete. Recognizing the importance of this
community-wide initiative, The Optimist club has joined
with other entities in South Sioux City to get the job
done. “We always have a lot going on. We plugin where
we can when we can.” Kincaid noted.
Other regular activities the Optimist Club is involved
with include a youth fishing derby, sponsoring baseball
The Optimist Creed
Promise Yourself
To look at the sunny side of everything
and softball teams, supporting the family night out,
and make your optimism come true.
hosting a ‘biking for school supplies’ event, fundraising
for childhood cancer research, and scholarships for SSC
High School seniors. “Our members are very active.
Some make it to the morning meetings; others have a
project or expect two they are passionate only the about best. that’s when
they engage. Both are fine.” Kincaid said. “We recognize
people are busy and welcome what contribution they
can make. It’s ok to be involved without attending
meetings if that’s what works in your schedule.”
To think only of the best, to work only for the best and
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others
as you are about your own.
If you’d like to learn more about The Optimist Club,
visit their meeting each Wednesday, 7:00-8:00 a.m. at
Dakota Perk, 39th & Dakota Ave., in South Sioux City.
You can also check out their Facebook Page, “Optimist
Club of South Sioux City.”
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the
GREATER ACHIEVEMENTS of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance AT ALL TIMES and giv
Expressing hope and optimism in a world of negative
messaging every living has an creature impact. It you all begins meet with a smile. a promise
to yourself to choose positivity.
To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you
NO TIME to criticize others.
Dr. Cyndi Hanson, Executive Director for Northeast
Community College’s Extended Campus.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for
Photos Contributed by Crittenton Center.
and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
Siouxland Magazine | Inspire / 19
To be SO STRONG that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness and prosperity
to every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything
and make your optimism come true.
To think only of the best, to work only for the best and to
expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others
as you are about your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the
GREATER ACHIEVEMENTS of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance AT ALL TIMES and give
every living creature you meet a smile.
To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have
NO TIME to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear,
and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
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Siouxland Magazine | Inspire / 20
Lil Ed and the Blues Imperials
Artistic Expressions on Stage and Canvas
By Michelle Lessmann
How far must you travel to find world-class
musicians and up-and-coming artists? Fortunately
for Siouxlanders, the answer is not far. A short trip to our
downtown brings you to Vangarde Arts, where you can
find both in one location. Led by music and art enthusiast
Brent Stockton, Vangarde Arts showcases both visual and
performing artists.
This local non-profit was formed in 2012 by a group of
Siouxland art and music aficionados who share a vision to
bring a unique cultural arts center combining a stage for
professional performing arts with an art gallery housed in
a singular space. From that shared vision, Vangarde Arts
were formed. Here, you can find Grammy Award-winning
musicians and groups from around the world performing
on stage.
While the same can be said of Sioux City’s opulent
Orpheum Theatre, there are differences between the
two venues. First, there is the size and vibe of the rooms.
Audiences will likely never be closer to the performers
than at Vangarde Arts, where the stage is set in the
intimate atmosphere housing an audience of under
one hundred. Another difference is something that
Vangarde Arts prides itself in being able to do. Thanks
to their generous donors and dedicated volunteers,
Vangarde Arts can make their world-class experiences
very affordable to their audience. Most of the acclaimed
artist’s performances have ticket prices from $15 to $20.
John Primer and the Real Deal Blues Band
Many people attending the live acts drop extra money in
the tip jar after their experience, saying it was worth more
than the ticket price.
During a typical month, Vangarde Arts likes to host 4-6
different acts, whether it is a comedian or live music,
including local bands, soloists, or world-renowned
performers. Audiences will hear all genres of music,
including classic rock, R&B, jazz, reggae, and everything
in between. The only significant criteria for the musical
performers is that Vangarde Arts prefers having bands
play only original music. Occasionally a group will perform
cover music, but Vangarde Arts likes to promote original
ideas and original music, not something you can hear in
other venues.

Stockton said he often
receives requests
from musicians who
regularly perform for
several hundred fans
asking to perform at
Vangarde Arts due
to the ambiance
of playing in such
a personal setting.
The musicians also
comment on the high
sound quality in the
room. Thanks to a
Missouri River Historical
Development (MRHD)
Grant, Stockton said
they will be upgrading
their audio and visual Brent Stockton, Owner of
recording equipment, Vangarde Arts
including installing
a multi-camera system. This will allow artists to record
their shows on high-quality audio and video equipment
for promotional purposes. Vangarde Arts also recently
received a grant from the Iowa Arts Council, a division
of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs. The funds are
designed to help the arts impacted by Covid.
Another thing making Vangarde Arts unique is their
ongoing combination of two creative expressions,
performing arts and visual arts, together in one space.
Every Thursday night, Vangarde Arts host a free Open
Mic Night where anyone, at any skill level and every age,
is welcome to perform. Many people have been exposed
to creative expressions at Vangarde Arts through music,
comedy, dance, and theater, as well as visual arts created
by local artists.
Vangarde Arts host art shows for various visual artists,
whether they are well-recognized in the Siouxland area,
like Paul Chelstad, Amy Thompson, and Jodi Whitlock, or
new to the local art scene like Glenda Drennen and Jessica
Hammond. After Glenda’s recent success at Vangarde Arts,
she was invited to showcase her work at the EastBank Art
Gallery & Studio in Sioux Falls. Vangarde Arts was also a
catalyst to help Jessica Hammond become recognized in
Siouxland as her murals began becoming commissioned
around town.
As you enter the space at 416 Pierce Street, you find
yourself surrounded by visual arts, often showcasing local
artist’s works. The works of local artist Thomas Kleber
were recently on display for his first independent show.
Vangarde Arts serves hors d‘oeuvres, wine, and beverages
for Art Show Openings, where anyone, including the
artist’s friends and relatives, can view the masterpieces on
display during these free events. The artists are pleased
and sometimes surprised, that 300-400 people see their
works throughout their Show.
Many people seeing the artwork are drawn to Vangarde
Arts for the musical talent or Open Mic Nights. Some have
never been in an art gallery or have any art background,
yet they find themselves having conversations about the
art. They express emotions they are experiencing from the
art and share their thoughts on the pieces. Some will even
go home with a piece they fall in love with and purchase
from the art show.
During a musical performance, you may even see an artist
creating an original work of art as an expression of the
emotions they experience from the music. Recently, two
artists worked on separate canvases while a band played,
then switched and worked on the other artists’ canvas, then
back and forth while the music continued. The diptych, or
piece of art created in two parts, was then auctioned off.
The proceeds benefit Vangarde Arts, which as a non-profit
organization depends completely on ticket sales, private
donations, grants, and “VAP” or Vangarde Arts Partners,
for funding. Anyone can become a VAP for $100 or $250
per year, and each level comes with membership perks.
There are one or two exclusive events for VAP members
each year, where the members can meet the musicians.
During Open Mic Night every Thursday, there is no cover
charge, and you can hear a variety of music from musicians
as young as ten to performers who were around to hear
Sinatra or Elvis perform live during their youth. A few local
bands, including Ultra Violet Fever and Central Time,
were formed at Open Mic Night, where they met. Anyone
wanting to share their talent on stage in front of a friendly,
supportive audience can stop down at Vangarde Arts for
Open Mic Night.
Many people attend
Vangarde Arts regularly
to experience various
expressions of artistic
talent. If you have never
been to a performance
at Vangarde Arts, you
are missing out. Check
out their calendar
and find out when
the next live event is
taking place or stop
down on a Thursday
evening around 7 p.m.
Upcoming Events can be
found on their website
at www.vangardearts.
com or their Vangarde
Arts Facebook page.
Anyone looking to
Thomas Kleber, Artist
showcase their artistic or musical talents or wanting to
become a VAP can contact Brent Stockton at (712) 251-
6432.
Michelle Lessmann, Fully Licensed Office Professional in Keith
Bales Office of Thrivent.
Band Photos Contributed by Vangarde Arts. Picture of Brent
Stockton Photo Credit Britton Hacke Photograph.
Siouxland Magazine | Inspire / 21

grow
Don’t fear failure. Embrace it. It’s where the learning happens.
No risk. No reward.
Loess Valley
Iowa’s West Coast Initiative Feature
Business Owner: Becky Flannigan
Business Name: Loess Valley
Main Products/Services: Small batch, handcrafted
goat’s milk soap, and skincare products (lip
balm, body scrub, hand cream, skin balm/salve)
Location: Salix, Iowa
Website: loessvalley.com
Short description of your business:
Loess Valley is a soap business specializing in
goat’s milk soap. All products are created by hand,
in small batches.
What’s unique about your business?
All of my soaps are made with raw, creamy milk from
my small Nubian dairy goat herd.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve had to
overcome as you’ve grown your business?
Changing my mindset from being a soap maker to
being a business owner (and thinking and acting like
one) has been challenging.
What has been your greatest reward?
The personal growth and confidence I’ve gained as I’ve
stretched myself out of my comfort zone.
What motivated you to start your business?
What drives you each day?
Honestly, I never set out to own and run a business.
Soapmaking started as a 4H project when I was
younger. Throughout the years, I continued to raise
goats and make soap for personal use. Eventually,
friends and family started using and asking for
my soap, and it organically grew from there. I feel
strongly that this business is an opportunity God
has blessed me with in life. I don’t completely
understand why or how it has grown into this, but
at this point, Loess Valley is just me stepping out in
faith and obedience to be a good steward of this
gift/opportunity.

personal growth
leadership
determination
business development
influence
How have you benefited
from the startup community
in Sioux City and the
region? What resources
did you use?
I’ve met with Todd at the Small
Business Administration and
received good direction and
advice from him when I first
started. Also, all the resources
and events provided by Iowa’s
West Coast Initiative have
been extremely beneficial to
me.
Are there any experiences
that were particularly influential
in that regard?
I have loved the opportunity to get to know, and learn
from, other entrepreneurs and small business owners in the
community. Iowa’s West Coast Initiative has been outstanding
about offering programs, especially for businesses in rural
Woodbury County.
What is one thing you know now that you wish you
knew when starting your business?
How much it would stretch and grow me and that everything
I do in running this business is out of my comfort zone, but I
need to do it anyway.
What advice would you give to someone looking to
start a business?
Surround yourself with other small business owners through
networking events, mastermind groups, or local programs
that are offered. Keep at it and learn from mistakes and
setbacks, but don’t let them slow you down.
What are some future goals for your company?
Right now, a few of my big goals are building my soap studio
to manufacture from, building a greenhouse,, and adding
houseplants as a branch of my business. I’d also love to host
events and open houses on the farm that allow the public to
hang out with the goats and maybe offer some soap-making
classes.
Photos Contributed by Jess Carrier.
Becky Flannigan and her
goat Grace.
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
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Do you need free, confidential and customized business
counseling? Contact SBDC for advice on developing a
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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
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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!

Siouxland Magazine | Grow/24

Interested in Delivering Impressive Results and Making
Boundless Progress? Start with a Business COACH.
By Linda K. Krei (ActionCOACH ExcelEDGE)
What do Serena Williams, Bill Gates, Leonardo
DiCaprio, and Oprah Winfrey all have in common?
Indeed, great success, and they all invested time and effort
to work with a Business Coach as they understood the
importance of that investment to achieve their desired results.
https://visionfirecoaching.com/famous-entrepreneurs-whohad-business-coaches-and-how-it-helped-them/
A great business coach can guide you too, pushing beyond
any self-perceived limiting beliefs to see things differently,
identify goals, and take action to produce better results and
make significant progress.
Many people don’t realize what a business coach
can do for them or their business. At ActionCOACH, we
uphold a process that draws out the wisdom from you, the
client. Our certified coaches have expertise in the process of
coaching, skilled in asking the right kinds of questions and
providing a helpful kind of support so you, the client, can
discover how to “BE” and determine what to “DO.” We also
share proven strategies, methodologies, and systems that
can be effectively implemented. An ActionCOACH will guide
you in building a roadmap for your success; we will help you
become a more effective influencer and leader (a necessity
to thrive through challenging times). In addition, we will help
create the kind of work environment that effectively retains
and recruits top talent (something we are all trying to figure
out these days).
A business coach should work alongside you.
Coaching is a confidential engagement focused on designing,
planning, aligning, and achieving your (the client’s) personal
goals and business goals. A coaching process includes a
continuous learning attitude that encourages candid and
respectful conversations between coach and client, including
a self-reflective approach to enhance creativity and embrace
change with a problem-solving focus for sustainable
solution(s). This type of investment is a GROWTH strategy for
leaders and companies who want to grow yet seem to have
underlying constraints, such as challenges with recruitment
and retention these days.
Elements of a Powerful Coaching
Partnership
A Winner’s Mindset | Awareness | Being COACHABLE
Become aware of the key behaviors that either help or
hinder progress and growth. We cannot change what we
are unaware of, so bringing to our conscious awareness our
current leadership shadow - how we show up and what we
can do differently - is essential.
others had failed because his ‘why’ was so powerful. Coaching
works best when aligned with what a person or organization
wants to work on and “why” it is significant.
An Attitude for Continuous Learning | DRIVEN | Always
looking to improve
Stay curious and be open to new ways of thinking. Improve
Daily and Learn from what works and what doesn’t – Learn from
mistakes. Take Action. Test and Measure. Create clear goals and
a written action plan to help provide a road map to achieve the
future vision. Coaching also provides a baseline for the current
state, pre-coaching, and indicates progress toward the desired
state, post-coaching.
Accountability | Ownership with an Appropriate PACE:
Coaching creates the environment, sets the tone for people
to take responsibility for their growth, and provides built-in
accountability. The coach will check in on the progress made
toward agreed-upon action items from the last coaching session.
This is the power of coaching in action.
Learn more about how you, your team, and your organization
would benefit from an investment with a Professional Business |
Executive Coach. Take a few minutes to connect with a member
of our ActionCOACH ExcelEDGE TEAM:
Certified Coaches Linda Krei, Don Dotson, Carter Krei, Marcia
Erickson, Jason Hamer, and/or our Business Development Team
Jill Madsen and Lillyan Rodriguez. Find us at https://exceledge.
actioncoach.com
At ActionCOACH ExcelEDGE, we
look forward to helping you discover
your EDGE to Excel!
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.
Siouxland Magazine | Grow/25
A Strong “WHY” | Alignment with Clearly Defined Goals
Thomas Edison, renowned for inventing the light bulb in
1879, said, “Many of life’s failures are people who did not
realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”
After a thousand failed attempts, he finally succeeded where
Linda Krei, ActionCOACH Excel Edge
712.251.7189
E: lindakrei@actioncoach.com
https://lindakrei.actioncoach.com

Siouxland Magazine | Grow/26
Downtown Events Are Back!
By Grace Nordquist
Warmer weather and summer days bring
more activity to downtown Sioux City. There
are so many events being carefully planned for this
year that we want to make sure you know all about
it! To help you navigate all there is to do, Downtown
Partners has brought back our weekly eblasts that
send you an email containing everything going on
for the week. We also want to help you promote your
event downtown. By hosting an event downtown, you
help create the foot traffic and potential customers
needed for our local businesses to thrive. Not sure
where to host your outdoor event downtown? Give us
a call; we have several options to help you plan for an
outdoor venue. Downtown Sioux City has something
for everyone; let us know how we can help you do
more.
Do you know what’s happening?
Get a weekly list of events here and always know the
answer: Eblast sign up.
To find out what events are happening downtown, visit
the events tab on our website at downtownsiouxcity.
com. You can also sign up for our weekly email
eblasts. Weekly eblasts contain the possibilities for
the upcoming week and weekend, so you can stay in
the know and check out events that interest you, sent
right to your inbox. Sign up using the web link above
or on our homepage.
Are you holding an event downtown, or do
you want to?
We’d be happy to help you! Post it here: Events
If you’re a downtown business/organization planning
an event, or you’re an outside business/organization
hosting an event downtown, let us know! We want
everyone to be aware of the fun events you have
planned and can help you promote them. There are a
couple of ways you can share your event with us:
• Tag us on social media. If you create a Facebook
event or post about your downtown event, be
sure to tag us in it.
• Add an event on our website. If you’re a
downtown business, you already have a page on
our website. All you must do is claim your
business listing, and then you can upload events
to your page anytime.
• Email us. If you send out an email with your
events and updates, we want in! Add info@
downtownsiouxcity.com to the list.
Live music downtown.
Stay up to date on events and all of the things happening
downtown by following us on social media. Downtown
Partners is excited for events to begin again and
recommends businesses, organizations, and people
attending events to follow CDC guidelines to keep
downtown Sioux City safe and healthy.
Contributed by Downtown Partners, 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.
For more information about Downtown Sioux City, email us
at info@downtownsiouxcity.com.
Photo Credit Adam Gonshorowski.

Tri-State Governors’ Conference
By Barbara Sloniker
The Siouxland Chamber of Commerce will host
the 17th Tri-State Governors’ Conference at the
South Sioux City Marriott Riverfront in South
Sioux City, Nebraska, on July 12, 2021. This event,
which began in 1988, brings together the Governors of
Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota to discuss regional
issues affecting all three states. The location of the event
rotates among the three states.
At the first Conference, the Governors executed the
Economic Development Cooperation Agreement of
1988. Through this agreement, the three states committed
to a recognition of the area as a single economic entity,
that its prosperity is a goal common to each state as well
as residents, and that local and state/local partnerships
must be fostered in support of the common goal. The
goal of establishing a positive, cooperative spirit where
geographic boundaries give way to a like-minded desire
to maximize the quality of life for all Siouxland residents
still exists today.
There have been various regional issues discussed at the
conferences during the past 30 years, including housing,
workforce, Missouri River Management, transportation
infrastructure, education, public safety, Tri-State Drug
Task Force, placemaking, broadband, college and career
readiness, and regional economic development. While
our region has enjoyed great success the last decade, and
all three states have received high national rankings in many
categories, there is still more to do. With unemployment
remaining at unprecedented lows, the workforce will once
again be the top issue.
This year we welcome Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts as
the host, participating in his 4th conference. We also welcome
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds to her 3rd conference and
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem to her 2nd conference.
Attendees will have the unique opportunity to learn about
each Governor’s experience of leading their respective
states through a global pandemic.
Though Siouxland is a much different region than that
existing in 1988, the need for interstate cooperation remains
critical to realizing our community’s full potential. Tri-state
cooperation has served us well in our response to economic
challenges locally and globally the past decade, including
the threat posed by the historic Missouri River flooding
during the summer of 2011 and the COVID-19 pandemic
over the past year. It will most certainly guide our recovery
for the common benefit of all the residents of Siouxland.
Together, We Are Stronger.
Mark your calendar and plan to attend the 17th Tri-State
Governors’ Conference on July 12, 2021.
Barbara Sloniker, Executive Vice President, Siouxland
Chamber of Commerce.
Siouxland Magazine | Grow/27

Siouxland Magazine | Grow/28
Start Your
Day With
Gourmet coffees, hot breakfast
sandwiches and bakery goods make
your morning just right. For lunch,
choose from steaming soups, tasty
sandwiches, and fresh salads.
Eat in or grab and go!
Crittenton Center
A Legacy of Serving Children and Families
Once known as ‘Flo Crit,’ a home for unwed mothers,
the Crittenton Center of today is much more. Offering
childcare and preschool, a foster teen program, family
development and parenting classes, we remain true to
our foundation of serving children and families.
We welcome your support as we give vulnerable children,
teens and families hope for a brighter future. Visit
www.facebook.com/crittentoncenter/, call 712-255-4321
or e-mail info@crittentoncenter.org to learn more today!
www.crittentoncenter.org
Order ahead
for pick up!
Text “coffee”
to 474747 to
download the
joe app.
Sioux City • Ho-Chunk Centre
South Sioux City • Flatwater Crossing
Winnebago • Ho-Chunk Village
sweetwatercafe.net

Siouxland Magazine | Grow/29
Knife, Fork, or Spoon?
By Peggy Smith
As I was thinking about the theme for this edition
– Expression – I thought about how hard it was
when I was younger to express my thoughts and
ideas in public. I was blessed at the beginning stages
of my career to be given the wonderful opportunity to
participate in the downtown Sioux City Toastmasters
group for a few years. This was a great way to learn the
basics of public speaking and develop good speaking
habits (give a strong introduction, and even stronger
close; leave your audience inspired, challenged, and
hungry for more) and break some bad speaking habits.
(Did you know that at Toastmasters, there is a person
assigned to count all the “ah’s” and “uh’s” and “um’s”
the speaker utters? And the goal is Zero??? Which is
difficult to achieve, believe me!) I strongly recommend
you consider Toastmasters if you know that your public
speaking skills are, ah, uh, um… maybe a little lacking.
Anyone who has been a part of Toastmasters knows
that one of the requirements as you work through
the program to advance to the next level is to learn
to be successful at Extemporaneous Speeches. This
challenging part of the program is when you are
brought up to the podium and given a topic with no
advance notice or ability to prepare and immediately
need to deliver a 3 – 5-minute speech. Believe it or not,
some people find this fun! I still remember my topic for
my first Extemporaneous Speech – “If you had to be a
fork, knife or spoon, which would you be and why?” At
the time, I couldn’t imagine a more challenging topic.
Now, I realize I got off pretty easy!
I still remember that I chose spoon but don’t remember
how I expressed my reasons for this choice. However,
I have given some thought to my personality over the
years and am happy to stay with the “spoon” decision.
I have learned over the years that I am not a knife – a
utensil that cuts and divides. I am not a fork, a utensil
that can poke and lift layers to decipher and analyze
each component. No, I am a spoon – softer edges
and a utensil that does stir things up (but gently) and then
is used to gather together and lift the portions. In real life,
as a person, not a spoon, I work hard at gathering people
of differing backgrounds and experiences together and
stirring up good conversations and discussions; and then
lifting each person individually and jointly to help them stand
on their own AND stand together. I have learned enough
about myself to express myself in different ways that others
can relate to, also. Everyone knows what a spoon, fork, and
knife are, explaining personalities by using common utensils
can help people truly understand different techniques and
styles.
Learning to express your ideas and thoughts clearly,
respectfully, but honestly is an important skill. A considerable
component of Leadership Siouxland’s curriculum is to
provide training on how to have difficult conversations and
how to have conversations that are inclusive vs. divisive; that
are conversations in which the participants seek to listen to
understand vs. listening to persuade or disagree. Expressing
our viewpoints in ways that encourage discussion and open
dialog is of utmost importance. Within the class, it is a safe
environment built on trust and the common desire to learn
and grow together.
If you have a desire to improve your leadership skills
and ability to express yourself and your viewpoints and
experience the delight of learning from others, please
consider joining our next class. Applications are now
being accepted. Go to www.leadershipsiouxland.org or
Leadership Siouxland on Facebook, or contact me at 712-
898-8594.
Peggy Smith, Executive Director for Leadership Siouxland.
Leadership Siouxland is an organization dedicated to
developing diverse, informed leaders who shape our
community for today and tomorrow.

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

Siouxland Magazine | Grow/31
Sioux City Growth Organization Members
2021 Innovation Market
By Nolan Shook
As we make our way out of the pandemic and
businesses open up, new companies are beginning
to blossom around Siouxland. May marked Sioux City
Growth Organization’s 11th annual Innovation Market event,
and local entrepreneurs were eager to make their pitch ideas
to compete for money for their start-ups.
This year’s event was held at the new Expo Center and
featured more than 20 submissions for new business ideas
in Siouxland. Concepts for the businesses included food
trucks, an insulation company, a subscription service, and
more. Competitors met to give their pitch on May 4th to a
crowd of about 150 people.
Innovation Market What’s Your Big Idea?
After the crowd had voted, five finalists moved forward to the
pitch event in June for the chance to win the grand prize of
$5,000. These finalists include Jefferson Beer Supply, Brutal
Doodles, Yours Truly Gift Box, themarketdelivers.com, and
Bubba Yah’s Bark Bar. We wish the competitors the best of
luck as they compete to make Siouxland a better place!
Photos Contributed by Leadership Siouxland.
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.
Innovation Market.

Siouxland Magazine | Grow/32
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. We are currently accepting
nominations. Visit siouxlandmagazine.com
to find application form. Deadline: July 20.
2020 Winners
Want a new career?
Start a home child care business!
Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) can help you begin to take
steps towards opening a home child care business.
CCR&R can provide the foundation for your family child care home to be
successful!
We are a FREE service to help you start and grow your child care
business. Our resources and assistance will help ensure that you provide
a high-quality learning experience for children in your community.
Visit iowaccrr.org
Start your new business today!
Funding provided by the Iowa Department of Human Services through the Child Care Development Fund.

Getting Out of Survival Mode and into Expansion Mode
By Todd Rausch
As I sit down to write this today, I cannot help
but notice that many business owners seem
to be still in survival mode. This pandemic has
caused us to focus most of our efforts on the survival
of our business and not look far ahead or make plans
for the next two, three, or five years.
While that is completely understandable, it does not
help our businesses in any way. If we aren’t moving
forward to our goals, we are moving away from them
as time passes on. So, what are we supposed to do?
Really, as harsh as this sounds, shake yourself off and
get on with life. Yes, there are still risks involved, but
our businesses don’t thrive in survival mode, which is
doing only the bare minimum to survive. This in itself
brings a slow death to any business as we start to
focus on the negative and not the positive.
Currently, there are many businesses that are doing
precisely the opposite, and encourage you to
reach out to any owners you might know who are
in expansion mode. They are actively engaged in
growing their business and thriving in a time when
most aren’t. Being around those kinds of owners will
help you to succeed as well.
In the eight years that I have been doing this, I have
never seen anyone in survival mode survive as a
business. It may take a few years, but eventually, they
have to close their doors. At the same time, people
in growth or expansion mode can also fail, but it is
usually because of expanding too fast for their cash
flow instead of simply staying stagnant.
Being around people like her can only lift you up and not
drag you down. Staying in the positive yet not Pollyanna
thinking will lead you to find new ways to increase sales,
grow the business, find new products or services that
match your vision for your business.
All of these things matter and are critical to the success
and life of any operation to include the SBDC. As we go
forward and people start wanting to get “back to normal,”
remember that we are here to help you wherever you may
be in your business. It is our purpose to help you succeed!
We exist solely to help small business owners thrive and
achieve their goals. It is what we do.
Sometimes, we don’t have the answers, but we have a vast
network of people who will know someone who will have
the answers. You are not alone. When my first business
failed back in 92, I didn’t know who to talk to or reach out
to help me. I felt I was going to have to figure it out myself.
Well, that didn’t work out so well. Today, with all of the
service providers in our area, there is no reason to have
to figure it out yourself. Yes, you have to make the final
decisions. But there are a lot of smart people in the area
who are willing to help you.
Have an awesome summer and remember to start thinking
about growth and expansion instead of just getting by
and barely surviving. This could be your time to thrive!
Todd Rausch, Regional Director for the Small Business
Development Center at Western Iowa Tech Community
College. | 712-274-6454 | Todd.rausch@witcc.edu
Siouxland Magazine | | Grow/33 / 39
I look at Stacy as a great example of someone who,
has grown her business through plenty of challenges,
and continues to grow it through this pandemic.
America’s SBDC Iowa provides free, confidential,
customized, professional business advice and consulting
in all 99 Iowa counties to entrepreneurs.
“Everyone has their own ways of
expression. I believe we all have a
lot to say, but finding ways to say
it is more than half the battle.”
– Criss Jami, Salomé:
In Every Inch In Every Mile
America’s SBDC Iowa provides free, confidential,
customized, professional business advice and consulting
in all 99 Iowa counties to entrepreneurs.

Siouxland Magazine | Grow/34
My discovery and involvement with OsteoStrong has truly been a blessing.
When I found out I had osteoporosis, they recommended I start immediately on a
series of shots. I took the shots for about five months, once a day in my stomach. I
never felt comfortable taking the shots, it just didn’t set with me very well, so I quit.
One day I was reading in the Siouxland Magazine about OsteoStrong; I
showed the article to my husband, and we both agreed, why not try it - what
did I have to lose. Well, now after a year, I have found I had everything to gain.
My last test results from my doctor have shown an improvement over the first
reports I received.
I can only say two things: Thank you, OsteoStrong, and Praise the Lord for
their program!
– Bonnie T.
712-522-5675
5001 Sergeant Rd. Suite 265, Sioux City, IA 51106
Are your crayons out of school
for the summer?
Bring them into Lohr Family Dentistry
for a check up and cleaning!
lohrfamilydentistry.com
712.255.1163
2918 Hamilton Blvd.

Expressing Yourself Through Your Brand
By Stacy Orndorff
After many years in the business field and a
lot of trial and error, I finally got it right with
my current business, Coffee & Nosh. I realize
now it was because I finally decided to express
myself directly through the brand. In the past, as an
entrepreneur and creator, I strived to create business
concepts that customers would want; in the end, they
ended up too sophisticated, boring, and a bit stuffy.
In doing so, I lost myself in the angst and frustration
of running a business I felt no connection to at all. I
was none of those things and found myself asking
why I wasted time and energy on brands or concepts
I don’t love?
Siouxland Magazine | | Grow/35 / 39
I finally decided to abandon the typical business
model and put my heart, soul, and personality into a
brand. Finally, I got it right with Coffee & Nosh, which
quickly became a place to express myself fully. I can’t
stress enough to those in the business world, or any
field for that matter, to find your niche. Figure out
what makes you unique and passionate and infiltrate
it into the core of your business. Our customers often
comment on the brand and its energy. Since taking
the leap of faith and putting myself, literally, into my
brand, I’ve adopted the saying “Your vibe attracts
Stacy Orndorff with Coffee & Nosh.
your tribe” because it truly does. And when you attract
your people, it makes coming to work every day super
fun and enjoyable.”
Photo credit Jayson Hinrichsen.
INNOVATIVE BUSINESS
CONSULTANTS
712-277-2424
www.ibcins.biz

alance
Inside and out.
Sunshine is food.
Grow Lighter
By Hali Benson
Are you someone who falls culprit to fatigue?
Often running on an afternoon pick me up whether it
is the carbs/sugar or even caffeine to help you keep
going? Fatigue is often overlooked because of the
busy world we live in today. We are usually running
on little sleep, starting our days with electronics, overcaffeinated,
dehydrated, irritable, and too busy to
notice.
ASHWAGANDHA
This incredible herb has been shown to decrease
anxiety because of its support to the adrenals. When
we think about our body’s needs for regulating their
response to our environment’s stressors, we want to
be able to feel calm and available to respond with
clarity — that is how ashwagandha is helpful; it creates
a balance for our adrenals to work the way they are
designed. It also has powerhouse anti-inflammation
properties along with regulating blood sugar levels.
Ashwagandha can be taken by a capsule, or if you’re
like me — you can take it in powder form as a shooter
every morning.
ADAPTOGENIC MUSHROOMS
Reishi, Chaga, Turkey Tail, Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Shiitake
maybe you’ve heard of some of these or even noticed
how more and more people are finding out about all the
wonderful benefits to these magical mushrooms. Regularly
eating or supplementing these mushrooms isis vital for the
human body to navigate life because they are excellent for
the immune system, adrenals, anti-inflammatory, and have
been known to help the body adapt ‘adaptogenic.’ You can
find a mixed mushroom, or isolate one at a time, knowing
what each one brings to the table. I am drinking mine as tea
with a combination of reishi, chaga, and lion’s mane for their
immune-boosting traits.
TIME MANAGEMENT
We live in a world where being overworked is praised or
looked at as hard-working and this needs to be addressed.
Your precious energy should be guarded — like a pot of
gold. You don’t want to give it all away the minute someone
asks, right? Slowing down, looking at where you are dividing
your time and choosing where you want to invest yourself
is crucial for owning your life. This includes but not limited
to: guarding your sleep schedule, guarding the time you

eathe
clarity
nutrition
flexibility
want to spend with family, time you need to move your
body, time spent alone and doing things that bring you
joy. Having a healthy boundary around the times you
cherish is essential for fighting off a burn out later.
SUNSHINE
This essential vitamin is usually over administered
(spending hours outside is just as harmful) or nonexistent,
sunshine should be a daily regimen like taking a vitamin
orally. Sun exposure is great for us for the enrichment
of Vitamin D but also as a natural mood-booster,
prevention of cancer, improves the health of your eyes,
and creates a healthy immunity. Spending ten minutes
outside with your face, hands and belly exposed to the
sun is the best way to get the absorption from the sun
without the harmful chemicals found inside of sunblock.
Creating a routine for yourself that you can find a place
to sunbathe even within the home should be at the top
of your list.
SEAWEED
Need a way to supplement iodine, tyrosine, many of
your B vitamins, protein, essential amino acids and get a
good source of omega-3 fats? Seaweed is your friend! It
has been shown to reduce free radical damage, support
your thyroid function, promote gut health and improve
blood sugar control. There are various types of seaweed
and maybe you recognize some of these names: bluegreen
algae like chlorella and spirulina, green/brown
algae like nori, kelp, Atlantic dulse, wakame. The green/
brown algae is great for cooking, adding to soups, stews,
dried sprinkled on salads or stir fried vegetables. The
blue-green algae are wonderful supplements and can
even be found in some plant-based protein powders!
A few notable mentions: moving your body daily,
spending time in nature, connecting with loved ones,
drinking plenty of water, quiet time to yourself, and
reading are all great ways to slow down, creating a life
that is free from stealing your time and your health.
Hali Benson, a certified Holistic Nutrition and
Wellness Practitioner, helping clients heal
through nutrition, yoga and mindfulness. You
can find her under the name of Blossom Services
at https://blossom-services.com/.
Photo Credit Coral Mia.
Here’s a recipe with healing benefits
that is simple and satisfying:
Ingredients:
4 cups of Vegetable Broth
1 cup water
1 Medium Onion, chopped
2 Large Carrots, chopped
2 Celery Stalks, chopped
2 Fennel Stalks, chopped
1 4oz jar of artichoke hearts, halved
10 cloves of garlic, chopped
1 can pinto beans, drained
1 bay leaf
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
A few sprigs of fresh dill, chopped
1 bunch of kale, chopped
1 handful of dried Nori leaves
Directions:
Add 1/4 cup vegetable broth to the bottom of
your pot, add all the vegetables through artichoke
hearts and sauté for about 5 minutes. Add the
rest of the broth and water along with the rest of
ingredients leaving out the kale, nori and fresh dill
till the end.
Get the liquid up to just before a boil and reduce
heat to simmer. Allow to cook for 35-40 minutes.
Add the kale, nori and dill and let sit for another
5 minutes.
When serving you may add fresh cilantro, avocado
or a squeeze of fresh lime. Salt individual bowl to
taste. Enjoy!

Siouxland Magazine | Balance /38
Sawyer in full expression of her love and shining light through movement and dance.
‘Express Yourself’: The Art & Practice of Accessible Yoga
By Dr. Meghan Nelson
Yoga is for EVERYbody—simple statement.
Revolutionary idea. Inflexible: perfect, try
yoga. Are you too stressed? Again, perfect, yoga can
help. And the best excuse of all, “I’m too busy.” When
I hear this one, I think of the wisdom that everyone
should meditate for at least 30 minutes a day unless
you don’t have enough time. Then you should
meditate for an hour.
It’s the cruel irony of our human condition that we are
constantly undermining our success. It’s true even
in business. We seek out pain points—problems to
solve. We get a meeting with a CEO or a president
of an organization, and we ask questions like, what’s
keeping you awake at night?
Of rejection. Of acceptance. Of showing others and
ourselves who we truly are. So, we give reasons why we
don’t come to our mats, and why we don’t go for that
run or walk, why we make poor choices around food,
relationships, you name it. There is no shame in this
game. It would seem this is how we’re programmed. It’s
at least what we’re fed—that we’re inadequate: we’re too
fat, too ugly, too much fill-in-the-blank. It’s why we need
diets and makeup and pharmaceuticals whose sideeffects
outweigh their cures.
A yogic life forces one to ask a different question:
When do you feel like your most authentic Self? We
spend a lot of time staring at shadows when we could
be basking in the light. We focus on what makes us
fail instead of the moments of shine.
Why do we deny the world, our communities, our
families, ourselves the magnificence, the divinity of
our most profound self-expression?
Fear.
Sawyer beaming her proud and open heart open to
share the possibilities of love out to the universe.

Yoga, of course, shows us another way. That age
carries wisdom. That weight brings opportunities.
That our true beauty resides beneath the surface. That
what makes us different makes us unique. That we are
all expressions of divine creation, of God’s presence
in the world.
This is the heart of accessible yoga.
My role as a yoga teacher is to help those I guide (re)
discover the majesty of their unique expressions. I
recall the excitement of having my daughter, Sawyer,
join me for the final week of my Yoga for the Special
Child training with Sonia Sumar in New York City.
Sawyer and I began practicing from her book when
she was just three weeks old. As Sonia assisted with
the locking and lifting of extremities into Bow Pose,
Sawyer was independent and shined her loving and
proud heart open for the world. That was the moment
when a lot of my fear vanished—that moment when
I saw my beautiful little girl expressing herself. In
the six-plus years since that training, I’ve benefited
from witnessing students of all needs, backgrounds,
and abilities expressing themselves with their body,
breath, and being.
When you witness people shining their light, the
last thing on your mind is what’s wrong with them.
God doesn’t make junk—we’re all lovable. So, there’s
nothing wrong with a person with disabilities. They
didn’t create the barrier—the rest of us did. The
impairment is the prejudice, the stereotyping, and the
discrimination that arises in people and organizations
who are often too inflexible in their thinking as in their
processes and procedures.
Some of the key ways we can all engage in these
efforts to value the varied and unique expressions of
those we serve are:
• Speak with compassion and clarity through nonviolent
communication. Avoid creating a hierarchy
of poses or awarding “going deeper” and setting
expectations. Assist in noticing the body and giving
the body what it needs to experience the expression
of the pose. There is no “greatest expression of the
pose” which correlates with anatomical alignment.
The greatest expression of a pose is where one
is being aware, celebrating the self, expressing
feelings through movement, postures, and gestures.
• Avoid ableism, discrimination in favor of ‘ablebodied’
people—the idea that there is a particular
way the body should be and that this is superior.
We do this when we put higher value in “advanced”
poses, or when we use language that suggests that
props minimize your ability in a pose.
• Feel it, remember, there are no such thing as
bad feelings and good feelings. Feelings are
expressions of the energy moving through you.
Lily always bring her energetic side to her mat and
expresses her positive energy and love in Wild Thing.
Stop and notice. This may be giving you a signal
to pay closer attention. Reflecting on Self will allow
a deeper connection and understanding with the
Self. This freedom, this autonomy to simply be, is the
pathway to self-discovery and transformation.
• Be present by creating a trauma and resilienceinformed
space and practice based on safety,
predictability, and control. Encourage those you love
and serve to have an autonomous practice where
they can express their own self in this experience
within their own unique body, mind, and spirit at that
moment.
We all have a role to play. And we all deserve some
space to be who we are and to express that being in
our own unique love and light.
Spread the word. Share the love.
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) Britton Hacke Photography.
Photo Credit (right page) Meghan Nelson.
Siouxland Magazine | Balance /39

Siouxland Magazine | Balance /40
Ask the Therapist
By Gladys Smith
Question: My son seems to have some of the
symptoms associated with Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder, but he’s far from
hyperactive. He can be forgetful and spacey
at times, but he doesn’t have behavior issues.
Can you tell me more about this disorder?
Response: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
(ADHD) and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD),
commonly referred to as cognitive disorders,
encompass a combination of symptoms such as
difficulty sustaining attention, hyperactivity, and
impulsive behavior. Children with ADHD and ADD
are often seen as having behavioral problems. In
an article written by Dr. Thomas Brown, M.D., 2021,
“many people living with ADHD didn’t have any
significant behavior problems: they have difficulty
focusing their attention on necessary tasks and
using working memory effectively.” Those with
this disorder struggle to engage in the ‘selfmanagement
system’ located in the brain. Studies
in neuroimaging have shown a structural difference
in the brains of those with ADHD/ADD that play a
role in focus and attention. What has often been
considered behavioral choices – laziness, sloppiness,
and forgetfulness – can be attributed to differences
in brain structure.
There are three subtypes of ADHD. With the
Predominantly Inattentive type, the majority of
symptoms fall under inattention. The child may often
fail to pay close attention to details, have trouble
staying focused on tasks/play, appear not to listen,
have difficulty organizing tasks, and avoid tasks
requiring focused mental effort.
The Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive type
is characterized by hyperactivity and impulsive
symptoms. The child may often fidget with or tap his
or her hands or feet, have difficulty staying seated,
have trouble doing activities quietly, be in constant
motion, talk too much, and have problems waiting
their turn.
The Combined type is a mixture of inattentive
symptoms and hyperactivity/impulsive symptoms.
The child may exhibit symptoms in both the
inattentive and hyperactivity/impulsive subtypes
with the combined type.
In his article entitled, “3 Defining Features of ADHD
That Everyone Overlooks,” William Dodson, M.D., LF-
APA, 2021, highlights three significant characteristics
of ADHD/ADD that influence one’s “perceptions,
emotions, and motivation.”
Send Your
Questions to
the Therapist.
The first feature is what Dodson, 2021, refers to as the
Interest-Based Nervous System. This particular feature
can be recognized as an “intense concentration on a
task…that is created by a momentary sense of interest,
competition, novelty or urgency created by a deadline”.
With this feature, the child’s nervous system is interestbased
as opposed to importance or priority based.
The second feature is Emotional Hyperarousal. This
feature is characterized by “internal feelings of hyper
arousal”. It can be recognized by a difficulty relaxing and
sitting still and an inability to shut down the brain and
body at bedtime. An additional feature of emotional
hyperarousal deals with one’s thoughts and emotions.
Children with ADHD tend to have what Dodson, 2021,
refers to as “passionate thoughts and emotions that are
more intense than those of the average person” Dodson
goes on to say that these children ``experience happiness
and criticism more powerfully than others”.
The third feature is what Dodson, 2021, refers to as
Rejection Sensitivity. This refers to an “intense vulnerability
to the perception, not necessarily the reality, of being
rejected, teased or criticized by important people in
their lives”. These feelings of rejection cause “intense
emotional pain that may also be triggered by a sense of
failure or falling short”, Dobson, 2021.
The process of diagnosing ADHD/ADD involve tests and
interviews focusing on symptoms, a thorough medical
history, and evaluation of other conditions that are
commonly diagnosed with ADHD (Obsessive Compulsive
Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Mood Disorder,
Anxiety and Autism Spectrum Disorder). In order to
meet the criteria for ADHD/ADD, there needs to be a

consistent pattern of inattention and or hyperactivity
that interferes with daily functioning in at least 2 settings
(e.g., school/home/job).
The recommended treatment for ADHD/ADD is often
a combination of medication, behavior therapy and
counseling. Medications are commonly prescribed
to help improve symptoms of inattention and
hyperactivity. Behavior therapy focuses on working
with the child to develop strategies to help them better
deal with challenging situations. Counseling provides
the child with the opportunity to talk about the issues
they struggle with and learn new and different ways to
deal with these issues.
Learning how to best parent a child with ADHD/ADD is
an integral part of helping the child to be successful. It’s
important for parents to educate themselves on ADHD/
ADD and how your child is impacted by it. Helping
them to understand their disorder and communicating
to them that it’s not their fault can aid in supporting a
healthy self esteem. When teaching your child new
skills, or asking them to complete a task, it’s important
to provide them with clear expectations, while focusing
on one task at a time, to help them avoid feeling
overwhelmed. In regard to discipline, children with
this disorder do best when it’s done in a caring and
supportive manner as they may be sensitive to criticism.
Parenting a child with ADHD/ADD can be challenging,
but luckily there are many resources available to help
support and guide you in caring for your child.
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.
Child Care Services
CCR&R is your resource
for all things child care!
Parent Referral Hotline
855.244.5301 or
www.iowaccrr.org/families
Parent Specialists offer referrals to parents
for information on child care openings and
no-cost education and guidance on selecting
the best child care program for your families.
Map for Child Care
Programs with Vacancies
bit.ly/2wxr6J1
The Department of Human Services along with
Child Care Resource & Referral are updating
this list daily for essential staff to access.
Resources for
Child Care Businesses
www.iowaccrr.org/providers
Access information that is needed to support
your child care business.
Siouxland Magazine | Balance /41
Photo Credit Carolyn Goodwin Photography.
Funding provided by the Iowa Department of Human Services
through the Child Care Development Fund.

Siouxland Magazine | Balance /42
Cultivating your Ability through your Vulnerability:
The Yin and Yang of Mindfulness Self-Compassion
By Dr. Nesrin Abu Ata
Do you ever wonder how you can cultivate what
you feel like a weakness and vulnerability in you into
courage and ability? Brene Brown points out how we all
admire the courage and daring in others, but when it comes to
ourselves, we may be paralyzed by shame, fear, or other selfjudgments
passed on to us from cultural expectations. If you
have that inkling of wondering about how you can cultivate
your vulnerability into ability, then you are courageously ready
to take the next step of transforming your heart.
Are you still with me, or did you move on to the next article
because you feel uncomfortable or afraid reading these
words? Sit with these feelings, feel them in your body. What
are they about anyway? What message do they have for you?
Did I say you’re transforming your heart? Yes, I did, because
this kind of vulnerability work takes courage and bravery,
which come from the heart. While the mind is excellent at
analyzing and planning how to do things, it is not equipped to
step into the unknown and uncharted territories. The latter is
the territory of the heart. The mind likes to navigate the surface
of life that it can grasp, measure, compare and map out, while
the heart holds the compass of what is important to us and
showing us the way to what is primarily important to us, from
relationships, hopes, dreams, values and much more. The
heart can be the crucible holding the fires of transformation,
burning needless fluff that gets in the way. Simultaneously, the
essential precious, valuable gifts of your life emerge, having
survived the purification in the crucible of trials.
Kristen Neff and Christopher Germer developed Mindfulness-
Self Compassion (MSC) practices that teach you to transform
your vulnerability into amazing abilities. They refer to it as the
Yin and Yang of Mindfulness Self-Compassion. MSC helps you
cultivate new relationships with yourself and your experiences
in your life.
PART 1: There are three elements of Mindfulness Self-
Compassion (MSC):
• Self-Kindness: You are likely kind and considerate towards
your friends and family when they are suffering or
struggling or feeling inadequate. You probably ask them
what they need and consider what you can do to help
them. Interestingly, most people do not apply that kindness
towards others to themselves. Take a moment and reflect
on how you approached yourself lately during a difficult
or challenging time. Did you judge yourself? Were you
self-critical? If you answered yes, welcome to the rest of
humanity! You are not alone in treating yourself like this.
Self-kindness encourages you to end self-criticism and
open your heart to yourself, responding to your suffering
as you would respond to a dear friend in need. And as you
accept yourself without judgment, you may also soothe,
comfort, and care for yourself. With self-kindness, you learn
to self-nurture, offering support and encouragement to
yourself the way you would to a friend.
• Common Humanity: If you answered yes to having selfjudgment
towards yourself in the previous paragraph, you
are not alone because most of us do it to ourselves. Sit with
that for a second and repeat to yourself, “I am not alone.”
How did that feel in your body? One of the challenges with
self-judgment is that it makes you feel isolated and cut off
from others. Self-judgement inherently brings with it selfseparation
from others. As though your problem or difficulty
is yours alone, and you are the only one dealing with it,
and nobody else has dealt with it. The more isolated you
feel, the more you judge yourself, which causes you to feel
more isolated. Do you see how the vicious cycle goes? Selfcompassion
is embedded in the sense of interconnection
and a common humanity: the pain you feel in a difficult
time is like the pain your friend feels in difficult times. With
self-compassion, every moment of difficulty, of vulnerability,
that you feel is a moment that you can feel closer and more
connected to others.
• Mindfulness: Mindfulness is an awareness and a practice
of paying attention to the moment, without judgment and
in the present moment. It neither exaggerates, avoids,
or resists the current present experience. In this sensory
awareness of your experience, you become aware of your
feelings and thoughts and can be with them as they simply
are, without judgment or emotional charge.
You may be wondering what putting the three above ingredients
(Self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness) together
might resemble? The acceptance of what is that mindfulness
brings helps lessen self-judgment, which helps to recognize
our common humanity. Self-kindness reduces the impact of
negative emotions, which makes it easier to be mindful of
them. Do you see how this healthy cycle helps you cultivate
your vulnerability into an amazing ability to brave through life?
Now that you have learned about the three ingredients of
Mindfulness Self-Compassion, how can you apply them
to transforming your vulnerability and living from your
courageous heart?

Part 2: The Yin and Yang of Self-Compassion:
Self-Compassion has two seemingly opposite sides that are
essentially complementary to each other and interdependent. This
is like the Yin and Yang in traditional Chinese philosophy. One side
cannot exist without the other, and each is called upon at different
times. The yin of self-compassion involves being with yourself in a
compassionate way. The yang of self-compassion is about how you
act in the world.
Yin
• Comforting: This is something you likely do for a dear friend who
is struggling. And just as you provide that to your friend, you can
direct that to yourself by providing support to your emotional
needs.
Siouxland Magazine | Balance /43
• Soothing: You may provide this to your friend by getting them a
hot cup of tea. When you bring soothing to yourself, you provide
comfort to yourself, and as a result, feel physically calmer. You may
place your hand on your heart or go out for a walk.
• Validating: This involves understanding your experience exactly
as it is, no more and no less, and talking to yourself in a kind and
gentle manner.
Yang
• Protecting: This involves you feeling safe, setting boundaries, and
saying no to others who are hurting you.
• Providing: This involves first knowing what you need and then
trying your best to meet your need to the best of your ability.
• Motivating: You, like all of us, likely have behavior patterns that you
would like to change as they don’t serve you and don’t align with
your values. You, like all of us, likely have hopes and aspirations that
you want to pursue. Yang self-compassion motivates and supports
you the way a coach or a mentor does, without hard criticism. (PS:
if your mentor or coach brings hard criticism, it is time to find a
different coach! That is part of setting boundaries and providing
for your needs!).
Writing this article was not easy because it took courage and
facing my vulnerability, reflecting on my journey in my mindfulness
self-compassion. If you have read through this article till the end,
congratulations, my friend! You kept yourself motivated, knowing
your needs and meeting them while comforting, soothing, and
validating your experiences. The journey of a thousand miles starts
with one step and one breath. Welcome to your own journey towards
your mindfulness self-compassion, joining the rest of us on this path!
Check out Kristen Neff and Christopher Germer on Mindfulness
Self-Compassion.
See you on the other side of MSC!
Dr. Abu Ata is a board-certified psychiatrist and family medicine
physician in private practice, providing holistic care for the mind,
body, and spirit in the context of personal growth and relationships.
Offers a mindfully cultivated practice of presence and expertise. Her
healing practice draws on her mindfulness, yoga, family medicine, and
integrative psychiatry training to weave a unique tapestry supporting
your YOU-nique journey. Connect at www.nesrinabuatamd.com or
drnesrinabuata@gmail.com.
Looking for Child Care?
We Can help!
Choosing quality child care may be one of
the most important decisions your family
will make, there is a lot to consider. CCR&R
Parent Referral Specialists can assist you!
Call our Parent
Specialists
• Customized information on child care
options that match your needs
• Parent resources to help choose a
quality child care provider.
• Our services are free
Call CCR&R to discuss your
child care options:
855-244-5301
or visit our website for an online
selection of child care referrals
www.iowaccrr.org
Funding provided by the Iowa Department of Human Services
through the Child Care Development Fund.
Photo Contributed By Dr. Abu Ata.

Siouxland Magazine | Balance /44
Paint becomes a way for Molly to heal and inspire healing.
The Art of Healing
By Emily Larson
Expression through an art form creates a
pathway to the authentic self. As members of this
human family, each of us share a common journey in
getting to know this self because intimately knowing and
expressing the self means we are living in harmony with
its authentic, divinely given purpose. When we live truly
and harmoniously in this way, we can flow and thrive as
individuals and nourish our collective community. The
challenge is that our quickly advancing and expanding
world does not seem to like just to be. This pausing to
look in on the self is very important in getting to know
the self. For example, as I have started to show when
we leave traumatic experiences or difficult emotions
unprocessed, it can create dis-ease. That unprocessed
and buried anger or fear follows us into our daily lives,
presenting itself as depression, physical pain, and even
illness. Through my introduction of healing modalities,
I hope to show you ways to slow down and just be in
this world that keeps going and going. It is okay to need
a specific time to pay attention to your pain, to get to
know it. So that you can transform it, this time, we will
explore how creating and expressing oneself through art
or creative medium helps heal deep wounds and allows
the soul to see and be itself.
Molly Pace, Art Therapist and Licensed Mental Health
Counselor, helps shed light on just how important it is
to tap into this creative nature as human beings with
brains. Remember that thing we always hear about the
left and right side of the brain? The left side of the brain is
known as the logical and analytical center. This inner critic
calculates and deciphers threats and how to survive (This is
also associated with the natural stress dominant state known
as the “fight-or-flight” response). The left side of the brain
also helps us produce language and use communicable
words for the people around us to hear and understand.
For example, when asked, how are you feeling? You might
respond with “I’m good” or “I’m feeling okay.” The logical left
brain is helping you form those words to respond. But what
happens when we need to express things that are hard to
put into words?
Molly does art journaling and drawing to express her
inner world.

If I asked you, “How are you feeling?” and you could with
a different form of expression besides words (Whatever
your medium, be it painting, dancing, singing, making
toothpick sculptures, or writing magazine articles). We
might get a more authentic answer from the right brain,
which is known as our creative center, the side of the
brain we use primarily when creating art or experiencing
emotions.
By no coincidence, it seems this is also the side of the
brain in which we store traumatic experiences and
emotions that can be difficult for us and our brains to
process or express fully.
Siouxland Magazine | Balance /45
These days, it is also important to acknowledge the
conditioning associated with expressing difficult things
like a traumatic experience or a painful emotion. We learn
to keep these things hidden and left unheard so that we
can “suck it up” and be the professional businessperson,
the strong mother, or the helpful teacher. These are all
valuable aspects of ourselves we have learned, yet with
unacknowledged emotions and experiences locked
inside, they can feel like masks covering the truth within.
Our hidden emotions will manifest as a dis-ease like
depression, anxiety, and insomnia, making it challenging
to beam our true selves through our different aspects as
the businessperson, mother, or student.
Molly teaches us that authentic expression of our inner
world begs for more than the words of our critical right
brain. Thus, art is the hero of the story, the bridge to
our healing. Drawing, dancing, painting, writing, and
creating can help us transform our depression and
anxiety authentically to express what has been locked
away or banished as unacceptable: our anger, our pain,
and our trauma. So, when we make art, we access the
creative right side of the brain and begin to express
the emotions and experiences to which we cling by
representing them sensorily outside ourselves. This is
why you can see or feel an artist’s anger upon seeing her
painting or a musician’s love when hearing his song.
Rather than using primarily the right brain to say “I’m
angry!” Or “I’m in love!”, the creator of the art can more
fully and authentically express an answer to the question
“How are you feeling?” Anger becomes bold, sweeping
brush strokes and bright red paint. The experience and
duality of being in love becomes somber melodies
that pull on the heart. Painful memories become the
embodied movements of dancing.
It only takes a moment’s reflection to realize it is hard
to put into words how it actually feels to hear love in a
song or create an angry painting. This is because the
left analytical and language-producing brain has to take
a back seat so we can access the wordless yet creative
world of the right brain. This true expression of our inner
world is simultaneously an act of true expression of
our authentic selves.Thus, creative expression through
art, any form of art, is yet another way we can heal our
wounds and fully live our true purpose as a professional
businessperson, a strong mother, and a helpful teacher.
Brain McCormick a lovingly remembered and missed
member of the Sioux City Community participates in one
of Mollys group soul painting classes.
True and creative expression can not only help us free the
burden of hidden emotions and painful experiences, but
it also helps us become the most authentic and evolved
version of ourselves. When we live from our truth in this way,
it naturally serves a grand purpose in the greater community.
For example, Molly sees and expresses herself by creating
cosmic, intuitive, and soul-driven artwork that can also, at
times, resemble the inside of an enchanted geode. Creating
these paintings and drawings allows Molly to express the
complexity of her unique self which is nearly impossible to
cover with words alone. She practices Art Therapy, teaches
astrology classes, makes beautiful artwork, and has a family. I
could continue to say different ways to identify and describe
Molly and her artwork, but only witnessing it will offer a
window to her soul.
Creating paintings naturally becomes Molly’s gift as she
then offers her artwork into the community and also utilizes
this discovered purpose to help her clients heal and see
themselves by creating their own artwork. Thus, the true
expression of self through the art mediums of her choosing
allows Molly to live in harmony by nourishing both herself
and her community.
As a massage therapist, I have learned to deeply appreciate
the complexity of the human body. Molly helps grow this
appreciation as she highlights our ability to reach out into
the world and express the true self through any creative
medium we choose. Even if we have to dig through layers
of trauma and fear to find the self, we can channel these
experiences and emotions through the artwork we make and
begin to heal those wounds. In our healing, we contribute to
the evolution of both our individual selves and the collective
human community.
Emily Larson, Licensed Massage Therapist, Private Yoga
Instructor, Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Human
Performance, Co-Teacher of Anatomy for massage
therapists at the Bio-Chi Institute, Mother to Noah.
Photo Credit (left page) Sarah Ann Photography.
Photo Credit (right page) Molly Pace.

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NOW OPEN
IN-PERSON OR VIRTUAL TOURS
Call today to schedule your
personal introduction to
Charter Senior Living of
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712. 255 . 1200
Experience the
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Our Legacy
For over 27 years, Northpark Place has upheld a legacy of helping seniors
live better and age in place. In 1993, this plot of land that had formerly
been known to many as North Jr., was acquired by then, St. Luke’s Hospital.
A board of community leaders was tasked with determining what type of
business should replace the education facility. One of those leaders was
Darold Sea.
Darold Sea was born and raised in Sioux City and had previously attended
North Jr. After he graduated, he enlisted in the military. When his military
career ended, he was asked to teach at North Jr. and eventually worked his
way to become Superintendent of Sioux City Community School District.
During this time, he also served on the Board of Directors for St. Luke’s
Hospital.
The board decided that a Senior Living Community was just what Sioux City
needed. Being one of the first, Darold’s mother became a resident of what
was known as, Northpark Senior Living. Now, 91 years old and retired,
Darold Sea resides in the Independent Living community of Charter Senior
Living of Northpark Place. His apartment is situated in the exact spot
of the classroom where Darold Sea taught during his years at North
Jr.! This is just one piece of the legacy of what is now Charter
Senior Living of Northpark Place.
Charter Senior Living communities are known for providing
extraordinary care and service to enhance the human spirit of
the residents who live in their communities. Choosing Char-
Senior Living at Northpark Place means investing in a joyful
and vibrant experience that is genuine, fulfilling, and FUN!
ter
Darold Sea, Resident

explore
Enjoy Your Life. Adventurous
Expression of Beauty
It’s that time again! Summer is back, and my annual
list of summer drugstore beauty favorites has returned.
It’s always fun to change up your look with whimsical,
inexpensive makeup products, and summer is the best
season to try a trend that’s outside of your typical comfort
zone.
• Focus on colorful eye makeup with bright shadows like
the ones in this Revolution Reloaded palette. Experiment!
Play! And try some new techniques from your Pinterest
board, like the trendy tie-dyed look, crafted with rainbow
shades layered one above the other! Or – insider tip –
green eyeshadow looks are huge this year! (Target - $8.00)
Summer favorites always include loads and loads of
color – and this year is no exception. But - you know what
is new? This summer, other people will actually see your
new look!
After a long year of quarantine, video calls, and social
distancing, the summer of 2021 is filled with a renewed
optimism, and it shows up in glowy skin, bright eyes and
lips, and beautiful lashy wisps.
So, here it is, my list of top summer drugstore products
to try!
• Show your fresh face. Less is more in the summer, and
your makeup routine should follow. Heavy foundations
in the hot months look, well, heavy. So lighten up your
base layer with one of the many tinted moisturizer
options available this year. A favorite of mine is L’Oreal’s
Skin Paradise Water Infused Tinted Moisturizer. Its
lightweight, clean feel won’t leave you with a gunky
layer of makeup on cell phones, masks, and breezy
white tops. And with SPF built right in, it eliminates yet
another step in your skincare regimen. (Ulta - $16.99)
Ban the black and pick up a stick with sparkle.
• And speaking of eyes – ditch the black eyeliner for the
season. It’s officially out! There are so many fun colors to
try, blues and aquas topping the list. But pinks, whites, and
purples can look stunning on so many eye colors. Get the

Community
Entertainment
Nature
Appreciation
Indulge
waterproof variety, like NYX Epic Wear Liner Sticks,
so that when you’re poolside, you don’t have to
worry about colorful ribbons running down your
cheeks. (Walgreens - $8.00)
• It looks like summer 2021 might mark the return
of lipstick! Show those lips off for the first time in
months with a bright shade that looks perfect with
sun-kissed skin. My personal favorite? The pH Lip
Balm from Winky Lux. It’s a smooth, luxurious lip
balm that mixes with your pH to create the ultimate
customized stain. You know it will look perfect on
you! (Target - $16.00)
• Brows are still full and lush and natural, and drugstore
shelves are full of gels, pencils, stains, and serums
to make this your best brow summer yet. A brand
new option to try? The Arches & Halos line of brow
products sold at your local Target store. Shades of
tints and pencils, growth serums, and shaping tools
mean you won’t have to go far (or spend a fortune)
to get Insta-worthy eyes. (Target – starting at $9.99)
• Know what looks killer with a no-makeup vibe?
Natural-looking, full lashes! But don’t go all-out
this season – instead, focus on lightweight, feathery
falsies that amplify your dark beauties. Ardell sells a
line of Wispies that aren’t as heavy as other eyelash
options. Try them for a fun night out! (Walmart -
$9.84)
• Don’t forget your fingertips! Who doesn’t love a
good summer mani / pedi? Purple shades are
hot this year (think: new iPhone), and my favorite
lilac choice is SinfulColors Essenchills in Low Key
Lavender. It’s shimmery and iridescent and looks
great on so many skin tones! Also – it’s scented with
lavender. Also – it’s under $2.00. (Target - $1.99)
There it is! My list of the best beauty products to try
this summer. And when they’re this inexpensive and
this easy to find, you can experiment all you want!
Let’s have some fun this season. Wow – do we all
deserve it or what?!
Freshen up your summer selfie game with new, vibrant
makeup colors!
Erika Hansen, a lifelong Siouxland resident,
model, mom, and community volunteer. Curious
about exploring the connection between outward
appearances and inner power, Erika is passionate
about making fashion fun, and fostering a spirit of
inclusion with no limits on age or body type. You can
find more of Erika’s love of style, and her modeling
journey, on Instagram: @kings_from_ash.
Photo Credit (left page) Erika Hansen.
Photo Credit (right page) Britton Hacke Photography.

Siouxland Magazine | EXPLORE /50
Home Grown Expressions
By Pam Mickelson
Expressions of beauty, love, and community
are readily available in our gardens.
BEAUTY
We are very fortunate to live on an acreage where
we don’t have to look far to find beauty. One
especially beautiful native flower in our garden
is the columbine. We started with one plant and
a bag of wildflower seeds. The columbine has
naturally spread over a shady area next to our
garage. I planted it because it was marked to attract
butterflies and hummingbirds, and my husband
bought the seed packet for me. That was more than
15 years ago, and pretty early in my understanding
of pollinator plants, which are plants that attract
insects to pollinate flowers to produce fruit and
vegetables. I even plant annuals like marigolds
and zinnias by the vegetables, so the bees don’t
have far to go when feeding on the cucumbers and
squash. You can find many other native plants – and
be aware of how they express themselves in your
garden as well as the beauty they bring. When the
hummingbirds aren’t feeding on the columbine
and other flowers and bugs, we have a feeder for
them to enjoy. Follow this recipe for the health of
the hummers.
Cucumber salad.
Columbine mix.
LOVE
We love summer produce. In July, garlic, new potatoes,
green onions, and early cucumbers are ready to enjoy.
While we anxiously await the tomatoes, the corn should
be knee-high by the 4th of July, as my father-in-law would
say. The taste of a fresh tomato sandwich or the charred
sweetness of a grilled onion is perfect for a summer
meal. My Grandma Luebke always had a big batch of
freshly pickled cucumbers. The tangy vinegar and sugar
mixture is my favorite dressing, while my husband loves
cucumbers mixed with onions and ranch dressing. We
each have our garden favorites. I loved my Grandma’s
Cucumbers and hoped you do too. Every time I slice
the cucumbers and laugh, I think of her remembering
how my dad would drink the juice. It makes me pucker
up just thinking about it. Here is her recipe. I hope you
make a batch soon.
COMMUNITY
While July may be filled with long-overdue reunions,
music festivals, vacations, and summer sports, we can
also celebrate the community our gardens can hold. I
enjoy fresh produce and talking to fellow gardeners
on the best ways to battle the summer bugs and water
needs. I also know that many Siouxland residents live
in a food desert – where it is not easy for them to get

to a store with fresh produce. So, we donate our extra
produce. Please consider spreading the word of Up
from the Earth or volunteer at a food pantry.
Up from the Earth helps the community by bringing
together gardeners with extra produce with
neighborhood food pantries who can help distribute the
food. The website has a listing of all of the food pantries
in the area and a link to sign up to volunteer.
https://upfromtheearth.wixsite.com/siouxland
Garden beauty, garden love, and garden community
are some home-grown expressions many of us enjoy. If
you do not have a garden - consider starting this Fall in
containers on your deck, or dig up a small area of your
yard and donate your extras to an area church pantry.
Columbine closed.
Child Care: plays a critical role
in your workforce retention
What does child care
mean to your business?
Increase your productivity - Lack of
viable child care options result in chronic
employee tardiness and absenteeism.
Increase employee retention - Employees
cannot remain on the job in the face of
ongoing child care problems.
Strengthen your community & future
workforce - Studies show that investments
in high-quality early learning programs
result in higher wages later in life, increased
tax revenue, more effective public schools,
improved personal and public health, less
crime and more educated, skilled workers.
Siouxland Magazine | EXPLORE / 51
Visit us at our Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/upfromtheearth
Or the UFTE Website:
https://upfromtheearth.wixsite.com/siouxland
Pam Mickelson is Professor Emeritus, Morningside University,
and serves on the Up from the Earth Leadership Team. She
and her husband live in rural Sergeant Bluff on an acreage
where they plant, grow, and share their gardens with others.
Visit iowaccrr.org
and start your
new business today!
Up From The Earth exists to connect extra produce from
home gardens to people in need.
Photo Credit Pam Mickelson.
Funding provided by the Iowa Department of Human Services
through the Child Care Development Fund.

Siouxland Magazine | EXPLORE /52
“Every creator painfully
experiences the chasm
between his inner vision
and its ultimate expression.
The chasm is never
completely bridged. We
all have the conviction,
perhaps illusory, that we
have much more to say than
appears on the paper.”
– Isaac Bashevis Singer

Celebrate Wins
By Brenda Sale
Playing sports growing up and coaching teams
has prepared me for business life. Athletics teaches
people to set and achieve goals. If you want something,
you need to work hard and be a team player. It also
reminds us that sometimes you are the leader, but other
times you play a supportive role. Every role matters, and
when in a leadership position, it’s your responsibility to
celebrate the success of those around you.
Siouxland Magazine | EXPLORE / 53
When playing on a team, it was common practice to
celebrate a big kill, a great pass, or a game-winning
shot. Nothing gets a better reaction from the crowd
than a diving hustle play. Yet, somewhere along the line,
we stopped doing this. While chest bumps and high
fives might not work at the office, there is something
to be said for acknowledging someone’s hustle and
celebrating success. There is a proven benefit for leaders
to utilize this concept and celebrate assists at the office.
A small gesture of celebrating success might help your
organization be winners in its field.
I have always had a love for leadership and motivational
speakers. A favorite quote from Zig Ziglar said, “when
people are appreciated for what they do, they will do
more than they are paid to do.” When working with teams
in business, whether they are paid or volunteer, people
will do more when they feel their contribution has value
and they are appreciated for what they do - celebrate
them. According to Gallup, 79% of employees who leave
their jobs claim the lack of appreciation was the primary
reason for leaving. Yet 65% percent of Americans claimed
they were not recognized once during the last year. It
seems like a small price to pay to retain employees and
volunteers. In the same Gallup Poll, 60% of people said
they were more motivated by recognition than money.
You can maintain good staff, prevent turnover, and keep
from having to rehire and retrain by taking more time and
effort to celebrate great plays.
Sergeant Bluff setter Maddie Hinkel celebrates her
teammates success during the state championship game.
Last year, we had a volunteer working on a pandemic
service project, and every day he came in, I thanked
him for helping and called him a Rockstar. It seems like
a simple thing, but towards the end of our project, I
thanked him for all his effort, which contributed to our
success. He said, “I just showed up every day to hear
that I was Rockstar.” Most of the projects we work on find
success on the backbones of volunteers. We constantly
find ways to celebrate their contributions, show how
their efforts have value, include them in the outcomes,
and let them know that our success is directly related to
their outstanding efforts. When leaders recognize their
employees, not with everyone gets a prize mentality but
to show genuine, heartfelt appreciation and gratitude,
everyone wins!
Brenda Sale has worked in education for Nebraska
Extension for 20 years. She provides educational outreach
to low-income and limited resources families. She
works on community engagement strategies to engage
stakeholders and volunteers to address food security in
Dakota County. In her free time, she is a youth sports club
coach.
Winning teams have leadership and teammates who
come together to celebrate each other.
Reference: David Novak, Golead, digital leadership platform.
“Taking people with you, the education of an Accidental
CEO and “O Great ONE”! A little story about the Awesome
Power of Recognition.”
Photo Credit (left) Brenda Sale. Photo Credit Taylor Brown
(girl jumping).

Siouxland Magazine | EXPLORE /54
PRESENTED BY CARLSON GROUP @ RE/MAX
“TURN UP THE MUSIC. DON’T LET IT STOP.”
Damon Dotson’s “Lake Affect” has become one of the
most unique concert experiences in the country, and
it takes place right here in Iowa. His incomparable
voice matched with unsurpassed songwriting creates
an unforgettable experience and an instant personal
connection with the audience. “Lake Affect” takes that
experience to the next level. The Carlson Group sat
down with Damon to discuss this iconic event.
How is Lake Affect an expression of you as an artist
ultimately?
I always try to say Lake Affect is more of a feeling than
a music event...although I realize those two generally
go hand in hand. Music evokes feeling. The feeling we
as musicians, and even myself as spectators creates a
feeling of beauty, grace, and excitement. It’s a feeling
of being together in one common cause. If I had to say
it...that is what I would like my music to express as well.
I love that about music. Between music and sports,
nothing else can bring people of all walks of life and
beliefs together in unity. It’s so powerful!
How did you dream up this event?
I believe I was at Captains Getaway...just thinking...
you know what...it would be pretty amazing to try to
have a concert on the water...on a barge. The area is
so beautiful, and the music is so universal; how cool
would it be to try to merge them into one event. The
very first Lake Affect was drastically different from what it
has become today. The first one some 15 years ago was
actually in front of The Central Emporium. We had one
sponsor, one barge, ran our sound production, had no
merch, no coozies, and almost nobody in attendance!
Fast forward to today, and we have more than 20
incredible sponsors, thousands of coozies, lifeguards, a
full sound production crew, a giant LED video screen,
and it’s hard to put a number on the attendance...but it’s
definitely more than the first one, haha.
What are the biggest challenges in pulling off a
water concert?
Planning the schedules of the different production
crews, bands, and volunteers. One of the biggest
challenges is space limitations. Typical concerts have
almost unlimited stage space as well as storage space
for cases. It’s a unique set of circumstances, but I am
very fortunate to work with some amazing crews and
barge operators. This show takes a great team and
working together to make it happen.
What do you hope people experience when they
listen to your music?
Music can be the internal photo book to a specific time
in someone’s life. Someone may hear a certain song...it
takes them back to that memory. Hopefully, some of my
songs can bring people to a happy place. Unfortunately,
life just isn’t always happy though...and if my music can
somehow help someone heal from a loss or a rough
time that is quintessentially the power of music. Music
heals sometimes where words simply aren’t enough.

What is the favorite verse you have ever written?
Hmmm....probably from a song of mine called
“Wounds to Heal.”
“Never forget where you come from
Never forget who your friends are
Cuz it takes time for some wounds to heal
and everybody needs some place to shine”
What makes the connection to the crowd at Lake
Affect different?
The energy radiating in the bay on the day of Lake
Affect is truly unlike any other show I have ever played.
We all realize collectively...woah...this is unique...and
woah...this is fun.
Siouxland Magazine |EXPLORE/ 55
What are a few of your most memorable
moments on the stage (barge,) during your set?
One thing that has always been a constant...not
only at Lake Affect but when my mom is at a show...
she inevitably will get up and dance on stage and
completely steal the show. It has been a pretty special
feeling to have both my parents out there during Lake
Affect which is held in the bay that my parents raised
my brother and I. It brings new perspective with every
passing year. My mom and dad did so much for us
Damon Dotson climbed near the top of the iTunes charts
with the release of his album, “Tumblin.”
to be able to enjoy the lake and all that Okoboji has to
offer. It will always be my home.
We’ve had someone propose and get engaged on
stage!
One year Captain Morgan made his way onto the barge
with the Morganettes. I was like...wait....I remember the
first Lake Affect...and now this? It was so fun.
How did Honky Tonk Woman come to be?
Over the years, when Mom and Dad would be at my
shows, it would come to that time of night where
mom was just ready to get up and do her thing with
us on stage. Honky Tonk Woman always seemed like a
fitting jam for my mom. It’s become a tradition at Lake
Affect. People seem to know when we play Honky Tonk
Woman...Damon’s mom is getting on stage and will get
the biggest applause of the day. It’s memories like this
that will live forever for me and I don’t take them for
granted. Having both parents out there for almost every
single Lake Affect has been one of my most cherished
memories of the entire life of the event.
Memorable performers to take the stage with you
at Lake Affect?
Jason Walsmith of The Nadas played a solo show a few
years in a row. One of my favorite bands, GB Leighton
played the 10th Annual. The Pork Tornadoes also
played the 10th Annual which of course was an amazing
show. There’s generally a section where my buddy Jeff
Carlson gets up and brings the house down with his
rendition of some 90’s rap. It sets the day off on a whole
new level of fun.