Farm Fresh: Community Supported Agriculture in Bismarck
Transcription
Farm Fresh: Community Supported Agriculture in Bismarck
PAGE 11 Where is the State Surplus? PAGE 4 Smoking Vote April 19 FREE Est. 2007 • Vol. 5, Iss. 2 • April 2011 Farm Fresh: Community Supported Agriculture in Bismarck-Mandan By Beth Schatz Kaylor When Brian and Angie McGinness moved back to North Dakota to start Riverbound Farm, the neighbors quickly noticed that the McGinnesses weren’t your typical farmers. As practitioners of biodiversity and organic farming methods, the McGinnesses planted a mix of twelve different grasses and plants in their feed plot. “Some others in the area were scratching their heads at the sight of all those plants mixed together,” explains Angie with a chuckle. “They’re so accustomed to monocultures.” Riverbound Farm, located south of Mandan, is part of the growing Community Supported Agriculture movement, more commonly known as CSA. To summarize how a CSA system operates, community members pay a CSA farmer for a share of his or her crop. In turn, the CSA farmer raises food (typically fruits and vegetables), then distributes the harvest throughout the growing season to members. The system helps ensure the CSA farmer gets paid a fair wage for his or her product, while the CSA member gets a steady supply of BSC Hosts ArtsQuest National Headliners Come to Bismarck Page 5 Photo provided by Brian and Angie McGinness Brian and Angie McGinness from Riverbound Farm pose with some of their fresh produce. fresh, local produce. CSA also supports local economies while contributing to a food production system that is kinder to the environment, with less transportation and packaging of food required. During the school year, Jay Basquiat is a professor of philosophy and English at Bismarck State College. During the Continued on page 8 Vintage Guitar Oil Patch Landowners Celebrates 25th Concerned About Impact my biggest contention is that it’s been By Maxine Herr Anniversary two years – which is way too long – and By Mike Swenson Celebrating it's 25th anniversary, Vintage Guitar magazine is proving to be one of the nation's top sources for stories about both old and new guitars. The magazine was founded in 1986 by Bismarck native Alan Greenwood as an eight-page print and fold paper. It has now grown into a magazine with a subscriber list of nearly 40,000 and continues to expand its reader base across the globe. What started as a personal hobby for Greenwood is now a growing business. Vintage Guitar currently employs nine people in their Main Street office, as well as over 40 freelance writers within the music industry. "Everyone can appreciate a vintage guitar," says Greenwood. "Whether you're a musician or hobbyist, our magazine gives readers a chance to explore something new," he added. For some, vintage guitars are a dream come true, for others, a solid investment. A late 1930s Martin D-45 acoustic guitar can sell for Continued on page 6 When Daryl Peterson agreed to let an oil company drill on his property, he understood it meant sacrificing some of his land for the economic good of his home state. But he didn’t expect to lose additional farmland and be left with a mess to report to officials. “I do promote oil and gas exploration in North Dakota. But I think there has to be balance,” Peterson said. “We can’t completely wreck our farmland in the process, and we see evidence of that more and more all the time.” A saltwater disposal tank overflowed on Peterson’s property near the well, seeped beyond a dike, and contaminated his farmland. It’s been over two years and the oil company has not remedied the spill. Peterson was recently informed the company plans to remove the affected soil, replace it and build a new dike this spring. But he’s not satisfied with the testing that’s been done because he believes the extent of the contamination is beyond current plans for reclamation. “Regulators have told me whatever it takes they will require. But I guess cleanup still hasn’t taken place, and I think harm from the spill will be a lot greater than if it was cleaned up right away,” Peterson said. Industrial Commission’s Oil and Gas Division Director Lynn Helms said North Dakota has a short window of reclamation opportunity – sometimes only June through September – due to the state’s climate. Though it takes time, Helms believes his department ensures the job is done thoroughly. “We scrape up melted snow and soil that is thawed out by saltwater, so the contaminating element is removed before spring comes around. But the complete reclamation of a saltwater spill takes a long, long time,” Helms said. But farmers and ranchers in western North Dakota believe more could be done to protect their land. The desk of Rep. Kenton Onstad of Parshall is overflowing with hundreds of letters and emails from concerned landowners describing incidences of oil companies not following the rules and leaving surface owners without any recourse. Continued on page 12 BisMan Bombshellz The Inside Scoop Page 10 Index Opinion Page Pages 2 A Film Unfinished Review Page 5 Toasted Frog Leaps Into Downtown Page 9 Northern Plains Dance Presents Snow White Pages 8 Columns Page 12-13 The Buzz Page 14-15 OPINION PAGE - LET TER TO THE EDITOR House Committee Hijacks Peace Resolution Dear Editor, On March 24, seven legislators of the House Government & Veterans Affairs Committee adopted amendments that drastically reverse the intent of SCR 4015, also known as North Dakota’s Peace Resolution. If the committee disagreed with the resolution, it was within their rights to vote against it. But to make it into its opposite is a misuse of legislative power. A resolution to prepare for peace has been turned into a piece of paper to fan the flames of conflict. Nearly every line has been replaced with language that is opposite of the original language. The word “peace” has been removed. The amendments suggest that we maintain a military presence in Iraq and Afghanistan indefinitely. The amendments remove real support for community-based efforts to bring peace in these countries, and now the word “evil” is introduced. These amendments are disrespectful to those who have who have bravely served our country and to those who have dedicated their lives to peace. Many North Dakotans testified to Senate and House committees in support of the resolution. Not one person testified in opposition in the House. What am I to say to the 50+ citizens who attended the hearings on SCR 4015? What do I say to veterans who have told us of the real costs of war – in lives lost, physical injury, and mental health effects? What do I say to Sister Maris Stella Korb, from the Sisters of the Presentation, April 2011 •l22•lPrairieIndependent.com July 2010 PrairieIndependent.com Senator Tim Mathern DNPL-Fargo about this disrespect shown to her and other faith leaders? Many legislators and private citizens attended a recent news conference. While we found our places in front of the cameras, I heard a peacemaker say, “It’s good to see legislators actually making room for North Dakota citizens at the Capitol!” This put the whole thing in perspective. I encourage each person reading this letter to remember that this is your state. The government belongs to North Dakota’s people. It doesn’t just belong to those who have power or access. It belongs to all of us. I am grateful to the peacemakers of North Dakota for having the courage to speak up and get involved. I am proud to consider myself one of you. You should consider running for public office. We need more people like you at the Capitol. Saturday, April 30, 7 p.m. Belle Mehus Auditorium Tickets available at the following Bismarck locations: Eckroth Music, The Rainbow Shop, Boneshaker Coffee Company, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Compassion International Presents: Shelter Me Tour - Featuring Selah, Aaron Shust and Shaun Groves All tickets general admission. $22 individual or $20 each for groups of 10 or more By Ben Patrie If We Stick We’ll Win If we stick we’ll win. Stick like a stick in the mud, Stick like an oak seed in the soil, Stick like a sapling in the stream, Stick like the first tree felled for the dam, to Stick and stem the tide; Stem: Transitive Verb to check or go counter to, to make headway against (as an adverse tide, current, or wind) from Middle English--stemmen to keep a course, from stem (of a ship). mocracy to pay sacrifice to their other gods. Have some faith! If we stick we’ll win! Stick it out. Get stuck in. If we want to slow the flow we will have to be boulders in the stream immovable a shear mass against the gravity of the slippery slope argument and the mountainside rush of hate ads and false logic. To stay this course, brothers and sisters, though its opposite the tide, against the current, and into the wind, we may have to paddle or portage, but if we stick we’ll win. Stick to it, do not lose hope, though the mountains loom heavy before us. Stick together, for those who seek to move mountains must start by taking away small stones. Many hands make light work and soon our pile of pebbles will dam the stream. We will lift one another like sand in the straight and strong wind of our work. Stick up for the beaten down and they may yet beat back these boots— an upward rising of the downtrodden stepped on by the parade of panderers— the procession of political prostitutes we’ll stick them in their tracks. Brothers and Sisters Stick to your guns we have not yet begun to fight backs against the wall but eyes still on the light. These words our charge through the night, the din, hear me now— IF WE STICK WE’LL WIN! Stick out from the crowd, the false prophets of profit, the forked tongue purveyors of policy, we see now hawking pews from the church of de- Ben Patrie is a student at Minnesota State University – Moorhead and a graduate of Bismarck High School. Bismarck Figure Skating Club Scores Sixth at National Competition in California The Capital Ice Chips Intermediate Synchronized Skating team from the Bismarck Figure Skating Club and sponsored by Schumacher Diamond Cutters, brought home the Platinum medal from the 2011 Midwest Synchro- April 2011 Vol. 5, Iss. 2 1849 Heritage Ave., Bismarck, ND 58501 701.527.0060 www.prairieindependent.com editor@prairieindependent.com Published by: The North Dakota Center for the Public Good Member of nized Skating competition in February, which earned them a trip to the 2011 US Figure Skating Synchronized Nationals competition in Ontario California, where they placed 6th. The team is coached by Becky Gallion of Bismarck. Photo by Becky Gallion Front row, from left to right: Alandra Williams, Annie Nelson, Karlie Goldade, Ellie Klose, Katelyn Castle, Robyn Markhouse and Selena Morris. Back row, from left to right: Hayley Bortke, Halsey Thompson, Karly Knudson, McKell Teske, Jenna Goecke, Katie Nelson, Kristen Bortke, Lexi Anderson, Taylor Goven and Jasmine Bernhardt. Child Development Center Re-dedication Program Center to be Named for Grace and Arthur Link You’re Invited! Thursday, April 28, 2011 10 a.m. Prairie Independent Managing Editor: Linda Garding Capital Ice Chips Synchronized Skating Team Places at Nationals Child Development Center Preschool, Bldg. 100 Fort Berthold Avenue United Tribes Technical College Please join us for a program to honor two, dear friends of United Tribes as we re-dedicate the college’s Child Development Center for Grace and Arthur Link. The center is located on Fort Berthold Avenue adjacent to the UTTC Cafeteria. More information: Lisa Azure,701-255-3285 x 1407, lazure@uttc.edu. Production Editor: Chelsea Watterud Editorial Board: Don Morrison, Brian Palecek, Hollis Mackintosh, Barb Price, Katie Patrie, Mike Swenson, Beth Schatz Kaylor The Prairie Independent delivers to the Bismarck-Mandan area and is available for free at designated distribution points. Limit one copy per person. Subscriptions available for $30/year. No portion of this newspaper may be reproduced or reused without prior permission. © 2007-11 The North Dakota Center for the Public Good. All rights reserved. The opinions expressed in the Prairie Independent are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the editorial board or the North Dakota Center for the Public Good. Letters and Op-Ed Submission Policies: Letters are subject to editing and will be published in the order received, space permitting. Letter-writers are encouraged to keep their letters brief. Letters containing offensive or false material will not be published at the discretion of the managing editor. Send letters to editor@prairieindependent.com or mail them to: Prairie Independent, 1849 Heritage Ave., Bismarck, ND 58501. April 2011• 3 •lPrairieIndependent.com July 2010 3 l PrairieIndependent.com Vote Set for April 19 on Smoking in Public Places The City of Bismarck will be holding a special election on April 19 to address the issue of smoking in public places. Below is information on voting hours, sites and qualifications. A sample ballot is also included. Voting hours on Election Day, April 19, are from 7:00 A.M. until 7:00 P.M. Voting will take place at special sites as described below. Precinct #1 All that portion within the corporate limits of the City of Bismarck North of the center line of Divide Avenue Polling Place: VFW Sports Center North Entrance - Rink #2 1200 N Washington St Precinct #2 All that portion within the corporate limits of the City of Bismarck south of the center line of Divide Avenue Polling Place: Bismarck Civic Center SW Entrance - Main Arena 601 E Sweet Ave Citizens are reminded that ND State Law requires all voters to provide identification showing your residential address. You must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old on the day of an election, a legal North Dakota resident, and a resident in the precinct for 30 days preceding the election. Absentee Voter Ballots Available for April 19 Special Election Absentee voter ballots are available to qualified electors of the City of Bismarck from the Burleigh County Auditor, P.O. Box 5518, 221 N. 5th Street, Bismarck, N.D. 58506-5518. Phone 701222-6718. An application for an Absent Voter Ballot must be on file with the Sample Ballot Burleigh County Auditor before an absent voter ballot can be delivered. Absentee ballots can also be obtained in person at the auditor’s office during normal business hours. POINT COUNTERPOINT Locals Weigh In on Smoke Free Election Vote Yes on April 19 By Pat McGeary A special election on April 19 will give Bismarck residents a chance to cast their vote for health and growth for the city. A comprehensive smoke free ordinance was passed by the Bismarck City Commission during the summer of 2010, expanding a limited 2005 smoke free ordinance to now protect workers at bars, truck stops, hotels and clubs. After the ordinance was passed, the required signatures were collected for a referral vote which will be held April 19. A public opinion survey by the American Lung Association in North Dakota showed 72% of Bismarck vot- X ers support a comprehensive smoke free ordinance and 92.25% said they would go out to smoke-free bars and restaurants as much or more than they currently do. Mayor Warford, one of the four city commissioners to support passage of the ordinance stated, “I am supporting this ordinance because I think it is the right thing. It is our job as a city commission to look at the big picture from a health and safety standpoint.” Now it’s your job, to cast the same vote YES on #1 to assure that all workers have the right to breathe clean air! Say No to the Smoking Ban By Mike Swenson With the special ballot coming up soon, I want every person in Bismarck to use their voice on this matter. I believe you should say no to the ballot because it should be the bar owners right to choose how they run their business. Less than 25% of our bars allow smoking as it is, none of which are family oriented. It is your choice, as a consumer, whether or not you want to go into that establishment. If you don't smoke, or don't like smoke, don't go there. It's as simple as that. As a smoker, I like being able to have a beer and cigarette someplace other than my home. And during our eight months of winter, stepping outside sometimes isn't an option. I think an easy to read sign on the front door that says "People are smoking inside" would suffice. I think forcing a law that requires every smoking business to send their customers outside between drinks and bingo games is just stupid. Also, keep this in mind; it is the smokers who are keeping those bars in business. Bismarck has more than enough non-smoking options, let's leave it that way. Vote no! Photo by Brian Palecek Kris Kitko, director of BakkenWatch fields dozens of comments and questions about hydraulic fracturing (fracking) at a BakkenWatch event, Saturday, March 26. The newly formed non-profit provides information on the health and environmental effects of the process and raises funds to support families needing health related tests. First Presbyterian Church Sunday Morning Services at 10 Wednesday Programs Starting at 5:15 Third & Thayer, Bismarck 701-223-6091 April 2011 •l44•lPrairieIndependent.com July 2010 PrairieIndependent.com The Movie Page Todd Ford and Cinema 100 A Film Unfinished Nazi Video Revealed as Propoganda In a tenement building in the Warsaw Ghetto, Jews are shown living merrily day to day, their courtyard filled with an ever growing mound of human feces as they toss garbage from their tenth story windows, appearing to enjoy living amongst filth. This scene from the extraordinary documentary A Film Unfinished both reminded me of and trumped what has long been my most indelible portrait of the possibilities of hatred and the powers of propaganda to cloud minds. As a child, my grandfather would sit in his big, puffy easy chair – me on one knee and my sister perched on the other – telling us how the black neighbors didn’t even use the bathroom. They would just “go all over the house.” He wanted us to think in the most unforgettable way possible to our impressionable young minds that blacks were animals. A Film Unfinished makes a truly unique use of a fortuitous discovery. Ten years after the end of WWII, researchers began to sift through the racks of footage left behind by the Nazi propaganda machine. An odd, hour long film was discovered showing the daily lives of Jews. Its editing was rough as if something abandoned. It had no titles or credits and the cans bore the simple title “The Ghetto.” The film’s scenes juxtapose wealthy Jews living a comfortable existence and poor, starving Jews wandering and panhandling and often dying in the streets. The footage was long considered a valuable document of how things really were during those dark times. Two discoveries in the years since have revealed this footage to be something else entirely. A document was discovered bearing the name of one of the cameramen, Willy Wist, and he was located and interviewed. And a never meant to be seen reel of outtakes was found. These two documents combine to show “The Ghetto” to be a most sinister and carefully constructed lie, the propaganda purposes of which we can only now surmise. Healthy looking Jews, the few remaining, were costumed and placed in carefully redecorated and plush rooms and ordered to eat extravagant meals. They were ordered to walk down the sidewalks past starving Jews – themselves ordered to extend their hands begging for handouts – and callously place nothing in their hands. Photo from Oscilloscope Laboratories A scene from A Film Unfinished, a documentary based on an unfinished German propoganda film about the Warsaw Ghetto. Corpses were arranged on the sidewalks by laughing Nazi soldiers while “rich” Jews were ordered to walk past them carrying packages of food for their evening feasts without so much as glancing downward. We learn of these filmmaking details from Wist. We learn just as much from viewing the outtakes. In scenes left on the cutting room floor, people are seen looking down at those corpses in horror – one particular little boy in disbelief. A scene of two filthy young boys looking into a shop window as a woman strolls inside to make her purchase is repeated four times until the filmmakers were satisfied with the illusion of authenticity. The makers of “A Film Unfinished” have added one more layer to their presentation. Survivors, young children at the time, now in their 70s and 80s, are shown watching and commenting on the footage, the light flickering across their faces, fingers often covering their eyes. Watching a funeral scene, one woman says with disgust, “But Jews don’t bury their dead in coffins.” Those scenes of Jews living amongst feces and garbage are revealed in the outtake footage for what they really are. A filmmaker is shown carefully, aesthetically arranging and rearranging a pile of garbage and toying with the idea of propping up a photograph of an elderly Jewish man atop the refuse, before casually tossing it aside. (Todd Ford has been a film nut since 1981. He watches far too many movies through Netflix and enjoys a home life with his wife, two daughters, two dogs, and five cats.) BSC Brings In Headliners for ArtsQuest 2011 Blood Brothers April 6-10 BSC's spring musical tells the story of the Johnstone twins, Mickey and Eddie, and their ill-fated lives after being separated at birth due to family poverty. British playwright Willy Russell explores class differences in Blood Brothers and a nature versus nurture plot complicated by the twins' unwitting friendship later in life. Nominated for six Tony Awards and winner of best book, Blood Brothers continues today as one of London's longest running musicals. BSC performances are 7:30 p.m. April 6-9 and 2:30 p.m. April 10 in Sidney J. Lee Auditorium. From www.bismarckstate.edu Chris Brubeck's Warren St. John Von Glitschka April 20 Triple Play April 19 April 16 Triple Play members, Chris Brubeck, Peter "Madcat" Ruth and Joel Brown, are virtuoso solo musicians with national and international credits. Chris Brubeck, son of legendary jazz artist Dave Brubeck, leads Triple Play on piano, trombone and bass. Ruth holds title as one of the best harmonica players in the world. Guitarist Brown has recorded with the London Symphony and performed in Carnegie Hall. The dynamic ensemble plays everything from jazz and blues to folk, funk and the classics in a cross-generational style. New York Times feature writer Warren St. John discusses his 2009 bestselling book, "Outcasts United: An American Town, a Refugee Team, and One Woman's Quest to Make a Difference," in conjunction with BSC's Campus Read. His book was read throughout campus last fall. St. John talks about the inspiring story of how a youth soccer team of resettled refugees transforms a resistant Georgia town into a diverse community. He also shares lessons from the team and town residents and how fresh perspectives of newcomers and volunteerism can bridge a social divide. A leading illustrative designer, Von Glitschka is principal of Glitschka Studios, a multi-disciplinary creative firm in Salem, Ore. Glitschka has worked in the communication arts industry for 22 years and earned numerous awards. Clients include Microsoft, Merck, Pepsi, General Motors and Hasbro. His work has appeared in leading graphic arts publications and will be featured during his "Creating 5ive-Alarm Concepts" presentation. April 2011 • 5 l• PrairieIndependent.com July 2010 5 l PrairieIndependent.com What Does It Mean To Be Me by the Group That Opened The Box By Katie Patrie The Group That Opened The Box started two years ago with a set of young women that were in a writing group. The name came from several ideas, the main being that items were chosen out of a box to be the topic of the groups writing. The other idea is the legend of Pandora’s Box. Pandora was the first human according to Greek mythology. Zeus gave her a "box,” actually a large jar, which contained all the evils of the world. When Pandora opened the jar, the entire contents of the jar were released, except for one – hope. Although today opening Pandora's box usually means to create evil that cannot be undone, this group of talented young women are dealing with the evils in society by trying to foster hope. This is a must see/hear group. Even with the loss of several members of the “original group,” these young women embody strength and confidence, while trying to bring hope and brightness into the future. The next performance will be “Who We Were Gonna Be” on Saturday, May 6, 7:30 p.m. at the Sidney J. Lee Auditorium on the BSC campus. The original Photo by Katie Patrie The current Group That Opened the Box Front L-R is Breeanna DuFrame and Caitlyn Taix Back L-R Rachel Heiden, Sugar Barnes, Ashley Griffin, Haliegh Bryson, Alexis Hellman readers theatre version of this production asks, “What does it mean to be... me?” And those things answers range from Werewolves to Miss Universe. This show is a play off that concept. This production is directed by Karen Van Fossan and Dr. Kathy Blohm, but the stars are The Group That Opened the Box (teenagers changing the world, one gutsy show at a time). Join Satrom Travel! Exciting! Fun! Great Values! Hosted! Twin Cities Tour Twin Cities Mid Summer Theatre Aug. 26-28 Twins vs. Detroit July 17-18 Eastern ND Sept. 14-18 Fall for Duluth The Be Sept. 19-Oct 5 NE Fall Foliage st! Branson Oct. 30-Nov 6•Nov. 5-11•Nov. 16-22 Dec. 1-4 Twin Cities Christmas Dec. 1-4 New York Theatre June 24-26 July 15-17 Premiere Premiere Tour! Tours! 258-5000 800-833-8787 Since 1978 info@satromtravel.com April 2011 •l66•lPrairieIndependent.com July 2010 PrairieIndependent.com 25 Years Have Brought Big Changes Continued from page 1 nearly $400,000. Granted, there are very few who can afford a guitar like that. However, there are many who are happy with being able to read about it. On the low end, a 1950's Fender Telecaster electric guitar can cost between $30,000-$50,000 depending on the market. Much like classic cars, or sports memorabilia, guitars can hold their value over many years. Magazine readers can always get the information they need about classic guitars. Running a magazine like Vintage Guitar also has some welcomed perks, such as traveling the country, and being able to meet musicians of all types over the years. "I've had a lot of great memories, but I don't know if there's any one standout," Greenwood commented. "Billy Gibbons, of ZZTop, has expressed his appreciation for the magazine by appearing on the cover and offering a look into his own personal collection.” Vintage Guitar also co-sponsors about 20 different guitar shows around the country, giving them a chance to expand their audience as well as introduce old treasures to a new generation. In an age of digital distribution, print magazines are slowly on the decline; however, Vintage Guitar can only get bigger because of its following. Greenwood is also focused on Bismarck's music scene, being a member of the Belle Project, as well as other organizations to help provide music appreciation. His local efforts will also generate more readers for Vintage Guitar. Issues of the magazine are available monthly via subscription or at local music stores. Photo by Mike Swenson Alan Greenwood founded Vintage Guitar magazine in 1986. Theodore Jamerson Elementary School Student Places First At National American Indian Science Fair UTN - Taylahni Jackson, a fifth grade student from Theodore Jamerson Elementary School, took first place in the National American Indian Science and Engineering Fair.Taylahni competed in the Physics and Astronomy category during the March 24–26 event in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Forty-seven schools were represented and over 500 projects. Taylahni’s project was titled: Depth of Field: Pinhole Lens versus F2.5 Large Format Lens. She took and developed film photographs using two different camera lenses. One was a pinhole lens that she built and affixed to a 4 x 5 view camera. The other was a WWII era Aero Ektar f4.5 lens, also on a 4 x 5 view camera. She compared the results of the photographs and demonstrated her understanding of the optical properties known as “circle of confusion” and “depth of field.” Taylahni presented her project in two previous science fairs. She participated in the TJES Science Fair and took first place in the North Dakota Native American Science Fair to become eligible to participate in the national event. To enter she was required to write a scientific abstract in APA style using a minimum of five literary references. As a further requirement, her project also met the standards of the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. “I plan to attend again next year,” said Taylahni. Photo from UTN “It was fun to meet people Taylahni Jackson, a fifth grade student at TJES, from all the United States is from the Oglala Sioux Tribe of South Dakota. and Ontario, Canada. I saw projects from all over.” Bismarck. Taylahni’s science coach Theodore Jamerson Elementawas Mark Anderson, TJES Gifted ry School is located on the United and Talented instructor. Tribes Technical College campus in How ‘G reen’ Is Your L awn? By Jeff Eslinger Friends, have I got a deal for you. A miracle cure for your lawn. The do-all, end-all for a greener, thicker, and less weedy yard. But don't take my word for it, this product is used by the finest parks and golf courses in the nation! This miracle elixer is called...(drumroll, please)...grass. That's right, your grass needs grass. Tiny, chopped-up bits of grass, also known as mulch. Let it lay is not the way. Let’s get right to the bad rap that mulching is messy. If you're blowing the clippings out the side of the mower, you're not mulching. Proper mulching traps grass under the mower to get chopped into small bits that will soon drop down to the soil. If you water your lawn right after mulch-mowing, the clippings disappear even faster. I hope that puts your mind at ease. If not, take my word for it as the son of a mulcher (who owned a hardware store). I’ve been mulching successfully for decades. Or go visit a golf course. Not all green is Green. Among the many benefits for the environment, a healthy lawn works round the clock capturing carbon and storing it in the soil. It captures and filters rain water, hosts an incredible habitat of living things--many of which are food for our favorite birds--and it even cools your family’s favorite living area: your back yard. Unfortunately, lush, deep green lawns are not always “Green;” that is, environmentally responsible. I won’t condemn all use of chemicals, but I think we can all agree that if we can get the same results without chemicals, it makes sense to at least give it a try. Besides, whenever I fertilize, it immediately rains for 40 days and nights, washing it all away. Green saves green. Sometimes, going Green costs more, but this is a case where it actually saves money. The tons of chemicals people dump on their lawns costs tons of money. Mulchers spend very little on lawn care. Mulch is a perfect fertilizer, be- cause the grass you're cutting already holds the nutrients your lawn needs. But wait, it gets better! The composting process also activates all kinds of microbes that do amazing things I am not scientifically qualified to describe. All I know is that they're so good at it, your lawn bags are hot with chemical activity by the time they get to the recycling station. Remind me again why I should work so hard to haul that away? Full disclosure: I often use a chemical fertilizer with crabgrass preventer in the spring, but I rarely fertilize again for the rest of the summer. The fertilizer mafia may bury me under heavy bags for this, but I’d rather do a little FREE fertilizing every week. Yes, fertilizers work. I’m just not convinced they’re absolutely necessary, at least at the level some people use it. Mulch right. Part II of this article will cover how mulching controls weeds and saves water. Until then, here are five tips for proper mulching: 1. Ideally, you should use a mower that is made for mulching. They have more powerful motors and specially designed decks that enhance the repeated cutting action. If you're not ready to upgrade your mower, at least get a mulching blade, which is designed to create more turbulence and will likely have multiple cutting surfaces. Chop, chop, chop! 2. Mow more slowly to get a good mulch. If you’re getting clumps of long blades, you're going too fast. You’ll still get the job done faster because you don’t have to empty the bag or go to the recycling center. 3. Mow a little more often, preferably when the grass is dry as possible. Keep your blades sharp. (Good advice for cutting your own hair, too, but I no longer recommend that.) 4. Keep your mower deck clean. Hose it thoroughly after every mowing, but be careful about sticking your garden hose under a running mower. That can get ugly. (Jeff Eslinger is a freelance writer, weed assassin and certified hammock inspector who lives in the country where four horses and a mule eat most of his grass. Disclaimer: The author is not a scientist or lawn-care professional. This article is written from the perspective of personal experience only. Soils and grass types vary.) Photo by Jeff Eslinger This lawn was almost completely destroyed while building the retaining wall, but filled in almost completely in just 2 months thanks to mulch mowing. Tired of cookie cutter radio? Sick of hearing the same songs over and over and over again? Don’t tune out…. log in! Check out the area’s only locally owned radio station, URL Radio, at www.urlradio.net. Since we’re locally owned we can play songs no one else can play and say things no one else can say. We have over a dozen live and local shows and take song requests all day Monday-Friday. The future of radio is here...at www.urlradio.net!! Listening is as easy as 1-2-3: 1. Go to www.urlradio.net 2. Click listen at the top. 3. Click play That’s it! Enjoy! We play music from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, today, rock, indie, alternative, blues. We even play local and regional artists! If you have a smart phone, take a picture of this barcode with a free barcode reading app and start listening now! Experience New York City’s Metropolitan Opera in Bismarck By Mike Swenson In order to see a live production of the Metropolitan Opera, a person would have to fly to New York, book a hotel, find a taxi, get to the Lincoln Center on time, and spend about $1500 for the trip. An easier and cheaper way to see a live Opera performance is to attend "The Met: Live in HD" at the Grand Theater in Bismarck. Paying a ticket price of $25, allows the viewer a chance of seeing the opera like they've never seen it before. It's up close and personal from one of the theater seats. Joyce Tello, a longtime opera enthusiast, has been helping to build up the opera community and bring awareness to the centuries old art-form. During intermission the Bismarck audiences sees interviews with the actors. Joyce said, "It's a very personal experience, giving me access to the actors, and the production that goes into it.” The idea of bringing a live opera production to Bismarck would be financially difficult as well as challenging in terms of weather and other logistics. However, thanks to technology and a dedicated fan-base, the broadcasts will continue on. Grand Theater owner, Jerry Brekke, has shown his dedication for the arts, despite the broadcasting fees associated with the shows. The broadcasts are presented by FathomEvents, a digital distribution company, who sends the feed via satellite to select theaters around the nation. The picture is shown on a full scale curved screen, giving the audience a perfect view of everything going on, in great clarity. Another benefit of seeing it in the theater is that the audio is pumped through 20 surround speakers, unlike in person, where it would sound different depending on a person's seat and distance from the stage. Up until a few years ago, people would have to travel to Fargo or Minneapolis to see a live opera performance on screen, but with the help of local opera lovers, Brekke was able to get the proper equipment installed to present the monthly opera series. The word and reputation of the shows is spreading through the community. "Attendance has doubled moving into our second year" said Russ Fix, a manager at Grand Theater. "I think people appreciate it more since it's usually a one time event". In order to boost audience size each season, Tello has sponsored showings for college students interested in the performing arts. It also offers the students a chance to learn more about the history behind the performances. Operas can last up to 4 hours with intermissions and are subtitled for audience members. The next shows are April 19 Rossini’s “Le Comte Ory,” April 23 Strauss’s “Capriccio” and April 30 Verdi’s “Il Trovatore.” For more information and a schedule for upcoming shows, visit grandtheaters. com and fathomevents.com April • 7l• 7PrairieIndependent.com July2011 2010 l PrairieIndependent.com Northern Plains Dance Partners With Peacock Alley To Make a Night Of It Northern Plains Dance is presenting Snow White Friday, May 20 at 7:30 pm, and Saturday, May 21 at 2:30 pm at the Belle Mehus Auditorium. Snow White is the third and final production of NPD’s 2010-2011 season. This year, in conjunction with Snow White, Peacock Alley is hosting “Make a Night of It.” Dale Zimmerman, owner of the Peacock Alley, has done similar events with Dakota Stage over the past year. “We believe the Peacock Alley is the cornerstone of downtown Bismarck literally and figuratively.” Zimmerman said. “Our location is ideal for being a part of different local community art events since we are close to the Belle, the civic center and Dakota Stage. When you combine our location with our long history of being the cornerstone of the downtown it only seems natural that we would want to help out any local event be more prosperous. We are looking forward to being a part of the upcoming Snow White performance. There are very few choices in downtown Bismarck for families to go and have dinner or lunch before or after an event.” The packages available with Snow White include a dinner on Friday night, and a lunch on Saturday. “We are offering an experience in a historic setting that features great fresh food that has been inspired by the show. Parents and kids will both be able to be a part of this experience which is very exciting to us. Melodie and I have 4 children and 1 grandchild and are honored to be a part of this family production.” Zimmerman said. The menu for the event will be determined soon and will be available at Northern Plains Dance. Presale tickets for the “Make a Night of It” package are available at Northern Plains Dance from April 11-23. The Friday “Make a Night of It” Dinner Package includes a four-course meal (salad, appetizer, entrée, dessert), complimentary beverage, tax, gratuity, and a Level C ticket to Snow White on Friday, May 20 at 7:30 pm. The Saturday “Make a Night of It” Lunch Package includes lunch, complimentary beverage, tax, gratuity, and a Level C ticket to Snow White on Saturday, May 21 at 2:30 pm. Farm Fresh CSA Continued from page 1 spring and summer months, however, Basquiat rolls up his sleeves and works a large vegetable plot near Mandan for “Make a Night of It” his Baskets of Plenty CSA members. “I’ve been doing the CSA model in Package Pricing: Bismarck-Mandan for four years,” explains Basquiat. “Interest has grown Friday, May 20th rapidly in that time with people finally understanding the difference between Dinner seating begins at 5:30 pm community garden and Community Adults: $40.00 Supported Agriculture.” Seniors: $37.00 Baskets of Plenty distributes produce to its members from July through Children: $18.00 October with shares starting at $270 for the entire 14-week season. “At its heart, (a CSA membership) is an investment in relationships knit together Saturday, May 21st by food, an act that sustains healthy Lunch seating begins at 1:00 pm culture, body, and mind,” says BasAdults: $25.00 quiat. Back at Riverbound Farm, the McSeniors: $22.00 Ginnesses are preparing for another Children: $15.00 growing season. “We’re hoping to have 75 households this year,” says Angie. Thanks to growing season extending techniques Brian and Angie Regular ticket sales begin April learned from their years of farming in 25th. All tickets available at Vermont, the Riverbound Farm CSA distribution season runs from June Northern Plains Dance at 1125 E through December, with shares startMain Ave. or by calling 530-0986. ing at $450. General Admission tickets avail“We come up to Bismarck on Thursable at all Bismarck/Mandan days for share distributions, but members are also welcome to come to the Dan’s Supermarkets. farm to select their produce, meet the animals, and pick their own strawberries and tomatoes,” explains Angie. “We also raise pigs and chickens, and our members get first priority in purchasing the meat and eggs.” If the McGinness’s neighbors thought mixed grass in the feed plot was eccentric, they’d better hold onto their feed company hats when they find out these organic farmers are doing next. “This year, we’re getting rid of the tractor and going horse-powered,” says Angie with a smile. For more information, visit: Baskets of Plenty – web.me.com/basketsofplenty Riverbound Farm – www.riverboundfarm.com. Look for more information on their May 7 Open House on their website too. Photo by Jay Basquiat Below is a look at Baskets of Plenty during growing season. April 2011 •l88•lPrairieIndependent.com July 2010 PrairieIndependent.com Toasted Frog Leaps Into Downtown Bismarck New Restaurant Offers ‘Upscale, But Not Uptight’ Atmosphere By Amanda Mack If you have downtown Fargo envy, get your fix right here in Bismarck at the Toasted Frog, a bar and restaurant, at the corner of 4th and Broadway. Jonathan Holth, co-owner of both the Grand Forks and Bismarck locations of the Toasted Frog, was the Hotel Donaldson bar and restaurant manager when the boutique hotel, bar and restaurant opened in 2003. His business partner, Shawn Clapp, was the general manager. From there, the two launched their first business venture together opening the Toasted Frog in downtown Grand Forks in 2006. “We were really a part of Fargo and Grand Forks during their coming of age. [The Toasted Frog] was one of two or three restaurants in Grand Forks when we opened. Two years later, there were eleven…Looking for another location, we really saw that opportunity in Bismarck.” The Toasted Frog opened its doors on December 7, 2010. Located next door to Patisserie on Fourth, across the street from Pirogue Grille, and across the street and around the corner from Blarney Stone, Toasted Frog is in the heart of downtown’s up and coming after-hours culinary scene. “We like to think that we are sort of upscale but not uptight. There is a little something for everyone,” says Holth about the restaurant’s concept. “It’s the type of place where you can come down and have a lobster tail and a bottle of wine or wings and a beer. It’s a ‘make it what you want to make it, spend what you want to spend’ kind of place.” However, at the end of the day, “it always comes down to the quality of the food,” says Holth who credits their executive chef in Grand Forks, Scott Franz, as the creative genius behind the food and concept for the restaurant. Chris Schultz, the executive chef in Bismarck, studied under Photo provided by Jonathan Holth Franz for five years before coming to Downtown Bismarck jumps up to destination status with the addition of the Toasted Bismarck. Frog. Although they reevaluate their menu a couple times a year, there cheesy pickles appetizer. The pickles artists in the bar and restaurant and in are a few items that will always stay and cheese are wrapped in an egg roll each hotel room, the Toasted Frog is the course. Holth says that three out of wrapper before they are fried and are dedicated to supporting the arts as well. four tables order their signature fried- served with srirancha, a spicy chili The exposed brick walls, high ceilings sauce. Other popular menu items are fish tacos and wood-fired pizzas. “We have fresh fish flown in from Hawaii a couple times a week,” says Holth. “[The Honolulu Fish Company] calls us up, just off the boat, and tell us what they caught that day. They usually give us three options. This week we ordered 20 pounds of ono. Other times it’s ahi tuna, hamachi or amber jack.” The ono special that week was prepared as follows, “a 7 oz. filet of fresh ono, dusted with cinnamon and clove, grilled rare to medium rare, and topped with a blood orange salsa.” Fresh fish enthusiasts have reason to get down to the Toasted Frog. While there, be sure to take in the art gallery too. Similar to the Hotel DonaldPhoto provided by Jonathan Holth son that features the work of local Diners enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the Toasted Frog in Bismarck. Inclusive Child Care for ND Families - Is as Easy as 1.2.3. The legislature has budgeted The legislature has cut $500,000,000, funding for Senate Bill 2298 yes half a billion, on tax on inclusive child-care from reductions for individuals and $750,000 to $50,000. corporations so far this session Some legislators hope to cut more! 1. Contact your Representative 2. Contact your Senator; Help us Spread the word! and gallery-style lighting offer a great venue for showing local artists’ work. “Ninety-five percent of the art in here is for sale,” Holth says. “We keep a price list that is available upon request. If we sell [a painting], the artist can hang another.” Adam Kemp, Julie Neidlinger and Ali Larock are some of the North Dakota artists currently featured in the Toasted Frog’s Bismarck location. Holth and Clapp bought the downtown restaurant site in 2009. Since moving to town in 2010, Holth oversaw the renovation, got married, launched a business, bought a house and is expecting a child. For Bismarck, it doesn’t get any better. “People have given us a great reception – my wife and me as a couple and the customers,” says Holth. “It validates us, the reasons we came here.” It is well deserved. With the opening of the Toasted Frog, downtown Bismarck has achieved critical mass to make it a destination. A night out at the Toasted Frog and surrounding bars and restaurants feels like a weekend getaway to Fargo minus the gas money and lodging. No, really, thank you! ND FAMILIES NEED CHILDCARE! LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD AND TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!!! 3. Ask them to Vote Yes on SB 2298; LET’S MAKE SURE OUR REPRESENTATIVES AND SENATORS KNOW WHERE WE STAND AS PARENTS, GRAND PARENTS, CHILD CARE PROVIDERS, TEACHERS and EMPLOYERS. Contact Your ND Legislator Today Click Here or Phone: 1-888-635-3447 April • PrairieIndependent.com July2011 2010• 9l 9 l PrairieIndependent.com Inside Local Roller Derby: BisMan Bombshellz By Katie Patrie The BisMan Bombshellz are a premier flattrack roller derby team in central North Dakota. The team is skater owned and operated. They depend on dedicated volunteers, business, and vendors to continue to grow and offer central North Dakota something truly Photo from Katie Patrie exceptional. Elizabeth Franks Anderson shoves Misti Schellin as The BisMan Bombthey round the bend. shellz mission is: “We the knowledge gained and relationships want to create a team that represents class and integrity. We will formed, proved that there were no lospride ourselves on our teamwork and ers. Liz Anderson, the team captain, said dedication, as well as creating a posi”Across city and state lines the was a tive and honest environment. Our goal great showing of respect and support is to reach out to others and to our community by helping in whatever way we for all the teams there. It is a very emcan. We will pay back our many fans powering sport to be involved in beand community by putting in the hard cause there are no hard feelings after work needed to create an awesome the bout, no matter where team is from derby league! We ARE Bismarck/Man- they want the best out of you.” Throughout the season the Bombdan!” The Bombshellz lived up to that shellz anticipate seven local bouts with statement at Central Dakota’s first roller teams from around the region. They derby doubleheader held March 26th at also expect to travel to mixers around 4 Bears Casino & Lodge. The first bout the area and help raise money for a lowas the Deadwood Renegade Regula- cal community group. To find out more tors against the Billings Roller Derby about the Bombshellz, their bouts or Dames. The second bout was the Bis- how to become involved find them on Man Bombshellz in their debut bout Facebook or on the web at www.bisagainst the Rimrock Mafia Rollers. manbombshellz.com Although they came home with a loss, Director of Public Works Talks Recycling Prairie Independent had a chance to talk with Jeff Heintz, Director of Bismarck Public Works – Service Operations about recycling. Prairie Independent: What's the status of the Pay As You Throw proposal recommended to the City Commission in 2009? Jeff Heintz: This recycling incentive program was recommended to the commission and is waiting for the Solid Waste Facility long range master plan to be completed to help put a value on recycling and waste reduction. This study is still underway, hopefully with a completion date of fall 2011. PI: What's the status of curb-side recycling becoming a reality in Bismarck? JH: This is being studied in the long range plan with feasibility and financial considerations. Our recycling volumes continue to improve and a curb-side option would only increase that volume and save space in our landfill. PI: Does the city make or save any money with the recycling program? JH: Presently we sell our recyclable materials on the open market. This helps us to recover some of ourcosts but recycling revenue doesn’t cover all of the input costs to operate our program. Our long range master plan will reveal the true value of the airspace in the landfill that is being saved by recycling. Once we have this number calculated, it will show us the complete economic picture of recycling and what it saves us in landfill space. Since 2004, we have recycled enough material from our waste stream to fill the Bismarck Civic Center Exhibition Hall twice. That’s a tremendous amount of material we have diverted, recycled and reused over the past six years and a huge value in landfill airspace that has been saved. PI: Any problems with the recycling program that need more public awareness? JH: Our problem is a positive one, as we have had a groundswell of support which ultimately puts stresses on our passive program. Cardboard recycling sites always seem full so we ask users to flatten boxes before placing them into trailers. The new larger dumpsters used for plastic recycling have worked well. They are easier to put plastics in for the public, and we can hold much more than the old round containers used to. If folks use common sense and treat the recycling sites like their own, we can continue to keep Bismarck clean and have a successful recycling program. For more information on recycling in Bismarck, including recycling site locations, visit the Public Works Department online at bismarck.org. Photo by Beth Schatz Kaylor Story ideas? Want to Advertise? Want more? Email editor@prairieindependent.org and check out the Prairie Independent online at www.prairieindependent.org Workers Memorial Day Observance Thursday, April 28, 2011 5:30 p.m. at the Steps of the Capitol Speaker: Tom Deutscher, Area Director OSHA The names of the 14 workers who died on the job in 2010 will be read. Social to follow at the House of Labor - 1323 E Front Ave – Bismarck Sponsored by Missouri Slope Central Labor Council April 2011 •l10 July 2010 10•lPrairieIndependent.com PrairieIndependent.com Where Did the State Surplus Go? Is a “Shell Game” Preventing Most North Dakotans from Benefiting? By Don Morrison Just a few months ago, North Dakota’s robust economy was the toast of the country and state politicians were glowing about a $1.2 billion state surplus. Now, some legislators say there is not enough money to improve the state’s efforts for children, health care, college tuition, the state’s highway patrol, tax credits for low income workers and many other popular efforts. What happened? “It’s a shell game,” according to April Fairfield, the senior policy analyst at the North Dakota Economic Policy Project. She said legislators are “moving money out of funds that are accessible and into funds that are not accessible. Not much of this is going to help make low or moderate income people’s lives better.” At the beginning of April with a few weeks remaining in the 2011 Session, legislators faced a general fund deficit after giving away over a half a billion dollars in tax reductions and exemptions. The Senate’s Majority Leader, Bob Stenehjem (R-Bismarck), appeared to confirm Fairfield’s assertion when he said, “We have to get more of this money off the table because people want to spend it all.” In addition to squirreling away the money, legislators have defeated or dramatically reduced many proposals to invest some of the surplus in children, students, safety and other people-oriented efforts. Sen. Ryan Taylor (DNPL-Towner), the Senate Minority Leader, said, “It is good to save for the future, but we shouldn’t be sitting on money instead of having an earned income tax credit or supporting college students with a tuition freeze or a lower increase in tuition.” House Majority Leader Al Carlson (R-Fargo) said the state budget includes $1 billion for human services and he thinks that is enough. He suggested people who want to fund something additional or at a higher level should find the money for it by looking in the Human Services Department budget for something to cut. Stenehjem and Carlson said they are concerned that the state is spending too much and they are worried about sustaining increased spending for ongoing programs. Carlson said funds are needed for a long-term commitment to infrastructure all across the state. He pointed out that $700 million of the surplus has gone to the inaccessible Budget Stabilization Fund and to property tax reductions in this and future biennia. Carlson said the surplus (or reserve) at the end of the 2011-2013 Biennium won’t be very big. Fairfield said, “It’s all artificial. They’re saying program cuts are necessary in order to fund needed efforts, yet they are considering a half a billion dollars in tax reduction? Spending on the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) did not cause the general fund deficit. Legislative leaders are deciding that it’s more important to give tax breaks to corporations than to do something about working families being able to afford health care for their children.” Rep. Jerry Kelsh (DNPL-Fullerton), House Minority Leader, said, “Businesspeople tell us they want infrastructure. For most people the tax cuts won’t amount to much. Farmers and business owners tell us they’d rather have their roads fixed than get a tax cut. Rep. Corey Mock (DNPL-Grand Forks) said other states have cut taxes in good times and it is “not sustainable.” North Dakota’s corporate and individual income taxes are some of the lowest in the country. Mock said, “Lowering rates in good economic times is a short-sighted policy. The people haven’t asked for it and in fact they rejected it in “Let’s Talk” A half-hour discussion of community issues from faith perspectives April 10, 17, 24 Host Don Morrison talks with Rev. Jim Moos Bismarck United Church of Christ Talking about global justice issues and Rev. Moos’ nomination to the 2008 vote on Measure 2.” What Kind of Tax Cuts? Mock is disappointed that Majority Leader Carlson rejected the proposal from Democratic-NPL legislators to return $46 million to taxpayers in a tax rebate. Mock said, “The proposal would have used $46 million for more tax reduction to 90 percent of North Dakota taxpayers than those taxpayers will get from the Republicans’ $150 million proposal.” Every individual North Dakota taxpayer would have received $167 and couple $250. Taylor said while the Republicans “are pushing $150 million in corporate tax cuts, financial institutions tax cuts, wealthy individual tax cuts, Democratic-NPL senators support roads, health care, safety, and decent water to drink and bathe in.” “We’ve fought for many ways to lower taxes,” Taylor said. These include a state earned income tax cut for low to moderate income people, sales tax breaks, small business income tax cuts and an income tax rebate to all taxpayers. Taylor said, “People getting an EITC will plough it right back into the community by buying goods and services from local businesses. Why give the top brackets cuts they haven’t even asked for?” What Kind of Spending? Taylor said his caucus’s goals are to get money to where it will do some good. He said that is “more important than building up a trust fund that will sit there.” “For years the standard line has been ‘we simply can’t afford to make these investments,’” Fairfield said. “Now when the state is in a position where we can afford to invest in children, roads, infrastructure, water, education, safety, they are busy hiding money or giving it away in tax breaks. By strategically moving accessible funds to restricted funds, they tie the hands of future legislators.” Kelsh said, “Hard working families don’t get enough through their jobs to pay for health insurance. People who need help should not have to go without medical and dental so the more fortunate can get tax cuts. There are a lot of hardworking families working at $12 an hour. That’s not enough to live on.” But, Stenehjem said, “It isn’t the government’s job to provide health insurance.” While acknowledging that health care costs are a problem he said, “Each individual should look to their personal health decisions. People need to make better life decisions.” North Dakota’s Children’s Health Insurance Program ranks as the most restrictive of all states. Even with the budget surplus this session, legislators may not let more working families be eligible for the state’s CHIP. Carlson said “until CHIP is 100 percent utilized, we’re at the right level.” Mock said, “You make CHIP available because there is a need. Just because someone who is currently eligible doesn’t use it, you shouldn’t punish another person who is just outside the eligibility guidelines who does need it. We have a chance to do what’s right and we’re not doing it.” “The contrast in economic situations is so disheartening,” Fairfield said. “North Dakota is prospering, leading the nation, and the state’s fiscal situation is healthy. Yet, poverty in the state is not going down and several leading indicators show increased poverty in the state. The fact is, everyone is not doing better in North Dakota. Investing in people would improve the economy. Investing in people who struggle to make ends meet does more to strengthen the economy than do tax breaks to wealthy out-of-state corporations.” She said, “Having enough in reserve for economic downturns and unexpected expenditures is wise.” But, she said the majority leadership has “made conscience effort to use revenues so they are not available to spend.” According to Carlson, “Money is safer in the hands of people than government. The government doesn’t create jobs or create wealth; the private sector does.” And Stenehjem defended the Republican policies saying “It’s time for the person who is paying the tax to have more of the money.” However, Mock said, “The prosperity of our state is only sustainable as long as we take care of the people who live in North Dakota. When we’re flush with a resource [oil] and its dividends we have an obligation to ensure that the quality of life is as high as it can be across the state. If we don’t use the resources we have for roads, housing, water and other needs, than our oil will be a one-time harvest. As for the surplus, Fairfield said, “Carlson should be concerned that there might not be enough in reserve, but he is the leader and is responsible for spending down the accessible reserves in tax giveaways and playing Russian roulette with the future of this state.” direct Wider Church Ministries of the National United Church of Christ Channel 12 - Direct Access Media (Midcontinent Cable) SUNDAYS at 8:00 p.m. We are fortunate to have many perspectives in our community: Christians, Native Americans, Hindus, Unitarian Universalists, Muslims, Buddhists, secularists, humanists, Earth-based, and others. That in itself is exciting and is the solid foundation for Let’s Talk programs. You’re invited to enjoy the programs and continue the conversations with us and with your family and friends. Sponsored by: Progressive Faith Network Produced by: North Dakota Center for the Public Good Grateful appreciation to Verle Reinicke for producing the show, Direct Media Access for instruction and assistance, and Lisa Omlidc camera volunteer. All the equipment is provided! Just bring your body to relax, laugh and rejuvenate your muscles and your spirit!! 223-6162 Beginners – Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Intermediates – Tuesday 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Classes at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship 818 E. Divide, Bismarck April 2011 • 11l •11 PrairieIndependent.com July 2010 l PrairieIndependent.com Landowners in Oil Country Concerned Continued from page 1 Onstad is concerned the Industrial Commission hasn’t been a neutral party when it comes to issues between surface owners and oil companies. “They’re supposed to help out in these situations and they’re not,” Onstad said. “They go on the side of the oil company…and that’s frustrating.” Helms said nothing could be further from the truth. “My job is to deal with the facts and the science and protect everybody’s property rights. Those landowners have a property right, those mineral owners have property rights, and so do the people who invested money to drill an oil well and construct it,” Helms said. With the landscape dotted with oil rigs in western North Dakota, the state is currently second in the nation for oil exploration. No one will dispute that regulating it is a hefty job. Myron Hanson, president of the Northwest Landowners Association, said he will be the first to admit the Oil and Gas Division is probably overwhelmed with the oil activity. “When you get out in western North Dakota and see what’s going on, it’s incredible,” Hanson said. “With 5,000 existing wells to monitor, another 170 wells every 45 days, and you have to sit there and monitor those drilling operations, it’s a complicated job. But we’d like to see them be more aggressive in their pursuit of enforcement of regulations.” Helms currently has 14 full-time inspectors to oversee this activity, but he’s been granted an increase to 21 inspectors, and if the drilling and well count continues to climb at its current pace, the number will be bumped to 25. Landowners hope it will be the start to better enforcement, and in turn, result in fewer losses of their property. “It’s not all about the money; it’s about what we’re going to leave our children and the future generations,” Peterson said. “Every time you wreck three acres of land, it’s a scar that’s there forever.” DYER & SUMMERS, P.C. Edwin W.F. Dyer III and Anne E. Summers Attorneys at Law • Adoptions • Family Law and Divorce • Bankruptcy • Social Security Disability 701-223-2099 888-695-4936 www.dyersummers.com Nothing Too Random By A nnette M artel Parenthood Means Finding More Than Just Cheerios L ife unfolds in mysterious ways, and every part of it can change on a dime before you even notice. For instance, I cry when I put clothes in boxes now. Which is strange because I’m pretty sure I never used to do that. I cry when I put my daughter's clothes away that don't fit her any more. It makes it real for me that she's getting bigger and isn't the tiny baby she was eight months ago. She’s not even the tiny baby she was a month ago. It’s as if she doubles in size every fortnight. Which is wonderful, of course, but sad, too. She’ll never be this size again. And I cry when I put my old clothes into boxes now, too. Partially because I wonder how I ever fit into something so tiny, but mostly because I don't feel like I know the person who used to wear these clothes any more. Life was completely different as recently as a year ago. It was just me, my husband, Sweet Kelly the newspaper columnist, and our dog, Boof. But that all changed last summer with the birth of our daughter. Before Flippyhair Gigglepants (not her real name) was born, I was told by dozens of people, "Having kids changing everything." Well, it turns out, dozens of people are right. I feel like my life has been divided into two eras: Before Flippyhair Gigglepants (BFG) and After Flippyhair Gigglepants (AFG). BFG: Cheerios were a breakfast cereal that helped lower cholesterol. AFG: Cheerios are a magical, mystical thing that appear as if from nowhere in nearly every room of the house and sometimes even appear when I pick up my baby after changing her diaper. How does that happen? For all I know, she stores Cheerios in her little arm folds. The girl has guns. The muscular kind, not the weaponry kind -- that would be terrible. BFG: 9 p.m. was about the time I started to wonder, "What should I do tonight?" AFG: 9 p.m. is about the time that I start to think,"Why am I not sleeping yet?" BFG: I would Tweet up a storm on Twitter and bury my face in Facebook. I even had the opportunity to live-Tweet my wedding. In other words, I had some time on my hands. AFG: Now, I’m lucky if I have time to go to the bathroom. That’s something I always wondered before I had kids -- how do people with babies go to the bathroom, especially if the baby cries every time you are more than five feet away from her. Well, it turns out that it helps if you have a very supportive partner in caring for the baby. But Boof, unfortunately, passed away a couple of months after Flippyhair was born, so that left me stuck with my husband. Sweet Kelly lives up to his name, though. He is extremely helpful and even invented something to help with the problem of how to go to the bathroom while watching the baby, alone. The Potty Perch (patent pending) is essentially a Fisher Price playyard he set up just outside the bathroom door where the kid can stay within your reach but you stay out of their sight while business is being attended to. There’s even a jingle for it. “If leaving your baby leaves you in a lurch, get yourself a Potty Perch.” Yes, a lot of things have changed over the last nine months and I’m sure there are more changes in store. But the biggest change is that I now have a tiny hybrid of myself and my husband who teaches me see the beauty in every moment, love like my heart is going to burst, and makes me cry when I put clothes in boxes, because it’s all going by way too fast. And, oh look, I just found another Cheerio. (Annette Martel is a student advisor at Bismarck State College and freelance writer, who lives in Bismarck with her husband, Kelly, and daughter, whose real name shall remain a mystery. She can be reached at annette.martel@gmail.com.) April 10 - “Home at Last” by Brian Palecek April 17 - “Sprouting the Seeds: How to Grow Belief” by Tim Hathaway April 24 - “Happy UU Easter: It’s our Holiday Too” by Rev. Lyn Burton May 1 - “Celebration of May Through Birds” by the UU Birding Com- munity April 2011 •l12 July 2010 12•lPrairieIndependent.com PrairieIndependent.com The Art of Peace By K aren Van Fossan Time and Again By Betty Mills Betty: #1 in “Not Your Average Damsel in Guatemalan Journey: Getting More Distress,” a Series I keep staring at this picture of Grandma Van with her 1960s bowling team, trying to discern why I love it so much. I carry the photo in my satchel these days, just like my grandma used to carry photos of me – in that pressed leather wallet with the photo-holding insert. Even Grandma’s photos were well-dressed. At the time of this picture, she must have been roughly the age I am today – with a ‘60s lift to her hair, more lipstick on her lips. But that’s not the thing I love about this picture. In the background, you can read the names of two of the women’s bowling teams: “Galloping Ghosts” and “Fire Flys.” Was one of these her team? No one seems to know these days. My Grandma stands in the middle, two teammates on one side, two teammates on the other. I recognize one of the teammates. Or anyway, I think I do. Maybe I just recognize her placement in this picture. My grandma’s face is the only face I can name. Grandma’s ball is blue, her fingernails are red, the embroidery on her bowling shirt says, “Betty.” I never saw my grandma bowl, not once. And yet, I have inherited this picture – along with Grandma’s cheeks, the color of her Than I Bargained For eyes, her iron will. When one of Grandma’s neighbor’s went to jail for too much drinking, Grandma bailed him out. On the drive home, he started to cuss and complain about this and that. So Grandma told him to hush his mouth, or she’d take him back where she found him. Grandma could look ahead and see the future, now and then. As a teen, my dad wanted to go out riding with his friends. “Ran, you’re not going,” she said. “Those boys are going to get into a wreck!” Wouldn’t you know, that’s exactly what they did? This uncanny skill of Grandma’s left my teenage dad at a loss; it’s tough to know, as a teen, that your mother is probably right – and possibly psychic. Looking at this picture, I imagine Grandma Van was a pretty fierce bowler. I imagine she knew exactly what she wanted from the ball. I imagine she knew how to use her steady body. I imagine she looked ahead, down that long, long lane, and she said to herself, “Betty, you can do this.” I imagine those on either side loved her very much. (Karen Van Fossan is a playwright, peace activist, and dance/movement therapist. She blogs at www.peacetheater. blogspot.com and can be reached at karenvanfossan@gmail.com.) Photo provided by Karen Van Fossan Photo of Grandma Van (center) with her 1060s bowling team. Dr. Eliot’s Twice Sold Tales � Buying used and rare books � Appraising book collections for insurance and tax purposes � Finding books and magazines you want Contact: Eliot Glassheim, proprietor eglass@infionline.net 701-330-2685 T here is something about walking into the middle of another country’s sprawling garbage dump that alters one’s perspective, especially if there are residences located amidst the debris complete with several generations including a small baby. “Who would choose to live in such a place?” I asked myself while hoping I didn’t look too much like the stereotypical rich American out slumming, which I decidedly was not. The answer, as it turned out, was that this was where they earned a living by collecting the plastic discarded there and re-selling it. The rent was free, the building material available—lathe and plastic sheeting, discarded boards—also without charge. Presumably you get used to the smell, just as they do in Hershey, Pennsylvania where the odor of chocolate is airborne full time. We were nearing the end of a week’s stay, my daughters and I, in Antigua, Guatemala, where my grandson Charlie works for the God’s Child Project, a non-governmental organization founded by Bismarck native Patrick Atkinson over 20 years ago to help the poverty stricken children of that area. Antigua is in a beautiful place up in the mountains with a mild climate year round. Three volcanic mountains form a backdrop, one of them frequently puffing white smoke, part of the picturesque quality of this heritage city with its cobblestone streets, multiple churches and long history. I’m not sure what I expected as we embarked on this journey, but I ended up with more than I bargained for certainly. It began the first day when we toured the project’s main campus. When the guard opened the gate as we rang the bell, it was like stepping unexpectedly into a green and peaceful world with the sound of children’s laughter in the background. Trees and flowers are everywhere, and water gushes in small fountains scattered among the walkways. Whatever the home situation of these children, this peaceful place provides beauty along with meals, medical and dental care, and education. A line of small children about to brush their teeth, posed gleefully for a picture, providing a stark contrast to the those we met later at the Jackson Center which cares for babies suffering from acute malnutrition. We spent several sessions helping with those babies at the Jackson Center, and my first reaction was dismay at the unfairness of it all. How has the world descended into such a state that these helpless babies are launched into the world with so many strikes against them? The contrast between their lives and that of my great granddaughter back home, who is roughly the same age as several of the babies there, was heart breaking. Then, of course, my grandson reminded me that at least now they had a chance. Whatever failures of care had been their lot in life is being remedied as much as possible, and who knows? Maybe one of them would someday add to the well being of the world in ways not fathomable now. The Jackson Center wraps its care around not just the babies, but their families, providing education in nutrition and health. When the families come in for their weekly sessions, they leave with a large bag of food to take home. “Most families have six children at least,” Charlie explained, “and if we change the lives of those six children, when they become parents, their six children will be better off, and eventually you will have 36. We take the long view.” With Charlie once again as mentor, I handed out food to homeless men at another God’s Child Project. “What are the chances they will someday lead a better life?” I asked him during a lull. “Not great,” he replied. “Many of them are addicts, strung out on wood alcohol or glue sniffing, but tonight they have food, a warm place to sleep, and someone to talk to if they want, and they’re safe. The God’s Child Project has also extended its reach with a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center and a school for older children, clearly taking seriously President Kennedy’s admonition that “Here on earth God’s work must surely be our own.” His brother Robert F. Kennedy said, “Each time someone stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the life of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope.” Admittedly it is difficult to see how a tiny ripple can create much change for the poverty stricken in third world countries, and maybe a better image is that of the story of the man standing amidst thousands of starfish stranded on a beach. As he was throwing one of them back into the water, a passerby pointed out that he really couldn’t make much difference to all those starfish, and the man replied, “I can to this one.“ The baby we met at the garbage dump was admitted to the Jackson Center the next day. (Betty Mills has been a newspaper columnist in Bismarck for 26 years.) NorthDecoder.com North Dakota’s Most Influential Political Blog April • PrairieIndependent.com July2011 2010• 13 l 13 l PrairieIndependent.com Th e Bu z z SUNDAY • B i s m a r c k- M a n d a n C o m m u n i t y Ca l e n d a r MONDAY • TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY 7 Regional WDA Music Festival – United McCabe Methodist Church Job Service Construction and Trades Job Fair – BSC NECE 4:00 – 7:00 PM Blood Brothers – BSC – Sidney J. Lee Auditorium – 7:30 PM Everlasting Moments (Swedish film) presented by Cinema 100 – Grand Theater – 3:00 & 5:30 PM 2nd Annual Poetry Slam hosted by Mathew Lippman - U-Mary Heskett Hall - 7:30 PM LIVE MUSIC: Brian Gray - Bruno’s - 5:30 PM 10 Mandan Lions Breakfast – Mandan Moose Club – 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM 11 Parents Forever – Morton County Courthouse – 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM Bismarck Kiwanis Club Pancake and Sausage Breakfast – Bismarck Country Club – 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM 12 ArtsQuest: David Pelzer, author of Help Yourself Program and Training – BSC Sidney J. Lee Auditorium – 7:00 PM 13 Century, Simile and Horizon Jazz Concert – Century High School – 7:30 PM LIVE MUSIC: Mike Swenson Bruno’s - 5:30 PM Visiting Scientists Series Presents “Feeding Ourselves First: The Importance of Bioregional Food Sufficiency” – BSC NECE, Room 304 – 7:00 PM Blood Brothers – BSC - Sidney J. Lee Auditorium – 2:00 PM Bluegrass (acoustic) Jam Session – Former Governor’s Mansion – 1:00 – 5:00 PM Wachter 7th Grade Band Concert – Wachter Middle School – 7:00 PM LIVE MUSIC: McMahon Bros. and friends - The Walrus - 9 PM The Secret of Kells (Irish animated film) presented by Cinema 100 – Grand Theater – 3:00 & 5:30 PM LIVE MUSIC: Nolyn Falcon Bruno’s - 5:30 PM Fairyland – Let’s Dance Studio – Belle Mehus Auditorium – 1:00 PM A Collage Concert – BSC - Sidney J. Lee Auditorium – 7:30 PM Woodwind and Brass Students Present Chamber Music Concert – U-Mary - Heskett Hall – 3:00 PM 17 14 Compassionate Friends Support Group – Medcenter One College of Nursing – 7:00 PM LIVE MUSIC: Brian Gray Bruno’s - 5:30 PM 18 19 AIHEC Student Conference – Bismarck Civic Center AIHEC Student Conference – Bismarck Civic Center Special Election in Bismarck (see page 4) Mandan Special Olympics Benefit Breakfast – Christ the King Parish Life Center – 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM BSC Wind Ensemble Concert – Sidney J. Lee Auditorium – 7:30 PM ArtsQuest: Warren St. John, author of Outcasts United – BSC - Sidney J. Lee Auditorium – 7:30 PM 20 ArtsQuest: Illustrative designer Von Glitschka, Creating 5ive-Alarm Concepts – BSC, NECE, Room 304 – 7:00 PM LIVE MUSIC: Mike Swenson Bruno’s - 5:30 PM 21 Earth Day Festival – Raymond J. Bohn National Guard Armory – 3:00 – 7:30 PM LIVE MUSIC: Brian Gray Bruno’s - 5:30 PM Century High School Band Spring Concert - CHS Auditorium - 7:30 PM LIVE MUSIC: Luke Graner - The Walrus - 9 PM LIVE MUSIC: Nolyn Falcon Bruno’s - 5:30 PM 24 25 Silver Roots: Classical and Folk – U-Mary - Heskett Hall – 7:30 PM 26 BSC Chamber Winds Concert – BSC - Sidney J. Lee Auditorium – 7:30 PM 27 LIVE MUSIC: Mike Swenson Bruno’s - 5:30 PM 28 UTTC Art/Art Marketing 13th Annual Sidewalk Art and Art Show/ Sale - 4th and Broadway, Downtown Bismarck 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Dakota Discussions – America by Food – Bismarck Public Library Red Roaster Coffee Shop – 6:30 PM LIVE MUSIC: Nodat Summit Band - The Walrus - 9 PM LIVE MUSIC: Nolyn Falcon Bruno’s - 5:30 PM BSC Guitar and Percussion Ensemble Concert – BSC - Sidney J. Lee Auditorium – 7:30 PM Gabriel Iglesias: Fluffy Shop Tour – Belle Mehus Auditorium – 8:00 PM LIVE MUSIC: Brian Gray - Bruno’s - 5:30 PM April 2011 •l14 July 2010 14•lPrairieIndependent.com PrairieIndependent.com A p r il 2 011 FRIDAY SATURDAY 8 9 S’mores and Much More Gala – Bismarck Country Club – 6:00 PM 2011 University of Mary Optimist Club Speech and Essay Contest – U Mary, Butler Hall – 10:00 AM Blood Brothers – BSC – Sidney J. Lee Auditorium – 7:30 PM Breakfast at the Dakota Zoo – 9:00-11:00 AM Fairyland – Let’s Dance Studio – Belle Mehus Auditorium – 7:00 PM Animal Ed-Ventures: Busy Bunnies – Dakota Zoo – 2:00-4:30 PM Women’s Ground Defense Class – 303 1st Street NE, Mandan – 2:00-4:00 PM Blood Brothers – BSC – Sidney J. Lee Auditorium – 7:30 PM Fairyland – Let’s Dance Studio – Belle Mehus Auditorium – 1:00 & 7:00 PM Intro to Improv: Shade Tree Players Spring Class – Dakota Stage Theater – 1:00 – 3:00 PM COME IN ON ANY TAPPER TUESDAY AND GET $5 OFF! * *$30 minimum purchase, show this ad to your server thewalrusrestaurant.com GOOD FOOD. GOOD DRINK. GOOD TIMES. 15 Action News – Simile Auditorium – 6:00 PM Willie Nelson, Bismarck Civic Center - 8:00pm 16 American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) Student Conference – Bismarck Civic Center Dakota Zoo’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt – Dakota Zoo – 1:00-3:00 PM Swampfox Harescramble Motorcycle Race – Missouri Valley Fairgrounds – 9:00 AM Bolero and More! – Bismarck Mandan Symphony League – Belle Mehus Auditorium – 7:30 PM Welcome to Shade Tree Players Class – Frances Leach High Prairie Arts and Science Center – 1:00-3:00 PM ArtsQuest: Chris Brubeck Triple Play Trio Concert – BSC - Sidney J. Lee Auditorium – 7:30 PM Concert for Courage: Tune Out Violence, plus Bean Bag Tournament. LIVE music: Kris Kitko, Blackout, Bob Tekippe, Somebody’s Luggage, Jazmine Wolff, & Billy Luetzen Free concert to raise awareness of violence in our community in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. - Capt Freddy’s 4:00 PM - 1:00 AM 22 29 23 30 UTTC Art/Art Marketing 13th Annual Sidewalk Art and Art Show/Sale, 4th and Broadway, Downtown Bismarck 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM UTTC Art/Art Marketing 13th Annual Sidewalk Art and Art Show/Sale, 4th and Broadway, Downtown Bismarck, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. BSC Jazz Ensemble Concert – BSC - Sidney J. Lee Auditorium – 7:30 PM Dakota Rivers Runners Race for Parkinsons – Sertoma Park – 7:00 – 10:00 AM 2011 Bismarck-Mandan Arthritis Walk & 5K Run – Medcenter One Women’s Health Center – 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Shelter Me Tour, Belle Mehus, 7:00pm In Arrowhead Plaza 1136 N. Third Street Bismarck, ND P: 701 250 0020 W a n t Yo u r E v e n t L i s t e d? Email editor@ p r a i r i e i n d e p e n d e n t. o r g Ben Suchy: Six Years of Live Music at East 40 By Mike Swenson For over six years, East 40 Chophouse has had acoustic music in the bar every Monday night with Ben Suchy dubbed "Sushi and Suchy," which is the longest running weekly gig in town. From 7:30-9:30 p.m. diners have been entertained with original and cover tunes by one of Bismarck's most active musicians, and there's no plan to stop. Going into his seventh year, Suchy has made East 40 his spot to relax and take a break from DJ'ing on weekends for private events. "We take each night and roll with it," Suchy said. "Sometimes it's a bar crowd, sometimes it's a dinner crowd," he added, "It's nice being able to mix it up." In the last year, the East 40 has added instrumental music on Wednesday nights with Nolyn Falcon from 7-8:30 p.m. And "Tavern Jam" Thursday nights with Arnold Jordan 8-11 p.m. Each musician brings a different style to the table, so to speak, giving customers a reason to stop in three times a week and enjoy the music. East 40 has a long standing tradition of fine dining. And by adding live entertainment to the mix, it's become a place for travelers and locals to come back to time and time again. For more information visit www.east40chophouse.com April July 2011 2010• l1515• PrairieIndependent.com l PrairieIndependent.com BSC ArtsQuest Events – For more information on ArtsQuest events, visit bismarckstate.edu/artsquest April 6-10 ����� Spring musical, “Blood Brothers,” Wed� - Sat�, 7:30 p�m�, Sun�, 2:30 p�m�, SJL May 2 ����������� 12 to 3 p�m� – Tie-dye activity and pottery sale, south of library (weather permitting)� April 12 �������� David Pelzer presentation, author of “A Child Called It,” 7:30 p�m�, SJL May 3 ����������� 12 to 3 p�m� – RAIN DATE for tie-dye activity and pottery sale� April 14 �������� Collage concert, 7:30 p�m�, SJL April 16 �������� Chris Brubeck Triple Play Trio Concert, 7:30 p�m�, SJL� Free general admission tickets required� Tickets available April 4 at BSC Bookstore and Eckroth Music� April 18 �������� Wind Ensemble concert, 7:30 p�m�, SJL April 18-21 ��� Graphic Design and Communications Spring Show, Kirkwood Mall April 19 �������� Warren St� John, author of “Outcasts United,” as part of BSC Visiting Writers Series, 7:30 p�m�, SJL April 20 �������� Von Glitschka, graphic design speaker, 7 p�m�, NECE Auditorium April 26 �������� Chamber music concert, 7:30 p�m�, SJL April 28 �������� Guitar Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble concert, 7:30 p�m�, SJL April 28 �������� Visual Art Student Exhibit Open House, 4-7 p�m�, Gannon and Elsa Forde Galleries� Exhibit runs through May 13� April 29 �������� Jazz Ensemble concert, 7:30 p�m�, SJL May 1 ����������� 7:30 p�m� – Student recitals, Sidney J� Lee Auditorium� May 1-3�������� 2 to 6 p�m� Sunday, 10 a�m� to 5 p�m� Monday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday – Outdoor raku firing, students and community, west of library (weather permitting)� BHG April 2011 •l16 July 2010 16•lPrairieIndependent.com PrairieIndependent.com 5 p�m� – Student readings from “Figments of Imagination” literary and visual arts journal, BSC Library� 7:30 p�m� – BSC choral concert, “Cross the Wide Missouri,” featuring professional guest basso profundo vocalist Mark Christianson, Bemidji, Minn; off-campus at Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, 519 Raymond Street� May 4-5�������� 3:30 p�m� and 7:30 p�m� – BSC Festival of Short Plays, Sidney J� Lee Auditorium, featuring plays by Matthew Fotis, 2011 playwright award winner at regional American College Theatre Festival, Ames, Iowa� May 6 ����������� 7:30 p�m� – The Group that Opened the Box (teenagers changing the world, one gutsy show at a time), “Who We Were Gonna Be,“ directed by Karen Van Fossan and Dr� Kathy Blohm, Sidney J� Lee Auditorium� Free admission� Conversations at BSC The Distinguished Scholar of the Humanities Lecture Series. More at bsctalk.com May 15 �������������Conversations at BSC, “The Ten Greatest Places in North Dakota,” 3 p�m, SJL, public welcome LOCATIONS KEY NECE........National Energy Center of Excellence SJL ...........Sidney J. Lee Auditorium