the wyoming woman magazine

1Winter 2011 y www.TheWyomingWoman.com

Winter 2011

$3.50

A Day in the Life...Michelle Hoffman, Superintendent

Library Ladies Wyoming librarians, past and present

Secrets and SoupsTo warm up your winter

Both Sides Homeschool vs. Public School

2 The Wyoming Woman Magazine y Ideas, Information, Inspiration


The Wyoming Woman Magazine

A Quarterly Publication * January 2011

Editor: Nettie H. [email protected]

Assistant Editors:Lorae Bowden

Katie Chambers

Assistants:Melinda Pickrell

Jan Warr

Graphic Design/Layout: Alicia [email protected]

Advertising: Beth [email protected]

Marketing: Amanda [email protected]

Contributing Writers:Becky Allsop, Judy Baker, Mary Clough,

Katie Chambers, Nettie Francis, Mary Ellbogen Garland, Nancy Gerlock, Syl-

via Harber, Kathleen Kelley, Kay Kurka, Liz Norcross, Carol Peterson, Denice

Wheeler, Jen Whitehead, Beth Worthen

To advertise in The Wyoming Woman Magazine

Call Beth @ 307-277-9190

For launch event info please visitwww.TheWyomingWoman.com/

spreadtheword.asp Or contact Amanda Helm

[email protected]

Send stories and comments to:[email protected]

Please visit our website for submission guidelines.

Subscribe on our website: www.TheWyomingWoman.com

Or send a check for $12 to:The Wyoming Woman Magazine

535 Round Up RoadEvansville, WY 82636

The Wyoming Woman Magazineis published by

Meadowlark Media, LLC307-315-2327

©2011 Meadowlark Media, LLC

Printed in WyomingCover Photos by Jen Hebert

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a Note From Nettie

Welcome to the 2nd issue of The Wyoming Woman Magazine!

Moving to Wyoming during January of 2009 taught me about extremes. The first extreme I encountered was winter. Everything was cold – a drastic change from Las Vegas. Snow, ice, fog and clouds greeted us as we drove into Casper. Luckily, warm beds, a heated apart-ment, and snow suits and boots from Santa helped our family adapt to our first Wyoming winter months.

The second extreme I encountered was education. The differences between educational opportunities in Las Vegas and Wyoming are as extensive as the weather. Walking into class with my children on their first day of Wyoming school was an experience I will never forget. Smiling teachers, spacious buildings, extracurricular opportunities and abundant educational resources amazed me. I felt warm, despite the cold outside. Two years later, I am still filled with gratitude at the exceptional education available in Wyoming.

January isn’t generally a time to think about school; we usually reserve that topic for Sep-tember. However, winter is often when parents and students make their educational elec-tions for the following school year. This issue of The Wyoming Woman Magazine focuses in part on Wyoming education.

Our Information section includes conversations with Superintendents Cindy Hill and Michelle Hoffman and a look at Wyoming librarians. In addition, we’re introducing a new column, “Both Sides,” where Beth Worthen and I discuss issues pertaining to Wyoming women. Our topic this winter is homeschool vs. public school.

Inspiration includes our regular feature, “Motherhood Moments,” and a poem which will motivate you to get out and enjoy the winter weather. We’re also excited to introduce “Wyoma,” a Wyoming woman cartoon by Susie Scott.

In addition, we’re sharing Ideas – crafts, recipes, and of course, our “Women at Work” Business Directory.

The months since our Inaugural Issue have been filled with excitement, positive responses, and a growing subscriber base that now reaches across Wyoming and into sixteen addi-tional states. Thank you for spreading the word! We also appreciate our advertisers, who make The Wyoming Woman Magazine possible. Please tell them you saw them here, on our pages. And, remember to check out exclusive articles and information on our website, TheWyomingWoman.com and follow us on Facebook to receive the latest updates.

I sincerely hope this issue will brighten your Wyoming winter months, just as Wyoming education warmed me. Sit back, fix a cup of cocoa (p.17) or a bowl of your favorite soup (p.16) and Warm up! with The Wyoming Woman Magazine.

Happy winter!

NettieEditor The Wyoming Woman Magazine

Beth, Alicia, Amanda, Nettie


Contents6 A Day in the Life...

Michelle Hoffman

9 Transforming Classrooms Wyoming’s National Board Certification Initiative

12 A Conversation with Cindy Hill13 Both Sides

Homeschool vs. Public School

16 Cooking CornerRecipes to Warm Up Your Winter

18 Library LadiesWyoming Librarians Past and Present

23 WW HealthA New Year, A New You

25 The Feminine FrontierEarly Educators

27 Marriage MattersStrong Families, Strong Wyoming

28 Women at Work Directory30 Motherhood Moments31 Two Hours North

A Poem

We want mail! Send comments to

[email protected] Photo

: Kim

Gas

son

Dear Wyoming Woman Magazine, I don’t live in Wyoming and I am not a woman…but I love yourmagazine! My wife and I live near Chicago, with buildings that scrapethe sky, cars that park on freeways in lines miles long, and lot’s ofhustle and bustle. Your magazine makes me yearn for tiny towns,peaceful pathways, open roads and ranges, friendly folks and nightskies that are star-scraped. Thanks for the great work you are doing. James HammerWarrenville, Illinois

I love The Wyoming Woman Magazine! It’s beautiful, it’s inspiring, it’s well done! Would love to give gift subscriptions to my mother and sister-in-law.Carrie BennionCasper

I heard about The Wyoming Woman Magazine on K2radio with Bob Price. I received the magazine and enjoyed it. I have lived in Wyoming all my life. Thank you.Mona HensonDouglas

Thanks for The Wyoming Woman Magazine. It’s truly a gift. Love it!Gay MathewsonEnglewood, Colorado

I’m excited about your new magazine! Good luck with your venture!Linda WheelerCasper

Loved the magazine! My husband thought it was especially nice. He has never said that about a magazine, so that is a “real” compliment!Pat RustLas Vegas, Nevada

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to advertise in your maga-zine. Continued success to you and your team. Keep up the great work!Marsha DenmanMills

The magazine is delightful!Gaynell ParkBates Hole

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gehOnline ExclusivesTop Librarian Myths

compiled by Liz NorcrossWyoming Library Workers Questionnaire, September 2010

Surviving a Wyoming Winter, by Sylvia Harber

Cooking Corner...additional recipes

All in a Wyoming Weekend by Mary Clough

WWOnlinewww.TheWyomingWoman.com


“I was only committed for one year, but at the end of the school year when my kids went home, I cried,” she remembers. Since her first assignment twenty-four years ago, Michelle has worked in Ethete on district curriculum assessment, as a special educa-tion director and as the middle school principal. Her day begins early when she eats “something fast” for breakfast. “…maybe oatmeal or cereal.” Be-tween 6:30 and 7:00am, she drives sixteen miles from her Lander home to her office in Ethete, next door to the high school. Her first task is to go through the calendar and check emails, of which she receives close to 300 a day. “Working in a small district is unique. Besides be-ing the superintendent, I have other duties, like human resources. We provide housing for some staff mem-bers, so I’m also the landlord of our school houses and apartments.” In addition to office duties, Michelle maintains a community presence and visits the three school build-ings within her jurisdiction regularly. “I go to every building at least two times a week, and I eat lunch in one school every day. I have to get my ‘kid fix,’” she

By Nettie H. Francis

Michelle Hoffman Superintendent of Wyoming Indian Schools

“I at least have to try.” Those were the words Michelle Hoffman said to the Fremont County School District #14 School Board in 2004 when they asked her to take the job of Superintendent of Wyoming Indian Schools. Her husband, Lonny Hoffman, had been serv-ing as superintendent, but his sudden death in a rock slide had vacated the position. “I was serving as the Wyoming Indian Middle School principal at the time,” remembers Michelle. “I asked the board to give me a week to think about it, and then I took the job.” “The first two years were the hardest,” she re-calls. “Being a minority is challenging.” Not only is Michelle a white woman in a 98% Native American student body, but she is also a female superintendent among mainly male superintendents. “There are not many female superintendents in the state, and seven years ago, there were even fewer.” Michelle was born in Cheyenne and raised in Laramie where she attended the University of Wyo-ming. After graduating, she took a job at the Wyoming Indian High School in Ethete (near Riverton) as a spe-cial education teacher.

A Day in the Life Of...

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Ethete = Good placeArapaho Language


Elena, who has been teaching kindergarten students for eight years. Cultural experiences extend to the 172 member staff, which includes Native Americans, Hispanics and Caucasians. The district offers Native American in-service workshops during the year. Topics of the Oc-tober 2010 in-service included native plants, beadwork, chokecherry gravy and pow-wow dancing. “We teach our staff cultural components and provide activities. In

laughs. “In an office, you can forget why you’re doing this.” Her favorite school is “all three.” She explains, “At the elementary school the kids are so little, I get my hugs. The middle school is a special place because I was the principal there for five years. High school kids are just fun. They’re almost adults. It’s an important time because their decisions are going to help them or hurt them.” One aspect of her job is incorporating Native American culture into the classrooms. The district of-fers Arapahoe and Shoshoni language classes. One teacher, Marian Scott, is from the Northern Arapaho tribe. She has been teaching Arapahoe for thirteen years, and didn’t speak English herself until she was five years old. Native American cultural components include the youngest students. Kindergarteners learn insect names in Arapaho as part of their bug unit.

Bug – biiseeButterfly – niiooteibeihii

Kindergarten teacher Elena Singer also leads her stu-dents daily in the Arapaho flag song. “I went to this school twenty-four years ago, and I believe in it,” says

addition, we give new staff a tour of the community and show them where the kids are living.” Michelle re-quires her teachers to do five home visits a year. “Par-ents are often intimidated by school, so this helps them to make a personal connection.” Michelle is proud of her success. “Five years ago, we had 0% proficiency on our state-wide assess-ments; but proficiencies now range from 8% – 87%. The changes we’ve made are incredible, more than any other school district in Wyoming. We’re still not where we need to be, but we’re making progress. In fact, 80% of our kids go on to college.” In the afternoon when school is out, Michelle doesn’t always go home immediately. “I usually stay after school for a meeting or a game. During football season, I’m on the chain gang and work on the field. During basketball season, I try to attend every game. I want kids and parents to see me at the activities.” On rare occasions when Michelle does go home for dinner she cooks for herself, unless her son, Mi-chael, is home from the university. “I’m a steak person, so I often grill steak with baked potatoes. Other nights I’m so tired that I just eat a bowl of cereal.” At the end of the day when it’s time to relax, Michelle reads. She’s currently completing her doc-

Ethete = Good placeArapaho Language

Fremont County School District #14:

Wyoming Indian Elementary School: 326 students

Wyoming Indian Middle School: 130 students

Wyoming Indian High school: 145 students


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thought that even if I could make a difference for one child, it would be worth it. Now, kids of my kids are coming through the system.” Her schools in remote Ethete are a “good place” where Native American students learn academics and skills and appreciate their own culture. “Look at the faces of my kids, how could you not fall in love with them?” she asks. “We are a well-kept secret.”

toral degree in Educational Leadership at the Univer-sity of Wyoming, taking one class every semester. “Not because I have to, because I want to,” she clarifies. On weekends, she loves to be outside. “Nature means a lot to me. It’s a sacred place. When I’m close to the earth I feel at peace.” Looking ahead, Michelle has three goals before she retires: as a district, reach grade level in math; reach grade level in reading; and produce fluent Arapaho and Shoshoni speakers from the language program. Michelle’s decision six years ago to ‘at least try’ has turned into success. “People here have adopted me, they’re my family,” she says. “I stayed because I

Michelle’s Favorite Mexican Corn Bread Pie

1 cup butter¾ cup sugar4 eggs4 ounce can green chilies

16 ounce can creamed corn

Cream butter and sugar together. Add eggs, one at a time.

Add green chilies, corn and cheese, and mix together. Mix all

dry ingredients and add to wet mixture. Grease and flour an

8x12 pan. Bake at 300 degrees for 1 hour.

1 cup shredded cheddar longhorn cheese

1 cup flour1 cup yellow cornmeal4 teaspoons baking powder¼ teaspoon salt

~The National Center for Education Statistics~Wyoming Education Summary, Fall 2010

AT A GLANCE

4 Charter schools in

Wyoming

48 Wyoming schooldistricts

$55,846Average Teacher

Salary

$13,906.47 State funding per

student

81.35% State Graduation rate

Approximately(3,000) of Wyoming’s K-12 students were homeschooled in 2007

3.5%


Transforming Wyoming’s Classrooms, One Teacher at a Time

The Wyoming National Board Certification Initiative

Wyoming National Board Certification Initiative

2004 2010

Number of National Board Certified Teachers (NBCT’s)

47 300 (estimate)

Wyoming Teaching Staff who are NBCT’s < 1% 4.6% (estimate)Number of Candidates 17 128

Average Years Teaching Experience 22.7 15.3

Districts With At Least One NBCT 10 33Federal Subsidy Assessment Fees < $10,000 $88,000Wyoming Assessment Fees Support < $10,000 $96,000Workshop and Mentor Support none $103,000Trained Candidate Support Providers none 70

Wyoming teachers are find-ing support as they work

toward the highest level of pro-fessional development - National Board Certification. The John P. Ellbogen Foun-dation, in partnership with the State of Wyoming, provides mentorship opportunities, financial support, and salary bonuses for teachers throughout the certification process. “Education was the key to my dad’s success as a businessman,” says Mary Ellbogen Garland, presi-dent of the foundation, and daugh-ter of John “Jack” P. Ellbogen. Af-ter finding success in the business world, Jack started the foundation to focus on teacher quality and ef-fectiveness. Initially, he gave his board little instruction for grant-making,

but did share his knowledge of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. “In the first of the foundation board meetings, we knew that the lead to National Board was one we should follow,” remem-bers Mary. The foundation created the Wyoming National Board Cer-tification Initiative to guide this ef-fort. Like board-certified doc-tors and accountants, teachers who achieve National Board Certifica-tion have met rigorous standards through intensive study, expert evaluation, self-assessment and peer review. To apply, teachers take six tests and create four portfolios, including two 15-minute videos of themselves teaching. The port-folios showcase students’ work

and provide an in-depth review of classroom teaching. The tests quiz teachers on their content areas, be it mathematics or Spanish. Through the Wyoming Na-tional Board Certification Initiative, financial support is available to help offset assessment fees. Workshops guide teacher candidates through the process and provide a support system. Upon certification, teach-ers are awarded $4,000 a year for ten years through an incentive pro-gram from the State of Wyoming. Since the initiative began in 2004, approximately 300 Wyoming teachers have achieved National Board Certification, nearly 5% of Wyoming’s K-12 teachers. For more information, visit

www.wnbci.org.

Mary Alice Bruce, professor and head of the University of Wyoming Department of Counselor Education, leads a group discussion at a workshop. Mary received a John P. Ellbogen Meritorious Classroom Teaching Award in 2009 (UW Photo).

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Compiled by Beth Worthen and Mary Ellbogen Garland

“Since my childhood, I have wanted to be a teacher,” said Lau-rie Graves, Wyoming Teacher of the Year, 2011. “I looked up to my 1st grade teacher, Mrs. Hampton. She always had a smile and spent lots of time with every student. Mrs. Hampton was very encouraging, and never had a cross word. As a 6-year-old, it felt good to be in her classroom.” “I had two or three other teachers like Mrs. Hampton, and felt that if I could ever be privileged to be a teacher, I would want to be like them. My parents always en-couraged me to get an education in an area I was passionate about, and I did. The job found me.” Laurie Graves teaches third grade at Big Horn Elementary in Big Horn, Wyoming. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Mon-tana State University-Bozeman and an endorsement in Middle School

Social Studies from the University of Wyoming. A National Board Certified Teacher and mentor, Laurie is also an adjunct professor at Sheridan Community College.

To view a video news re-lease of Laurie, visit:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojhabSQ4coU or

http://www.vimeo.com/16616832

Wyoming Teacher of the YearLaurie Graves

I am thankful that Natrona County School District doesn’t abide by the “one size fits all” philosophy. School of choice benefits each child because we can choose to send our children to a school that aligns more closely with our own personal educational philoso-phies and the needs/learning style of each individual child.

~Liz Bishop, Parent

Sheridan School District is a positive place for all of the students. The PAWS scores have been phenomenal. My kids love it here. They love their school.

~Lisa Greig, Parent

Rocky Mountain Elementary School, Big Horn County School District #1, is wonderful! My older son has a teacher who really makes learning fun. My kindergarten student has a male teacher who is so great with the kids. Their eyes light up when they see him. It is fun to see teachers around the commu-nity, away from the classroom setting!

~Emily Simmons, Parent

Parents SpeakPh

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Laurie Graves, 2011 Wyoming Teacher of the year


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Here’s how it works…Write a tribute to a motherhood f igure in your life.

Stories should be 500 words or less and focus on the theme,

“Memorable Mom.”

Please label your submission, “Mothers” and send it by February 20, 2011

[email protected]

orThe Wyoming Woman Magazine

535 Round Up Road Evansville, WY 82636

A Mother’s Day

Getawaywith

Is there an exceptional mother in your life? Tell us about her, and you may be enjoying a weekend at the

Vista de la Luna Bed & Breakfast.

Grand prize: A Mother’s Day Getaway 2 nights, premium room stay at

Vista de la Luna Bed and Breakfast (near Laramie). Massage and gift basket

First runner-up: A Night OutDinner and movie tickets

Second runner-up: A Night In

Gift basket

The Wyoming Woman Magazine

Participants must be 18 years or older and a current resident of Wyoming.


The Wyoming Woman Magazine: What particular advantages do Wyoming students enjoy?Cindy Hill: Wyoming students enjoy a legislature that ful-ly funds our schools. In addition, we have small schools throughout the state, and our communities are very involved in our schools. Overall, I believe we have better parental in-volvement than other states. Wyoming people care deeply about education.

WWM: What has contributed to Wyoming educational suc-cess in the past?Cindy: Committed parents and teachers. I also believe our students understand that anything is possible. Students have access to the great resources they need, including both cur-ricular and extracurricular offerings. Also, the Hathaway Scholarship gives students a chance to say, ‘Yes, I want to go to college, and I have the resources and support behind me.’ How many states can say that? We have a wonderful college system, with community colleges throughout the state and an outstanding university. These resources are offered to all Wyoming students. We really tailor our schools around the needs of our children.

WWM: What is the greatest need in our schools right now?Cindy: Where do I start? We need to focus on instruction. We’ve become distracted by the apparatus of education such as buildings, testing, salaries, and reports. What makes a dif-ference is instruction, and the resources and support in the classroom need to be understood among parents, teachers and students.

WWM: Tell us about your favorite teacher.Cindy: I have many favorite teachers. Chris Moore is an Arch Coal Award winning teacher from Cheyenne who is now

retired. No matter what student walked into her classroom, Chris tailored her lessons to fit each student’s particular and individual needs. Chris stayed after school, was at the school on Friday nights with students, was at Saturday school teach-ing math, and did whatever it took to engage each student. She was tireless in her efforts, she cared deeply about each student, and the students and their parents knew it. From my own education, I recall so fondly Mrs. Rose, my first grade teacher at Gertrude Burns Elementary in Newcastle. My mom was also a first grade teacher there, and I wanted to be in her class, but they wouldn’t allow that. (I even promised I would call her Mrs. Siel, but they still didn’t let me!) But I loved Mrs. Rose. She was very kind, and she focused on reading and math. She was one of those amazing teachers we all remember.

WWM: What do you believe is the greatest factor for suc-cess in a child’s education?Cindy: There are a few, but two of the greatest factors are pa-rental involvement and a teacher who will go the distance, no matter the struggle. This is plain old personal commit-ment.

WWM: In your opinion, what makes a good teacher?Cindy: A good teacher pays close attention to every single student, whether the student is a high reader, a student per-forming at proficiency, or one who is struggling. A good teacher absolutely believes that a student can achieve, one who brings all of those important resources and efforts to the student and family. A good teacher is one who really looks deeply into each face who walks in the door and is person-ally committed to every child no matter the child’s circum-stances.

A Conversation with Cindy HillState Superintendent of Public Instruction

WWTeacher Chris Moore with Superintendent Hill

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What do you think? Share your opinion on our Facebook page.

Beth Nettie

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Why do you homeschool?

We do not homeschool to “outschool the schools.” We homeschool

because we believe it’s what is best for our children and our family

at this time. We can teach our children at their specific level, and

the flexibility of homeschool allows us to travel, or we can stay in

our pajamas all day, snuggled up reading on the couch. And, because

our kids aren’t in school, we don’t have to worry about what they’ll

learn or see on the playground or whether they’ll be a victim of the

class bully. What particular benefits do Wyoming home schoolers have?

Wyoming homeschoolers operate in a very supportive environ-ment. State lawmakers understand that we share the same goal: to provide the best education we can for our children. They’ve made it possible for us to reach this goal without burdensome pa-perwork or evaluations. I also feel supported by the local school district. Homeschooled children can be involved in extracurricu-lar activities and special considerations are given to homeschool families at materials giveaways. We also participate in the Science Fair, History Day and Young Authors. Also, the special resources in Wyoming are endless: volunteering at the local nature center, doing field experiments while elk hunting and visiting the many historical sites around Wyoming.

Would you ever consider public school?

We’re pretty flexible with our choice to homeschool. Each year, we evalu-

ate how we’re doing and whether we still benefit from homeschooling. Our

children also know that they have a choice, and each year they enthusiasti-

cally support the homeschooling option. However, if our relationships with

our children were compromised or if they developed special needs, we would

certainly consider public education.

Why do you choose public school?We recently moved to Wyoming from Las Vegas, Nevada. Walking into a Wyo-

ming public school for the first time was a breath of fresh air. Well-dressed,

friendly secretaries and teachers greeted me. The school buildings were clean

and spacious. When my children arrived home from school the first day, I

was amazed at the opportunities available to them, including computers, small

class sizes, field trips, and high academic standards. These are resources that

weren’t abundant in our previous schools. I could not pass up this opportunity

for my children to receive a first-class education.

Would you ever consider homeschooling?Yes, I have often considered homeschooling. However, due to the high standard of public education available in Wyoming, I choose public school at this time. I don’t feel there is any way I could duplicate all that my five children are learning every day at school. I also appreciate the self-sufficiency that my children gain when they are accountable to teachers outside of the home. I am filled with gratitude and awe at the top-notch education available to my children here in Wyoming.

What benefits do Wyoming public schools offer?

Wyoming school standards are high. With approximately $13,906 being spent

per child per year, public schools offer physical resources – such as beauti-

ful school buildings, gymnasiums, buses and computers, as well as top-notch

teachers who average over 14 years of experience. Also, Wyoming class sizes

– approximately 12.34 students per teacher – are incredible. In addition, small

school districts allow parents a direct opportunity to be involved in school, dis-

trict and state educational issues. And, I appreciate the “classical education”

which is still a choice in Wyoming schools. Reading good literature, memorizing

poems from timeless authors, and studying core concepts in reading and math

are all components of education which my children didn’t experience before

coming to Wyoming. We cannot underestimate what a tremendous opportunity

we have here.

Beth Worthen received her degree in Political Science and served as policy analyst for Governor Freudenthal be-fore starting a consulting firm. Beth currently homeschools her three children.

Nettie Francis received her degree in Elementary Education and has taught in both public and private schools. She currently has five children attending Natrona County Schools.

SidesBothHomeschool vs. Public School


Handcrafted Exclusively for our Hostesses

CasperP

inedaleEvanston

Cheyenne

Dub

oisJac

kson

Spread the Word

To schedule your event, contact Amanda Helm at [email protected]

Introducing The Wyoming Woman Necklace

Visit our website: www.TheWyomingWoman.com for upcoming event information.


SAVE THE DATE!

Wyoming Writers, Inc. Annual Conference

June 3-5, 2011Ramada Plaza Riverside

Casper, Wyoming

New members welcomeConference and membership info:

www.wyowriters.org

Ideas, Information, Inspirationwww.TheWyomingWoman.com


One of the best things about Wyoming’s long, winter months is the opportunity to enjoy a bowl of warm soup or a mug of

hot cocoa. Below are recipes sent by our read-

ers that will give you a chance to get creative with your stock pot while making a delicious, body and soul-warming meal. We hope you will use these tasty recipes to survive (and even enjoy!) the winter months ahead.

Read Sylvia Harbor’s Wyoming Winter Experience online at www.TheWyomingWoman.com.

Spicy Kale & Potato Soup

1 medium bunch of kale, stalk removed, cut into small pieces¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil2-4 cloves garlic, minced ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes5 cups vegetable stock 1 pound Yukon gold potatoes, scrubbed and cut into ½” cubes1 pound Italian sausage (optional)

Heat oil in a deep pot. Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook over medium heat until fragrant—about 1 minute. If using sausage, add to the pot and brown. Add kale and stir to coat well with oil. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until kale has wilted—about 5 minutes. Add potatoes and thoroughly coat with kale and oil. Raise heat and add stock and salt. Cover and bring to a boil. Re-duce to medium-low and cook until potatoes are tender. Serves 4.

~Sylvia Harber, Pinedale

Cooking Corner

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Chicken Soup with Homemade Noodles

Soup:1 whole chickenMorton’s seasoning salt6 carrots, diced6 celery stalks, diced1-2 onions, choppedOptional: zucchini or other vegetables

Place chicken in a large pot. Cover with water and sprinkle generously with Morton’s seasoning salt. Bring to a boil. Add vegetables. Simmer until chicken is done. Remove chicken, debone and chop into chunks. Add chicken to soup.

Noodles:5 tablespoons evaporated milk3 egg yolks1 cup flour

Mix all ingredients until combined. Dough will be sticky. Roll out to 1/8 inch on lots of flour. Cut noodles (I use a pizza cutter) and drop into the boiling soup. (The flour will help to thicken the soup.)

~Sal Thorkildsen, Pinedale

Surviving a Wyoming Winter ~ The Soup Secret

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Easy-Cheesy Herbed Rolls

¾ cup Parmesan cheese¼ cup dried parsley½ teaspoon garlic salt½ cup melted, unsalted butter24 frozen roll dough balls

Mix cheese, parsley and garlic salt in a bowl. Dip frozen rolls in melted butter, then roll in cheese/herb mixture. Place on cookie sheet and let rise, about 4 to 5 hours. Bake per package directions.

~Sylvia Harber, Pinedale

Trash Can Hot Chocolate

On my first visit to the home of my future in-laws, I was served revelation in a glass. A deliciously warm and chocolaty libation scooped from a red, tin trash can and mixed with hot tap water. With nine children, it’s no wonder that Mama Chambers had developed this economical and simply delicious recipe for hot chocolate, made in such a quantity as to warm the tummies of a small army. Now, my family enjoys the same recipe, scooped from a bucket, after an afternoon of sledding or snow man building. May this recipe also keep you and yours warm during this cold, Wyo-ming winter.

In a trash can or large bucket mix the following:

20 quart box powdered milk 32 ounce canister non-dairy powdered creamer 2 - 21.5 ounce canisters Nestle Quik powder

Mix all ingredients together in a large bucket. Scoop 1/2 cup into a mug of boiling water. Stir and enjoy!

~Katie Chambers, CasperMore recipes online at www.TheWyomingWoman.com.

Tortilla Soup

4 chicken breasts or pieces1 quart water4 cans cream of chicken soup8 ounce can tomato sauce1 can chili beans1 can navy beans1 onion, chopped4 ounce can chopped green chilies3-4 teaspoons ground cumin1 teaspoon cumin seed

Pressure cooker directions: Place chicken, water, onion, tomato sauce, green chilies and all spices into pressure cooker. Heat until steam indicates pressure is correct. Adjust heat source according to directions and cook 25-30 minutes. Open cooker and remove chicken, cooling slightly. Remove 1 cup of cooking broth from pan and slowly mix into cream of chicken soup. Return soup mixture to pan, gradually mixing to avoid clumps. Drain beans and add to soup. Shred or cube chicken and return to pan until all ingredients are heated.

Slow cooker directions: Precook and cut chicken. Put cream of chicken soup in cooker first. Add water gradually, mixing each addition thoroughly to avoid lumps. Add chicken, onions, tomatoes, green chilies, tomato sauce, all spices, and drained beans. Cook 8 hours.

Serve in soup bowls garnished with sour cream, cheese, tortilla strips, avocado slices and diced toma-toes.

~Cyndi Bower, Casper

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Library LadiesA Look at Wyoming Librarians, Past and Present

On a sepia-toned poster stands a woman on a rocky cliff, gun in hand, skirt blowing in the

breeze. Below her the caption reads, “A Wyoming Librarian.” An excerpt from a 1916 library organizer adver-tisement states, “Must be able to get along with Western people, ride and drive, as well as pack a horse, follow a trail, shoot straight, run an automo-bile, and be able to rough it whenever necessary!” In February of 1915, Mabel Wilkinson took on the job of riding across Platte County to promote a trav-eling library collection. In her manu-script, “Experiences of a Library Field Worker,” Mabel sheds further light on early librarians in Wyoming. Armed with a Colt .38 revolver and a horse named Joker, Mabel set off on her two-week, four hundred mile journey. Roads were scarce, often branching off unexpectedly or disap-pearing completely as homesteaders fenced off their land. Harsh terrain, rattlesnakes, sudden storms and a real possibility of getting lost made the trip not only difficult but also dangerous. Though travel was rough and accom-

modations were scarce, Mabel was greeted with warmth and hospitality as the people of Platte County opened up their homes and community to her, anxious to have access to the traveling library. “As there isn’t a single book-store in the entire county and the near-est one is at Cheyenne nearly one hundred miles away, these people certainly appreciated any opportunity which would put them in touch with the almost priceless treasures,” she wrote (Wilkinson, p. 12). Over the years, Mabel’s saddle and spurs have given way to bookmo-biles, downloadable e-books, and a circulation of over five million items per year. Nevertheless, our Wyoming librarians still have many obstacles to overcome. “I like the philosophy that a Wyoming librarian must be able to rough it whenever necessary. It worked for Mabel and it has shaped my career,” wrote Lesley D. Bough-ton, Wyoming State Librarian (Wilkinson, p. 3). In September 2010, The Wyo-ming Woman Magazine polled Wyo-

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ming state public library workers about modern day librarians and challenges. According to survey re-sponses, the most difficult obstacle facing Wyoming’s public library workers is dealing with budgetary concerns. Several librarians men-tioned lack of space and materials, and low pay for staff. Barbara Oakleaf, Fremont County Library Manager, Riverton, noted that it was difficult “trying to maintain high standards with yourbudget strapped to a rollercoaster.” Mabel Wilkinson faced this same challenge in 1915 when she ex-tended the reach of the library to the people of Platte County. She wrote, “To be sure we are handicapped this year with a tiny collection, no funds. . . but we intend to have our collection used to the greatest pos-sible extent,” (Wilkinson, p. 5). Despite shortages of funds and supplies, our Wyoming librar-ians find great joy in their work. In general, survey respondents noted that they like being around books all

day, enjoy their fellow workers and jump at any chance to help library patrons. They are passionate about library programs such as the sum-mer reading programs for both chil-dren and adults, the Friends of the Library used book sales, story-times for children, Independent Film Se-ries, annual quilt shows and Wyo-ming author visits. And they love to match a library patron with a good book. Tanya Brekke, Crook Coun-ty Librarian, Sundance, voiced well what makes our Wyoming librarians so great. “I love getting to work with the people. Sharing knowledge and stories is the greatest reward of working in the library. There is no place I would rather be!” Statistics show there is no “typical” librarian. However, many false stereotypes still find their way into our heads. According to the li-brary workers contacted, the most common “librarian myth” is that li-brarians have time to sit around and read all day.

Original Carnegie library building in Natrona County, opened in 1910.

Did You Know?

Wyoming had sixteen Carnegie libraries, built from grants awarded by

the Carnegie Corporation at the turn of the 20th century. Ten are still

standing and five operate as libraries in Lander, Lusk, Rock

Springs, Wheatland, and Newcastle.

Wyoming was the first state to establish a county

public library system.

See “Top Librarian Myths” online at

www.TheWyomingWoman.com


“I move furniture, deal with plugged toilets, and cope with upset people,” said Susan Simpson, Al-bany County Librarian, Laramie. “I read less than I ever did.” Another common miscon-ception is that it is quiet in the li-brary. “Our department is on the move and is rarely quiet,” said Mi-chelle Kallas, Uinta County Chil-dren’s Librarian, Evanston. Noise should be no surprise, considering that Wyoming libraries coordinated 10,104 children’s programs from

Which literary character would you like to be?Sample answers taken from Wyoming Library Workers Questionnaire, September 2010

~Hermione Granger – Gayle Peterman, Natrona County Library, Casper

~Elizabeth Bennett – Joyce Martines, Uinta County Library, Evanston

~Anne Boleyn (Preferably before she loses her head.)-Tanya Brekke, Crook County Library, Sundance

~Junie B. Jones – Amy Kelly, Uinta County Library, Evanston

~Dirk Pitt – Barbara Oakleaf, Fremont County Library, Lander

~Scarlett O'Hara or Angelina Ballerina – Michelle Kallas, Uinta County Library, Evanston

~"There are too many favorites to choose from.” – Nonie Proffit, Uinta County Library, Evanston

June 30, 2008 through July 1, 2009 with attendance of 274,144 (Public Library Statistics Cooperative). When the Laramie County Public Library System was orga-nized in August, 1886, Wyoming became the first state to have a county public library system. Now, Wyoming has 23 main libraries, 53 branch libraries, 2 bookmobiles and a circulation of 5.06 million (Public Library Statistics Cooperative). Difficulties and stereotypes aside, it is safe to say that Wyoming

librarians have brought about this growth through a shared love of books, an enthusiasm for knowl-edge, and a desire to serve. Day by day, book by book and service by service they will continue to spread this passion to the patrons of Wyo-ming’s public libraries. Perhaps Mabel Wilkinson said it best, “Ver-ily, there is no rest for a librarian,” (Wilkinson, p. 15).

-Liz Norcross, an avid reader and writer, lives in Casper.

For more information about library pro-grams in your county, contact your local library or visit:

http://will.state.wy.us/directory/public.cfm

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begin forming the crown by decreas-ing in every second knit round, within each knit band.Round 45: (K6, K2tog) repeated to end of roundRound 47 and 48: KnitRound 53: Purl 4 rowsRound 54: (K4, K2tog) repeated to end of roundRound 55: KnitRound 56: (K3, K2tog) repeated to end of roundRound 57: Knit

Round 58: Purl 4 rowsRound 59: KnitRound 60: (K2, K2tog) repeated to end of roundRound 61: KnitRound 62: (K1, K2tog) repeated to end of roundBreak yarn, leaving a 6” tail. With tail threaded through yarn needle, draw through remaining stitches and pull snugly to close top of hat. Take tail to inside of hat and fasten securely. Weave in ends.

Instructions:Using a circular needle, cast on 80 stitches. Join for working in the round, being careful not to twist, and place marker to indicate the beginning of the round. Round 1 to 8: Knit 8 roundsRound 9 to 12: Purl 4 roundsRound 13 to 16: Knit 4 roundsWork in alternating bands of 4 rows of knit and 4 rows of purl. Continue alternating until reaching round 45. Continue the knit and purl bands, but

Child’s Super-Striped Hat

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Did you know that the average life expectancy for a woman living in the United States has risen to 80.7 years? That’s great news, especially when you consider that advances in nutrition and medicine will help many women enjoy active, fulfilling lifestyles well into their golden years. According to 2006 statistics, the average life expectancy of a man—while rising—still lags that of women by 5.3 years. As a result, women—even more so than men—need to take steps to understand and pro-tect their sources of retirement income. Fortunately, there are many resources to help protect retirement income. If you would like to learn more about retirement protection or the other financial needs of women, consider contacting a financial advis-er in your area. For more information visit:

www.newyorklife.com/womenandfinance.

Retirement ProtectionEspecially Important For Women

by Judy Baker

Finance WW Wyoma in Wyoming by Susie Scott

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~Submitted by Katie ChambersFinished Size: Toddler or childFinished Measurements: 18” circumferenceYarn: Noro Kureyon Self-Striping Wool Yarn Needles: (1) 16” circular needle size US 8 and (1) set of five US 8 double-pointed needlesNotions: Yarn needle, scissors, stitch marker, removable stitch markersGauge: 4.5 stitches per inch

When the first snows hit Wyoming, I can’t wait to dip my fingers into a rich skein of warm, woolen yarn. Nothing drives the chill away like the glow of working a colorful round or two on a cozy hat for a loved one. This hat is a joy to watch unfurling, each stripe a snuggly surprise.


Central Wyoming TherapyCheryl’s Yoga & Massage

Put Your Therapy in our HandsCheryl Keffeler, MOT, OTR/L, CYI

Master of Occupational TherapyCertified Yoga Instructor

201 East 2nd St., Suite 12Casper, WY 82601

Orthopedic and Post Surgical Rehabilitation

Work Site Evaluations

Body Assessments/Splinting

Neuromuscular Massage

Swedish Massage

Hot Stone Massage/Thermashells

Pregnancy Massage

Soft/Deep Tissue Massage

Sports Massage

Exercise Programs and Classes

www.centralwyomingtherapy.com 307.472.3327

Fax 307.472.0297

WildflowerHealth Clinic

Physical therapy with a woman’s touch

Treatment for:~Pregnancy-related conditions~Pelvic weakness/pain~Lumpectomy/mastectomy effects~Memopause management~Incontinence~Post-surgical rehabilitation

Physical Therapist and Woman’s Health Specialist

Pamela Mills, PT

128 S. Washington St.Casper, WY 82601

Phone: (307) 265-2461Website: wildflowerhealthclinic.com

Artist-Janet Zambai

If you don't see something perfect for you,

it’s because I haven't made it for you yet!

visit www.janetzambai.com

jen hebertphotography

[email protected]

{760}579-1525

family portraits seniors events weddings


Central Wyoming TherapyCheryl’s Yoga & Massage

Put Your Therapy in our HandsCheryl Keffeler, MOT, OTR/L, CYI

Master of Occupational TherapyCertified Yoga Instructor

201 East 2nd St., Suite 12Casper, WY 82601

Orthopedic and Post Surgical Rehabilitation

Work Site Evaluations

Body Assessments/Splinting

Neuromuscular Massage

Swedish Massage

Hot Stone Massage/Thermashells

Pregnancy Massage

Soft/Deep Tissue Massage

Sports Massage

Exercise Programs and Classes

www.centralwyomingtherapy.com 307.472.3327

Fax 307.472.0297

WildflowerHealth Clinic

Physical therapy with a woman’s touch

Treatment for:~Pregnancy-related conditions~Pelvic weakness/pain~Lumpectomy/mastectomy effects~Memopause management~Incontinence~Post-surgical rehabilitation

Physical Therapist and Woman’s Health Specialist

Pamela Mills, PT

128 S. Washington St.Casper, WY 82601

Phone: (307) 265-2461Website: wildflowerhealthclinic.com

Artist-Janet Zambai

If you don't see something perfect for you,

it’s because I haven't made it for you yet!

visit www.janetzambai.com

jen hebertphotography

[email protected]

{760}579-1525

family portraits seniors events weddings

Wyoming has one of the poorest screening rates in the nation for mammograms and Pap tests. In 2009, the Wyoming Department of

Health estimated that 37,000 Wyoming women age 40 and older had not had a mammogram in the past two years and 5,700 women age 50 and older have never had a mammo-gram. Approximately 34,000 women are not receiving regu-lar Pap tests and 10,500 women between the ages of 25-64 have never had a Pap test. Breast cancer continues to be the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in Wyoming women. In 2008, 334 Wyoming women were diagnosed with breast cancer and 50 women died of the disease. All women ages 40 and older should have mammo-grams every one to two years.

In 2008, 22 Wyoming women were diagnosed with cervical cancer and seven women died. However, thousands of women were diagnosed with high-grade cervical pre-can-cer. All women should initiate cervical cancer screening by age 21 and then have Pap tests every two to three years.

Regular Pap tests are highly effective in detecting cervical pre-cancer. Cervical cancer is almost always 100% curable when detected early. The Wyoming Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (aka Women’s Health Source) at the Wy-oming Department of Health provides free Pap tests, mam-mograms and other breast or cervical cancer diagnostic tests for qualified, uninsured women ages 50-64. Younger women are referred to other free screening resources.Call 1-800-264-1296 to find out more!

~Carol E. Peterson is a Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Pro-gram Manager at the Wyoming Department of Health, Cheyenne.

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.

Too Many Wyoming Women at Risk for Breast or Cervical Cancer

WW Health

801 RobertsonWorland WY

307-347-4224 www.drwilde.com

Save 90% off first visit with this ad!

Laser away your allergies at Allergy Relief Center

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A New Year, A New You

1. Keep a diaryThere is something powerful about taking time to write our goals. According to Mike Kramer, a writer for SparkPeople.com, “DO write it down. DON’T forget to give yourself a deadline. Deadlines turn wishes into goals. The act of writ-ing down your goal is powerful enough to keep you commit-ted and focused.” 2. Make a commitmentIt doesn’t take long to gain a few pounds, but getting rid of them can take twice as long! Write a note every night with your goal for the following day. 3. Be consistentSet a specific time each day to focus on YOU. Exercise, stretch and breathe. 4. Find a coach/mentorSetting goals and exercising with another person is very ef-fective. My mentor is really my best friend. She is six inches

taller, weighs the same as me and motivates me every time we run together. Seeing her ahead of me keeps me going. 5. Eat the good stuffI have found that the more “good stuff” I bring into my home, the healthier all of us are. Start small and introduce healthy choices in bits and pieces. 6. Think outside the boxThere are so many ways to become stronger, healthier, and happier. Ride a horse, go swimming, train for a 10k, shop at a local farmers market. Whatever you try will help you become better and stronger.7. Celebrate every goalIf you lose a pound, celebrate and focus on losing the next one. If you fall down while trying something new, laugh out-loud and try again.

-Kay Kurka is a Certified Healthy Lifestyle Coach in Casper

Has the holiday season caught up to you? Did you step on the scale and see that, like most Americans, you gained between one and seven pounds since Thanksgiving? You are not alone!

Relax, read the tips below and then, get moving!

by Kay Kurka

by Carol E. Peterson

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April 30, 1842 Born in Van Buren, Indiana.1844 -Travelled by ox-team with her parents (L.B. and Julia Anna Brooks) to Madison, Wisconsin. -Grew to womanhood in Madison and received her education.1866 - Travelled to Omaha, Nebraska to teach. -Taught first grade in the Howard Street School. November 15, 1870 The Omaha Daily Herald reported that Josephine could “handle difficult situations.” -Moved to Evanston, Wyoming to take charge as principal of the grade school. Evanston was not yet incorporated as a town, and had only been established one year earlier. The school consisted of five grades and seventy-two students.May 3, 1874 Married Russell Thorp of Evanston at Corinne. -Established their home in Cheyenne.July 23, 1877 One child, Russell, was born. -Mr. Thorp operated the Cheyenne and Black Hills Stage Line. -Family lived in Rawhide Buttes and Edgemont, South Dakota, and Lusk, Wyoming. -“Josie” became a ranch wife when Russell purchased the Chase Ranch east of town.1898 Russell died at age 51.1898-1912 Josie wintered in California, returning to Wyoming during the summer.January 12, 1912 Died in Los Angeles, California, age 70.

JOSEPHINE CORNELIUS BROOKS THORPEvanston Teacher

Compiled by Denice Wheeler

THE FEMININE FRONTIEREarly Educators

One sign of the advance of civilization in the West was the arrival of women. Wherever women lived, schools, churches, libraries and charitable societies were soon organized. Advertisements were placed in eastern newspapers for “single, re-fined ladies of good, moral fiber” to come West to teach school. Many of the prospective teachers had earned Teacher’s Life Certificates, issued by universities upon completing a two-year program. Other teachers were considered qualified if they had completed high school courses themselves. Regardless of their qualifications, many teachers were shocked at their teaching conditions. Teachers were often required to teach all grades, and many times some of the students were bigger,

Female Teacherstaller and tougher than the teachers. In addition to instructing all subjects, teachers were also to clean the classroom, stoke the fire, attend church regu-larly, and set an example of respectability for their students. Teachers were housed in private homes or in boarding houses where strict codes of behavior were enforced. One advantage of their profes-sion was that they were in demand in communities where men outnumbered women. Many teachers married within their first year of arrival. ~Denice Wheeler is the author of The Feminine Fron-tier…Wyoming Women 1850-1900 and resides in Evan-ston. Printed by Permission.

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Save the Date!***** SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5th *****

WORLAND WOMEN’S EXPO/HEALTH EXPO 9 AM – 3 PM

WORLAND COMMUNITY CENTER COMPLEXFREE ADMISSION

STATEWIDE VENDORSCALL (307) 347-8616 TO RESERVE A BOOTH!

THE WORLAND COMMUNITY CENTER COMPLEX1200 Culbertson Avenue, Worland WY 82401

RENTAL SPACE for *Banquets* *Conventions* *Festivals* *Wedding Receptions* *Special Events* *Sports Facilities* *Soccer Fields* * Basketball Courts* *Outdoor Concerts*


Marriage matters—in Wyoming and across America. Past presi-

dents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush spent millions of dollars encouraging strong marriages. Most recently, Presi-dent Barack Obama stated, “We need fathers to step-up, to realize that their job does not end at conception; that what makes you a man is not the ability to have a child but the courage to raise one,” (“Is There Hope for the American Mar-riage?” Caitlin Flangan, Time.com). The reason for these appeals is simple: children from intact, two-parent families outperform those from single-parent households on every sig-nificant front. Longevity, drug abuse, school performance, drop-out rates, teen pregnancy, criminal behavior and incarceration benchmarks all display that children living with both parents drastically excel above the others. Simply stated, short-term well-being and long-term success for America’s children depends on healthy marriages. (Flanagan, Time.com) Getting married for life and raising a family together is still the American cultural ideal, yet this stan-dard is under assault. When two people marry “’till death do us part,” they gen-erally understand that marital success comes with trials, work, play, respect and love. “We recognize that a good marriage is something of great worth, but we are less willing to put in the hard work and personal sacrifice to have that kind of marriage,” writes Flanagan.

“The important point is that successful love and relationships are an accumulation of little things,” writes Charles Schmitz, author of Golden Anniversaries, 7 Secrets of Successful Marriages, (Schmitz, Elizabeth A. & Charles D., Briarcliff Publishing, February 2008). “While successful marriage isn’t diffi-cult to understand, many couples fail to do the simple things required to make a marriage work. They either forget to do them or they haven’t learned them in the first place.” The Wyoming Healthy Mar-riage Initiative – Strong Families, Strong Wyoming (a project of High Country Consulting) offers a variety of workshops throughout Wyoming. “Even good marriages can become better through discussion and training,” commented Christy Carroll, Project Manager. “I encourage couples across Wyoming to take steps to enrich their relationships today. Your mar-riage matters!” Strong Families, Strong Wyo-ming provides dynamic workshops across the state to support healthy marriage. These workshops are easy, fun, and informal. The WHMI Strong Families Strong Wyoming website also provides a free lending library where DVDs, books and audio CDs may be checked out. Register for marriage and relationship workshops or borrow materials at www.WYOFAMS.org or call 1-866-WyoFams.

~Kathleen Kelley is the Executive Director for High Country Consulting, Cheyenne.

MARRIAGE MATTERSStrong Families, Strong Wyoming

8 Simple Steps to a Happy Marriage

1. Compromise. Stop wor-rying about who’s right, and decide how to move forward together. 2. Choose. Make a conscious decision to love your spouse each day.

3. Communicate. Keep your conversation and listening channels open at all times. 4. Have fun! The couple that plays together, stays to-gether.

5. Be honest. Always tell the truth. No lies. Ever. 6. Respect. Value your spouse’s opinion.

7. Be grateful. Appreciate the little things. 8. Learn together. Suc-cessful marriages require a commitment from both husband and wife to improve and grow together.

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y Women make 85% of the purchasing decisions in their home.

y The Wyoming Woman Magazine reaches women across Wyoming and in 16 additional states.

Did You Know???

www.theWyomingWoman.comEmail [email protected]

ADVERTISE WITH US!

Women at Work DirectoryPromote your business to women in your community and across Wyoming. To list in our Women at Work Directory, email [email protected]. Ads will be posted online and in the magazine.

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Books

USborne Books~ We sell books kids love to read. Host a home party and earn free books for yourself! It’s easy and

fun! Contact Hillary Udy at 307-315-0239 DUBOIS

Catering

Coffee Works~ Espresso Catering y Discover the plea-sure of adding gourmet espresso catering to your next event

or special occasion. Contact Us: 307-234-8785 or 307-259-6729 CASPER

[email protected] y www.caspercoffeeworks.comlllll

Amy Gerlock~ Catering: Office lunches, dinner parties, receptions or even just a helping hand in your kitchen! Call or email Amy: 307-259-8399 y [email protected] CASPER

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We Cater Wyoming~ Serving special events since 2007. Contact Lynn Montoya, 307.630.2249

[email protected]. www.wecaterwyoming.com LARAMIE

Cosmetic

Casper AVON Office~ AVON is so much more than make up! Call, Click, or Stop By 1900 E 1st street to Order,

Sell, Fundraise, or Host. www.YourAVON.com/JGEAR. Jenifer Gear Avon Business

Manager 307-702-AVON(2866) CASPER

Marsha Denman~ Do you find yourself in the same old dull routine? Need a change? Let me help!! Buy online or sell AVON in your spare time. 307-266-3013, www.youravon.com/mdenman CASPER

Finance

Laura Burback~ Financial Advisor with Edward Jones Laura's personal approach helps clients make sense of

investment options available today, including mutual funds, stocks, bonds, tax-advantaged investments, IRAs and

ROTHs. y [email protected] CASPER

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Judy Baker~ Agent. New York Life Insurance Com-pany Give them the most selfless gift of all, a more secure

future. 307.266.1485 [email protected] CASPER

Fine Art

Janet Zambai~ - Artist creating custom commissions with all aspects of glass, except blown. Anything any size that we can imagine. Also custom paintings in oil, pastel and

water color. www.janetzambai.com CASPER

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Alicia Blevins~ - Custom graphics and web design. Call 307-277-6089 or email [email protected]. Also landscape/

wildlife paintings in pastel. Visit www.AliciaBlevins.com CASPER


Health

Healthy Life Studio~ Explore inner-peace through yoga and meditation; strengthen with mat pilates, or grow with mind-body coaching. Honor yourself. Find balance. Begin

as you are. 307-472-1962 www.healthylifestudio.com CASPER

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Maureen Emrich~ encourages you to shed unwanted fat, but keep needed muscle. Save 15%-30% on the clini-

cally researched, guaranteed Cinch inch loss program powered by leucine. y 307-237-3278 CASPER

www.emrichenterprises.com y [email protected]

One 24~ Great Business Opportunity y Excellent ProductCreate Supplemental Income

Watch the Online Videos for Info.Dr. CW Copeland-DVM y www.cwcopeland.124online.com

C Liesenfeld y www.liesenfeld.124online.com

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Pamela Mills, PT~ Physical Therapist and Women’s Health Specialist. Wildflower Health Clinic

128 S. Washington. CASPER

(307) 265-2461. www.wildflowerhealthclinic.com“Physical therapy with a woman’s touch.”

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Stacey Reichardt~ Certified Homeopath y Don’t read this if you don’t need to relieve stress, pain, negative emo-

tions, or if you have enough energy and never get sick. Book your Raindrop Technique now 307-331-1951.

2 Holloway, WHEATLAND

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Sylvia Harber~ Got doTERRA? These are amazing es-sential oils for your health and well-being.

For more info: email Sylvia at [email protected] or check out www.mydoterra.com/sylviaharber/ PINEDALE

Wear it*Share it* Live it

Photography

Jen Hébert~ Photography documents your history. On lo-cation photographer, specializing in a creative, more candid

style session. 760-579-1525 CASPER

www.jenhebertphotography.com y [email protected]

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Shannon Wolz Photography~ Engagement* Seniors* Family* Baby

Professional photos at an affordable price. Specializing in senior and engagement announcements. 307-265-2515

CASPER

Preserving Memories

Janette Jones~ 307-472-4776. Let me show you how to make your memories last a lifetime. Close To My Heart

offers beautiful, exclusive scrapbooking and stamping products for preserving and celebrating your precious

memories, quicker ,simpler, easier. CASPER

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Jenn Whitehead~ 307-258-7829 y [email protected] Enjoy our monthly Crop-A-Thon and scrapbook with oth-

ers who share the same hobby. Earn scrapbooking supplies, workshops, and free products by hosting a gathering. Call

for more information. CASPER

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Karen’s Heritage Studio~307.266.0953 hm. 307.277.2794 cell

[email protected] ~ www.karensheritagestudio.com Catching precious memories one story at a time! CASPER

Printing services

jones boys printers~ Professional design services, digital workflow, state of the art printing equipment

and finishing. Printing...it’s what we do. 307.733.6575 [email protected] JACKSON

Resources

Cowboys In Your Community~ Christie Kroeger - President/Founder y 307-473-8090 (H)

307-277-1119 (C) [email protected] mission - Establishing a family friendly work environ-

ment while making positive contributions to our community. Contact us today!!! CASPER

lllllJoin Strong Families Strong Wyoming this spring for a

one day workshop and take your relationship from good to GREAT! Check dates and times at www.wyofams.org, or call

1-866-WYO-FAMS today!lllll

Tooth Fairy Enterprises~ Registered Dental Hy-gienist, Cynthia Bower, provides large and small group preventive dental health education classes, encouraging healthy mouths and bodies as well as financial savings.

307.266.3896 y [email protected] CASPER

Travel

Dana Curtis~ Travel OpportunitiesExplore our country and world by taking part in one of many tours currently being organized. For more information on exciting travel opportunities contact

Dana Curtis y 307-277-5055 CASPER


It was the first day of preschool for my four-year-old daughter, Sa-vana, and I was excited! After breakfast, I loaded my 18-month-old twins into the car, congratulating myself that we would be on

time. As I prepared to leave, Savana was playing with the door, going from house to garage, back and forth, back and forth. “Stop playing and get in the car!” I called as I finished with the last twin. All loaded, I went to the house to get my keys and phone. The door was locked! During her back-and-forth traveling, Savana had locked the door! Now what? We were locked out of the house without keys or purse. I immediately thought of our spare key at the neighbor’s house. However, recent surgery had left my ankle very sore, and I knew that I couldn’t walk through the vacant field to the neighbor’s unassisted. After a few minutes of indecision, my phone rang! Hooray! It was in my back pocket! I called the neighbors and they brought over the spare key. By now, we were thirty minutes late for preschool. “Surely the day couldn’t get any worse,” I thought. Unfortunately, I was wrong. While Savana was at preschool, the twins and I went to the music store. Walking in, it became very clear to me: a music store is NO place for loose toddlers. Changing my action plan, I held the twins and asked the attendant to gather the things I needed. When it was time to pay, I set the twins on the counter. Within a second, they were everywhere! I pulled one twin from behind the counter, one from the expensive guitar display, prayed for help, and paid my bill all at the same time. We picked up Savana at preschool, headed to tumbling class, and then home for dinner. By now, I was in a hurry because I had a scrapbooking get together at my house later that evening. I called my husband. “Could you please start some macaroni and cheese for dinner?” I asked him. Then I called another friend to pick up some fast food for the adults on her way to our scrapbooking night. Arriving home, I added butter and milk to the cooked noo-

dles. As I stirred, I noticed cottage cheese in the macaroni. The milk was curdled and sour! I threw it in the garbage and started a new batch. As I cooked, my girls (who thought they were starving) pulled on my pant legs and cried. At this moment my friends arrived, ready to scrapbook. I cleared things off the table and invited them to eat with my kids. After finishing the second batch of macaroni, I finally sat down to enjoy my own salad and discovered my chicken was raw! Unbelievable! I laughed, cried, and scrap-booked the memory of our “First day of Preschool” and another typical day for this Wyoming mother.

~Jen is the mother of three daughters and lives in Bar Nunn.

Like myself, all of my daughters have been born and bred in Wyoming. We often travel to Cache Valley in northern Utah to see our relatives. Tall, gorgeous, mountains surround Cache Valley, and therefore significant winds sometimes make their way down through the canyons. I have seen tree limbs and debris strewn everywhere after “strong breezes.” I concluded that tree roots must run deeper in Wyoming because Wyoming trees seem to handle the wind much better. On one of our family visits to Utah, we went hiking in a “windy” Utah canyon. As the wind picked up, it began ruffling the hair of my Wyoming-born daughters and their Utah-bred grand-mother. When Grandma started complaining about the disruption of the wind, my eleven-year-old daughter stopped her, respectfully wagged her finger and said, “Grandma, this isn’t wind – it’s hardly even a breeze!” That’s a Wyoming girl!

~Becky is the mother of five daughters and lives in Casper.Do you have a Motherhood Moment to share? Send your story to [email protected]

Motherhood

MomentsA Scapbooking SuccessBy Jen Whitehead

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A Wyoming GirlBy Becky Allsop


Exchanging human hours foran employment shroud

costs.

Journey paths intersect, wear signs labeled

education, time, effort,diligence, experience.

Climbing aboard invitessecurity…wrapped in

structured living while thehurried heart yearns

for solace.

Rest is here…in a high-country journey

to the mountains.How many hours to solace;eight, twelve, twenty-four ?

Refreshment of mind and soul.No matter the hours,they will be enough.

Leafy mint stems claw upward journey between f lat red stones…

and in a cavity of the shorn cliff-facerests a baby fawn.

Nature nourishes dry, crisp roots of

daily toil anddelivers quenched thirst.

Nancy K. Gerlock

Two Hours North

‘Red

Bluf

fs’~

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Alic

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levins

Warm Up With

www.TheWyomingWoman.com535 Roundup Road k Evansville, WY 82636


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