February 2023
Volume 22 • Issue 2
February Treats
Valentine’s Day Crafts for Kids
A New Home for Houndstooth House
We are from SD and would love to share our favorite recommendations and travel experiences with you!
February 2023
Volume 22 • Issue 2
February Treats
Valentine’s Day Crafts for Kids
A New Home for Houndstooth House
We are from SD and would love to share our favorite recommendations and travel experiences with you!
et cetera 7
The Promising Futures Fund
concierge 12
A New House of Their Own Houndstooth House Expands to New Home
calendar 18
February 2023
concierge 26
A Black Hills Experience Like No Other –
The Lodge at Deadwood
Witha poverty rate just shy of 50% and diversity rate of 40% and growing, we have unique issues that more suburban school districts don’t have.
We are currently focused on 13 elementary, 3 middle schools and 3 high schools with the highest rates of poverty. We work directly with school principals and their staff, along with leadership at the Sioux Falls School District to fund and assist with any program that can help a child in poverty receive a better education, increase their experiences and provide inspiration and hope.
The Promising Futures Fund began in 2019 and is governed by a Board led by Founder and CEO Steve Hildebrand.
High rates of poverty and diversity have made the Sioux Falls School District a true urban center. Across the District, nearly 50% of students qualify for Free & Reduced Lunch – the best marker to understand poverty. Many Sioux Falls elementary and middle schools have poverty rates as high as 80%-100%. Diversity rates are also high. In just 10 years, when our current 3rd graders become seniors, our School District will be a majority minority district.
This is our new reality.
A child growing up in poverty will likely start kindergarten behind other students. They likely didn’t attend pre-school. Maybe they weren’t read to as a child or came from a home where children’s books weren’t plentiful. Some kids may not speak English or have parents who don’t.
This poverty disadvantage is exactly why we started the Promising Futures Fund. Bringing equity to their education and their experiences is our top priority for kids living in poverty.
Reading proficiency is one of the greatest predictors of success for any student. When a child is reading below grade level, it is critical to focus time and energy to increase his/her capacity.
An elementary student living in poverty is more likely to start kindergarten and first grade with reading skills below a student who comes from a middle or upper-income home. Oftentimes a child
growing up in poverty will not have been read to at home, not attended pre-school or been provided encouragement from an adult. Language barriers also exist with many kids - and their parents.
Each year, we seek classroom sponsors for our Book-A-Month Club. Each sponsorship covers one book each month for nine months, for every child in a classroom. We currently cover 244 classrooms in kindergarten through 5th grade across 13 elementary schools – roughly 5,700 students receiving 51,000 books! Research shows that when a child in poverty can chose their own book and own that book, there is a much greater likelihood that they will read it. This is a critical baseline program for Promising Futures.
Book-A-Month sponsorships are just $350 for K-2 and $650 for 3rd-5th grades.
The month of March is deemed “Everybody Reads” month by School Superintendent Dr. Jane Stavem. We take her seriously and with a generous $25,000 special grant from the Seed for Success Foundation, we purchased 3400 books to give to every K, 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders in 13 targeted elementary schools. These special hard cover books help emphasize the importance we place on reading.
Our Summer Success Reading Project is critical to help reduce summer slide – the loss of reading comprehension during summer. Reading loss is likely to have a greater impact on low-income students who are less likely to be exposed to enriched activities.
This project provides 6 age-appropriate books for every student in grades K-3 in the 13 elementary schools with the highest rates of poverty. These 3400 students will receive the books on the final day of school, with encouragement to read these and other books. Major sponsors include Dan & Kathy Loveland, Helen Madsen, First Bank & Trust, Raven Industries and Kiwanis of Sioux Falls.
This is a $108,000 project. Donations of any size will help. Please indicate “Summer Reading” in the notes section of your check.
We believe that a child’s economic background should never prevent them from having the same education, same experiences and same opportunities as a child whose family has more resources.
Through our efforts, we secured a $600,000 donation from David H. & Christine Billion, to hire more SIPPS reading intervention teachers during the 2021-2022 school year. These teachers work with 1st & 2nd graders in a 4 to 1 ratio to increase their reading skills. This reading intervention program has shown tremendous promise in getting kids to read at grade level and stay at grade level.
The Sioux Falls School District has championed the SIPPS reading intervention program and continues to expand funding. We are proud to support SIPPS as a partner with the School District.
SIPPS stands for Systematic Instruction in Phonological Awareness, Phonics, and Sight Words. It is a research-based foundational skills program proven to help both new and struggling readers in grades K–12, including English Language Learners (ELLs) and students identified with dyslexia.
A child living in poverty will have very few positive experiences outside their neighborhood. These kids need to learn and experience a world outside of poverty in order to imagine a better life. In our priority schools, field trips are extremely limited as parent teacher organizations are not active. Promising Futures is committed to fund a long list of experiences for students in these schools.
The Promising Futures Fund provides enough support so that every child in our 13 elementary and 3 middle schools will be able to participate in 1-2 field trips. Additional funds are provided to support a wide-range of experiences in and out of school.
Our goal is to raise $230,000 a year to fund great field trips for every student in the 16 schools in our program. Donations of any size will provide great experience for these kids. Please indicate “Field Trips” in the notes section of your check.
Fifth grade can be challenging for a lot of kids. At this age, kids are craving more independence. They are in a growing, transitional age And, they are moving onto middle school, which can be a time of uncertainty. For all these reasons, we want our 5th graders to have a great last experience. That’s why we’ve reached out to community members to raise an additional $5,000 per school to sponsor the 5th grade initiative, which provides a big field trip experience. With this funding, schools can plan a trip away for Sioux Falls to Minneapolis, Omaha, the Black Hills or other great destinations. In 2022, many of our 5th grade classes took a full-day trip to the Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium in Omaha.
These are emotional, exciting, inspirational and rewarding days. Most 8th graders, especially those from low-income families, have never stepped foot on a college campus or spent time thinking and planning their future. Sadly, some don’t have great aspirations and many don’t think college is an option for them.
Because of the incredible generosity and funding support from John & Jeanelle Lust, we are working to change all of that.
For 8th grade students at Whittier, McGovern and Ben Reifel Middle schools, they will have multiple opportunities to visit college campuses and technical colleges – thanks to the partnerships our foundation has forged with SDSU, DSU, USD, Augustana University, Southeast Technical College and more in the future. The Promising Futures Fund provides grants to the middle schools to pay for transportation and other costs associated with these trips and works directly with the campuses to plan all aspects of the trips.
The mark of a successful trip? When you hear students say out loud, “I could see myself coming to a place like this.”
When an 8th grader says, “I don’t know if I can wait four whole years to go to college,” you know she was inspired.
We give so much praise to DSU, SDSU, USD, Augustana and Southeast Tech for welcoming these 8th graders to their schools and opening their eyes to immense opportunities ahead of them. These campus visits give kids a chance to dream about what’s possible, something to aspire to, work hard for and to build toward a bright future.
Each summer, we provide a number of opportunities for lowincome kids to attend summer camps. Enriched summer learning opportunities are critical to help reduce summer slide – the loss of learning comprehension over the summer. Most low-income kids have no opportunity to attend summer camps, either because of the cost of the camps or because they lack transportation.
For summer 2022, we provided scholarships to nearly 550 lowincome kids into a wide variety of summer camps. We have partnered with the YMCA Leif Erickson Day Camp, the Washington Pavilion/ Kirby Science Center, Great Plains Zoo, Augustana University, the South Dakota Symphony Youth Orchestra and the Storm Indoor Football Team to provide incredible experiences for kids in the Sioux Falls School District. These opportunities are available because of generous donations from Dave & De Knudson, Joe & Jennifer Kirby, Mary & Chris Kolsrud, the Storm Football Team, Dorsey Trust Co. and many others.
It’s a sad reality, but most kids in poverty don’t get many positive experiences outside their neighborhoods. Limited budgets mean most families aren’t afforded opportunities to attend theatre and sporting events. As a result, The Promising Futures Fund has created partnerships with many organizations across Sioux Falls to provide new opportunities for kids.
Our partnership with the Washington Pavilion, along with a $10,000 grant from South Dakota Trust Co., opened up an opportunity to purchase tickets and provide transportation to send 2200 elementary students to see the live performance of Schoolhouse Rock. We saw big eyes on these kids as they walked into the beautiful and historic Washington Pavilion. From their seats, we saw huge smiles and heard load cheering as most of these kids experienced live professional theatre for the first time.
Of all the things we do at the Promising Futures Fund, this just might be a favorite. In partnership with the Sioux Falls Police Department and the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, we’ve created a positive interaction with law enforcement for Whittier Middle School students.
Twenty Whittier kids along with 10 members of law enforcement are doing Martial Arts training together for six months. Mondays they train in boxing and Wednesdays they train in Jiu Jitsu. Thank you, Bruce Hoyer at Next Edge Academy for the training opportunity and Matt & Karine Paulson for a generous $15,000 donation to provide this training for free.
Kids in poverty have less access to the arts as these opportunities are often expensive and require transportation. In partnership with the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra, we provide scholarships so no kid will be left out if they want to continue to learn and grow their talents. Students from 4th grade through high school can easily access these scholarships to play in our Youth Orchestra.
Promising Futures Fund, in partnership with The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sioux Empire, has led the way to create a major new initiative that re-imagines and realigns afterschool and summer programing and provides greater access for kids in poverty. Access for All, as we have named it, moves most afterschool and summer programs back to the school buildings, reducing costs, eliminating transportation barriers, providing greater access and creating enhanced programming, including
tutoring for kids who need additional help.
High rates of poverty and diversity make out-of-school time learning for Sioux Falls kids all that more critical. A child spends roughly 13% of their time in school. A portion of the other 87% is time we need to create access to afterschool and summer programs that are truly impactful for our kids. We need to give kids a positive place to BELONG and the tools they need to BECOME.
Our current afterschool system is not accessible to thousands of these kids – especially those in poverty. Costs are prohibitive. Transportation is not available. Meals, tutoring and truly robust learning opportunities are not there. While the many Sioux Falls non-profits involved in afterschool programming do great work, the inefficiencies of off-site programming have been a problem recognized by the United Way and other agencies for decades.
This new system for afterschool and summer care means all children will have a better chance to succeed, more parents will have opportunities to enter the workforce, and juvenile crime will be reduced. Most importantly, school attendance will increase, test scores go up and graduation rates will improve – all critical measures determining the success – or failure of our great kids.
The new afterschool program began in a few elementary schools in the fall of 2022 with a goal of all 23 elementary programs starting in the fall of 2023. Some middle school and high school programs will also start in the fall of 2023.
A major fundraising campaign is taking place currently. If you are interested in supporting Access for All, contact the Campaign CoChairs – Steve Hildebrand – steve@promisingfuturesfund.org or Rebecca Wimmer – rebecca.wimmer@k12.sd.us.
Tax-deductible contributions can be made of any size to the Promising Futures Fund. We are set up as a special project fund at the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation. We are a volunteer-driven organization with almost no overhead. Nearly 100% of your donation will go directly toward helping low-income kids get a more equitable education and expand their experiences.
Donate:
Online: www.promisingfuturesfund.org or Mail to: Promising Futures Fund, 834 S. Phillips Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Contact Us:
To reach Steve Hildebrand, email steve@promisingfuturesfund.org or call 605-261-8988.
Denise Cotter and Michelle Marino have worked on countless residential and commercial design and redesign projects over the years. Last fall, they got the chance to work on a particularly exciting project… designing a new home for their business, Houndstooth House.
The pair has come a long way from their early beginnings in 2005, as working moms trying to launch their design business. Their hard work and persistence, though, took them from working out of their cars to a 2,000-square-foot storefront. When they realized they needed room to grow, they didn’t have to look far. The building next door became available, and it was the right opportunity at the right time. And, it gave them five times the space.
Being part of an industry that is everchanging with new products and design ideas, the designers were excited about the opportunity for more room to showcase not only their design ideas, but also a wide array of home décor and gift items.
Before they could build their dream space, they had to start with some demolition. Wanting to make the space as big and airy as possible, Marino and Cotter enlisted their husbands for some of the heavy work. And, once the main level was completely emptied, the creative rebuilding could begin.
With such a great blank canvas, they knew they could also feature big-scale wallpaper in their design. The two say they spent six weeks looking for “the right thing,” wanting a wallpaper that would make a statement yet still be timeless. That right thing came along in the form of a navy blue “splattered” print that covers the walls as you enter the store –including the two oversized metal doors that open into the showroom. When it comes to prints, their design tip to remember is that
with a big-scale print, you can do more on top – like artwork – and the two won’t compete and look too busy, as it might if you have a smaller print.
Marino and Cotter invested in new windows for the three walls of the main showroom, then added partial walls to create vignettes to feature bedroom ideas, living
room arrangements, dining sets, textile and color combinations and so much more. Guests at the store get a hands-on, sensory experience of sitting in chairs, touching the textiles on chairs or bedding, seeing how fabrics look in the natural light from the windows or next to a lamp, learning how light fixtures add to the look and feel of a room and even smelling
the array of candles and reed diffusers that are available for purchase.
The expansive shoppable space means customers can find shapes and styles they like – from sofas or occasional chairs to dining sets – and then spend time in the Houndstooth House library to find the right fabric and color. It would be easy to lose track of time
in that library, perusing the shelves filled with wallpaper books and fabric swatches. And now, with additional space downstairs for inventory, if something sells off the floor upstairs, the designers can bring up something new – so items in the store are always changing. Keeping things new and fresh has always been a focus for Cotter and Marino as they
work with clients. Their approach is to get to know their clients’ likes and dislikes, to understand the desired function of the space and then provide the help that is needed. Sometimes, that might be just a little room refresh with a new rug, artwork or throw pillows. At other times, it is a design-fromsquare-one that includes helping a client select
everything from millwork and paint colors to flooring and window coverings.
And now, they have more room to do all of that work, with the larger library, space to stage current projects and a conference room where they can use the flatscreen TV on the wall to pull up floor plans with clients and work through the creative process.
The two agree that the accelerated timeline for the demo and redesign of their new location wasn’t exactly ideal – just July to October last year – but they were excited to be open in time for the holidays, especially with their expanded line of home décor and gift items.
Houndstooth House has a wine license, for example, so you can shop for new glassware and package that up with a bottle of wine –most of which are priced in the $20 range. The designers say they are completely happy to have a customer call and say they need a bottle of wine for dinner, and then simply pull up in the front curved drive to pick it up. The bar area in the store, complete with a custom Cambria counter that highlights the green cabinet, displays a beautiful collection of glassware and stemware for your own home or to give as a gift.
Throughout the store, you can find unique items like their Illume candles or remotecontrol flameless candles, rechargeable lighters, photo frames, vases and more. Throughout the month of February, Houndstooth House is showcasing local art.
Their desire is to introduce customers to the many local artists working in the area and to show how easy it can be to add unique, custom art to your home or office.
Be sure to follow Houndstooth House on social media for updates on new items and special events. You can also join their email list to be sure you don’t miss out on any news. And, most important, the designers want you to come visit their new house.
Monday-Thursday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
101 W. 37th Street Sioux Falls, SD 57105 (605) 271-2278
info@HoundstoothHouse.com
Look for our entrance on Phillips Ave (and 37th)
Arn Kind Presents: The Continental Soldier in the American Revolution at the Old Courthouse Museum
Thursday, February 2 6:30 p.m.
Old Courthouse Museum
200 West 6th Street
Mr. Arn Kind will share the experience of being a soldier in the war that gave birth to our great nation through drama and living history. Free admission.
INFO (605) 367-4210 or siouxlandmuseums.com
Tootsie
February 3 • 7:30 p.m.
February 4 • 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Washington Pavilion Call it “musical comedy heaven” (Rolling Stone). Call it “the most uproarious new musical in years!” (The Hollywood Reporter). Call it TOOTSIE! This laugh-out-loud love
letter to the theater tells the story of Michael Dorsey, a talented but difficult actor who struggles to find work until one show-stopping act of desperation lands him the role of a lifetime. Featuring a hilarious Tony®-winning book by Robert Horn and an outrageously clever score by 2018 Tony® winner David Yazbek. INFO washingtonpavilion.org
A Nice Day for a Dead Wedding-Murder Mystery
Friday, February 3 6, 6:30, 7, 7:30, and 8 p.m.
Pettigrew Home & Museum
131 N. Duluth Avenue
Please join us at the Pettigrew Home & Museum for an entertaining, interactive murder mystery where you solve the crime. There will be four nights of public performances, with five show times each. Tickets will be $12 per
person can be purchased in advance at the Old Courthouse Museum. Call (605) 367-4210. siouxlandmuseums.com
Journal Your Stress Away
– Through the Winter Blues Edition
February 3
6 - 8 p.m.
Is your stress at max capacity? Are you looking for simple, creative, healthy, and natural ways to deal with daily stressors? We’ve got you covered. Imagine soft background music, aromatherapy, and relaxing journal exercises. We’ll lead you through the process and share techniques you’ll want to embrace. If you have a favorite writing tool, bring it. Otherwise,
we provide the journal and creative extras to complete your stress-free experience. Ages 16 and up (or 13-15 with participating adult). SFSD Community Education. INFO (605) 367-7999.
Dakota String Quartet at the Old Courthouse Museum Winter Concert Series
Friday, February 3 12 - 1 p.m. Old Courthouse Museum 200 West Sixth Street
The Dakota String Quartet will perform classical music in the historic courtroom of the Old Courthouse Museum. Bring your lunch and enjoy the show! (605) 367-4210 or siouxlandmuseums.com
Saturday, February 4
6, 6:30, 7, 7:30, and 8 p.m.
Pettigrew Home & Museum
131 N. Duluth Avenue
Please join us at the Pettigrew Home & Museum for an entertaining, interactive murder mystery where you solve the crime. There will be four nights of public performances, with five show times each. Tickets will be $12 per person can be purchased in advance at the Old Courthouse Museum. Call (605) 367-4210. siouxlandmuseums.com
DSLR Photography
Studio – DSLR Basics
February 5 6 - 9 p.m. We learn best by doing!
Turn all the dials, push all the buttons, check out different modes, and learn the ins and outs your camera! Then practice in a real life fully stocked photo studio. We’ll cover everything from unboxing and care to snapping your first shots. A helpful cheat sheet is included. SFSD Community Education. INFO (605) 367-7999.
Behind the Scenes
Tour of the Old Courthouse Museum
Tuesday, February 7
2 p.m. Old Courthouse Museum
200 West Sixth Street
Take a look behind the closed doors of the Old Courthouse Museum and see the current use of the building compared to
its use as a courthouse. Admission $5. Call (605) 367-4210 to register. siouxlandmuseums.com
Taekwondo – All Levels
Starts February 7th
Tuesday and Thursdays between 5:45 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. (varies based off level)
Start your taekwondo journey! In Korean, ‘tae’ means to strike or break with foot, ‘kwon’ means to strike or break with fist, and ‘do’ means way, method, or path. Thus, taekwondo is translated as “the way of the hand and the foot.” Learn the basic techniques and traditions of taekwondo with 5th degree black belt Master Troy Vink while incorporating self-defense, discipline, confidence, and respect for others! Price includes all classes through end of session. Additional cost for optional uniform and belt testing as belt progression takes place, payable to instructor at class. Open to ages 7 and up. (age 5-7 with parent present). SFSD Community Education. INFO (605) 367-7999.
Mania:
The Abba Tribute Tour
February 8 7:30 p.m.
Orpheum Theater
Two hours of uplifting, dance inducing and sometimes heart-breaking songs, fully live with fantastic staging, lighting and effects. The show recreates ABBA’s sound not only perfectly, but respectfully too. MANIA
is not only for life-long, die-hard ABBA fans but the new generation of fans, who never had the opportunity to see ‘ABBA’ live. INFO siouxfallsorpheum.com
Ilya Yakushev and Thomas Mesa
February 9 7 p.m.
Washington Pavilion
Two world-class soloists combine as a powerhouse duo with international flair. Ilya Yakushev is known for his musical pyrotechnics on the piano and Thomas Mesa is heralded as one of the most charismatic and engaging cellists of his generation. INFO washingtonpavilion.org
The Good Night Theatre
Collective Presents: God of Carnage
February 9 & 10
7:30 p.m.
Washington Pavilion
When two 11-year-old boys get into a playground scuffle, their parents engage in a meeting of the minds that starts as a calm discussion and ends as, well… something of a ruminfused fiasco. In the 2009 Tony Award® winner for Best Play, God of Carnage is an uproarious and surprising story that takes two sets of doting parents from polite diplomacy to an outrageous boiling point. INFO washingtonpavilion.org
James Dean Acoustic at the Old Courthouse Museum Winter Concert Series
Friday, February 10
12 - 1 p.m.
Old Courthouse Museum
200 West Sixth Street
James Dean Acoustic will perform in the historic courtroom of the Old Courthouse Museum. Bring your lunch and enjoy the show! (605) 367-4210 or siouxlandmuseums.com
South Dakota Symphony Orchestra: Songs of Romance
February 11
7:30 p.m.
Washington Pavilion
Bring that special someone to the Washington Pavilion and swoon to jazz standards sung by local boy-made-good (star of LA nightclub scene and HBO’s “Perry Mason”) Luke Carlsen. “I Only Have Eyes for You,” “Moondance,” “A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square,” “One for my Baby,” and more. INFO sdsymphony.org
Big Band Dance! –Ballroom Lesson & Sweetheart Dance
February 10
6:40 - 10:30 p.m.
Dance into the night and enjoy a special night out at a Big Band Dance featuring a LIVE band along with a dance lesson to get you started. Featuring the Shrine Big Band on the El Riad Shrine’s premier dance floor! Your lesson is 6:40 - 7:30 p.m. with the dance immediately following from 7:30 - 10:30 p.m. Instructors from Sioux Falls Ballroom Dance Club are available for assistance throughout the night. Business Casual or
dressy attire is requested and themed outfits are always appropriate! SFSD Community Education. INFO (605) 367-7999.
Bulls & Broncs
February 10 - 11 Sioux Empire Fairgrounds Expo Building
The Sioux Empire Fair Association is excited to bring back two actionpacked nights of Bull Riding and Saddle Broncs. Korkow Rodeos is the Stock Contractor bringing the brand that bucks... Anchor K. Thank you to Billion Dodge RAM, the OFFICIAL Sponsor of Bull Riding. INFO siouxempirefair.com
Valentine Couples
Introductory Archery
February 10 or 14 7 - 8 p.m.
Date night! Couples enjoy the experience of archery together! Learn safety on the range, loading and aiming the bow, proper form, guidance, and support from Archery Outfitters’ expert instructors on their indoor range. Receive plenty of practice time with both traditional recurve and compound bows. All equipment provided. Registration fee is per couple. SFSD Community Education. INFO (605) 367-7999.
Fiber Fun at the Old Courthouse Museum
Sunday, February 12 1-4 p.m.
Old Courthouse Museum 200 West Sixth Street
Do you like to knit, crochet, needlework, or dabble in any other fiber arts? Come join members from the Crossthreads Fiber Guild for an afternoon of Fiber Fun! Attendees can work on projects, ask for suggestions, and just enjoy the company of fellow fiber friends. INFO (605) 367-4210 or siouxlandmuseums.com
R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
A Celebration of the Legendary Queen of Soul
February 13 • 7:30 p.m. Washington Pavilion
Rejoice while you are taken on an intimate musical odyssey guaranteed to get you up and out of your seat and dancing!
The production journeys through Aretha Franklin’s
courageous life of love, tragedy and triumph starring a live band, supreme vocalists and a night full of music by one of the greatest artists of all time. The show is sure to transport you to the 1960s Motown era with songs like “Natural Woman,” “Think,” “I Knew You Were Waiting for Me,” “Chain of Fools” and “Respect.” INFO washingtonpavilion.org
Victorian Valentine Tea Party at the Pettigrew Home & Museum
Tuesday, February 14 2 p.m.
Pettigrew Home & Museum
• 131 N. Duluth Avenue
Enjoy a tea in true Victorian fashion at the historic Pettigrew Home & Museum. Learn about
the history of tea while enjoying tea and snacks. Space is limited for this adult program. Call (605) 367-7097 to register. Free admission. INFO siouxlandmuseums.com
Big Sioux Film Festival
Thursday, February 16 5:30 p.m.
Sioux Falls State Theatre
The Big Sioux Film Festival is a space for those who want to see a change in the water quality of the river. The event begins with a cocktail hour, complete with hors d’oeuvres from Morrie’s Steakhouse, local brews, and a silent auction. Following the cocktail hour, attendees take their seats and watch four river-related short films. Throughout the
evening, attendees hear from members of the Friends of the Big Sioux River board about the work FBSR is doing to improve the cleanliness of the Big Sioux. INFO friendsofthebigsiouxriver.org
The Premiere Playhouse Presents the Premiere Premieres
February 16 - 18 • 7 p.m.
February 19 • 2 p.m.
Washington Pavilion
A double feature of new, original, one-act plays selected from talent residing in and around Sioux Falls, South Dakota. INFO washingtonpavilion.org
Lewis Black
February 16
8 p.m.
Orpheum Theater
Known as the King of Rant, Lewis Black uses his trademark style of comedic yelling and finger pointing to expose the absurdities of life. His comedic brilliance makes people laugh at life’s hypocrisies and the insanity he sees in the world. siouxfallsorpheum.com
Kid’s Activity Day Warm, Woolen Mittens at the Old Courthouse Museum
Thursday, February 16 9-11:30 a.m
Old Courthouse Museum
200 West Sixth Street
Kids can learn about history and make their own crafts to take home. 15 minute sessions run throughout morning times. Call to reserve times. Free admission.
siouxlandmuseums.com
Dave & Vicki Wood at the Old Courthouse Museum
Winter Concert Series
Friday, February 17 12 - 1 p.m.
Old Courthouse Museum
200 West Sixth Street
Dave & Vicki Wood will perform in the historic courtroom of the Old Courthouse Museum. Bring your lunch and enjoy the show. (605) 367-4210 or siouxlandmuseums.com
Blake Shelton
Friday, February 17 7 p.m.
Denny Sanford
Premier Center
Superstar entertainer Blake Shelton will return to the road in 2023 for
Honky Tonk Tour. Set to join the lineup are reigning ACM
Female Artist / CMA Female Vocalist of the year Carly Pearce and rising artist Jackson Dean. INFO www.dennysanford premiercenter.com
Get Hooked Ice Fishing Derby!
February 18
The Lake 815 W. Edgehill Luverne, MN Over $6,000 in prizes!
Adult & youth divisions. First 200 youth receive FREE rod, reel and tackle. Registration: (507) 283-4061. INFO LuverneChamber.com
Bee Keeping 101 Series –Happy Hive – Bee Basics
February 18th through March 4th 9am -12:30 p.m. What’s all the BUZZ about? Learn about the SWEET hobby of beekeeping in 3 information packed Saturday session. bee keeping expert, animal nutritionist and developer of protein supplement for honeybees, Dr.Dale Hill will cover history of beekeeping, castes and social structure of bee colonies, apiary location and regulations, feeding and care of bees, honey harvest and more. Start providing a safe haven and local tricks and tips for keeping bees in SD. One of the instructor’s favorite bee basics bibles, “First Lessons in
other customized handouts are included. Ages 16 and up (youth welcome with paid family registration and participating adult). SFSD Community Education. INFO (605) 367-7999.
Sioux Empire On Tap
Saturday, February 18
12 - 8 p.m.
Sioux Falls Convention Center
We’ll have over 100 different craft beers, hard seltzers and ciders to try! Come listen to live music, drink some beer, and eat some tasty treats! INFO SiouxEmpireonTap.com
Self Defense 101 –Introductory
February 20
7:15 - 8:45 p.m.
Learn basic principles of
self-defense with simple and easy-to-learn moves that work in a variety of situations. Prevent yourself from becoming one of the 20 victims of physical violence every minute in the United States. Practice introductory striking, escapes from grabs, take-downs, some ground fighting, and basic safety to defend yourself should the unthinkable happen. A quick demonstration and review of basic selfdefense weapons, such as pepper spray will be included. Great class for mothers and daughters - sons too, or students going off to college!
Individuals or registration for two. Ages 13 & up. SFSD Community Education. INFO (605) 367-7999.
Rosemaling Demonstration at the Old Courthouse Museum
Tuesday, February 21
1 - 4 p.m.
Old Courthouse Museum
200 West Sixth Street
Eileen Halverson will be demonstrating the Norwegian folk art of Rosemaling (decorative painting) in the secondfloor hallway of the Old Courthouse Museum. Stop in any time for a demonstration or to ask questions. INFO (605) 367-4210 or siouxlandmuseums.com
Kyle Kinane & Matt Brauger: The Roommates Tour
February 21 8 - 10 p.m.
Orpheum Theater
Matt and Kyle started standup in Chicago together, moved to Los Angeles together, and were roommates for several years. Now, after marriage (Matt’s) and children (Matt’s), they’re finally on the road together. Kyle’s schedule was pretty open. INFO siouxfallsorpheum.com
Ceili Dance at the Old Courthouse Museum
Thursday, February 23 6:30 p.m.
Old Courthouse Museum
200 West Sixth Street
Ceili (pronounced KAYlee) is an Irish social dance. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced dancer, Ceili dancing is a fun and energetic way
to spend an evening. Get ready to dance to live music at the Old Courthouse Museum! Beginners welcome. Free admission. INFO (605)367-4210 or siouxlandmuseums.com
Dakota Ragtime Trio at the Old Courthouse Museum Winter
Concert Series
Friday, February 24
12 - 1 p.m.
Old Courthouse Museum
200 West Sixth Street
The Dakota Ragtime Trio will perform in the historic courtroom of the Old Courthouse Museum. Bring your lunch and enjoy the show! (605) 367-4210 or siouxlandmuseums.com
South Dakota Symphony Orchestra:
Shostakovich
Symphony No. 7
February 25 7:30 p.m.
Washington Pavilion
Shostakovich wrote his massive Symphony No. 7 during the siege of Leningrad. “Neither savage raids...nor the grim atmosphere of the beleaguered city could hinder the flow. I worked with an inhuman intensity I have never before reached.” Dmitri Shostakovich. INFO washingtonpavilion.org
Nick Swardson
February 26 4:30 & 9 p.m.
Orpheum Theater
Nick Swardson is a stand up comedian, actor, writer and producer known for his co-starring roles with Adam
Sandler, his character Terry on Reno 911, Grandma’s Boy, Bucky Larson and his own shows, Comedy Central’s Pretend Time and Typical Rick. Touring what’s to be his sixth stand up special, Nick takes you on a journey of smells and laughter. You don’t want to miss Nick’s 26 years of experience in comedy. You will regret it for as long as you live. INFO siouxfallsorpheum.com
Chapel Hart
February 26
2 p.m.
Washington Pavilion Chapel Hart has found a way to gift wrap their Mississippi roots and Louisiana spice and share it with listeners around the world. Sisters Danica and Devynn Hart along with
cousin Trea Swindle went from singing together as children in Hart’s Chapel to a world-class group whose colorful and contagious energy has flourished into a full live band experience that fills venues at home and around the country. INFO washingtonpavilion.org
Shen Yun Performing Arts
February 28 • 7:30 p.m.
March 1 • 7:30 p.m.
Washington Pavilion
China Before Communism! A journey through the five millennia of traditional Chinese culture. Shen Yun opens a portal to a civilization of profound wisdom and divine beauty through classical Chinese dance and music. INFO washingtonpavilion.org
There’snothing quite like spending time in the Black Hills of South Dakota, enjoying the scenery, the history and the wealth of activities to do all year round.
At the end of a busy day of sight-seeing, though, you want a comfortable place to relax and unwind. That’s where The Lodge at Deadwood can help. Nestled into the Northern Black Hills, the Lodge has been a premier destination since 2010.
Whether you are planning a couple’s getaway, a family vacation or a meeting with hundreds of guests, the Lodge has a variety of rooms and amenities to meet your needs; including two on-site dining options, an indoor water playland and flexible spaces for small meetings or larger conventions. Now, the Lodge has even more room for travelers with an exciting addition of 45 rooms on the front of the building, bringing their total rooms to 185.
Many of the new rooms are upscale rooms with balconies and modern décor. The crown jewel, however, is the two-story executive suite with a full kitchenette and bar, kingsize bedroom with soaking tub and walk-in shower and a second-floor deck complete with fireplace and flatscreen TV. The breathtaking view from this suite is not quite 360 degrees, but it is close! Standing out on your private patio, you can see the town of Deadwood and expansive vistas of the Black Hills.
According to general manager Anthony Galbraith, the Lodge wants to create a unique experience for guests.
“We are excited about the addition because we always want to be evolving,” says
her
Galbraith. “Whether it is changing up the games available in the casino or enhancing our guest rooms and amenities, we want a stay at the Lodge at Deadwood to be second to none. Whether people want that rustic, western feel of our existing rooms or the modern, upscale feel in our new addition, we have something for everyone.”
In addition to the guest room addition, the Lodge also expanded their gaming offerings over the past year.
“We already had the largest gaming floor in Deadwood,” Galbraith explains, “but last summer we opened BetLodge Sportsbook with a seamless video wall that is the largest in the area.”
No matter the season or the sport, BetLodge Sportsbook has all the action. The space features nearly 50 luxury chairs along with 33 fullback counter stools. And, if you are new to sports betting, the trained personnel are ready to help.
With so many great attractions in the Northern Hills, you won’t have
any trouble filling your days. You can do the Mt. Roosevelt Hike to Friendship Tower, tour Spearfish Canyon, visit museums or go back in time at the Mount Moriah Cemetery, which is the final resting place of Old West legends like Wild Bill Hickock and Calamity Jane.
Galbraith says if you are planning a trip to the Black Hills, get your reservations in early – even as much as six months out – and check out their available specials on the website, which include perks like dining, gaming credit or services from the luxurious Akela Spa located nearby..
1/3 cup margarine, softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup flour
1/2 cup cocoa
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
9 Hershey Kisses
Cream butter and sugar in a mixing bowl. Add eggs and vanilla and mix well. Combine all dry ingredients and add to the creamed mixture. Fill paper lined muffin tins 2/3 full and place a Kiss ( tip down ) in the center. Bake at 350˚ for 20 - 25 minutes or until top springs back when lightly touched. Makes 9 cupcakes.
She’ll Love It!
Ladies 14k white gold diamond flex bangle bracelet. Available in various diamond total weights and lengths.
Faini Designs Jewelry Studio 6203 S. Old Village Pl., 69th Street & Western Ave. (605) 339-6956.
By Dancers. For Dancers.There is no substitute for Apolla dance socks. Amazing comfort & support. High performance. Dance footwear: arch support, ankle stability, energy absorption, & traction. Get yours at The Dance Line. 2115 S. Minnesota Ave. (605) 335-8242.
Buy 5, Get 1 Free
Perfect for daughters, mother, wife — anyone on your Valentine’s Day gift list. Handcrafted in the USA using semiprecious stones on hypo allergenic ear wires. Prices range from $414 - $22. Country ‘n More. 69th Street & Western Avenue. (605) 361-9797.
Happy Hour!
Join us to make your hours happier!
Sunday - Saturday 3pm - 6pm.
Late Night Happy Hour: Saturday & Sunday 10pm - midnight.
McNally’s Irish Pub 69th Street & Western Avenue. (605) 271-7170. mcnallysip.com
New Hours!
Sun - Thurs: Dine In: 5 - 8 pm; Carry Out: 3:30 - 8 pm
Friday: Dine In: 4 - 9 pm; Carry Out: 3:30 - 9 pm
Saturday: Dine In & Carry Out: 11 am - 9 pm
Charlie’s Pizza. 69th & Western. (605) 275-2212. charliespizzahouse.com
Ellie Stone Bride is located on 69th & Western and will bring you the best bridal experience in the Sioux Falls area! When you purchase here, you are not just a customer - you become part of their family. Ellie Stone Bride. 6205 S. Heather Ridge Village. (605) 332-8841.
Moving, bubbly liquid purple, orange, green and blue tile mats make for amazing sensory fun! Perfect for encouraging active play to develop gross-motor skills. Great for dancing and pretend play on colorful, moving “water” and “fire”. Two sizes to choose from at Kidtopia. 901 S. Highline Pl., Sioux Falls. (605) 275-4825.
Junk in the Trunk is one of the Top 100 National Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint Retailers. Get everything you need from paint to brushes to even little advice on your next project. Junk in the Trunk. 1918 W. 41st St. (605) 338-5510.
Find the perfect gift for someone special or yourself! At Houndstooth House we have a wide selection of giftable items such as wine, beautiful stemware, candles, specialty caramels, USB candle lighters and much more! Come shop everything at Houndstooth House; gifts, home decor, and furniture. Houndstooth House, Corner of Phillips & 37th. 101 W. 37th Street.
It’s YOUR turn! It’s time to schedule your Ultimate Senior Portrait Session. We only photograph 50 fabulous seniors each year and we want you to be one of them. Each Senior Portrait Session includes a free family portrait session fee and a free cap and gown session. We believe every senior is unique and we look forward to showing the world just how incredible you are. (605) 359-6640 or jp@julieprairie.com
Build your dreams in Luverne, MN. Find everything you need in this charming city with a proud past and a promising future.
Welcome to Luverne — You’ll Love the Life! CityofLuverne.org/housing
Fishing Derby
February 18 • 1pm - 4pm
The Lake • 815 W. Edgehill, Luverne, MN
Adult & youth divisions. Over $6,000 in prizes! First 200 youth receive a free rod, reel and tackle!
Registration: (507) 283-4061.
Saturday, March 4 • 7:30pm Historic Palace Theatre, Luverne, MN. Tickets at palacetheatre.us or (507) 283-4339.
Caution: Winter Driving Ahead!
Keep your vehicle ready for all of the difficult driving scenarios. Schedule your regular maintenance and repairs with us at one of our 3 convenient locations in Luverne, Rock Rapids, and Sibley. Visit papik. com or call our Luverne location at (507) 283-9171.
StarMark Cabinetry makes gray exciting! We offer a vast selection of neutrals. Depending on your creative vision, colors such as Driftwood and Slate serve as the perfect accent or a stunning focal point; they suit timeless traditional to daringly modern and everything in between.
Visit our showroom today and ask one of our friendly designers about these colors and they’re many accents from StarMark Cabinetry. Today’s StarMark Custom Cabinetry. 600 E. 48th Street N. (605) 977-3660.
Treat your Valentine to a delicious Minnesota-made bourbon or delightfully-flavored Bailey’s. Shop Blue Mound Liquor in Luverne, MN for something out of the ordinary. Blue Mound Liquor. 319 W. Main St., Luverne, MN. (507) 449-5052.
You never know what you can discover at the Rock County History Center — there is always something new to see. Rock County History Center. 312 E. Main St., Luverne, MN. (507) 283-2122.
Intraceuticals Treatment known as the “Oxygen Facial”, has been a revolution in the professional skincare market. Radiance is now featuring these amazing facials and facial products to transform your skin!
Radiance Day Spa. 6209 S. Pinnacle Pl., Sioux Falls. (605) 275-9535.
Add a little more to your decor. Not the same things everyone has — from a big box store. Something unique, something out-of-the-ordinary. Something that speaks to you. Shop at the Nauti Nice booth at I-29 Antiques and you are sure to find just that special item. I-29 south to Tea exit 73. Open 7 days a week. (605) 368-5810.
We are baking your Valentine’s Day sweeter with several gift options for your special someone!
• Simply Sweet box includes 2 cookies & 1 Free Cookie Card
• Love Notes Box includes 6 cookies & 2 Free Cookie Cards
• Ooh La Love Box includes 6 cookies, 6 dipped strawberries & 4 brownie bon bons.
Mary’s Mountain Cookies. 701 N. Phillips Avenue. Call us to pre-order your Valentine’s Day Cookie box at 605-275-0060 or go online at www.marys-mountain-cookies-sioux-falls. myshopify.com
In1856, the Western Town Company from Dubuque, Iowa, sent representatives to the falls of the Big Sioux River for the purpose of laying out a town site in accordance with federal law. Their 320 acre tract, that included the falls, was named Sioux Falls. The following year The Dakota Land Company from St. Paul, Minnesota, sent a contingent of speculators to the falls for the purpose of claiming a town site. Upon learning that the falls had already been claimed, they simply laid out a town site next to their rivals calling it Sioux Falls City.
Both companies were determined to build a city at the coveted falls of the Big Sioux River, but the men from St. Paul had ambitions that far exceeded those of their competitors from Iowa. The plans of Dakota Land Company went far beyond merely building a city; they wanted to lay claim to the future political
and economic destiny of the vast tract of unorganized land that they called Dakota Territory. So in order to get Congress to act and formally create Dakota Territory, the St. Paul speculators went to work taking almost desperate measures, some of which were anything but ethical.
The bold speculators held phony elections with vote counts that far exceeded the actual population of the tiny wilderness settlements that included Medary, Flandreau and Eminija. They sent representatives to Congress, claiming these men had been duly elected, when in fact, there was no legal authority for holding elections. Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed and the Dakota Land Company’s house of card collapsed.
There was one accomplishment that had some legitimacy. The St. Paul men brought in a printing press and started a newspaper
called The Dakota Democrat. The man chosen to operate the newspaper was Samuel J. Albright, who came to St. Paul in 1853 by way of Ohio. In the winter of 1858-59, he set up shop in a “fine stone building on the corner of Water Street and Washington Avenue.” In actuality it was a rough stone building by the side of the Big Sioux River near a small island called Phillips Island. In 1858 Dakota was really a no man’s land, a territory in name only, after Minnesota was admitted as a state to the Union. With the creation of the state of Minnesota, a huge chunk of land to the west was left unorganized and ungoverned; it would eventually make up the eastern portions of North and South Dakota.
The great “Minnesota Outback” must have seemed like a golden gift to the hand full of speculators, and their newspaper was just the thing needed to promote their grandiose ideas
of political and economic conquest. It was a tall order for Albright and his staff of one but he went to work with a fierce determination. He was a veteran of the Mexican war, and had newspaper experience in New Orleans and New York before coming to St. Paul. It was, however, in Sioux Falls City that Albright’s editorial talent came to fruition.
The printing apparatus of the Democrat had a history that was as interesting as Albright, for although the masthead was new, the press equipment had a storied past that began in 1836, when it was used to print the Dubuque Visitor, the first newspaper in that eastern Iowa city. Next, it went to Lancaster, Wisconsin, where in March of 1843, it published the Grant County Herald, the first newspaper in western Wisconsin. Moving further west, the press turned up in St. Paul in 1849, where J. M. Goodhue published
the Pioneer Press, the first newspaper in Minnesota. After getting the Pioneer Press going, the equipment that laid claim to many frontier firsts, was loaded into a wagon and pulled by oxen to its new home in Sioux Falls City beside the Big Sioux River where for a short time, it made more history.
Assisted by printer I. W. Stuart, Albright published his first edition of the Dakota Democrat on July 2, 1859. As one might assume, the newspaper was Democratic in politics. As time was ticking off toward the beginning of the American Civil War, the ante-bellum Democratic Party was on the defensive in many parts of the country. Albright, however, unfurled his journalistic offering from a small spec of a town in the remote part of the frontier where he was safe criticize the Union or President Abraham Lincoln and his new Republican Party.
At any rate, the first edition of the Democrat was anything but political in nature. Albright made it clear that his paper was devoted to the organization of Dakota Territory and to the land speculation of his colleagues in the Dakota Land Company. It contained a smattering of national news, some fiction along with items of local importance, including classifieds placed by Sioux Falls City businesses. For example, Albright and his business party James M. Allen advertised their real estate business, promising to “attend to all business appertaining to a general land agency.”
Dr. J. L. Phillips, “physician and surgeon,” promised to “make professional visits” in the “town or country.” Albert Kilgore was looking for blacksmith work at his shop on Hill Street, and John Rouse held himself out as a boot maker, “at prices that were in accord with any other boot maker in the East or West.” It all
seemed so matter of fact. Anyone reading the Dakota Democrat would never suspect that it was issued from a crude and isolated outpost in the Northwest, where merchants spent most of their time wishing for customers while longing for a future that equaled or exceeded the letter and spirit of their advertisements.
Oddly enough, the most dramatic aspect of the short history of Samuel J. Albright’s journalistic experiment was a nasty feud and fight with a Sioux City editor, F. M. Ziebach, a man with an appetite for journalistic punches that was equal to that of his opponent. Frontier presses were financially supported by advertisers, subscribers and by those who benefited from the success of the newspaper. Many frontier papers were formed to promote a political or business faction, and as such, were biased in the extreme with pretense toward being objective. That said, clashes were inevitable and when rival editors locked horns it was advisable to leave them to their combat, and sit back and watch the spectacle.
The struggle started innocently enough when the Register reported the death of Henry Masters, a poet and politician, and the first settler to die in Sioux Falls. It was reported that he “was seized with a chill” and died suddenly. If Ziebach would have simply moved on to other news, the matter might have ended, but he went on to write that “considerable sickness prevails at the Falls” and “people are discouraged and dissatisfied” with the small settlement.
Albright saw the danger in the Register article and fired back. In a time when people believed that climate caused disease, he proclaimed: “the high elevation, the short duration of the extreme heat of summer, the pure, dry atmosphere of winter, renders Dakota one of the healthiest of climates….” But he found this explanation was insufficient and went on state that “almost every other house [in Sioux City] is said to be tenantless,” and that all three hotels were without guests.
The heated exchange continued until
Ziebach had had enough of the verbal fisticuffs and declared that “we have now done with the goggled dandy and defamer of Sioux City, and shall make no further mention of him in our columns.” Not long after the feud ended, Ziebach left Sioux City for Yankton and started the first newspaper in that town.
Albright shut down the presses after only a few issues of the Dakota Democrat. He left Sioux Falls for St. Louis to find another newspaper job, but didn’t take the much traveled press with him. In 1862, during the fighting between Indians and white Minnesotans, Sioux Falls was vacated and raided. Everything that could burn was set on fire; the stone building that housed the press was attacked and ransacked. As years passed, parts of the printing equipment were discovered by settlers and kept as souvenirs and pieces of the type turned up in Indian pipes. It seems that the early day newspaper venture yielded some fascinating and entertaining history of lasting value.
Dermaplaning is a minimally invasive procedure that exfoliates your skin removing unwanted vellus hair from the face while resurfacing the skin.
It can help reduce the appearance of minor skin imperfections and acne scars, as well as addressing concerns such as fine lines and dull and dry skin, leaving the skin refreshed and smooth.
Dermaplaning can be added on to any of your favorite Radiance Facials including Hydrafacials and our signature Pure Radiance Facial.
Here’s a twist. I know that this is etc. for her magazine, but this is what I’d like you to do: after you read this article, leave the magazine open to this page, put it someplace inconspicuous so that your significant other stumbles upon it, and then sit back and enjoy your special Valentine’s Day. Here is my Top Ten List of wine-related things your man can get you this Valentine’s Day. But first, one of my favorite quotes:
“Men are like fine wine. They start off like grapes, and it’s a woman’s job to stomp on them and keep them in the dark until they mature into something you’d want to have dinner with.”
Men, play close attention… and good luck!
These little decorative items are a hit with women who like to throw dinner parties. Wine charms are little ornaments that attach to the stem of the glass as an identifier. That way, after all the women go to the bathroom together and come back to a table full of glasses, they know whose is whose.
9.
Here’s a good one if you know your significant other is a writer or wants to learn more about wine tasting. This diary allows her to take notes on all of the different wines she samples. By taking detailed notes, you can learn how to hone your palate and become more fluent when describing wine.
8.
Pick one that focuses on a certain type of cuisine or regional cooking, for example Tuscany or Napa Valley. Make sure that the book includes lots of recipes that offer the option of cooking with wine. That way you can offer her the option of the two of you cooking together and drinking the leftover wine. I cook with wine, sometimes I even add it to the food…
I love wine dinners. Wine dinners are the best way to access a wide variety of wines at a good price that includes food and service too. You usually get to sample at least four different wines and a variety of food. Take her out to a wine dinner, instead of just dinner, and show her you care.
6.
A must for any wine drinker, regardless of expertise. Buy her a pair of Riedel wine glasses so that every time you drink wine with her, you both are getting the most out of your experience. Riedel is a company that designs and hand-makes crystal glassware meant for specific types of wine. Visit your nearest wine store or visit www.riedel.com.
That’s right, fellas. It’s time to roll up your sleeves, do some research, and prepare a meal. No experience, no problem. You don’t have to be a professional to know how to boil water, drop some pasta, and make your own tomato sauce (or you can consult with Jim Mathis’ food article in this magazine.) She’ll melt when she sees you in an apron, and she will be really impressed when you pour the appropriate wine with your homemade meal. For ideas and help with your meal, talk to a chef. There are lots of great chefs in Sioux Falls, and they are always willing to help a guy in need.
4. Room Makeover
Room-what?! You heard me. Women love makeovers, especially if it’s one that will enhance the aesthetics of a room in the house. Offer to do a Wine Theme room for her. Convert a guest room, den, four-seasons room, or even a small part of a living room into a room full of wine paintings or prints, wine themed wallpaper or trim, a wine lamp, anything made out of corks (wreaths, coasters, etc.,) burgundy-colored candles, and if you’re going all-out, they even make chairs that are upholstered with fabric that has wine bottles and labels on it. Men like wine cellars, women like wine rooms. There’s a reason why she watches HGTV while you’re watching ESPN. I’m sure you can think of another four letters to insert here, but it’s Valentine’s — explore your feminine side.
I recommend visiting Napa Valley and experiencing the awesome tasting rooms that are at your disposal, not to mention my personal favorite (and South Dakotaowned) Jessup Cellars. If you’re cutting back on expenses this year (did you resolve to listen to Dave Ramsey?) then you can always rent the movie Sideways and take a trip to a local South Dakota winery. There are more around here than you might think.
There is nothing more impressive to your loved one than knowing what she likes. You not only know what brand of jeans she likes, but you also know the cut, style, and fit. You not only know what flavor of ice cream she likes, but you also know what toppings she likes and what kind of cone to get. You not only know what genre of music she likes, but you also know her favorite bands. This one is about knowing what she likes and going above and beyond just buying her a bottle of Riesling. Find out her favorite winemaker, winery, label, or whatever her most favorite is, and then buy her a case of it. It’s that simple. Impress her by knowing her.
When all else fails, when you can’t think of something romantic, or you don’t know exactly what she likes, go with a Moscato d’Asti. There are too many different names of producers of Moscato to list them all, but if you go to your preferred wine store, they will be more than happy to help you out. Then you take that bottle to the one you want to be with, and you uncork for her. And as you are pouring this sweet, sparkling Italian wine, you say, “I love you, let me count the ways…”
Riccardo will be counting the ways with his wife, Marybeth, while they count their blessings with their three sons, Dante, Berent (fiancée Molli,) and Jaxon. Riccardo and Marybeth own R Wine Bar & Kitchen, Brix Wine Bar, Maribella Ristorante, and Vespa Catering. Contact Riccardo at riccardo@rwinebar.com.
Rememberwhen snow days were the best days? They were days of no school, sledding, hot chocolate — as a kid, snow days were something to hope for. As a grown up, snow days are a bit different –and difficult. In our household, because my husband, Shon, and I both work from home, snow days mean juggling work deadlines and sidewalk shoveling around spending time with our daughter, Parker.
The early January snow days that extended Parker’s school break by a few days were extra challenging for me. I had taken time off over the holidays to host family and I was eager to get back to the work and
routine I love. My attitude was a stark contrast from Parker’s!
And then our neighbor, Greg, cleared our sidewalk with his snowblower. And the next day, our neighbor, Adam, did the same thing. It is nearly impossible to have a bad attitude when others take their time and energy and pour it into an act of kindness. Turns out our neighbor, Adam, didn’t just help us out. His wife Amy texted me the name of a neighbor neither of us had met before, mentioning she may enjoy our monthly neighborhood get-together we fondly call “book club.”
When I reached out to invite her, she shared that Adam and about
eight other neighbors came to her rescue when her car kept getting stuck as she was trying to drive to work. I love our neighborhood for many reasons, and my neighbors top the list! They truly are some of the most helpful people I know. And boy did we all need some help during this particular storm – it was a doozy.
Aside from shoveling our walk and a path in the backyard so our dog Tulip could comfortably potty, driving from point A to point B seemed to be the greatest challenge. Even though major streets were cleared, getting to them without four-wheel drive was a white-knuckle experience. There is a silver lining to slippery, snow-packed streets, as for once, it felt like Sioux Falls’ drivers were courteous. There were several instances when I was driving on side streets, and because of piled snow and parked cars, there simply was not enough room for two cars to safely pass each other. So, one of us would have to stop and let the other car go by. During a trip home from the grocery store, I ended up making the mistake of getting stuck at a stoplight on a hill...everyone knows when the roads are slippery, if the light is yellow, stay at the bottom of
the hill so this doesn’t happen. Well, I forgot. When the light turned green, my tires spun and my car would not budge. I also could not back down the hill because there were cars behind me. By the time the light turned yellow again, all the cars behind me had gone around me. But before I could back down the hill, more cars lined up behind me. As the traffic light went through its cycle for a second time, I began to sweat. And then the most amazing thing happened. The cars behind me backed down the hill and turned up a side street so that I could do the same. I took a different route home.
Piles of snow also limit parking spaces. The night before school reopened, Shon took Parker and her neighbor friend, Ophelia, sledding. Turns out several of her school friends and their dads had the same idea. When the girls were ready to end their sledding adventures, everyone decided to go out for pizza. Shon and Parker came home to pick me up and our friend Joedy called from the pizza place. He was on his way to pick us up because there was limited parking. Talk about a kind friend! And a perfect ending to a snow day.
Winters out here on the prairie will grab you by the frozen nose hairs and make you want to hide away inside. We steel ourselves from the harsh, cold winter, searching for any kind of comfort. Days like these were not made for delicate salads and lightly-steamed vegetables. No, far from that. The lower temps and inconceivable wind chills call for hearty, stick-to-your-ribs kind of foods. Comfort food.
As I sit in front of the window looking out on a frosty, single-digit day, I’m thinking about that kind of meal. For me comfort foods do more than fill you up, they warm your soul. A steaming bowl of chili on a frozen day can make you realize that it will get warm again. A pot roast simmering all day will fill your home with warm thoughts, even if Jack Frost is camped on the doorstep.
When I think of comfort food, I think of things like soups with grilled cheese sandwiches, bubbly bowls of macaroni and cheese, and pots of roast beef, carrots, and potatoes. But what is comfort food to you? Your mom’s casserole topped with crispy tater-tots? Your grandma’s chicken pot pie or meatloaf? The thing about comfort foods is they do more than fill you up. They feel like a hug from your mom or grandmother. It’s often not just homemade chicken soup that people crave, but mom’s or grandma’s soup. The connection goes beyond food; it’s the memories the meals bring back to life.
This weekend I’ll be making a big pot of chili and some cornbread muffins. The chili will be enough to feed my beloved and I for at least three nights. It reminds me of what my mom made when I was a kid. Nothing fancy, just the kind of food that she could afford to put out for three growing kids. The smell of that pot cooking filled the house with warmth. Satisfying, mildly spicy and the caramelized crusts on the edges of the cornbread made it even better. A humble, but extremely satisfying dish.
For many years before my dad passed away, he would ask for a bowl of chicken noodle soup and a grilled cheese sandwich for lunch. Year ‘round, grilled cheese and soup was his go-to midday meal. And for me, a bowl of soup and grilled cheese is a favorite dish, too. But where he
wanted Velveeta on white bread and Campbell’s Chicken Noodle from the can, I’m a bit more of a snob than he ever was. I like heartier bread with a combination of cheddar and Havarti, and I’ll pass on the soup with the red and white label. Give me a homemade chicken noodle, chicken corn chowder or good tomato soup with that sandwich and I’m a happy man. It’s hard to beat a hot bowl of soup and a stack of grilled cheese on a cold winter night.
When my beloved was recovering from surgery a few years ago, I asked what I could make for her; the sky’s the limit, anything she wanted, I would make. Her request? The lobster bisque from Costco and a grilled cheese sandwich with the crusts cut off. Just a fancy twist on a comfort food classic, it’s a meal we now make a couple times each winter.
Speaking of taking an upscale twist on classics, several years ago we decided to do a little potluck Christmas lunch at the office, and I asked what everyone wanted me to make. After some deliberation and quiet whispers from the back corner of the studio, the response was lobster mac and cheese. No problem. I was happy to oblige.
When we were out for dinner recently, we ran into some old friends. As the conversation turned to food, one said what she thought Sioux Falls needs is a Jewish-style deli; sandwiches with pastrami and corned beef piled high and steaming bowls of matzo ball soup. That was the comfort food she longed for.
What is that one thing that can make a cold night seem a little warmer, the dish that takes you back in time? Is it time to dig out grandma’s cookbook and make her 7-bone pot roast? Or call your mom and invite yourself over for a slab of her meatloaf? Whatever warms your soul this February, find a dish where you can take comfort, and find a little shelter from the storm.
Do yourself a favor, eat something good today.
When he’s not in the kitchen Jim runs ADwërks, a little advertising agency out here on the frozen prairie.
“In a world of steel-eyed death and men who are fighting to be warm “Come in,” she said, ‘I’ll give ya shelter from the storm’”
— Bob Dylan; Shelter from the Storm
1. You Are Already Thinking About Finding a New Job
Everyone has the occasional bad day at work. But if you find yourself daydreaming about quitting on a regular basis, there’s probably a good reason for it. Take that as a sign that it’s time to start job searching.
2. Your Conversation Is Dominated by Complaints About Work
If every dinner conversation starts and ends with negative commentary about your day at work, it might be time to find a job. While it’s normal to think about your job after hours, ideally some of that time should be spent pondering the day’s highlights and opportunities for growth.
3. You Dream of Retirement—Even if You’re Young
Do you spend all day fantasizing about retirement, calculating the years, months, and days until the time comes?
Don’t spend your professional life in countdown mode. Instead, take that feeling and use it as motivation to find a position that is satisfying and emotionally fulfilling.
You have difficulty getting to sleep, or you wake up during the night with worries about your job. Sleep is essential to your health, and job-induced stress can be a cause of poor sleep. Unfortunately, this can exacerbate a difficult situation, making a bad job seem even worse. Being tired all the time can make everything seem like a challenge.
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Your physical health can be an indicator of your mental health, and if you’re getting sick more often, your job might be to blame. If your job is literally making you ill, that’s a good indicator that it’s time to look for a new position.
While it’s OK to relax with a glass of wine after work, your day shouldn’t be driving you to down a bottle. If you find that your work is causing your copious consumption of alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes, you should take some time to reflect on your professional situation.
Some people turn to food in the same way they do to drugs and alcohol, but stress can also cause you to lose your appetite. If you’re eating or drinking too much because of stress at work, it’s a sign that this may not be the job for you.
It’s normal to be tired in the morning, but you shouldn’t feel a dread each time the alarm goes off. If anxiety is consuming your thoughts and sapping your energy, consider moving on.
How much time do you spend on social media during a typical workday? If that question makes you cringe, consider whether you’re bored at work. It might be time to look for a more mentally stimulating job.
If your dissatisfaction with your job is causing tension in the office or if you have received warnings about your performance or behavior, it’s definitely time to start looking for a new position. However, it’s better to leave a job on good terms so you can keep your past employer as a source for recommendations and as a networking connection. It’s best to avoid being fired if you can help it.
Of course, many of these signs can be indicators of other personal, emotional, or physical problems, but if you are stressed about work and experiencing some of these symptoms, then you certainly need to reevaluate your employment situation.
If you’ve made the decision to move on, don’t just quit your job. In most cases, you can carefully and strategically start looking for a new position before you turn in your resignation. It’s easier to get hired when you’re working, and you don’t know how long it might take you to find a new job. Plus, you may not be able to collect unemployment benefits if you quit.
Take the time to plan your job search. In addition to getting you out of a bad situation, it will give you something else to focus on instead of the job you’d like to quit.
DEAR EVAN HANSEN is the deeply personal musical about life and the way we live it. The Washington Post calls DEAR EVAN HANSEN “one of the most remarkable shows in musical theater history.”
doesn’t love a good pun? Research shows that coming up with and interpreting witty wordplay is a sign of intelligence and makes a person use both sides of their brain. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, a pun is an amusing use of a word or phrase that has several meanings or that sounds like another word. Go ahead and explain what a pun is to your kids and see if they can come up with some good ideas on their own with various items!
The examples below require cardstock paper, scissors, a ruler or straight edge, washi tape, and a black marker. Depending on the size of your cardstock paper, use some scissors and a ruler or straight edge to cut it down to the size you want your cards to be. Once you have the right number of blank cards, you are ready to begin making some pun-derfully adorable valentines!
Balloon Valentines
Materials: deflated balloons, washi tape, cardstock paper, scissors, a ruler or straight edge, and a black marker.
Draw a big cloud on each piece of cardstock with a black marker. Use washi tape to attach a deflated balloon to the card, leaving room for your message on one side. Next to the balloon, write down a clever pun related to balloons, flying, the sky, etc. Don’t hesitate to brainstorm and get creative with it! Lastly, use a ruler or a straight edge to draw a signature line for your child’s name. They will be sure to make someone in their classroom smile during the Valentine’s Day party!
Materials: mini candy canes, washi tape, stapler, cardstock paper, a ruler or straight edge, and a black marker. There are several creative ways you can attach a mini candy cane to some cardstock paper! Think of some puns that relate to candy canes, canes, hooks, etc., and attach your candy cane in a way that will make sense with whatever words you plan on writing. Use washi tape and staples to secure your candy cane in place, but be careful to not crush the candy with your stapler while pressing it down. Some other options to try include using two candy canes to create a heart shape or replacing a letter in a word with a candy cane. Don’t forget to add a signature line and include your child’s name. You cane do it!
Each month we will choose and feature cute pets. Your pet could be next, so send in a picture today.
Email your photo – just one per pet – to etc.mag@sio.midco.net. Please make sure they are high-resolution photos (the highest setting on your camera). Include in email: pet’s name and owner’s name. Pet owners must own the rights to all submitted photos.
Anna :: 2 YEARS
Elliot :: 4 YEARS
Emma :: 5 YEARS
Everlee :: 19 MONTHS
These are just some of the wonderful books for children we have come across this month. We hope to share with you some you have not seen before and also introduce others being released in the near future. Enjoy.
Jane Ormes
Find out the different names for mother and father animals that live in snowy climates— then lift the flap to find the babies and learn what they are called. This striking, satisfying introduction to animal families features screenprinted artwork and bold neon ink to capture the attention and imagination of babies and toddlers.
Ages 2 yrs - 5 yrs
Candlewickpress.com
Stretchy leggings on? Ballet shoes in the bag? Let’s go! Join Thomas and his fellow dancers as they’re welcomed into the studio for their Saturday ballet class. There are feet positions to perfect and steps to learn—first position, plie, up on your toes, relevé—and turns and jumps, too. Everyone is getting ready for their first performance, The Nutcracker—and now it’s time to pick out costumes! This warm celebration of dancing, a companion to Holly Sterling’s Karate Kids, is inspired by the author’s time learning ballet as a young child. It’s sure to be a hit with little ones taking a class, free-form dancers at home, and those who are hoping to be a ballet kid one day, too.
Ages 3 yrs - 7 yrs
Candlewickpress.com
The sky is getting dark. In the city, a little girl is eating her dinner, brushing her teeth, and getting ready for bed. Meanwhile, her mother is putting on her coat and getting ready to go to work. Where is she going and who will she see along the way? As the night goes on, readers will see nurses, cleaners, delivery workers, doctors, police officers, journalists, and many other workers who help keep the city running all through the night.
Ages 2 yrs - 5 yrs
Candlewickpress.com
Conservation biologist Martin Jenkins and acclaimed fine artist Vicky White expertly guide readers into the complex ecosystem of Malaysia’s Taman Negara. Conversational prose and photorealistic blackand-white artwork—punctuated by four jaw-dropping full-color spreads—evoke the whir of cicadas and the low call of a pheasant. Pages fill with ants and elephants, leopards and hornbills, gibbons and bats, as animals spread and fertilize seeds to help maintain a magnificent old-growth forest. Every living thing in the rain forest is interconnected, and a dazzling full-color index guide at the end of the book challenges readers to circle back and marvel at animals they may have missed in the dense foliage. Meticulously researched and visually arresting, this creative tour de force is a young conservationist’s dream: the ecotour of a lifetime.
Ages 6 yrs - 9 yrs
Candlewickpress.com
One and Everything
by Sam WinstonOnce there were many stories in the world. There were stories with sunsets and wonderful tales filled with fairies and dinosaurs. But one day, a story decided that it was the best, the most important story ever. It called itself the One and started to consume every other story it came across. The One ate stories made of seas and others full of dogs. Soon it seemed that the One was all there was . . . or was it? Inspired by the Endangered Alphabets project, aimed at preserving cultures by sharing their unique scripts, author-illustrator Sam Winston uses writing systems such as cuneiform and Tibetan, Egyptian hieroglyphs and ogham to illustrate this book in his signature typography-based style, using symbols and letters that have relayed the world’s stories over the centuries.
Ages 7 yrs - 10 yrs
Candlewickpress.com
LOCAL AUTHOR!
Raising Little Stripe by Joyce
Hoberg KaatzHas a butterfly ever caught your eye and made you wonder: Where did that graceful creature come from? What does it do all day? Where does it go in the winter? Raising Little Stripe was created to entertain, delight, and educate both children and adults about the mysterious life of a monarch butterfly. It blends an enchanting story of a caterpillar named Little Stripe that grows into a butterfly with easy step-by-step directions on how to identify, nurture, and raise a monarch. Join Little Stripe and friends in this magical story based on true miracles found in nature. Your reward will be learning how to care for the amazing monarch butterfly - starting in your own backyard!
https://www.austinmacauley.com/us
Frindleswylde
by Lauren O’Hara; Natalia O’HaraWhen Frindleswylde is near, the wind trembles, the sun pales, and the wild things hide. When he enters Cora and Granny’s house in the woods, Frindleswylde steals the light from their lantern, so Granny can’t find her way home after work in the dark. And when a determined Cora chases the mysterious boy down a hole in the fishpond to his frozen kingdom, he sets her three Impossible Tasks. If she completes them, she can take her light and go, or so he says. But can Cora resist the urge to forget? As fresh and sparkling as sunlight on ice, this beautifully illustrated tale of enchantment— reminiscent of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Snow Queen”—celebrates the transformative power of love in the darkest of times, the unbreakable bond between grandparent and child, and the bright promise of springtime.
Ages 5yrs - 9yrs
Candlewickpress.com
Paradise Sands
A Story of Enchantment by
Levi PinfoldWhen a young girl and her older brothers step into the ghostly Paradise Sands hotel, they fall under the rule of the mysterious Teller. The girl makes a deal with the commanding creature to free them all from his haunting paradise—and let them return to their mother, white roses in hand. But can the girl, determined as she is, hold up her side of the bargain? A contemporary story with the feel of a classic fairy tale, Levi Pinfold’s Paradise Sands is lush with enchanting illustrations, rendered in a muted palette with the artist’s distinctive stylistic realism.
Ages 5 yrs - 9 yrs
Candlewickpress.com
Just because you may have a strong genetic risk for heart disease, there’s no reason to admit defeat.
A recent American Heart Association Journal study on circulation suggests that following seven healthy lifestyle habits can add as many as 20 years of life – two whole decades – free from heart disease. The habits are called “Life’s Simple 7.”
They’re not all simple but working toward them is well worth it! Let’s take a look at the ideas.
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Blood pressure is read as systolic blood pressure over diastolic blood pressure. Normal is considered 120 over 80. Systolic blood pressure is the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats. Diastolic pressure is the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats. Managing blood pressure may require medication; implementing many of the simple seven habits can improve it.
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that our bodies produce. It’s also found in many animal products we eat. Different types of cholesterol have different jobs in the body; some are more harmful (LDL) while others are more helpful (HDL). Managing cholesterol may require medication but can also be improved by implementing these habits.
Carbohydrates in the foods we eat turn into glucose in the stomach, enter our bloodstream and fuel our body. However, when there’s too much glucose or not enough insulin, our blood sugar spends too much time outside the “normal” range. Consistently high blood sugar can damage the heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves. Like cholesterol, you may need some medication to address blood sugar levels. You can also improve it with lifestyle-changing habits.
A great place to start is simply moving more. A five-minute walk around the block at lunch. A five to 10-minute tai chi video in the morning or before bed. The long-term goal would be 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity every week. But remember to just get moving, since every small step helps.
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Healthy eating can look many different ways. Try making small swaps within each food group to improve overall quality. The more natural, less processed, the better. Instead of pre-fried frozen chicken strips, you can try adding your own breadcrumbs to a chicken breast and baking it. If you usually sip on juice at breakfast, why not try munching on fresh or freeze-dried fruit instead. Only like your vegetables in cheese sauce? Try marinating and roasting them to get flavor –and nutrition.
If you are eating better and getting more active, weight loss will be a likely side effect. Avera Heart Hospital can help, and you sign up for our Healthy Weight email series at Avera.org/weightjourney.
This is no simple task, but people who quit see their risk of heart disease goes down by half in just a year.
It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Scientific studies show that on average individuals with a high genetic risk who maintained poor lifestyles will experience a coronary heart disease events 20 years earlier than those with the same genetic risk but an ideal lifestyle.
Addressing even one or two of these habits can help you steer clear of the hospital for a few extra years.
You can learn more about nutrition and health at Avera.org/service/nutrition.
Lauren Cornay, RD, LN, is a registered dietitian with Avera Heart Hospital.
Scientific studies show that on average individuals with a high genetic risk who maintained poor lifestyles will experience a coronary heart disease events 20 years earlier than those with the same genetic risk but an ideal lifestyle.
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MY FAIR LADY tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a young Cockney flower seller, and Henry Higgins, a linguistics professor who is determined to transform her into his idea of a “proper lady.” But who is really being transformed?