2023_08_EtcMagazine_Volume22_Issue8

August

New Column: Thrifting Home!

We are from SD and would love to share our favorite recommendations and travel experiences with you!

Why Women Across America Choose

Are you ready to dive into a world of indulgence, pampering, and style? Your bathroom should be a place where you can escape the daily grind and find solace, relaxation, and rejuvenation. ReBath, the nation’s #1 custom bathroom remodeler, is here to help you craft the

luxurious oasis you’ve always dreamed of. At Re-Bath, we understand that a bathroom should be more than just a functional space. It should be a sanctuary where you can express your personal style and enjoy the latest innovations in comfort and convenience.

605-250-7443 | rebath.com

Re-Bath was great to work with. Mike and Jake were especially good on our project. They did an outstanding job; high quality, great communication, offering suggestions, accommodating our requests, timeliness, and respect for our home. We couldn’t be more pleased with Mike and Jake and the whole Re-Bath team!

and William H. - Re-Bath Customers

out & about

concierge 12

A Unique Shopping

Experience at Mulberry Market

calendar 14

August 2023

history 22

Rowena: The Ivanhoe of Dakota

baking school cool

From summer vacations to back-to-school preparations, we bake scrumptious cookies that are sure to make every summer day sweeter!

With over 20 flavors of cookies baked fresh every day, we can satisfy your sweet tooth and celebration needs! We also serve gluten-free cookies, brownies, ice cream, ice cream treats, and can cater any size celebration! Call 605-275-0060 or Order Online!

Friday, October 20th 12pm–8pm

Saturday, October 21st 9am–3pm

Sioux Falls Convention Center

The seventeenth annual expo for her is two days of shopping, entertainment, pampering and fun — designed especially for women. Sample foods & drinks, participate in FREE fabulous seminars, and SHOP! Treat yourself or start your holiday shopping — or both.

Reserve Your Booth Space Now

email Angela at etc.mag@sio.midco.net

Why Be a Vendor at the expo for her?

• 6,000+ women out for two days of fun — and to shop! Show off your products and services to a very captive audience. An audience that brings their friends and makes a weekend of it!

• Attendees are shopping for Christmas Gifts at the show!

• 16 (and counting) years of success!

• Interactive and fun seminars throughout the day.

• Upbeat atmosphere in a fully carpeted show floor — with full bar. www.etcsiouxfalls.com

A Unique Shopping Experience at Mulberry Market

BY MARY MICHAELS | PHOTOS BY JULIE PRAIRIE PHOTOGRAPHY

Hours: Monday – Closed

Whenyou’re looking for some new home decor, or perhaps a gift for a special occasion, it’s not unusual to make several stops while you’re out shopping for just the right thing.

Two local business owners set out to make that task easier - and more fun - by opening Mulberry Market.

Meghan Andersen and Jaime Meyer came up with this concept together and now provide a home to more than 30 small businesses all under one roof. Each had her own business

prior to opening Mulberry Market. Andersen created Tiny Sparrow Designs, a custom apparel and home décor business, and Meyer founded Mimi’s Boutique, which features children’s clothing and accessories.

“We recognized that there were many small, local businesses like ours that offered unique products,” Andersen says. “It’s not easy to go out on your own and find a space, pay rent and so forth. So, we wanted to bring small businesses together to support each other as a community.”

Meyer agrees that the community feeling

at Mulberry Market is one of the biggest rewards they have experienced since opening in November 2022.

“By coming together, we can support each other and share ideas,” Meyer explains. “All businesses have questions about what products they should sell or how they can communicate with customers. Here, we have the opportunity to brainstorm daily with each other to ensure that we’re meeting the needs of all the vendors plus our customers.”

The owners say they didn’t want just a

generic name for the space, but rather, they wanted something meaningful. Mulberry Market is inspired by the mulberry tree, which they say symbolizes many things that small businesses can relate to - patience, nurturing, growth and happiness.

The shopping experience is a sensory overload, but in the best possible way. You can find a wide array of hand-crafted and refinished furniture, hand made soaps and candles, doll clothes, items for your furry friends, handmade quilts and so much more.

And, to ensure you can keep your energy up while shopping, you can even treat yourself to cotton candy or other homemade treats.

It’s inspiring to see the creativity and the drive of the vendors, the owners say, because most of them started out the same way in their basements or garages. Many of the vendors have often traveled to area fairs and festivals to showcase their specialty creations. By having a steady home at Mulberry Market, though, it gives the businesses the peace of mind that they have a consistent presence while still being able to go

out to craft shows or other events if they wish.

The owners say the response from their initial opening last year has been tremendous, and they often have a waiting list of businesses that want to join the Mulberry Market community. They invite anyone interested in the space to reach out, though, because they do have space open up from time to time.

Be sure to follow Mulberry Marketing on social media for product and event updates. It’s not too early to start thinking about holiday shopping!

August 2023

St. Mark’s Pie and Ice Cream Social

Tuesday, August 1 (National Night Out) 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 2001 S. Elmwood

Pie, ice cream, coffee, lemonade, bouncy house, live music. 605-332-4092.

Starlab Inflatable Planetarium

Thursday, August 3

1:30 and 2:30 p.m. Old Courthouse Museum

200 West Sixth Street

Discover the night sky, explore the constellations! Starlab is a program for adults and children over the age of 5. Not recommended

for those not comfortable in the dark. Tickets only $2, program begins promptly on the hour with no late entry. Groups of 8 or more, please call ahead. INFO (605) 367-4210 or siouxlandmuseums.com.

Historic Walking Tour of South McKennan District

Siouxland Heritage Museums

Thursday, August 3 • 6:30 p.m. Enjoy beautiful summer weather while learning about Sioux Falls sites you pass by every day! $5 per person over 12 years old, call (605) 367-4210 to register. siouxlandmuseums.com

Sioux Empire Fair

August 4 - 12

W.H.Lyon Fairgrounds

The Sioux Empire Fair brings family fun each day and night for over a week. Enjoy the many different rides, your favorite fair foods, grandstand entertainment, and more.

Pleasure Horse at the Old Courthouse Museum

Summer Concert Series

Friday, August 4 • 12 - 1 p.m.

Old Courthouse Museum

200 West Sixth Street

Pleasure Horse will perform in the plaza behind the Old Courthouse Museum from noon to 1 p.m. Bring your lunch and enjoy the

show! Concert will be held inside in the case of bad weather. (605) 367-4210 or siouxlandmuseums.com

Fridays on the Plaza

Fridays through Sept. 1 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 325 S. 1st Ave.

Enjoy several food trucks and live music during Fridays on the Plaza every Friday this summer.

August Eastbank Block Party

Friday, August 4 5:30 - 11 p.m.

8th & RR Center

Enjoy live music on a warm summer night at the August

Eastbank Block Party. Catch up with friends over a cold drink, feast on great food truck fare, and entertain the kids with an array of yard games.

Falls Park Farmer’s Market

Every Saturday, May – October 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. • Falls Park Downtown Sioux Falls Falls Park Farmers Market is the place to get your weekly supply of fresh flowers, vegetables, meat, and baked goods. Sip a cup of coffee, enjoy a burger, share a pizza. Plant your garden with lovely geraniums and heirloom tomatoes. Delicious food, healthy plants, natural soaps, surrounded by beautiful scenery.

Movie Night at the Birdcage: Where the Wild Things Are

Saturday, August 5 • 7:30 p.m.

Sioux Falls Stadium

Enjoy a movie night at the Birdcage, home of the Sioux Falls Canaries! Gate opens at 7. Movies start at 7:30! Tickets are just 5 bucks per show, we’ll serve our delicious food and drink(s)!

Wilde Prairie Winery

Sundays in the Vineyard

August 6 • 2 - 5 p.m. Music by Geoff Gunderson

48052 259th St. Brandon, SD Join Wilde Prairie Winery on Sundays during the summer months for live music and wine. Bring your lounge chair, blanket and friends. We will serve wine, wine slushies, SD beer, and other drinks. Pets allowed on leashes. INFO (605) 582-6471.

Sioux Falls Canaries vs Kane County Cougars

August 8 • 6:35 p.m.

August 9 • 6:35 p.m.

August 10 • 12:05 p.m.

Sioux Falls Stadium

Play ball! Come out to the Birdcage to cheer on the Sioux Falls Canaries as they take on teams from around the country. The Canaries are a proud member of the American Association, an official partner league of Major League Baseball. (605) 336-6060.

Historic Walking Tour of Fort Dakota

Siouxland Heritage Museums

Thursday, August 10 • 6:30 p.m. Enjoy beautiful summer weather while learning about Sioux Falls sites you pass by every day! $5 per person over 12 years old, call (605) 367-4210 to register. siouxlandmuseums.com

Sioux Falls Canaries vs Milwaukee Milkmen

August 11 • 6:35 p.m.

August 12 • 5:35 p.m.

August 13 • 12:05 p.m.

Sioux Falls Stadium

Play ball! Come out to the Birdcage to cheer on the Sioux Falls Canaries as they take on teams from around the country. The Canaries are a proud member of the American Association, an official partner league of Major League Baseball. (605) 336-6060.

The Crabgrass Crew at the Old Courthouse Museum

Summer Concert Series

Friday, August 11 • 12 - 1 p.m. Old Courthouse Museum

200 West Sixth Street The Crabgrass Crew will perform in the plaza behind the Old Courthouse Museum from noon to 1 p.m. Bring your lunch and enjoy the show! Concert will be held inside in the case of bad weather. (605) 367-4210 or siouxlandmuseums.com

Fall Market

of Dr. Seuss. Jojo encounters join members from the projects, ask for suggestions, wine. Bring your lounge chair, serve wine, wine slushies, SD

Eileen Halverson will be demonstrating the Norwegian folk art of Rosemaling (decorative painting) in the secondfloor hallway of the Old Courthouse Museum from 1-4 p.m. Stop in any time for a demonstration or to ask questions! INFO (605) 367-4210 or siouxlandmuseums.com

Victorian Tea Party at the Pettigrew Home & Museum

Wednesday, August 16 • 2 p.m. Pettigrew Home & Museum 131 N. Duluth Ave. Enjoy summer in true Victorian fashion at the Pettigrew Home & Museum. Learn about the history of tea while enjoying a delicious tea blend. Space is limited for this adult program. Call (605) 367-7097 to register. Free Admission, donations are welcome. INFO siouxlandmuseums.com

Behind the Scenes Tour of the Irene Hall Museum Resource Center

Thursday, August 17 • 11 a.m. Irene Hall Museum Resource Center 4300 N. Westport Avenue Take a look behind the closed doors of the Irene Hall Museum Resource Center and see the artifact storage and work areas. Space is limited, call (605) 367-4210 to register, $5. siouxlandmuseums.com

Wilde Prairie Winery Brushstrokes on the Prairie

August 17 • 6 - 8 p.m. 48052 259th St. Brandon, SD

Rosemaling Demonstration

Tuesday, August 15 • 1 - 4 p.m.

Email: brushstrokesontheprairie@ gmail.com for more info or to sign

Kid’s Activity Day: Gone Fishin’!

Thursday, August 17 9 - 11 a.m. and 1 - 2:30 p.m.

Old Courthouse Museum

200 West Sixth Street

Learn about history and make your own crafts to take home. 15 minute sessions run throughout morning and afternoon times. Call to reserve times. Free admission. INFO (605) 367-4210 or siouxlandmuseums.com

Historic Walking Tour of Mount Pleasant Cemetery

Siouxland Heritage Museums

Thursday, August 17 • 6:30 p.m. Enjoy beautiful summer weather while learning about Sioux Falls sites you pass by every day! $5 per person over 12 years old, call (605) 367-4210 to register. siouxlandmuseums.com

The Gentleman’s Anti Temperance League at the Old Courthouse Museum Summer Concert Series

Friday, August 18 • 12 - 1 p.m.

Old Courthouse Museum

200 West Sixth Street

The Gentleman’s Anti Temperance League will perform in the plaza behind the Old Courthouse Museum from noon to 1 p.m. Bring your lunch and enjoy the show! Concert will be held inside in the case of bad weather. (605) 367-4210 or siouxlandmuseums.com

Sioux Falls Canaries vs Sioux City Explorers

August 18 • 6:35 p.m.

August 19 • 5:35 p.m.

August 20 • 12:05 p.m.

Sioux Falls Stadium

Play ball! Come out to the Birdcage to cheer on the Sioux Falls Canaries as they take on teams from around

the country. The Canaries are a proud member of the American Association, an official partner league of Major League Baseball. (605) 336-6060.

Silent Movie: Hot Water

August 20 • Palace Theatre, Luverne, MN

Turn back the clock and experience a Silent Movie at the Palace Theatre. Sit back. Relax. And enjoy live organ music by Leona Hoek. She will be accompanying the silent movie, Hot Water (1924). Synopsis: Newlyweds Hubby (Harold Lloyd) and Wifey (Jobyna Ralston) experience the joys and tribulations of married life in a series of madcap episodes. First, the quotidian routine of Hubby’s day is broken up by an adventure on a busy trolley involving a wild turkey. Later, Wifey’s gorgon-like mother (Josephine Crowell) and doltish brother (Charles Stevenson) arrive, causing more problems for poor Hubby when the entire family loads into his car for a notso-leisurely drive into town. (507) 283-4339.

Wilde Prairie Winery

Sundays in the Vineyard

August 20 • 2pm - 5pm

Music by Billy Lurken

48052 259th St. Brandon, SD

Join Wilde Prairie Winery on Sundays during the summer months for live music and wine. Bring your lounge chair, blanket and friends. We will serve wine, wine slushies, SD beer, and other drinks. Pets allowed on leashes. INFO (605) 582-6471.

Historic Walking Tour of Summit/Prairie Avenues

Siouxland Heritage Museums

Thursday, August 24

6:30 p.m.

Enjoy beautiful summer weather while learning about Sioux Falls sites you pass by every day! $5 per person over 12 years old, call (605) 367-4210 to register. siouxlandmuseums.com

Wilde Prairie Winery

Evening in the Vineyard

August 25

6 - 9 p.m.

48052 259th St., Brandon, SD

Bring your lounge chair, blanket and friends. We will serve wine, wine slushies, SD beer, and other drinks. Food trucks will also be present. Please have pets on leashes. (605) 582-6471.

Patchouli at the Old Courthouse Museum

Summer Concert Series

Friday, August 25 12 - 1 p.m.

Old Courthouse Museum

200 West Sixth Street

Patchouli will perform in the plaza behind the Old Courthouse Museum from noon to 1 p.m. Bring your lunch and a lawn chair and enjoy the show! Concert will be held inside in the case of bad weather. (605) 367-4210 or siouxlandmuseums.com.

Sioux Falls Canaries vs Lincoln Saltdogs

August 25 • 6:35 p.m.

August 26 • 5:35 p.m.

August 27 • 2:05 p.m.

Sioux Falls Stadium

Play ball! Come out to the Birdcage to cheer on the Sioux Falls Canaries as they take on teams from around the country. The Canaries are a proud member of the American Association, an official partner league of Major League Baseball. (605) 336-6060.

Luverne Fly In or Drive In August 26

7 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Quentin Aanenson Field

Pancake breakfast, air ambulance, aircraft on display, inflatables, skydive adventures, free young eagle airplane rides (ages 8-17) and so much more! (507) 283-4061.

605 Made Night Market

Saturday, August 26

3 – 9 p.m.

6th & Phillips Ave.

Shop, dine and be entertained under the stars at the popular annual 605 Made Night Market! This free event turns a parking lot into a pop-up market with street fair-style entertainment, food trucks and a one-of-a-kind shopping.

Wilde Prairie Winery

Sundays in the Vineyard

August 27

2 - 5 p.m.

Music by Landon Weis

48052 259th St. Brandon, SD Join Wilde Prairie Winery on Sundays during the summer months for live music and wine. Bring your lounge chair, blanket and friends. We will serve wine, wine slushies, SD beer, and other drinks. Pets allowed on leashes. INFO (605) 582-6471.

Sioux Falls Canaries vs Winnipeg Goldeyes

August 29 • 6:35 p.m.

August 30 • 5:35 p.m.

Sioux Falls Stadium

Play ball! Come out to the Birdcage to cheer on the Sioux Falls Canaries as they take on teams from around the country. The Canaries are a proud member of the American Association, an official partner league of Major League Baseball. (605) 336-6060.

Rowena: THE IVANHOE OF DAKOTA

BY WAYNE FANEBUST

Rowena, South Dakota, was another child of the quarry industry, a business that both intrigued and frustrated those of an entrepreneurial bent. No one was ever able to figure it out, although many tried their best. Successes were towering but temporary while failures were overpoweringly profound. Thomas J. Ryan from Dubuque, Iowa, was more than willing to try his luck in the fickle industry. The millionaire son of a renowned Dubuque Pork Packer came west to invest heavily in the quarry business, but first he created a town that he named Rowena, after a novel entitled Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott. The timing of all this was very interesting

because Congress was in the mood to divide Dakota Territory into two news states: North and South Dakota. Ryan was a single man and his political affiliation was not a matter of public record, but in all likelihood, he was a Republican, the party that had long dominated Dakota politics.

Ryan purchased several hundred acres of land in Split Rock Township about 11 miles east of Sioux Falls. In 1887, the Illinois Central Railroad was under construction from Cherokee, Iowa, to Sioux Falls. A man named George Nix, associated with that railroad, convinced Ryan to buy land near the railroad after seeing chunks of quartzite protruding

above the surface in a vast pasture. Ryan was impressed and after buying a quarter-section of land from Nelson A. Webster, he platted it into 43 city blocks, including a park that he named Garnet Park. On September 29, 1888, it was official: Rowena was real.

Among the structures built was the Nixon Hotel, a drug store, a bank building with a second story that was the site of the city hall and an office of Dr. Holtsclaw, the first and only doctor in Rowena. It is noteworthy that the wooden bank was replaced by one made of quartzite. It still stands like some immovable part of the past.

The flurry of activity caught the attention

of a Sioux Falls newspaperman, who after visiting the area, noted that Rowena had “20 elegant buildings…not cheap huts, but large, modern buildings.” Ryan was an ambitious man tempered by a touch of romanticism, and had up to this point, spent $50,000.00 on his new city in the making. This kind of money evidently impressed the reporter who slyly noted that Rowena was a “dark horse candidate” for the state capital.

The people who initially made up the population of Rowena were mainly from England and Wales, men who were skilled stone cutters. Scandinavians did most of the grunt work. It was noted that the mix included a few Italians whom the reporter derisively referred to as “dagos,” who were living in a “crazy looking shanty on the rocks,” while surviving on “Sioux Falls lager, cheap cigars and macaroni.” Other than that the reporter lamented the lack of women in the new community, and those who brightened up the streets of Rowena, were rather affected by “uppishness (sic) of demeanor….”

While the town was under construction, work on quarrying stone was commenced with great vigor. Ryan’s company, the Minnehaha Granite Company, had a large contingent of men at work leveraging out the quartzite that was cut into paving and building stone for shipment to cities all over the country. He built a stone crusher, the first of its kind in the area. His initial payroll was $10,000.00 per month. The skilled stone-cutters were usually paid by the piece, meaning they could earn up to $10.00 per day, an income that far surpassed the $1.25 per day paid to an ordinary laborer.

As it turned out, 1888 was a peak year for the quarry business, including the companies in Sioux Falls, East Sioux Falls, and Dell Rapids. The following year was also very successful, but by 1890, the stone industry faced a sharp down turn. In fact, the Sioux Falls Granite Company at East Sioux Falls was broke. This trend continued throughout the 1890s as demand for stone declined due to the national depression that followed the Panic of 1893. Through it all, the quarry

industry limped along as best as it could.

One might have expected that Ryan would build a fabulous mansion in Rowena, but that never happened. In fact at some point, he pulled up stakes and left the area rather quietly. After all, his grand scheme collapsed and business failures in those days were akin to personal failures. Rowena continued on without Ryan, as a hub for the agricultural business, one that seemed to survive in the worst of times.

Rowena did experience a bit of excitement of another sort during the dark days of the depression. On January 12, 1896, A. L. Shipley, the agent at the railroad depot

sounded the alarm after he claimed two armed men robbed the depot of $170.00 at gunpoint. Shipley summoned help and a posse was quickly formed, but came back empty handed. Shipley told the authorities that one man was tall and thin, unshaven and wearing a long overcoat and the other was short and heavy set, weighing about 165 pounds. That meant that the law officers and railroad officials were looking for two men: one tall and thin and the other short and fat.

No one matching Shipley’s description was ever found but attention soon turned toward the station agent. The officials suspected that Shipley was lying about the robbery and when he was taken to the sheriff’s office in Sioux Falls, he confessed that he made up the story. He admitted taking the cash because he had a drinking problem and furthermore, he owed a gambling debt of $700.00. He said that he spent the $170.00 on “riotous living.”

Shipley was charged with embezzlement on two counts, which to some may have seemed odd since he actually stole money.

In May of 1896, a downcast Shipley was tried in Sioux Falls before Judge Jones. He was represented by Joe Kirby, a high-powered defense attorney. Following a short trial that featured some name calling by jurors, Shipley was acquitted. It seems the presence of his wife and two children in the courtroom swayed the jury from finding him guilty even though the evidence, including his confession, pointed firmly toward guilt. Nevertheless, it was an appropriate finish for the minor episode known as “Robbery in Rowena.”

Thereafter, life in Rowena moved on at steady, peaceful pace. Over the years, changes were made in the town as the school closed and the Methodist Church did likewise. There is very little evidence left of the original town except a cluster of old homes surrounded by trees. Perhaps the strangest feature in Rowena is the presence of a quarry operation, one that produces crushed stone rather than building and paving blocks. It took a long time, but someone finally came up with another use for stone, so that the industry that some men once pursued with a passion, but to no avail, is making money at long last.

nest

at home 25

A Full House in Lennox recipes 31

After School

Brownie Treats

thrifting home 34

Designing a Beautiful, Sustainable Life man in the kitchen 36

Memories…

vino 38

5 Best (& Worst) Wine Pairings

a-list 40

knick knacks of life 43

What Do You Want to be When You Grow Up?

A Full House IN LENNOX

BY MARY MICHAELS | PHOTOS BY JULIE PRAIRIE PHOTOGRAPHY

WhenDanny and Kansas Fergen were first married, they both felt a strong calling to adopt a child — even before they knew if they would, or could, have biological children. After their first adoption came their first biological child. Kansas says they felt like God had a plan for their lives, so they just listened and followed.

Today, the Fergens have four adopted children and four biological children. The children range in age from three to 15. The

family decided to move from Sioux Falls to Lennox in 2021, because they wanted to raise their children in a smaller community. It’s a short commute for Danny, who works for Central Church in Sioux Falls, and Kansas says she is blessed to be able to be home with the children.

“We made the decision from the very beginning to home school,” she explains. “While Danny is busy at church on the weekends, he has time with us during the

week, so we have that opportunity to work together with the kids when it’s time for school, as well as just to spend time together.”

They had heard about a 100-year-old house for sale in Lennox and knew right away this was the right place for them. Kansas said they knew they would eventually have to make some updates to the house, such as finishing the basement and remodeling the main floor, so that it would work well for their big family. The plan accelerated a bit when Danny submitted

an application for the family’s home to Down Home Fab, an HGTV show featuring local residents Chelsea and Cole DeBoer.

So, the project began in the spring of 2022.

Kansas said she and Danny created a Pinterest board of colors and styles they liked, but the most important item on the list was preserving the character of the early 1920s Craftsman-style home, including its original hardwood floors and beautiful

oak woodwork. The couple also hoped the remodel would open up some of the living space on the main floor and brighten up the overall décor.

“Reveal day was exciting!” Kansas said.

“We were both a little speechless,” she recalls. “They did an amazing job preserving and enhancing the character we loved about the house while giving it such a bright look and more functional space.”

The living room had been divided into two spaces by columns, not original to the house. Those columns came out, along with built-in shelves that stood on either side of the front window. A small door previously opened to a small storage space underneath the staircase leading to the second floor. That door was removed and the space closed off to provide a long wall that could accommodate an oversized sectional for family seating.

The designers added open shelves and a window seat where the former built-ins framed the window.

“We were a little concerned about possibly losing the built-ins because with homeschooling, we have a lot of stuff,” Kansas says. “But the big drawers they added to the window seat are so great. We can put school supplies, toys, books and games in them, so the kids have easy access, but everything is still

tucked away.”

To provide even more storage in the room, the DeBoers enlisted friends who do custom woodworking to create an entertainment center that not only looks beautiful with its black finish and natural wood shelves, but also has ample places to hold additional games and school supplies. The front corner of the room was saved for the Fergen’s piano.

“Music is a huge part of our lives,” says

Kansas, “so saving this space for the piano was very important to us. And, by taking the columns out of the living room and opening up this space, there is finally room for the whole family to be in here together, whether it’s to play music or watch a movie.”

As a unique way to honor the home’s history, the designers saved the little door taken off the storage closet, finished it with a coat of white chalk paint, and mounted it to

the far wall of the living room as a flip-down desk for school work or crafting.

The project created a new entry to the kitchen from the living room, and the space that had been under-staircase storage was repurposed into a pantry, which was a pleasant surprise for Kansas.

The Fergen’s dream for the kitchen was something “lighter and brighter” to update it from the existing tan and brown color

scheme, as well as to open it up somehow if a wall could come out. There was only a small doorway from the kitchen to the dining room, so Kansas could never see the kids if she was in the kitchen and they were eating or doing school work.

When the construction crew got into the wall, they discovered — as is true in many older houses — that it did serve as a loadbearing wall and had electrical and ductwork

that couldn’t be moved. However, they came up with a creative solution by opening up what they could to create a pass-through window with a small overhang on the dining room side that is able to accommodate two stools.

While the original hardwood floors were preserved in the living room and dining room, they were in a little rougher shape in the kitchen. So, the designers opted for luxury vinyl tile that is waterproof, durable and

perfect for a big family.

The old cabinets came down, replaced with off-white, Shaker-style cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling to maximize storage space. The backsplash was created with light handmade clay tiles, which helps the dark leathered granite countertop stand out. New appliances and a large soapstone farmhouse sink completed the design.

“We all love to cook, and before, the kitchen was just a little tight for all of us,” Kansas says. “Now, we can cook together and, with the pass-through, I can be in here and still see my kids in the other room. I love it.”

The dining room is a perfect combination of old and new. The two columns with builtins are original in this room, and those were kept in place. The designers added lightcolored wainscoting on the lower half of the wall as a nod to the features typically seen in Craftsman-style homes. Star-patterned wallpaper was added to one feature wall as a focal point when you enter the room, and it complements the color of the woodwork and, while a new addition, looks like it could have been a wallpaper from the home’s early days.

To ensure the family had room for dinners and schoolwork, the designers again called on their woodworking friends to create a new dining room table with a long bench on one side and chairs that could go all the way around the rest of the table.

One interesting piece of history the Fergens had was a black-and-white photo of the original owners standing on the side of the house. The designers had the family assemble in the same spot for a photo, and then they

hung both the old and the new in the dining room in rustic wood frames.

Kansas says she and Danny couldn’t be happier with the result.

“Our desire from our very earliest days as a family has been to create a space that is comfortable and safe for our children and their friends. We have a corner lot, so there is great space out there to hang out. And now, we have more space inside. We want this to be a place where the kids can learn and play, have

friends over and just create memories.”

The remodel, Kansas says, is just one more step in the plan they feel God has brought to their lives. A well-timed step, it seems, as the Fergens are currently in the process of adopting another 15-year-old child, which will take them from a family of 10 to a family of 11.

The family is living the words of a wood sign in their living room that says, “When you have more than you need, build a bigger table not a higher fence.”

“When you have more than you need, build a bigger table not a higher fence.”

After School Brownie Treats

BY JO MCCLURE

1 cup plus 3 Tablespoons butter, cubed

3/4 cup cocoa

4 eggs

2 cups sugar

1 1/2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

Frosting:

6 Tablespoons butter, softened

2 2/3 cups powdered sugar

1/2 cup cocoa

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 cup, or more if needed, milk

Melt butter in a sauce pan and remove from heat. Stir in the cocoa and cool. Beat the eggs and sugar in a mixing bowl. Combine the dry ingredients and add to the egg mixture. Stir in the vanilla and the cooled cocoa/butter and mix well. Pour into a greased 9x13 inch pan and bake at 350˚ for 25-28 minutes or until it passes the toothpick test. Please do not overbake. Cool for 30 minutes.

Make the frosting by creaming the butter, powdered sugar, cocoa and vanilla. Stir in enough milk to allow for easy spreading over the brownies. Yields about 2 dozen bars.

69th Street & Western Avenue

Brittany Elizabeth Images

• Includes 20-50% off Select JIM SHORE figurines: Peanuts, Grinch, Halloween, and more

• 20-50% off Select Dept 56 buildings and accessories including: Mickey Mouse

• Tim Burtons Nightmare Before Christmas

• Halloween Day of the Dead

Designing a Beautiful, Sustainable Life

BY BOBBI LYNN GAUKEL

To Thrift: to shop for or buy used goods especially at a store that specializes in secondhand merchandise.

me to introduce myself: I’m a homeowner, graphic artist, and AVID second-hand treasure hunter. In this new column, I’ll be exploring some tactics I’ve developed for finding some of the coolest, most interesting items I own. As someone who’s been buying secondhand since the early 2000s, I’m glad to see that thrifting has finally come into vogue as a great way to save money, while also saving the ‘good stuff’ from the landfill. Here in the Midwest, there are an abundance of ways to incorporate thrifting into your life, so let’s start by digging in and discussing some thrifting basics.

Allow

Mixing in thrifted items with trends will most likely give you an eclectic style that’s all your own. And that’s a good thing.

Commit To a Bit of TLC

Thrift Like You Mean It

If you’re new to thrifting, the first thing you should do is your homework. Although much of what you’ll find when you start thrifting is up to timing and a bit of luck, it’s a good idea to make a list (or even a Pinterest board) before you head out. For instance, I’m always on the hunt for vintage ‘60s or ‘70s décor such as original art, studio pottery, brass and crazy graphic patterns and colors. It helps immensely to have a mental picture of the kinds of things that work together for your particular style. You should shop with an open mind and low expectations, if that makes sense. For me, a typical weekly ‘haul’ might look something like this:

One important thing to remember when thrifting is that not all second-hand items are the same as far as condition. Some things are new-with-tags, some are a little bit worn, and some are a LOT worn. Personally, I may choose items from any of those categories when I’m thrifting. I don’t want to buy clothing that needs a lot of repair work, but if a piece of furniture needs an overhaul, I sometimes like the challenge and effort that restoring an item takes. In any case, a worn condition on items is not always a deal breaker. Most thrift finds can (and should) be washed or cleaned in order to bring them back to their former glory.

Learn to Spot the Good Stuff

Are you into brand names for things like apparel or jewelry? You might be surprised at what you’ll find at your local thrift store. It’s probably not wise to spend money and time shopping for things that can be found at any discount store, but if you start checking labels and researching as you go, you’re going to get the most bang for your buck. Personally, I used to avoid buying second-hand footwear, until I realized that many donated shoes have rarely or never been worn by the previous owner. And every so often, I’ll find something that I would never justify the price for if I were buying new (well, HELLO, vintage Red Wing logger boots).

Stay on Trend, or Don’t

While you might be used to shopping at national chain stores for trendy things, realize that trends usually repeat with time. Some of the things you find today in stores might very well also be living at thrift shops or garage sales, because they were popular in another era. And while keeping your style modern and trending is good, sometimes you need to go with your gut when deciding what you really, REALLY like.

Make Thrifting a Destination Sport

Another thing I’ve learned is that thrifting buddies and road trips go together naturally. The truth is you can get tired of shopping the same stores over and over. Part of the joy of thrifting is the happy discovery of treasures you don’t see every day. A perfect Saturday in my world

is grabbing a friend, a coffee and some cash and hitting the road for a little thrifting adventure. Don’t be surprised if you spur each other on to buy something you normally might not … and be sure to save room in the car for All. The. Things.

Plan For the End Game

Finally, and probably my best tip about thrifting is to try and think ahead about how you’ll style your thrifty finds. Like many impulse purchases, the ‘very neat thing’ you see might not fit in well once it’s in your home. I admit I do often buy things randomly, but as a designer, I can almost always work a unique piece into my home décor. Unless you have that knack, it makes sense to know where your treasure will live before you buy it (especially important with big pieces like furniture – my basement is a home for revolving extra chairs). Here’s an example: a few years ago, I was hoping to replace an outdated loveseat with something more to my liking. I spotted THIS beauty at a local thrift store for $40, and heard her calling my name (actually, I called her name – Blanche – because of her Floridian/Golden Girls vibes). A few years

later, my 1950s ranch home’s sunroom has evolved around Blanche, and I still love her as much as that first day!

Moving forward in this space, I’ll be sharing where I find things both locally and on the road, and the plans I have for styling my well-loved goods, so please stay tuned!

Bobbi Gaukel spends her workdays as a freelance graphic designer and her free time as a thrifter at Bobilu Vintage: instagram.com/bobilu

BY JIM MATHIS

There’s a scene in the Hulu series “The Bear” where Uncle Jimmy tells Tiffany about the chocolate covered bananas he used to get with his dad, and how the sight or smell of a banana brings back that memory every time. In Remembrance of Things Past, Marcel Proust wrote about a man who took a small bite of a madeleine dipped in tea and was transported on a journey through his memory. That sensation has since become known as a “Proustian moment;” that unbreakable connection between our senses and memory. Lately we’ve been finding tastes that transport us not only back in time, but to far away places, our own “Proustian moments.”

Neither my beloved or I have ever been

to Brazil, but on a recent Friday night we tried out Roots of Brazil, a relatively new restaurant in the old flat iron building at Eighth and Weber. Only a few of the dishes looked familiar, but we’d come looking for culinary adventure! After consulting with the server who was used to newbies asking lots of questions, we settled on a grilled cheese appetizer, Kara ordered the red snapper, and I had the jerk chicken.

When our entrees arrived, we left Sioux Falls. The odd thing is we went to different places. The fish reminded Kara of a fantastic meal we’d had on the beach in Puerto Morelos, Mexico, along the Riviera Maya. We were served fish tacos made by a beautiful old woman who spoke no English, but showed love through her food. Back on Weber Avenue, the fish was perfectly cooked, served with black-eyed peas and rice. But the smell and the flavor pulled us back to the beach.

My jerk chicken took me to another beachside meal, this one in the Bahamas. The spice of the collard greens, the subtle

but persistent heat of the jerk seasoning, it was familiar and foreign at the same time. Reminiscent of that little shack in the Bahamas. For the price of a moderate dinner out, we were able to relive some wonderful vacations from the past.

On another recent Friday, we went for an early nosh at M.B. Haskett; Mike and his team have started offering wine specials and sputini (Italian for snacks) in the late afternoon. We thought we’d give them a try. One offering was a crostino with salt cod and cucumbers. A very simple looking dish, but one bite of the cod and I was wearing flip-flops and shorts in a beachside shack in the British Virgin Islands. That was my first-time trying salt cod, and it’s a memory that was hiding deep in the recesses of my brain. But one bite brought it right back.

The link between tastes and memories is not just coincidence. Scientists believe that the connection between food and memory originally came about as a survival tactic. They call it “conditioned taste aversion.” Our cave-dwelling forebearers would sample a

mysterious plant, become ill, and then forever remember to avoid that plant in the future. That conditioning was passed down from generation to generation as we learned what foods to avoid. Basic survival instinct.

On a more positive note, a 2014 study found a direct link showing that taste is associated with memories of being in a location where something positive happened. For instance, a bite of an oatmeal cookie may remind you of grandma’s always-full cookie jar, or a bite of fish can take you back to the beach because you have happy memories associated with them.

So the next time you find your plate filled not just with food, but with memories, know you’re not alone. Those bites can have a serious (and scientific) connection to your past.

Do yourself a favor, eat something good today!

When Jim is not reliving memories through an Italian Grinder or pork tenderloin, he and his beloved run ADwërks, an advertising agency here in Sioux Falls.

5 Best (& Worst) Wine Pairings

BY RICCARDO TARABELSI

Oneof my favorite things to do is to pair wine with food. The two go hand-inhand like peanut butter and jelly, Lucy and Ricky, or a horse and carriage. Much like a marriage, wine and food complement each other, making up flavors the other lacks, and sometimes even creating a new flavor together that doesn’t exist individually. I love experimenting with different foods and wines because I like both things, and if you’re anything like me, you learn more from the mistakes you make than the ones you get right. Here are my top 5 best and worst wine pairings to help you out as the kids get ready to go back to school! Note: I selected specific labels as examples and the pairing information should hold true regardless of how much you spend on a bottle. Consult with your local wine store for pricing and other suggestions. Carpe Vino and Mangia!

1. Champagne

Sparkling wines are perpetually foodfriendly. Bubbles wake up the taste buds and Champagne, specifically, is blended from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and the lesser-known Pinot Meunier. Veuve Clicquot from Reims (the birthplace of Dom Perignon) is light on its feet, exemplifying the healthy acidity and freshness found in the best bubblies.

WORST PAIRING

Chocolate Cake with Buttercream

A frequent wine-pairing mistake: cake and bubbly. The Champagne is relatively tart, the cake is super-sweet… it’s chaos in your mouth.

BEST PAIRING

Spicy Asian Noodle and Chicken Salad Champagne, when light, dry, and acidic, elegantly cuts through the spices in Asian food; dishes with nuts bring out the nutty flavors in some Champagnes like Pommery.

2. Cabernet Sauvignon

Big Cabs are the giants of the wine world: Be careful, or they will stomp all over your pairing. With strong berry-filled explosions and chewy tannins, Chimney Rock Cabernet Sauvignon from the Stag’s Leap District in Napa Valley has tons of cherry flavor and a powerful thickness in texture, typical of high-end Cabs that need careful consideration at the dinner table.

WORST PAIRING

Pan-Seared Sole with Winter Vegetables

Filet of sole, like flounder or any white flaky fish, is delicate, and will not only get lost, it will actively sour when it hits your Cabernet’s dense texture.

BEST PAIRING

Ribeye Steak with Red Wine Sauce

It’s almost a no-brainer, but red wine and beef is a classic match. A big, bold Cabernet helps soften tannins which make the flavor of the steak that much better.

3. Pinot Noir

Ever since the movie Sideways, Pinot Noir has been riding a wave of popularity as the easy-drinking light red. It’s hard to find anyone who doesn’t like a fruity, lower-tannin wine with a slight hint of earthiness, but that doesn’t mean it can go with everything. Argyle Pinot Noir from Oregon has a nice floral bouquet and an appealing strawberry flavor.

WORST PAIRING

Chicken with Tarragon Vinegar Sauce

The herb vinegar in this dish dampens the wine’s fruitiness. Dishes with acidic finishes do not pair well with Pinot Noir.

BEST PAIRING

Chicken Breast with Squash, Yams, and Apricots

Any recipe with mild, even flavors like this one with fruit and sweet veggies will bring out Pinot Noir’s essential flavors.

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GourmetK

4. Sauvignon Blanc

New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc wins over fans with its tart brilliance. Sileni Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is a good example of the bold, grapefruitforward style that works with many dishes—but not all of them. It’s got a long finish, suggesting more serious winemaking than its modest price would indicate.

WORST PAIRING

Brussel Sprouts, Blue Cheese, and Glazed Pecan Salad

Blue cheese is tough with any wine—and the slightly sweet pecans make the wine taste more tart than it really is. You can’t have two bold flavors competing.

BEST PAIRING

Seared Sea Bass with Fresh Herbs and Lemon

This dish has the same citrus and herb profile as the wine, but complementary (the seared skin bits contrast nicely with the fruit flavors).

5. Chardonnay

Burgundian-style Chardonnay—the classic white grape subtly aged in oak—has taken a public relations hit in recent years. Oak is out. But at its best, as in the Kendall Jackson Chardonnay, the wood is a fully integrated part of the taste.

WORST PAIRING

Spicy Lamb and Chorizo Chili

The heaviness of meat and the spice’s heat make the wine seem unbearably oaky.

BEST PAIRING

Sautéed Pork Chop with Sage-Cider Cream Sauce

Cream sauces are a great way to blunt the edges of a young and oaky white wine, and the cider evokes this wine’s pineapple fruitiness.

Riccardo and Marybeth Tarabelsi own restaurants in Downtown Sioux Falls: R Wine Bar & Kitchen, Brix Wine Bar, Maribella Ristorante, and Vespa Catering. With their three sons, Dante, Berent (fiancée Molli,) and Jaxon, they will be celebrating Dante and Riccardo’s birthdays this month! Contact Riccardo at riccardo@rwinebar. com for all your wine questions.

Stop in for our FREE Demos and Tastings, Thursday thru Saturday. Saturday Bake Shop 11am-2pm. Follow us on Facebook for recipes & tips. Sign up for our newsletter!

& BAKERS

• Hestan Cookware

Italian-made, Chef-designed

• Smithey Ironware

Heirloom Quality Cast Iron

• USA Pan Bakeware

• Swiss Diamond

#1 Nonstick Pans

• Nora Fleming

Serveware & Minis

• Nordic Ware Enjoy

DAWLEY FARM V ILLAGEATTHEROUNDABOUT

H

South

Enjoy

Brandon Farmers Market Most Saturdays•June – September•9 am to 1:30 pm

Brushstrokes on the Prairie

Aug. 17th, Sept. 21st, Oct. 12th•At our winery•6 pm to 8ish

Email Brushstokesontheprairie@gmail.com for more information & sign up

Evening in the Vineyard

Sunday in the Vineyard

2 to 5 pm•Live Music

August 6th•Geoff Gunderson

August 13th•Elisabeth Hunstad

August 20th•Billy Lurken

August 27th•Landon Weis

September 3rd•Holly Vandenberg

August 25th•6–9 pm•Live Music•Food•Wine•Amy Ellsworth•Fade Aways Food Truck

Hours: Thursday through Monday: Noon - 6pm | Tastings until 5:30 pm 605-582-6471 | wildeprairiewinery.com | 48052 259th St. | Brandon, SD

Directions: From I-90 take exit 406 at Brandon, go 1 ½ miles North on Highway 11, then West on 259th Street for 1 ½ miles to our winery.

TASTING TOURS SALES

To New Beginnings and New Adventures!

A new school year means new beginnings and new adventures, make this year extra sweet by gifting your teacher, our Cookie Mug ($20). Our adorable mug contains 6 of our 1 oz. cookies that is sure to make your teacher’s day extra sweet. We also have gift cards that are the perfect gift for anyone! Call our store at 605-275-0060 to place your order today! Mary’s Mountain Cookies. 701 N. Phillips Ave.

More Style Choices!

We have the style trends you are looking for! We offer many unique range hoods, such as the shiplap hood shown here, and backings finished in our varied color palette. Visit our showroom today and ask one of our friendly designers about this exciting new option from StarMark Cabinetry. Today’s StarMark Custom Cabinetry 600 E. 48th Street N. (605) 977-3660.

FREE Coffee

Enjoy free coffee daily from our JURA Coffee Machines.

JURA is known for the best coffee quality, simple operation and stunning design. Cooks & Bakers Kitchen. Dawley Farm Village, 5906 E. 18th St. (605) 705-6770.

You Never Know!

You never now what unique finds are waiting for you at Blue Mound Liquor. Worth the short drive! Blue Mound Liquor. 319 W. Main St., Luverne, MN. (507) 449-5052.

Two Wheels!

Explore the natural beauty of Luverne on two wheels! Loop through the beautiful parks, iconic destinations and hidden gems on the newly-completed 7.5 mile trail. Trailhead located at 601 E. Main St. Luverne.

Best Bridal Experience

Ellie Stone Bride is located at 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 the family. Ellie Stone Bride. 69th & Western. (605) 332-8841.

Visit Us this Summer!

Join us at Wilde Prairie Winery this summer for fun in the country. Wine, live music, food trucks, tastings, yoga and so much more! 48052 259th St., Brandon, SD. Check our website for a complete list of events: wildeprairiewinery.com

A Little More

Add a little more to your decor. Not the same things everyone has — from a big box store. Something unique, something out-of-theordinary. 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.

New Lunch Hours!

Join us Friday through Sunday from 11am - 9pm and Monday - Friday 4pm - 9pm for our famous delicious pizza! Charlie’s Pizza. 69th Street & Western Avenue.(605) 275-2212.

Simply Enjoy

Whiskey isn’t just for winter! Enjoy a summer Irish cocktail on the patio at McNally’s. 6211 S. Old Village Pl. 69th & Western. (605) 271-7170.

Start the Dance Year Off Right!

Start the dance year off right — with a new dance bag! So many adorable new bags to choose from. Stop on in! The Dance Line. 2115 S. Minnesota Ave. (605) 335-8242.

Attention Sports Fans!

Color Me Mine has a huge selection of sports-themed projects to paint. Plates, banks, and so much more! Color Me Mine. 3709 W. 41st. (605) 362-6055.

The Drop Zone!

Freshly Inspired

Do you want decorating ideas for fall but don’t like the typical orange and brown colors? These muted colors will get you freshly inspired! Shop Junk in the Trunk’s vast selection of furniture and home décor items. Junk in the Trunk. 1918 W. 41st St. (605) 338-5510.

A frequently-used area in the home, the Drop Zone! Have you always dreamed of an organized & beautiful entry into your home? Let our design team help you get the most function out of your drop zone space. Dakota Kitchen and Bath, Inc., 4101 N Hainje Avenue, Sioux Falls. (605)334-9727.

Class of 2024!

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

Fall is Just Around the Corner

It’s never too early to plan your fall décor. Select from Jim Shore’s harvest collection or the beloved comic strip characters from Peanuts! It’ll put a smile on your face. Country ‘n More. 69th & Western Avenue. (605) 361-9797

Beautiful & Functional

Gum Creek charcuterie boards and cutting boards are a beautiful addition to your home and make great gifts. These boards are completely customizable from a monogram to a handwritten family recipe. Gum Creek offers a variety of sizes to choose from, 14 different fonts to customize in, and 48 premade monograms. HTH and Gum Creek are having an event on September 7th. Learn more about where these boards come from and how they are made! Houndstooth House. 101 W. 37th St. Sioux Falls, SD. 605-271-2278.

For Your Budding Artist

The Beka Deluxe Easel is a double sided, full-size easel made in the USA of natural hard maple wood. Our most popular model, this deluxe easel includes a built-in top mounted paper holder, two large 24” x 24” art surfaces, paint trays, a paper cutter, a center storage platform, and pinch proof hinges. Available at Kidtopia. Dawley Farms. 901 S. Highline Pl. (605) 275-4825.

Stylish. Sophisticated. Fun.

Buick is designed to inspire with every drive. Find your favorite model at Papik Motors in Luverne, MN today.

Luverne is just a short drive from Sioux Falls on Interstate 90. Or, visit us online at www.papik.com.

I Do!

One of the many beautiful designs by Valina, for engagement rings to be found at Faini Designs Jewelry Studio! 69th Street & Western Avenue. (605) 339-6956.

Turn Back the Clock

Silent Movie: Hot Water

August 20 • Palace Theatre, Luverne, MN

Turn back the clock and experience a Silent Movie at the Palace Theatre. Sit back. Relax. And enjoy live organ music by Leona Hoek. She will be accompanying the silent movie, Hot Water (1924). Synopsis: Newlyweds

Hubby (Harold Lloyd) and Wifey (Jobyna Ralston) experience the joys and tribulations of married life in a series of madcap episodes. First, the quotidian routine of Hubby’s day is broken up by an adventure on a busy trolley involving a wild turkey. Later, Wifey’s gorgonlike mother (Josephine Crowell) and doltish brother (Charles Stevenson) arrive, causing more problems for poor Hubby when the entire family loads into his car for a not-so-leisurely drive into town. (507) 283-4339.

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE

BY LURA ROTI

When You Grow Up?

“Whatdo you want to be when you grow up?” We probably all remember being asked this question as elementary students.

The question matures a bit as high school graduation nears. “What are your plans after high school?” But the premise is the same. And we either know the answer or we don’t.

The answer, if it comes to fruition, does shape our lives. Our career has the potential to determine so much about what our life will become, because often our career determines our income and impacts our overall happiness. Our career often determines who we associate with and how we spend most of our time.

What we do, does impact who we are.

Of course, most of us don’t think of all the outcomes when we try to answer this question as youth. I know I sure didn’t. But I’m happy I did choose the career path I did.

Journalism. I decided to become a journalist in middle school. There had been a few other career interests prior to eighth grade. Initially I wanted to become a nurse or a teacher. But then I fainted after an injury and realized nursing was not the career for me.

Playing teacher consumed my free time. I’m not sure what or who changed my mind to journalism. But I do remember the moment I decided I would become an agriculture journalist.

I won a regional FFA speaking contest as a high school freshman and the local newspaper asked to do a story about me. FFA is an agriculture leadership organization. As part of the interview, the reporter asked me what I wanted to do, and after I told him, he said, “you know, there is an agriculture journalism degree.”

From that moment on, I knew I would go to South Dakota State University and major in agriculture journalism.

It was among the best decisions I have ever made. (The other one is marrying my husband…also a decision that has life-long impacts.)

To this day, when I set foot on the campus of SDSU, I get this feeling that I can only describe as one of belonging. The four and a half years I was a Jackrabbit were truly some of the best years of my life.

Up till then, I had survived socially. In college I thrived.

I enjoyed the engagement with professors. I loved the friendships I made. I valued my personal freedom. I even thought the 10x14 cinder block dorm room I shared in Hansen Hall was pretty darn cool.

The degree I received, along with the network I developed at SDSU, continues to have a positive impact on my career. In fact, I returned to

SDSU nearly 20 years after my bachelors to complete my Master of Mass Communication degree (the photo of me with SDSU President, Barry Dunn and my daughter, Parker, was taken in 2019 while I was working on my Masters degree).

Today, as a seasoned journalist, when I reflect on how I answered one of life’s big questions: What do you want to be when you grow up?

I am grateful for the choice I made because I do love the work I do, the people I get to work with, the individuals I work for and the life my career enables me to live. I’m equally grateful I chose SDSU as my launch point.

friends & family

THIS IS W HY W E WA LK.

At the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®, we’re fighting for a different future. For families facing the disease today. For more time. For treatments.

We’re closer than ever to stopping Alzheimer’s. But to get there, we need you. Join us for the world’s largest fundraiser to fight the disease. Register today at alz.org/walk.

2023 Walk to End Alzheimer’s Sioux Falls – Levitt at the Falls Sept. 16 | 10:00 a.m.

2023 National Presenting Sponsor

Get Ready for B a c k t o School!

Fun Reading Routines

at Home

BY JESS WEISCHEDEL

Theclassroom isn’t the only place for a child to embrace the joys of reading. You can enhance skills and cultivate a love for books by creating a reading-friendly environment outside of school and supplying fun incentives for reaching goals. Continue reading for some tips to get you started.

Build a Home Library

Consider your child’s reading level and interests while building a space in your home where they can explore various genres, authors, and characters. Your children can help arrange the books by color or height, personalizing the library as they want to. Allow them to create book labels, bookmarks, or a special bookshelf display to make the space their own. Try visiting the library or local bookstore to continuously rotate the books to expose your kids to a wider selection.

Create a Reading Nook

A special spot for your child to curl up with a book with string lights and pillows is likely to spark imagination and wonder. Prep cozy reading corners in your home that encourage your child to sit down and read books on a regular basis. Schedule theme-based story times and decorate your reading nook according to the topic, such as “Animal Adventure Week” or “Friendship Friday”, while featuring books that include stories in the designated themes.

Practice Interactive Reading

Engage your children in the storytelling experience by reading aloud with expression and bringing the characters to life with different voices and emotions. Take turns reading pages or paragraphs, ask questions about the story, and encourage them to predict what might happen next. Incorporate multimedia elements, if available, such as animated versions, audiobooks, or interactive e-books. Promote creativity by

acting out a favorite scene or have your child create their own narrative and dress up as the characters they are depicting. Explore challenging vocabulary words and use them in conversation when talking to your child later.

Book-Related Activities

Visually organize the key elements of a story by writing them down or listing them as you create a story map to help your child interpret it. Include the characters, setting, main events, problem or conflict, and resolution. Create art projects such as character puppets, drawings of the setting, or bookmarks based on the story. Engage your child and have them help you write alternative endings or act out certain scenes to make the story come alive beyond the book itself. Organize a book scavenger hunt at your local library and provide your kids with various things to hunt for as they find the books included, such as a certain color, word, or image on the cover.

Set Goals

Add a sense of accomplishment and excitement by setting challenges with your reading routines. Establish achievable goals for your kids, such as finishing a certain number of books or reading for a specific amount of time. Have a read-aloud challenge where your child must read pages aloud to a sibling, parent, or even their pet. Create a reading passport with different countries or characters to meet, and let your children log the books they’ve read that fit in each space. This will help expand their horizons to diversity and unfamiliar cultures. Label each month or season with a new genre to explore, such as science fiction, mystery, or non-fiction. Make a reading bingo card with various reading challenges to mark off for small achievements. Each space on the card could include a different goal, such as reading a book by a certain author, from a certain time, or about a certain topic. Celebrate each win with incentives and rewards by keeping track on a visual chart showing the milestones they’ve achieved.

Arrange Book Clubs or Exchanges

Reach out to friends and family to help create community around reading. Set aside dedicated family reading time where each person reads the same book, then schedule discussions to share thoughts and perspectives. Organize book exchanges with your child’s friends, with each child contributing a favorite book to exchange with another. Virtually discuss books with friends and family with regular video calls to share conversations and recommendations about their latest favorite reading materials. Bring your child to a book signing, author visit, or literary event.

Adapt these reading challenge ideas to fit your family’s schedule, and reading interests, and in no time, you will have created a reading community at home that encourages shared experiences, family bonding, and a love for literature. This will positively affect your child’s development not only academically, but personally as well. So, keep it simple, fun, and rewarding as you foster a lifelong love for reading!

Scout: Coonhound Treeing Walker, 2 years old

Meadow & Wolf, best friends of the Kelley family

Raymond, best friend of the David family

George, best friend of the Erickson family

Chestnut: Terrier Mix, 3

and 2

CoCo: Magpie Harlequin Rabbit, 3 years, 1 month old

Ringo,

Sassy,

Charlie, and his best friend, Bun Bun