2024_06_EtcMagazine_Volume23_Issue6

baking HIS day sweeter

From Father’s Day to backyard BBQ gatherings, we bake scrumptious cookies that are sure to make every day sweeter!

Our bakery case is filled with over 20 flavors of cookies baked fresh every day including seasonal flavors! We make our cookies by hand using quality ingredients and lots of love! Whether you need to satisfy your own sweet cravings or need catering for an event, we bake it easy for you! We also serve gluten-friendly cookies, brownies, ice cream treats

Join us for the 18th Annual

Friday, October 18th 12pm–8pm

Saturday, October 19th 9am–3pm

Sioux Falls Convention Center

concierge 10

From Their Home to Yours Down Home by DeBoers

calendar 12

June 2024

a-list 20

history 22

South Sioux Falls An Industrial Suburb of Sioux Falls

out & about

From Their Home to Yours -

Down Home by DeBoers

BY MARY MICHAELS | PHOTOS BY JULIE PRAIRIE PHOTOGRAPHY

Fansof HGTV have gotten to know Chelsea and Cole DeBoer over the past two years with the launch of their home design show, Down Home Fab. And now, you can get a piece of your own Down Home Fab at their new brick and mortar store located in Tea.

The couple took on their own home-construction project back in 2020, and that experience of literally building a home for their family inspired them to start working with clients on design and renovation projects. A casual DM from Chelsea to HGTV’s Instagram account eventually landed them a spot in the station’s lineup.

At the heart of every client project has been the DeBoer’s desire to create spaces that are warm, inviting and a reflection of the individual’s or family’s life. While their family and TV show have kept Cole and Chelsea plenty busy, there had also been a dream of being able to share their “South Dakota chic” style in other ways.

First, Chelsea launched her own line of home accessories and jewelry as Aubree Says. And then in March of this year, they opened their store – Down Home by DeBoers. You can find many of the pieces from the Aubree Says line at the store (the only place you will find them other than at aubreesays.com).

Located right off Interstate 29 in Tea, the couple says picking a place to open was an easy decision. In Tea, they can enjoy the small town feel, but also be part of exciting growth happening all around them.

Little vignettes are set up around the store, showing eclectic arrangements for dining and living spaces. While the furniture and accessories all speak to Chelsea’s style – like her love of all things cowhide – the carefully curated items can easily fit into any style of home. There are neutral colors and bold prints, fabric and wood finishes, and accessories that range from trendy to traditional.

The DeBoers approach each design project with the individual client in mind, considering functionality needs, design preferences and, of course, budget. They take the same approach with sourcing items for the store. If you want to invest in a statement piece for your home, like the stunning black arched cabinet with glass doors, you can find it. Or, if you want to try something new on a budget, the team can show you how they used stick-on green tiles for the backsplash where they feature kitchen items and barware, along with the adhesive wallpaper with cow faces that is the backdrop for the neon sign that says, “Chasing Down Home Dreams.”

A popular item with shoppers so far is the Ranger Station candle line. With nearly a dozen varieties, each has a different combination of scents like the “Nashville” with magnolia, dogwood, amber and musk… or the “Santalum” with sandalwood, amber, iris and leather. And, after you burn the candle, you can clean out the container to use as a cocktail glass, as each variety comes with its own drink recipe for a Negroni, Whisky Sour, Ranger Station Old Fashioned and more.

The team at Down Home by DeBoers appreciates the fact that Chelsea and Cole have empowered them to execute the mission of helping customers find the just-right thing to enhance their homes, but also that the DeBoers are hands-on – saying (with a grin) that they can call on Cole whenever there is furniture to be moved. While the store doesn’t offer formal design services (yet), customers often come in with pictures of a room in their house they are trying to style, and the team can help them find furniture, lighting or accessories.

The store has vases and picture frames, wall art and rugs, dishes and glassware and even their own line of Down Home “merch” like logo apparel so you can take your Down Home pride wherever you go.

Season Two of Down Home Fab just wrapped, and whether there will

Hours: Monday-Friday 9-6 Saturday 10-6 Sunday 11-4

108 Venture Place, Suite 200 Tea, SD

Just off I-29 next to Starbuck’s and Casey’s 605-777-5463 customersdervice@ downhomedeboers.com www.shopdh.com

be a season three is yet to be determined. In the meantime, though, the DeBoers and their team at the store are taking things day by day with the opening of the store, enjoying talking with customers and planning for a big grand opening parking lot party coming up on July 13 - be sure to follow social media for more updates.

Considering the store was born from a nationwide television show, the atmosphere at Down Home by DeBoers is very accessible, comfortable and very South Dakota friendly. A quote on aubreesays. com telling the story of that business line seems to sum up the DeBoer’s approach to everything they do.

“We are setting out to make the kind of products that turn four white walls into cozy homes — for families of all kinds.”

June 2024

WASHINGTON PAVILION 25th Anniversary Celebration

INFO: washingtonpavilion.org

Saturday, June 1 • 10am - 5pm • 301 S. Main Avenue

Join us on our 25th anniversary for a day-long festival of fun, activities and entertaining events:

• Free access to the Kirby Science Discovery Center and Visual Arts Center

• Outdoor beer garden

• celebratory cupcakes

• Radley Rex appearances

• Special activities and programs for youth and families

• Complimentary film showings in the Wells Fargo CineDome & Sweetman Planetarium

• Live Entertainment: On stage between 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Live & Local performers including singers, comedians, musicians and more!

Special Evening Performance on the Mary W. Sommervold Hall stage: Two-time Tony award-winning actress and singer Sutton Foster will perform Broadway classics and songs from her solo album “Wish.”

Falls Park Farmers Market

Every Saturday, May through October • 8 a.m.-1 p.m. North side of Falls Park 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. Conveniently located at Falls Park near downtown Sioux Falls, our market offers delicious food, healthy plants, natural soaps, surrounded by beautiful scenery. No pets allowed due to public health concerns.

Farmhouse Market

Summer Market

June 1 • 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

121 S. Franklin Ave.

Vendors, treasures, summer sun and fun!

INFO Facebook: @Leotafarmhousemarket

23rd Annual Siouxland

Renaissance Festival

Saturday, June 1 • 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday, June 2 • 10 a.m.-6 p.m. WH Lyon Fairgrounds

Welcome to Shrewsbury, England 1575... the 17th year of Her Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth’s reign. The snow and cold have gone and Spring hath come...Huzzah! The Village of Shrewsbury has planned a festival to celebrate the season. Tickets are available on our website www.siouxlandrenfest.com & at the Gate. $15 for Adults, $6 for

Seniors (65+)/Children (4-12), Age 3 and under are FREE.

An Evening With Sutton Foster

June 1 • 7:30 p.m.

Washington Pavilion

301 S. Main Avenue

Join us for a musical performance by Sutton Foster, a two-time Tony award-winning actress and singer, featuring renowned Broadway classics. Sutton is best known for her role as Marian Paroo in the celebrated revival of “The Music Man,” her notable performances as Reno Sweeney in “Anything Goes” and her lead role in the critically acclaimed Darren Star and TV Land series “Younger,” which ran for seven seasons.

INFO washingtonpavilion.org

Pioneer Day Camp at Beaver Creek Nature Area

Tuesday, June 4 • 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Beaver Creek Nature Area East of Sioux Falls Kids 7-12 can go fishing, dip

2024

JUNE GAMES at the Birdcage

INFO AND TICKETS: (605) 336-6060

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.

S.F. Canaries vs. Sioux City Explorers

Saturday, June 1 • 5:35pm

S.F. Canaries vs. Sioux City Explorers

Sunday, June 2 • 4:05pm

S.F. Canaries vs. Kansas City Monarchs

June 4 • 6:35pm

S.F. Canaries vs. Kansas City Monarchs

June 5 • 6:35pm

S.F. Canaries vs. Kansas City Monarchs

June 6 • 4:05pm

S.F. Canaries vs. Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks

June 15 • 5:35pm

S.F. Canaries vs. Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks

June 16 • 4:05pm

S.F. Canaries vs. Chicago Dogs

June 18 • 6:35pm

S.F. Canaries vs. Chicago Dogs

June 19 • 6:35pm

S.F. Canaries vs. Chicago Dogs

June 20 • 6:35pm

S.F. Canaries vs. Lincoln Saltdogs

June 25 • 6:35pm

S.F. Canaries vs. Lincoln Saltdogs

June 26 • 6:35pm

S.F. Canaries vs. Lincoln Saltdogs

June 27 • 11:05pm

S.F. Canaries vs. Kane County

June 28 • 7:05pm

S.F. Canaries vs. Kane County

June 29 • 5:35pm

S.F. Canaries vs. Kane County

June 30 • 1:05pm

candles, make ice cream and play period games. It’s outdoor, educational, and an all-around good time! $35 registration includes program, meal, and snacks. Space is limited, call (605) 3674210 to register in advance. INFOsiouxlandmuseums.com

Emerald Summer Nights

Wednesdays, June 5 - July 10

McNally’s Irish Pub 69th St. & Western Ave. Happy hour specials (3-6 p.m.), free hors d’oeuvres for the ladies (5-7 p.m.) and live music at 8 p.m. Drawings for fantastic prizes drawn at 6 p.m, 7 p.m. & 8 p.m. INFO (605) 271-7170.

Starlab Inflatable Planetarium

Thursday, June 6 1:30 & 2:30 p.m.

except on July 5

12th Street Plaza: Downtown Sioux Falls

Every Friday, musicians from across the region perform during the lunch hour in the 12th Street Plaza outside the Dakota News Now studio. Some of Sioux Falls’ best food trucks will also be on hand to serve up lunch.

June EastBank Block Party

Friday, June 7 • 5:30 p.m. - 11 p.m. 8th & Railroad Center

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.

Wilde Prairie Winery

Burn & Brew

June 6 • 5 p.m.

48052 259th St., Brandon, SD

Visit South Dakota’s delightfully unique winery! INFO wildeprairiewinery.com

Historic Walking Tour of the North Duluth Avenue

Siouxland Heritage Museums Thursday, June 6 • 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, space is limited, call (605) 367-4210 to register. siouxlandmuseums.com

Fridays on the Plaza

Fridays from May 24 - August 30,

Enjoy live music on a warm summer night at the June 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. Block party events provide a casual atmosphere that is familyfriendly and fun for all ages. Feel free to bring your own lawn chair. Kick back and enjoy the sounds of local and regional acts performing each evening.

Mogen’s Heroes at the Summer Concert Series

Friday, June 7 • Noon to 1 p.m. Old Courthouse Museum

200 West Sixth Street

Mogen’s Heroes will perform at 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 rain. (605) 367-4210 orsiouxlandmuseums.com

Sioux Falls Pride Parade & Festival

Saturday, June 8 • 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

The parade will be held in downtown Sioux Falls along 8th Street from 10-11 a.m., and the festival will be immediately following at 8th & Railroad Center until 5 p.m.. All performances, including drag performances, are family friendly at this festival. We also have a kids corner with an inflatable and games! All ages are welcome at our event.

Behind the Scenes Tour of the Irene Hall Museum Resource Center

Saturday, June 8 • 10 a.m.

Irene Hall Museum Resource Center • 4300 N. Westport Ave.

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

27th Annual Festival of Cultures

Saturday, June 8 • 10:30-4 p.m.

The Multi-Cultural Center’s 27th Annual Festival of Cultures will take place in the lot south of the Levitt at the Falls in downtown Sioux Falls. The Festival of Cultures is a FREE, familyfriendly event featuring live entertainment , food trucks and engaging educational workshops. Enjoy live ethnic music, dance and art while learning how to make traditional food and crafts!

Fiber Fun

Sunday, June 9 • 1-4 p.m.

Old Courthouse Museum

200 West Sixth Street

Do you like to knit, crochet, needle work, 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)3674210 orsiouxlandmuseums.com

Wilde Prairie Winery Brushstrokes on the Prairie June 9 • 1-5 p.m. 48052 259th St., Brandon, SD

Email brushstrokesontheprairie@ gmail.com for more info and to sign up.

STOMP

Tuesday, June 11 • 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, June 12 • 7:30 p.m. Washington Pavilion

STOMP is explosive, provocative, sophisticated, sexy, utterly unique and appeals to audiences of all ages. The international percussion sensation has garnered an armful of awards and rave reviews and has

appeared on numerous national television shows. The eightmember troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments — matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps — to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms. INFO: washingtonpavilion.org

Pioneer Day Camp at Beaver Creek Nature Area

Tuesday, June 11 • 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Beaver Creek Nature Area

East of Sioux Falls

Kids 7-12 can go fishing, dip candles, make ice cream and play period games. It’s outdoor, educational, and an all-around good time! $35 registration includes program, meal, and snacks. Space is limited, call (605) 367-4210 to register in advance. INFO siouxlandmuseums.com

Starlab Inflatable Planetarium

Thursday, June 13

1:30 & 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, June 13 • 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, space is limited, call (605) 367-4210 to register. www. siouxlandmuseums.com

The Premiere Playhouse Presents: Hair June 13 - 15 • 7 p.m. June 16 • 2 p.m.

June 20-22 • 7 p.m.

June 23 • 2 p.m.

Orpheum Theater Center

315 N. Phillips Ave.

The musical that introduced rock ‘n’ roll to the theatrical stage, Hair examines a group of 60s-era youth struggling for generational and personal identity, dealing with the Vietnam War, and exploring drugs and the sexual revolution. INFO siouxfallsorpheum.com

Dakota District

Pipes & Drums at the Summer Concert Series

Friday, June 14 • 12-1 p.m.

Old Courthouse Museum

200 West Sixth Street

Dakota District Pipes & Drums will perform at the Old Courthouse Museum. Bring your lunch and enjoy the show! Concert will be held inside in the case of rain. (605) 367-4210 or siouxlandmuseums.com

Pioneer Day Camp at Beaver Creek Nature Area Tuesday, June 18 • 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Beaver Creek Nature Area East of Sioux Falls

Kids 7-12 can go fishing, dip candles, make ice cream and play period games. It’s outdoor, educational, and an all-around good time! $35 registration includes program, meal, and snacks. Space is limited, call (605) 367-4210 to register in advance. INFO siouxlandmuseums.com

Rosemaling Demonstration

Tuesday, June 18 • 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 second-floor hallway of the Old Courthouse Museum. Stop in any time for a demonstration or to ask questions! INFO (605) 367-4210 or siouxlandmuseums.com

The Future is Female Thursday, June 20 • 5:30 p.m.

Washington Pavilion

The Future Is Female “WOMEN: A

Century of Change” Speaker Series Free Event! Reserve Your Seat

The future is female and so is this exhibition! Join us for a powerful lecture from University of South Dakota History Professor Dr. Sara Lampert on what a female future looks like, the need for it and how society as a whole will benefit because of it. INFO washingtonpavilion.org

Kid’s Activity Day: Fun in the Sun

Thursday, June 20 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 www. siouxlandmuseums.com

Historic Walking Tour of Mount Pleasant Cemetery: Civil War Veterans Siouxland Heritage Museums

Thursday, June 20 • 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, space is limited, call (605) 367-4210 to register. siouxlandmuseums.com

Curious Music Collective at Summer Concert Series

Friday, June 21

Noon to 1 p.m.

Old Courthouse Museum

200 West Sixth Street

The Curious Music Collective will perform at the Old Courthouse Museum. Bring your lunch and enjoy the show! Concert will be held inside in the case of rain. (605) 367-4210 or siouxlandmuseums.com

Sunday in the Vineyard June 23 • 2-5 p.m.

Wilde Prairie Winery

48052 259th St., Brandon, SD

Live music by Billy Lurkin, food, wine and fun! INFO wildeprairiewinery.com

Wilde Prairie Winery Plant & Sip

June 23 • 12-5 p.m.

48052 259th St., Brandon, SD

Visit South Dakota’s delightfully unique winery! INFO wildeprairiewinery.com

Pioneer Day Camp at Beaver Creek Nature Area

Tuesday, June 25

8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Beaver Creek Nature Area

East of Sioux Falls

Kids 7-12 can go fishing, dip candles, make ice cream and play period games. It’s outdoor, educational, and an all-around good time! $35 registration includes program, meal, and snacks. Space is limited, call (605) 367-4210 to register in advance. INFO siouxlandmuseums.com

Starlab Inflatable

Planetarium at the Old Courthouse Museum

Thursday, June 27

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 Phillips Avenue

Siouxland Heritage Museums

Thursday, June 27 • 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, space is limited, call (605) 367-4210 to register. siouxlandmuseums.com

Wilde Prairie Winery

Brushstrokes on the Prairie

June 28 • 1-5 p.m.

48052 259th St., Brandon, SD

Email brushstrokesontheprairie@ gmail.com for more info and to sign up.

Little Feat

Friday, June 28 • 7:30 p.m.

Washington Pavilion

Little Feat will be live at the Washington Pavilion with special guests Duane Betts and Palmetto Hotel, as part of their Can’t Be Satisfied Tour. INFO washingtonpavilion.org

The Teels at the Summer Concert Series

Friday, June 28

Noon to 1 p.m.

Old Courthouse Museum

200 West Sixth Street

The Teels will perform at the Old Courthouse Museum. Bring your lunch and enjoy the show! Concert will be held inside in the case of rain. (605) 367-4210 or siouxlandmuseums.com

SAW the Musical

June 29 • 7:30 p.m.

June 30 • 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.

Washington Pavilion

One of the most thought-provoking horror films of all time now is … a musical. SAW The Musical hilariously captures the events

of the first movie, parodying the Saw that started it all, following from where Lawrence Gordon and Adam Stanheight find each other for the first time in the bathroom trap. Will they follow “the rules” as they discover each other’s secrets? Will they escape the game in time and saw right through? INFO washingtonpavilion.org

Wilde Prairie Winery Brushstrokes on the Prairie June 30 • 1-5 p.m.

48052 259th St., Brandon, SD

Email brushstrokesontheprairie@ gmail.com for more info and to sign up.

Deana Carter

Sunday, June 30 • 7 p.m.

Washington Pavilion

Drenched in sun-kissed natural beauty both inside and out, Nashville native Deana Carter didn’t take a seemingly easy route to stardom, but instead chose to defy the conventional expectations of the typical Nashville artist blueprint and make her own mark. INFO washingtonpavilion.org

• 17 paved miles of trails • Drive in theater

Bison buggy tours

6,000+ nutcracker collection • Thirst-quenching craft beer

Herreid Military Museum

Project Time!

From that project furniture piece - to your kitchen cabinets, Junk in the Trunk has the perfect paints to get it done. Stop in for all of your painting supplies today! Junk in the Trunk. 1918 W. 41st St. (605) 338-5510.

Update a Room!

A great way to update a room is to find a piece of art you love and let that be the color pallet for your new space. If you feel your room is outdated, try taking down your art and adding a new fresh piece. HTH has so many new styles and sizes for you to try! Stop in and let us help you freshen up your home! Houndstooth House, 101 W. 37th St. (605) 271-2278.

Grillin’ and Chillin’

Take a little time and paint a keepsake for Dad. Choose a piece the Master of the Grill will love! Color Me Mine. 3709 W. 41st St. (605) 362-6055.

June 5th-July 10th

We Think Dads are Rad!

Mary’s Mountain Cookies can help make his Father’s Day extra sweet! What dad wouldn’t love one of our celebration cookies decorated with a special message just for him? Our celebration cookies flavors come in Chocolate Chip, Oreo, Monster, & M&M. Call us to order your dad a Father’s Day Celebration Cookie at (605) 275-0060 or order online at www.siouxfallscookies.com.

Mary’s Mountain Cookies. 701 N. Phillips Avenue.

Apolla Socks

Get these fantastic Apolla socks at The Dance Line. Sustainable, arch support, antimicrobial, ankle stability, moisture wicking, energy absorption — they’ve got it all! The Dance Line. 2115 S. Minnesota Ave. (605) 335-8242

Emerald Summer Nights

Breezy Style

New arrivals have landed and summer vacation has fully set in. Get the laid back and breezy style of European Summer without having to cross the pond at Janie B’s Boutique. Located inside Cliff Avenue Greenhouse. 2101 E 26th St. (605) 332-6641 and 7310 W. 41st St. (605)-362-9727.

Wednesdays, June 5 - July 10 • 3pm - 8pm

McNally’s Irish Pub • 69th St. & Western Avenue

Drawings held for prizes each week (Coach purses, Faini Jewelry, Leela & Lavender gift cards and more!), drink specials, free hors d’oeuves for ladies (5-7pm), live entertainment and more! mcnallysip.com

It’s a Big Dill Pickleball is a big dill! Get the perfect gift for the pickleball lovers in your life at Country ‘n More. 69th Street & Western Avenue. (605) 361-9797.

A New Summer Hobby

Start your kiddos on a new summer hobby — rock collecting and polishing. Kidtopia has everything you will need to turn rough rocks in polished gems. A fun way to explore the great outdoors! Kidtopia. Dawley Farm Village. 901 S. Highline Pl., Sioux Falls. (605) 275-4825.

Capturing Special Moments

Thank you for voting us a Local Best Photographer. We are so grateful that we’ve been able to capture so many special moments for so many. We would love to work with you on your next High School Senior, Family or Commercial Photography project. Visit julieprairie.com for more information.

A Room Update

The little things make all the difference! A new throw pillow, or comfy blanket, some refreshing greenery, a fun new piece of art, or a new rug. You can find it all and more at Farmhouse Market. 121 S. Franklin Ave. (605) 366-9789. Open: Wednesdays 10-5:30. Thursdays 10-5:30. Fridays 10-5:30. Saturdays 10-5.

Experience the Papik Way of Doing Business. Friendly. Easy. Small-Town Nice. Take the short drive to one of our 3 locations in Luverne, Rock Rapids or Sibley. Kids are welcome too! Shop with us for your next new or preowned vehicle. Or, visit us online at www.papik.com.

A Fine Time!

Check the Wilde Prairie Winery website (wildeprairiewinery.com) and plan a visit to have a fine time — with wine! Just a short drive from Sioux Falls, this local winery is the perfect place to enjoy a little down time in the country. Events each month! 48052 259th St., Brandon, SD. (605) 582-6471.

More Choices!

Attractive & Practical

Have a pet and need a storage space for their kennel? We can accommodate that space in your build. The results are both attractive and practical. Dakota Kitchen and Bath, 4101 N. Hainje Avenue. (605) 334-9727.

We have the creative cabinet choices you are looking for!

An exciting addition to our palette is Quarter Sawn White Oak. The distinctive wood grain and natural clarity and subtle variety of color make this an ideal choice when you want your cabinetry to have the look of fine furniture. Visit our showroom today and ask one of our friendly designers about this new species choice from StarMark Cabinetry. Today’s StarMark Custom Cabinetry 600 E. 48th Street N. (605) 977-3660.

Fifteen Passenger Streetcar Streetcars carried as many as 15 passengers. Each rider paid a one-way fare of five cents. At its peak, the company owned 40 horses and employed 14 men. Image owner: Siouxland

SOUTH SIOUX FALLS

Packing Plant, South Sioux Falls

Photo-Siouxland Heritage Museums

An Industrial Suburb of Sioux Falls

By Wayne Fanebust

By mid-1886, Sioux Falls was putting on metropolitan airs. Although a growing city of less than 10,000 people, Sioux Falls was being called the “Queen City,” because of the Queen Bee Mill, of course. The mill was destined to be a colossal failure but that didn’t put a damper on the prosperous outlook of an optimistic people, expecting bigger and better things to brag about. Sioux Falls citizens believed their city was the best in Dakota Territory and demanded respect accordingly.

The town enjoyed a building boom in 1886, with many new city business blocks and fine residences going up on the bluffs and other areas. Many were built by people who came to the area when it was a remote part of the wild frontier. If they were showing off their wealth, so what? Sioux Falls newspapers provided another cheering section, publicizing each new feature that suggested the optimism was in no danger of drying up. Woe to the pessimist or “kicker.”

In 1886, Sioux Falls had a waterworks, telephones, gas heat and electric lights. The

town also had a small packing house, a polishing works, several working stone quarries and was on the verge of providing tons of quartzite stone for several neighboring cities. The year 1886 may have signaled the end of the agricultural boom, but Sioux Falls was still growing strong. Although the unpaved streets were muddy when wet, businessmen boasted about their city challenging Chicago and Minneapolis for dominance in what people called the great Northwest.

But who would lead this charge? R. F. “Frank” Pettigrew was the man to do that and he soon put together a master plan for his city, and he would spend the next six years working to make it a success. Money was needed of course, but Pettigrew had long proven that he had the ability to raise it. He had put his political ambitions on the back burner and focused his energy on the tasks that lay before him.

Pettigrew and his business partner, S. L. Tate, a native of England, sought to build to the south, and in 1888, with that in mind, they donated four acres of land for the construction

of the Lutheran Normal School, now Augustana University. With this important institution, familiarly called the “Norwegian College, in the making on the southern border of the city, the price of surrounding real estate went up, just as Pettigrew and Tate expected. To make the area even more desirable, Pettigrew announced that he would extend his horse-drawn street car line “right up to the college door” on Summit Avenue.

Newspapers overflowed with stories about fabulous enterprises just waiting in the wings, most certain to be built. Public spirited men vied with one another with bold plans for something that would make Sioux Falls a metropolis overnight. Proposals, blueprints and designs were flying around like paper airplanes. Real estate sold at exorbitant rates as if there wasn’t enough to go around.

Pettigrew had been out of town for most of summer of 1888, and when he returned home, he announced plans for the next phase of his southern scheme. He revealed to an eager audience that he would build a woolen

Heritage Museums.

R. F. Pettigrew, Ca. 1888

Photo-Siouxland Heritage Museums

mill and a canning factory south of Sioux Falls. These fixtures were to be the first of Pettigrew’s manufacturing suburb.

The woolen mill was to be a three-set mill and would employ 50 to 75 men. He convinced L. A. Perkins of Wisconsin, operator of a woolen mill in that state, to superintend the Sioux Falls mill. To finance the mill, Pettigrew convinced a group of Maine capitalists to invest in a $40,000.00 stock company. And in a most optimistic fashion, Pettigrew and Tate took $10,000.00 in stock. This was the beginning of South Sioux Falls, whose history while short, was nothing less than spectacular.

An article in the Argus-Leader announced breathlessly that South Sioux Falls was located about two and one-half miles from the downtown post office and consisted of 1800 acres owned by a syndicate led by Pettigrew and Tate. The first plant to be put in operation was the woolen mill, followed by a brush and broom works, a canning factory and a wagon and carriage factory. Hotels and other shops would in time, compliment the big projects. The actual location of the suburb was along a road that eventually became 41st Street.

After completing the incorporation of the woolen mill, Pettigrew was off on another mission, having left town to purchase materials for the extension of the street car line. As a parting gesture, he left behind some tantalizing clues about a downtown project, namely the building of an opera house on the corner of 11th Street and Phillips Avenue. The spareno-expense extravaganza would be constructed of Sioux quartzite and would stand five stories high. Of course, knowing Pettigrew, people believed it would come to pass. After all, Sioux Falls’ favorite son had amassed a personal

fortune from real estate and was said to be worth a half a million dollars.

Still there were some ominous signs on the horizon. In the spring of 1889, a terrible prairie fire burned much of Dakota Territory to the tune of an estimated two million dollars. No one knew it of course, but the climate had once again asserted itself in a negative way. The summer was extremely hot and dry and the crops were miserable in most of the territory, causing the critics to decry the Dakotas as a land tarnished by its old enemies: fire, drought and eastern newspapers.

Pettigrew and others refused to accept the pessimism and they went forward with the most ambitious project in South Sioux Falls: the construction of a mammoth meat packing plant. The idea was conceived in Portland, Maine, in the spring of 1889, by a large group of eastern investors. By the summer, construction of the massive plant was underway. A sixstory building of Sioux quartzite that had the capacity to slaughter 400 hogs a day, plus some cattle, was a dream project. Supporters claimed it would provide work for 500 men and a market for local farmers.

But the year 1889 was not friendly to Pettigrew and his team of investors. Still his popularity was at an all time high and he was elected by the legislature to the United States Senate. He used this high status to raise money for his business suburb. But money was “tight” as the saying went and potential investors were wary about investing in a new state that had experienced a crop failure. Nevertheless, South Sioux Falls continued to thrive. By a vote 63 to 0, South Sioux Falls was incorporated as a city, as men clearly favored and expected growth. In addition to the factories, the new city featured a wild

The Last Buffalo

This illustration is of the last buffalo in Minnehaha County. He was born in Buffalo Park, and having special advantages for growth, was a splendid specimen, weighing 2,400 pounds. He never realized his captivity, and his behavior was unexceptional in the park.

animal park. Pettigrew and Tate fenced off 60 acres that enclosed 17 buffalo, some whitetailed deer, three moose and some prairie dogs. Soon “Pettigrew’s Pasture” became a local destination where the nearby Buffalo Park Hotel offered fine accommodations.

Although the suburb experiment bore all the trappings of a coming boom town, total disaster was on the horizon. The woolen mill did create some blankets, but very little else. The packing plant was all but doomed as Pettigrew and his partners beat the bushes for money. But it was all in vain for by 1893, the national economy as a whole was crushed by the great financial panic and depression. Recovery would not happen until about 1897, and that was far too late to save the many projects in Sioux Falls and South Sioux Falls.

The packing plant was finally finished and opened for business in 1899, but it lasted only three months. For all the planning and expense that went into building the plant, no thought was given to disposal of waste matter that would result from butchering large numbers of cattle and hogs. The guts were dumped into the Big Sioux River, arousing the anger of downstream residents. The plant was closed and stayed empty until 1939 when it was torn down as a WPA project.

Pettigrew the great builder was no more. That part of him fell victim to the Panic of 1893. The rest of him never looked back except to snarl at those who seemed to have benefited from his losses and those of others. South Sioux Falls gave up its city charter. It had to be content to be a neighborhood and wait for future development to give it relevance and prestige. That it has become an amazing commercial and residential area, would no doubt make Pettigrew and his friends proud.

Woolen Mill, South Sioux Falls. Photo-Siouxland Heritage Museums

recipes 25

Strawberry Chiffon Dessert

at home 26

Beautiful Spaces Indoors and Out at Arbors Edge

thrifting home 34

More, More, More How Maximalism and Thrifting are a Perfect Match

man in the kitchen 36

Love and Death and Pizza, Part 2

vino 38

Hot Dogs, Bratwurst, and Wine, Oh My!

Strawberry Chiffon Dessert

BY JO MCCLURE

CRUST:

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

1/3 cup sugar

1/2 cup butter, melted

FILLING:

3 ounce package strawberry gelatin

1 cup boiling water

11 ounces cream cheese, softened

1 cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla

16 ounce container frozen whipped topping, thawed

Combine the first 3 ingredients and set aside 2 Tablespoons for garnish. Press the remaining crumbs into an ungreased 9x13 inch baking pan.

Dissolve the gelatin in boiling water and allow to cool.

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Stir in the vanilla and then slowly add the gelatin until combined. Fold in the whipped topping and spoon the mixture over the graham crust. Garnish the top with the reserved crumbs and refrigerate for 3-4 hours or until set.

Beautiful Spaces

Indoors and Out at Arbors Edge

BY MARY MICHAELS |

PHOTOS BY JULIE PRAIRIE PHOTOGRAPHY

Whenyou hear a house described as “ranch” style, chances are the picture that comes to mind is not a six-bedroom, fivebath custom home located on two heavily wooded cul-de-sac lots with 1.5 acres of natural beauty.

However, this ranch home constructed in 2016 by Sioux Falls builder Jarrod Smart, is a gorgeous zero-entry home in the Arbors Edge Addition featuring more than 6,000 square feet of living space.

From the very first step inside, you look across beautiful hardwood floors to a wallsized bank of windows with a breathtaking view of the backyard with mature trees and access to the Big Sioux River. The neutral walls and white woodwork, not to mention vaulted ceilings with dark wood beams, create an expansive living room space that draws the

unique tray ceilings and nearly floor-to ceiling windows. The attached bath has two separate sinks, a tile shower and soak tub – plus a walk-

in closet that can only be described as massive. The home is perfect for a family, because the kids can enjoy their own space with five

more bedrooms that are all located on the lower level. Two of the bedrooms have their own bathrooms and special features like a

TODAY IS THE DAY to start on your kitchen project! Visit the expanded showroom at Today’s StarMark Custom Cabinetry in north Sioux Falls and start your dream kitchen project today. Our friendly design experts will help you discover exactly what you want for your home.

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cushioned reading bench or a fun loft space. And, you can welcome plenty of guests who will enjoy their own wing with three

bedrooms, a full bath and laundry facilities. Whatever your interests are, the family room in the lower level has space to

accommodate them. The theater and game room includes a wet bar area, and crafters will revel in a dedicated room complete with

69th Street & Western Avenue

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WEDNESDAY NIGHTS

3-6PM $2 off ALL draught beer, well liquor, seltzers and wine

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MORE, MORE, MORE

How Maximalism and Thrifting Are a Perfect Match

BY BOBBI LYNN GAUKEL

This column has been coming for awhile now, folks. And as fortune would have it, this month I came upon the perfect book in a thrift store to start the conversation.

So, let’s talk maximalism. The author of this book, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, joins a long list of British maximalist designers who have swayed my tastes toward ‘more’ over the years. The British overall seem very comfortable with the idea of having ‘stuff’ surrounding them in a pleasing and cozy way. After all, they were the inspiration for the all the current cores – cottage core, granny core, royal core, and yes, even fairy core. Llewelyn-Bowen writes about all these styles, and how to best attain them, in his kitschy book. I thought it would be fun to boil down some of the essence of maximalism, since for some it can be kind of hard to decipher the difference between it and hoarding. Believe me, there is a difference. And the balance can be a very fine line.

“Stuff isn’t the actual problem, but owning stuff thoughtfully is work.”

Let’s look at some of the basic principles of maximalism just in CASE you think you might have a case of it going on in your home.

Llewelyn-Bowen make a pretty big deal about what he calls ‘layering’ in his book. This principle sounds hard, but it’s actually a matter of defining your space in terms of foreground, middle ground, and background. That’s something our smart phones do without even thinking about it these days, so you can do it, too.

To keep your layering from looking cluttered, just try to make sure there is some separation of color, texture, and pattern from front to back in your layers. I like to place the boldest item in the background when I’m designing. Either a bold color or wallpaper pattern on the wall, large artwork, or something sculptural works well. For the middle ground, you can place more neutral items like wood furniture, or more solid blocks of color like large plants and side tables. And finally, the foreground is for your smallest, most delicate things. Maybe it’s a book stack of color coordinated titles, or small knick knacks that represent places you’ve visited or gifts you’ve received. Employ some of the techniques above, and you’re on your way to maximalist heaven. But how do you keep things from looking hoarder-ish? Llewelyn-Bowen espouses on the concept he calls curating. Most of us have discovered that curation is necessary for almost everything these days, from our Instagram feeds to how much news affects our mental health. Curation is really the ability to take a group of things and selectively place them in our lives. What does that mean for the maximalist in all of us? Simply stated, we must examine our objects with intention. Do you love it? Did a friend or your deceased grandma give it to you? Did you thrift it for a STEAL at that one location you’ll never forget? All these things should be considered, no matter how many items you want to surround yourself with. Stuff isn’t the actual problem, but owning stuff thoughtfully is work. And maximalists really do excel at overthinking and doing the work!

Finally, what does all this have to do with thrifting? Well, thrift stores are the treasure trove of items with history for the maximalist at heart. Most thrifters love the art of the hunt, and the idea of digging for treasure. I for one am very excited that garage sale season is upon

us now! And estate sales, oh, how I love thee. My first estate sale of the year happened last month, and I’m proud to say I’m the owner of a vintage 70s hand-pieced floral extravaganza of color and pattern that now adorns my guest bed with flare. I like to think Llewelyn-Bowen would be cheering me on, as I learn how to maximalize my house with all the charm of the Queen of England.

How about you? Can you see yourself embracing maximalism in your life? Do tell! Drop me a DM here (instagram.com/bobiluvintage) and I’ll share your thoughts with the world. See you on the thrifting trail this summer!

Love and Death and Pizza,

BY JIM MATHIS

Aboutfive years ago, I devoted this column to a discussion of love, death and pizza. The story centered around how the unfortunate death of a dear friend’s mother gave me an opportunity to try Charlie’s Pizza in Yankton, a place my friend had long advocated for. The occasion gave us time to grieve and bond over some really good pizza.

With Father’s Day approaching, I got to thinking about my Dear Old Dad. It’s been nearly 10 years since he passed, and I still think about him often. As with any relationship, particularly a father and son, we had some great times, and some that were… challenging.

We spent early mornings in duck blinds, evenings laughing over a Scotch or bourbon, and occasionally fighting like cats and dogs. And the thing about the grieving process – at least for me – is that all the memories make me smile. Even the ones that were terrible at the time.

A couple of particular events keep popping into my mind; both revolve around pizza. The first goes back to an evening when I was about six. My brother was staying with a friend; my sister was not yet born. So that Friday night was MY night. Mom and Dad said I could choose whatever I wanted for dinner. My choice of course, was pizza. Dad stopped at a

classic old pizza spot on his way home from work. A few minutes later, my pizza was served hot, fresh, and delicious right out of the cardboard box. This was an old school pizza; before we knew that some pizzas had thick crusts, some had thin. In the early Seventies (at least in Des Moines) pizza was hand-tossed, covered in red sauce and mozzarella. Pepperoni ruled, and it was the kind that cupped when it was cooked and created little tubs of pepperoni grease in each piece of sausage.

On that night, I felt like the King of the World. I had my parents all to myself, and I ate until I made myself sick. Literally, I got sick. But it was my night and my pizza. King of the World, indeed.

Fast forward to 2014. My father was dying slowly in a small-town nursing home. This was not a tremendous surprise to anyone; he was in his seventies and had smoked since his teens. He was a non-compliant diabetic with heart disease and since his father had died at a relatively young age, was convinced he would too. He claimed he’d been living on borrowed time for about 30 years.

We knew his time was short, so we made frequent visits; each time noting the decline from just a few weeks before. On an early autumn

visit, we talked for a while, then he nodded off in his wheelchair. I waited until he awoke and then we talked some more.

That afternoon I asked if there was anything he would like. He replied with a request for a very specific pizza from a pizzeria in Des Moines. So, I let the nurses know he’d be eating in his room that evening and I went to pick up the pie and a couple of Diet Cokes. I made the short drive from the pizza shop on the fringes of downtown Des Moines to the nursing home in Norwalk and delivered his request.

There we sat in the dimly lit, cinderblock room eating pizza off a hospital-style rolling bed-tray. He savored a few bites, eating maybe half a slice and picking some of the toppings off the remains. Sated, he thanked me for bringing his favorite pizza. It was quite a treat and at that moment the grumpy old fart was content and grateful; not common emotions in those days. That was the last meal I shared with him.

Later that night I told my mom about the meal. She was shocked. Not because of what we’d done, but because of the pizza toppings he’d requested. Apparently, he hated them. But maybe it wasn’t about the pizza after all.

On a Friday evening in early December, my cell phone rang. Without

seeing who was calling, I looked at Kara and said, “Dad died.” I answered and my suspicion was confirmed. My mother had just gotten a call from the nursing home, and she was burdened with calling the kids.

Sometimes it’s not about the pizza. It’s the memories shared around a table. The box in the center is just a prop. A little extra something to remember.

Do yourself a favor, eat something good today. And hug your dad if you can. Jim owns ADwërks in Sioux Falls, working in the advertising industry as his father did for nearly 50 years.

BY RICCARDO TARABELSI

Weall learned this a long time ago: Red wine with red meat, white wine with white meat and seafood. While this axiom has withstood the test of time, there are so many different ways to prepare foods (refer to Jim Mathis’ articles) that this old rule of food and wine pairing is not as cut and dry as it used to be. I was posed an interesting question the other day that made me revisit pairings in an unusual way, “What wine would you drink with a hot dog?” My second answer is found below. My first answer was, “A Farmhouse Ale.”

So what wine do you pair with a hot dog or a brat? Although hot dogs and brats come in many varieties, one thing they all have in common is that they are salty and hearty. What’s needed? A wine with high acidity. Many wines will work, but it’s best to avoid a big wine with lots of tannins like Cabernet Sauvignon. Stick to wines with acidity and a touch of sweetness. Wines such as Rosé, Pinot Gris, or Sangiovese are great choices.

Pair a brat with a Chianti Classico, made of 85% - 100% Sangiovese grapes, which offers aromas of black cherry and black plum. The fruit flavors in the nose come through on the palate along with rosemary,

“What

dried mushrooms, and tobacco leaf.

Italian sausage tends to have more herbs and spices than other types of sausage, so you need a wine that’s a bit more savory. As odd as it may sound, a Brunello di Montalcino is a perfect choice due to its dried herb and earthy characteristics, yet it still has the acid you need to cut through the fat. It’s also a medium-bodied red wine with lots of fruitforward characteristics, so it won’t overpower the flavor or texture of the meat.

As for the hot dog inquiry, Rosé is the way to go. I’ve had so many nice Rosés lately, that it’s hard to choose one that stands out. Definitely stick to one made from Grenache, Syrah, or Pinot Noir. Rosé is an elegant wine which is made by extracting the color from the grape skins during fermentation. Many Rosé wines are made using a method known as saingée (sen-yay), a French word meaning “to bleed”. Once the grape skins separate from the juice, they rise to the top of the tank to form a “cap” and must be “punched down” to mix with the juice so the red color can be extracted.

At this stage, most Rosé producers open a valve at the bottom of

the tank and “bleed” off some of the juice to complete fermentation in another tank without the skins. This saignée method of Rosé production is often a by-product of increasing color intensity in red wines by fermenting less juice with more skin contact. There are wineries out there that prefer to whole-cluster press grapes directly into a fermenter, avoiding skin maceration and produce a delicate pink wine.

Next time you’ve got hot dogs or brats on the grill, don’t be afraid to be the black sheep and whip out a crisp bottle of Rosé from Oregon or a nice Sangiovese from Italy. Remember, don’t be a wine snob, be a wine elitist. Educate people because you want to share your passion, not because you want to prove how much you know. Carpe Vino!

When Riccardo isn’t grilling out with a glass of wine in his hand, he and his wife, Marybeth, own R Wine Bar & Kitchen, Brix Wine Bar, Maribella Ristorante, Vespa Catering, and Trio Jazz Club. They have three boys, Dante, Berent (getting married to Molli this month!) and Jaxon. Happy Father’s Day to Riccardo and all the Dads out there!

Get in touch: riccardo@rwinebar.com

A Tech-Free

Father’s Day

BY JESS WEISCHEDEL

This year for Father’s Day, why not choose to designate a day to disconnect from screens and engage face-to-face with Dad? Whether it be on the actual date, or a future day free of any obligations, engage in activities together throughout the day that don’t require any technology or screen-time. Here are some ideas for ways to create lasting memories and foster a sense of family connection:

DIY Projects at Home

Discuss which home improvement projects you could do together, such as assembling furniture, painting a room, redecorating, or creating a new space. Kids can learn how to use tools and various supplies required for the tasks, and everyone will enjoy the sense of teamwork and accomplishment once each project is finished.

Hike a Nature Trail

Explore a scenic trail or nearby park and learn how to appreciate the beauty of plants, animals, and other gifts from Mother Nature. Bring a checklist of things to discover and learn about, or create a scavenger hunt ahead of time that includes various items to find along the way.

Plant an Herb Garden

Spend time gardening with Dad in the backyard or make a small container garden indoors. This hands-on activity teaches kids about the process of caring for seeds once they are planted, and gives a sense of responsibility and pride. Once the herbs are grown and ready to be harvested, important life lessons will be embedded, with the opportunity for new traditions to form and a chance to bond together over a shared interest.

Go Rock Skipping

Spend

Summer Bridge Activity Books

Buy

Volunteer Together

Find a local non-profit, charity, or community organization and help others by volunteering your time together. Develop a sense of empathy and compassion by learning about the place you chose to volunteer at and how you are adding to the cause.

Create a Secret Handshake

Work together to make up a series of gestures that form a special handshake shared just between a father and his kids. If more than one child is involved, each one can have their own unique way of showing love through an adorable greeting with Dad, as well as having the memory of creating it with him in the first place. Be sure to continue using the handshake when the opportunity arises, and you’ll find that it establishes a newfound sense of support and bonding between each other.

All of these activities are just a small example of the things you can enjoy together for Father’s Day. A tech-free day provides opportunities for quality time and bonding, all while fostering appreciation for the simple joys in life.

Gymnastics

The Backstory

BY LURA ROTI

Recentevents have me thinking life would be boring without the backstory.

Let me explain…by sharing the backstory of how I came to this conclusion.

Several years ago, I got to know Gary Conradi because we served together on the Sioux Falls Board of Historic Preservation. And over time, I learned that in retirement, he had a hobby of creating photo series on South Dakota topics he was interested in.

Gary has traversed the state taking photos of all the County Courthouses. He has a series of photos documenting locally-owned bakeries; all the Episcopal churches found in our state, water tower art, outhouses, clotheslines, headstones of our deceased Governors and more.

Gary’s photo series are interesting. But what is most fascinating about them are all the backstories he has collected along the way. Like the story about the Sun Dance he witnessed while photographing an Episcopal church — or the California commune he happened upon while hunting down a Governor’s headstone.

I recently attended a talk where Gary shared his many backstories with folks during a session hosted by the Center for Western Studies. As I left this talk, I realized that it truly is the backstory that makes most things in life interesting.

It’s the reason I enjoy a museum tour much more when they are led by a guide who talks about the artists’ lives, than when I simply read the captions on my own. It is also the reason I enjoy visiting homes with antique or otherwise homeowner-curated décor. Each piece has a backstory.

While visiting a rancher’s home this December, I commented on their living room trim. It looked like it was from an old log cabin. Turns out it was. The rancher was able to repurpose logs from his family’s original log cabin that had long ago collapsed.

The backstory is what takes a mundane conversation about most anything and makes it unforgettable.

Last night, I was participating in a neighborhood brainstorming session around a greenspace just a short walk from my home. We were all

Foot Bridge to Seney Island. CA 1900

thinking about ways it can become more welcoming and provide more opportunities for neighbors of all ages to engage with the outdoors. One suggestion an elderly neighbor of mine wrote down was he would like to see the space become one where neighbors could find peace of mind.

When I asked him what he meant by this, he shared a story of how in the early 1900s, his parents used to picnic on an island at Falls Park. And it brought them peace and happiness. And he would like to see people picnicking on this space.

Until this conversation, I did not know that at one time there was a small island at Falls Park.

The one-block greenspace has a sidewalk along all four sides. I mentioned this was nice for children to bicycle around, because they did not need to cross any streets, and a neighbor shared that the old Lincoln Elementary School playground that once stood on this site was where her daughter learned how to ride a bike. If this was all she said, our conversation would not have made an impression. But because she shared the backstory, I’m writing about it.

The first time my neighbor’s daughter took off pedaling with just two wheels on the ground, she got so excited she forgot how to break, and the bike ran right into the playground fence with such force her feet got stuck in the chain-link. My neighbor was not able to wiggle her daughter’s feet free, so she had to leave her first-grade daughter stuck in the fence, run

she lives just a half block from the space).

Nearly 30 years later, recalling the story made my neighbor laugh so hard she could barely speak.

As a journalist, it’s nearly always the backstory that becomes THE story. Simple questions can uncover complex or incredible responses when they include the backstory. In fact, I think it is most often the ability to share a backstory well that makes someone a great interview.

I love it when sources say, “There’s more to this story, if you have a minute I’ll share the backstory.”

Yes please!

Below: A July 4 picnic on Seney Island or Falls Park.

Jasper & Piper, best friends of the Gilbert family

Oliver, best friend of Brenda Naasz

Hui Se, best friend of Daniella

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.

Ziti and Rusty, best friends of Kaitlyn/Jordan and Lyric/Hayley

Ryder, best friend of the Higgins family

Rio, best friend of Jordan & Kristin

Best BOOKS

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.

You Shine:

The Kohinoor diamond, one of the most famous diamonds in the world, was stolen from India and fought over throughout centuries of colonial conquest, eventually landing in the hands of British royals who tricked a ten-year-old South Asian monarch into relinquishing it. The diamond was ultimately cut to nearly half its size to suit British beauty standards for the crown jewels—and is displayed to this day in the Tower of London museum, a trophy of colonization. Probing, poetic, and shimmering with the colors and patterns of Indian textiles, And Yet You Shine is more than the true story of a precious gem passing hands.

Ages 8 yrs - 12 yrs

Candlewickpress.com

From flower to flower, busy little Bee collects nectar, pollinating blooms along the way before returning back to the hive where the rest of the colony lives. Between collecting nectar, making honey, and helping the queen, the honeybee’s extraordinary life is on display in this fun, informative board book. A die-cut throughout the book emphasizes how nature is full of changes, and readers will love learning how each season brings something different for these hardworking pollinators.

Ages 2 yrs - 5 yrs

Candlewickpress.com

Bunny and Clyde by Megan McDonald

Get ready for a wild ride with Bunny and Clyde! These by-the-rules buddies, a rabbit and a chipmunk, are sick and tired of being good. For once, they want to know what it’s like to be baddies—rotten to the core! They want thrills and excitement! But to get really good at being bad, they’re going to need some experience. What if the dastardly duo started returning library books late on purpose? Or borrowing markers without asking? Everyone knows it’s a swift downhill slide from there—as long as there’s an unprotected piggy bank in town!

Ages 5 yrs - 8 yrs

Candlewickpress.com

Book Buddies: Roger Takes a Chance by Cynthia Lord

Roger the chick almost never gets the chance to do things on his own—he’s always attached by Velcro to his mother, Olive the hen, who prefers a quiet nap to any excitement. The two Book Buddies even come as a pair when they’re borrowed from the library, so Roger doesn’t go on many solo adventures. One day, a boy named Liam is persuaded by his little sister to borrow Roger and Olive before picking up Grandpa from the airport. While Liam is preoccupied with showing Grandpa how grown-up he is, however, Roger the chick wriggles free, only to be accidentally left behind. Could this be the chance that Roger’s been waiting for, or will his airport adventure— complete with a too-playful dog and a looming top of the escalator—prove too exciting even for him? If Liam admits his mistake, will he have a chance to show how grown-up he is—and help Roger get back from the Lost and Found?

Ages 6 yrs - 9 yrs

Candlewickpress.com

And Yet

The Kohinoor Diamond, Colonization, and Resistance by Supriya Kelkar

Bee by Maggie Li

Title

by Cynthia Leitich Smith; Kekla Magoon

When cousins Riley Halfmoon and Maya Dawn move to Urbanopolis to live with their activist grandma, they get off to a rocky start. Outgoing Riley misses her Muscogee cousins but is sure that she and Maya will be instant BFFs. Meanwhile, introvert Maya misses her parents, on active duty in Japan, and just wants some space to herself. At school, Maya joins Robotics Club and Riley bonds with fellow gymnasts. Just when they start to feel at home, their school culture is threatened by an influential foe in disguise. Joining student council feels like a way to help, so both cousins toss their hats in the ring for sixth-grade class president. But when they realize what they’re up against—money, power, and lies—they quickly shift from competition to cooperation, joining forces as superheroes.

Ages 8 yrs - 12 yrs

Candlewickpress.com

Braun

The baby airplane is ready for takeoff! Push and pull the tabs to help the airplane take to the skies—there is so much to see in this bright and busy book. Bursting with adorable animal characters on a special trip through the clouds, this novelty offering from Sebastien Braun will provide plenty of entertainment. Climb aboard the airplane in this novelty series about things that go! With tabs to slide and wheels to spin, little ones will love making the airplane move on every page.

Ages 0 mos - 3 yrs

Candlewickpress.com

Crow by Chris Butterworth

Crows may not have flashy feathers, beautiful songs, or fancy flying skills, but if a crow looks at you with its small, round eye, you can be sure that it’s thinking, as these birds have very big brains. Did you know that crows will use a stick to poke into a crevice to tease out tasty bugs? Or that they like to play like kids by tumbling down a snowy roof? Or that they remember where they hide their food—but sometimes only pretend to bury a treat to fool other birds? Original and accessible, with Chris Butterworth’s welcoming text and gorgeous, expressive artwork from Olivia Lomenech Gill, Clever Crow is sure to generate newfound respect for these unassuming creatures that young readers come across every day.

Ages 3 yrs - 7 yrs

Candlewickpress.com

Ava Lin, Best Friend! by

Vicky Fang

Ava Lin is six and a half years old, and she loves bubble tea, finding treasures, and animals (note the 117 varieties of pets on her wish list). She’s very good at drawing and balancing pasta on her nose. And there’s a Very Exciting Thing happening in her life right now: tomorrow is her first day of first grade! Which means she gets a new backpack, new pencils, and a new lunch box. But what she really wants to get in first grade is a best friend, which isn’t as easy as she thought.

Ages 5 yrs - 8 yrs

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