July 2024
Volume 23 • Issue 7
July Events
Strawberry Rhubarb Snack Cake
Credit: Darren Thomas
baking summer sweeter
From backyard bonfires to Fourth of July celebrations, 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 and decorated celebration cookies!
Call 605-275-0060 or Order Online!
Shopping, Food & Fun!
concierge 12
A “Novo” Approach to Health and Beauty
calendar 14
July 2024
a-list 20
history 24
The Great Grasshopper Calamity
out & about
Hours: Monday-Friday 9AM – 5 PM
Novo Aesthetics
4900 E. 57th Street, Suite B 605-359-3877
https://www.novo-spa.com/ Rachael@novo-spa.com
A “Novo” Approach to Health and Beauty
BY MARY MICHAELS | PHOTOS BY JULIE PRAIRIE PHOTOGRAPHY
Ifyou look up “novo” in the dictionary, you will find definitions such as make new, renew and refresh, so it is fitting that Rachael Dekker chose that for her business name.
A doctoral-trained certified nurse practitioner and nurse anesthetist, Dekker first opened Novo Aesthetics in Luverne, Minnesota, and has since expanded to five other communities in South Dakota and Iowa, including Sioux Falls. She has been in the medical field for over 20 years, gaining a wealth of knowledge in anatomy and physiology and immersing herself in the areas of medical aesthetics, laser technology and weight loss services.
Dekker grew up in Sioux Falls, but moved to Luverne in 2020 when she saw an opportunity to open her own medical spa.
“There wasn’t anyone doing medical aesthetics in Luverne, so I wanted to create a place that was truly focused on the individual and helping them feel more confident in their own skin.”
Dekker says starting a new business venture can be scary, but she felt confident in her own expertise and the value of the services she could offer. Plus, she says, she has the added benefit of having her husband, Stephen, as her business manager.
“I couldn’t do this without him,” she says.”
Dekker’s philosophy is that aesthetics should enhance the beautiful features a person already has, so she creates tailored treatments to help people achieve a natural and more youthful look without appearing fake or “treated.”
Novo Aesthetics offers a variety of services for the skin, including wrinkle-reduction injections, dermal fillers, microneedling and chemical peels.
In the world of aesthetics, “Botox” is a commonly known term, but Dekker says there are different types of injections.
“The technical term for an anti-wrinkle injection is a neuromodulator,” she explains. “There are several brands like Botox, Xeomin, Dysport and Juveau. I generally call them all “Tox,” and they all work.”
Dekker goes on to explain the science behind wrinkles and these treatments.
“When we’re young, we can smile, laugh and raise our eyebrows, and those lines and creases will disappear when we relax, because our skin bounces back. As we get older, though, the skin doesn’t bounce back like it used to, and we end up with visible crow’s feet, laugh lines and forehead wrinkles. These injections work to relax the muscles, so that creases or wrinkles don’t form from repeated facial expressions.”
Dekker describes microneedling as “a way to use your body’s healing powers to rejuvenate your skin.” In this procedure, she creates tiny punctures in the skin that promote collagen and elastin production. Adding the body’s own platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to microneedling gives the skin a super boost, she says, improving skin texture, tone and brightness, as well as decreasing wrinkles, fine lines and scarring.
On the Novo Aesthetics Facebook page, you can find Dekker’s own
“before and after” photos, demonstrating microneedling or the use of their VI Chemical Peel, as well as some client testimonials.
As dedicated as Dekker is to the science of addressing clients’ skin concerns, she is equally as passionate about helping people develop a healthy, daily skincare routine.
“Just like in other areas of our health, there is such a thing as preventive skincare,” she explains. You can reduce skin damage from the sun by using sunscreen or address issues like oily skin or dry skin with proper daily care.”
Novo Aesthetics uses medical-grade skin care products from Neocutis, which Dekker likes because they are backed by research and science.
“When you buy an over-the-counter product that says it has vitamin C, for example, there is no regulation or requirement for them to tell you how much of that ingredient is actually inside. Our products are FDA-regulated and contain the purest form of ingredients that are designed for deeper absorption.”
Another service line Dekker has brought to Novo Aesthetics is prescription weight loss.
“Our weight goes far beyond the number of the scale,” Dekker says. “When we aren’t at a healthy weight, it affects our physical health, as well as our emotional and social health. Our program is designed to give people who have been struggling a path to a healthier, happier self.”
Dekker says their locations offer semaglutide and tirzepatide, which are Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications that can mimic the effects of the body’s natural GLP-1 hormone. While initially developed
to treat type 2 diabetes, they have been used in weight loss programs because they can also reduce appetite and slow down digestion.
“Because these medications were originally developed to treat people with diabetes, you can be on them long-term,” Dekker explains. “However, we first start with a consultation to review a person’s medical history and their goals, and then we can talk about the right options.”
After someone reaches their healthy weight goals, she adds, they will work together to develop a maintenance plan.
“When you lose weight, your body releases stress hormones, so it is important to develop a maintenance phase that helps your body adjust to its new normal,” she says.
During this phase, people can reduce the dose of their medication, increase the amount of time between injections or both. Others choose to eventually stop the medication completely. Dekker explains that they may see some weight gain, but hopefully they have also established healthier lifestyle habits that can help them keep their weight in a healthy range.
Because all of the medical spa’s services — aesthetics and weight loss — are out-of-pocket expenses for clients, that gives Dekker even more motivation to offer the best possible care that is customized for what the person needs.
In Sioux Falls, Novo Aesthetics is co-located with Active Faith Chiropractic on East 57th Street.
“I just think what we do fits in so well with the holistic care offered at Active Faith,” Dekker says. “I like the approach Dr. Haley (Luond) has and just the overall vibe here. I love what I do. I love helping people.”
July 2024
Sioux Falls Fireworks
Thursday, July 4 • 7- 10:45 p.m.
W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds
Plan to join the fun on Independence Day! This is a free event! Food trucks, live music, Vanguard flyover, kids area and more!
Chad Elliot at the Old Courthouse Museum
Summer Concert Series
Friday, July 5 • 12-1 p.m.
Old Courthouse Museum
200 West Sixth Street
Chad Elliot will perform in the plaza behind the Old Courthouse Museum. Bring your lunch and enjoy the show! Concert could
be held inside in the case of rain or construction projects this summer. (605) 367-4210 or siouxlandmuseums.com
July EastBank Block Party
Friday, July 5 • 5:30 - 11 p.m.
8th & Railroad Center
Enjoy live music on a warm summer night at the July 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. Browse retail, food, and interactive vendors and the great retail stores along the boardwalk of the 8th & Railroad Center.
Sioux Falls Independence Day Celebration • July 4 Independence Day Celebration Schedule
7:30 a.m. Fun Run/Walk Check-In for Registered Participants
Walk/Run Route at Fawick Park
8:00 a.m. Fun Run/Walk Begins
Walk/Run Route at Fawick Park
10:00 a.m. Parade Begins
Parade Route North bound along Phillips Avenue to 6th Street
11:00 a.m. Picnic
Picnic and Entertainment (Municipal Band)
Lunch Is Served for the first 3,000 attendees
All-beef hot dog, chips, and water (Sunshine/Tony’s Catering)
Picnic Location - Levitt Shell at 6th & Phillips
Serving lines will be in the parking lot, on the south side of Levitt Shell
7:00 p.m. Levitt Concert (Opener: Kory & The Fireflies) Levitt Shell
The Foxies Levitt at the Falls
Friday, July 5 • 7 p.m.
The Nashville-based power trio of vocalist Julia Lauren Bullock, guitarist Jake Ohlbaum, and drummer Rob Bodley are a band boldly embracing their
wildest and most unpredictable impulses. The Foxies infuse their songs with equal parts raw emotion and a musical sophistication that comes from years of devotion to their craft and their high-energy live show. Falls Park Farmer’s Market
Every Saturday, May through October 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Falls Park, across from the Stockyards Ag Experience. 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. No pets allowed due to public health concerns.
Dyer Davis
Levitt at the Falls Saturday, July 6 • 7 p.m.
JULY 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. Gary Southshore Railcats
Tuesday, July 9 • 6:35pm
S.F. Canaries vs. Gary Southshore Railcats
July 10 • 6:35pm
S.F. Canaries vs. Gary Southshore Railcats
July 11 • 4:05pm
S.F. Canaries vs. Winnipeg Goldeyes
July 12 • 7:05pm
As a child, Dyer Davis’s father, also a musician, turned him on to the music of the 60s and 70s. The artists that spoke to him the most were the bluesbased rockers. This instilled in him the importance of blues music, which became the key foundation of his personal music style. Dyer’s soulful voice, tasteful guitar playing, and strong writing ability elevate his performances. Davis is a natural showman with the charisma and chops to entertain any audience. dyerdavismusic.com
S.F. Canaries vs. Winnipeg Goldeyes
July 13 • 5:35pm
S.F. Canaries vs. Winnipeg Goldeyes
July 14 • 1:05pm
S.F. Canaries vs. Winnipeg Goldeyes
July 25 • 6:35pm
S.F. Canaries vs. Winnipeg Goldeyes
July 26 • 7:05pm
S.F. Canaries vs. Winnipeg Goldeyes
July 27 • 5:35pm
S.F. Canaries vs. Winnipeg Goldeyes
July 28 • 4:05pm
Starlab Inflatable Planetarium at the Old Courthouse Museum Thursday, July 11 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 Woodlawn Cemetery: Crown Hill
Siouxland Heritage Museums Thursday, July 11 • 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
Gilda House
Levitt at the Falls
Thursday, July 11 • 7 p.m.
& Kelly Clarkson, released new music, and played over 100 midwest venues.
Eliza Blue at the Old Courthouse Museum
Summer Concert Series Friday, July 12 • 12-1 p.m. Old Courthouse Museum 200 West Sixth Street
Eliza Blue will perform in the plaza behind the Old Courthouse Museum from noon to 1 p.m. Bring your lunch and enjoy the show! Concert could be held inside in the case of rain or construction projects this summer. (605) 367-4210 or siouxlandmuseums.com
Taikoarts Midwest
Levitt at the Falls
Saturday, July 13 • 10:30 a.m.
Initially formed in 2019, by the band’s namesake Meg Gildehaus, Gilda House eventually blossomed into a full-fledged trio, tapping musicians Nick Miles and Tony Morales on drums and guitars/synths. Already renowned in the Billings scene as one of its most enthralling and entertaining live acts, Gilda House is poised to be your next big obsession.
Fridays on the Plaza
Fridays from May 24 - August 30, except on July 5.
Dakota News Now 325 S. 1st Ave. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Every Friday, musicians from across the region perform during the lunch hour in the 12th Street Plaza outside the Dakota News Now studio in downtown Sioux Falls. Some of Sioux Falls’ best food trucks will also be on hand to serve up lunch.
Judd Hoos
Levitt at the Falls
Friday, July 12 • 7 p.m.
Judd Hoos is an American rock band from the Black Hills of South Dakota. They recently appeared on NBC’s “American Song Contest” with Snoop Dogg
Taiko is the Japanese word for drum and refers to the modern style of playing these drums. Think of it as a high-energy performance art that combines music, dance, martial arts, athletics, and culture. Drummer Ensō Daiko offers loud, energetic performances and has taught thousands of students of all ages and abilities. The group regularly premieres new work adding their unique voice to the expanding canon and innovation of North American taiko. taikoartsmidwest.org
Pascuala Ilabaca
Levitt at the Falls
Saturday, July 13 • 7 p.m.
Hailing from Valparaiso, Chile, singer-songwriter Pascuala Ilabaca is a unique and treasured voice in both the Latin American and world music scenes. In little over a decade, she has released six albums and performed on multiple world tours. She is known for her flamboyant and refreshing performances. pascualailabacayfauna.com
Fiber Fun at the Old Courthouse Museum
Sunday, July 14 • 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 or siouxlandmuseums.com
Killer Queen:
A Tribute to Queen Sunday, July 14 • 8 p.m.
Washington Pavilion
301 S. Main Avenue
Killer Queen’s first public shows were at London University, following in the footsteps of the real Queen who had played their first shows there decades earlier.
Killer Queen’s UK popularity grew to such an extent they soon secured a residency in London’s Strand Theatre attracting nationwide BBC coverage - the first tribute to have a show in the West End. INFO (605) 367-6000.
Rosemaling Demonstration at the Old Courthouse Museum
Tuesday, July 16 • 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. Stop in any time for a demonstration or to ask questions! INFO (605) 3674210 or siouxlandmuseums.com
Hot Summer Nites
Wednesday, July 17
4-10:30 p.m.
W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds
Join the Sioux Falls Corvette Club for the “hottest night” of the season! Enjoy music, food trucks and the Beer Garden, look at Corvettes, and take part in the Quick 60 Event. INFO (605) 367-7178.
Kid’s Activity Day:
Go for the Gold! at the Old Courthouse Museum
Thursday, July 18
9-11 a.m. and 1-2:30 p.m. Old Courthouse Museum
200 West Sixth Street
Kids can learn about history and make their own crafts to take home. 15 minute sessions run throughout morning and afternoon times. Call to reserve times. Free admission. INFO (605)367-4210 or siouxlandmuseums.com
Ron Artis II
Levitt at the Falls
Thursday, July 18 • 7 p.m.
Hailing from Haleiwa, Hawaii, this award-winning artist brings a unique, soulful, honest songwriting style to the stage, performing all-original music and energizing audiences all across the globe. His blazing, versatile guitar playing style is captivating.
Historic Walking Tour of the South End Cathedral District
Siouxland Heritage Museums
Thursday, July 18 • 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
Denham
Levitt at the Falls
Friday, July 19 • 7 p.m.
Straight out of the midwest, Denham boasts explosive sound and high-energy performances. He has shared the stage with some of the biggest names in the game, including Kevin Gates, Tech N9ne, and Bryce Vine.
Mark Normand:
Ya Don’t Say Tour
Friday, July 19 • 7 p.m.
Washington Pavilion 301 S. Main Ave.
Dubbed by Jerry Seinfeld as the “best young up and coming comic,” Mark Normand has quickly become one of the most talked about touring comedians on the scene. Normand’s 2023 one-hour Netflix special, SOUP TO NUTS, was a staple in the streamers’ Top Ten for several weeks. INFO (605) 367-6000.
2024 Municipal Band Summer Concert Schedule
July 4 | 11 a.m. | Levitt at the Falls | Celebrating the Fourth (Patriotic)
July 7 | 8 p.m. | Terrace Park | The Pursuit of Happiness (Patriotic)
July 9 | 7:30 p.m. | Good Samaritan Society – Sioux Falls Village | By George
July 14 | 8 p.m. | Terrace Park | Date Night
July 16 | 7:30 p.m. | Trail Ridge Senior Living Community | The County Fair
July 21 | 8 p.m. | Terrace Park | Dealer’s Choice
July 25 | 7:30 p.m. | McKennan Park | Christmas in July
July 28 | 8 p.m. | Washington Pavilion, Mary W. Sommervold Hall | The Grand Finale
The Sioux Falls Municipal Band is one of the oldest and most prestigious community bands in the Midwest and has been performing since 1919. Since 2021, the band has been managed by Washington Pavilion Management, Inc., which administers the budget, books venues and provides marketing and payroll services. The Augustana University School of Music provides musical leadership, including planning rehearsals, programming performances, recruiting band members, developing performance standards and maintaining the band’s assets.
For more information, go to WashingtonPavilion.org/ SFMunicipalBand.
Benny Bassett at the Old Courthouse Museum Summer Concert Series
Friday, July 19 • 12-1 p.m.
Old Courthouse Museum
200 West Sixth Street
Benny Bassett will perform in the plaza behind the Old Courthouse Museum from noon to 1 p.m. Bring your lunch and enjoy the show! Concert could be held inside in the case of rain or construction projects this summer. (605) 3674210 or siouxlandmuseums.com.
The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band
Levitt at the Falls
Saturday, July 20 • 7 p.m.
Three-time Blues Music Award
nominees The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band are “the greatest front-porch blues band in the world.” Their latest record Dance Songs For Hard Times went #1 on the Billboard, iTunes and Sirius XM Blues Charts. bigdamnband.com
Siouxland Heritage Museums
Alliance Historic Homes Tour
Tuesday, July 23 •5-8 p.m.
Cathedral Historic District
Tour four homes in the Sioux Falls Cathedral Historic District. Tickets are available for $10 at the Pettigrew Home & Museum beginning July 1st. Proceeds go to support the Siouxland Heritage Museums. INFO (605)367-7097 or www.siouxlandmuseums.com
Pettigrew Summer Open House
Tuesday, July 23 • 5-8 p.m.
Pettigrew Home & Museum
131 N. Duluth Avenue
Take a tour of the Pettigrew open house and enjoy refreshments in the museum. Horse-drawn carriage rides will tour the Cathedral District throughout the evening. Free admission. INFO (605) 3677097 or siouxlandmuseums.com
Bluey’s Big Play
July 23 & 24 • 6 p.m.
Washington Pavilion
301 S. Main Ave.
Bluey’s Big Play is a brand-new theatrical adaptation of the
Emmy® award-winning children’s television series. Join the Heelers in their first live theatre show made just for you. Featuring brilliantly created puppets, this is Bluey as you’ve never seen it before, brought to real life. INFO (605) 367-6000.
Starlab Inflatable Planetarium at the Old Courthouse Museum
Thursday, July 25
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 www.siouxlandmuseums.com.
Historic Walking Tour of Mount Pleasant Cemetery Siouxland Heritage Museums
Thursday, July 25 • 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
Wesli: Levitt at the Falls
Thursday, July 25 • 7 p.m.
Originally from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Wesli blends traditional Haitian rhythms and lyrics with a wide range of styles. The sounds of Wesli’s childhood, including Evangelical gospel, reggae, Afrobeat, funk, and the diverse roots music of Haiti, continually influence his compositions.
Kelly Jackson Levitt at the Falls Friday, July 26 •7 p.m.
Kelly Jackson is an international award-winning Native American artist. Her edgy and soulful pieces have gained admiration for their unique flare, soulful vocals, and remarkable ability to inspire and empower listeners.
Johnson/McKinney Quartet at the Old Courthouse Museum Summer Concert Series Friday, July 26 • 12-1 p.m.
Old Courthouse Museum
200 West Sixth Street Johnson/McKinney Quartet will perform in the plaza behind the Old Courthouse Museum from noon to 1 p.m. Bring your lunch and enjoy the show! Concert could be held inside in the case of rain or construction projects this summer. (605) 367-4210 or siouxlandmuseums.com
Starr Chief Eagle Levitt at the Falls
Saturday, July 27 10:30 a.m.
Starr Chief Eagle is an enrolled member of the Sicangu (Rosebud) Lakota Sioux Tribe. She was born with the Lakota name Wichahpi Tokahe (First Star) and was later given the Lakota name Wichahpi Ohitika Winyan (Brave Star Woman). She grew up in the Black Hills of South Dakota and started hoop dancing before she could walk.
Since then, she has been perfecting her techniques and skills.
Supaman
Levitt at the Falls
Saturday, July 27 • 7 p.m.
As a member of the Apsaalooke Nation, Supaman (Christian Takes Gun Parrish) is a Native American dancer and innovative hip-hop artist who has dedicated his life to empowering and spreading a message of hope, pride and resilience through his original art form.
Sundays in the Vineyard Sunday, July 28 • 2-5 p.m.
Wilde Prairie Winery 48052 259th St., Brandon
Take the short drive to the country to enjoy listening to Mogen’s Heroes play. Bring your lounge chair or blanket along with friends & family. We will be serving wine, wine slushies, ciders, beer and non alcoholic beverages. This is a child friendly event. Please have your pets on a leash and no outside alcohol. INFO (605) 582-6471.
Clothing Store for the Whole Family!
We offer clothing for men, women & kids sizes infant up to 4XL. Large selection and new items arriving daily! Quality Shoppe. 220 S. Cliff Ave Ste. 108, Harrisburg SD (South of the roundabout, west of Dollar Fresh). (605) 777-3257. Follow on Facebook & Instagram for Updates.
Dreams Come True
Looking to update your laundry room? Let us help make your dreams come true. Laundry can be almost fun with a laundry room update like this. Call Dakota Kitchen and Bath today. 4101 N. Hainje Ave., Sioux Falls. (605) 334-9727.
Sweet Celebrations!
Summer is heating up and it’s time for picnics with fireworks, fireflies and sparklers! Mary’s Mountain Cookies can make your summer picnic extra sweet with our famous mountainsized cookies! We bake our cookies fresh daily and have many sweet treats to choose from including our decorated celebration cookies, gluten-friendly cookies, ice cream sandwiches and cookie dough! Call or go online to place an order of our sweet treats at (605) 2750060 or www.siouxfallscookies.com!
$500 OFF
Use this coupon for $50 off of a $150 design consult! A design consultation is a great way to get inspired, talk about new ideas, or ask any questions about your space! Call (605) 271-2278, email info@houndstoothhouse.com or stop in to book your $100 design consult today! Houndstooth House. 101 W. 37th St. Sioux Falls,. (605) 271-2278
Who Doesn’t Love Slime?
Kidtopia carries the sweetest slime around! Kawaii Slime Company makes slime cute with amazing add-ons and scents. So many cute flavors to choose from. Not only a great stress reliever, but an awesome way for kids to be exposed to the wholesome world of crafts. Get yours at Kidtopia. East side at Dawley Farms. 901 S. Highline Pl., Sioux Falls,. (605) 275-4825.
Teen Activewear for Every Day
Shop the new selection of Every Turn activewear at The Dance Line. Clothes to move in—from practice to the park, school to back home. Everywhere. Every Turn. The Dance Line. 2115 S. Minnesota Avenue. (605) 335-8242
Celebrating 20 Years!
Visit us this summer to help us celebrate 20 years of serving fantastic wine and hosting fantastic fun! Follow us on Facebook for our summer events calendar and winery hours. Wilde Prairie Winery. 48052 259th St., Brandon, SD. (605) 582-6471.
Faux Florals
Shop faux flowers and floral arrangements at ReBorn Home Furnishings. Add some greenery to your home with these bouquet arrangements — without the hassle of watering!
ReBorn Home Furnishings. 219 E. Main St., Luverne, MN. (507) 220-2250.
Irish Nachos
A review from a guest on Trip Advisor says it all... “Love McNally’s, it has great atmosphere and a wonderful staff! It’s alway great on Friday nights. We love the food — a favorite is the Irish nachos.” What more can we say? You just have to try our Irish Nachos for yourself. McNally’s Irish Pub. 69th & Western, Sioux Falls. (605) 271-7170.
Summer Server
Get this versatile four section Nora Fleming server and the most adorable minis at Country ‘n More! Each mini is hand-painted with care for every detail. The interchangeable Nora Fleming minis, sold separately, allow you to use the same serving piece year round and simply change out the mini for each season or holiday. Country ‘n More. 69th Street & Western Avenue. (605) 361-9797.
Easy, Breezy & Fun!
Shop Junk in the Trunk for living room décor for summereasy, breezy and fun! Just a few simple touches is all you need to create an effortless look. New gently-used items arriving daily! Junk in the Trunk. 1918 W. 41st St. (605) 338-5510.
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.
Projects & More!
Visit the Sewing Basket in downtown Luverne, MN for all of your sewing needs. Inspiration & kits for your next project, high quality quilting fabrics, embroidery designs, sewing notions, machine accessories and repair/service, scissor sharpening and so much more! 219 E. Main Street, Luverne, MN. (507) 920-8715.
Party Animals!
Book your birthday party and your party animals can paint these party animals! So many adorable critters to choose from — to personalize all their own. Color Me Mine. 3709 W 41st St., Sioux Falls. (605) 362-6055.
More Choices!
Quarter Sawn White Oak is an exciting addition to our cabinetry design choices. Ray flecking and rift sawn notes provide subtle and distinctive wood grain variety. These natural characteristics along with our wide variety of stain and tinted varnish choices gives your cabinetry 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 North. (605) 977-3660.
Now Offering Machine Repair, Scissor Sharpening, and Long Arm Quilting!
Whether you're a novice to notions or a seasoned stitcher, we are excited to guide you through your quilting journey.
Lose yourself in the rhythmic dance of needle and fabric. Quilting unwinds and de-stresses, all while creating something special.
Start with a simple pattern and watch your skills blossom!
Join our friendly workshops and classes, led by passionate quilters. Make new friends and share inspiration!
Shop Hours:
Monday - Friday: 10:00am - 6:00pm
Thursday: 10:00am - 8:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am - 4:00pm Sundays for Church and Family
Browse our extensive selection of fabrics, patterns, notions, and tools – everything you need to bring your vision to life.
Unleash your inner artist and discover the magic of quilting.
It has been a wonderful journey to start and watch this business grow from a glimmer of a dream and blossom into what it is today. From our humble start as an occasional store to now offering custom home décor, gifts and ornaments, design services and custom furniture work in addition to our furniture selections in the store. Through it all, we are still having fun rescuing furniture; repairing and refreshing them to bring our customers high quality, vintage furniture with style at an affordable price. Thanks to our families, our community and most of all our customers for making our dream a reality!
15% OFF Everything for 15 days! (starting July 15)
THE GREAT GRASSHOPPER CALAMITY
By Wayne Fanebust
Thefrontier gamble was one of the highest order, but it was eagerly undertaken because of the chance to obtain land for very little money. The Homestead Act of 1862 was Abraham Lincoln’s plan for populating the great western frontier with white people looking to prosper on what was believed to be rich soil. Much of the soil was fertile, but then there was the prevailing belief that “rain followed the plow,” therefore all a sodbuster had to do to succeed was turn up the sod and let nature take its course.
Following the end of the Civil War, a mass migration from eastern towns and cities meant that Americans were about to put their farming skills to the test. In Dakota Territory, during the mid to late 1860s, the record shows a mixed result. Rainfall proved to be too much or too little, prairie fires were frequent and devastating, winters were very cold and life on the frontier often meant long periods of isolation that had a negative effect on the human psyche; especially on women. But perhaps the greatest obstacle proved to be an insect. About an inch long, the grasshopper
was the tiny demon that imposed one of the greatest hardships on those who wanted to make a good life on the prairie.
Of the various and diverse themes of frontier history, the great grasshopper calamity stands out as the most unique and terrifying disasters ever to befall the pioneers. Devastating in its destructive impact, and horrifying in view of its numerical improbabilities, the attack of the grasshopper rises above the level of every other exciting event that made up the collective frontier experience. Newspaper accounts provide a great number of short horror stories about the tiny monsters. The great grasshopper calamity was like a doomsday book to which thousands of people added their stories of disbelief, suffering and shock.
The decade of the 1860s was long considered a make or break period. Starting in 1864, the territory was hit by a grasshopper plague. The summer was called uncompromisingly dry and by August, grasshoppers in great numbers made short work of vegetable gardens and grain fields, laying eggs before they flew off. The following spring, the eggs hatched and laid
waste to the greenery before flying off in June of 1865, only to reappear in August of 1866.
At that point, James S. Foster, the author of an immigrant’s guide to the west boldly stated, “Dakota is now free from these pests….” Foster was wrong, for the flying fiends reappeared and did so in parts of the Northwest, including Dakota, until 1873. But fortunately, during this time frame, the damage done was not too serious.
In the summer of 1873, there were indications that the bad bugs would be back with a vengeance. A Sioux Falls newspaper noted that they struck the corn field of Artemus Gale, whose claim was in the heart of Sioux Falls. In a light-hearted mood, the editor of the newspaper noted that “hoppergrasses, red, yellow and gray, mostly gray” had landed in Minnehaha County and that “anyone who wants one can have them for the trouble of removing them.” Humor was a familiar tonic, so useful to the pioneer who so desperately needed something uplifting during the crisis.
The summer of ‘73 was bad enough, but the following year recorded one the worst
The Settlers Worst Nightmare
grasshopper plagues ever in Dakota Territory, with Minnehaha County bearing the brunt of the ruthless attacks. The damage and suffering was almost incalculable, with many people losing their entire crop and with it a year’s earnings. Worse yet, perhaps, the flying, ferociously-hungry insects exhausted the mental stamina of men and women, driving them to the brink of insanity. Some folks believed that the grasshopper invasion was a sign of God’s anger at a sinful people.
In their ravenous fashion, the hoppers ate nearly everything, although it was believed they favored onions. They ate plants right down to the ground. They ate leather, harness, clothing and even each other. The sound of their eating resembled the sound of cattle eating in a cornfield. They polluted water with their bodies, turning clean streams into water that resembled the color of coffee. The vicious little fiends would completely destroy one field, then oddly enough, skip another entirely.
The grasshoppers that struck Dakota and other parts of the Northwest were called the “grassland species” or the “migratory or the 17 year locusts.” They were harder in frame and better adapted for flying. They were also known as the red-legged Rocky Mountain locust. They would typically fly over Dakota in
Area of Grasshopper Damage in 1876
Desparate farmers tried to scare gigantic swarms of grasshoppers away from their crops by shriekiing loudly, banging on sheets of tin, firing guns, and burning haystacks to create dense smoke. Image owner: Annette Atkins
Severe damage reported and eggs laid
a northerly direction in May and June, when south winds were strong enough to carry them. They liked hot, dry weather and seemed to wait for favorable winds to begin their migration. In July, the insects would head south again, passing over Dakota in their flight.
The depredations in appalling numbers touched off a migration of another kind as settlers began leaving Dakota in droves. Dakota had long endured the taunts of easterners for any number of reasons, but the grasshoppers seemed determined to give all the Northwest a bad name, to wit, “Dakota Grasshopper.” To stem the tide and encourage people to stay, an Aid Society was formed, whose goal it was to raise money to buy seed for those settlers who were willing to try planting in the spring.
During the summer of 1875, Dakota was granted a respite from the invading insects, but the area around Omaha was hit, as folks watched the dark clouds of grasshoppers pass over Dakota, heading south. They also went westward causing a Sioux Falls newspaper to suggest they were going to the Black Hills to find gold. Once again, humor lightened the heavy load.
But the respite was short-lived, for in July of 1876, the hordes returned in number that
seemed greater than any time before. The scourge covered many states in addition to Dakota Territory. On the bright side, some of the grain had been harvested and thus saved. Still, there was a lot of uncut grain for grasshopper feed. The hungry hoppers ate their fill and laid eggs before departing.
Then the unexpected happened and the struggling pioneers were rewarded for their persistence. In January of 1877, during a period of exceptionally warm weather, the grasshopper eggs began to hatch. The little ones quickly died when normal January weather returned. The following spring, a large amount of grassland was burned to further destroy the young hoppers. And by mid-May, a peculiar red bug was seen eating grasshoppers.
This was taken as a good omen and on May 4, 1877, the territorial governor, John L. Pennington, declared a day of “humiliation, fasting and prayer.” It was widely observed as a day of deliverance and 1877 proved to be a good year for crops. It was followed by a decade known as the great Dakota boom years of good crops, extensive railroad building and massive immigration; all of which must have made the grasshopper years seem like a bad dream. Never again would that terrible insect threaten to destroy the verdant Dakota prairie.
recipes 27
Strawberry Rhubarb
Snack Cake
at home 28
At Home in Garretson: The Kailey Eskam Home
thrifting home 34
Thrifting ‘On the Road’ for Summer Fun
vino 36
Spaghetti Wine! man in the kitchen 38 A Culinary Adventure Under the Sun
Strawberry Rhubarb Snack Cake
BY JO MCCLURE
1 box (17-18 ounce) yellow cake mix, divided
2/3 cup brown sugar
2 Tablespoons cold butter
3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
2 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1 1/2 cups chopped rhubarb
1 1/2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
1/2 cup white frosting if desired
Combine 2/3 cup cake mix and sugar in a bowl. Cut in butter until the mixture is crumbly and then add the nuts and set aside. Place remaining cake mix in another bowl and add eggs and sour cream. Fold in the strawberries and rhubarb and then spread into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Sprinkle with the reserved crumb mixture. Bake at 350˚ for 40-50 minutes or until it passes the toothpick test. If desired, drizzle with homemade or canned white frosting. Serves 12-15.
At Home in Garretson:
The Kailey Eskam Home
BY MARY MICHAELS | PHOTOS BY JULIE PRAIRIE PHOTOGRAPHY
Whenthe pandemic hit in 2020, Kailey Eskam had started a job as an oncology nurse at Avera and was living the “apartment life” in Sioux Falls. Then along came Westley, her cocker spaniel “COVID baby,” and she decided to start looking at houses, so that Westley could have a yard.
Finding the housing market at that time a bit of a challenge, she expanded her search outside the Sioux Falls city limits, leading her to a cozy cottage in Garretson.
“The house was built in the 1920s and had been completely gutted and redone,” says Kailey. “While it’s nice to know that things like plumbing and electrical were updated, I wanted to lean back into that older cottage vibe.”
The vaulted ceiling in the main living space had been redone with white-washed shiplap, but Kailey adds, the nail holes hadn’t been filled.
“While the house was empty, I spent a lot of time filling nail holes and painting,” she says. “Every room was touched by paint.”
She also added little touches like narrow wood trim accents to the walls, giving them more of an early 20th-century vibe.
From the first time Kailey stepped into the sunny foyer of the house, she knew that would become her reading room. With comfortable chairs, shelves she added for her books and a soft bed for Westley, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy morning and afternoon sun.
One of the first vintage art pieces she ever bought hangs in this room and shows a rural scene by Robert Atkinson Fox, a Canadian American illustrator and naturalist painter.
“The shopkeeper had an art textbook of Fox’s work and opened it up — and there was the print. The scene reminds me of the drive I see
between Sioux Falls and Garretson. Since then, I’ve searched for the digital reference of the print and was unable to locate it, so now I’ve ordered the textbook for my personal library.”
A short step down to the right from the foyer leads you to a cute guest room she calls the “dark room” because of its limited natural sunlight from the single small window. But, Kailey chose to embrace the moody, cave-like atmosphere and went with a dark paint color.
Several vintage and thrift finds fill the room, from the quilt on the single bed tucked in against the wall, to the standing secretary desk in the corner, which was her first vintage furniture purchase a few years ago. Kailey has little figurines and pictures of cocker spaniels throughout her home in Westley’s honor. Here in the guest room also hangs a cute colorful spaniel that Kailey painted herself.
The open living room, kitchen and dining nook have the comfortable cottage feel Kailey wanted to create. While previous owners had updated the kitchen with a contemporary look, the old oak table and chairs in the dining
nook that came from her parents’ neighbors bring in the cottage charm.
Storage in smaller, older homes typically is not the same as in newer construction you might see today. For example, there are only two built-in closets in Kailey’s home — one in the primary bedroom and one in the lower level. So, she got creative by adding smaller build-it-yourself cabinets, like the tall narrow white cabinet nestled next to the refrigerator that serves as her “coffee center” and the storage unit next to the stacked washer/dryer in the laundry room.
The primary bedroom on the main floor — the “light room” since it has a lighter paint color than the guest room — has the benefit of windows on two walls to make it bright and airy. Kailey has a creative vision, both for design and storage solutions. Although her room has one of the home’s two closets, she added shelves with baskets above the closet door for more storage. A little shelf next to the window by her bed looks like it could be original to the home, but she added it herself
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- calling it her “tea shelf” to hold her nightly cup of tea.
Kailey also added a small vintage fireplace in her room.
“The wall kind of bumps out into my room because of the tub and shower in the bathroom,” Kailey explains. “It goes all the
work and home.
“As you can imagine, being an oncology nurse can be a lot,” Kailey explains, “but home is where I can unmask and unwind. The house isn’t perfect — there are still my paint splatters on the floor, but it’s my calm place.”
When Kailey first moved to Garretson, she had a roommate, but when that roommate left, she was in the house for about a year on her own.
“I felt perfectly safe here when I was by myself,” Kailey says. “It’s such a great community. But it is nice to have a roommate again now. The lower level of the house is finished with a bedroom, full bath and utility room, so we each have our own space.”
With summer here, Kailey and Westley are enjoying their community, with three state parks nearby for hiking and the farmers market opening up for the season.
“I’m so happy to have my buddy Westley,” she says, “and grateful that my search for a house with a yard for him led the two of us to Garretson.”
THRIFTING ‘ON THE ROAD’ FOR SUMMER FUN
BY BOBBI LYNN GAUKEL
finally here, thrift lovers – prime time thrifting season in the Midwest. One of my favorite traditions is the good old fashioned road trip. There’s nothing better than driving through scenic back roads and off the beaten paths to find a treasure trove of goodies out in the middle of … somewhere.
In the last couple weeks, I have made the trek to venues both near and far, so let’s chat about what you can find no matter where you go!
First up, for a little less than a four hour drive, I found myself on a Nebraska farmstead while visiting friends for the weekend in Lincoln. Near the small town of Raymond, there’s a wonderful occasional sale called Gathering on the Blue. Your first sign that it’s going to be some good ‘junk’ is the sight of a majestic old barn and farmyard, filled to the brim with good things.
The charm of this place was undeniable. It was a perfect early summer day, and even though there was quite a crowd at the event, there was plenty of room to wander around with a slow, peaceful pace. I love these
old barn sales so much. If you haven’t been to a true ‘junk show’ before, beware that many of the items are rusty and crusty and have most likely been lying in a barn for years. However, with a special eye, you can cherry pick décor that would shine in almost any decorating style. Remember that the hunt does take time because of the sheer quantity of things you’ll see.
Gathering on the Blue will take place two more times this summer, over the 4th of July and Labor Day holiday weekends, if you’re up for a special adventure to the south!
A couple of weeks later, and only about 20 minutes away from my home in central Sioux Falls, I was excited to once again visit Junk Fest at the Nest, one of my favorite semi-annual flea markets with – you guessed it – a farm-like setting. 2024 was the 14th annual spring event, and I would guess I’ve attended at least half of those over the years. The early summer version is especially adorable, with lots of vendors spread out over a scenic landscape that makes you immediately think about
It’s not too late to get into the road trip action this summer.
buying a house in the country.
Junk Fest at the Nest will also hold a fall event in September, so save a date on your calendar now.
As far as the ‘thrifter’ in me goes, I would say that summer events such as these are certainly an opportunity to find one-of-a-kind items for a very reasonable price. It’s also rewarding to bring the family and make a day of it as entertainment. Many outdoor sales have food trucks and fun activities that kids will enjoy while the grownups shop for bargains.
Although I did not go to either of these venues with a shopping list in mind, I naturally happened to score a few goodies. Both my bestie and I are into vintage ‘camp vibes’ so she came home with a Coleman cooler that worked so well as a centerpiece for her dining table. And I
happened upon the perfect pair of vintage paint-by-number paintings that say ‘let’s go for a hike in the mountains’ whenever I look at them. I haven’t found the perfect place to hang them yet, but perhaps you’ll see them in a future column when I find a spot in my home for them.
It’s not too late to get into the road trip action this summer. Load up the kids with some snacks (and probably bug spray) and head out for a little day adventure that will most certainly yield not only great thrifting finds, but memories that your family and friends can keep for a very long time.
Bobbi Gaukel is a graphic artist, plant mom and semi-pro thrifter living in Sioux Falls, SD.
Spaghetti WINE
BY RICCARDO TARABELSI
Chianti has come a long way since its role as cheap “spaghetti wine,” customarily offered in cute bottles wrapped in wicker baskets, suitable for recycling as candlesticks. What was once scorned by consumers and Italians alike is now Italy’s most drinkable (and now complex) wine offering.
There’s always been more to Chianti than those wicker bottles. Chianti’s proud Tuscan heritage goes back more than 700 years. And while it’s still a pretty good spaghetti wine, Chianti in the past generation has fully restored its luster as a serious, world-class wine, becoming one of the first Italian wine regions to earn the DOC (and later DOCG) designation. It also spawned the new and perhaps even more lustrous “Super Tuscan” category.
The Chianti region spans a broad area of Tuscany in Northern Italy, from Florence to Siena and from Umbria to the sea. Chianti must include the following: from 80 percent to 100 percent Sangiovese, and a small percentage of Canaiolo, other local red varieties, and/or the white Trebbiano or Malvasia. (The inclusion of white grapes, once mandatory, is now optional, and the possibility of 100 percent Sangiovese without any other grapes is also a recent innovation.)
Grapes grown anywhere in the region may go into basic Chianti, but only grapes from the traditional central region, between Florence and Siena, may qualify for the “Chianti Classico” designation, which also calls for slightly longer aging before release. Higher alcohol levels qualify for the title “Superiore,” and longer aging - 24 months, compared with six for Classico and five for regular Chianti - adds the title “Riserva.”
Pick up a bottle of Chianti Classico Riserva, and you’re dealing with (and paying for) something with a lot more strength than a simple pizza or spaghetti wine. These are serious, world-class wines that demand cellar time to show at their mature best.
In addition to the broad Chianti region and the central Classico zone, the Chianti regulations permit special regional labels for wines made from grapes grown in seven sub-regions scattered around the map of Tuscany.
Some of the sub-regions are widely available, while a few are rare enough that I have yet to see them sold outside Italy.
Here’s a quick field guide to help you recognize these rare birds if you see them:
• From Arezzo, Chianti Colli Aretini
• From Pisa (yes, the place with the Leaning Tower), Chianti Colline Pisane
• From the region near Florence, Chianti Colli Fiorentini, Chianti Montespertoli and Chianti Rufina
• From near Florence and the villages Pistoia and Prato, Chianti Montalbano
• From the historic region around the city of Siena on the south end of Chianti, Chianti Colli Senesi, “Chianti from the Siena hills.” (The words “Colli” and “Colline,” seen in several of the regional names, simply mean “hills.”)
Comparable to the kind of detailed attention that French wine villages demand in detecting and understanding their subtle differences, terroir distinctions among the sub-regions of Chianti Classico has become evident. There is great pride in this accomplishment in Tuscany; drink the Chianti Classico’s that are available here and as more of these subregions become available in the United States. You make the spaghetti, I’ll bring the Chianti! Carpe Vino!
Enjoy a pasta and a Chianti at one of Riccardo and Marybeth’s restaurants: R Wine Bar & Kitchen, Maribella Ristorante, Brix Wine Bar, or Trio Jazz Club! Their three sons, Dante, Berent (wife Molli,) and Jaxon, can be seen working at the restaurants this summer. Contact Riccardo at riccardo@rwinebar.com.
EMERALD
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS
3-6PM $2 off ALL draught beer, well liquor, seltzers and wine
5-7PM FREE hors d’oeuvres provided for ladies 8PM Live entertainment each week
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A CULINARY ADVENTURE Under the Sun
BY JIM MATHIS
Ah,summer dinners al fresco! There’s something magical about eating a meal outside when the sun hangs around until 9 p.m.; a twilight meal can last for hours. The pleasure of summer dinners — the flavors, aromas, and memories — can make even the most committed couch potato venture outdoors. So, let’s dive fork-first into the summer dinner experience.
The theme here is simple – the season on a plate. It’s about capturing the essence of summer in every bite, whether it’s the zesty tang of citrus or the smoky perfection of grilled anything.
The Real MVP
Let’s start with the star of the show – the grill. If cooking appliances had a popularity contest, the grill would win hands down every summer. There’s something inherently primal and satisfying about cooking food over an open flame. And let’s be honest, food tastes better with grill marks. A platter of grilled vegetables, with their charred edges and smoky flavor, can turn even the most ardent carnivore into a veggie lover; if only for the evening.
This is where we insert the voice of Ving Rhames saying “We Have the Meats!” but it’s not an Arby’s commercial. Do we have the meats? Damn straight! Pick your favorite. A nice juicy ribeye? A dry-aged New York strip? Or maybe you’re in a whole, roasted chicken mood,
or thinking ribs smoked low and slow. If meat is wrong, I don’t want to be right.
Looking for something lighter? Seafood can be the answer. Picture a perfectly-grilled swordfish or tuna steak, served with a squeeze of lemon or a dash of fresh pesto or chimichurri. Divine.
The Unsung Heroes
You might think salads are the sidekicks of summer dinners — always there, but never the star. But let me tell you, a well-made salad can steal the spotlight. Take the classic Caprese salad, for instance. Ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, and a splash of olive oil — it’s simplicity at its finest. Or since the grill is fired up already, grilled Romain with Caesar dressing takes a classic up about three notches.
A Toast!
Many years ago, my beloved and I were given a champagne bucket as a gift. It’s not fancy, just an aluminum bucket with handles and a champagne brand on the outside. It is the rare promotional item that actually gets used. Not just for champagne, but on an eighty-degree night on the prairie, a bottle of white or rosé will get warm pretty quickly. A wine bucket with ice is an easy fix, and it will stay cold enough
for your second bottle, should you be so inclined. I recall shopping in a kitchen store one time when a child asked their mom what a champagne bucket was, and her response was priceless; “A marriage saver, honey.”
Looking for something different? I’ve recently discovered the Paloma, a refreshing drink with tequila, grapefruit juice and lime. It’s citrusy and tastes like summer… where has this been all my life? Even better, you can cheat and make it easier (and dare I say more refreshing) by simply adding tequila to a grapefruit-flavored soda like Fresca®. Stir it over ice, add a wedge of lime, and you’re set.
Summer dinners are more than just a meal — they’re a celebration of the season, an excuse to gather with loved ones, and an opportunity to indulge in the freshest flavors of the year.
So, whether you’re a grill master, a salad aficionado, or a budding mixologist, embrace the magic of summer dinners. Try new recipes, savor old favorites, and most importantly, enjoy every sun-soaked moment. Because before you know it, the days will grow shorter, and we’ll be swapping out grilled corn for pumpkin spice everything.
Do yourself a favor, eat something good today.
When Jim’s not cooking up a party on the patio, he’s whipping up fresh marketing campaigns for his clients at ADwërks.
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Family Keepsake Vault
BY JESS WEISCHEDEL
Kickstart
a new family tradition this summer as you celebrate both the big events and everyday joys in life. As the weather heats up this July, it’s the perfect time to start a creative and practical way to collect the memories and moments that make your family unique. An ongoing and engaging activity for all family members to enjoy, a family keepsake vault, is a project that can continue to thrive in your home and become a system of organizing and cherishing years of love and legacy.
Step 1: Choose a Container
Find a Container: Select a container that can be designated as the official storage for tokens and memories, such as a wheeled under-bed storage box, cube storage bins, a storage trunk or ottoman, rolling storage drawers, or a hanging wall organizer. This will be your family’s special place to store all your treasured items, so make sure everyone is happy with it.
Add Sections: Create sections inside the container to organize different types of items. Make sure to keep the sections easily accessible to encourage consistent additions to the memory capsule. Some ideas for easy storage sections include:
Cardboard tubes for rolled-up photos, drawings, or other larger or longer paper materials.
Mason jars or baby food jars for storing small items like trinkets, keys, or buttons.
Zippered bags for fabric scraps and other soft materials.
Envelopes for paper clippings, folded letters, ticket stubs, receipts, and other small paper materials.
Photo albums, boxes, or clear sleeves to protect photographs from being damaged by other items.
Folders or file envelopes for storing letters, cards, and invitations.
Digital storage cases, USB drives, or memory card holders for media devices such as USB drives and memory cards containing videos, recordings, and other digital forms of sentimental value.
A section for books and other bulkier items
Step 2: Assign a Location
Central Location: Find the perfect spot in your home that is easily accessible for all family members, yet guarded from becoming cluttered or damaged. A common area like the living room or family room is ideal and serves as a constant reminder to add new keepsakes.
Child-Friendly Height: If the kids want to have their own private container, help them choose a location that will be at a child-friendly height and visible yet protected from the everyday activities surrounding the space.
Step 3: Start Collecting Memories
Gather Existing Keepsakes: Collect items you already have and hold dear, such as letters or cards, certificates or awards, pins or patches, concert or movie ticket stubs, and photos.
Summer Activities: July is full of fun summer activities, so begin capturing and collecting souvenirs and photos from your adventures.
Memory Journal: Start a memory journal for each family member to write or draw their favorite moments this summer and throughout the rest of the year.
Nature Tokens: Nature offers many options for beautiful tokens, such as pressed flowers and art made out of leaf rubbings or other elements from the backyard.
Family Recipes: Compile family recipes from each season into handwritten cards, photos of the finished dishes, and photos of family members cooking together. Include notes about any special gatherings where they were enjoyed as a family.
Step 4: Establish a System and New Habits
Collaborative Effort: Create a year-round collaborative effort with family members to start adding their own items to the capsule. Show them each section within the container and how to sort and organize various types of items.
Monthly Themes: To keep the tradition going, make it a habit to add keepsakes regularly, by dedicating a theme for each month. For example,
back-to-school memories in September, holiday crafts in December, and spring gardening in April.
Scheduled Additions: Set aside specific days each month for the whole family to add new items; turning it into a fun and anticipated activity for all.
Reflection Sessions: Spend time together revisiting the Keepsake Vault with regular reflection sessions. Plan to open the container together, share stories, and reflect on the memories each of you has collected.
Rotating Displays: Create rotating displays around the house with items from the Keepsake Vault using shadow boxes, a dedicated shelf, or picture frames to showcase occasional memories throughout the year.
Step 5: Manage and Organize the Collection Year-End Review: At the end of each year, go through the items in the container and decide which ones to archive, display, or discard.
Digital Backup: Archive important documents, photos, and artwork by scanning them and creating a digital backup folder. This preserves your memories even if the physical versions are lost or damaged. It also gives you permission to discard items once they are in digital form to reduce clutter or an over-crowded container.
Kids and parents can bond over shared experiences by creating this system of celebration and preserving history. The items added to the Keepsake Vault will be cherished for generations to come with this creative and lasting family tradition.
Cleaning Out Those Dance Bags!
Discount will apply. Sale runs July 8 - September 30
BY LURA ROTI
is on my mind.
Camp Memories Are Timeless Camp
This week I’m taking our daughter Parker and her friend to 4-H camp AND for work I’m spending a day in the Black Hills collecting photos and interviews for stories I will write about Farmers Union State Leadership Camp.
As a teen, some of my best memories were made at camp: staying up as late as possible talking with the girls in my cabin; our team winning some relay or another – I’m sure there were water balloons involved; midnight hikes; learning how to dance the macarena … camp memories are timeless.
Camp is its own ecosystem where it seems kids build a community where all the social stresses of school relationships disappear and for one week, everyone can be their best, summer self.
At least for me this was the case. I’ve always been gregarious and
enjoyed meeting people. And in my small rural school this was not always appreciated. But at camp, being friendly and outgoing was. I made a lot of friends from across the state.
I was a teen in the late 90s, so pen pals were a thing. On the last day of camp, we’d exchange mailing addresses and kept up with each other through snail mail. Many of my FFA Camp friends and I remain friends to this day. A lot of us landed at SDSU after high school where we continued to hang out and our friendships grew.
Decades later, it’s been fun to see our daughter, Parker, enjoy camp. She and her neighbor friend began going to 4-H Camp together a few years ago, and this summer they coordinated with their cabinmates from last summer to room together again.
I love listening to her reminisce about the games – which cabin won what - goofy antics and inside jokes – all with a giant smile on her face.
As a journalist, I also get to hear what teens these days enjoy about camp. It’s refreshing to know that even though communication technology has changed a great deal since I was 16, what they enjoy about camp hasn’t.
When asked what they enjoy most, campers nearly always list their camp friends first and then they talk about hiking or an inspirational speaker or the talent show.
On the topic of camp talent shows – say the words, “camp talent show” and I immediately hear “Heart and Soul” playing on the piano. Turns out, the song has staying power - last year while I was covering Farmers Union Camp, during their talent show, two campers got up and played it together.
The tune brought back so many great memories.
Stella, best friend of Hoppe family
Shadow, best friend of Hoppe family
Sammy, best friend of Gray family
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.
Furever Homes
Sugar, best friend of Cooper family
Jovi, best friend of Hoppe family
Rosco, best friend of Freeman family
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.
Bros by Carole Boston Weatherford
From sunrise to sunset, a group of young Black boys joyously spend the day together as they live their best lives freely in their community. With confidence and a touch of swag, these friends do everything with one another: build a time machine, tend to the community garden, roleplay in the park, read, take a group selfie, and play basketball. With simple, spare text from celebrated author Carole Boston Weatherford and colorful, playful art from Reggie Brown capturing the pleasures of boyhood and friendship, Bros affirms the truth that Black boys deserve and are worthy of a childhood full of joy and free of risk, just as much as anyone. Timely and buoyant, it’s a story sure to be enjoyed by anyone who knows what it is to be surrounded by friends with a day of adventure ahead of you.
4 - 8 years
Candlewickpress.com
The World of Emily Windsnap: Dolphin Rescue by Liz Kessler Best mer-friends Emily, Shona, and Aaron are wandering the ocean in search of something to do when they see a boat advertising “attractions” at a place called Sea Park. Finally, a great way to spend their day! But on their way to the boat, the trio pass a pair of frantic dolphins caught in nets. Carefully, they set the animals free, only to have the dolphins repay the favor by blocking their way to the boat. Could it be that Sea Park isn’t the fun destination they had hoped for—and that its attractions could involve captured dolphins, or even mermaids? It’s a close call, and they’re all safe for now, but other animals might not be so lucky. How can the mermaids and other sea creatures show the boat’s crew that sea animals should be playing free, not in a tank? With a crescendo of leaps and flips, this fourth early-reader adventure starring Emily Windsnap and friends is sure to please fans of the series—and champions of the ocean and its creatures.
Ages 5 - 8 years
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 - 8 years
Candlewickpress.com
Lune loves hearing her daddy’s stories—the funny ones, the sad ones, the ones with lessons about truth and love. Whether evoking an ill-fated climb up a mango tree or life after a hurricane, flying over magical mountains or the healing power of a mother’s love, all of Daddy’s stories begin with “lakay”—back home—and each one ushers Lune to Haiti, her father’s homeland, a place she doesn’t know but can see, hear, and feel when she closes her eyes. Daddy is her favorite book, and sometimes she stays up late just to hear another story when he gets home from work. Everyone has stories, her mommy tells her, so Lune begins to wonder: could she have stories of her own, too?
4 - 8 years
Candlewickpress.com
Baby on Board: Airplane by Sebastien
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.
0 months - 3 years
Candlewickpress.com
Back Home: Story Time with My Father by Arlène Elizabeth Casimir
FOR EVERY GENERATION. THIS IS WHY WE WALK.
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.
2024 Walk to End Alzheimer’s Sioux Falls – Levitt at the Falls Sept. 28 | 10:00a.m.
2024 National Presenting Sponsor
