baking fall days Flavorful
From Friday night football tailgates to fall family festivals, 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!
NO VEM BER 2024
If
calendar 7
November 2024
concierge 12
Seventeen Years of Fun and Imagination at Kidtopia
concierge 16
Local Goods
Spreading Goodness: Makers Exchange
a-list 20
history 22
Rancho Willowdale
out & about
November 2024
Farmhouse Market
Christmas Kick-Off
November 1 • 3-8 p.m.
November 2 • 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
121 S. Franklin Avenue
Join our Christmas kick-off with the store switched over and ready to bring on the holiday season! Giveaways, snacks and more. INFO farmhousemarketmn.com
First Lutheran Church
Scandinavian Buffet & Bazaar
November 2
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
327 S. Dakota Avenue
Scandinavian buffet includes desserts, soups, meatballs, and more! Crafts, books, quilts, specialty shops and more. Live music as well. INFO flcsf.org
Barenaked Ladies: In Flight Tour
Sunday, November 3
7:30 p.m.
Washington Pavilion
Barenaked Ladies are excited to announce a return to the road, embarking on a US tour this fall. The rockers will be reuniting with supporting act Toad the Wet Sprocket, who joined BNL on the 2022 run of the band’s ongoing, wildly successful Last Summer on Earth Tour. INFO washingtonpavilion.org
Deciduous Featuring
Augustana Band and All City Middle School Honor Band
Thursday, November 7
7:30 p.m.
Washington Pavilion INFO washingtonpavilion.org
A Motown Christmas
Friday, November 8
7:30 p.m.
Washington Pavilion
A Motown Christmas features a world-class vocal group, assembled from past and present members of Motown’s most legendary groups: Ali Woodson’s Temptations, The Miracles and The Contours. The vocalists are backed up by a 6-piece band. INFO washingtonpavilion.org
Augustana University: 67th Annual Band Festival
Saturday, November 9
6:30 p.m.
Washington Pavilion
The festival has brought thousands of students from a 5-state area to participate in two full days of ensemble and clinic work featuring
three separate bands — Gold, Blue and Honor Bands — led by outstanding music educators/ directors. Participating students are nominated by their high school directors, and the festival is organized and carried out by an Augustana committee of outstanding student musicians. INFO washingtonpavilion.org
Junk in the Trunk Christmas Open House November 9 - 10
1918 W. 41st St.
Shop our large selection of holiday items, enjoy cookies and hot apple cider, register for prizes and more! INFO (605) 338-5510.
Fiber Fun at the
Old Courthouse Museum
Sunday, November 10 1-4 p.m.
Old Courthouse Museum
200 West Sixth Street
Do you like to knit, crochet, needlework, or dabble in any other fiber arts?
Come join members from the Crossthreads Fiber Guild for an afternoon of Fiber Fun! Attendees can work on projects, ask for suggestions, and just enjoy the company of fellow fiber friends. INFO (605) 367-4210 or siouxlandmuseums.com
South Dakota Symphony Orchestra Fall Chamber
Music Concert
Sunday, November 10
1 p.m.
Washington Pavilion
Enjoy a Sunday Serenade with the Dakota Wind Quintet, showcasing masterpieces of chamber music in the Augustana University
Hamre Recital Hall! INFO washingtonpavilion.org
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis
Tuesday, November 12
7:30 p.m.
Washington Pavilion
Grammy Award winner
Chip Davis has created a show that features Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics along with a selection of compositions from Chip’s groundbreaking Fresh Aire series which introduced the distinctive Mannheim sound to all of America. The program celebrates the group’s recent anniversary of 35 years since the first Christmas album and over 40 years since the first Fresh Aire album and includes dazzling multimedia effects performed in an intimate setting. INFO washingtonpavilion.org
Courthouse History a Behind the Scenes Tour of the
Old Courthouse Museum
Tuesday, November 14
4 p.m.
Old Courthouse Museum
200 West Sixth Street
Take a look behind the closed doors of the Old Courthouse Museum and learn about the construction and use as a courthouse. Space is limited call (605) 367-4210 to register. $5 admission.
Now Hear This: Breakthroughs in Recorded Sound Exhibit Opening Reception
Thursday, November 14 5-7 p.m.
Old Courthouse Museum
200 West Sixth Street
Join us for the first look at the newest exhibit on the history of recorded sound from its beginnings with the Edison Phonograph to the digital recordings of today. Refreshments will be served, sponsored by the Siouxland Heritage Museums Alliance. Free admission. INFO (605) 367-4210 or www. siouxlandmuseums.com.
Green Earth Players Present “The Charitable Sisterhood” November 15 - 17, and
November 21 - 24 Palace Theatre, Luverne, MN Tickets at palacetheatre.us
An After-Hours Cabaret
November 15 - 16 7:30 p.m.
Washington Pavilion
This November, we’ll deliver one of Good Night’s signature cabarets, transporting you to the hustle and bustle of the decadent Studio 54 era, clear through to the modern nightclub hits! Put on your dancing shoes and prepare for an event worthy of a velvet rope — it’s An After-Hours Cabaret! INFO washingtonpavilion.org
South Dakota Symphony Orchestra: Robert Erhard Plays Dvorak
Saturday, November 16
7:30 p.m.
Washington Pavilion
Smetana’s “The Moldau” conveys the spirit of his homeland by following the course of a picturesque river. South Dakota Symphony Orchestra’s principal cellist Robert Erhard captures the intensity of Dvorak’s Cello Concerto-written while Dvorak was in America. INFO washingtonpavilion.org
AGE WELL, LIVE WELL
• Vtone – tighten the pelvic floor to improve urinary incontinence and frequency. FormaV, and Morpheus 8V to improve vaginal elasticity, sensitivity and dryness.
• Biote – all natural hormone replacement therapy for men and women
• Weight loss program – semaglutide, tirzepatide, sermorelin, and MICC shots
• BBL, ClearSilk, Bare HR – laser hair removal, and Clear V – laser vein treatment
Mary J. Jordan is a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, dedicated to finding the root cause of the problem.
Hours: M-F 8 am-5 pm
605.740.0414 • encompass-wellness.com
4301 W. 57th St., STE 160 • Sioux Falls
Jim Brickman: Comfort & Joy
November 17 • 3 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Washington Pavilion
Jim Brickman’s LIVE concerts have become an annual holiday tradition. He combines yuletide memories and traditional carols with his popular songs like “The Gift,” “Sending You A Little Christmas,” “Angel Eyes” and “If You Believe.” Jim’s music reminds us that faith, love and togetherness are what we value most this time of year. Join Jim Brickman this holiday season and celebrate the spirit of Comfort and Joy. INFO washingtonpavilion.org
Rosemaling
Demonstration at the Old Courthouse Museum Tuesday, November 19 1-4 p.m.
Old Courthouse Museum
200 West Sixth Street
Eileen Halverson will be demonstrating the Norwegian folk art of Rosemaling (decorative painting) in the secondfloor hallway of the Old Courthouse Museum from 1-4 p.m. Stop in any time for a demonstration or to ask questions! INFO (605) 367-4210 or siouxlandmuseums.com
Live & Local Presents: Jeff Thomson and Chewy Rodriguez Thursday, November 21 7 p.m.
Washington Pavilion
Join us for an evening of exceptional live music as Jeff Thomson and Chewy Rodriguez take the stage for memorable performances at the Belbas Theater. INFO washingtonpavilion.org
Kid’s Activity Day: Bison, Bison at the Old Courthouse Museum Thursday, November 21 9-11:30 a.m.
Old Courthouse Museum 200 West Sixth Street Kids can learn about history and make their own crafts to take home. Sessions run every 15 minutes throughout morning times. Call to reserve times. Free admission. INFO (605) 367-4210 or siouxlandmuseums.com
38 Special Saturday, November 23 7:30 p.m.
Washington Pavilion
After more than four decades, 38 SPECIAL continues to bring their signature blast of
Southern Rock to over 100 cities a year. At each and every show, thousands of audience members are amazed by the explosive power of the band’s performance. INFO washingtonpavilion.org
32nd Annual Parade of Lights
Friday, November 29
7:30 p.m.
Downtown Sioux Falls
The Parade of Lights has become a family tradition, attracting thousands who have reveled in the coming joy of the season. We invite you to be part of the 32nd year of this growing holiday tradition! INFO dtsf.com
The Hegg Brothers at the Old Courthouse Museum Winter Concert Series
Friday, November 29
12-1 p.m.
Old Courthouse Museum
200 West Sixth Street
The Hegg Brothers will perform in the historic courtroom of the Old Courthouse Museum from noon to 1 p.m. Bring your lunch and enjoy the show! (605) 367-4210 or siouxlandmuseums.com.
Prince of Peace: The Christmas Story
November 30 • 7 p.m.
December 1 • 4 p.m.
December 5 - 6 • 7 p.m.
December 7 • 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.
December 8 • 4 p.m.
Washington Pavilion
Returning for its third season, this beautiful musical has proven to be the most epic and personal telling of the Christmas story many have ever seen. Audiences are taken back to the first century to view into the time of the birth of Christ and the world as it was then. INFO washingtonpavilion.org
GIL
THENIGHT SANTATRA
Light the Night & Santa Train
Sunday, December 1 4:30-6 p.m. • Santa Train arrives at the Luverne
Omaha Depot
7 p.m. • Fireworks at Luverne City Park — Light display switched on to follow Luverne, Minnesota Ellis & Eastern Railroad will bring Santa and Mrs. Claus to kick off the holiday season! INFO luvernechamber.com
Seventeen Years of Fun and Imagination at
BY MARY MICHAELS
PHOTOS BY JULIE PRAIRIE PHOTOGRAPHY
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-8pm | Sunday 12-6pm 901 S. Highline Place | Dawley Farms
605-275-4825 | Sheryl@kidtopiakids.com
Fred Rogers, known best for this threedecade run on the Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood television show, once said, “It’s the things we play with and the people who help us play that make a great difference in our lives.”
Sheryl Nelson believes in that same philosophy – and in the power of imaginative play.
Nelson came to Kidtopia as a former stayat-home mom and substitute teacher looking for a new way to reach children and families.
“I came to Kidtopia because it represented the ability to provide learning, joy and the excitement that comes with the discovery of something new,” says Nelson. “It’s hard to
believe that seventeen years have flown by since we opened, but it continues to be so rewarding.”
Kidtopia had two Sioux Falls locations until 2022 - The Bridges at 57th and the east side store at Dawley Farms. Nelson closed the Bridges store to focus on providing the best products and customer service through one location.
Their goal, says Nelson, is to promote
“It’s the things we play with and the people who help us play that make a great difference in our lives.”
— Mister Rogers
imaginative learning through a wide variety of hands-on toys, games and educational resources. Kidtopia makes it easy — and fun — to find what you’re looking for, with the store organized by categories such as infants and toddlers, science, music, games and more. Nelson’s team — referred to as expert “Toyologists” — is there to answer questions,
offer ideas and even take time to teach and to play with young customers.
The team continually develops creative special events, complete with interactive opportunities — like a Fourth of July coloring contest or marking Shark Week with shark bingo, shark glitter tattoos and other sharkthemed crafts. In November, they’re celebrating
Neighborhood Toy Store Day (November 9).
The store carries everything from puzzles to plush animals. And, with Kidtopia’s educational books and toys, kids can learn to do things like tie their shoes, play an instrument, crochet a fun animal or do a science experiment. It is always fun to go back to the store with the changes in season,
because there is always something new. Currently, the team is working hard to get ready for the next two months and, Nelson says, they are excited about the new toys arriving for this holiday season.
A recent addition to the store is a lifesize lion from Schleich, a company that has specialized in figurines and playsets since 1935.
“Like we said on social media when the lion arrived, we are ‘paw-sitively roaring with
pride’ that Schleich chose us for this gift,” says Nelson. “We have the honor of having, and selling, the most Schleich products in Sioux Falls. Whether their toys have two legs, four legs, fins or wings, one thing you can be sure of is that they are detailed and really high quality. They are a big favorite with kids.”
Nelson has also made it a priority for Kidtopia to find ways to give back; both to customers and to the community.
As part of Neighborhood Toy Store Day in November, they are holding a raffle for the Teddy Bear Den, and the store will also do a “change round-up” throughout the Christmas season for the Teddy Bear Den. Kidtopia and their family of customers also support kids who are at Children’s Home Society by providing birthday gifts. Each month, Nelson posts a list of kids by first name and age who are at CHS and are having
birthdays. Customers who choose to buy a gift get a 20% discount on their purchase. Nelson and her team wrap the gifts and ensure they get delivered.
To promote learning when kids are on summer break, Kidtopia carries a collection of Summer Bridge activities, designed specifically by grade level.
“For as little as 15 minutes a day, these Summer Bridge books provide a boost in
reading, math, science and more to keep kids on track during their break,” Nelson explains. “And, when they bring their completed books back to us after break, we give the family an in-store credit for the entire cost of the activity book.”
Nelson says their whole team loves to see families coming in together in the fall to celebrate their children’s work over the summer and to pick out a special reward.
“Whether it’s reading a book, doing a puzzle or using our imagination, the power of play is really incredible,” says Nelson. “Play helps us learn, strengthen our family relationships, make friends and boost our confidence. It’s amazing to think about the families we’ve met over the past seventeen years here in Sioux Falls, 10 years of those being at Dawley Farms, and we can’t wait to see what the next decade brings.”
LOCAL GOODS SPREADING GOODNESS: Makers Exchange
BY MARY MICHAELS | PHOTOS BY JULIE PRAIRIE PHOTOGRAPHY
By day, Kate Bartell Nowak works with Bobbi Thury and Jayna Voss at Legacy Law Firm in Sioux Falls. Outside the office, though, the three had been having conversations about small business opportunities in the area.
And, as the old adage goes, when one door closes, another one opens.
“We were aware that Stacey’s Vintage-ArtBoutique was closing due to a road project in the Tea area,” Nowak explains, “so we started to think about whether this might be a place for us.”
Many more conversations and a building project later, the trio, along with three other families, came together to create Makers Exchange, a unique new way to shop for custom, local and artisan goods. Inside the
10,000-square-foot barn, located just off Interstate 29 and the Tea exit, you will find more than 70 independently owned local businesses.
Some of the vendors had been at Stacey’s, but the Makers Exchange founders were pleasantly overwhelmed by the number of vendors who answered their call for applications.
“We are thrilled that we could create this space to showcase so many talented makers,” Nowak says, “as well as incorporate some of our own ideas.”
One of the ideas at the top of their list was adding a coffee shop inside the space. Not just coffee, however, but coffee and artisan waffles.
“We all love to travel, and we bring ideas back to share with each other,” explains Nowak. “Bobbi and her family had taken a trip to Jackson Hole where they visited a waffle shop.
She told us it was simple, but delicious and it always had a line out the door. So, we thought that would be a great addition here.”
With construction nearing completion on the café side, the coffee shop will feature Swissmade espresso machines and locally-roasted coffee from Parable Coffee Roasting Company in Tea and homemade waffles using Dakota Don’s artisan waffle mix. In addition, the café provides display space for local food producers, including bakery and other food items.
Here is just a sampling of what you will find at Makers Exchange: fresh and artificial florals, hats, jewelry, home décor, seasonal décor, women’s clothing, children’s clothing (including one vendor specializing in just boys’ clothing), hand-poured candles, gourmet pet treats, handmade greeting cards,
furniture, decorative tumblers, wood signs, vintage and repurposed items, spice blends, toys and LED neon signs.
Nowak says they were excited to see the number of men among the makers with vendor booths, featuring wood and metal creations.
“This is truly a place for everyone,” she says.
The Makers Exchange founders are already looking ahead to the holiday season and planning a special European Christmas
Market on December 7.
“This will be an authentic holiday market inspired from the festive open-air style markets you’d see in Europe at this time of year,” says Nowak. “We’ll have our regular vendors inside as well as seasonal vendors outside, along with European-inspired drinks and treats.”
The philosophy of the families who came together to create the Makers Exchange is “local
goods spreading goodness.” Nowak explains this comes from the understanding that supporting small businesses has a positive ripple effect that spreads to the entire community.
“These business owners are working hard to support their own families, and they give back to their own communities in so many ways,” Nowak says. “So we’re just proud to have created a space where we can support them.”
NOVEMBER 15-17 AND 21-24, 2024 Historic Palace Theatre, Luverne, MN • 7:30pm with 2pm Sundays
-
Web and digital documents should utilize the RGB versions of the following formats:
JPEG- JPEG files are typically easy to work with, however, do not enlarge or reduce well. They maintain a smaller file size but text can become blurry at smaller sizes. JPEG is not an ideal format for logos on websites or digital media.
GIF- A highly compatible file, will work well in web and digital applications and when utilize few colors are small in size.
PNG- An ideal web format however is less compatible with some internet browsers and operating systems than a JPEG or GIF.
TIF- Highly compatible and high quality, yet file size can be larger.
Electronic versions of approved logo are located on: www.dnr.state.mn.us/legacylogo
Color:
• Do not alter the colors of the logo.
• In print documents a high resolution version of the logo using the CMYK color profile should be used.
• In web and digital documents, utilize the logo in the RGB color profile.
• If printing in black and white or grayscale, use the single color version (Black on white preferred) or the reversed (white on black) version.
Celebrate the Holidays in Luverne
• If printing in 1, 2, or 3 colors, use the black and white version of the logo.
Size:
• The minimum height of the logo should not be less than ¾ inch.
• Logo should not be reproduced in a manner that causes the logo to become illegible or blurry.
Position:
The logo should be clearly visible and maintain a clear space equal to 1/4 the width of the logo.
Logo Don’ts
• Do not distort the dimensions of the logo
• Do not alter the logo in any way including the text
• Do not place over an overly complex background as to preserve the visibility of the logo
• Do not place the logo in a box when applying on a non-white background
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7: 1 PM Luverne Schools Performing Arts Center
Featuring the Youth Dance Ensemble with live abridged performance
With Spotlight Dance Center of Luverne Performance is FREE; donations gratefully accepted
Winterfest
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2024
WINTERFEST EXPO
Luverne Public Schools
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Admission Fee = $5
PRIZE DRAWINGS HOURLY
With arts, crafts, food, children’s activities and fun
HINKLY HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
1 to 4 p.m.
DECEMBER 1, 2024
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2024
4:30 to 6:00 pm SANTA TRAIN ARRIVES AT THE LUVERNE OMAHA DEPOT
- Pictures with Santa and Goodies & Treats 7:00 pm FIREWORKS AT LUVERNE CITY PARK
To Follow “LIGHT THE NIGHT” - light displays turned on
Brighten Up!
Brighten up your winter season with our fun and colorful ski-themed gifts and décor. Our collection brings a pop of joy to cold days, reminding you that “Life is better on the slopes.” Say yes to everything festive and make your home sparkle this holiday season. Cliff Avenue Greenhouse and Garden Center. 2101 E. 26th St. (605)-332-6641 and 7310 W. 41st St. (605)-362-9727.
New at Encompass Wellness
The Vtone uses electric magnetic stimulation (EMS) to tighten the pelvic floor to improve urinary incontinence and frequency. A single treatment is equivalent to 22,000 kegels and takes 40 minutes. Incontinence affects many women and is a simple solution to an embarrassing issue. When paired with FormaV we can address elasticity and vaginal dryness all in one visit. The treatments are painless with little downtime. Encompass Wellness. 4301 W. 57th St., (605) 740-0414.
Who Loves a Great Cabinet Accessory?!
Come check us out at 4101 N. Hainje Avenue to see more accessories in our showroom and other great ideas for your new home or remodel! Dakota Kitchen and Bath. (605) 334-9727, DakotaKitchen.com
Authentic South Dakota Recipes
Curated especially for those who enjoy good stories, great food and all things South Dakota, this 190page hardbound collections has the potential to become a cherished family heirloom. Purchase Savoring South Dakota for yourself or as a gift, while supplies last. All proceeds benefit the South Dakota Community Foundation. Visit www/FirstDakota. com/cookbook to purchase.
150 Authentic SOUTH DAKOTA
Quality Time
Spend quality time with your little ones this holiday season — and create a family keepsake. It’s a WIN-WIN!
Color Me Mine. 3709 W. 41st Street, (605)-362-9727.
Sweater Weather
Your dance will embrace the season in these adorable knit new active wear pieces from The Dance Line. 2115 S. Minnesota Avenue. (605) 335-8242
Inspiration
Find your holiday decorating inspiration at Farmhouse Market. A wonderful mix of new and vintage, boho and modern, minimalist and collective. You’re sure to find something that speaks to you at Farmhouse Market. 121 S. Franklin Avenue in downtown Sioux Falls. (605) 366-9789.
Christmas Cheer! Send Christmas cheer with our new 2024 Holiday Photo Greeting Cards. As low as $1.89 each at haroldsphoto. com Harold’s Photo, 912 W. 41st St. 605-336-2833
ReUnite!
Live Music every weekend the month of November!
Unofficial ReUnion Party
Wednesday November 27th. ReUnite with friends old and new before the holidays. Drink specials await you! McNally’s Irish Pub. 69th Street & Western Avenue, (605) 271-7170.
An Inviting Atmosphere
We offer a wide mix of relaxing, rich and inspired Christmas candle aromas made from premium soy wax that help create an inviting atmosphere in your home. Choose from fragrances such as Fresh-Cut Christmas Tree, Cozy Christmas Cabin, Warm Cinnamon Buns, Winter Wonderland and more. Junk in the Trunk. 1918 W. 41st St. (605) 338-5510.
Toys! Toys! Toys!
Shop Kidtopia’s large selection of amazing toys this holiday season. Neighborhood Toy Store Day is November 9thank you for shopping local! East Sioux Falls at Dawley Farm Village. (605) 275-4825.
Light the Night & Santa Train
Ellis & Eastern Railroad will bring Santa and Mrs. Claus to kick off the holiday season! Sunday, December 1 4:30-6 p.m. Santa Train arrives at the Luverne Omaha Depot. At 7 p.m. head over to Luverne City Park for fireworks. Following fireworks, the park’s light display will be switched on. Luverne, Minnesota. luvernechamber.com
Decorative Holiday Accent Piece
Beautiful blown glass Christmas trees, mounted on a mirror base. Perfect for displaying on a shelf or mantel as a decorative holiday accent piece. Shop Country ‘n More for a large selection of beautiful holiday decor for every season. 69th & Western. (605) 361-9797
Sioux Falls Local Best
Thank you for once again naming Julie Prairie Photography a Sioux Falls Local Best! We are so grateful for the many years and the countless clients. We’d love to hear from you if you are looking for a high school senior, family or commercial photographer. Visit the website at julieprairie.com or drop an email at jp@julieprairie.com.
Keep Smiling!
Gatherings Made Easier
The holiday season is just around the corner. Mary’s Mountain Cookies offers many options for your special gatherings including party trays, decorated cookies and a variety of gift boxes. Call our store at 605-275-0060 and let us help you make your holiday season even sweeter! Mary’s Mountain Cookies. 701 N. Phillips Avenue, downtown Sioux Falls.
NOVEMBER 15-17 AND 21-24, 2024
“The Charitable Sisterhood” Green Earth Players Present “The Charitable Sisterhood” on November 15 - 17, and November 21 - 24. Palace Theatre, Luverne, MN. Tickets at palacetheatre.us
Historic Palace Theatre, Luverne, MN • 7:30pm with 2pm Sundays TICKETS: 507-283-4339 or PALACETHEATRE.US • $7 STUDENTS, $14 ADULTS
More Inset Cabinetry Choices!
Inset doors and cabinetry can present a clean, streamlined look such as found with our Terra door. Or our Xenon door finished with Homestead Fog provides a textured, chic feel to your project. We will have an inset style to fit your desires, whatever your vision is. Visit our showroom today and ask one of our friendly designers about these styling choices from StarMark Cabinetry. Today’s StarMark Custom Cabinetry. 600 E. 48th Street North. (605) 977-3660
RANCHO WILLOWDALE
By Wayne Fanebust
In1870, the entire population of Minnehaha County was 355 people, most of who lived in or near Sioux Falls, a town that got its second start in 1871, after Fort Dakota was abandoned the year before. People who came to Sioux Falls to start a business or find a residence were impressed with the surrounding countryside, including the majestic falls of the Big Sioux River. Those early pilgrims who didn’t take shelter in the shabby Fort Dakota “barracks,” camped out under the stars. From the beginning, there was a sense of togetherness and everyone was armed to some extent for fear of an Indian attack.
Among those who came first were R. F. Pettigrew, Dr. J. L. Phillips, Charley Howard and Artemus Gale. Another early arrival was Frank Raymond who came to Sioux Falls in 1870, with his wife Martha. Raymond was from Pawlet, Vermont, and he liked what he saw in the windswept prairie hills. He seemed to have a natural talent for playing host to the public, as he established his first “public house” on Phillips Avenue where the Emerson Block was located some years later.
In 1901, Raymond told a reporter that the first social gathering in Sioux Falls was held at his place in 1870. It was a Thanksgiving Day celebration and featured speeches by Pettigrew and Howard, but the highlight of the event was a speech by Santee Chief Big Eagle, who speaking through an interpreter, talked in great lengths about the Dakota War in Minnesota. It is interesting to note that Sioux Falls’ first Thanksgiving was celebrated similar to that of the New Englanders and their Indian guests. One wonders if anyone saw the parallel.
Raymond and his wife took a claim about three miles southwest of Sioux Falls, near a bluff close to Silver Creek, a stream that was later renamed Skunk Creek. Here they built a place called “Willowdale,” where the couple could enhance their reputation as hosts to the traveling public. Also known as the “Raymond House,” it was operated as legitimate resort and public house where the elite of Sioux Falls often staged their get-togethers and tired travelers could find comfortable lodging and food.
On November 27, 1873, the Sioux Falls
Independent proudly hailed the grand opening of the Raymond’s “Rancho Willowdale,” an event scheduled for New Years Eve. Early on in its existence, folks in Sioux Falls whiled way the cold winter by scheduling a number of parties for fun and games; for cracking glasses and eating whatever the wilderness provided. It was a good way for people to deal with the isolation, bad weather and loneliness.
The Raymonds’ place was probably nothing more than a roadhouse where cheap liquor and bad food was served, but it was advertised as a place for parties and pleasure, for everyone including the hunter and the ruralist. It was conveniently established on a wagon road that led to Wall Lake and to the Yankton stage trail. Willowdale was advertised to accommodate the hungry with good food and tobacco at “all times.”
For the scheduled New Years Eve party, arrangements were made to convey people from the downtown Sioux Falls Cataract Hotel to the resort by horse and carriage at a cost of $2.50, a price that included a sumptuous supper. Music by Pomperoy’s band
was prepared to entertain the happy crowd, and people were told to be ready to sing along — so no sore throats please! It was reported that a large and stylish crowd attended the party and that a good time was had by all.
Although the Raymonds’ first house was little more than a dugout in a slope, very soon they were living in a small house. Over time, they continued to expand until their twostory, six room resort became the Silver Creek Post Office and a stage station for the Sioux Falls and Yankton stage. Through it all, Frank and Martha prospered and became active in politics and community affairs, while Rancho Willowdale continued to be the site of many a rustic bash.
Raymond wanted to expand, so he invested $7,000.00 of borrowed money to build a horse racetrack along the north bank of Silver Creek. The timing was bad, because the financial panic of 1893, that wreaked disaster over the entire
country, whipped out Raymond’s investment. He lost everything except about five acres where they lived for the rest of their lives. It is possible that the financial ruin caused Raymond to turn to lawlessness. In the 1890s, he was arrested several times for threatening people with guns and knives. One of his victims was his son-inlaw W. H. Holt.
But the 1890s were not all bad. Frank and Martha attended a meeting of interested parties in 1892, the Forest Home Cemetery Association, and platted a 5-acre cemetery on the Raymonds’ property. They constructed a crypt for the interment of their bodies on the prairie graveyard. This was something that was out of character for a rural burial ground, where dead people were simply consigned to a hole in the ground next to a modest headstone. It seemed as if Frank and Martha Raymond were making a statement.
The number of the burials is unknown, as
there are no written records of interments. A large number of graves were those of young children who died from typhoid, including the daughter of Martha and Frank Raymond, and Civil War veteran Rueben W. Hayward. In 1899, Martha died and was interred in the crypt. Frank lived with his daughter in Sioux Falls, before dying in 1904. His obituary predicted that the tomb in Forest Home Cemetery would forever “remain a monument to his memory.”
It was not to be, however, for when the Forest Home Cemetery was abandoned, the crypt was dismantled and the Raymonds were reburied in Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Sioux Falls. Over time, the forgotten and neglected graves at Forest Home were lost to history, and the headstones disappeared. The Forest Home Cemetery is currently cared for by the Abandoned Cemeteries Board of Minnehaha County.
thrifting home 36
Thrifting and Gifting Another Way to Show You Care
vino 38
Recork
knick knacks of life 40
I Love My Job
Chocolate Crinkles
BY JO MCCLURE
1/2 cup vegetable oil
4 squares unsweetened chocolate (4 ounces)
2 cups granulated sugar
4 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup powdered sugar
Mix oil, chocolate and granulated sugar. Add eggs one at a time until mixed well. Add vanilla. Stir in the flour, baking powder and salt. Chill for 3-4 hours or overnight.
Drop teaspoonfuls of dough into the powdered sugar and roll into balls. Bake at 350˚ for 10-12 minutes. Do not overbake! Makes 5-6 dozen cookies.
***If you don’t have squares of chocolate you may substitute 1 oz. of chocolate by using 3 Tablespoons cocoa and 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil.
A SEASON OF
Gratitude
BY MARY MICHAELS | PHOTOS BY JULIE PRAIRIE PHOTOGRAPHY
Forever on Thanksgiving, the heart will find the pathway home.
– Wilbur Nesbit, American Poet
Whenit comes to holiday décor, many call Thanksgiving the “forgotten” holiday, with stores jumping right from Halloween to Christmas. For one Sioux Falls homeowner, however, this season provides time to reflect, celebrate with family and – of course – decorate. And her preferred theme for any kind of decorating, is “vintage.”
“Collecting vintage is something I love to do,” she says. “I love the touch of history it brings to our 1940s home, and it just personally brings me joy.”
As a year-round collector, yard sales and estate sales are frequent stops during the spring and summer months. She keeps empty bins handy – labeled for each holiday – so she can easily add treasures as she finds them throughout the year. During the winter months, it’s regular visits to thrift shops. She has advice for would-be thrifters that comes from her own shopping superstitions.
“I always say you have to hit ten yard sales before you find a good one. And you should never grab a cart when you step into a thrift shop, or you will find absolutely nothing. You will jinx yourself!”
Admittedly, she says Halloween and Christmas have traditionally been her bigger decorating seasons.
“I have a very large vintage Halloween collection, maybe 15 totes,” she says. “And Christmas is around 20 totes.”
But, she adds, the time between those two days seemed to be missing the vibe of the season. So, she started collecting vintage turkeys.
“And it spiraled from there,” she laughs. Her collections don’t follow the latest Pinterest trend or rely on seasonal items you
might find in a “big box” store. Every item, she says, speaks to her or brings her joy in some way.
“I love the tradition and nostalgia of older items,” she explains. “Sometimes you can find a personal connection to happy childhood memories. Or I try to imagine what was happening during the times when some of the items were made.”
For example, she says many things she has are marked “Japan” and were made in the 1940s and 1950s. Other vintage pieces came from Germany in the same era.
“I look at these pieces and they were so well made. And to think they have survived this long, probably through some extraordinary circumstances, is pretty amazing.”
Much of the Thanksgiving décor, especially the ceramic turkeys, has that homemade feel
and flair, she says.
“Going to ceramics studios or buying the molds to paint at home for holiday decorations was quite popular in the 1970s. I love it when I find a particularly distinct piece. One favorite turkey with the most beautiful coloring was dated 1971 and is signed by ‘Margaret’ on the bottom. I love that I can enjoy Margaret’s work 50+ years later.”
The turkeys find places to roost all around the home. Some are on a side table paired with seasonal taper candles and vintage tea set pieces. Others find a place on top of a rustic shelving unit along with a collection of small, autumn-colored stoneware pitchers. Word must be getting around that this is a safe space for turkeys, as the family often has a small flock of wild turkeys that show up in their yard around this time of year.
A showcase piece for each holiday is a wooden wall display divided into 25 cubbies. In the “off-season,” it holds a collection of small vintage cameras. When it is holiday, time, however, it is the perfect place for all of her “littles.” At Thanksgiving time, that means a variety of seasonal figurines, tiny pumpkins, corn cobs, vintage spice tins and, of course, turkeys (there is also a figurine of a turkey that’s been “prepped” for Thanksgiving dinner, but don’t tell the other Toms that).
In addition to thrifting to get the house ready for holidays, the homeowner also enjoys “getting her craft on,” making decorations like her beautiful fall wreath filled with figurines, florals and a “Plymouth, Mass.” pennant in the center.
“I love to do it, but it’s a lot of work with 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.
MONDAY– THURSDAY 8–5 / FRIDAY 8–3 SATURDAY AND EVENINGS BY APPOINTMENT IN NORTH SIOUX FALLS 600 E 48TH STREET NORTH SIOUX FALLS SD JUST EAST OF
T 605.977.3660 / T 800.669.0087 TODAYSSTARMARKCABINETRY.COM
lot of hot glue burns,” she laughs.
Although she realizes she created more work for herself by adding Thanksgiving to the mix of holiday decorating while also balancing work and family, it is something she enjoys.
“When it comes to decorating with vintage items, you have to be determined and put some time into it,” she explains. “You have to watch for estate sales or yard sales, visit thrift stores often to catch new items and even be on Marketplace to watch for unique finds. You never know when you will stumble upon a turkey in a color or size you don’t have, or maybe a fabulous pile of vintage Christmas ornaments. You need to keep your eyes open.”
She adds that it is also fun to travel to different towns with friends who also love
thrifting,
“I
she says. “Well,
With
home, she realizes all the time and work is worth it, because they are surrounding themselves with things they love and that have meaning.
“It makes me happy to collect unique things that show my personal style. It’s fun to give new life to these pieces with character and that you can only imagine what their past story might be.”
150 Authentic SOUTH DAKOTA Recipes
Curated especially for those who enjoy good stories, great food and all things South Dakota, this 190-page hardbound collection has the potential to become a cherished family heirloom.
Purchase Savoring South Dakota for yourself or as a gift today, while supplies last! All proceeds benefit the South Dakota Community Foundation.
Visit www.FirstDakota.com/cookbook or scan the QR code below.
60 THINGS BEFORE YOU’RE 60
BY JIM MATHIS
Forgive me if I wander from my normal rants about what to eat and how to cook it. You see, this November I’m crossing a major milestone; I’m turning 60. So it got me to thinking about the things I believe a person should experience or be able to do with confidence and without hesitation. I’ve been working on this list for quite a while, trying to whittle a few things off as I go along. Some are food related; others just stuff on my list. Most have been checked off my list; a couple I’m still working on. A few have been elusive.
1. Make a perfect fried egg over easy. I learned on the flattop in the HyVee deli 30 years ago, but I still broke a yoke last week. Nobody’s perfect.
2. Have a go-to dish that you can always throw together on a moment’s notice, with ingredients you have on hand. For me it’s, shrimp paella.
3. Create a recipe that is yours, not from a cookbook or passed down from Mom. Drambuie Cheesecake.
4. Cherish a recipe that’s been passed down from another generation. Mom’s Peanut Butter Pie.
5. Turn something simple into something special; an incredible grilled cheese or an awesome omelet.
6. Cook a 5-course meal just for the enjoyment of others; even if you don’t get to eat.
7. Enjoy a really expensive meal from a restaurant. I’m talking mortgage-payment expensive and savor every bite.
8. Eat at a restaurant run by your favorite celebrity chef. Unless that chef is Guy Fieri, then skip it. Trust me.
9. Stop into a really seedy joint that you probably shouldn’t be in. Have a drink with the locals. Strike up a conversation.
10. Be a regular at an exclusive restaurant.
11. Try something that seems disgusting (like a raw oyster), you may find a new favorite (like raw oysters!)
12. Make an overly ambitious holiday meal for your family.
13. Learn to stir fry in a wok.
14. Make your own mayonnaise. Just eggs, oil and a little lemon juice. It’s easy, but remarkably satisfying.
15. Bake a cake from scratch. No help from Betty Crocker — just you and the oven.
16. Make your own salad dressing. Sure it’s easier to open a bottle of Hidden Valley Ranch, but your own will be better.
17. Learn all of the lyrics to your favorite song, start to finish. Please, no Brittany Spears.
18. Memorize a poem, or at least a few stanzas.
19. Drive a stick shift. They didn’t teach you in Driver’s Ed, and if you’ve always had automatics you may think this is unnecessary. But many years ago, I found myself in a bind and the only vehicle available was a stick shift. I’m glad I learned.
20. Jump start a car. It gets pretty cold around here; sooner or later you’ll need a jump.
21. Smoke ribs. You don’t have to run off and join the barbeque circuit, but you should be able to make this backyard staple. Get smoking.
22. Learn to use a Boston shaker. A Boston shaker is a made by combining a steel cup with a pintsized glass, one inverted over the other. You’ve seen bartenders use these, and Tom Cruise spun them around in Cocktail. There is no better way to make a drink.
23. Order a cocktail. No hesitation, just ask for your usual. Manhattan, up, with rye, bitters and no cherry juice.
24. Buy a round for the bar.
25. Learn to open a bottle of wine with panache.
26. Give thanks. I’m not a deeply religious man, but there are times when we all need to bow our heads and say grace.
27. Give a toast. Nothing too long or too revealing, just a simple tribute and a raised glass.
28. Give a eulogy. I’ve now done this several times. The first, I failed miserably, for a college roommate who succumbed to diabetes. One of my few regrets in life is that I won’t ever be able to do that over. Since, I’ve done better, but it doesn’t get easier.
29. Grieve in your own way.
30. Tell a joke.
31. Tell a heartbreaking story.
32. Drink enough that you regret it the next morning.
33. Know when to say when, so you don’t regret it in the morning.
34. Be the designated driver for friends.
35. Fold a fitted sheet. My beloved swears it can be done, but so far this one has me flummoxed.
36. Fight for something you believe in.
37. Spend a night in jail. I was in my early twenties, but that one night convinced me I don’t ever want to do it again.
38. Own a tuxedo (or a really nice dress). When you have one, you will find yourself looking for excuses to wear it, which is not a bad thing. For extra credit guys, buy a full-dress kilt and wear it with pride.
39. Fly First Class. Enjoy a little luxury at 30,000 feet. You’re worth it.
40. Travel by private plane. If First Class makes you feel like a prince, a private plane will make you feel like a king.
41. Make random acts of kindness a regular occurrence.
42. Learn a new art or craft. Be fearless — you don’t have to be good, just learning.
43. Do an unreasonably big favor for a friend without thinking twice.
44. Have a friend (or two) who you could ask to do an unreasonably big favor.
45. Treasure something that has been passed down to you.
46. Drive really fast. Get your speedometer well into triple digits and just enjoy the rush.
47. Learn to ride a motorcycle. I rode a lot in high school and college. Now I’ve graduated to four wheels, but I’m glad I’ve done it and know how.
48. Buy something you’ve dreamed of for years. For me it was the car that (sometimes) goes into triple digits.
49. Get a tattoo to remind you of a friend or loved one.
50. Be nice to: strangers, waiters, children, old people and humans. And anyone else not covered in the above list.
51. Take care of yourself physically and mentally. The head bone is connected to all those other bones.
52. Write a book. Even if no one reads, it will feel good to say you did. (I’m working on it, be patient.)
53. Find a cause (or two) you can be committed to, and give generously of your time, talents and treasures.
54. Make a bold and daring career move. Even if you regret it, you’ll learn something.
55. There is someone in your life you’ve taken for granted, let them know how much they mean to you.
56. Life is short and fragile. Tell your friends and family you love them often enough it might be uncomfortable.
57. Rekindle an old friendship.
58. Forgive.
59. Fall in love.
60. Hold on to that person.
Thanks for indulging me. Now do yourself a favor, eat something good today. Jim’s day job is running a little ad agency on the prairie called ADwërks.
THRIFTING AND GIFTING ANOTHER WAY TO SHOW YOU CARE
BY BOBBI LYNN GAUKEL
From time to time in my life, I have been asked to bring a ‘white elephant’ gift to a party of some sort. Honestly, it’s hard for me when this happens. Although this kind of gift giving is meant to be fun and entertaining, it involves giving BAD gifts that nobody wants. I prefer heartfelt gifts 100% of the time (does that make me a not-fun person? Don’t answer that).
But this time of year is for gift giving of all kinds. Whether it’s family, friends, or people you ‘kind of’ know (teachers, co-workers, that one coffee shop employee), you most likely have been thinking about suitable gifts for the holiday season. Have you ever thought about thrifting gifts? If you have, please know there are a couple of rules to consider.
Know your audience.
Not everyone thinks the way you do, so it’s good to ask your people how they feel about ‘used’ gifts before hauling off to Goodwill. I recently gave a good friend an ENTIRE birthday assortment of thrifted things, all created from knowing her well and finding just the right thing. It’s probably best to not give your mother-in-law a used gift unless you also know she’ll love it. Just saying :)
Mix new with old.
For instance, if you have a coffee lover in your family, rather than running to the nearest big box store, consider a gift ‘basket’ that contains new items like premium coffees or stir sticks with more personal thrifted items like hand-thrown pottery mugs. Sure, they are used. But they have a unique quality that cannot be easily found with new items.
Stay in the safety zone.
Not every thrifted thing is equal. If I’m unsure about gifting something I thrifted, I either pick an NWT (new with tag) item or something that for sure won’t give the recipient the heebie jeebies. Books are a good choice. You can generally tell which books are like new, and it’s easy to wipe down covers before you gift them. I like giving cookbooks, for instance. Cooks like to collect, and there are so many good cookbooks sitting in thrift stores just waiting for someone to get in the kitchen and create.
Other categories to consider that fall into the safety zone: artwork, candle holders, home décor or jewelry. If the item is something you know the recipient would love, be on the hunt for these items that are ‘easy’ to give.
Be careful with the soft things.
Sure, it’s fun to give clothing and accessories as gifts to fashion-loving friends. It’s thoughtful to gift a cozy blanket to those you love the most. But be aware that used ‘soft’ items are often the hardest to gift. Firstly,
you want to make sure the quality is near perfection. Nobody wants a faded, pilled sweater. Secondly, you’ll need to do a little homework before you gift soft items. Read care instructions, and wash or clean accordingly. I’ve gifted LOTS of soft items over the years. I hope that nobody was offended, but I’m very careful to make sure soft things are newish, clean and smell really nice.
Just say no - sometimes.
Finally, there are some things in thrift stores that I would most likely NOT gift to someone, although I have broken this rule quite a few times. Items like shoes, bed pillows, used personal items like makeup and other things that are obviously pre-owned are generally not gift worthy. I do have some Coach sneakers that a friend gifted to me that I treasure, however. They were almost new when I got them, and it’s the one and only Coach item I own! My best advice is to proceed with caution in this category.
So how about you? Would you consider gifting a thrifted item? By choosing pre-loved items as gifts, you take on the stigma that thrifting is only for those who can’t afford the alternative. Start having those conversations with those you plan to give gifts now to avoid surprises, and surprise yourself with the JOY found in thrifted gifting.
Bobbi Lynn Gaukel is a graphic designer and thrifter at Bobilu Vintage. Watch out, because she often gives thrifted gifts.
Christmas Open House
Saturday & Sunday, November 9 & 10
Shop our large selection of holiday decor, enjoy hot apple cider and cookies and register for prizes!
Recork
BY RICCARDO TARABELSI
sensory memory to “predict” what aromas we might smell or what flavors we might taste in a Pinot Noir, for example. But when you don’t know anything about the wine sitting in front of you, except for that it is red or white, you must depend on your senses to do the detective work. Here are some tips on how to identify a mystery wine by using all of your senses:
look like an apricot melted into your glass. Pinot Noir is a very light-colored red grape, while Cabernet has distinct purple hues, and Grenache displays inky, black depths.
effective and educational ways to improve your palate as you try to discern the nuances of a wine using your senses. What tasting blind (it’s not actually done blindfolded) means is tasting a wine that has been poured for you without you witnessing which bottle it was poured out of. Most of us, including myself, rely on our
First up is your sense of sight. Using your eyes to help you identify a wine is greatly underestimated. There is lots of information that can be gathered by simply looking at the unidentified wine. Start with the color. Wines have a distinct color according to the variety of grape used in its production. Rieslings tend to be very light and almost white, while Chardonnays have a fuller golden hue. Gewürztraminers
Also note the viscosity, which is displayed by the way the wine clings to the side of the glass. A wine high in viscosity will have higher levels of glycerine, an indication of both sweetness and body. Crisp, clean whites will run down the sides into the bottom of the glass where a full or sweet wine will slide slowly down. Viscosity is also a good way to judge the level of alcohol. A high alcohol content is evidenced by the “tears” or “legs” of the wine, which gently run down the side of the glass when you swirl the wine. Wines high in alcohol have well-defined legs that crawl slowly back towards the wine. A general rule to follow is that wines from warm growing
SIP & SHOP
don’t miss our designer eyewear trunk show
Grab a friend or two and make it a morning out! Sip on mimosas and coffee, chat with our vendors and see the latest eyewear trends. There’ll be treats and giveaways, too! Plus, be one of the first 50 in the door and get a FREE gift. Don’t miss it!
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23 | 9AM – 1PM
Love what you see.
EYE CARE
6201 S. Minnesota Ave. (605) 274.6717
visions@sdvisions.com
sdvisions.com
regions are higher in alcohol than wines from cooler climates. Wondering if the white you are tasting is a Riesling from Germany or Australia? Well, Australia is warm, and Germany is (relatively) not, so how high is the alcohol content?
BY RICCARDO TARABELSI
Next, on to your nose and your sense of smell. The aroma of the wine is the most important factor in determining what the wine is. The palate can differentiate only five different tastes, but the nose can identify up to 180 different aromas. Grape varietals have certain characteristics that are common to wines made of that grape. Chardonnays smell like golden apples and tropical fruits. Pinot Noirs have aromas of flowers and red fruits. While you don’t need to be able to say, “This wine has passion fruit, it must be a Chardonnay,” any fruits or spices that you can memorize will help you to ascertain the wine’s origin. One thing to remember is that sense memory is based on memory. If you have never had a Chardonnay, how can you expect to remember what it smells like? Practice is very important.
There are several clues to be found in the
scent. Does the wine smell hot? That can be an indicator of high alcohol, which, as we know, is an indicator of climate. Do you smell a lot of fruit or more earth? Wines from the new world (Australia, the U.S., and South America) tend to be very fruit forward. On the other hand, wines from the “old world” regions of western Europe tend to have more complex earthen aromas. These are not hard and fast rules, but guidelines. They do, however, bring a few more pieces to the puzzle.
Your sense of taste is next as you sip the wine. Roll it around the inside of your mouth so that it coats all parts of your tongue. Each part of the tongue identifies different sensations, so it is important to hit them all. Can you taste any residual sugar? Is the wine high in acidity or tannins? Is it simple or complex? Is it of a low or high quality? These and many other questions can be answered with the palate. Certain grapes are high in residual sugar such as Riesling, Pinot Blanc, and Gewürztraminer. Others are high in tannins such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Nebbiolo. A wine that has just one flavor or aroma is called simple, while wines with many flavors and aromas are considered to be
complex. Complexity is a sign of quality. These are all clues to the wine’s origin, style, and age.
Let’s not forget your sense of touch. There is always a certain “feel” a wine has in terms of its style that could possibly give you a clue to its origin. A full-bodied wine will feel heavy, while a light-bodied wine will feel transparent. At the end, you must add everything that you have learned about the wine and put the pieces of the puzzle together.
Making a correct assessment of a glass of wine is never easy. Do not get discouraged by wrong answers. Practicing this blind tasting method will help develop your sense of sight, smell, and taste as well as develop your sensory memory as you discover the identity of the wines you taste. Carpe Vino!
Riccardo and Marybeth are the owners of R Wine Bar & Kitchen, Brix Wine Bar, Maribella Ristorante, Vespa Catering, and Trio Jazz Club. They have three sons, Dante, Berent (wife Molli,) and Jaxon and two dogs, Palfrey and Vinny. Happy Thanksgiving! For all of your wine questions or comments, contact Riccardo at riccardo@rwinebar.com.
I Love My Job
BY LURA ROTI
Every time I walk across the campus of South Dakota State University, I get small butterflies…not quite as strong as the ones I got when I first met my husband…but similar.
I honestly loved my college years so much that walking those familiar sidewalks today, puts me in a happy mood.
And I’ve been walking those sidewalks quite a bit this fall, because I get to teach a communications class in the same building where I spent quite a few hours pursuing my agriculture journalism degree – Yeager Hall.
I still work full time as a freelance journalist, so my plate is a bit full right now. Which means:
My house is dusty.
The laundry is piled up.
My plants are thirsty.
And my bird feeders are only filled on the weekends.
But I’d say the trade off is totally worth it, because satisfaction in
my work as an agriculture journalist and adjunct professor impacts my overall happiness.
In fact, when my house is a mess – or my daughter thinks I am unfair – or my pants are too tight - all I need to do to feel that all is right in the world, is brew a cup of coffee, clear off my desk and get to work.
I mention coffee, because my workdays start early. Because I write about an article a day, and because writing for me takes extreme focus, I typically get to my desk around 4:30 a.m.
This way, I can get a huge chunk of whatever article I’m working on written before I take our daughter to school around 8:30. And in the case of this fall, before I need to get on the road to Brookings.
I was reminded of how much I love the work that I do by Jeremy Waltner, the second-generation owner, publisher and editor of The Courier a local newspaper that serves Freeman and Menno communities.
Jeremy spoke to the class I teach the week we focused on the media of newspapers and their impact on society and culture. As he shared his
passion for his community and sharing his community’s stories through the craft of storytelling, I could completely relate.
So, what do I love about my job?
Stories. As a journalist, I get to hear other people’s stories nearly every day. I am entertained all workday long. And honestly, I’ve never met a boring person — or topic.
The great thing about being a journalist is I do not need to know much, if anything, about the topic I am writing about. I just need to find the right sources. I mean, it does help to have some background knowledge, so that I know what type of questions to ask. But there have been times when I knew nothing about the story I was asked to cover –not even its pronunciation – and that is when honesty is the best guide. (Have you ever heard of Chautauqua? Me neither … until I was asked by South Dakota Public Broadcasting to do a story on it. Google it. It is fascinating!)
People. As an agriculture journalist, I get to know the individuals and families responsible for one of THE most important jobs in the world – food production. I will say, from my experience, some of the hardest working, best educated, kindest and honest people do this work.
However, having now lived in the heart of Sioux Falls longer than I lived in the heart of South Dakota ranch country, my experience also tells me that most people, whether they live rural or not, are genuinely good. And aren’t we all fortunate!
Hope. I always wanted to teach college students. In fact, it is the reason I returned to SDSU to get my masters.
I graduated in 2020 and I was fortunate to get to start right away teaching an online class for the University of Sioux Falls.
Teaching works well with my work as a journalist — it uses different creative brain juices from writing. Creating a class and then getting to see how it works energizes me.
And then there is the perk of working with the future. Students who are a generation younger than me show me a glimpse of the future and it’s not so scary … for this reason … they are very helpful.
Just this week I invited another journalist to visit with students via Zoom (you know where this is headed.) And everything was working just fine on my laptop, but the minute I plugged into the classroom projector, what was on my screen was not seen by students.
I began to panic. Then Anna, a master’s student came up and fixed the issue. And she did it with kindness.
I love teaching the online writing class and I get to teach it again this spring. But I will say, now that I’ve experienced face-to-face interactions with students, I’m hooked.
Downtime. I don’t have much downtime this fall, but working full time-plus does make me value it. Because free time is precious, I am quite intentional about how I spend it. I turn off my phone and grab an Agatha Christie mystery, or I head outdoors to do fall yardwork, or I take Tulip, our dog, for a walk – things that truly give my mind a break and help me refresh. Because even though I love my job, I still need time away.
Jeremy also brought this up in his talk, “just because you love your job does not mean it’s not work.”
friends& family
Thankful Crafts
BY JESS WEISCHEDEL
Here are a few Thanksgiving family tradition ideas that will have your children giving thanks this season.
Thankful Pumpkin
Materials: All you need is a big pumpkin and a black permanent marker.
Instructions: Every night for the month of November, gather as a family and add a few items to your Thankful Pumpkin. Another method is to sit around a table together and discuss what things you are thankful for. Start at the top and work your way around the pumpkin with simple words describing what everyone is thankful for, ending at the bottom. You will be surprised by some of the things people start to name off as you start running out of room to write. If you run out of room, get another pumpkin. Display them for everyone to be reminded of their blessings each day of the month.
for Kids
Gratitude Tree
Materials: A blank wall, construction paper, scissors, tape, and a marker.
Instructions: Grow your Gratitude Tree by cutting out shapes for the trunk and branches, then taping them up to the wall using wall-proof adhesive so it stays put. You can make your tree as big or as small as you’d like. Next, cut out leaf shapes from construction paper in fall colors or whatever colors of your choice, and write things you are thankful for on the leaves. Tape them up to the branches of your tree throughout the month. Make this a permanent tradition by painting a tree on your wall and switching out the leaves each season.
Family Board of Thanks
Materials: Bulletin board, tacks, scissors, photos and magazine clippings of your favorite things.
Instructions: Divide a bulletin board into equal sections for each member of your family or use separate mini bulletin boards for each person. Use tacks to pin up images, notes, words, drawings, and anything else that represents what they are thankful for this holiday season. This is a really fun way for each family member to express who they are creatively and what they are cherishing at the moment.
3237 S Sycamore Ave Sioux Falls, SD 57110
•
Call: +1(605) 371-3500 or Text: +1(838) 488-0577
www.wagsnwhiskerssf.com
info@wagsnwhiskerssf.com
Full service dog and cat grooming. Walk-ins nail trimming welcome. Purchase your health products, collars, leashes and treats here too!
Hours: Mon, Fri: 8:00-5:00 Tues, Wed, Thurs: 7:30-6:00 Sat: 9:00-3:00 Sun: Closed
3237 S Sycamore Ave | Sioux Falls, SD 57110
Please give 24 hour notice if unable to keep appointment. We reserve the right to charge for all established appointments.
Call: +1(605) 371-3500 | Text: +1(838) 488-0577
www.wagsnwhiskerssf.com info@wagsnwhiskerssf.com
Hours: Mon, Fri: 8-5 | Tues, Wed, Thurs: 7:30-6 | Sat: 9-3 | Sun: Closed
Please give 24 hour notice if unable to keep appointment. We reserve the right to charge for all established appointments.
Thankful Turkey Box
Materials: Small tissue box, small note pad or pieces of paper, brown paint or construction paper to cover the tissue box, construction paper in red, orange or yellow, scissors, glue, and packaging tape.
Instructions: Paint the tissue box with brown paint, or cover it with brown construction paper using tape or glue. Next, cut out a turkey body and head from brown construction paper, and glue it to the tissue box once it is completely dry (if painted). For the turkey feathers, cut out feather shapes from red, orange, and yellow construction paper. Glue the feathers around the back of the box, then use packaging tape to secure them at the back. Finish the turkey by adding some eyes, a yellow beak, and a red wattle. Stack some “thankful cards” next to your turkey and every day of the month of November have your family write down what they are thankful for and place it in the box. At the end of the month, or on Thanksgiving day, read each note out loud as a family.
Fynn, Best Friend of Joanie
Gretel, best friend of Ryan & Crystal McCormick & Arabella
Ziti, best friend of Kaitlyn
Furever Homes
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.
Yoda, best friend of Don D Lily, best friend of Bob & Sheila
Gared, Best Friend of Will and Josh Raether
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.
by Martin Jenkins
It’s time for Bird to build her nest! Follow her as she pulls a worm out of the ground, lifts some twigs that are just the right size, and pushes the twigs into place. Uh-oh — one of the twigs falls to the ground! But after a day of hard work, Bird’s nest is ready and waiting. Can you guess what it’s waiting for? Using simple, clear language and beautiful illustrations, this engaging story is the perfect introduction to physical forces for very young readers. A final spread with some simple questions promotes discussion with parents, teachers, or caregivers and encourages readers to think about the concepts introduced.
Ages 4 yrs - 6 yrs
Candlewickpress.com
Answers
to Dog by
Pete Hautman
Evan doesn’t seem to fit in at school or at home. He goes out of his way to avoid attention. He sits at the back of the bus, keeps his head down in class, and keeps to himself. But when a burr-covered border collie—a survivor with a gut instinct about the Boy—starts following him around and joining him on his runs, Evan’s simple duckand-dodge existence becomes a lot more complicated . . . a lot more like life. Evolving from wary companions to steadfast friends, Evan and the dog run fast and far together, thwart an abusive dog breeder and the school bully, and find the courage to stand up for themselves and to open up to those who matter most.
Ages 9 yrs - 12 yrs
Candlewickpress.com
Ada, Are You Ready? by Daishu Ma
Ada’s World of Fun
Who is hiding, poised to jump up happily when Ada arrives? Flashlight in hand, Mouse shines a light on all the friends, illuminating them one by one. Could that be Elephant clutching a balloon in the bushes? Is that Lion, getting ready to roar? And where is Monkey—maybe searching for a party hat? With its bold, graphic illustrations, an element of “guess who,” and an exciting display for the birthday child at the end, little ones will be more than ready for Daishu Ma’s delightful celebration of friendship, surprises, and caring for one another.
Ages 0 mos - 3 yrs
Candlewickpress.com
Bird Builds a Nest A First Science Storybook
A Pinecone! by Helen Yoon
Daddy is a bit distracted on their autumn walk, while his curious child only has eyes for one of nature’s small wonders: a pinecone! And look, another pinecone! And another! In fact, she could gather an entire collection—an entire extended family—of pinecones if she wanted to (and she wants to!). But what then? In a story spun with visual comedy, the characters from Off-Limits return for a small adventure in outsize enthusiasm leading to a sparkly, holiday-cheer-worthy finish. Helen Yoon brings all her quirky warmth to bear on this tribute to little ones whose fixations tend to send them over the top—and the parents who lovingly help them to funnel all that passionate energy. And perhaps some of their own!
Ages 3 yrs - 7 yrs
Candlewickpress.com
Around America to Win the Vote
Two Suffragists, a Kitten, and 10,000 Miles by Mara Rockliff
In April 1916, Nell Richardson and Alice Burke set out from New York City in a little yellow car, embarking on a bumpy, unmapped journey ten thousand miles long. They took with them a typewriter, a sewing machine, a wee black kitten, and a message for Americans all across the country: Votes for Women! Braving blizzards, deserts, and naysayers, the two courageous friends made their way through the cities and towns of America to further their cause. One hundred years after Nell and Alice set off on their trip, Mara Rockliff revives their spirit in a lively and whimsical picture book, with exuberant illustrations by Hadley Hooper bringing their inspiring historical trek to life.
Ages 5 yrs - 8 yrs
Candlewickpress.com
by
Inga Moore
One little pig has made a little den for herself in the woods, and another little pig has a small hut next door. One morning they return from a walk to find that their big friend Bear has moved into the den and an even larger Moose into the hut. CRASH! With both homes collapsed, they’re all in a pickle—but what if they find a way to build a house in the woods that all four of them can share? With lush, whimsically detailed illustrations and a cast of endearing, industrious (and most accommodating!) characters, Inga Moore constructs an inviting story of friendship that kids will be happy to visit awhile.
Ages 3 yrs - 7 yrs
Candlewickpress.com
A House in the Woods
