Black Hills Lifestyle - June 2024

ERIC BROUILLETTE

The Definition of a Family Man

BY MOLLY BARARI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY HENRY ROY PHOTOGRAPHY

Page 45

Summer Patio Must Haves at Rare Finds

BHL

BLACK HILLS LIFESTYLE

Account Executives

team of writers

Catherine McHugh, Kristina Roth, Maggie Jean Wince, Michaela Feldmann, Michelle Sieveke, Molly Barari, and Natalie Frazier

Kaylee Langseth 712-574-0618 | kaylee@michelscom.com

Patty Stover 605-390-2617 | patty@michelscom.com

Teresa Nestor 605-484-0918 | teresa@michelscom.com

Editor

Margi Culhane 605-940-4724 | margi@michelscom.com

graphic designer

Melissa Chinn melissa.chinn@michelscom.com

Every month Black Hills Lifestyle showcases local human interest

is only $40.

© Copyright 2024 Michels Communications Corporation.

or

Photography

Henry Roy Photography

Director of Digital Marketing

Cory Johnsen 605-951-3567 | cory@michelscom.com

regional MARKET manager

GSM Black Hills

Kevin Culhane 605-661-8509 | kevin@michelscom.com

chief of operations

Hanna Michels 605-760-4269 | hanna@michelscom.com

Hills Lifestyle does not necessarily endorse or agree with content of

SUMMER 2024 Events

June 1-2: Mickelson Trail Marathon

June 7-8: Deadwood PBR

June 13-15: Wild Bill Days

FREE concerts featuring Aaron Tippin,Pam Tillis and Ivory, Dock Dogs, a car auction, gold panning, history programing, a book fair and multi-city garage sales.

June 15: Wild Bill Days Classic Car Auction

June 15: Wild Deadwood Reads

June 19: Treaty Oak Revival at Deadwood

Mountain Grand - 8 pm

June 21-23: Mickelson Trail Summer Trek

June 22: Shrine Circus

June 17: Lauren Alaina at Deadwood

Mountain Grand - 8 pm

June 28-29: Monsters of Destruction

July 4: Independence Day Parade & Celebration

FREE concerts at Outlaw Square! July 5 featuring BlackHawk and July 6 featuring the Spin Doctors.

July 5 & 6: Freedom Concert Weekend - Free in

Outlaw Square - Blackhawk & Spin Doctors

July 7-12: 3-Wheeler Rally

July 21-27: Days on ‘76 Rodeo

Best Rodeo. No Bull. Named PRCA Rodeo of the Year 19 times! Don’t miss the historic parades on Main Street. Tickets at www.Daysof76.com.

July 23: Brulé in Outlaw Square

August: Badlands Steer Roping

August 2-11: Sturgis Rally

August 17: Preacher Smith’s Deadwood Redemption Day

August 20-25: Kool Deadwood Nites

NOW STARTS ON TUESDAY! Six days of classic cars & music! FREE concerts featuring Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone, ABBA Revisited, Elton Dan and the Rocket Band, The Drifters, The Long Run, El Loco Fandango, Aeromythand, the Surfin’ Safari Band, plus a parade, show & shines, car auction, and more!

August 22-24: Kool Deadwood Nites

Classic Car Auction

August 29: Mustang Rally Show & Shine

August 30: End of Summer Free Concert in Outlaw Square - Smash Mouth!

September 6: The Marshall Tucker Band & Jefferson Starship At Deadwood Mountain Grand starting at 8 pm

September 13-14: Deadwood Jam

September 20-22: Mickelson Trail Trek

Visit OutlawSquare.com for more information on their weekly, free summer events.

Deadwood Mountain Grand tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or The Spotlight Box Office: 605-559-1188.

For more event information or to book your stay visit www.DEADWOOD.com

If so, Dr. Mark Garner can help. Dr. Mark and the team at Orchard Meadows Family Dental & Denture Clinic focus on Stress Free Dentistry. He knows that some people are afraid of the dentist, so they stop going. When they do finally come in, they need a lot of work. With IV sedation dentistry, it’s easy to have years’ worth of damage repaired in just a few visits. Are you stressed and anxious just thinking about making an appointment? Have you put up with dental pain because you were afraid? Have you had a bad experience at the dentist?

Eric Brouillette The Definition of a Family Man

By Molly Barari

If you looked up the definition of family man in the dictionary, you’d find a photograph of Eric Brouillette next to it. Eric, 38, of Rapid City is happiest when he’s outside playing wiffle ball or soccer in the yard with his kids.

“Our house is the hub for our friends and family, especially when the weather is nice,” says Eric with a megawatt grin. “We’ll barbecue, celebrate birthdays, play sports and enjoy each other’s company.”

Eric describes his family life as very active. He and his wife, Cheyenne, have a big extended family in the area. The center of Eric’s world, though, is his children—Ace, who is 7, and Adelia, who is 18 months.

“My little boy plays baseball with Canyon Lake, as well as basketball, soccer, and golf. Actually, our whole family plays golf! Most of our summers are spent at Arrowhead on the golf course or in the pool.”

Of course, it’s not all play for Eric. He also works at Monument Health as an HR Business Partner focusing primarily on the Northern Hills. His job is all about people. He works with Monument’s leadership team and caregivers to strengthen company morale for Monument’s 5,700 employees; to boost employee relations; to conduct engagement surveys and workforce analytics; and to ensure policies are being implemented.

Before Monument Health, Eric spent 10 years working at Black Hills Energy in similar HR roles. During his time at Black Hills Energy, Eric was one of the founding members of the Cultural Diversity group there. Prior to that, he worked in HR at the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut.

Eric started living in Connecticut when he attended University of New Haven for graduate school, where he earned his Master’s degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Minnesota State-Mankato.

I truly love what I do. I wake up, and feel energized to go to work. Each day is different, and I feel like I have a seat at the table.

Originally from Rapid City, Eric moved from Connecticut back to his hometown when his father, Mike, died. His parents had been married just shy of 35 years at the time of Mike’s death, and Eric knew his family would need him.

Known as Mr. B to the kids he taught at North Middle School for several decades, Eric’s dad was one of his biggest role models.

“He instilled many values in me. He taught me to work hard, to be dedicated to my goals, to have gratitude, and to give back to others,” shares Eric.

His dad played sports with him as he was growing up, and now Eric practices skills with his son.

“I often find myself using things my dad taught me as a coach and as a father, like the saying ‘Strikeouts will happen,’” says Eric. “I have played baseball, basketball and football since I could walk—and all throughout school—and the same is true for my son. I wish I would have started golfing sooner than 2012, though, because I love it!”

The number one lesson Eric learned in sports that translates to life? “To always rely on your team,” he advises. “Lean on your support network.”

Something unique about Eric is his family background. He is an enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux tribe. His mother Terry was born in Eagle Butte, but she was adopted by a German family at birth.

Because of this, Eric says he grew up nontraditionally. He went to Meadowbrook Elementary School, Southwest Middle School, and Stevens High School. “There were only a handful of Native kids in my schools, but I still hung out with my Native friends and learned more about the culture from their families.”

During his time at Black Hills Energy, Eric was involved in a School of Mines program called Tiospaye.

“I worked with Native students, gave them tours at Black Hills Energy and helped them get internships. It’s my belief that you can’t be what you don’t see. It’s important for Native students to have positive role models and to see what careers are possible.”

Eric always wanted to be a dad, and his favorite part of fatherhood is watching his kids grow up and learn new things.

“I enjoy passing down everything I learned that made me who I am today and watching them solve the problems that come their way. I also enjoy doing all of this with my wife. I feel like I married my best friend, and it’s a team effort in everything we do. We have family dinners together, and we put our phones away so we can focus on each other.”

When he isn’t busy throwing a ball in the yard with his kids, Eric enjoys boating at Pactola, riding his Harley through the Black Hills, having brunch at Tally’s, and playing tourist in the Hills.

“We know we live in a beautiful place, so we like to take in as much of the Hills as we can as a family,” he says.

Eric also loves getting tattoos. He has a full sleeve with a Native American headdress and feathers on his left arm. He has a total of eight big tattoos on his body, which surprises some people on summer days when he wears short sleeves.

“It shows people that you can have a professional career and have tattoos,” he says with a chuckle. “I always wanted to be successful and go to college. I wanted to show that I could do it.”

Eric did it, all right. He’s thriving at work – but most importantly, he’s thriving as a husband and a father.

5 Things About Eric

1. He doesn’t like chocolate and candy.

2. He is an extrovert, but he does get nervous before public speaking.

3. He loves rom-coms like “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” and “The Holiday.”

4. He is a night owl. He stays up late and gets up early.

5. His favorite books are the “Harry Potter” books.

Photos left to right: Eric being his son Ace’s caddy for his first golf tournament in August 2020; First Christmas as a girl dad, helping pick out a Christmas dress for his daughter Adelia; Celebrating a friends wedding summer 2023; Eric and his role model, his father Mike Brouillette Sr. (Mr. B); Always supported by his mother, Terry Brouillette, this photo is from his Master’s graduation from the University of New Haven

4 THINGS TO BUY IN JUNE — AND 4 THINGS YOU SHOULD SKIP

By Catherine McHugh

Anticipated all year by schoolkids and sun worshippers alike, June’s arrival heralds the official start of summer.

But being sandwiched between Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, this month doesn’t have an abundance of seasonal sale promotions, says Nathan Burrow, deals editor at Wirecutter. “Another factor is that Amazon will likely be holding its Prime Day Sales in July — after the July Fourth sales have drawn to close,” he says. “But I’d also look for runoff from Memorial Day sales, because we know many brands are continuing their Memorial Day sales into June.”

Here are some of the best things to buy in June, and what you should hold off on for a few more weeks to get the best deals.

WHAT TO BUY IN JUNE

FATHER’S DAY ITEMS

If you’re looking for gift ideas beyond the World’s Greatest Dad mug, Burrow suggests looking at home improvement bundles from stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s. “They have been promoting a lot of bundles on power tools from names like Dewalt and Ryobi that will likely continue into June,” he says. “Multi-tools, including those from Leatherman as well as Wirecutter’s budget pick from Gerber, also have direct sales this time of year.”

DISHWASHERS

If you’ve been putting off springing for a new dishwasher, this is the best month to buy one. “Dishwasher manufacturers release their new models for the year each June, which means you can see clearance sales on [older models],” Burrow

says. “While we’ve seen heightened prices for all large appliances overall since 2020, buying a previous year’s model at this time is a good way to save what you can.”

APPLE IPADS

If you’ve been looking to up your tablet game, Burrow says select models of Apple iPads will likely see good deals both this month and next. “I’d expect good prices for the iPad mini 6th generation; plus, the new iPad Air 5th generation will see its first notable deals and the iPad Pro 3rd generation 11-inch size will continue to see sales,” Burrow says. “It’s likely we’ll even see sales on the standard 9th generation iPad, especially in the higher 256 GB storage capacity — it’s probably due for a refresh in September.”

OUTDOOR GEAR

The desire to commune with nature becomes more powerful as the weather gets warmer — but make sure you’ve got the right gear before you head out. “Look for sales on select outdoor supplies in June, including deals on bug control from Thermacell, insulated water bottles from Hydro Flask and select grilling gear like our meat thermometer picks from ThermoWorks,” Burrow says. “We also expect to see deals on umbrellas, including our pick for a windproof travel umbrella, the Repel Easy Touch.”

WHAT TO SKIP IN JUNE

PORTABLE AUDIO AND HOME SPEAKERS

No one likes to hear static while listening to their favorite podcast, but wait until next month to upgrade if you can. You can expect to see sales on headphones, Bluetooth speakers and higherend speakers in June, Burrow says, “but Prime Day offers a glut of audio sales and some of the best headphone prices we’ll see until Black Friday. So it’s definitely worth seeing what’s available then.”

SMART-HOME GADGETS

If calling out to Alexa has gotten you glitchy responses lately, see if you can hold out until July before you upgrade. “All Amazon devices, including Kindles, will see the lowest prices of 2024 so far in July,” Burrow says.

SMALL KITCHEN APPLIANCES

You may be having more get-togethers now that summer is almost here, but if you need some

TAKE THE NEXT STEP

A financial advisor can be a really helpful resource as you put together a monthly budget and financial plan. A Northwestern Mutual financial advisor can help you define what’s important to you and build a plan that helps you get what you want. It all starts with a good financial plan. Your monthly budget can then help keep your financial plan on track.

new appliances for the kitchen, try to hold off. “Electronics or coffeemakers will have better deals in July because of Prime Day and the competing sales: Walmart’s Deals for Days and Target’s Deal Days sales,” Burrow says. “You’re more likely to see a better deal on a pressure cooker, toaster oven, air fryer, coffee maker, blender and potentially even a stand mixer in July than you are in June.”

MOST MATTRESSES AND BEDDING

If you slept on the Memorial Day mattress sales, it’s worth waiting until the next big holiday sale for the best discounts. “There are always going to be mattress and bedding sales, and the best ones with the widest variety of discounted options are in February, May and September,” he says. “So unless you see a deal you think is exceptional, wait until Labor Day.”

Matthew A. Culhane, RICP Managing Director

909 Saint Joseph Street Suite 202

Rapid City, SD 57701

matt.culhane@nm.com

mattculhane.nm.com

605.999.9367

SCAN TO JOIN OUR VIP PROGRAM

AuthenticTurquoise Treasures:

UNVEILING GENERATIONS OF TRADITION BEHIND DAKOTA SKY STONE

By: Natalie Frazier

When walking through the doors of Dakota Sky Stone Jewelry, the bustling noise of tourist crowds filing through Deadwood is quickly replaced by Nettie Tice’s voice recalling joyful stories of her mother, traveling to Native American reservations, trips to stone mines and learning about the traditions of different cultures she has been able to share with her children and her grandchildren.

That family story is not only captivating to customers who flow in and out of their stores, but something that truly makes Dakota Sky Stone remarkably unique and special. Throughout four generations, they can still recall and bring it all back to the family roots which started it all.

Striking a passion in the early days

“How do you wrap up a lifelong legacy into a short bit?” Nettie Tice asks.

Nettie Tice was born and raised right here in South Dakota. Growing up near Keystone, this midwestern area is something she has always known. Her father Clint was a traveling insurance salesman who frequently visited Native American Reservations in Arizona and New Mexico in the late 60’s. During one trip, he met an artist named Justin Morris, whose talent and artistry amazed him.

Being so intrigued and amazed by the jewelry he discovered, Clint brought his wife Ginny to Arizona the very next week to take part in learning more about turquoise and the artistry behind it. She immediately fell in love with everything about the turquoise and that would be where the family passion and urge for more knowledge was ignited.

According to Nettie, each time her mother would travel with her dad she would bring back more and more turquoise pieces in a little black trinket box. She would stun her friends and even sell some pieces. Most South Dakotans had never seen this type of jewelry before.

Fast forward to 1971. Ginny let the entrepreneurial spirit she had developed through the years guide her into opening her very first turquoise jewelry store, “Ginny’s House of Turquoise.” In 1974 Ginny opened another storefront through her own building they called “Ginny’s Village,” which was quite the landmark for Rapid City for decades. That building housed 16 stores including her own turquoise shop and a dress store on top of it all.

“The artists would come in, and movie stars would come in and buy jewelry from us because no jewelry had ever been brought in like this,” Nettie shares. “She was the pioneer of bringing in this kind of jewelry.”

With that trailblazing spirit, the love for the art of turquoise would trickle down through the generations.

Sharing the stories and traditions

Throughout the years, Nettie has collected her fair share of memories traveling to stone mines, and Native American reservations with her mother learning everything she could about turquoise and the process artists experienced to create such beautiful works of art. She fondly recalls the respect and care for preservation her mother had for different tribes and the symbolism behind their work. That mutual respect led to many valuable relationships her family has built throughout their work.

While sharing stories of their travels to her own children, Nettie continues to instill that respect for the art and process in her own children who have since continued to share stories, knowledge and passion to their children. That devotion to the quality and process behind their jewelry is evident from the moment you step into their stores.

Nettie married her husband Jim in 1980. With his already budding love for creating jewelry, Jim quickly became intrigued by the processes of Turquoise and the Native American artistry.

“We opened our first store in Deadwood in 1983,” Nettie adds. “At one time we had eight stores, but our artists couldn’t keep up with us. We still have our store on Main Street Deadwood,” Annie shares. Annie and her family opened a Wall store in 2006.

When they originally bought their Wall, SD storefront it began as a coffee shop and the children ran it. They changed over to Dakota Sky Stone in 2008.

Annie Tice-Poseley, Nettie’s daughter, remembers vividly working with her mother and grandmother before she could even see over the jewelry cases in the store. She has been inspired by the relationships that have been made throughout the years and is so excited to see the same passions that grew through her becoming a part of her own children’s lives.

“I am looking forward to watching the next generations have the passion and the love that my mother did,” Nettie shares. “If I can instill that in my children, grandchildren and hopefully great grandchildren, what an honor it has been to work with the people we work with and to have what we have as far as the Black Hills. It is so important.”

A dedication to authenticity, telling stories and creating new ones

A constant theme throughout the story of Dakota Sky Stone is the dedication the family has to preserving the art of Native American artists. They have continued to travel, learn and share their experiences with the younger generations of their family.

“I don’t even know what to say besides I am just incredibly blessed,” Annie’s daughter Zoe says about getting to experience the travel, culture and knowledge she has been afforded.

Customers that visit Dakota Sky Stone can rest assured that the quality of the turquoise and other stone jewelry they offer is top notch. Stones are hand-picked by members of the family and Native American artists work in tandem with the family to create the beautiful pieces you see in their cases.

“We try to go to the reservation and respect and learn what they believe in,” Nettie says. “Each tribe is different, and they have a different spirituality in the way they do things.”

Dakota Sky Stone works artist direct with around 280 artists that help design all different kinds of jewelry pieces. In addition, the store is home to more than just turquoise and house painted pottery, beading and local photography. The family prides themselves on their ability to give a local, family-made product back to their South Dakota community. Straight from their family to yours, Dakota Sky Stone has a piece for everyone.

“South Dakota is a wonderful place,” Nettie reflects.

Their deep-rooted love for South Dakota is why it is so important to all of them to make sure they can vouch for the jewelry they place on their shelves. The process of choosing a piece of this art should be stress-free for those who stop by their store. It should feel like working with a trusted friend.

The Tice Family agrees that they enjoy being able to share their family story with turquoise and the ability to help others tell their story through the pieces they create. Jim summed up their philosophy perfectly. “Whether it is the connection Ginny was making in those early days in Arizona, a captivating family tale told by Nettie herself or even a sweet smile from Zoe, with her sweet family puppy in hand, you leave Dakota Sky Stone feeling inspired by the family legacy that is alive and well in the heart of the Black Hills.”

“You may walk in as a stranger to our store, but you will leave as a friend for life,” Jim shares.

LOCAL EXPERTS IN:

YOUR HOMETOWN HOSPICE PROGRAM

By Michelle Sieveke Director of Monument Health Home+ Home Health and Hospice

Monument Health is proud to say we run one of the longeststanding home health agencies in western South Dakota and became Medicare certified in 1983. The Medicare Hospice Benefit was initiated in 1982 and we recognized the need for hospice care in our communities. Monument Health Hospice was established and accredited by Medicare in 1984. We are honored to say we have been serving our communities for 40 years. It’s also the only home care program in Western South Dakota that has been certified by the Joint Commission, a non-profit that accredits and certifies more than 22,000 health care programs and agencies in the U.S.

Monument Health Home+ has a dynamic home care program that includes home health, hospice, private pay care and the Hospice House, located in Rapid City. Last year, our home care program served 1,678 home health patients, 505 home hospice patients and cared for 121 patients in the Hospice House.

Hospice care is an approach to health care that focuses on both the patient and the family. Hospice focuses on symptom management, psychosocial support and spiritual needs. Hospice can take place wherever you call home such as a nursing home, assisted living facility, home or the Hospice House. Our program has two offices. The one in Rapid City serves the area east of Wall and includes the communities of Black Hawk, Piedmont, Rapid City, Hermosa, Custer, Hot Springs, Edgemont, Hill City and Keystone. The office in Spearfish serves Spearfish, Lead-Deadwood, Belle Fourche, Newell and Sturgis.

Making the decision to transition to comfort or hospice care can be a difficult one. Home+ Hospice is here to support you and your family as you navigate your journey.

Learning about a terminal diagnosis can be very daunting for patients and their families. Due to our integrated structure, we’re able to seamlessly move a patient from curative care

to comfort care. We let patients and families guide their care based on their goals by providing them with resources, education and support so that they are comfortable and confident in their decisions and in their care.

Monument Health hospice caregivers are committed to making a lasting difference in the lives of patients diagnosed with a life limiting illness. The care we provide enables patients and their loved ones to live each day as fully and as comfortably as possible. Our interdisciplinary team includes a medical director, physicians, nurses, home health aides, physical therapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, chaplains, speech pathologists, grief counselors, social workers, pharmacists and volunteers.

Our team makes intermittent visits to the home, nursing home or assisted living facility, wherever the patient is located. Our goal is to guide the care and to prepare and teach the personal caregivers what to expect and how to care for their loved one. We have a nurse’s available and on call 24/7 to address symptom management needs. If someone has a medical need, help is just a phone call away.

Over the years, our hospice program recognized a gap when different levels of care were needed for hospice patients such as respite or general inpatient level of care. Monument Health partnered with our community to build our 12-bed inpatient Hospice House, so that we could provide respite and general inpatient care when needed. Monument Health Home+ Hospice House was built in 2007 and is the only Medicare certified hospice house in Western South Dakota.

Respite care is provided when your family or caregiver needs time away from the intensity of caregiving. General inpatient is a higher level of care and is provided is when pain or symptoms are not controlled in the home, nursing home or assisted living facility. Those patients can be transferred to the Hospice House for more frequent focused assessments and

coordination with physicians to ensure the comfort needs of the patient are met. We are fortunate to belong to a large system of care, allowing us to utilize the resources that Monument Health provides to the communities in the Black Hills. This allows us to contract with our local hospital to provide respite or general inpatient care when our hospice house is full.

In 1982, when the Hospice Medicare Benefit was introduced, it relieved the financial burden of endof-life care for Medicare patients. This Medicare benefit covers 100% of the cost of home hospice which includes all the visits from the different disciplines, any medication that is related to the terminal diagnosis and any medical equipment that is needed to care for the patient. It also covers respite and general inpatient costs at 100%. Most other insurances provide the same coverage as Medicare. When patients live in facilities such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities or chose to reside at the hospice house under routine home care, there will be a room and board charge. Some insurance or long-term care insurance may assist in covering that room and board charge. You can always call our office at 605-755-7710 to have our billing department determine If there is any out-ofpocket expense with your insurance coverage.

Our care does not end when a patient passes.

We are very proud of the grief and bereavement support our team provides. Our team creates

our hospice families, we continue to provide grief support groups, one on one counseling, memorial services and grief/journal tools up to 13 months following their loved ones passing. We are committed to our community. Our grief support services are offered to anyone in need, regardless of if they have been on our services.

We are your “hometown” hospice team. We have been your health partner in home care for 40 years. We are honored to have worked together to build our hospice house. Our compassionate caregivers take pride in caring for our patients and families. We strive to provide quality care and are always working on improving and growing our services. Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to caring for our community for

(605) 755-7710

All-Ability Arts Benefit EVERYONE

By Kristina Roth

From outside, the large brown building that houses Flutter Productions gives little indication of the colorful magic that happens inside its doors. But when performers, volunteers, and theater students fill the space, new possibilities and beautiful worlds are born, creating a ripple effect throughout our entire community.

Founded by Heather Pickering in 2008, Flutter Productions joined the Black Hills Works family in 2015. Under Pickering’s artistic direction, adults and youth of all abilities join forces to create astounding, one-of-a-kind productions and original fashion shows. Individuals who are supported by Black Hills Works also enroll in theater classes outside of production seasons.

“We know that one marker of a successful and vibrant community is the presence of the arts,” says Pickering. “Flutter focuses on empowering individuals who have been historically marginalized by society,” demonstrating that “their vision and creativity is valued and valid.”

Hundreds of audience members enjoy Flutter’s creative and thought-provoking productions, which are the culmination of months of devoted work. Performers grow and develop in many ways pre-production. As Pickering explains, during rehearsals and planning, performers “are building critical thinking, problem solving skills, and synthesizing information. They have to use coordination, dexterity, communication skills, and emotional intelligence. The

experience boosts self-confidence and perception of themselves.” Volunteers of all ages and young dancers are heavily involved in productions, building a healthy ecosystem of collaborative relationships.

Suzie Cappa Arts Center is another arts enterprise housed at Black Hills Works. Located in downtown Rapid City, the working studio and gallery employs 30 artists. Like their peers at Flutter Productions, the artists here experience many benefits of arts involvement. Whether they work with paint, clay, fabric, or ink, the act of creative self-expression and collaboration promotes much of the same skill development that occurs in theater. The involvement of artists in residence, volunteers, and gallery customers offers opportunities to build a wider community as well.

While performing and visual arts offer numerous cognitive and social benefits to actors and artists, audiences and art lovers also benefit. Pickering says their productions “amplify the creativity and contributions of individuals with disabilities, showcase their talents in performances that bring together community members, build connections

and combat stereotypes before hundreds of audience members from the general public and all ages.”

Thanks to a grant from the National Endowment of the Humanities, Pickering oversaw a multi-year evaluation that confirmed these impacts on performers and audience members. All-ability arts help everyone in the community expand their ideas of what is possible, both for themselves and others. Please attend a Flutter production or visit the Suzie Cappa Art Gallery to experience this for yourself!

Flutter’s next production is an original adaptation of Rumpelstiltskin, the classic fairy tale. Five shows will be offered July 11-14, 2024 at the Rapid City Performing Arts Center. As is the case with its previous works, the production will bring together a diverse cross-section of our community. Dozens of volunteers, area dance students, and community actors will join forces with individuals supported by Black Hills Works. Tickets are available through the Rapid City Performing Arts Center.

Directed/Designed by Heather Pickering•Composed by Andrew Grace•Choreographed by Sara Olivier

Flutter Productions is a member of the Black Hills Works family, a community of people with disabilities where everyone participates to achieve a life full of potential.

We’ve always believed that dining should be a social occasion, a time when friends, family, and coworkers can enjoy great conversation over a great meal.

We believe in supporting our local artisans and staying connected to our Black Hills community. At a time when the area is growing and expanding, we’re striving to keep the flavor of the region alive.

Inspired by the history of this area, both the aesthetics of the building and the diversity of the menu are true to our local roots, something no nationwide franchise can duplicate. Certainly, there are other steakhouses out there, but none like ours.

“It has been estimated that 84% of adults will have low back pain at some time in their life.”1 Odds are, you, or someone you know, has been sidelined by low back pain at one point or another, but the question remains as to why. Why did this happen to me? Will it happen again? There are many questions surrounding back pain, how it’s classified, and its causes that require an inside look.

There are several classifications of back pain. One of the ways that back pain is categorized is by the location of the pain. In general, back pain is distinguished as either upper, middle, or low back pain. Upper back pain is typically described as pain from the base of the neck and between the shoulder blades. Middle back pain is in the thoracic spine region from the bottom of the shoulder blades to slightly below the “bra line” level of the back. Low back pain includes the area below the “bra line” level of the spine to the top of the hips (the lumbar spine).

An additional way to categorize back pain is by the onset and length of time it has been present. An acute bout of pain occurs suddenly and usually resolves within 3-6 months. It is often associated with muscle spasm(s) and sympathetic nervous system (“fight or flight”) activation. In contrast, chronic pain is pain that outlasts the normal time of healing, typically greater than 6 months with prolonged sympathetic nervous system (“fight or flight”) stress. “We see a lot

of patients in the clinic with chronic back pain,” says Dr. Erin Fiedler, PT, DPT, PRC. “This type of pain may have initially been an acute issue, such as a muscle strain in the back from lifting something heavy, that was never addressed. In a situation like this, the patient compensates, or alters their movement pattern, to avoid the pain, leading to additional pain and dysfunction.”

Muscle imbalances, postural problems during day-today activities, and inefficient breathing are often the causes of back pain. “The asymmetrical, imbalanced, nature of our bodies, in addition to habitual patterns of living (doing the same things the same way day after day), and increased levels of stress (sympathetic nervous system over drive) lend themselves to back and neck pain,” states Dr. Fiedler, PT, DPT, PRC. “To successfully treat these individuals, it is important to take a multi-systems approach. Your nervous system (brain) needs to learn new tricks—move and breathe differently to turn off muscles that are over-working. Ultimately, you’re creating new ‘muscle memory’ and leaving behind the old pain patterns.”

The physical therapists at Peak Motion have been trained in the science of Postural Restoration, which is a whole-body approach that evaluates a person’s posture, muscular imbalances, and ability to breathe most effectively. Through specific positioning and breathing techniques, patients can attain balance,

1Deyo RA, Tsui-Wu YJ. Descriptive epidemiology of low-back pain and its related medical care in the United States. Spine (Phila Pa 1976).

symmetry in their posture, decrease pain, and learn how to achieve a relaxed state.

Just as all back pain is not “one-size-fits-all,” neither are the patients that Peak Motion sees every day. In the initial evaluation, patients will discuss what their individual goals are; whether that’s decreasing pain, increasing stamina, improving posture, or engaging in enjoyable activities again. This will guide our individualized treatment plan to allow you to achieve the best results.

When back pain has you feeling less than your best, don’t live with it; make an appointment with the

Our mission is to provide holistic healing, individualized for each patient. We are here to serve you, so that you can live life at its peak.

1:1 CARE

We strive to see new patients within 1-2 business days and accept most major insurances!

By Maggie Jean Wince Rapid City Arts Council Staff

Rapid City is a town rich with cultural expression and artistic innovation. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor passing through, the fun thing to do is experience art. Here’s a peak of what we at the Rapid City Arts Council are marking our calendars for this June!

NATIVE POP: PEOPLE OF THE PLAINS

Taking place on June 29th and 30th, this event invites our community into the showcase of artistry from our Indigenous population. While fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Native American culture, don’t miss this unique opportunity to buy art and engage with indigenous traditions. Everyone is welcome at Main Street Square!

PRIDE IN THE PARK

FIRST FRIDAYS ART WALK

Grab your friends, family, or a date and head downtown on the First Friday of June, July, August, and September. Grabbing your map of participating locations from the Dahl Arts Center guides your group through a diverse array of offerings. From live music to painting parties, to connecting with local artists displaying and selling their work, there is something for everyone during Art Walk!

RED CLOUD INDIAN ART SHOW

Celebrate love, diversity, and equality at the annual Pride in the Park event. From June 28th to 30th. There are activities for all ages and allies including Youth Pride, the Pride After Party, and the Thank the Gods It’s Pride event. The festival happens in Memorial Park with vendors, performers, music, food trucks, and more. You belong at Pride.

Make a day trip over to Pine Ridge to see the 56th Annual Red Cloud Indian Art Show. On display from June 1 to August 11, 2024, this culturally rich showcase of talent will leave you inspired.

Leave your mark in the heart of Downtown at Art Alley. With permits available year-round, this space provides a canvas for artists to express themselves freely. Showcase your talent and contribute to the arts downtown Rapid City.

VISIT LOCAL GALLERIES

Explore the thriving arts scene of Rapid City by visiting its local galleries. Here are a few highlights:

Racing Magpie (801 East St. Andrew Street)

Support the ethos of being a good relative while exploring studios, a Native gallery, arts programs, and creative space.

Suzie Cappa Art Center (722 St. Joseph Street)

Witness the artistic endeavors of individuals of all abilities as they create, exhibit, and sell their work to the community.

Dahl Arts Center (713 Seventh Street)

Experience the transformative power of art in bringing people together and making it more accessible and inspiring for all. Free admission, Monday - Saturday.

APEX Art Gallery (454 Technology Ct)

Immerse yourself in the intersection of art, science, and engineering at this innovative gallery space on the SD Mines campus.

Every event is an invitation to explore, create, and connect. Whether you’re passionate about art and culture, or simply seeking new experiences, there are many opportunities to enrich your life and spark your imagination.

ART ALLEY

of

CRYOtherapy Give Dad the Gift

As Father’s Day approaches, you may struggle to find the perfect gift for the special man in your life. At CoolCRYO, we offer a collection of wellness [as well as aesthetic] services that are a perfect gift for Dad on this special day!

You might be wondering, ‘What is cryotherapy?’ Cryotherapy is an exciting technique renowned for its numerous benefits. This cold therapy involves exposing the body to low temperatures. You can opt for whole-body cryotherapy or target a specific area for several minutes. It is a safe, fast, and effective technique that delivers the results you need.

CRYOtherapy Benefits

Reduce Chronic Inflammation

Chronic inflammation causes health conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, cancer, and depression. Cold therapy reduces high levels of inflammation and strengthens your immune system by increasing your white blood cells and immune cells.

A short session of cold therapy can also improve your overall health. If you experience daily discomfort and pain from inflammation, cryotherapy can certainly enhance your quality of life.

Muscle Pain Relief

Cold therapy has been used for decades to provide muscle pain relief. This treatment is highly beneficial to athletes or fitness

enthusiasts dealing with muscle pain and fatigue. By using cold therapy, you experience pain-relieving benefits and prevent long-term muscle soreness.

Remedy For Migraines

If you suffer from migraines, cryotherapy can sometimes offer near real-time relief. One significant benefit of cryotherapy is its targeted approach, focusing on specific areas to deliver relief.

You can apply cryotherapy directly to the area of your head affected by migraines, providing a cooling sensation that numbs the nerves. Consistent use of cold therapy is known to yield noticeable pain reduction from migraines.

This treatment provides both short-term and long-term benefits. Up to five treatment sessions per week can help maintain your condition.

Improve Skin Conditions

Exposing problematic skin to cold temperatures yields significant results. Cryotherapy effectively treats various skin conditions, including benign skin lesions, sun-damaged skin, dryness, acne, psoriasis, and more.

Remedy For Mood Disorders

Cryotherapy also can assist with providing temporary relief from anxiety and depression. It presents a potential remedy for mental health concerns. If you’re coping with anxiety, depression, or other mood disorders, cryotherapy has the ability to provide significant benefits.

Potential Weight Loss Benefits

Can freezing your body lead to weight loss? Weight loss occurs when you burn more calories than you consume, making it easier to shed pounds as your body stores less fat.

How can you boost your metabolism? Regular cold therapy sessions may enhance your metabolism, offering a significant benefit.

Upon entering the cryotherapy chamber, you’ll experience increased blood flow throughout your body and a soothing effect from the treatment. Each session, lasts only a few minutes, but provides incredible short and long-term benefits.

Overall Health

It’s essential to note that while cold therapy can contribute to weight loss, it’s not a standalone solution. Integrating a fitness workout program, dietary changes, and other techniques is necessary to achieve and maintain weight loss goals.

Give Dad the Gift of CoolCRYO

From aesthetic treatments and skincare to cold ice baths, saunas, compression therapy, red light therapy, and cryotherapy, CoolCRYO offers a comprehensive wellness experience for long-term health and vitality.

SPECIAL OFFER

Scan the QR Code below to view our Father’s Day Special Offer!

How does cryotherapy enhance mood? Regular sessions expose your body to cold temperatures, positively impacting mood, attention span, focus, and alertness.

Rapid City’s premier state-of-the-art aesthetic, wellness & recovery clinic

4040 Cheyenne Blvd, Suite C Rapid City, SD 57703 (605) 301-3190 (text or call) hello@coolCRYO.com coolCRYO.com

RAPID CITY GUNS N’ HOSES:

By Molly Barari

For almost 20 years, the Rapid City Police Department and the Rapid City Fire Department have joined forces with Vitalant for the annual Guns n’ Hoses Blood Drive. The blood drive is a friendly competition between the first responders to see who can recruit the most blood donors and net the most blood donations.

This year’s 19th Annual Guns n’ Hoses Blood Drive is planned for Tuesday, June 25 through Friday, June 28 at Uptown Rapid City in the former Maple Street Barbecue location. The hours of the drive are June 25-26 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and June 27 and 28 from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Appointments are preferred, but walkins are welcome.

When donors sign in for the drive, they can decide whether to donate to the police or the fire department. Either way, everyone wins—patient lives are being saved and the community is coming together to support a great cause.

“This year Team Law and Team Fire are going into Guns n’ Hoses with a 9-9 tie,” says Tori Robbins, a communications manager for Vitalant. “This year will be a tiebreaker to see who gets the most blood donations and takes back the trophy.”

TEAM FIRE

POLICE AND FIRE BATTLE FOR BLOOD DONATIONS

To make an appointment for Guns n’ Hoses, you can visit their website at vitalant.org/GNH and click on your preferred appointment day— or you can call 877.25.VITAL.

If you can’t make the event, you can also visit the Vitalant Donation Center at 2209 W. Omaha St. in Rapid City seven days a week. For more information, visit vitalant.org.

A typical blood donation involves doing a brief medical history and then sitting in the donor chair for the blood draw. After the donation, donors are asked to wait for 15 minutes and to enjoy free snacks and beverages. From start to finish, the regular blood donation process only takes about an hour of your time.

“Blood donations from volunteers are the only kind that can be used for patient transfusions,” says Robbins. “That’s why giving blood is one of the best ways you can give back to the community and to help someone in need.”

These donations are used not only for people suffering from traumatic accidents and injuries, but also for people with chronic blood disorders, undergoing surgeries, or receiving cancer treatments.

For donors that give blood at Guns n’ Hoses, Vitalant is offering a $10 gift card that can be redeemed through the donor’s online account in Donor Rewards. Donors will receive an exclusive blood drive T-shirt, food donated by local businesses, and the chance to win door prizes.

Additionally, donors will be automatically entered for a chance to win one of five $5,000 gift cards in Vitalant’s Summer Adventure Gas Giveaway. “We truly appreciate the amazing amount of support the RCPD and RCFD continue to give year after year,” says Robbins.

“Guns n’ Hoses would not be as successful as it is—nor would it impact as many

TEAM LAW

GROUND

BREAKING

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

MAKE A LIVING PLAYING IN THE DIRT!

Did you like to play with tractors, bulldozers, and shovels as a kid? Graduates from Lake Area Tech’s HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR PROGRAM will enter into a field that has a high demand for qualified workers in commercial and industrial construction, heavy equipment operation, and earthmoving equipment operation. Students entering our Heavy Equipment Operator program will choose from a diploma in Excavation Operations after 11 months or an Associate of Applied Science degree in Heavy Equipment Operations after completing the entire 20-month curriculum.

Students will learn to maintain and repair tracks, wheels, brakes, operating controls, pneumatic and hydraulic systems, electrical circuitry, and engines as well as skills in excavating, digging, ditching, sloping, stripping, grading, backfilling, clearing, crane operation, and excavating. They will also operate and maintain a variety of heavy equipment such as crawler tractors, motor graders and scrapers, shovels, rigging devices, hoists, and jacks.

Lake Area Tech grads are averaging $27.48 per hour in this field and that’s just six months after graduation. Additionally, people retiring from this field will create even more job opportunities for new graduates. Heavy Equipment Operator is a high-demand workforce program and students may be eligible to earn a full-ride Build Dakota Scholarship.

TRANSPORTATION DEGREES

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY

• Electric Vehicle Option

• Light Duty Diesel Option

AVIATION

• Aviation Maintenance Technology

• Professional Fixed -Wing Pilot

• Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot Option

AUTO BODY PAINT & TECHNOLOGY

DIESEL TECHNOLOGY

• Ag/Industrial Tractor or Truck Option

• Butler Max Option

• Cat THINKBIG Option

• CNH Top Tech Option

• Diesel Kubota Tech Option

• Light Duty Diesel Option

• Techknowledge John Deere Option

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

Immaculate custom-built, fully furnished home with guest cabin on Rapid Creek

Main home boasts 4200+ sq ft, featuring a grand great room with 23ft ceilings, stone fireplace, hardwood floors, and wood beams. Well-appointed kitchen with breakfast bar, walk-in pantry, and granite countertops. Main level primary bedroom with deck access overlooking the creek and Black Hills National Forest. Upper level offers 2 bedrooms, bath, and sitting area. Lower level features a spacious family room with creek access, fly fishing room, bedroom, bath, and mechanical room. The guest cabin is 1168 sq ft with 2 bedrooms, a full bathroom, and modern amenities. Perfect location for outdoor enthusiasts with access to Rapid Creek, Pactola Lake, hiking, biking, ATV trails. No covenants! Enjoy wildlife from your deck or heated porch. The ultimate Black Hills living experience!

LORI BARNETT . Owner/Broker ENGEL & VÖLKERS BLACK HILLS

POLYUREA CONCRETE COATINGS

• Bonds 20X Stronger than Epoxy

• 100% UV Stable

• Chemical Resistant

• One-Day Installation

• Lifetime Warranty

• Ready to Use in 24 Hours

SUMMER PATIO MUST HAVES

Flame or flameless candles create the perfect ambiance for summer evenings. A water feature will easily bring a calming nature sound to complete your space.

Looking for a quick refresh? New pillows and a cozy throw will quickly freshen up!

Set yourself apart with faux flowers & plants. They will look fabulous all season.

Views as Far as the Eye Can See

By: Michaela Feldmann

In the Fall of 2021, Top Shelf Construction set its sights on a new development in Spearfish, South Dakota. Backing Wild Turkey Estates, the Cedar Berry development meant a different kind of build for Chandler Kubas and his team.

“The entire development is built on one big rock,” says Kubas. “We have not found dirt yet there. But it really gives this different, majestic feeling up there than in other parts of Spearfish.”

But it’s not just the ground’s texture that sets this development apart from others.

“Most of the lots in Cedar Berry have a 30-foot ravine in the back of them that’s covered by trees and wildlife. The front of the majority of the homes have views to the Wyoming border and you can see for miles out that direction.” Kubas and his team own six of the 25 lots in the development and have incredible views of Lookout Mountain and the city of Spearfish.

“We were the first people in the development to start building a house. People who came to look at the home were really taken away by the views that that place offered. Our first house in there that we sold had probably the nicest views. They have basically 360 panoramic views of Spearfish on all sides. They have the best lot in the development in my opinion.”

That home was built for a couple that came from California – a trend Kubas says he’s noticing. People are looking to escape city life for peace, incredible views, and luxury living-- all of which you’ll find in this development.

“Especially in our homes, you’ll find those cabin vibes with the dark colors. A couple of the homes have the mono truss roof line to them which gives them that mountain and modern feel.”

As the only builder right now in the development, Kubas says he and his team have a couple of different options for homeowners.

“We have five different house plans that we offer from walkout basements to crawlspaces and zero-grade entry homes. We have a lot of the homes designed already for the lots.”

Making sure the homeowner loves what they are getting is vital for Top Shelf. Sometimes that can mean redoing what has already been built.

“We had a house that was about 85 percent complete. We had cabinets and flooring installed, the house was painted, and we had left the walk-out basement unfinished. We had some buyers come in who were interested in the house, but they wanted different color floors, paint and fireplaces. So, we gave them the ability to do that. We tore out the flooring in the entire house and repainted. At the end of the day, it’s really what the customer wants. We just want to make it a great experience for them.”

Kubas says building that great relationship is important to him and his team. Not only will clients tell their friends and family about their experience, but for some homeowners, this is their forever home.

“At the end of the day, for some, this might be their last house or the only house that they build,” says Kubas. “We want to give them the best experience and feeling – to give them exactly what they’re looking for. We want them to have the house that they want to live in for however long they choose to.”

That means doing walk-throughs with the homeowners before they purchase the home and going over any changes they want or things they want to change.

“We also offer a one-year warranty on everything that we build, just making sure they’re taken care of. If they have any issues or questions, we have our sales team helping and guiding them through it whether they need a mailbox key or they need their internet serviced. We help them through that process to make the move as enjoyable as it can be. Moving into a new house if you’re not familiar with the area can be stressful within itself.”

It’s that incredible customer service and quality home you know you’ll get with Top Shelf. And they have no plans of slowing down in the Cedar Berry Development.

“Right now, we are going to finish up the houses that we have started in there. As those sell or go under contract, we will move on to the two lots there. We plan to keep building here and buying lots until it’s built up.”

As for building in the Spearfish area…

“Our goal is to build some workforce housing,” says Kubas. “We also have a development that we are looking to bring some condos to. Right now, there really aren’t many that are luxury or higher-end. Spearfish has a lot of older people moving to the area and not all of them want large houses. Our goal is to create homes of all types for anyone who is setting their sights on this beautiful area.”

Chandler Kubas President & Founder

Laura Spanbauer, Ashlea Semmens, M.D., Kendra Storm, DNP, Kelsee Bachmeier, Joanne Larson

APPROACH TO REDUCING YOUR RISKS.

Discover a dedicated team of specialists at our High Risk Breast Clinic, committed to providing comprehensive care for patients at elevated risk for breast cancer. Our state-of-the-art facility offers personalized screening, prevention strategies and advanced diagnostic services tailored to meet your unique needs. Together, we’ll navigate your breast health journey with expertise and compassion.

At our High Risk Breast Clinic, we understand the importance of early detection and prevention. Our compassionate team of experts will provide you with:

• Comprehensive risk assessments

• Personalized screening plans

• Advanced imaging technologies

• Genetic counseling and testing

• Preventive therapies

• Emotional support and resources