Aberdeen Magazine July/August 2022

PICKLEBALL IS ABERDEEN’S NEW SPORTS CRAZE

➼ Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in Aberdeen, providing fun and exercise for people of all ages.

STAR-STUDDED SKATING

➼ The YAPAtorium’s Reel Skate program creates videos and fosters a sense of community for the local skate scene.

Feelin’ our content? You really should subscribe ;-) Do it now at aberdeenmag.com/subscribe

REGULARS

04 FROM THE EDITOR

06 WHAT’S NEW

Your source for what’s happening in Aberdeen.

12 THEN & NOW

Capturing the change and growth of our city through photos.

16 CALENDAR

Never miss an event in the Hub City.

18 SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION

The SDSU Extension in Aberdeen works with Brown County 4-H and the United Way.

32 TASTE

Strawberry Fluff is a light, fruity dessert that will cool you off on the hottest of summer days.

76 WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Aberdeen Magazine wants to hear from its readers!

76 COMIC

The Aberdabber by Eliot Lucas

FEATURED CONTENT

20 TEST YOUR SKILLS WITH TECH JOBS

Tech jobs can provide many with successful, rewarding careers.

24 NELSONS CONTINUE TO ADD TO RACING LEGACIES

SD SportScene’s debut in Aberdeen Magazine covers father and son racing duo Gregg and Trevor Nelson.

30 A FINISHING TOUCH MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE

For over 20 years, Finishing Touch has transformed Aberdeen homes.

34 MAKING MUSIC HAPPEN: COMMANDING NATIONAL GUARD BANDS

Terry Beckler has served as Commander of the South Dakota National Guard band as well as a percussion professor at Northern State University.

42 LOOKIN’ DOGGONE GOOD

Humans aren’t the only ones who want to get pampered! Dog groomers in Aberdeen are committed to making sure your pet looks and feels their best.

PRESERVING THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE: LIBRARY CAT TRANSLATING

➼ Ginny Lewis’ translating services help preserve German history as well as letters from loved ones past.

46 GET TO KNOW: LAYTON COOPER

Northern State University’s Director of Admissions Layton Cooper strives to help students reach their full potential.

50 ASHLEY DUNHAM

Local artist Ashley Dunham helps others stop and appreciate the small things in life, and she is helping future generations develop a love for art as well.

56 LEADERSHIP SOUTH DAKOTA: A BETTER, WELL-ROUNDED VERSION OF YOU

Leadership South Dakota connect leaders who will invest themselves, engage communities, and elevate South Dakota.

62 A DECADE OF SERVICE: SANFORD ABERDEEN

Sanford Aberdeen Medical Center looks back on the past 10 years of service and outlines plans for the future.

64 ABERDEEN BOOK CLUB

Not sure what to read next? We’ve got you covered!

66 A QUAINT BOHO GETAWAY

Lusso Properties gives Aberdeen a taste of modern style with their beautifully decorated Airbnb rental.

ummer is a pretty nostalgic time for me now that I’m out of school. Sure, at the time I definitely didn’t enjoy waking up early during summer break to go to swimming lessons and tennis practice. Now that some time has passed, I have some fond memories of that special time of year that really only applied to younger kids. Gone are the days of searching for the yard with the most bikes parked in the driveway in order to determine our hangout spot. Although, I don’t really miss being stuck out in the hot summer sun with nothing more than a Capri Sun in my little drawstring backpack. But like all things in life, these things change eventually.

Speaking of change… in this issue, we have a couple new exciting additions. Dave Vilhauer from SD SportsScene will be providing us with some great sports content from now on, and his many years of knowledge and passion for athletics will be very welcome in Aberdeen Magazine. We also have some great book recommendations from K.O. Lee Aberdeen Public Library’s assistant director Cara Perrion. If you’re an avid reader, make sure you give these books a try!

Here at Aberdeen Magazine, we want to ensure that we have a little something for everyone. We love all things Aberdeen, and that includes its amazing residents. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if there’s anything you think we should cover – we love hearing from our readers! //

CONTRIBUTORS

 PATRICK GALLAGHER is a regular contributor commenting on Aberdeen’s personality, food options, and history.

 LEIGH NEYS has lived in Aberdeen for ten years and enjoys taking part in community events with her family. She is a strong supporter of rural community development through her personal and professional roles.

 BRANDON HEIM is a magician, writer, swing dance teacher, and a fifth-year student at NSU studying English with a creative writing emphasis. You can find him dancing with his wife Winter or meeting someone for coffee.

 SUSAN SCRUPSKI is a writer, filmmaker, advocate, and publisher. She enjoyed a long career in the tech industry, and now spends her free time photographing the beautiful South Dakota landscape.

 DAVE VILHAUER is a veteran Aberdeen journalist. He is the creator and owner of a sports website called SD SportScene. He has 42 years of experience in serving the community as a member of the media. He is also the author of a book entitled The Parent Trapped Within (A Guide to Sports Parenting). To see his stories visit www.sdsportscene.com

CORRECTIONS FROM MAY/JUNE 2022 ISSUE

 Betty Beyer's name was spelled incorrectly in one of our photo captions. Mrs. Geyer and Ms. Bergan's class picture attributions were accidentally switched as well. //

VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 4 • JULY/AUGUST 2022 ISSN 2378-3060

MANAGING EDITOR

Annie Scott annie@aberdeenmag.com

PUBLISHER

Troy McQuillen troy@mcquillencreative.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Eliot Lucas eliot@mcquillencreative.com

AD SALES

Julie Lillis julie.aberdeenmag@gmail.com

INTERN Brandon Heim

PUBLICATION OFFICE

McQuillen Creative Group

423 S. Main St., Suite 1 Aberdeen SD, 57401 605.226.3481

PRINTING

Midstates Printing

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS from interested parties will be considered. Please submit to the editor at annie@aberdeenmag.com

PRIVACY STATEMENT Any personal information, email addresses, or contact submitted to the editorial office or online via our Facebook page will not be sold or distributed. Aberdeen Magazine does wish to publish public comments and attitudes regarding Aberdeen, therefore written submissions and comments on our Facebook page implies permission to utilize said information in editorial content.

COPYRIGHT 2022 Aberdeen Magazine is produced exclusively in Aberdeen, South Dakota. All content is copyright with all rights reserved. No content may be shared, copied, scanned, or posted online without permission. Please just ask us first. We're pretty flexible.

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www.mcquillencreative.com

Annie Scott MANAGING EDITOR

A Light to Guide Through the Storm

Local author Sheila Malsam has published her first book. Growing Through the Storm story about triumphs and lessons learned during unwanted life circumstances. Sheila writes about fear, doubt, worry, and how her relationship with God helped her grow into a stronger person.

“The story is about my experiences, but I think it’s relatable to any storm you may go through.”

Planning for her book began over 20 years ago. “I was at my rock bottom, but I felt a calling in my heart to share my experience. Writing this book was part of the healing process for me.”

Sheila plans on writing more books. Her next title, tentatively named Trade Doubt for Your Dream, is another story of encouragement about how to achieve one’s dreams.

“I love writing; it’s my passion. I have more relatable stories to share that can hopefully help others get through their own storms.” // —Annie

Scott

 Growing Through the Storm is available online through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and her website www.sheilamalsam.com

Think Green with Aberdeen Growers Club

Aberdeen Growers Club is a new Facebook group for the plant lovers in town. Mary Baird created the group in April to give hobby gardeners a place to connect and discuss all things related to plants.

“There are some great South Dakota plant groups, but I found many of the groups and members were based in Sioux Falls. There are lots of people locally with incredible knowledge and beautiful collections that we wanted to collect with,” Mary said.

The community is very active, with members asking questions, showing off their collections, sharing places in town that have new shipments, as well as plant sales and swaps.

Walk on the Wild Side with Pack Walks

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Malerie Henschel sought out a creative way to socialize both humans as well as their pets.

Malerie, a dog trainer at Canine Country Club, said “Since we couldn’t hold any training classes, getting people together to go on a group dog walk seemed like a good way to get outside, socialize, and get the dogs outside too.”

The pack walks are held on evenings and weekends at a variety of different parks.

“Anyone can join,” Malerie said. “If

your dog has trouble interacting with other dogs, is in heat, or something like that, let me know and we can make proper accommodations.”

Pack walks are a great way to socialize pets and learn more about dog training. Malerie often offers training tips during the walks.

“It’s a good group to be in if you want to meet new people,” Malerie said. // —Annie Scott

“Everyone is very supportive and excited about plants!” Mary said.

Mary and fellow group members Amy Rix and Tracy Rix have organized their first event that occurred in June. The Beer Garden Plant Sale was a fundraising event that provided Ride Line punch cards to students in need of transportation to Central High School. // —Annie

Scott



To get involved, email Malerie at malerie.henschel@gmail.com or join their Facebook group Aberdeen, SD - Dog Pack Parties.

 Dogs and their owners gather before the walk begins. Photo courtesy of Malerie Henschel.

 Growing Through the Storm is Sheila’s first book. Photo courtesy of Sheila Malsam.

 Group members will often show off plant finds at local greenhouses. Photo courtesy of Kristi Ruhnke.

A New Real Estate Experience

In September 2020, Abbie Franks obtained her realtor license and began to help Aberdeen families find the perfect home to suit their needs. At the end of April, she set up shop in her new location. The former CJ’s Patisserie building has been transformed into an office and potential showroom.

Aberdeen Hosts 51st Annual Germans

from Russia Convention

The Germans from Russia Heritage Society will be holding their 51st annual international convention this year from July 14 - 16 at the Ramkota Hotel. Guests will be able to experience many activities at the convention, including guided bus tours to Eureka and dinners consisting of German foods.

“This is the first time that Aberdeen has hosted this event in at least thirty years,” said Robert Russell, director of the Beulah Williams Library. “It has been hosted in the Dakotas and Washington state and draws people from across the country.”

Sinceri Senior Living Comes to Aberdeen

Derian Lodge and Derian Place are Sinceri Senior Living Retirement Communities in which every resident is a member of the family. With so many options for senior living, it can be hard to determine which option is best for your family. Derian Lodge and Derian Place can help make the decision easier.

Derian Lodge, an Independent Living Retirement Apartment Building, features one, two, and three-bedroom apartments. Derian Place is an Assisted Living Senior Community that is ideal for those requiring minimal assistance throughout the day.

“Some of the speakers will be presenting information on genealogy,” Russell added. “There will be meetings for subgroups that came from various villages in south Russia.”

Some events free to the public will be hosted at the Beulah Williams Library in the ClaassenJerke South Dakota Germans from Russia Cultural Center. The center features rotating exhibits about the history of Germans from Russia. // —Annie Scott

 Attendees can pre-register by calling 701-2236167 or emailing kristi.grhs@gmail.com

Abbie has a background in accounting and banking and is now a residential realty specialist with The Experience Real Estate.

“Aberdeen is a great town to raise a family in,” Abbie said. “I want to help people find the perfect home for whatever size family they may have.”

The Experience Real Estate has agents in Aberdeen, Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Mitchell, and other towns in the state. // —Annie Scott

 Abbie can be contacted through phone at 605-940-5544 or email at abbie@theexperience.com.

Both Derian Lodge and Derian Place feature luxury amenities, engagement programming, home-cooked meals, daily housekeeping, on-site maintenance, a family-focused environment, and staff that will provide the best care for your loved ones. //

—Annie Scott

 For more information on Derian Lodge and Derian Place, visit their website at www.sinceriseniorliving. com/derian-place or call 605-846-6300.

 Abbie Franks specializes in residential real estate. Photo courtesy of Abbie Franks.

 Derian Lodge and Derian Place staff members. Photo courtesy of Sinceri Senior Living.

 The Claassen-Jerke South Dakota Germs from Russia Cultural Center. Photo by Troy McQuillen.

E Glass Industries

Founded in January 2020 by Alex Ellett, E Glass Industries has been creating custom automotive body panels out of fiberglass and carbon fiber. These replacement parts will never rust, and they are also resistant to temperature changes and day-to-day use.

The panels are created in a large scale 3D printer and can be fitted to Ford, Dodge, GMC, and Chevrolet vehicles.

E Glass Industries has sent out body panels across the United States, Canada, and Europe. As the company grows, Alex plans on opening more locations to keep up with production demands. Currently, there is only one location in Aberdeen. As the company grows, Alex plans on opening more locations to keep up with production demands.

“People only have a few options for repairs in town,” Alex said. “This is another way people can get what they need for a good price.”

 Visit www.eglassindustries.com or call 605-450-0938 for more information.

 Alex Ellett holding a factory composite replacement panel. Photo courtesy of Alex Ellett.

Wylie Park was a natural spot for an artificial lake – In 1910, the Aberdeen City Council agreed to purchase 160 acres northwest of city limits. This tract of land was already known as Wylie Park and was owned by Alva N. Aldrich. The park area was named for James Wylie, an Aberdeen pioneer, who was the father of Mrs. Aldrich. The Aberdeen Street Railway Company (trolley system) fulfilled a contingent promise after the sale by donating an additional 30 acres adjacent to the 160. They believed this area would be ideal for a lakebed due to a depression in the landscape. At the time of the sale, the intention was to extend trolley tracks to Wylie and to build a lake for recreation. The city park board would cover the costs of grading the lake estimated between $500 and $600; an affordable price due to the natural banks left by the depression. In August 1911, the city announced that the lake would be known as “Minne-eho.” It was said by the Aberdeen Weekly News that the word liberally translates to “Wonderful Lake,” or “Water Behold” in the Sioux language. The park board finished grading the lakebed and the Street Railway Company graded a path around the lake area for trolley tracks. Work then began by the Street Railway to drill a three inch well that would supply the water for the lake. This photo by Nicholas A. Brothers may have been taken late in 1911 while the lake was filling. // —Troy

McQuillen

The bubbling continues – Drilling did not go as planned and after encountering quicksand at 250 feet down through 600 feet, it was decided to abandon the well and move to a different spot. The Aberdeen Daily News reported on September 21, 1911 that water was reached at a depth of nearly 1,300 feet and was bubbling into the lakebed at a decent rate. The anticipated time for it to fill would be about six months. The park planners believed Wylie’s Lake would be a year-round wonder with swimming, boating, fishing and ice skating. When grading the five-footdeep lake, “pockets” were dug deeper so stocked fish would have a place to gather. Many will recall an island in the middle of the lake (seen in the previous photo). It was used at times to launch fireworks displays on the Fourth of July. It’s incredible to think that this view was created over 100 years ago and that the pressurized aquifer that feeds the lake is still supplying water in 2022. City Engineer Robin Bobzien says the well is still bubbling and if the lake overflows, it is directed towards a series of ditches that go as far east as Holgate Middle School. As much as people have tried in the past, I too can find no substantiation of the translation of the word Minne-eho meaning anything. “Minne” certainly relates to water, but Lakotas say “eho” is not a word they know. Eho is yet another Aberdeen legend. // —Troy

McQuillen

2022 JULY & AUGUST

OCEAN OF POSSIBILITIES

All Month

K.O. Lee Aberdeen Public Library

 Summer fun for all ages can be found at the local library this summer. Games, programming, and weekly prize drawings will be held throughout the month.

 @publiclibraryaberdeensd

MINA LAKE FREEDOM RUN

July 4

8:00 - 11:00 AM

M Station Parking Lot at Mina Lake

 Participate in a 5k, 2-mile walk, or kid run this 4th of July. $20 for adults, $10 for kids, and $50 for the whole family. Registration is required and is available the day of the race.

 605-380-6885

ABERDEEN SENIOR GAMES

July 7 - 9

Advanced registration required by July 1

 Events will be held at various locations each day.

www.aberdeen.sd.us/337/Senior-Games

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

July 14

6:00 - 11:00 PM

Malchow Plaza

 Summer nights are even better with live music! Food vendors, cold beverages, and music acts are all brought to you by the Aberdeen Downtown Association. Music starts at 7:00 PM.

www.aberdeendowntown.org/ events-pages/summer-concerts

51ST ANNUAL GERMANS FROM RUSSIA HERITAGE SOCIETY CONVENTION

July 14-16

Best Western Ramkota Convention Center

 See our article on page 8 for more details about this event.

 701-223-6167

SUMMER CRAZY DAYS

July 15 - 16

Downtown Aberdeen

 Shop amazing deals, eat great food, and listen to great live music! Bring the whole family – there’s games and inflatable playhouses for the kids. www.aberdeendowntown.org/events/ downtown-days

PICNIC IN THE PARK

July 17

5:00 - 8:00 PM

Melgaard Park

 Join Bethlehem Lutheran Church for games, worship, food, and fun at the park. Outdoor activities will be subject to weather.

 605-225-9740

19TH ANNUAL MAKE-A-WISH POKER RUN

July 23

12:00 - 5:00 PM

C&S Motorsports

 This event is a fundraiser to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The ride begins at C&S Motorsports and ends at the Moose Lodge. There will also be food available. $20 per rider.

 605-225-4533

YMCA BULL RUN

July 30

6:30 - 10:00 AM

Aberdeen Family YMCA

 A family-friendly community event where anyone can come to have a good time and exercise. All proceeds will go to scholarships for youth in need. Preregistration is strongly encouraged.

 605-225-4910

 Summer Concert Series

 Aberdeen Senior Games

 Crazy Days

august

STOCK THE FOOD PANTRY FAMILY FUN DAY

August 6

Wylie Park

 All donations of canned and non-perishable goods will go to local pantries and Thrivent’s new mini food pantry on Main St.

 605-725-2025

BROWN COUNTY FAIR

August 15 - 21

Brown County Fairgrounds

 Carnival rides, live music, livestock shows, and all the delicious fair foods are back again! Don’t miss out on the biggest event of the summer. www.browncountysdfair.com

DELTA KAPPA GAMMA BOOK SALE

August 25 - 27

Wylie Park Pavilion

 Looking for something new to read this summer? All proceeds from this fundraiser are used for college scholarships. Drop off used books at Kessler’s, Ken’s, Church of Good Shepherd, and Bethlehem Lutheran Church up until the day of the event.

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

August 26

6:00 - 11:00 PM

Malchow Plaza

 Wrap up the summer fun with the final concert of the summer! Food vendors, cold beverages, and music acts are all brought to you by the Aberdeen Downtown Association. Music starts at 7:00 PM. www.aberdeendowntown.org/ events-pages/summer-concerts

SIZZLIN’ SUMMER NIGHTS CAR AND BIKE SHOW

August 27

4:00 - 8:00 PM

 One of Aberdeen’s hottest events is back again this year with some new activities. Kids can now participate in the Strider Cup Competition, an obstacle course for strider bikes. Classic cars and bikes will be showcased with new award categories this year. www.aberdeendowntown.org/events/ sizzlin-summer-nights-car-bike-show

 Brown County Fair

 Delta Kappa Gamma Book Sale

 Sizzlin' Summer Nights

South Dakota State University Extension

The SDSU Extension works closely with Brown County 4-H and United Way.

by LEIGH NEYS

Along with the United Way, The South Dakota State University Extension also makes great contributions to the Aberdeen area. It is South Dakota’s source of unbiased, vetted, and relevant new knowledge generated from research. As a cornerstone of SDSU’s landgrant university mission, SDSU Extension empowers citizens to be more competitive in a growing global economy through education and technical training or assistance.

Our purpose is to foster a learning community environment that empowers citizens to advocate for sustainable change that will strengthen agriculture, natural resources, youth, families, and the communities of South Dakota. In pursuit of this purpose, several core values support the mission of SDSU Extension and provide the foundation for the organization. They include:

• A defined public value

• A learning community focus

• Prioritized effort

• Access for all citizens

• A setting that is inclusive, collaborative, and sustainable

• A culture that embraces change

We accomplish our outreach mission by prioritizing efforts in the following program areas: competitive crop systems, competitive livestock systems, 4-H youth development, food and families, and community vitality.

We actively seek partners who can help us accomplish what we cannot do alone. Our partners include state and federal agencies, peer education institutions, community-based groups, non-profit organizations, agricultural commodity groups, and volunteers. The benefits of these partnerships include better service for citizens as well as an efficient use of our state's precious and limited resources.

Our greatest resource is the people we employ to do this important work. Field specialists work directly with citizens, based on one of eight Regional Extension Centers across South Dakota. The Regional Extension Centers are located in Aberdeen, Lemmon, Mitchell, Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Watertown, and Winner. In addition, 4-H Youth Program Advisors, based in County Extension Offices, work directly with 4-H Youth Development programs. Extension Specialists support Field Specialists and 4-H Youth Program Advisors, based from the campus of SDSU or the West River Ag Center in Rapid City.

In Aberdeen in particular, the Brown County Fair is especially important for our Brown County 4-H Community. It is a chance for our members to show off all their hard work either with an animal or static project! We also take time to recognize our members that participated in a youth in action event, such as: public presentations, fashion revue and special foods. During our week, the current Brown County 4-H Royalty are crowned. Our fair is a great way for us to show how diverse 4-H is and that it has something for everyone.

SDSU Extension relies heavily on technology to offer educational programs to citizens. Combined with traditional face-to-face methods of learning, citizens have 24/7 access to educational materials and information via news articles, publications, podcasts, webinars, video features and more on our website. //

 The Aberdeen Regional Center (ARC) represents a diversity of Extension specialties to serve the Northeast South Dakota Region. Visit us online at extension.sdstate.edu or call us at 605-626-2870.

Photos courtesy of SDSU Extension

 Participants in the 2021 State Fair. Photo courtesy of SDSU Extension.

Test Your Skills with Tech Jobs

Tech jobs at 3M can be rewarding without a degree.

by ANNIE SCOTT

Since 1974, 3M has been a staple in Aberdeen. One of the largest manufacturers in northeastern South Dakota, 3M Aberdeen has around 900 employees. While 3M focuses on production of products such as respirators, filtration, and adhesive tapes that people trust to daily for protection and to improve their lives, the maintenance team plays an important role that helps production run smoothly. Keeping these highly skilled technical jobs local can be a great benefit.

“A lot of high school graduates may be thinking ‘what am I going to do?’” said Dan Uhlir, Human Resources Manager. “Tech jobs are in high demand more than ever. Not every job requires a four-year degree, employees with two-year technical degrees are instrumental in maintaining our vital equipment at 3M Aberdeen. Our plant engineering team comprise greater than ten percent of our total workforce

and operational success would not be possible without them.”

Plant Engineering Manager Stewart Hall explained some of the different occupational paths at 3M. Electrical Systems and Mechanical tech jobs are two of the career paths at 3M, and within those two paths, there are several types of jobs that workers can choose.

For example, Mechanical technicians may focus on precision machining, machine maintenance, or facility work while Electrical Systems includes robotics, programing PLCs, and operator interfaces. 3M offers on-site

training and will pair new hires with senior members while they complete different work projects. This way, employees will receive hands-on training while gaining real work experience.

“There are many different areas that these jobs can lead to,” Stewart said. “Some will move on to be experts in their areas. Some can become supervisor roles, and others will take up training roles. There are opportunities for growth with almost every role here.”

Tech degrees can lead to jobs that are highly lucrative and rewarding, and 3M offers these career opportunities to a wide diverse workforce that inspires technological innovation, drives digital operations and next-level automation.

“Jobs like these are an excellent fit for anyone who enjoys continuous learning, problem solving, and resolving issues with lasting effect,” Stewart said. “People grow and evolve, and their jobs reflect that. Everyone brings something to the table, and we all have skills that we can use to give back to our community.” //

Photos courtesy of 3M

 Stewart Hall oversees many of these jobs at 3M Aberdeen.

PICKLEBALL

by SUSAN SCRUPSKI

ny weekday morning from about 8:00 AM to nearly noon, you can find anywhere from 12 to 16 people at the YMCA in Aberdeen playing America’s fastest growing sport: Pickleball!

What is Pickleball?

Pickleball is an easy, fast-moving court game that draws from elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. Anyone can play; it’s easy to learn, and it seems the primary objective of the game is to have fun.

Although the sport has been around since 1965, its popularity has skyrocketed over the past decade. I learned about it from AARP Magazine. It’s especially popular with retirees, but all ages enjoy the sport and range from beginners to national pros.

Aberdeen got serious about pickleball in 2016. Mark Zerr, a retired UPS driver, was there. “In 2016 we had a group of about 15 that attended a meeting at one of the rooms at the Y. We just kind of passed the word, ’Hey, this is what we’re going to discuss. We’re going to try and get outdoor courts built in Aberdeen.’”

Zerr and his fellow pickleball enthusiasts were successful in making the case for new courts. In 2017, three of them presented to former Mayor Mike Levson and the City Commission to introduce them to the sport. Doug Johnson was the Director of Parks and Recreation at the time. His commitment to the project was instrumental in securing a federal grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund that covered about 50% of the cost to build new courts. The first grant was rejected, but the second grant was accepted. With some additional money from the city, and a delay due to COVID, the bids finally went out in April of 2021 for new contracts in May. The courts opened last August.

Mark Hoven, the current Director of Parks and Recreation, remembers it this way: “It really came about because of pickleball enthusiasts who wanted to see it. They wanted to get the sport outdoors here and have their own courts.”

The city decided on Manor Park for the outdoor courts. Ultimately, the courts cost about $188,000, and the city contributed about half of that amount.

Zerr and his team helped design the courts with the help of the USA Pickleball Association that provided blueprints to the city engineers. The original design was for six courts and an overflow court so Aberdeen could host more tournaments. They wound up with three courts, and Zerr and others I spoke to are eager to secure funding to add on the remaining courts.

Two avid pickleball players, Jody Parsons and Vicky Sieben, play pickleball nearly every day at the Aberdeen YMCA.

“For me, it’s the most fun way for me to get exercise,” says Parsons, a retired USPS Postmaster. She retired five years ago, and picked up pickleball shortly afterwards. Parsons has been playing continuously for five years.

Sieben and her husband both play pickleball. Sieben has been playing for about two years since she retired from Wells Fargo here in Aberdeen. She explains the way it works at the Y: “There’s a sheet. It’s set up that you can have as little as four players, or as many as 16. We all number off in the morning; you always have the same number. What’s nice is we get to rotate

Photos by Troy McQuillen

 Behind the net: Rosemary Duch, Mick Clemens, Kathy McNeary, Angie Goetz, Mike Duch, Jody Parsons, Bill Kimball, Tom Sieben, Kris Sieler. Front of the net: Vicky Sieben, Diane Kost. On the floor: Neil Schaunaman, Nicole Phillips.

and play with everybody, and we only play for 10 minutes. This way, everybody rotates in and out.”

Zerr estimates there are about 75 to 100 people who play pickleball in Aberdeen. What’s interesting about the pickleball phenomenon is that it's primarily a grassroots movement. The spirit that launched the sport in the 60s still propels it forward. The game’s name is derived from the neighborhood parents that started the sport. According to Zerr, they had a

cocker spaniel named Pickles, and when Pickles ran away with the game’s wiffle ball, one of the founders’ wives would shout, “That’s Pickles’ Ball! Leave him alone!” The pickleball name stuck as the game took off around the country. It’s widely believed to be one of the fastest growing sports in America according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association.

Today, here in Aberdeen, there are about 20 or so players who compete statewide and

WHERE TO PLAY PICKLEBALL IN ABERDEEN

nationally. Zerr and his partners qualified for the National Senior Olympics in Fort Lauderdale, FL. In Sioux Falls, Avera Health is developing 12 pickleball courts at an estimated price tag of $1.5 million. Zerr says when he returns to Aberdeen from competing in Florida, he’s going to focus on getting organized to finish the courts in Manor Park, as well as put a little structure around the avid pickleball player scene like they have in other towns such as Watertown and Brookings. //

FOR ME, IT’S THE MOST FUN WAY FOR ME TO GET EXERCISE.”

– JODY PARSONS

 Loren Locken, Brian Schumacher, Mark Johnson, Ken Wolff, Jim Hunstad, Colette Quam, Mark Zerr, Ozzie Osborn, Ann Hanson

NELSONS CONTINUE TO ADD TO RACING LEGACIES

Father and son competing in same division at Brown County Speedway

by DAVE VILHAUER

The Nelson name has been synonymous with auto racing success for nearly three decades.

Gregg and his son Trevor raced in different eras at Brown County Speedway, but have gotten a chance to compete in the same race a time or two the past few years.

That happened on opening night when the duo lined up side-by-side in the front row of a Super Stock heat race for the first time at the local track.

“I’ve never been in that position before,” Gregg said. “First time in my life. It’s overwhelming to a point.”

Getting a chance to compete against somebody who taught him invaluable lessons about racing is something special for Trevor.

“It’s kind of a dream come true getting to race against your own dad,” he said.

The father and son have had incredibly similar racing careers. Both have won numerous track

championships, and both have finished as high as third place in national points.

Needless to say, Trevor got into the sport by following his father’s footsteps, but the competitive desire was there long before he got into organized racing.

“My whole life I’ve kind of been a motorhead,” Trevor said, noting that he raced snowmobiles, four-wheelers, whatever was available on the family farm. “I’ve always kind of liked the speed and danger of it, I guess. I wasn’t really scared of anything.”

Interestingly, Gregg got out of and back into racing because of his family.

The elder Nelson walked away from racing in 2003 to spend more time with his family and because of the cost of competing.

“When I was racing, gas was getting to be $1.75 a gallon,” Gregg recalled, “and I said I think I’m going to quit.”

Nelson remained out of the sport until his son became a fixture at the local track. Soon, he found himself helping Trevor with his car and eventually made it back behind the wheel, although on a somewhat limited basis.

Photos by John Davis

 The Nelsons have both raced at the Brown County Speedway.

Gregg has been working on his own car, but his priorities have changed since his competitive days.

“He’s had a car since 2016. I think it’s been raced five times and updated seven,” Trevor said. “They’ve torn it apart more than it’s been raced.” Still, with the right person behind the wheel, a car can come to life pretty quickly.

“That car is kind of our trial-and-error car. We kind of throw some wicked stuff at it just to see what he thinks,” Trevor said. “He’s just out there for fun anyways, but it really didn’t take him long to knock off the rust.”

Gregg understands completely that this is not a family rivalry. He has yet to beat Trevor in his return to the track and doubts that it will ever happen.

“I’d have to race three nights a week to get back in shape to beat him, I think,” Gregg said. “He’s running pretty good. My goal would be maybe just to keep up with him for a few laps. He’s on top of his game right now.”

So much so that the younger Nelson only

lost two features the entire season at Brown County Speedway last summer. The fact that the teacher can no longer beat the pupil is just fine with Gregg.

“When he first started racing, I helped him as much as I could and tried to teach him as much as I could,” Gregg said. “That’s what my goal was. I wanted him to beat me. It makes me feel like you did your job as being a dad.”

Trevor will be the first to tell you that his success on the oval can be traced right back to his father.

“I don’t think I could ask for a better mentor,” Trevor said.

In addition to helping to set up his vehicle, Trevor said that his dad has taught him a variety of things, like “patience, being straight and smooth, and just all that little stuff.”

Gregg is wondering if any of that information has sunk in with Trevor. He is still waiting to see if his advice about being patient will be put into practice.

“I told him for years on the starts when the

green flag drops the first time, just hold back a lap or two and let the cars get spread out. When you go hard on that first lap, it bites you in the butt lots of times,” Gregg said. “He always tells me, ‘OK, OK, I’ll stay back, I’ll stay back’ and every time the green flag drops, he’s in there threewide. He’s never held back on a first lap yet, I don’t think.”

While that may be, there is no denying that Gregg’s talent and racing skills have been transferred to the next generation.

Last season Trevor broke Gregg’s track record at Brown County Speedway for all-time victories in the Super Stock Division and he is showing no signs of slowing down any time soon.

Not only has Trevor duplicated his father’s success inside a race car, he also has his dad’s former number ‘71’ on the outside of it.

“I was happy he took it. I wanted him to take it,” Gregg said. “When he first took the number, I didn’t think I’d ever be racing again, anyway.”

Gregg is content to compete with the number ‘71SR’ with the SR standing for what else -- senior.

Looking back on it, Gregg wishes he would have competed for a while longer than he did during his prime.

“I wish I would have stayed in it longer back when I quit or actually started sooner,” he said. “I was almost 40 years old when I jumped into a Super Stock.”

While those days may be in the past, Gregg is still finding ways to remain connected to the sport. Now if he could just find a way to be able to compete with his son.

“I’m very proud of him,” Gregg said of Trevor. “I figured he was going to be all right if he kept to it and kept working hard, but he came on pretty quick.”

Trevor knows that if his dad starts getting serious about his return, his strongest competition could very well come from somebody who has helped to pave the way for his auto racing success.

“His time is coming,” Trevor said of his dad. “If he keeps racing consistently, he’ll be right up front with us.” //

It’s kind of a dream come true getting to race against your own dad.”

 Trevor and Gregg Nelson have been able to compete in the same races after Gregg returned to the sport.

ro skaters like Tony Hawk and Mark Gonzales have introduced many to the exciting world of extreme sports. Watching the pros on the television is impressive, but with the rise of YouTube, almost anyone can make a name for themselves as long as they have a camera, a passion, and the will to make it happen. Make sure you keep your eyes peeled for the next generation of stars – they might just come from Aberdeen, South Dakota.

Three years ago, Nick Eilts started hosting Reel Skate as part of the YAPAtorium’s summer programming. This year, they will be entering their fifth season of filming with some new additions to the program.

At Reel Skate, participants bring their skateboards, rollerblades, and scooters to Melgaard Park’s skate park and shoot footage for videos that are uploaded to the YAPAtorium’s YouTube channel. Kids are also able to get their daily dose of physical activity and improve their skills.

ANNIE SCOTT

Nick has been an avid fan of skating for many years, and now he shares that passion with local youth.

“It began when a YAPA patron, Quade Pharis, and I would record some stuff at the skate park and play around with some new camera equipment.” Nick said. “We’d run into a lot of YAPA kids out there, and they joined in too. We had a YouTube account for YAPA for a while, and once a few skate videos were done, I realized that they were pretty easy to do.”

Since then, Reel Skate videos have become a core part of the YAPAtorium’s curriculum. Sometimes the videos have a theme for holidays like Halloween. Most of the time, though, the videos are simply a display of what happens at each week’s session. The amount of footage captured can vary each week, but Nick makes sure that every participant gets screen time.

“Participants come on their own volition,” Nick said. “There isn’t a strict schedule that they have to

The YAPATorium’s reel Skate

by

program showcases aberdeen’s young skATing scene.

Photos courtesy of Nick Eilts.

adhere to. As long as they have a way to get here and know the basics, they’re welcome to join.”

Reel Skate is more than just a fun summer activity. The program helps local youth focus on health, safety, and the community that inevitably forms around those with a common passion.

weLlneSs

While Reel Skate is promoting better general fitness for kids, it’s also helping them develop real physical abilities with their chosen wheel sports. Not every child ends up involved with school sports, and Reel Skate becomes a chance for them to socialize and stay active. The flexible scheduling allows participants to join when they are able without having to worry about strict obligations.

“We had one kid who just got a scooter and came to Reel Skate. They came every week and went from doing bunny hops to winning the skate competition in one year.” Nick said.

On top of the physical benefits, Reel Skate helps instill confidence in kids. Participants get to see themselves perform in videos with polished effects. Over time, their improvement

is documented, and they have these videos to look back on to see how far they’ve come.

“There’s never a push to do something they’re uncomfortable with,” Nick said. “Kids don’t have to be super skilled to get their face in a video. It’s all about documenting what they can do at

the moment and helping them become more confident with their skills. A lot of peer coaching ends up happening among the participants.”

SAFeTy

“All parents have the same main concernhelmets. We want to see more kids in helmets, so this year we are offering a free helmet program,” Nick said.

The program, funded by a grant from Change Network South Dakota via the Bush Foundation, will provide participants with a helmet free of charge. Each helmet is from the high-quality brand Triple Eight and will belong to participants even after Reel Skate has concluded for the summer. Participants can get their helmet at any Reel Skate event, as well as The YAPAtorium and the National Night Out event this August.

“Part of the Change Network program is to make community members aware of social issues. There are families of all economic groups in town, and we want to help those who can’t afford proper safety equipment. A lot of families are only one accident away from facing financial hardship, so hopefully this program will create a culture of awareness towards safety equipment.”

An unfortunate reality is that many pro skaters don’t wear helmets during their events. While the culture around helmet use is slowly improving, it is still important to talk with children about proper helmet use.

“A lot of the pros on camera aren’t getting hurt during their big tricks,” Nick added. “The mindset is different when they’re not performing stunts. Little accidents that occur during causal riding are the most common. They’re not as focused and as a result, they can get hurt.”

coMmunItY

“Ultimately, what I would like to see is growth in the extreme sport community in town,” Nick said. “A lot of these kids have the stuff they need, like the boards and skates, but they don’t have contact with others who are into this. I want to see these kids willing to participate with others in these sports and see them have the same mentality that football or basketball players have.”

In order to foster that sense of community, Nick organized the Hub City Hoedown skate event. Skateboards, rollerblades, and scooters are allowed to compete in a variety of categories, including best trick, best one-minute and three-minute run, long jump, and high jump. As participation grows, Nick plans to incorporate other categories. This year, the Hub City Hoedown will be hosted at Melgaard Park on Saturday, August 13.

“Reel Skate is a media production, but it also functions as practice for those who want to compete in the Hub City Hoedown,” Nick said. “Even if you don’t win a competition, you may be a person who can do a difficult trick on camera. Public acknowledgment is almost more important than an award, and I hope that we can get a larger audience for the skating community.” //

 Plans for Melgaard Park’s skate park expansion. Expanding the concrete hubba (item 21) is planned for this year.

 Hub City Hoedown Saturday, August 13 1:00 PM Melgaard Park

A Finishing Touch Makes All the Difference

Finishing Touch Design Studio has transformed Aberdeen homes for 20 years.

by ANNIE SCOTT

Alittle over 20 years ago, Mike Kost and his wife Tammy moved to Aberdeen. As they took on the task of building their home, Mike noticed that many of the materials had to be sourced from out of town. With this realization, Finishing Touch Design Studio was born.

Over time, Finishing Touch began to provide more than just flooring. While certain home design changes have come and gone, they have always been dedicated to providing customers with a polished and refined product.

“We wanted to be known for more than just flooring,” Mike said. “People don’t want to run all over town to get what they need. So we diversified our business to fit what our

customers needed.”

As trends have changed over time, Finishing Touch’s services have evolved as well. Customers have come to them for help with certain design elements, and when the demand was noticed, Finishing Touch started to provide. Cabinets, paint, flooring, plumbing fixtures, blinds, lighting, and fireplaces have all been added to their repertoire over the years. In the past, they have sold furniture and had their own drapery department.

Kelsie Ehresmann has been the lead designer for Finishing Touch for 13 years, and with the help of Katie Jones, the two of them help customers with any and all design elements.

“Some people come in wanting just flooring,

but flooring leads into other rooms, and that leads to even more changes,” Mike said. “They’ll look at other options and Kelsie will help them coordinate.”

One of their most recent additions is the inclusion of general contractors. With this option, customers are able to have more control over almost every aspect of their new home. Brayden Thares helps oversee these larger projects.

Finishing Touch will also help with projects outside of Aberdeen. They’ve helped homeowners in Pierre, Britton, Gettysburg, Redfield, and Southern North Dakota. In the future, Mike plans to overhaul the exterior of the building they’ve been in for the entirety of their 20 years.

“Everyone’s project is a little bit different, and we’ll be there to help every step of the way,” Mike said. //

 The staff of Finishing Touch Design Studio includes (left to right), Kelsie Ehresmann, Katie Jones, Brayden Thares, and Mike Kost.

Photos by Troy McQuillen

is quick, easy, and a great cold treat.

Summer Sweetness

Keep

by ANNIE SCOTT

I’ve seen many variations of Strawberry Fluff. Many different dishes share this name, but there is only one rendition of this recipe that I have fond, childhood memories of. Some people will add additional ingredients, but I stayed faithful to the old, faded recipe card that my mom shared with me. This dessert is easy to make and is the perfect dessert for a hot summer day. //

INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• 1 cup flour

• 1 stick butter cut into 1 in. sections

• 1 cup walnuts, chopped

• 10 oz frozen strawberries

• 2 egg whites

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 large container of Cool Whip

• 9 x 13 in. pan

1. Mix brown sugar, flour, butter, and nuts. Once the mixture is crumbly, put aside 2/3 cup for garnish at the end. Pat it into the pan and bake at 325 for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

2. While the crust is baking, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, adding sugar gradually. Next, add the lemon juice and strawberries. Beat with a hand mixer on high speed for 15 minutes, then fold in Cool Whip.

3. Spread the fluff on the crust in the pan and sprinkle remaining crumbs on top for garnish. This is best served cold, so you can let it sit in the fridge for 10 minutes or so before serving.

cool this summer with this sweet, fruity dessert.

Photo by Annie Scott

 Strawberry Fluff

MUSIC MAKING HAPPEN

Commanding National Guard Bands

by PATRICK GALLAGHER

he National Guard is a study in dualities. It starts with the soldier’s dual jobs: one’s main occupation during the week punctuated with monthly weekend military drills. It also applies to the fundamental service obligations. The National Guard’s first duty is to the state. What has become common over recent decades, though, is that units can be called up to national service in times of crisis, such as war. An Army band has an additional dual service, responsible for entertaining the troops and the public with the music they perform as well as occasional military duties when required.

Terry Beckler’s job adds additional levels of dualities. For 24 years, he has served as Commander of the South Dakota National Guard band (the 147th Army Band), and at the same time for the past 16 years, he has also been a percussion professor at Northern State University. Since November 2021, he’s added another role, Chief, Army National Guard Bands, in which he oversees all 51 Guard bands, even as he still leads the South Dakota band. He is the first chief from South Dakota.

While the state role is primarily about making music, Beckler says the national job is more of an

 Terry Beckler has dedicated nearly 25 years of his life to music. Photo by Troy McQuillen.

administrative role. “I’m making music happen,” he said, “but not making music.”

This is not a problem, because “I enjoy hearing the other groups as I travel around the county and help them improve their product,” he explained. “That to me is a lot of fun. Not that I have all the answers, but I can share best practices from around the country.” Fortunately, though, he still gets to make music with the 147th band.

A Full-Time Job

Serving as vice chief for two years, Beckler could carry a full workload at NSU, scheduling his teaching assignments around the national duties. “One nice thing of many about being at a smaller school,” Beckler observed, “is there’s more flexibility than in other schools.” For the full-time chief role, however, he’s had to take a leave of absence from NSU.

That’s good, because in his first several months on the job, he traveled a lot, multiple times to Washington, DC, as well as Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Idaho, Virginia, and Arkansas. Generally weekend trips, when the National Guard units drill, he’s made weekday visits to the Army School of Music in Virginia, where

band members train to enter a band or move up the ranks. “I try to be sure someone from the National Guard is there for graduations,” he said. He's been gone about three weekends per month both for visits to other states and monthly South Dakota band drills. Throughout the summer, he expects to be home only three or four weekends. All this travel is in addition to spending the week in his Aberdeen National Guard Armory office working remotely with people around the country.

As well as making music happen as the chief, Beckler’s duties include evaluating the 51 Army National Guard bands, which must be assessed every five years. “Typically, we will do ten or so evaluations per year,” he said, but after

pandemic disruptions, “I may do 14 this year.” The assessments cover music and support areas. He explains “I’ll evaluate the band leader as well as the readiness sergeant.” Another responsibility is “assistance visits,” in which he listens to bands and gives suggestions.

He also deals with the various parties that have influence over Army bands and is the voice of National Guard bands to the larger entities, such as the School of Music and the Adjutant General branch. “My wife says my job is to fix where there’s miscommunication somewhere,” he chuckles, “and I have had to put out a few fires in the short time I’ve had the job.”

Why did he pursue this job that curtails his music making? “Obviously for the promotion and

There are only a handful of jobs like this in the military where you’re the person in your field who speaks for the entire field.”

 Beckler is an avid percussionist.

 Beckler and his band performing at Mt. Rushmore.

Photos courtesy of Terry Beckler

to be promoted to the top rank in my field,” he said. “It’s also a chance to give back to the field and a great way to finish your career when you get to say you’re the senior officer in your field.” He added, “There are only a handful of jobs like this in the military where you’re the person in your field who speaks for the entire field.”

Stateside Music

Beckler joined the National Guard 35 years ago as a drummer when he was a college sophomore. “I joined the 147th in December of 1986 after visiting during a December drill,” he remembers. “My college roommate convinced me to visit, and I did the audition that same weekend. I was enlisted within about a week.” In 1998, he became commander of the 147th Army Band. Now in his 24th year in the role, he notes band commanders commonly hold the job for 20 years or more.

In the meantime, he met Susan, a fellow band member who would become his wife. He

Other Duties as Assigned

 Terry Beckler’s dissertation, A History of the 147th Army Band of the South Dakota Army National Guard, shares several stories of the lesser-known parts of the National Guard band’s role, stepping in to fill military-related, non-musical duties.

The first example precedes statehood and is not exactly a National Guard story, but it sets the stage. When Lt. Col. George Custer was headed for the Black Hills, he recruited Yankton musician Felix Vinatieri to lead the Seventh Cavalry’s band. Fortunately for Vinatieri (and for his great- great-grandson, SDSU and NFL great Adam Vinatieri), Custer didn’t take the band to the Little Big Horn, leaving them behind to play “Gary Owen,” Custer’s favorite song, as the troops left. After the battle, the band performed alternate duties as corpsmen to help wounded soldiers and carry the dead.

mentions, with a laugh, “It was not fraternization though; we were the same rank.” She retired from the National Guard, but the family connection has continued, as their daughter, Lindsey, joined the Guard and the band. She doesn’t live in Aberdeen, but two other current band members do. Both are NSU students, as several previous band members have been.

For his Ph.D., Dr. Beckler wrote his dissertation on the history of the 147th Band. It was the first history of the band and one of the few studies of National Guard bands. Established in 1885, the band has headquartered in Mitchell since 1921. Despite its martial purpose, the U.S. military has always seen a need for making music.

Since inception, the South Dakota band has performed for both soldiers and the public, such as for Christmas functions, patriotic holidays, and various other events. When soldiers return from deployment, for example, “We get a group to play music before and during the event.” Early in the pandemic, the band performed for a presidential visit to Mount Rushmore.

Besides the full ensemble, the South Dakota band also performs in small groups, including a country music band, a rock band with horns, a pop music band that also plays rap and hip hop, and a brass group, which covers traditional brass and popular music. Despite Beckler’s love for jazz, the Guard band doesn’t have a jazz group. “It has in the past,” he laments, but it “doesn’t fit current personnel or local interest.” Fortunately, he directs the NSU jazz band every year.

This year, all the small groups have toured

In 1898, the state unit deployed to the Philippines for the Spanish American War. The soldiers formed a band that played regular concerts and fought in combat. Somewhat conversely, in 1916-17, the band went with the regiment to the Mexican border after Pancho Villa’s incursions into U.S. territory. Although military duty was possible, the band seems only to have performed music.

For World War I, the band deployed to Europe in 1917-19, serving in Britain and France, where they performed and did military training and duties. Its World War II mission lasted almost five years, mostly in Australia. Here, too, the band performed music as well as guard duty, unloading ships, and cleaning. They also came under Japanese attack. The band has not deployed to combat zones since World War II, even though South Dakota National Guard units have been called up for the Gulf and Afghanistan wars.

The band has also served other duties in state. Beckler recalls being on flood duty. On that topic, perhaps the most famous non-combat duty of the South Dakota Guard was the June 1972 Rapid City flood that killed more than 200 people. In the area for annual training, Guardsmen assisted in many response efforts, including rescuing people from the raging Rapid Creek. Band members helped with search and rescue and guarded the water supply. In a somber part of their music duty, they also played for the funerals of two Guardsmen who died in rescue attempts.

 Beckler has performed across the country.

 Terry and his daughter, Mallory.

schools around the state. Besides entertaining students, these concerts helped recruit for the National Guard and the band. Altogether, the small groups average around 30 performances a year, sometimes, including buglers who perform at funerals, reaching up to 60-70.

During Beckler’s career, for training and performing, the band has gone overseas four times, to Guatemala, Panama, Nicaragua, and Suriname. The last is South Dakota’s partner country, and in 2018, the band went there for its Independence Day. He particularly remembers “a performance for an orphanage in Suriname where the students sang along to our rendition of ‘Halleluiah.’"

Today, the South Dakota band, like most Army National Guard bands, is authorized at 37 people. It currently has 39 members, but Beckler says some retirements are coming, including his own. After he’s done with the chief position later this year, he will retire from the 147th Band as well and finish what will be a 24-year career as commander and almost 36 years in the National Guard.

Travel for the national chief’s job has taken him away from the state for some band drill weekends. So, he’s been training his replacement as commander, Kimberly Meyer from Nebraska, and she fills in when he’s gone. If that sounds unusual, Terry notes that it’s common for people from other states to play in the South Dakota band. “People come from Minnesota, Nebraska, and even Boston to play in the band,” he says. Women commanders are also prevalent. He notes that four of the last five state band leaders hired have been female, and there were already a number of women commanders in other states when he started as state commander in 1998. This is hardly surprising since most bands are one-third to one-half women.

Making It as a Drummer

“My parents would never believe I could make a living as a drummer,” Beckler laughs. Growing up in Bath and attending Central High School,

he played polkas and waltzes in the Aberdeen area as a high school senior. “I made $85 a night in 1984!” he said. “We would play all over—smokey bars with blue haze. When I came home at 2 a.m., I’d throw my clothes in the wash and shower.”

Beckler earned a bachelor’s degree from South Dakota State University, a master’s from the University of Northern Colorado, and a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota in 2007, all in music education. He came to NSU in 2006 and taught percussion part-time while he wrote his dissertation, then became full-time in 2007. As a percussion professor, he teaches percussion and other music classes, gives lessons, and directs sections of the NSU band. He also served four years as the Music Department chair.

As is true for most people, Beckler’s pending “bittersweet” retirement is filled with dualities too, with good and forgettable memories. “There are things I won’t miss,” he said. “I won’t miss the drive home from Mitchell after a long drill weekend, but I will miss the people.” He adds, “As I see the end in sight, I’m working through what it meant to me, getting more used to it.”

Beckler has made a lot of memorable music over the years that has made a difference for a lot of people. For him, conducting the 147th Band for the World War II memorial dedication in Pierre in 2001, just a few days after 9/11, was especially poignant. “I will always remember the nurse helping a veteran in a wheelchair stand for his service song,” he recalls, “possibly the last time he would ever do so.” //

 Dog grooming is an important part of your pet’s hygiene.

by ANNIE SCOTT

Lookin’ Doggone Good

icture this – you’re at the spa for a well-deserved day of pampering. Your nails are manicured to perfection, your hair’s been cut and styled, and you’re ready to take on the world with your new look.

Humans aren’t the only ones who enjoy this special treatment. Our furry friends also enjoy some special treatment every once in a while, and it’s all thanks to local dog groomers. Christina Olson from The Pooch Parlor and Janet Wright from The Dog Shop have shared some insight on how they get your pets looking their best.

THE POOCH PARLOR

Christina Olson has been grooming dogs since 2014, when she took over running Noah’s Critters. In 2018, she opened The Pooch Parlor and switched her focus to grooming exclusively.

“More people recognize dog grooming as an art form now,” Christina said. “It’s not just shaving all of your dog’s fur off for summer. There’s different styles and cuts, and people are starting to do more fun things like mohawks and fur color.”

The Pooch Parlor offers a variety of grooming services. Aside from haircuts, pet owners can bring their dog in for a bath, sanitary cut, ear cleaning, nail trim, flea treatment, or a brush out in between appointments. You can also find special shampoos, homemade dog treats, toys,

and collars for sale.

“The bonds that I build with people and their pets are the best part of my job,” Christina said. “It’s a bond similar to you and your own hair stylist. A lot of customers become my friends. Past customers stop in to say hi, even after their pet has passed away.”

Christina always tries to make sure that the dogs are happy and comfortable when they come in for their appointment. Her assistant, Sarah Sam, does a lot of the bathing which reduces the amount of time that a dog spends in a kennel. On average, a grooming appointment takes about three hours.

“It’s not an easy job,” Christina said. “But it’s also never boring.”

ADVICE FROM CHRISTINA

1. BOOK AHEAD.

Dog groomers often book faster than human haircuts. Scheduling your next appointment when you pick up your dog is a great way to stay on top of things.

2. BRUSH YOUR DOGS. Your dog will get brushed at their appointment, but maintaining your dog’s coat in between grooms will prevent matting. Brushing out matted fur is time consuming and can irritate your dog’s skin. Worst case scenario, they’ll need to get completely shaved.

3. DO YOUR RESEARCH. Before you become a pet parent, consider which breed of dog will best suit your lifestyle. It’s best to prioritize comfort over vanity. Pick a breed that is the size and coat type you’re prepared to care for.

Local dog groomers have a passion for helping your pets look and feel their best.

Photos by Troy McQuillen

ADVICE FROM JANET

1. TALK TO YOUR GROOMER. Communication is key to ensure you get the proper care for your pet. It’s important to let your groomer know any concerns you have.

2. EDUCATE YOURSELF.

Groomers can only do so much for you during your appointment. Dogs can be a lot of work, so be prepared to study your dog breed of choice before you bring a new pet home. Some popular dog breeds can end up being too much for an inexperienced pet owner.

3. DON’T SHAVE A DOUBLE COAT. Dog breeds with a double coat will have coarse hair on top and soft, fluffy hair under that. This fur type helps a dog cool off and helps protect it from the sun and bugs. Shaving a double coat can create a lot of discomfort for your dog. Groomers can do a lot without even touching a clipper, so ask them about options to help with shedding.

THE DOG SHOP

Janet Wright was a vet tech for 25 years before she made the switch to grooming in 2017, when the original owner of The Dog Shop put it up for sale. She now uses her knowledge to help educate pet owners on how to provide the best care for their animals.

“I try to keep training. Learning is important,” Janet said. “Client education is also important to me. I want to provide a good quality product with my work, and education is key for that.”

At The Dog Shop, Janet offers a wide range of grooming services. Along with dog grooming, she has recently been training to groom cats. With the help of her assistant Hannah Meier, Janet provides baths, nail trims, and haircuts for pets.

In addition to grooming, The Dog Shop sells dog

coats, booties, and shampoos. Probiotics and vet-approved essential oils are also available.

“Essential oils can be very beneficial, but research the oils that you use for your pet,” Janet said. “Dogs can have seizures if they are exposed to the wrong oils.”

Janet also focuses on the importance of your pet’s skincare. Many of the shampoos that they provide are specialized to help skin conditions.

“Dogs aren’t comfy if their skin is upset,” Janet said. “Regular bathing keeps the skin in good condition. If something is wrong, you should contact your vet and get your dog on the right antibiotics.”

“I like working with dogs and keeping them happy,” Janet said. “I think my job is very relaxing. I love when I can take something rough and let them leave feeling amazing.” //

 The Pooch Parlor.  The Dog Shop.

 Hannah Meier and Janet Wright.

 Christina Olson.

Get to Know: LAYTON COOPER

NSU’s Director of Admission strives to help students reach their goals.

by ANNIE SCOTT

riginally from the Chicagoland area in Illinois, Layton Cooper has been helping students succeed with achieving their academic and career goals for 15 years. Before becoming the Director of Admissions at Northern State University, Layton was a Career Counselor, Employability Coordinator, Career Development Manager, Career Advisor, Employer Relations/Internship Coordinator, and Admissions Counselor. These roles have all had one thing in common – helping students reach their full potential.

“Some of the most rewarding parts of these positions are when students graduate or when they land an internship or a job in their field of study. I truly enjoy working with like-minded faculty and staff who are equally passionate about helping all of our students achieve success in their academic and career goals,” Layton said.

How did you decide to become involved in academic admissions?

This fall will mark 15 years that I have worked in the higher education field. In total, I have worked in education and vocational training for the last 20 years. My previous experience in higher education was on the student services side of the house, in Career Services/ Development. When my family and I moved to Aberdeen about 5 years ago, I was blessed to be given the opportunity to continue working in the college setting at Northern State University in the Admissions office.

How does your work reflect your passion?

One of the things that I am most passionate about in my professional and personal life is helping people. In my current role and former roles working within education, I have had the privilege of using this passion to assist students with getting connected with the tools, resources and people needed to help them succeed at realizing and achieving their academic and career goals.

What is something that you love about the Aberdeen community?

I truly love how tight-knit the Aberdeen community is especially when it comes to the support that the Aberdeen community gives to NSU. I also love how common it is to meet someone for the very first time and then discover that you both know some of the same people. Lastly, I love how generous Aberdeen and the surrounding communities are when it comes to giving, fundraising or donating to others who are in need or less fortunate.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Spending time with my family and friends is by far what I enjoy doing the most. We enjoy attending NSU events throughout the year. We also look forward to attending our kids’ extracurricular activities throughout the year.

Where is one of your favorite places to go in Aberdeen? Why?

It’s hard to narrow down just one of my favorite places to go in Aberdeen. I enjoy the restaurants, movie theater, parks, and other local spots that can only be found in Aberdeen! One of my favorite new places to go is Dacotah Bank Stadium, home of the NSU Wolves football team. They led the NSIC in home attendance this past season.

What is one word you would use to describe yourself?

Friendly. I would say that being friendly and approachable is a natural part of my personality. It’s who I am. I believe that this quality has also served me well in my line of work as a first point of contact for prospective students and their parents/supporters on behalf of Northern.

Why is community involvement important to you?

Community involvement is what makes Aberdeen the special place it is to live. It is the secret sauce for this town. Also, the traditions and experiences that Aberdeen offers to its community and guests would cease to exist without the ongoing support and involvement of the community.

What other programs are you involved with at NSU?

As the Director of Admission at NSU, I am directly or indirectly involved with all programs or programming that impact/support student recruitment, enrollment and retention efforts.

Photos by Troy McQuillen

 When he’s not helping students, Layton attends many NSU sporting events.

Preserving the Human Experience

Library Cat Translating helps us remember the words of the past.

by BRANDON HEIM

Dr. Ginny Lewis is a mother of three, a woman of many talents, and one with an immense love for language. Ginny started Library Cat Translating a few years ago because she saw the need for a translator here in Aberdeen. As the German professor at Northern State University, it was common for people in the community to ask her to translate older handwritten German documents (particularly family records) because no one could read them. Prior to WWII, German

used unique handwriting scripts, Kurrent and Sütterlin, that are not used today.

“Brown County has the highest concentration of people of German ancestry in the whole state of South Dakota” Ginny said. “I have a skill that’s rare, because most Germans can’t read this writing… They don’t teach that [either]. The only place I’ve seen it taught is at one of the Hutterite colonies.” The documents are indecipherable to most due to the old German scripts they use. It broke her heart to discover that many people

have handwritten letters from their ancestors that they just toss into the garbage because they can’t read them. “If you don’t want to pay a translator to do it, give it to the archives at Northern… we have students doing internships with me and translation courses and the Germans-from-Russia study certificate. We’ll make them available for people who want to access the information. Don’t throw them away!” Ginny stresses.

The documents Ginny primarily translates are vital records, legal documents, and even church constitutions. But Ginny has also translated diaries and journals, firsthand accounts that one wouldn’t be able to read or get from Barnes and Noble without it being a birds-eye view or sifted and analyzed by a historian. As rewarding as it is for Ginny to bring the meaning in these precious documents to life, the work does come with challenges such as poor handwriting and emotional drainage. “The guy is back to another slave camp, where he has to pick cotton all day

and eat one bowl of watery soup and survive… It's draining to translate that, but you don’t want to not do it… Some of the experiences that these people went through are horrifying,” Ginny recounts.

Nonetheless, Ginny prides herself in this unique, niche business. She hopes to give people in Aberdeen a grander view of their heritage, and even bring the meaning in historical letters to life. Even if it’s people just researching their genealogies, she simply wants to save these precious documents, stories, and histories from oblivion.

If you have some old German letters, documents, and/or family records that you’d like translated, you can reach out to Library Cat Translating at www.librarycattranslating.com or libracycat@midco.net. //

Photos by Brandon Heim

 Dr. Ginny Lewis with one of her translated works.

ASHLEY DUNHAM

ASHLEY DUNHAM

AN ABERDEEN TEACHER WHO HONORS HER CHILDHOOD ROOTS ON THE FARM.

by ANNIE SCOTT

or as long as she can remember, Ashley Dunham has had a love for drawing and painting. She spent a lot of time as a child making art, and now she shares that passion with the students she teaches at Simmons Elementary School.

“I was always drawing something when I was at my brother’s sporting events. I brought a pencil and paper to everything.” Ashley said. “There wasn’t a lot of room in my middle school or high school schedules for art classes, so I

was mostly self-taught until I went to college. Even if I wasn’t doing stuff in school, my love for art was still there.”

Ashley grew up on a farm south of the Aberdeen Regional Airport, and the sights of the farm are often the subjects of her art. Along with drawing, Ashley loved crafts like crochet and knitting. She learned how to do these things from her grandmothers and mother, and she hopes to continue those legacies with her art.

“Growing up on the farm really made me

acknowledge the little things. Insects like bees and butterflies, plants, people, and animals are some of my favorite things to draw,” Ashley said. “I developed a great appreciation for pollinators, plant life, and flowers. Farms are dirty, but I want to make these things feel pretty. When I stopped and really took the time to observe these things, I was in awe of how beautiful they were.”

When she was younger, Ashley worked for the daycare that she used to attend. Working with young children at the daycare helped her decide

to turn her passion for art into a career that also helps others.

“I always loved being around kids and their creativity and energy,” Ashley said. “As a teacher, I hope that I can continue to pass down a love for art with my students. I want to help them develop the skills to create and be able to connect with others through their art. A lot of kids think that they’re not good enough, but I try to expose them to many types of art to show that there is something for everyone.”

Ashley works with a variety of mediums, and these mediums change as her subject matter changes. She is always trying new things with her students and her personal artwork. The medium of her art is carefully chosen to convey the right emotions.

“My art is very eclectic,” she said. “For buffalo and cattle, I use black and white colored pencils. I like to make prints for bugs, and I use oil paints for people. I dabble with a lot of mediums, though, which really works out well for an art teacher.”

Working with students to achieve their fullest potential is important to Ashley, and so

is making an emotional impact with her art in people of all ages. She hopes that her art can help other people notice things that they don’t normally focus on and appreciate the beauty in the seemingly mundane things in life.

“It’s important to slow down and notice the beauty in these small things,” Ashley said. “I strive to capture emotion in my pieces. Sometimes, a piece starts from a place of anxiety or nervousness. Making art helps me work through those feelings, eventually reaching a feeling of peace and calmness. Since creating a piece helps me with my emotions, I hope that looking at a piece evokes those same feelings.”

Now that school is out for the summer, Ashley is focused on her personal work. She participates in several art festivals in the

summer and fall in Aberdeen, Spearfish, Groton, and Custer, including Arts in the Park.

“I went every year growing up, just admiring the art. Now I attend as an artist, and it’s like I’ve come full circle.” //

 Ashley’s work can be found on her website, www.artbyacdunham.com , or on Instagram at @acdunhamart.

I DEVELOPED A GREAT APPRECIATION FOR POLLINATORS, PLANT LIFE, AND FLOWERS. FARMS ARE DIRTY, BUT I WANT TO MAKE THESE THINGS FEEL PRETTY.”

– ASHLEY DUNHAM

Photos courtesy of Hope Bolstad (Love, Hope Portrait)

Local Art Galleries

WEIN GALLERY

Presentation College

 1500 North Main Street

 605.229.8349

 Mon-Fri 8 AM-5 PM

PRESIDENT’S GALLERY, JFAC GALLERY AND STUDENT CENTER GALLERY

Northern State University

 1200 South Jay Street

 605.626.7766

 President’s Gallery: Mon-Fri 8 AM-4:30 PM,

JFAC Gallery: Mon-Fri 8 AM-4:30 PM, Student Center: Mon-Fri 7 AM-4:30 PM and weekends 1-9 PM

LAMONT GALLERY

Dacotah Prairie Museum

 21 South Main Street

 605.626.7117

 Tues-Fri 9 AM-5 PM, Sat and Sun 1-4 PM

ARTWORKS CO-OP GALLERY

Uptown Aberdeen

 3315 6th Ave SE Suite #48

 605.725.0913

 Thurs-Sat 11-6 PM & Sun 12-6 PM or by appointment

JANE WEST GALLERY

Capitol Theatre

 415 South Main Street

 605.225.2228

 Open during events, call ahead for additional hours of operation

ARCC GALLERY

Aberdeen Recreation and Cultural Center

 225 3rd Ave SE

 605.626.7081

 Mon-Thurs 9 AM-8 PM, Fri 9 AM-5 PM and Sat 10 AM-12 PM

RED ROOSTER

COFFEE HOUSE GALLERY

 218 South Main Street

 605.225.6603

 Mon-Thurs 7 AM-7 PM, Fri 7 AM-9 PM and Sat 8 AM-9 PM Sun 9 AM-2 PM

by PATRICK GALLAGHER

photos by TROY MCQUILLEN

A BETTER, WELL-ROUNDED VERSION OF YOU.

“Maybe it’s selfish, but the location that stood out to me the most was Aberdeen,” said Brodie Mueller, owner of Market on the Plaza and Engel’s Event Company. “There have only been a few of us from Aberdeen to go through the program, and it was a great opportunity to show people from Sioux Falls and Rapid all the great things we are doing up here.”

For Spencer Sommers, design architect for Co-Op Architecture, “Visiting different communities—looking at their struggles and their successes—and then comparing them with ours, left me feeling optimistic about the direction we as Aberdeen, and as an overall state, are heading.”

These and other area graduates of Leadership South Dakota not only learned about their state and themselves, but their hometown as well. They agree the program makes a difference.

Leadership South Dakota’s mission is to “connect leaders who will invest themselves, engage communities, and elevate South Dakota.” How did it come about? Rick Melmer, Leadership’s director and former South Dakota Secretary of Education, explains that on a visit to Wyoming, “a friend who had done Leadership Wyoming told us about it.” It struck a nerve, and on the drive home, he and his wife Val, the program’s hospitality coordinator, talked about it. They came to realize that “in a small rural state people are our greatest asset. We have wonderful people, with high integrity, character, and work ethic. We concluded that the best way to grow the state is through the people.” They started building the idea in 2013, and “we had our first class in 2014,” he said.

Every year, the program accepts 40 participants. About 20 come from corporate sponsors, whose sponsorships include the

$3,000 tuition. Leadership receives 40-50 applications for the other 20 spaces, and a committee of corporate sponsors and alumni makes selections.

GOALS

The program started with three primary goals. Melmer explained, “We wanted our participants to meet people from across South Dakota, see places most people don’t see, and learn about leadership along the way.” Later, they recognized networking with other leaders added significant value to the experience.

Networking also helped grow the program, as almost all the Aberdeen participants heard about it from colleagues. Tom Hurlbert, an Aberdeen native who is Principal Architect of Co-Op Architecture with offices in Aberdeen and Sioux Falls, said “I wasn't too familiar with the program, since there had only been one group before me. But someone mentioned it to me, and I checked it out. It looked right up my alley, so I applied.” Then he encouraged his Co-Op co-worker Sommers and high school friend Heath Johnson, Principal of Dakota Plains Energy and Dakota Plains commercial real estate. The latter said, “It sounded like a great way to make statewide connections and open myself and my business up to new opportunities.” Employers also encouraged participants to apply.

I learned I have become more focused on the greater picture for the long term. I imagine this has come with age, but it was clear to me that I have softened on methods and approaches I have in business and personally.”

MIKE BOCKORNY

 Brodie Mueller

Although they had similar goals in taking part, each Aberdeen area participant had a unique perspective on what they hoped to get out of Leadership South Dakota. Hurlburt’s goal was simple to begin with. “Networking statewide mostly. I didn't really care about the other components initially.”

Katie Wagner Washnok, owner of Blackout Ind., said “I hoped to gain new experiences throughout the state I love. I wanted to meet new people who also share a passion for servant leadership, who are truly making a difference in our state.”

Tracy Olson, Avera Health Human Resources Officer, hoped to “learn more about our state and how we can help small towns like Frederick grow and thrive.”

Groups meet for two-day sessions in six different cities from September through April. Each gathering includes a mix of speakers, site visits to local businesses, educational institutions, and other unique places, and meetings on leadership topics based on a curriculum Melmer developed.

VISITING COMMUNITIES

Each year, they’ve visited five “staple”

communities: Pierre, Brookings, Rapid City, and Sioux Falls, plus a reservation town, either Kyle on the Pine Ridge Reservation or Mission on the Rosebud Reservation. The sixth city focuses on rural topics and has rotated among Aberdeen, Watertown, Huron, Mitchell, and Yankton. In two Aberdeen stops so far, they have visited Northern State University, Presentation College, and Molded Fiber Glass, heard from the mayor and other local leaders, and traveled to area Hutterite colonies.

The city visits make an impression. For Ashley Erickson, Sanford Aberdeen Executive Director, the most memorable stops were “our visit to Pierre visiting the capital and Brookings visiting Daktronics and the children's museum.”

Mike Bockorny, Aberdeen Development Corporation CEO, said “The most impactful piece of Leadership for me was the visit to the Women's Prison in Pierre.”

Several participants reflected on their visit to a reservation. “I think the trip to Pine Ridge was the most impactful for most everyone in our group. Many of our participants had never been to a reservation before,” Johnson said. “Just seeing the changes in attitudes about what life was like there brought on by our session was

Leadership South Dakota helped me define what I already knew about leadership, in the fact that the leader I want to be is not at the top of the pyramid. The leader I want to be is the base of the tree. You will get ten times farther lifting others up, than shouting orders down. I am a servant leader at heart; and there is a large difference between a “life of success” and a “life of significance” – generally your significance is based upon how many other people you can lift.”

KATIE WAGNER WASHNOK

 Heath Johnson.

very impactful for me.” Olson added, “Mission and Rapid City opened my eyes to the cultural divide and why there is so much history and trauma to be healed with our Native American friends.”

KNOW THYSELF

In addition to learning about the state, most also learned about themselves and what they can bring to leadership. “I learned a lot about me, personally and professionally,” said Bockorny, who was impressed by “how much the program teaches you about yourself and how to be a better, well-rounded version of you.”

Washnok added, “Each month I came home with a renewed sense of purpose and an insane drive to do more. The program truly helped me to home in on my ‘why.’ Leadership set me striving for a life of significance and a way to add value to all I do.”

Somewhat ironically for the youngest participant, Sommers noted, “One of the biggest lessons I've learned is to not go into experiences with preconceived notions. Talking to people and seeing things first-hand can really change your opinion on what you thought you already knew.”

Mueller said, “I felt like I was in a very different place in my career—just starting—than many others in the group, but I learned a lot.” He added, “In a weird way, it also taught me to embrace the off-the-wall, loud, and daring person I am. It was kind of fun to be the messy scrappy young entrepreneur in a group of bankers and lawyers.”

NEXT STEPS

Melmer hopes Leadership South Dakota graduates will be engaged at the local and/or state level and that they will serve in some way. This doesn’t have to be governmental, he insists, but there are legislators and local and county officeholders among alumni. Melmer sees more connections among alumni as they think more strategically, including East River and West River people working together, certainly a mark of success in South Dakota!

In that light, participants shared what the program inspired them to do. Bockorny said, “I have become more active in public policy advocacy at the local and state levels. The contacts I made have paid dividends countless times related to our work at the ADC in two ways. First, having knowledge about the entire state of South Dakota—why things are the way they are, where things are located, etc. Second, contacts

I made across the state have been invaluable in helping, recruiting, and sustaining businesses in Aberdeen.”

“I left Leadership with the goal of going ‘narrower and deeper’ in my focused impact on my community,” Washnok said. “Since then, I have had several opportunities to use the mantra and really dig in: The EDGE Taskforce, launching the Aberdeen Area Chamber's brand new 4 Under 40 honors, strategic highlights at the Hub City Cup Show.” She added, “I strive to be a connector, Leadership SD helped me find and hone that strength.”

Johnson tries “to incorporate as many of the lessons learned that I can into my job, personal life and even my volunteer board participation.”

As Melmer recognized, networking is one of Leadership South Dakota’s greatest benefits. Washnok agrees, “That is one of the coolest aspects of Leadership SD, after you complete your year, you transition into this fantastic group of alumni. Whereas you always have a special bond with your class, you now have an entire network of all those who have completed the program.” Sommers added, “A group of us just got together in Sioux Falls for the weekend a few weeks back for a social gathering, but it's not unusual for us to brainstorm ideas back and forth on other projects.” Olson’s group is “connected on email, LinkedIn, and the Slack app. We are supporting each other with celebration of achievements, new businesses, and loss.”

“We’re conveners,” Melmer concludes. “We bring people together from all over South Dakota and hope something develops during that time. Then we want them to take the initiative.” He added, with no little satisfaction, “We tend to attract what I’ll call ‘activists,’ and we throw gas on their energy.”

So, is Leadership South Dakota for you? Hurlburt offers typically dry advice: “If you don't need more business, if you don't enjoy learning about South Dakota, and if you don't want to improve personally, then skip it. You don't need it.” Johnson counters, “It was a great experience and well worth the investment of time and money. I believe that I have become a better business owner, local board member and member of my community. I would highly recommend the program to anyone who has an interest in bettering themselves.” Washnok cuts to the chase, “Stop overthinking it and just apply! You will never regret this program.” //

These are people who were not intending to go into the program as a steppingstone for politics. After talking to local leaders, touring the capital, attending sessions, these folks seemed to realize it’s something they genuinely had an interest in and was something that had the ability to do some good.” SPENCER SOMMERS

A Decade of Service: Sanford Aberdeen

by ANNIE SCOTT

ince July of 2012, Sanford Aberdeen Medical Center has provided care for the residents of Aberdeen. As they approach their 10-year anniversary, Dr. Steven Redmond and Executive Director Ashley Erickson look back on past accomplishments and share goals for the future.

“We were here when COVID-19 hit, we did all we could to help northeastern South Dakota. We worked with Avera St. Luke’s and helped each other when things got crowded,” Dr. Redmond said. “We’re all thinking ‘where did those last two years go?’ We were just putting out one fire after another. But now that we’ve gotten through the worst of it, we’ve been able to recognize that there is a need for more mental health services. That’s a direction we want to go in.”

“Part of our community health needs assessment is asking what the community needs, allowing us to build on what we have and what we can provide.” Erickson said. “Along with addressing mental health services and education, we will focus on improving physical activity and nutrition to address adolescent and adult obesity.”

Sanford fit is part of the preventative care and teaches families how to be proactive with their children’s health. By going to churches, schools, and daycares, Sanford can provide families with information and kits that can help create a healthy household.

“With a lot of these things, you can’t do it alone. As an example, there’s a financial burden with healthy food options – unhealthy food tends to be cheaper. We will continue to work with the Salvation Army and United Way to help find ways

to offer healthy options for little to no charge to those in need,” Erickson said.

“Going forward, we will be focusing on what we can do to improve the delivery of healthcare to rural areas,” Dr. Redmond added. “With virtual hospital coverage, we can bring the abilities of specialists to patients without having to travel so far. In the past, patients would have to be transferred, but now we can reduce that need.”

Much of the community’s recent focus has been dedicated to the pandemic, but Dr. Redmond has observed another impact in the community that has been much more positive.

“In the past five years, we’ve seen the survival rates of cancer go up,” Dr. Redmond said. “There have also been studies on monoclonal antibodies, which target very specific things, and ideally come with fewer side effects during treatment. As treatment options expand, people are able to live more normal lives.”

“It’s not just about healthcare,” Erickson said. “We’re here to work with the community. We’ve worked to improve overall health by increasing access to quality care, we have invested in the communities we serve, and we have always been proud to serve patients in the community.”

“The past 10 years went by fast, and the next 10 will go by fast too,” Dr. Redmond said. //

As they reflect on the past 10 years, Sanford also looks forward to the future.

Photo courtesy of Sanford Aberdeen

BookClub

Not sure what book to pick up next? K.O. Lee Aberdeen Public Library’s Assistant Director Cara Perrion has got you covered. Whether you’re an avid reader or picking up a book for the first time in years, these picks will help readers of all ages find the next adventure to get lost in.

Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro is so well written, non-science fiction readers will love this book. Ishiguro is known for his exploration of the frailties of human life. In this dystopian novel he also tries to answer the age old question: What does it mean to love? The story is told through the eyes and brain of Klara, an AF (Artificial Friend). As this dystopian story is set in the near future, AFs are available for purchase just like any other appliance for a household. They are hybrid version of a nanny and a friend for your child. However, this story is much more than finding someone to be a companion for your child. Klara and the Sun explores human insecurity and loneliness, faith versus rationality, the societal oppression of a cast system, and several definitions of love. This story has many layers with plot twists and turns that will keep you thinking about the characters and the meaningful life questions long after you turn the last page. Klara and the Sun is beautifully narrated as an audio book as well.

You will be keeping the lights on at night after reading this thriller from Jennifer McMahon. Inspired by Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein, The Children on the Hill explores all our darkest childhood fears and proves that yes, monsters really do exist. Set in the tranquil landscape of Vermont, this novel has two story lines that flip between a renowned treatment center and an acclaimed psychiatrist in 1978 and the revered monster-hunter-podcast host of Monsters Among Us in 2019. The two storylines intertwine through childhood memories, investigations into missing children cases, and local folklore. There are several narrative voices in this novel, keeping the reader questioning which one they can trust. McMahon creates an imaginative story with numerous plot twists and chilling moments that keep the reader turning the pages until it’s satisfying end.

The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeinhart was a winner of a book before the teens of South Dakota voted to make it their favorite book in 2021. A twist on the classic road-trip style of storytelling, this realistic fiction tale takes the reader on an adventure as Coyote and her father travel through the United States in a converted school bus they have called home for the past five years. Their journey is filled with self-discovery, hope, and a long list of misfit characters they meet along the way. Each interaction brings up a new social issue such as poverty, domestic violence, and teen issues enabling the main characters - and the readers - to learn about kindness, creative problem solving and to see things from someone else’s perspective. It’s a Young Adult book, but it’s a story everyone should read. //

Kazuo Ishiguro Klara and the Sun

Jennifer McMahon The Children on the Hill

A QUAINT BOHO GETAWAY

Lusso Properties’ Airbnb apartment stands out with color, texture, and fun furniture.

photography by TROY MCQUILLEN

It’s not very often we get to feature apartments in the Open House section of Aberdeen Magazine. This apartment is offered as an Airbnb rental from Lusso Properties here in town. If you recall, we featured a cottage they also have available for rent in our Nov/Dec 2021 issue. Leslie and Ben Schnell of Lusso Properties have had good success with Airbnb rentals over the years, and they are continuing to seek out opportunities in town to create more. One thing that contributes to an Airbnb’s popularity is the interior design style. As people click on multiple rental options in a community, the ones that look ‘put together’ are going to stand out. Leslie is very good at this and looks for inspirations to drive the design choices of each property. A while back, while shopping at a local store, she came a across a wall art that featured an upland cow laying on a green couch. She pulled it out for this apartment and let it dictate an overall bohemian style with bright colors, whimsical objects, and retro pieces of furniture. The unit is relatively small, but perfect for a short-stay traveler. It is located in the southwest part of town and is in a building that was originally built as a split-level. The family who built it lived on the bottom floor, while two units on the upper floor were used as apartments. //

—Troy McQuillen

We Want to Hear from You!

Aberdeen Magazine wants to hear from its readers! Do you have a topic you want us to cover? A critique of something we could be doing better? Or do you simply want to gush about everyone’s favorite, locally owned magazine in Aberdeen? Then tell us about it!

We love letters! If you want to go the traditional route and send a letter, the address is: Aberdeen Magazine

423 S Main Street Suite 1 Aberdeen, SD 57401

We get it. Letters are a little old fashioned and not for everyone. That’s perfectly okay. You can send an email to annie@aberdeenmag.com, and she will get back to you faster than you can say “Grab it! Read it! Share it!” You can always reach us on social media, too. Find us on Facebook and Instagram by searching for Aberdeen Magazine and send us a message.

by Eliot Lucas