WHAT’S NEW

Activity

Star Party

Kurt Drube has always had an interest in astronomy, and for the past five years, he’s been sharing the hobby with the people of Aberdeen.

“I grew up during the Apollo generation, and my interest really started there,” Kurt said. “Astronomy is a hobby I wanted to share. After I got my own telescope, I set up at Wylie and people kept stopping to check it out, so the Star Parties began.”

Weather permitting, the Star Parties are held once a month April through October at the Kuhnert Arboretum. Two to three telescopes are set up, and Kurt points out different constellations and planets that are visible.

“It’s a fun outdoor hobby, and everyone is welcome to come,” Kurt said. “There are even people that will bring their own telescopes to check things out.”

The events are sponsored through Aberdeen Parks and Recreation, and updates can be found on the Facebook page Aberdeen Backyard Astronomy. // —Annie Scott

 The new hotel rooms are expected to be done around Thanksgiving. Photos courtesy of Connor Bockorny.

Remodel

Ward Project

Big changes are coming to the Alonzo Ward Hotel.

The historic building will once again be used as a hotel. 18 rooms, as well as an exercise room for guests, will be ready for use around Thanksgiving time. Many original fixtures, such as chandeliers, have been retained. The first floor lobby’s look has been refreshed as well, while still maintaining its traditional style.

“We’re keeping the phone booths, the key cabinet, and the switchboard,” Jim Thares said. “It’ll feel like you’re back in the 20s.”

Roma Ristorante Italiano will be relocated to the newly-revnoated dining space on the west side of the building, with two new retail spaces planned for the side facing Main Street. The Finery on Main, a men’s retail and home decor shop, is located in one of these spaces.

“If we are going to grow as a community, we need to invest in it,” Jim said. “This will be a good way to revitalize downtown Abereen’s great atmosphere.” // —Annie Scott

Art Omnificland

Omnific is a word that is typically defined as capable of creating or making anything. The word also happens to be part of the title of a new book by an Aberdeen author.

Omnificland is Jennifer Phillips’ first book, which was finished in April of this year. The story follows a girl named Iris, who is on a journey to discover her strengths and creativity. The book itself is larger than average, and that’s for a good reason – there’s plenty of space to draw and doodle in the margins and blank pages.

Her experience as an elementary school teacher helped her develop the story, as well as the accompanying workbook.

“I’ve always loved creating things,” Jennifer said. “I wanted to do something different. Kids are always told they can’t write in their books! But this book allows kids to create as they read.”

While the story is aimed at later elementary students, anyone can read along and enjoy the story. // —Annie Scott

Not All Jolly in New Juvenile Novel

Patrick J. Gallagher published his first book in late July titled Uncle Sam Is Coming to Town (With Santa Claus). The juvenile novel follows a year in the life of Santa and Uncle Sam, who meet on vacation and decide to switch roles because of their uncanny resemblance— an observation only Santa can see. The misfit switch faces problems when Santa’s jolly perspective is upended, and Christmas is put in jeopardy.

A father of four grown children as well as a new grandfather who writes in Aberdeen, South Dakota, Gallagher has published many articles and essays in Aberdeen Magazine as well as other state and national publications.

“I’ve been writing nonfiction more successfully, but fiction has always been my dream. I finally felt that I had finished a story, so here it is,” Gallagher said. “While it’s written for children, these characters and their experiences took me in unexpected directions as the story unfolded, which is why I think many may enjoy the story with young people because of their relation to the adventures.” // —Annie Scott  Uncle Sam Is Coming to Town (With Santa Claus) is available in paperback and Kindle format on Amazon.

Business

New Foods at Treasure’s Discount Market

On September 4, Cheri Mortenson and Jordan Torrence opened the doors to Treasure’s Discount Market for the first time.

“With the economy being the way it is, Jordan and I thought it would be a great idea to open a place like this.” Cheri said. “We both think it’s a necessary thing.”

Their new business rotates through a broad range of products at discounted prices, allowing customers to find things that aren’t normally available in Aberdeen. While they primarily focus on food and beverage, customers can also find paper towels, cleaners, detergents, and other kitchen supplies.

“We have no idea what’s on the truck before we get it,” Cheri said. “That’s part of what makes it unique. Something we have today might not show up again later.”

Everything in Treasure’s Discount Market is priced well under retail, sometimes as much as 60% off. A majority of their products are well within their shelf dates and are always of good quality. Each month, they will receive about three major shipments.

“Some people have told us we have products they haven’t seen in years,” Cheri said. “We’ve even had some customers buy our entire stock of a product they really like.”

Treasure’s Discount Market is located at 311 South Roosevelt St. Their hours are 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday, and 11:00 AM to 4:00 on Sunday. // —Annie Scott  For more information, check out their Facebook page at Treasure's Discount Market of Aberdeen.

 Cheri Mortenson, Brody Poppen, and Jordan Torrence are excited to bring many new goods to Aberdeen. Photo by Annie Scott. Business

New Branch for ERLS

The Sioux F a l l s based East River Legal Services has opened an Aberdeen location. Leisa Richards will be helping those in need in the Aberdeen area with a variety of legal services. ERLS serves those in poverty in Northeast South Dakota, including veterans, older Americans, victims of violence, and people with disabilities.

ERLS focuses primarily on family law, housing issues, estates, disability benefits, and social security services. They have worked with Safe Harbor and prioritize serving victims of domestic violence. ERLS also works with Access to Justice, Inc., Dakota Plains Legal Services, and sdlawhelp.org.

While a majority of consultations will be done online, Leisa acknowledges the benefits of a physical location in Aberdeen. // —Annie Scott  For more information, visit erlservices.org or contact Leisa directly at leisa@erlservices.org.

 The 2022 renovations are the biggest that Moccasin Creek Country Club has seen since their opening in 1971. Photo by Jeff Stockert.

Remodel Renovations Begin At Moccasin Creek Country Club

In August of this year, Moccasin Creek Country Club broke ground on their clubhouse renewal. The $6 million project includes a full exterior renovation, a covered outdoor patio space, fire pits, outdoor seating and dining, as well as a banquet space and an all-new interior. The golf shop will also see some updates.

Decision making started three years ago, and the project is set to be finished around April next year. To date, nearly $4.4 million for the project has been funded by an ongoing member capital campaign, in which 235 members have participated thus far.

The original clubhouse was constructed in 1971, and while they have made renovations in the past, this update is their largest yet. // —Annie Scott  For more information, visit moccasincreekcc.com/Clubhouse_Renewal.

Art New Downtown Mural Installed Manna Restaurant

Malchow Plaza has a new mural. Area artist Linda Roesch won a contest to produce the new mural titled “Step Into Aberdeen’s History.” Linda often paints directly on large walls and was a little concerned about painting on 4 x 8 panels in her apartment.

“I was really worried about them lining up once they got installed,” Linda said. After installation, it was the first time she got to see it in its entirety. “I painted them in sets of two panels at a time lined up all around my apartment,”

 Linda Roesch set up her art in front of her new mural for a downtown wine walk in September. Photo by Troy McQuillen.

The painting reflects a mishmash of eras, businesses, and scenes in Aberdeen’s historic downtown. This is the second mural installed in the new Malchow Plaza. The mural was supported by a grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation’s Aberdeen Fund in the South Dakota Community Foundation. The Aberdeen Area Community Foundation acted as fiscal sponsor for the grant and worked with the Aberdeen Development Corporation and Aberdeen Area Art Council to facilitate the project. // —Troy McQuillen In September, Maria Galan opened her new restaurant.

Manna Restaurant, which specializes in authentic Puerto Rican food, offers an expansive weekly menu as well as daily specials. Guests can enjoy soups, sandwiches, desserts, and many traditional Puerto Rican entrees.

They are open Tuesday through Saturday. On Tuesday and Thursday, they are open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. On Wednesday, they are open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. On Friday and Saturday, they are open from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Manna Restaurant is located at 23 1st Ave NE, near Natural Abundance, in the former The Pub building. // —Annie Scott  For more information, visit their Facebook page at Manna Restaurant.

 Photo courtesy of Manna Restaurant.

Social media

You Know You’re From Aberdeen SD If…

Looking for a daily fix of Aberdeen history? The Facebook group ‘You know you're from Aberdeen, SD if…’ features a collection of Aberdeen facts and stories, ranging from the town’s creation to today.

“I had seen a few other cities doing the same type of group and noticed that Aberdeen did not have one, and I thought it would be fun,” said group creator Doug Schnell.

The group was created in August of 2011 and currently has over 13,000 members. Both past and present Aberdeen residents share their memories of the town, with a few mentions of current events sprinkled in. Anyone who has an interest in Aberdeen is welcome to join.

“I really love the old photos that are shared in the group. Having been born and raised in Aberdeen, the history of the city has always fascinated me,” said Doug, who moved away to Watertown in 1999. “Seeing all the photos helps when I get a bit homesick and I love to hear all of the wonderful memories people have shared over the years.” // —Annie Scott