Aberdeen Magazine March/April 2015

HE SAID, SHE SAID

Aberdeen comes clean on the fashion faux pas of the opposite sex

never tame your wildest dreams

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Delta is Aberdeen’s Airline. Before you drive 400 miles roundtrip for a flight, add up all the costs. Then consider spending 30-60 minutes in a security line, paying for parking and all of the logistical headaches. Fly in and out of your hometown airport where you will be through security in 15 minutes or less and to Minneapolis in less than an hour. Once arriving at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, connect to one of the more than 130+ non-stop destinations throughout the world.

Join us for a day designed to connect, empower, educate and inspire women of all ages in their health and wellness journey.

Saturday, March 7 Dakota Event Center

720 Lamont St., Aberdeen Health screens start at 8 a.m. Vendor marketplace and seminars available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

CREATIVE Find your

General admission tickets:

• $10 (includes lunch)

VIP tickets:

• $25 (includes lunch and canvas painting, only 100 available)

Purchase your tickets at Sanford Aberdeen Medical Center or Ken’s SuperFair Foods. sanfordaberdeen.org

Sponsored in part by:

are you serious?

PHOTOS TROY MCQUILLEN

PHOTO CHRIS HEIER

We’ve given our all; we’ve raised great kids and shaped careers. But now, it’s our time — our time to discover and try new things and put our health first. It’s an accountability thing, visiting our doctor regularly and helping each other eat right and stay active. By taking care of our health together, we can pursue exciting adventures in the next chapter of our lives.

Kyle (Captain) Center Forward from Kemos, MI

Favorite Sandwich: Chicken Breast on Wheat with SouthWest Sauce

Tanner Defensman from Roseau, MN

Favorite Sandwich: Chicken Bacon Ranch on Italian Herb and Cheese

Tucker Right Forward from Lake Bluff, IL

Favorite Sandwhich: Italian BMT (No Sauce)

Magical Music from the Movies

THE AUCS PRESENTS DISNEY IN CONCERT with

FULL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND A GREAT CAST OF VOCALISTS performing with

PROJECTED DISNEY ANIMATED FEATURE EXCERPTS FROM LION KING, THE LITTLE MERMAID, ALADDIN, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, POCAHANTAS, THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, MARY POPPINS AND JUNGLE BOOK

Sunday, April 26, 2015, Aberdeen Civic Theatre, 7:00 PM Adults $18, Seniors $16, Non-NSU Students $12 Tickets Available at Engel Music, 209 S Main, Aberdeen and the NSU Bookstore

BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY!

DISNEY IN CONCERT TICKETS MAKE GREAT GIFTS FOR ANY OCCASION. ORDER YOUR TICKETS TODAY for this Popular Concert!

CONCERT SPONSORED BY

MOLDED FIBER GLASS OF SOUTH DAKOTA AND DAVID AND ERIN GIOVANNINI

ADDITIONAL SPONSORSHIP BY

SEASON SPONSORED BY

Lisa and Michael Carlsen

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Angelia Schultz

PUBLISHER

Troy McQuillen DESIGN

Eliot Lucas

AD SALES

Brent Brandt brentbrandt1@gmail.com

Suzette McQuillen suzette@mcquillencreative.com

BUSINESS MANAGER

Suzette McQuillen

PUBLICATION OFFICE

McQuillen Creative Group 423 S. Main St., Suite 1 Aberdeen SD 57401 (605) 226-3481

PRINTING

Western Printing SUBMISSIONS

our first issue!

March 2013

Aberdeen Magazine welcomes your input. Message us your story ideas, drop off historic photos, or stop in for a chat. Email us at: angelia@aberdeenmag.com troy@mcquillencreative.com

WEBSITE

www.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.

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.

There is a quote by a Canadian poet that says, “Time flames like a paraffin stove, and what burns are the minutes I live.”

Since the premier issue of Aberdeen Magazine released 2-years ago this month, one million minutes have passed us by. Give yourself a moment to grasp that sort of thing: a million minutes; and all the things that have changed, and all the things that have remained the same.

At Aberdeen Magazine, we’ve talked about change quite a bit lately. We’ve experienced a change in editors, which is no small occasion for a magazine, and with that, an expansion of the duties attached to the position. So, you could say, we’ve experienced growth.

You may notice a reflection of some of this growth within the sections of this 2nd anniversary issue. While our content is relatively the same, we’ve grown it to include new expert contributors, with the intent to bring you increasingly higher quality content with each publication. In Aberdeen, we have an informed pool of subject-matter experts in a variety of fields, and we aim to bring you their knowledge and perspectives so as to enrich your reading experience while also peeling back the layers of your community and revealing them to you.

We’ve experienced other changes here, as well. We’ve had a change in designers, with renewed but subtle artistic expressions emerging as a result. We have a new college intern joining us, who brings with him

a different set of interests and talents, which are subtly revealed in the flavor of his editorial contributions. Many changes have occurred here, and they’ve come together nicely to bring you this issue.

At the magazine, we’ve also talked quite a bit about the changes in Aberdeen that have occurred since our premiere issue. As a community, we’ve seen the erection of new strip malls that have brought us fresh restaurants and popular retail shopping; we’ve seen much-needed apartment buildings and hotels emerge on the landscape almost overnight; and we’ve seen the passing of an historical era with the loss of beloved retail fixtures that have contributed to our community for many decades. Change and growth in our thriving, swirling community – some of it’s been easy, and some of it’s been more challenging to see it pass.

A wise woman I recently met said to me that change is constructive discomfort, and that you essentially have to get through it before it becomes comfortable and you are able to love the results. I think she’s right.

I want to know what you think. And not just about that, but about everything – our magazine, our community, your daily lives. Are you traveling? Attending local events? Participating in creative expression? Write me, send me your photos, give me your ideas, and you may personally affect an upcoming issue of Aberdeen Magazine. After all, this magazine is produced for you, the people who love our community and spend their days investing in it.

The notion of spending each day investing in anything sounds a little daunting – sort of like change. But it’s when you’re on the other side of it that you can enjoy the rewards. So, in the wise words of an activist who devoted his life to investing in causes: seize the day, then let it go! //

 To make a submission to Aberdeen Magazine, email angelia@aberdeenmag.com. Like us on Facebook at www.fb.com/aberdeenmagazine

FROM the PUBLISHER

You may have noticed a new face on this page. Angelia has taken over the position of Executive Editor of Aberdeen Magazine. Former Editor, Barb Andrews, has moved on to another opportunity. I’d like to take this time to thank Barb for her insight, contributions, and talents in helping us get Aberdeen Magazine off the ground. We wish her the best of luck! //

CONTRIBUTORS

BRAD TENNANT

Brad is an associate professor of history and director of the American Studies program at Presentation College. A National Endowment for the Humanities Fellow, Dr. Tennant has received numerous professional honors for his contribution to scholarship, and is widely published.

STEVEN MCANANY

Steven is a twice combatdeployed former US Marine Corps Infantry Officer who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. A graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in New York, he relocated to Aberdeen for work following his military service. He is an avid reader.

JOSH LATTERELL

Josh is the senior designer and Web Architect at McQuillen Creative Group, and cofounder of ELM Digital Marketing.

PAUL AUFENKAMP

Paul is the 2nd Vice President of the Boys & Girls Club of the Aberdeen Area and has been a board member for 8 years. Founder of the Winefest Renaissance event, he remains the Chair of the Winefest committee. Paul is the 3M Respiratory Converting Product Manager.

JACOB BOSMOE

Jacob is a local artist, teacher and entrepreneur. As owner of art gallery Aberdeen Originals, he displays the works of area artists and artisans in a variety of media. In this issue, Jake interviews a fellow artist-teacher on his creative process, for Observe It.

EZEKIEL RICHTER

Ezekiel is a Video Producer and Filmmaker at McQuillen Creative Group. He has worn many hats and it's his many life experiences that inspire the creative genius he brings to AberdeenMagazine.

STACEY BEBO

Stacey is the 1st Vice President of the Boys & Girls Club of Aberdeen Area and has been a board member for 4 years. She’s the Chair of the Club's Marketing committee and is on the Winefest Renaissance committee. Owner of Max Media Agency, she has over 23 years of marketing experience.

SEAN MCCRACKEN

Sean McCracken is an intern at McQuillen Creative Group. A senior at Northern State University, this bearded lover-of-words is completing an English degree. It has been said that he’s highly receptive to musical trends, and was the person who introduced the song SAILby Awolnation to the Brookings Area. Disclaimer:Seansaidthis.

ANDREW HANSEN

McQuillen Creative Group

Video Editor by day. Gamer and sports enthusiast by night. As a valued member of the AberdeenMagazine team, Andrew welcomes the opportunity to write because he says it gives him an outlet in which to express ideas in a new and unique way.

BRENT BRANDT

Brent works for the Aberdeen Downtown Association and is also one of the Producers of the South Dakota Film Festival.

MARCH 7-8

Aberdeen Home Builder’s 14th Annual Home Show

Featuring local vendors in construction as well as home remodeling, this is perfect for anyone planning to make changes or additions to their home.

When: 10 am - 4 pm Sat 10 am - 5 pm Sun.

Where: Holum Expo Building

Cost: $3 general admission

MARCH 7

Sanford Health Women’s Expo

Get ready for a full day of creative activities, health demonstrations and lively seminars, as well as shopping, giveaways and even wine tasting.

When: 8 am - 3 pm

Where: Dakota Events Center

Cost: $10, general admission (includes lunch) $25, VIP (includes lunch and Creative Spirits canvas painting)

MARCH 19-21

SDHSAA State “B” Basketball Tournament

Cheer on your team at this year’s statewide tournament. It’s sure to be the most anticipated high school sports event of the season.

Where: Barnett Center

Cost: $41 reserve seats, $35 general admission

APRIL 9-11

Shrine Circus

See breathtaking stunts and amazing acrobatics at this year’s Yelduz Shrine Circus at the Aberdeen Civic Arena. Children of all ages are welcome, but only those 8th grade and under get in free.

Where: Aberdeen Civic Arena

Cost: $12 at the door. Kids 8th grade and under FREE

APRIL 10-11

YMCA Interstate Basketball (B&G) Tournament

The tournament will be held for boys and girls in grades 3-9 at various locations around town.

Where: Various Gymnasiums throughout Aberdeen (605-2254910 for info)

Cost: $3 per day, Kids are FREE

APRIL 11

Roncalli Ball 2015

Experience one of Aberdeen’s most prominent social and fundraising events. Enjoy great food and music as well as a live auction to support Roncalli. This year’s theme is Hats and Horses, Kentucky Derby Style.

Where: Ramkota Inn and Convention Center

Cost: $70 Admission

James Valley Christian vs Potter County.

Photo Courtesy of South Dakota Public Broadcasting.

Photo courtesy of yelduzshrine.org

Conner Chamberlain, of the Aberdeen Thunder, right and Caleb DeKam, of the Castlewood Warriors. Photo courtesy of American News.

AHBA photo: 2014 AHBA 13th Annual Home Show.

Photo courtesy of Facebook.

MARCH 28

Winefest Renaissance 2015

Sample more than 150 wines from all across the country, as well as a selection of beers, spirits and hors d’ oeuvres, from area and regional chefs. Don’t miss the evening’s silent and live auctions to help support the Boys and Girls Club of the Aberdeen Area.

When: 6:30-10 pm

Where: Ward Plaza 104 S Main St.

Cost: Limit 300 tickets from Feb.23-March 13. $65 each or $100 for 2. Buy at Boys and Girls Club, Ken’s Superfair Foods, Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce, and the Ward Plaza.

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At Home Federal Bank, our Home Loan Specialists offer up-front savings you can see right away. That means more buying power in your pocket.

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APRIL 15-19

“Flea in Her Ear” NSU Theatre Dept Production

Support the NSU Theatre Dept. by attending their production of “A Flea in Her Ear.” Laughs ensue when a Frenchwoman, suspecting her husband of having an affair, plots to catch him in the act.

When: 7:30 pm

Where: Aberdeen Capitol Theatre

Cost: Free with student ID, $18 advance tickets, $20 at the door. $16 for parties 12+ advance order.

APRIL 30-MAY 2

ACHS Spring 2015 Musical

This annual spring musical is not to be missed, as the talents of our public high school’s drama students are showcased. Selection to be announced.

Where: Thomas F. Kelly Theatre

Cost: $5 for adults, $3 for students

When

2014 Central High School spring musical. Photo courtesy of Aberdeen Central Drama Club

March Madness Traditions

BY ANDREW HANSEN

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN, BABY! College basketball's biggest month is upon us, and everyone is waiting to see who's going to be crowned champions of the NCAA tournament.

Along with all the excitement of the game comes tradition that spans from creating a perfect bracket to wearing that same old jersey for good luck that your significant other has tried to throw out for years, to going to your favorite bar to watch the games in the

same seat at the same table eating the same food year-after-year.

There are fewer people in the world more superstitious than a sports fan. It’s a commonly held belief that breaking tradition can mean the end of a winning streak, or, worse, the loss of a season. No sports fan wants the weight of that on their head.

I asked local March Madness enthusiasts to share with us some of their time-honored traditions, and this is what I

found. Some traditions are common-sensical while others are, well, you be the judge.

Perhaps the most popular tradition is the craze of filling out a bracket to determine this year’s winner. Fans usually do it for the gamble of winning money. Whether it’s a hundred bucks between some friends or millions on websites like ESPN, sports fans love the competition. Most have interesting ways to guess who will win each game, because sometimes that's exactly what it comes down to – a guess:

• I always do a realistic bracket, an underdog bracket, a cooler mascot bracket, and a cooler jersey bracket. – Joe Romero, PC and NSU graduate

• I pretty much fill out at least three or four brackets, one that has Duke win it all, one or two legit ones that I take my time looking at, and one with a whole ton of upsets like a 16th seed winning it all. – Eric Guthmiller, NSU graduate

• Never have a number one seed winning it all, or you’re going to lose it all. – Spencer Locke, former Marine

Once my personal bracket is in and the games are on, my superstitions rear their heads. Looking further into local superstitious traditions, I found that not only am I not alone, but superstitions are the norm:

• When watching games of my favorite team, I cannot change the channel on the TV. It's – Guthmiller wash my team’s jersey until they

wood every time an announcer says something positive about my team. –okay, I admit that was me.

here people go to watch the game is just as important and wrapped in superstition as anything else. Things such as where they sit and what they eat or drink can determine whether or not their team wins or loses.

atching the games in public is the riskiest thing you can do. Since the tournament is full of upsets, if you’re a fan of a high-seed, your team will first be playing ones that are technically “inferior” to them. There's nothing worse than experiencing the agony of defeat to a lesser team in front of your friends at a local bar. They’re not the most sympathetic during March Madness.

oral of the story is, we all do weird things. The tournament just gives us the excuse for it to be normal

When doing weird things is normal

PHOTO TROY MCQUILLEN

Left to Right: Jordan Wald, Eric Guthmiller, and Andy Hansen are serious about their game day traditions. Thanks to the Circus Sports Bar & Grill for providing food and drink for our fans.

Oh snap!

Curling for Aberdeen –Scotland, That Is Traditional Scottish game glides into town

BY SHELLY MOENCH

KNOWN AS THE ROARING GAME, curling is similar to shuffleboard, involving two 4-player teams each sliding stones across a sheet of ice toward the center of a target containing four segmented, concentric circles. During the 2012 Olympics, the world was riveted by the curlers’ steely focus and gliding balance, and a set of brushes madly scratching in sync with the roar of spectators. The Olympians’ stones curled beautifully, strategically into place. It was glacial grace.

Local DJ Adam St. Paul fell head-overheels with this traditional Scottish game nearly a decade ago while attending North Dakota State University. Since graduating in 2010, he's remained steadfast in his determination to carry curling with him wherever he goes. Coming to Aberdeen in 2011 as a Dakota Broadcasting live radio host, St. Paul discovered an open, optimistic environment for launching a curling league. He immediately got to work, building community connections and gauging interest. Three years

later, his efforts would pay off.

Last September, as part of the Northeastern South Dakota Celtic Faire and Games, St. Paul hosted a "Learn to Curl" event at Odde Ice Arena, and he found the support of more than 100 participants and spectators who were curious about the Scottish game. This sparked the final contacts he needed to organize a league. Bolstered by the community, the Aberdeen Curling Club would throw its inaugural stones by December 2014.

In anticipation of growth in the curling sport, additional lanes and equipment are currently in the works. The Aberdeen Curling Club is now accepting individuals and teams for next season. Those interested may contact adam@dakotabroadcasting.com or visit the club's Facebook page, which covers local and national curling news. //

PHOTO TROY MCQUILLEN

Pictured, Adam St. Paul

Team Curling Me Softly, includes, left to right, Nick Hofland, Sam Erickson, Andrea Gregerson, Mike Welch and Greg Blair.

The Irish Folk of The Long Nines

BY SEAN MCCRACKEN

COMMUNICATION

IS KEY

for any musical group, and for the Burckhard family who forms local Irish folk band, The Long Nines, a few words say a lot.

“There’s a lot of unspoken communication between us,” says Pete Burckhard, the father of his own modern-day Partridge Family-esque band. “There can be some head-butting during practice, but never any animosity.”

The Long Nines have been playing together since Pete’s children and grandchild began exploring music, and finally became an official band about

half a decade ago.

Eldest son, Joel Burckhard recalls, “It had been something I had wanted to do for about ten or fifteen years, and a few years ago it finally all just came together.”

Joel is referencing when The Palm Garden Café wanted to hire a live Irish folk band for St. Patrick’s Day. His father, Pete, operates the family-owned Burckhard Bakery within the café’s kitchen, and told his son about the event. They later pulled in musical youngest-child Jeremy, and their first gig was booked. This family of musicians

NEW & PRE-LOVED

made a seamless transition into bandom. But something was missing from the allmale group, so Joel’s daughter Alexis followed in her grandfather, father, and uncle’s footsteps and became a regular –and youngest – member of the band, rounding them out with her naturally softer side.

“It’s really great to have a woman’s voice in the mix,” remarks Joel.

The Long Nines are regular performers at the annual Celtic Faire, as well as at various local venues hosting yearly St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. So far, they’ve performed exclusively in the Aberdeen area, but the group is looking to broaden their musical footprint in Brookings, where Jeremy recently relocated.

Pete plays with a few local Jazz and Americana bands, while Alexis plays guitar with her uncle Jeremy in Aberdeen’s rocking Lunar Weight, and Joel satisfies his musical itch in another local band, Paper Airplane Kisses.

To The Long Nines, the culture that accompanies their genre keeps them engaged.

“We play this music because it’s fun,” explains Joel. “Its fun for us, it’s fun for the people listening, it’s just always a good time.“

But it isn’t all fun and games for this talented family.

US Hwy 12 West Aberdeen SD 57401 605.225.8400

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“There are a lot more Celtic-centered events in the Midwest,” Joel explained. They ultimately have their sights on the Irish Fair of Minnesota, the largest free Irish fair in the nation that’s held annually on Harriet Island, across the river from the cities.

In between gigs, Patriarch

“We’re also really serious about what we do,” Joel says. “It’s a very important outlet for us. And by taking it seriously, we try to make everybody have a really good time, stomping and swinging their mugs.”

If you’re looking for an earthy, musical taste of Ireland, look no further than a local venue for this Aberdeen original. Be sure to bring your mug of mead and your stompin’ shoes, because you can’t listen to this homegrown band sitting down. //

A mug-swinging, feet-stomping good time with the Burckhard family

Pete, Joel, Alexis and Jeremy Burckhard perform as TheLongNines on Main Street. Photo courtesy of Facebook.

“WE PLAY THIS MUSIC BECAUSE IT’S FUN”

The 10 Best Films of 2014

Film Guy tells you what’s worth

BY BRENT BRANDT

LOOKING

BACK ON LAST YEAR’S

FILMS to pick my favorites, I’m reminded of how many really excellent movies were released. While there were movies that disappointed – Interstellar, Foxcatcher, Amazing Spiderman 2, Expendables 3 and the remake of Robocop were all difficult to sit through – there were just as many stand-out films. Some thrilled and wowed me; others moved me and made me think. There were performances that absolutely blew me away and others that made me laugh until I cried. Here, I give you my personal favorite top-10 movies of 2014. Maybe you caught some of them in the theater; if not, look for them now on DVD or online streaming. After you’ve seen them, feel free to let me know what you think. //

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BLUE RUIN

This film is a hidden gem. It’s a tale of murder and revenge leading to even more revenge and murder. An independent film with no big stars, nothing stops Blue Ruin from being a thrill ride of a great story, ripe with outstanding performances and creative camera work.

NIGHTCRAWLER

This was totally worth the price just to see the startling performance of Jake Gyllenhaal, who plays Leo Bloom, an amateur opportunist who grabs a video camera and captures the bloodiest crimes in LA and then sells the footage to hungry news stations.

THE LEGO MOVIE

Everything is Awesome! What a surprise this film was. The Lego Movie was funny, sweet, bright and refreshing. This story of an ordinary Lego construction worker who helps save the world will please viewers of all ages will enjoy watching it.

EDGE OF TOMORROW

Appropriately renamed Live. Die. Repeat. for the DVD release, this is an epic version of Groundhog Day that is worth seeing multiple times. It’s that fun, smart, and cool. Welcome back, Mr. Tom Cruise.

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SNOWPIERCER

This is a futuristic tale of a now-frozen Earth and its survivors who are forced to live on a class-segregated train that’s endlessly circling the globe. The rich live in the front cars, led by Tilda Swinton, while Chris Evans leads the revolt of the poor in the back.

GONE GIRL Director David Fincher is one of my favorites and he doesn’t disappoint with this story of a man dealing with his wife’s disappearance and the media circus surrounding it. Tense, smart and severely twisted, you'll be glued to your seat until the very end.

WHIPLASH

JK Simmons and Miles Teller are both outstanding in this story of a talented drummer and cutthroat teacher at a music school. It’s like a 2-hour roller coaster ride, with jazz music. It will leave you breathless and exhilarated.

1

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY

The best Marvel movie ever made, from one of their least-read titles, Guardians is an exciting, funny, smart and supercool movie. I had the pleasure of seeing it in IMAX and was blown away. It’s how all summer blockbuster movies should be!

watching 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2

BIRDMAN

Michael Keaton is back in full-force in this tale of a washed-up former actor trying to make it on Broadway, while being haunted by his past as a star in a superhero franchise. Shot to make it look like one long, extended take, it’s thrilling filmmaking with an outstanding cast.

BOYHOOD

I connected with this film on a very personal level. Filmed over 12 years using the same actors, we watch a family grow through life right before our eyes. We end with Mason (Ellar Coltrane) going off to school just as my son, Nick, was off on his own college adventure. Director Richard Linklater's huge gamble definitely paid off.

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Grunting Bison, Middle School Students and Other Experiences with the Wild

A discussion with local artist and teacher, Ross

TALL, CLEAN CUT, NEATLY DRESSED, and built like a west river ranch hand, Ross Hettinger does not fit the stereotype that many people have for an artist. According to Ross, people sometimes respond to his artwork in disbelief: YOU did that?

“Apparently I don’t look or act like an artist, ” Ross joked. He may not dress like a Greenwich Village Bohemian, but he has the mind of an artist, with the work ethic of a South Dakotan and, most importantly, a heart with a strong desire to create.

Ross grew up on ranches near Fort Pierre and later near Highmore, SD. Much of his free time was devoted to helping with chores or exploring the hills and creeks surrounding his childhood home. Ross frequently brought home buckets filled with rocks, bones, fossils and antlers for further study. From those experiences came his first drawings of animals and landscapes, and helped

Hettinger

BY JACOB BOSMOE

him to develop a deep love and respect for the natural world. His artistic creations reflect his love of the wild with landscapes and wildlife subjects dominating his work.

Lifelike ceramic fish are the main focus of Ross’s work at the moment, an interest nurtured in childhood by a great uncle. “He would pick me up from school while my mother was working and we’d go from the school directly to the river or a stock dam and fish until near nightfall,” Ross explained. “It was during these quiet and slow moving times that I could develop my observational skills. I would study the rocks, leaves, grasses, and, of course, the fish.”

The observational skills that Ross developed during those slow moving times are something that he finds to be of the utmost importance. “Being an artist has less to do with your ability

to draw or paint,” said Ross, “and more to do with observing the artistic things happening all around you, and then translating those things into a visual form for everyone else to enjoy and see from your point of view.”

An experience that has served as inspiration for Ross started when he was hiking alone in the Badlands. He sat down on a rock to rest when he heard a grunt over his shoulder and turned to find a lounging bull bison not 35-yards from where he sat.

“The bull seemed less concerned with our proximity than I did,” remembers Ross. “But I still calmly vacated his space. I had gone hiking to find some bison and photograph them – from a distance. I didn’t get a shot of that old bull, but his image is burned into my brain. I’ve created a painting, drawing, and sculpture of him since.”

Art isn’t Ross’s only passion. He also has a passion for teaching, and is an art instructor at Simmons Middle School, where he facilitates the process of art exploration and creation for students.

“As a teacher, I love the process a student goes through,” Ross explained. “From seeing the example I’ve made and thinking it’s impossible to completing the project, I’m so proud of what they’ve done.”

The irony is that when Ross was in school, he didn’t have the opportunity to take art classes until high school, when he had a passionate teacher who recognized and cultivated his talent. The artist-teacher now passes on this important experience to his own students.

One simply never knows what uncultivated, creative talent may come walking into a classroom, so it’s best to teach with eyes and mind wide open. Thankfully, Aberdeen has receptive, gifted teachers who understand this and are eager to serve their students. And multitalented, local artist Ross Hettinger can be counted among them. //

Ross Hettinger displays one of his creations in his classroom at Simmons Middle School.

LOCAL GALLERIES

The Upstairs Gallery

Mugs the Coffee House

1124 South Washington Street

605-262-2060

Mon-Thurs 7a.m.-5p.m., Fri 7a.m.-3p.m., and Sat 8a.m.-2p.m.

Wein Gallery

Presentation College

1500 North Main Street

605-229-8350

Mon-Thurs 8a.m.-9p.m., Fri 8a.m.-5p.m., and Sun 1-9p.m.

President’s Gallery, Lincoln Gallery and Student Center Gallery

Northern State University

1200 South Jay Street

605-626-7766

President’s Gallery: Mon-Fri 8a.m.-10p.m., Lincoln Gallery: Mon-Fri 8a.m.-5p.m., Student Center: Mon-Fri 7a.m.-11p.m. and weekends 1-9p.m.

Lamont Gallery

Dacotah Prairie Museum

21 South Main Street 605-626-7117

Tues-Fri 9a.m.-5p.m., Sat and Sun 1-4p.m.

Artworks Coop Gallery

Lakewood Mall

3315 6th Ave SE Suite #48 605-725-0913

Thurs-Sun 12-6p.m. 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 9a.m.-8p.m., Fri 9a.m.-5p.m. and Sat 10a.m.-12p.m.

Red Rooster Coffee House Gallery

202 South Main Street

605-225-6603

Mon-Thurs 7a.m.-9p.m., Fri 7a.m.-11p.m. and Sat 8a.m.-11p.m.

Aberdeen Originals

9 2nd Avenue Southeast jacob.bosmoe@gmail.com

Thurs-Fri 1-6p.m. and Sat 10a.m.-3p.m.

BUILT ON A HISTORY OF EXCEPTIONAL WORK

3011 8th Avenue NE #201 | Aberdeen 605.725.0050 | www.jdhconstruction.biz

Ross Hettinger’s ceramic fish are available for purchase at Aberdeen Originals, 9 2nd Ave SE, in downtown Aberdeen every Saturday from 10-3.

JDH Construction Inc. is 100% locally owned and operated. We specialize in all commercial construction, from the very large to the very small and we take pride in exceeding expectations.

PHOTOS TROY MCQUILLEN

Space to Think Between the Pages

A Local Combat Veteran Reviews Redeployment,

by Phil Klay

BY STEVEN MCANANY

THIS IS A DIFFERENT TYPE OF BOOK about America’s wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. While Redeployment is a work of fiction, there are no larger-than-life characters, no heroic sacrifices or amazing feats of bravery. Not to diminish the courageous acts performed by the Navy SEALS in the popular books/movies of American Sniper, Lone Survivor, and Zero Dark Thirty, but this is not their book.

Redeployment is written for the everyman of the American military – that friend from high school who enlisted right after graduation, your coworker’s nephew who joined the National Guard, that guy in your lab group in college who went away to Officer Candidate School between junior and senior year. These are their stories, their emotions, their experiences.

Each story is experientially informed and has the honesty and teeth of non-fiction. The author, Phil Klay, is a veteran U.S. Marine Corps Officer who deployed to Iraq for more than a year in the Anbar Province. His collection of stories seeks to critically engage the reader with America’s war and the veterans returning, rather than allowing civilians to keep a safe distance and get lost in cultural media garbage that exists about war. Klay tells the truth in subtle, honest and impactful ways that let the veteran off-the-hook for responding to the cliché statement, “I can’t imagine what you’ve been through.” Redeployment answers that, and goes one step further.

The title, Redeployment, is fitting, because the stories revolve around coming home and the ironic second deployment from what has become the norm – conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan – to what is now strange and

distant – home. Each story reveals the range of veterans’ emotions, from upon immediately returning home, to the struggles faced a few months after leaving the service. As a combat veteran myself, there were aspects of each and every story with which I identified, and that’s what makes this book such an important read. Klay got it right.

MONEY AS A WEAPONS SYSTEM

A Foreign Service Officer faces difficulties leading a Provincial Reconstruction Team. They have money to develop local industries and agriculture, but no one is sure what they’re doing or the best way to

but someone on our side of the war could point to it and say, “Look at what we did.” It was difficult to derive mission and meaning in such an environment.

UNLESS IT’S A SUCKING CHEST WOUND

do it. Their task is further complicated by their ignorance of the cultural terrain of the tribes in the area.

On each of my deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, I witnessed projects that, while expensive and ambitious, seemed to have little actual affect on the local population and existed to make us feel good. They were expensive albatrosses that the Iraqis and Afghans never asked for or needed,

A former U.S. Marine Officer adjusts to his return to civilian life at law school. He struggles with his identity shift from I am a Marine Officer to I am a Civilian, from a team player in the U.S. military to a singular civilian student who must deal with the public’s negative stereotypes towards combat veterans. He struggles to balance pride in Marine Corps accomplishments with the knowledge that they weren’t possible without participating in and witnessing the evil humankind will do to one another. This is a balance to which I can relate.

Read Redeployment. You’ll be glad you did. But realize it isn’t for the faint of heart. Instead, it’s visceral and honest, and written with an immediacy that demands the reader think, which is something there’s no space to do when you’re deployed. That’s for the redeployment. That’s for the return home. //

"REDEPLOYMENT IS WRITTEN FOR THE EVERYMAN OF THE AMERICAN MILITARY… THESE ARE THEIR STORIES, THEIR EMOTIONS, THEIR EXPERIENCES."

LOOKING FOR MORE POIGNANT READS LIKE REDEPLOYMENT?

New York Times Best Sellers

Combined Print & E-Book Nonfiction

From www.nytimes.com/best-sellers-books

Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Lauren Hillenbrand. (Random House.)

An Olympic runner’s story of survival as a prisoner of the Japanese in World War II.

American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History by Chris Kyle with Scott McEwen and Jim DeFelice. (Morrow/HarperCollins.)

A former member of the Navy SEALs discusses his battlefield experiences during the Iraq war. Kyle was shot to death in Texas in 2013.

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed. (Knopf.) A woman’s account of a life-changing 1,100-mile hike along the Pacific Crest Trail during the summer of 1995.

Killing Patton: The Strange Death of World War II’s Most Audacious General by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard. (Holt.) The host of “The O’Reilly Factor” recounts the strange death of Gen. George S. Patton in December 1945.

Yes Please by Amy Poehler. (Dey Street/Morrow.)

A humorous miscellany from the comedian and actress, the “SNL” alumna and star of “Parks and Recreation.”

Aberdeen’s Prime Steakhouse

Humble beginnings and crowning achievements define Mavericks

BY ANGELIA SCHULTZ

WHEN YOU THINK OF RIBEYE IN ABERDEEN, the first place that usually comes to mind is this Aberdeen original steakhouse. Founded in 1999 by Kraig and Danelle Schlaht, Mavericks Steak & Cocktails has proven that it is not only a leader in the local restaurant industry, but that its heartland cuisine is in great enough demand to warrant expansion across the state.

Debuting at a humble location on Sixth Avenue, Mavericks originally offered a very select two-page menu for no more than 125 guests at a time. It didn’t take long for the restaurant to outgrow its modest beginnings and relocate to a new facility across from the Lakewood Mall.

“We’ve really grown over the years,” says restaurateur, President Kraig Schlaht. “Today, we offer event food and beverage catering at the Dakota Event Center, we have a private party room, four dining areas, including the four-season patio, and a 10-page menu for more than 325 guests at a time.”

Growing up in rural Millette, Schlaht had followed in the family farming business, until one day, he felt something was missing.

“I realized that with all the great restaurants in Aberdeen, we were missing a good steakhouse,” Schlaht explained. “I wanted to start a restaurant with a family-friendly atmosphere where people of all ages could love us just the same. And today, we have that. Young kids and 90-year olds alike love coming to Mavericks.”

With the wide variety of homemade cuisine – aged, hand-cut Angus beef, soups, salads, dressings, sauces, and even the mashed potatoes – there is delicious home cooking for every member of the family.

The sense of family atmosphere doesn’t stop with the guests. It extends to the staff as well, which was one of Schlaht’s goals.

“This is a family-run atmosphere of business,” Schlaht stated. “We still have a lot of the original staff working here, and I’ve watched them grow up over the years, and now they’re managers. We have a close camaraderie, because having a family

culture here for everyone is very important to what Mavericks is as a restaurant and employer.”

That’s why your personal dining satisfaction is guaranteed when you dine at Mavericks. According to Schlaht, if you’re unhappy for any reason, they will fix it.

“Whether it’s fantastic service or the awesome food, we guarantee your happiness,” he said.

Perhaps it’s this attitude that has afforded Mavericks the success it needed to expand to a second location in Deadwood, which offers the same great menu as the Aberdeen locale.

So whether you’re dining here or in the Black Hills, if you’re looking for a crowning achievement of a steak or baby back ribs that fall off the bone, or anything at all on their menu, at Mavericks, you will never be disappointed. They guarantee it. //

Kraig Schlaht in Mavericks' Bar. Culinary achievements include the Ribeye Steak and Baby Back Ribs.

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March Madness Game Day Fowls

When it comes to home cooking for the games, Minerva’s chefs rule the roost with their DIY chicken recipes

BY ANGELIA SCHULTZ

If you will be watching the NCAA championships from home and are looking for a couple of inexpensive but delicious new recipes to incorporate into your game day traditions, look no further.

Minerva’s chefs Aaron Baker and Jay Hill have opened their recipe books to us, and have revealed two of their personal favorite do-it-yourself chicken appetizers

that people of all levels of cooking experience can prepare.

Up for the challenge of recreating these chef favorites, Troy McQuillen set about the task of preparing (and eating) each of them. We are pleased to tell you that he has officially labeled them Publisher Tested and Approved. And let’s face it – if our publisher can do it, anyone can!

SWEET AND SPICY BACON WRAPPED CHICKEN

By Executive Chef Aaron Baker

INGREDIENTS

4 chicken breast, boneless and skinless, cut into 12 equal pieces (the thicker the better; it helps to cut them so they’re sort of round) 12 partially cooked, but not crispy slices of very lean bacon

Salt to taste

Pepper to taste

Garlic powder to taste

Chili powder to taste

Brown sugar

(1/2 c or more, in a flat dish)

Toothpicks or cooking twine

DIRECTIONS

PREPARE chicken by cutting as above, and season with salt, pepper, garlic, and chili powder (season as little or as much as you’d like, to your personal preference).

WRAP each chicken piece with a slice of bacon, as you would beef tenderloin. Hold ends together with a toothpick, or tie it with cooking twine. They should be snug, as the chicken will shrink when cooking.

ROLL each wrapped piece through the brown sugar to coat. If the brown sugar doesn’t stick, try dampening the bacon with a bit of water.

COAT an oven safe baking dish with approx. 2 tbs olive oil, and transfer chicken into dish, evenly spreading out.

BAKE at 400° for 20-30 minutes until chicken is thoroughly cooked and bacon is crispy. You may flip chicken halfway through cooking time, or place them beneath the broiler for a VERY short time, to caramelize the sugar a bit. Warning: Do not overcook the chicken!

DRIZZLE juices left in the pan over your chicken; serve and enjoy.

Left to Right: Sous Chef Jay Hill and Executive Chef Aaron Baker

CHICKEN SATAY WITH THAI DIPPING SAUCE by Sous Chef Jay Hill

INGREDIENTS

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

6 boneless skinless chicken thighs (optional to use all chicken breast or thighs)

Romaine or Bibb lettuce leaves

Wood skewers

DIRECTIONS

This dish can be either grilled or broiled. If you grill, soak wood skewers for 2 hours and cut the chicken into ¼ inch strips and place on skewers. You can also place each piece on a wire rack in the broiler, and avoid the skewers. The boneless thighs work perfectly. Just unroll them and slice the long way, creating two pieces from each thigh. Or cut the breast meat in quarter inch thick strips.

MARINADE INGREDIENTS

1 pint plain greek yogurt

1 1/2 tbsp curry powder (preferably yellow curry) or 2 tsp curry paste

1 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

1 tsp lemongrass paste (or squeeze juice from ½ lemon)

2 tsp red pepper flakes

DIRECTIONS

COMBINE all ingredients and marinate the chicken for 4 hours, minimum, preferably overnight.

REMOVE chicken from marinade and place on wood skewers and grill

10 min. on high heat. For broiling, place rack about 4-6 inches from element and cook 5-8 min. each side. Just watch so that it doesn’t burn. Some singeing is good and simulates the grill. The marinade will keep the chicken tender throughout the cooking process. WARNING: Watch it closely; cooking time is very fast!

DIPPING SAUCE INGREDIENTS

¼ c fish sauce

2 tsp fresh squeezed lime juice (if possible) or bottled

1 tbsp fresh grated ginger

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp garlic

2 tbsp chopped green onions

¼ c brown sugar

1 diced jalapeno or thai chile (or 1 tbsp of red pepper flakes)

DIRECTIONS

COMBINE all marinade ingredients and let sit in refrigerator for an hour

For serving, PLACE a couple pieces of the satay on a large lettuce leaf (either bibb or romaine). Drizzle with dipping sauce and roll over like a burrito or taco, or just cut it and eat it. Whether using the skewer method or oven-rack method, let folks assemble their own servings. //

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Breathing easier Pulmonary rehab at Sanford Aberdeen

Breathing is something most people don’t have to think about. Air comes in and goes out with little conscious effort. But for those suffering from pulmonary issues like COPD or emphysema, every breath is a fight and a painful reminder of their limitations.

“I had a hard time even getting up a few stairs,” says Bob Hladky, a recent graduate from pulmonary rehab at Sanford Aberdeen. “I’ve got bad lungs and a bad heart, so it was a chore for me to do much of anything for very long.”

Getting help

Bob’s inability to do much physically started weighing on the mind of his family, especially his daughter.

“She was concerned,” remembers Bob. “She works at Sanford Aberdeen as a pediatric nurse practitioner and knew about the pulmonary rehab program there. She wanted me to give it a try and see if it would help.”

Bob signed up and was soon working out with Sanford Aberdeen’s pulmonary rehab team, which consists of a respiratory therapist, registered nurse and an exercise specialist doing simple exercises to build up his strength and lung capacity.

“We started small,” says Bob. “I used the hand pedal machine or did a little walking on the treadmill and just built up from there.”

A new confidence

Over the course of 15 visits, Bob gained strength while his lung condition improved thanks to his determination and the staff at Sanford Aberdeen.

“Everyone there is so pleasant to work with,” says Bob. “Britt was my respiratory therapist and she was so easy to get along with. She really pushed and encouraged me to keep going and that the results would be worth it. And they are.”

Before pulmonary rehab, Bob struggled to make it from the house to the car, but now Bob is able to keep up with not only his wife, but is able to enjoy a lot more quality time with his family.

“Before, I would have to find a place to sit down every so often if we went to the mall or something,” says Bob. “But now I can walk around for hours with my wife. I also have a grandson who plays sports. And now I can go to the games with no problem. I can walk up to the top of the bleachers without getting out of breath.”

Bob is keeping up with the exercises he learned at Sanford Aberdeen by riding a stationary bike or walking on a treadmill two to three times per week. He is also very thankful for the team that helped him achieve his goal.

“You really can’t say a bad thing about them,” says Bob. “They are a good, fun group to be around and I would definitely recommend the program to anyone else who is struggling like I was.”

To learn more about pulmonary rehab, call Sanford Aberdeen at (605) 626-4200.

“Britt was my respiratory therapist and she was so easy to get along with. She really pushed and encouraged me to keep going and that the results would be worth it. And they are.”

“Girls are wearing way too much eye makeup. Fake lashes and black stuff all around their eyes. It’s too much. And wearing leggings with short shirts shows off too much.”

“Women wear a lot of jeans when they go out. And t-shirts.”

“Women think that showing a lot of cleavage makes them look more feminine, but it doesn’t. They don’t need to show so much.”

BY ANGELIA SCHULTZ

“Women are wearing track suits and sweats everywhere. What ever happened to looking feminine?”

DO

Ladies, if you’re in a hurry, there are quick, easy, comfortable alternatives to throw on as you rush out the door without your UGGs. Try this feminine tie dress by Tribal Jeans, easy Nomad slip-on shoes, simply accessorized with a Treska necklace and a springy Vera Bradley tote bag. Available at Lily’s Floral Design & Gifts.

DO

Ladies, be ready for a night out like Teressa, in a Comfy USA cardigan, shirt, and cropped lace leggings, complete with a Look scarf, and Nomad shoes. Available at Lily’s Floral Design & Gifts.

DO

Rachel is elegantly feminine – and demure – for date night in a Karen Kane shirt, cardigan and skirt, accentuated by Passions shoes, a necklace by Euro, and a Vera Bradley purse. Available at Lily’s Floral Design & Gifts.

Aberdeen comes clean on the fashion faux pas of the opposite sex

We asked our followers on Facebook what they liked most and least about the fashion and beauty choices their counterparts are making in Aberdeen. Some of what they said may surprise you, while others you may find amusing. In this special fashion feature, our good-spirited models give you a fabulous visual spread as we have a little fun with the DON’Ts and then bring it all fashionably together with the DOs.

“What’s with the jeans and sneakers? And the cartoon t-shirts? Sneakers are for sports. Cartoons are for kids.”

“Even when they’re going out, guys are always walking around in wrinkled shirts and t-shirts. It’s like they pulled their clothes out of the dirty laundry and wore them again.”

SPECIAL THANKS to our lovely models, Ambrielle Schultz, Teressa Shipke, Rachel Hemke, Skyler Shearer, Jason Pettigrew, and Craig Green, for being good-spirited and fun in this special fashion feature.

DO

Fellas, you can still be casual, and with just a little more effort, the ladies will definitely appreciate your look. Skyler is confident and comfortable in this Puma Progressive hoody, Gordie Silver Jeans and Skechers USA shoes, all available at Herbergers.

DO

Gentlemen, hanger, hanger, hanger. Jason looks sharp and still casual for a night out with friends in a wrinkle-free Jockey Classics t-shirt, IZOD Blue radiance button-down, Levi Strauss 514 jeans, and Kenneth Cole Unlisted Productions loafers. Available at Herberger’s.

DO

Gentlemen, it’s okay to dress it up a notch for your lovely lady. Craig looks classy and natural in a Geoffrey Beene button-down, Michael Kors jacket, and Savane slacks, matched well with a belt by John Bartlett Statements and Franchise Dockers slip-on loafers. Available at Herberger’s.

“Putting on a pair of jeans and a polo isn’t getting dressed up for a date.”

“No socks with sandals, ever. It doesn’t matter who you are.”

PHOTOS TROY MCQUILLEN

THE BGC ABERDEEN BY THE NUMBERS

Winefest Renaissance Returns to Aberdeen

Sophisticated annual event benefits Boys & Girls Club

BY PAUL AUFENKAMP & STACEY BEBO

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED to what is becoming one of Aberdeen’s most popular events of the year – Winefest Renaissance 2015. This artful wine and culinary event is hosted by the Boys & Girls Club of Aberdeen Area, taking place at the Ward Plaza Downtown Event Center. The event will be held Saturday, March 28, 2015 from 6:30 – 10 pm.

The Winefest Renaissance, in its 3rd year, offers a chance to sample more than 150 wines from across the country, a great selection of beers and spirits, and a variety of delicious cheeses and hors d’oeuvres. The evening’s silent and live auction features many distinctive pack-

ages; bidding is an exciting way to continue to support the Boys and Girls Club of Aberdeen Area well into the evening.

A VIP Tasting event is available from 5:30 – 6:30 pm with 90-point and above wines, high-grade scotch and bourbon (tickets sold separately and very limited). Music, Grand Tasting, pairings, shopping and meet-theartist sessions start at 6:30 pm.

All proceeds from this event will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Aberdeen Area, which serves over 930 current members year round. The mission for the Club is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring,

responsible citizens. We achieve this goal through our five main core programming areas: Character & Leadership Development, Education & Career Development, Health & Life skills, The Arts, and Sports, Fitness, & Recreation.

The funds raised at the Winefest Renaissance event have allowed us to significantly expand our ability to serve the community by providing a safe and enriching environment to more youth. We have expanded our programming opportunity, picked more youth up from school; transported them safely to the Club during the school year, and offered more activities and programming throughout the summer.

Tickets are currently on sale. $65 per ticket, or $100 for 2 through March 15 (a $30 savings). Only 300 tickets are available. Buy tickets/ make reservations by calling the Boys and Girls Club of Aberdeen Area at 605-225-8714 or visit the club at 1111 1st Ave SE. Additional information available on our website. Must be 21 years or older to attend this event. //

Club Membership is currently at 938 members, up 10% this year and 190% in the last 3-years

Average daily attendance is 201 during this last school semester (11% increase this year and 151% increase in last 3 years) and 248 during the summer (22% increase this summer and 182% in the last 3 years).

After School Transportation program provides supervised transportation from Aberdeen's elementary and middle schools to the Club after school. We have scheduled the pickup of up to 210 members, a 14% increase this year and 163% increase in the last 3 years.

Auction items featuring the artwork of Nick and Nicole Fischer, on display at the 2014 Winefest Renaissance. Photo courtesy of the Boys & Girls Club of Aberdeen Area.

Black & White Ball

PRESENTATION COLLEGE hosted their annual Black & White Ball on Saturday, February 28, at the Ramkota Convention Center. The elegant event is a major fundraiser for PC students’ scholarship funds, and this year it was predicted to raise more than $20K and surpass last year’s successful event. The theme was “Shades of Green,” in honor of PC’s Irish heritage and the Sister’s foundress, Nano Nagle, a native of Cork, Ireland. With more than 300 attendees, the most to date, gathered to enjoy the live entertainment, great food and a wide variety of auction items for a worthy cause, this event was one not to miss. Visit aberdeenmag.com for a few fun pics from this year’s event. //

One Lump or Two?

Downton Abbey Fans Treated to High Tea

TO HYPE UP THE PREMIER of the 5th season of the widely popular Downton Abbey TV series on PBS, South Dakota Public Broadcasting’s Friends organization held simultaneous events in eight cities across South Dakota on January 3. This was part of a nationwide event promoted as the Big Sip. Aberdeen hosted nearly 60 fans at the Ward Plaza and treated them to tea, sandwiches, petit fours, scones, and the main attraction, a screening of the first episode of Season 5, a day before it aired. Many came in period costumes and enjoyed the Englandstyle Tea. The event was organized by an ad hoc group of volunteers, SDPB board members and SDBP Friends staffer, Ryan Howlett. //

South Dakota Public Broadcasting Friends’ Ryan Howlett poses with the Season 5 poster of Downton Abbey at the Ward Plaza.

Mary B’s catering provided finger sandwiches, petit fours, while the planning committee provided scones, plate stands and fine china for each place setting.

Billie Lewellen appeared as Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham

Teresa Gauer, Symmone Gauer and Faith Crissman.

Jesse and Jamie Milbrandt, Kris Wollman, and Janis Heier

2014 PC Black & White Ball attendees at the Ramkota Convention Center. Photo courtesy of Presentation College Media Relations

An Evening with Molly Ringwald

Iconic 80s actress descends upon the Hub City

You may be accustomed to only hearing about the South Dakota Film Festival in the fall, but this January, organizers decided to shake it up. Local film experts and festival producers, Tom Black and Brent Brandt, hosted a different type of event, welcoming actress-musician Molly Ringwald to Aberdeen.

Efforts had previously been in the works to have Ms. Ringwald attend the 2014 SDFF in September. Projecting a sold-out attendance for a Molly-centric event, festival producers decided to forego her inclusion in the festival. Instead, they created a special event just for her.

“We wanted to host this event because, when you think of iconic actresses, you can’t talk about the 1980s without talking about Molly Ringwald,” explained festival producer Brent Brandt. “The Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles, Pretty in Pink – these are now considered classics to people who love 80s movies, and they have the common thread of one strong actress. So we wanted to bring her to Aberdeen.”

And they packed the house.

On January 31, 2015, a sold-out event welcomed 450-attendees who watched The Breakfast Club on the big screen at the Capitol Theatre. In addition, they were able to bid on autographed memorabilia and attend a Q&A with Ms. Ringwald regarding her life and career. Later, attendees could purchase an autographed CD of her recent jazz album, and event sponsors were treated to a post-event photo session with the actress-musician.

While in town, Ms. Ringwald and her husband, Panio Gianopoulos, ventured out to Minerva’s, and true-to-form, hospitable Aberdeen folks sitting beside the lovely couple graciously treated them to dinner. It was an exciting night in the Hub City.

All proceeds from the event and auction help support ongoing restoration and renovations of Aberdeen Community Theatre. //

JC Penney Exits Aberdeen

The man behind the franchise left an architectural mark on our downtown

BY TROY MCQUILLEN

OH, WOE ARE WE.

A few issues back, we reported Klein’s Hobby and Crafts was closing; now JC Penney is closing. We’re not a fan of any store closing, especially one that’s been first a fixture of Aberdeen’s downtown for decades and then an anchor at the mall. Oh well; perhaps Aberdeen is in store for something different to replace the mall anchor. And everybody likes new things.

J.C. Penney, the man named James Cash Penney, opened his first store in Kemmerer, WY in 1902. It was called the Golden Rule Store, and it differed from most stores in its time in that Penney actually put specific prices on products rather than encouraging cutthroat haggling for every purchase, which was the norm at the time. He favored small towns rather than metropolises, because he felt he understood small town folk and could therefore better provide for their retail needs.

Aberdeen’s first JC Penney store opened in 1924 at 419 S. Main Street. Within a year, it built a new building on the corner of Third and Main, and then later moved over to the north “tower” of the Sherman Hotel, before once again moving into another brand new building in 1951, at 401 S. Main, where it would remain for nearly four decades.

Many do not realize that the 1951 location was built as a stand-alone building, because just one short year later, an addition was built onto it and FW Woolworth moved right in. Both the buildings built for the stores (at 301 and 401) were excellent examples of modern architecture at the time. Fortunately we still have both buildings, occupied by long-standing, successful businesses. The building that housed JC Penney and Woolworth was known as the Midwest Capitol Building and its second floor was home to all sorts of businesses. Today RhodesAnderson Insurance, Kathleen’s and Dacotah Bank Holdings are the main tenants.

Sources: American News, October 17, 1951, Images ofAmerica, Aberdeen, Arcadia Publishing, by Troy McQuillen

This prime JC Penney location was built in a style reminiscent of the streamline-modern style popular in the 1930s and 40s, and was designed by St. Paul architect Kenneth M. Fullerton, who also designed the Capitol Building in 1925. The building received a facelift in the 1970s, apparently to

modernize and reduce the number of picture windows. JC Penney left downtown for good in 1990 when it relocated to the Lakewood Mall. Aberdeen has appreciated this retail fixture of the community for many years. So long JC Penney – you’ll always be welcomed back! //

Second location built at the corner of Third and Main (301) in 1925. This later became Feinstein’s and is now Revive Day Spa.

Taken in 1960, this shows JC Penney at its 401 S. Main location built in 1951.

Aberdeen’s Radical Priest

Humanity’s friend brings Swiss democracy to the U.S.

BY DR. BRAD TENNANT

IN THE 1898 GENERAL ELECTION, the people of the young state of South Dakota voted on whether or not the initiative and referendum would become a part of the state’s legislative process. The vote passed, making South Dakota the first state in the Union to adopt the initiative and referendum. What many people may not know is that an Aberdeen Catholic priest played an instrumental role in this process.

Father Robert W. Haire, who served the Aberdeen region, was one of the most assertive supporters of direct democracy at a time when powerful stakeholders were taking advantage of rural Americans and laborers. He had previously studied Swiss direct democracy in Switzerland, which aided him while he became familiar with the daunting political and economic atmosphere challenging Dakota farmers in the 1880s.

Local farmers’ concerns included monopolized markets, poor credit allowances, high interest rates, fixed prices for farm machinery, and a tax system that drained their income. Recognizing the initiative and referendum as potential remedies, Haire became a critical connection between Swiss traditions and the emerging political culture of the Dakotas.

Haire pointed out, “Switzerland is somewhat ahead of this state and nation in the exercise of liberty.” “The only remedy,” he said, “is to put legislation in the hands of the people.... But if the people are not capable of enacting their own laws, democracy is a failure.”

Haire’s original proposal was for a strong form of direct democracy in which each organized county would elect a representative who would draft bills as requested by his constituents. When more than 25 percent of

all state counties demanded the same bill, a pamphlet explaining the proposed legislation would be distributed statewide to voters, who would then decide the issue at the next general election. Although his original proposal differed from the final adopted reforms, Haire’s opinions profoundly influenced the debate.

Although his political radicalism often overshadows his life, it is important to recall that Haire advocated for many noteworthy causes, including labor reform, women’s suffrage, prohibition, and the Presentation Sisters (PBVM) coming to Dakota Territory. He served notably on the South Dakota Board of Regents, and advocated for a higher learning institution in Aberdeen. This resulted in Northern State University, where a 1924 monument still recognizes Haire’s legacy as “Humanity’s Friend.” //

Fr. Robert Haire. Photo courtesy of Dr. Brad Tennant.

The Fr. Robert Haire Memorial on the campus of NSU. Photo courtesy of Dr. Brad Tennant.

Your Online Presence

Low-cost, high-impact ways to grow your business

BY JOSH LATTERELL

he Internet has been around for a while now, yet online marketing is still something of a mystery for many business owners. For those with limited resources who are considering creating and executing a successful online strategy, the myriad of options can be intimidating. However, when you make the leap into online marketing, you can see significant return on investment using the right mix of tools and a sound strategy designed to grow your business.

Helping Customers Find You

The first step in any marketing strategy is to have a good web presence. In order for potential customers to find you online, you have to be online and have a good website.

Website

A modern, well-designed website is one of the most important tools a business can use, because it works for you 24/7. For today’s connected customer, your website is your showroom, billboard, and brochure allin-one. If it looks outdated or confusing, visitors are less likely to trust you with their business, and will go elsewhere instead. Make sure your website is up-to-date with relevant content, and is mobile friendly and built by someone who understands both your customers and your business.

SEO and Online Visibility

If a customer is looking for what you have to offer, she won’t open the phone book, she’ll search online. Making sure you are easy to find is what Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and online visibility are all about.

SEO involves having good titles, descriptions, and text on your site that match what your customers are looking for. It’s also important to make sure search engines can easily index your site. If you’re not sure whether this is true for your site, find a professional who can help.

To make your business more visible online, claim and manage your business profile on the major search engines. Google and others automatically collect information about local businesses, and display it alongside search results. Claiming

your profile allows you to edit critical business details and ensure it’s linked to your website. There are online companies that can do this for you, but they typically charge a monthly fee, and the information can go away if you cancel the service. It’s usually best to either take the time to do it yourself, or hire someone who understands your business and clients, and can properly set up profiles for a onetime fee.

Finding Customers

An effective online marketing strategy moves potential customers from awareness to engagement to sales to advocacy. For this to be effective, you must target the right customer.

Targeting

Before beginning an online marketing campaign, you must first identify and understand your ideal customer. Take some time to think about the customers you currently have, and then describe the type of person who is right for your product or service. This will help you plan to whom you will advertise. When you are ready to execute your strategy, online marketing platforms like Facebook and Google make it easy to identify the customer you’re looking for.

Awareness

People need to know you exist, but also why you exist. Paid ads or promoted posts on Facebook can be an inexpensive, effective way to do this. Space and attention is limited, however, so you want to maximize the impact your ad will have.

Engagement

When you advertise, give customers a reason to respond by using a “lead magnet.” This could be valuable information, or free offers, coupons, or giveaways in exchange for their Facebook “like” or email signup. Once customers are engaged with you, it’s time to build that relationship through social media and email. Keep in contact with them by providing new information and useful offers at a regular but not annoying pace. Once or twice a week is

plenty. This will help you build trust with potential customers and position you as an expert in your industry.

Sales

Using the above approach and building online relationships can be much more effective than the hard sell. Some of your followers will become your customers, and it’s important to track those results with website and Facebook analytics, which are key for online sales. Also, if a customer calls or purchases from a physical location, employees should be trained to ask and track how customers heard about you. Printable coupons can measure the effectiveness of an offer or ad campaign.

Advocacy

Turning your customers into advocates involves asking for a review. Reach out to your customers and ask them to rate your business or product on Yelp, Google, Facebook, or Amazon. Some customers may even have blogs, and may feature your product on their site. Take the time to get feedback, and see how much it can impact your business.

Many local companies are already using effective online strategies to engage with customers and boost their business. For example, Twist Cone uses Facebook extensively to let customers know about new flavors and promotions, and to share employee stories. As a result, they have one of the most popular Facebook pages in Aberdeen, with over 9,000 likes.

Also, Native American Tea Company has recently re-launched their online store. They use a combination of paid ads on Google and Facebook, and continually market to their ever-growing list of email subscribers. Since supporting their new site with an effective marketing strategy, online sales have grown significantly.

There are many great high-impact, lowcost tools available to accomplish your online marketing goals. No matter what type of industry you are in, your business’s bottom line can benefit from a smart, strategic approach to finding and being found by customers online. //

PEOPLE NEED TO KNOW YOU EXIST, BUT ALSO WHY YOU EXIST.

Visit

Video Gaming in the 20th and 21st Centuries

An historical examination of a timeless social pastime

obody is truly sure when the first video game was released because it's hard to define exactly what constitutes a video game. From a computer Chess game only capable of a mere two moves in 1947 to Galaxy Game in 1971, there were nearly a dozen additional titles that could arguably be considered video games. But it wasn't until Computer Space (1971) and Pong (1972) that coin-operated arcade games became a part of popular culture.

From Pac-Man to Pokémon, video games have grown and evolved with advancing technology, spreading across a variety of platforms beyond the classic Arcade Style Game, including home consoles, computers, phones, tablets, and hand-held gaming devices. In short, if it has a screen, there's a good chance you can game with it.

Gaming as Brain-Exercise

Although video games have been around for nearly 50-years, they caught fire in the more recent 1980's. Since then, there have been several scientific, peer-reviewed studies concerning the effects of video games on those who frequently play, and some have revealed numerous positive benefits. According to research results from Germany’s Max-PlanckGesellschaft Institute, regularly playing video games can increase gray matter in brain areas controlling memory, strategic planning, fine motor skills and spatial navigation. As a result, Aging experts suggest specific video games be utilized to stimulate the elderly’s memory, as brain-exercise.

BY EZEKIEL RICHTER

A Bonding Experience

Perhaps the greatest benefit of video games is the shared bonding experience for family and friends. Historically, video game arcades have been a great place for birthday parties and afterschool hang-outs. As the popularity of arcades dwindled, home consoles began providing an alternative outlet for social gaming, using technology to enhance multi-player game-play. Today, all major gaming platforms utilize motion-recognition technology; Wii Sports for the Nintendo Wii allows users to swing pretend golf clubs, invisible tennis racquets, and imaginary swords inside the house without the fear of breaking a window.

Endless Future Possibilities

With technology advancing at such a rapid rate, it's difficult

to foresee the future of video games. Today, game developers' efforts move in a variety of directions. While some have nostalgic appeal by creating simplistic retro-looking games with a new twist, others tap into the continuing advancement of technology.

A BRIEF

TIMELINE OF ARCADES IN ABERDEEN

FEBRUARY 1982

Bump and Tilt opens with rows of Arcadestyle Video Games, Pool Tables and Bumper Cars

APRIL 1996

SkateAway opens, featuring a variety of Arcade games.

1999

Alladin's Castle opens in conjunction with the Lakewood Mall.

SUMMER 2007

ArcadeAway opens in the Lakewood Mall.

DECEMBER 2013

Retrocade, 1980's style Arcade, opens in downtown Aberdeen.

Playing video games is an intergenerational activity, and positive bonding time. Pictured left to right: Dave McQuillen and Samuel Schultz battle as a team on Xbox360’s LegoBatman, rated E for Everyone. PHOTO TROY MCQUILLEN

TODD FORKEL Meeting People Where They’re At

BY ANGELIA SCHULTZ

If we must use one word to describe the life, heart and work of Todd Forkel, passionate comes to mind. The young President and CEO of Avera St. Luke’s Hospital is brimming with passion for faith-based healthcare, and recently he told us why.

“ When it comes to healthcare, I want to bring in an aspect of faith or a higher power,” explains the Aberdeen native, husband and father of three. “I’ve made that my life goal, and I’ve seen that materialize in the caregiving here. Our faith-based health care is vibrant in this area, and in this country, and it has profound positive effects on those we care for. I’m honored to be a part of an institution that contributes to that.”

Mr. Forkel himself was born at St. Luke’s Hospital, forming a life-long bond with the mission of the Presentation Sisters. After graduating from Central High School, Forkel would later attend Presentation College, where he would study radiology. But first, he felt the need to serve his country.

“I have a heart that wants to serve, but I needed confidence and focus. The military gave me that,” Forkel said of his decision to enlist in the U.S. Air Force after high school. “It was one of the best decisions I’ve made, and I would greatly encourage anyone to do so. It builds strong leaders who continue to give back to their country long after their military commitment. I cannot tell you how great my appreciation is for those who sacrifice for their country.”

After his military station in California, the Aberdonian returned home and attended Presentation College using the GI Bill, which began his career in healthcare and in marriage.

“I met my wife while attending Presentation College,” Forkel smiles, reminiscing. “And the Presentation Sisters gave me my education and my first job. I’m blessed.”

He would go on to get a degree from Northern State University as well, and ultimately would earn an MBA from the University of Mary. Following his education, he became the head of Radiology at his birth hospital, and even served Aberdeen as a city commissioner from 20022003, before leaving his hometown for positions with Mayo Clinic and Ascentia Health. But his heart was always with home.

“ When the position opened up here for President, I felt guided to apply,” explains Forkel of his decision. “I contemplated it for a couple of days and decided that it was time for a homecoming. And if it all ended today, it’s been an honor to work for Avera. I’m truly humbled.”

Mr. Forkel’s expressed pride in working for the largest employer in South Dakota also extended to his pride in his hometown.

“I’m excited about where I’m from,” Forkel said. “I’m proud to be from Aberdeen.”

But he also thinks we can improve, and make our town even better than it is today.

He explained, “I want us to keep working to make it better. You never want to think that you’re there. You always want to strive to be better. Even though we’ve grown, we should never be satisfied.”

Though we may expect great things from Todd Forkel, it seems he is also expecting great things from Aberdeen. //

I’m excited about where I’m from. I’m proud to be from Aberdeen.

PHOTO TROY MCQUILLEN

Todd Forkel, in his office at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital.

MAKING HOME DÉCOR LOOK EASY

And saving a few marriages along the way…

BY TROY MCQUILLEN

Why Kelsie Loves Designing

We’ve all been there. When taking on a home decorating project, or maybe even a new home construction or remodel, there tends to be “disagreement” between spouses about, well, everything. When it comes to finishing and furnishing, the options are too vast for most do-it-yourself couples, making it nearly impossible for them to agree on anything. That’s why interior designers exist. They swoop in and interpret your dream and turn your vision into a beautifully designed space that the whole family can enjoy.

A berdeen has several avenues from which to select interior design needs. Many stores that sell products for your home also have consultants

that will work with you to help mediate conflict, or to just help design a beautiful kitchen or other living space. It may sound simple to run out to Menards and pick out some tile, but it’s important to remember that their inventory represents only about 1% of all available tile on the market. An experienced interior designer knows where to shop for maximum coolness, budget restrictions and timely availability.

There are not, however, a lot of interior designers in Aberdeen who are professionally trained in the craft of interior design. Kelsie Ehresmann, from Finishing Touch Design Studio, is one of Aberdeen’s select few experts in the industry, so we asked her to give us a tour of a project she recently

completed for a home situated on the banks of Elm Lake.

While Kelsie wasn’t tasked with designing all the living spaces for the lakeside home, she was responsible for the grand undertaking of providing custom window treatments for the entire structure, while also designing the master bathroom's décor and working out a tile solution for the kitchen backsplash.

We asked her how it all came about, and she walked us through her meticulous process, step-by-step. Here’s how she does it.

Once you’ve decided that you want to finish or refinish aspects of your home, it’s best that the first step you take is to meet with an interior designer who can help determine your

“The best thing for me as a designer is making that idea in someone’s head become a reality. However, what’s most rewarding for me is presenting design solutions that the client hadn’t even conceived of that they absolutely love. That’s exciting to me. Every project I work on is truly unique and one of a kind. I never do the same thing twice, so when you work with me you definitely get an original design. My favorite things to design: well, tile! I LOVE designing unique backsplashes and custom walk-in showers. The possibilities are limitless! I always pay close attention to detail and never settle for anything but the best for my clients! I also really enjoy doing custom window treatments. Like tile, window treatments are that last detail to the home that make a world of difference and its something that can really bring out the homeowners personality.”

Kelsie Ehresmann, interior designer at Finishing Touch Design Studio was most proud of her tile wall accent wall design solution, which had to integrate an off-centered window.

mutual likes and dislikes. That’s where Kelsie comes in – she will be there from the start to help you isolate your goals for each room. She prefers a quiet space to meet so everyone involved can really concentrate on the project.

A s a professional interior designer, Kelsie will then offer you solutions to perceived problem-areas in your home, and she will help visualize ideas that you may be considering. It’s common for homeowners to have several ideas about what they’d like to see, so Kelsie goes to great lengths to actually visualize those ideas of yours to turn them into reality. And she is more than happy to assist and get her hands dirty in the process.

O nce you’ve all conceptualized the interior changes you’d like to see, Kelsie takes actual pencil to paper and sketches out to scale her design solutions, coloring them by hand. Next, she meets with you again to review the sketches and look at samples, swatches, paint colors, etc. Once you approve, she orders the selected products and schedules installation.

“Lots of my clients watch the home improvement shows on TV,” Kelsie states, “but I have to remind them that it’s television, and interior design is a process that takes time to do right. And that’s why people should hire designers – we’ll manage the project from start to finish, so you don’t have to worry about the details or fight about it. We even concern ourselves with specific details about thinset, subfloor, and grout composition.”

W hich brings us back to the newly redesigned home on Elm Lake. Joel and Cay Durheim told Kelsie that they loved the look of natural stone and would like it incorporated. That was very helpful to the designer in narrowing down and directing her design decisions. The neutral tones in natural stone works well with so many other colors and textures found around the home, which Kelsie was able to accentuate to create beautiful spaces for the couple.

We asked Joel and Cay if they’d take Aberdeen Magazine on a tour of their impressive, newly designed areas, and they graciously said yes. //

Master Bathroom

The vanity needed to be highly utilitarian, but still be stylish. The dark wood helps the wall tile stand out, and adds great contrast with the counter top.

The tub area posed a challenge in that the window was not centered in the wall (opposite page). The homeowner wanted the tub area to be the feature of the bathroom, so Kelsie designed a tile treatment that covered the entire wall up to the ceiling. The pattern and tile selection helped create a design that integrated the offset window. The window treatment is simple so as to not attract a lot of attention to the window being off-center. The asymmetrical design of the wall creatively integrates window and tile into a comprehensive look that attracts the eye.

The shower had a unique challenge because of the wrap-around entry. As you stand and look at the shower from the tub area, you see the back wall of the shower; therefore, that design needs to look visually appealing, but still needs to look good wrapping around into the shower area.

Kitchen

Kelsie had to develop a tile solution that worked with the cabinetry and appliances. The challenge was balancing the right amount of copper in the backsplash so it would accent the countertop, cabinets, and hardware. She originally didn't have the row at the bottom, and later she ended up adding it because it needed that extra pop of color.

The back splash in the kitchen incorporates copper accented tiles which add more interest and ties into the rich cabinetry, hardware, and plumbing fixtures.

PHOTOS TROY MCQUILLEN

SPOTLIGHT

NADINE GROPP Small Town Farm Girl Becomes an Industry Leader

BY ANGELIA SCHULTZ

Environmental health. Worker safety. Constructive discomfort. As the Plant Manager of 3M Aberdeen, Nadine Gropp lives the leadership philosophies to which she adheres, stressing their importance in her personal and professional development.

“I want to lead in an environment that I would like my child to work in,” Ms. Gropp explains of her decision to take the helm at one of the top-three 3M plants in the world. “Protecting the safety of people and environmental safety is a core value of mine and the company. We work as a team here to accomplish this, creating leaders who can create change at every level.”

And that ’s exactly what 3M did when it hired Gropp in 1999. This University of Saskatchewan graduate and Canadian native originally joined the company at a Canada-based facility as an engineer, making the move out of the oil, gas and mining industry in Northern British Columbia’s Dawson’s Creek. Seizing on what she describes as the endless opportunities at 3M, she would participate in the company’s leadership development program and would ultimately go on to find herself leading in Aberdeen.

“ This site is a premiere site, one of the top-10 in the U.S.,” Gropp proudly explains of the Aberdeen plant. “I was honored to be asked to lead at a plant that Industry Week voted as the Best Plant in the United States in 2014. We work as a team here, and we engage as a team to create personal leadership development. We have a diverse technology and a highly engaged workforce. I am quite fortunate to be here.”

The married mother of two had more humble beginnings, having grown up in Manitoba on a small farming ranch. Her father, who is still working the ranch at 72-years-of-age, along with her schoolteacher mother, instilled in her by example the values of hard work and an education. They have guided her throughout her adult years.

“I learned my values and ethics from my parents,” Gropp says, “and they taught me that jobs have to get done, no matter how ugly the weather, or if you’re not feeling well – you still have to get it done. You still have to go to school, do your homework, study, and work hard. It’s part of the American Dream, and I’m fortunate to be living it, to have learned that from my immigrant parents.”

Coming from such a strong ethical background, Ms. Gropp was an easy fit at 3M.

“In the 16-years I’ve worked for this company,” she explains, “I’ve been asked to do nothing that is contrary to my personal ethics.”

Understanding that her personal and professional philosophies were well matched for a more advanced leadership role within 3M, making the move to Aberdeen was a clear decision.

Ms. Gropp says of her move, “This is a wonderful city for a young family. There is great work here to attract families, and wonderful facilities.” Her family’s favorite activities include camping, fishing, hiking, and going to Wylie Lake and Storybook Land.

Moving from Manitoba to Aberdeen was a welcomed change for Ms. Gropp, though change is something she has never shied away from.

“Change is constructive discomfort,” she explains. “It’s like a new pair of shoes – you know you need them and it’s going to be uncomfortable at first, until they become your favorite pair of shoes. But moving to South Dakota was an exciting transition. And coming to Aberdeen feels like coming home.” //

Coming to Aberdeen feels like coming home.

Nadine Gropp, in her office at 3M Aberdeen.

Where in the World are Aberdonians Going?

Across the country, people are gearing up for Spring vacations. We discovered that the trending best bargains for the hottest destinations are in the Caribbean and Latin America – the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Mexico.

If you’re planning on escaping the spring snows, we first suggest that you consider using a travel planner who, if needed, can help you while you’re on your trip. This will make your vacation experience more enjoyable, should a need arise.

Second, consider one of the below destinations that are most popular with your Aberdeen neighbors.

The top 5 most popular spring destinations

BY ANGELIA SCHULTZ

Brenda Pierson, Travel Leaders of Aberdeen’s manager, has this advice to offer if you’re planning to travel abroad:

• Always be wary of your surroundings when traveling. Some destinations, there is no reason to leave the resort, as it is all-inclusive.

• Do a bit of research on your intended destination, or discuss various destinations with your travel planner, so you know what to expect when you get there. Outside of America, your most economically competitive deals will be at an all-inclusive resort for $100-200 per night for 2-people. You get more value for your money and vacation convenience when you go all-inclusive, rather than the sold-separately rooms, meals, and alcohol. or more information or to book your travel, contact Brenda Pierson at Travel Leaders today. //

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FLORIDA

This special reader-driven section showcases the talent of local artists, photographers and writers.

Icarus

You built castles in the air. No foundation under them to support you. Flying bright there alone.

I may not wander far, I have been convinced. I seek after her. I desire without bounds to lay the foundation. Then speak extravagantly of the future we should live in the sun.

- Bodhi Schultz, CHS graduate and USD Senior

 If you are from the Aberdeen area and would like to submit a work of art, photography, or personal creative written piece for consideration in the next VISIONS & VOICES, please email the editor at angelia@aberdeenmag.com. Written selections between 10-250 words will be considered for publication, as will hi-resolution digital art and photography.

Tom Malchow Owner Mark Malchow Owner Joy Wolner Designer Jerry Trefz Designer Angela Huff Designer Moureen Schroeder Designer

“Dakota Life”, taken by Dave Swain, January 28th at sunset, West of Aberdeen.

Tying the knot is a Qualifying Event. Congratulations, getting married is one of several reasons you can still get health insurance after Feb. 15.

NOTE: Most special enrollment periods expire 60 days from the date of the qualifying life event. Get

Other special enrollment periods are available with the following life changes:

• Having a baby, adopting a child or placing a child for adoption

• Losing other health coverage, for example due to a job loss or divorce

• Permanently moving to a new area that offers different health plan options

To learn more, visit AveraHealthPlans.com