Aberdeen Magazine May/June 2021

THE LOCAL PUB & GRUB

➼ With 40 beers on tap, an extensive menu, and outdoor seating, it’s no wonder Pounders has quickly become one of Aberdeen’s favorite eateries. Discover how the restaurant got started and how it’s evolved to best serve its customers.

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REGULARS

04 FROM THE PUBLISHER

06 BUZZ

Your source for what’s happening in Aberdeen.

14 CALENDAR

Never miss an event in the Hub City.

16 PARTNERING TO SERVE A REGION

The United Way shows us how a few community funds worked together this past year to distribute over $800,000 for local COVID relief.

20 FROM SOMALIA TO ABERDEEN

Your neighbors, Mona and Burhman, share their story of having to flee the country they grew up in and building a life together in Aberdeen.

28 WATCH

Whether it’s a rainy day or you just need a quick break from the heat, you won’t regret spending a few hours indoors checking out these feature films.

30 TASTE

Limoncello is the must-have souvenir for any trip to Italy. Here’s how you can easily make this refreshing, summery drink at home.

68 WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Aberdeen Magazine wants to hear from its readers!

68 THE ABERDABBER

ON THE COVER

➼ The Red Rooster Coffee House first opened its doors in Aberdeen almost 25 years ago. More than a place to grab an espresso, the Rooster has become a much-loved community scene built on inclusion and the arts. For our cover story, we talked with owner Dan Cleberg about how a kid from Aberdeen came up with the idea for a hip coffee shop in the first place and how the business got to where it is today.

FOR THE WILD ONES

➼ If senior pictures remind you of that same old yearbook headshot pose, you haven’t met Alethiea and Jerome Wild. See how this Aberdeen couple turned a love for creativity into a photography business that serves seniors.

THE NOT-SO-LOST ART OF SEWING

➼ Once a necessity in every household, finding someone who knows how to sew is now rare. Here, a few local sewing artists talk about their passion for the craft.

FEATURED CONTENT

34 A COFFEE HOUSE OR A CALLING?

Technically, the Red Rooster is a coffee shop. But look closer, and you’ll see it’s really a place for acceptance, community, and connection. Get to know the creative director behind it all, Dan Cleberg.

40 GROWING GIFTS

Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and spring birthdays are right around the corner! Here are several plant gift ideas you can give all the special people in your life, even if they always forget to water.

44 MAKING LIFE A LITTLE BRIGHTER

Hear from three Aberdeen Make-A-Wish volunteers who’ve helped grant wishes for area children battling critical illnesses throughout the years.

46 PIONEER BUILDINGS

A rare peek into Aberdeen’s very early architecture.

56 DOWNTOWN OF DREAMS

More housing in downtown Aberdeen would mean more, well, everything–more people, businesses, jobs, and tax revenue. But what would it take to bring this downtown of dreams to life?

62 A REGULAR AND ONGOING OVATION FOR ABERDEEN

We love making this magazine for you because, like you, we love Aberdeen. In celebration of our 50th issue, we’re taking you behind the scenes of how the pages you’re reading came to be.

Photo by Troy McQuillen.

When we started planning this issue, we recognized that it’s our 50th, so we initially started thinking about big, bold 50s on the cover and lots of pictures of us. Instead, we decided to stick to our mission of revealing Aberdeen to our readers and selected Dan Cleberg to grace our 50th issue cover. Dan, for over 25 years, has devoted himself not only to an iconic coffee shop, but to creating a culture of inclusiveness in Aberdeen. Yes, we are proud of publishing 50 issues within the past nine years, but we are much more proud of people like Dan in the Aberdeen community who continue to make a positive impact on our quality of life. We do get a lot of questions as to how we produce this magazine and give it away for free. To find out, check out the behind-the-scenes at Aberdeen Magazine story on page 62. Our gradual growth is attributed to our advertisers. Please do check out the ads! They are in here to offer a benefit to you. Since advertisers are the ones who allow Aberdeen Magazine to be free, could you also please take a moment and email, text, Facebook message, or call five of the advertisers in this issue and thank them for being a part of Aberdeen Magazine? We are truly indebted to them, and they appreciate knowing their ads are being seen. Thanks for your support over the years. Enjoy issue #50. //

CONTRIBUTORS



is

 JENIFER FJELSTAD is a journalism and French major studying at Augustana University. In her free time, she enjoys dancing in hip-hop and pom styles with the Augustana Spirit Squad.

MANAGING EDITOR

Jenny Roth jenny.roth@aberdeenmag.com

PUBLISHER

Troy McQuillen troy@mcquillencreative.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Eliot Lucas eliot@mcquillencreative.com

AD SALES

Julie Lillis julie.aberdeenmag@gmail.com

INTERN

Josie Clemens

PUBLICATION OFFICE

McQuillen Creative Group

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

PRINTING

Midstates Printing

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS from interested parties will be considered. Please submit to the editor at jenny.roth@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.

 SHEILA RICHARDS is an original stakeholder in the Aberdeen Area Diversity Coalition, presently serving as chair. Now retired, she has worked as a teacher and as an ordained clergy for United Methodist congregations in South Dakota.

COPYRIGHT 2021 Aberdeen Magazine is produced exclusively in Aberdeen, South Dakota. All content is copyright with all rights reserved. No content may be shared, copied, scanned, or posted online without permission. Please just ask us first. We're pretty flexible.

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 ANGIE CLEBERG and AARON SCHULTZ are on the executive team at the United Way of Northeastern South Dakota. The United Way is instrumental in providing support for health and human service programs in our community.

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

Troy McQuillen PUBLISHER

 JAMES HEISINGER is a student at NSU and a writer for Northern’s newspaper, The Exponent. He writes movie reviews and serves on the student government as a senator from the School of Education.

KAYLYN DEITER

a freelance editor, writer, and publicist. When she doesn't have her nose in a book, you can find her walking around downtown Aberdeen with her fiancé, Joe, and their fluff-ball of a dog, Belle.

 JOSIE CLEMENS is an intern at McQuillen Creative Group and a senior at Presentation College studying communications. She enjoys reading, writing, and solving puzzles in her free time.

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

 TERESA LEVSENGAROFALO enjoys learning and telling people’s stories. Her interests include traveling, writing, theatre, and cultivating so many house plants that she has been called a “Crazy Plant Lady.”

 CONNIE SIEH GROOP lives and thrives on their family farm at Frederick. As a freelance writer, she enjoys connecting with fascinating people to share their stories.

 JENNY ROTH is a writer who loves this beautiful, windy corner of South Dakota. She and her husband farm near the Hosmer area and are raising three daughters.

Wolfpack Family Jiujitsu Welcomes Youth And Adult Martial Art Students

When Susan and Joshua Citrak knew they were moving to Aberdeen, the first thing they did was Google local jiujitsu schools.

“When we realized there wasn’t one here we could join, that evening we decided, ‘Well, it looks like we’re starting a gym!’” Joshua said.

In January 2021, they did exactly that, opening Wolfpack Family Jiujitsu at 424 South Main Street. To date, they serve over 50 (and counting) youth and adult jiujitsu students.

Jiujitsu is a martial art and selfdefense practice with no striking. Susan said a class is one of the best workouts you can get, but everyone can do jiujitsu. You don’t have to feel intimidated about your age or athletic abilities to try it out. Case in point? She and Joshua didn’t start learning the sport until they were 39 and 41, and they have students as young as six years old.

“We have the word ‘family’ in our name for a reason,” Joshua said. “Anyone can come here. They don’t have to know anyone else or have any experience in

this, and by the end of class, they’ll be chatting with the group.”

Susan said for her, teaching the women’s self-defense class on Saturdays is especially meaningful. “One of the best parts has been watching the women and girls grow in that confidence and learn how to defend themselves if they should ever have to.”

Keeping with their family roots, the Citraks have youth and adults classes scheduled back-to-back so families can come to the gym together. Their lounge area gives kids a place to hang out while their parents participate in adult classes and vice versa.

The Citraks both work full time during the day, then lead their jiujitsu classes in the evenings and on weekends. They said they never imagined having their own gym when they first fell in love with the sport and are thankful for the opportunity to bring jiujitsu with them to Aberdeen. // - Jenny Roth

 To find out more about Wolfpack Family Jiujitsu, or to sign up for a free week of classes, check out www.wolfpackfamilybjj.com.

Relive Aberdeen’s History Through Live Storytelling

Who was Howard W. Cole, and why was he elected sheriff in 1902? What was the crowd like when President Taft arrived in the Hub City by train in 1911? How did Dakota Territory suffragists help women achieve the right to vote?

As people, we have always learned about where we come from through stories that get passed down through generations. So what better way to understand the history of our region than by hearing from the people who were there? While we can’t go back in time and do exactly this, History Alive at the Centennial Village offers the next best thing!

At History Alive, costumed characters representing people from Aberdeen’s early days will share information, stories, and personal accounts of local historical events. Guests will walk the boardwalk at Centennial village, interacting with each character and listening to their tales of life in Brown County over 100 years ago. This live-action history event will represent the fur trade era through the women’s suffrage movement.

Hosted by the Dacotah Prairie Museum, History Alive is happening June 12 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Centennial Village. It’s open to all ages, and admission is free. The day promises to be a fully-immersed, livinghistory experience. // - Jenny

Roth

 For more details on History Alive, contact the Dacotah Prairie Museum at 605-626-7117.

 Students at Wolfpack Family Jiujitsu practice martial art and self-defense moves.

Photos by Troy McQuillen

Photo courtesy of the Dacotah Prairie Museum

 Costumed characters from Brown County’s past will share historical accounts at the Dacotah Prairie Museum’s History Alive event in June. Pictured are curator of exhibits, Marianne Marttila-Klipfel (left), and her mother, Annikki Marttila.

 Susan and Joshua Citrak opened the gym this past January.

Malchow Plaza Officially Opens Downtown

The long-awaited Malchow Plaza will be open this summer, bringing an encouraging, cheerful feel to the spot where the Malchow’s furniture store and apartments burned down in October 2019.

The Plaza is a retail location, coffee shop, restaurant, events center, gathering space, site for offices, and so much more. Everything offered, from the coffee and sandwiches served to the apparel available for sale, is as local as possible, making it a one-stopshop for all things Aberdeen.

Something new you can expect happening at the Plaza this summer is their farmers market, held under the string lights on the Plaza’s Main Street-facing side. This same stretch of concrete will also offer opportunities for food trucks, concerts, and other downtown happenings.

 Expect a hub of activity coming soon to the Malchow Plaza! The retail location, event center, farmers market, and restaurant/coffee shop will be open this summer.

On the Plaza’s second floor is an event space available to rent for anything from graduation parties to baby showers, with seating for up to 45 people. Plus, paninis and other cold-cut sandwiches, as well as local beer, wine, and cheese, will be on the menu at The Market on the Plaza for lunch and dinner.

The Malchow Plaza also provides a new home for a few familiar faces. Among them are the Aberdeen Development Corporation, the Small Business Development Center, the Aberdeen Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Dakota Broadcasting.

Everyone is welcome to stop by the Plaza the next time you’re out and about! //

- Kaylyn Deiter

 For details on the farmers market or renting the second-floor event space, contact The Market on the Plaza at www.themarketontheplaza.com.

➼ Is your business celebrating an anniversary in July or August? Are you hosting a big event or holding a big sale? Let us know so we can include you in the next issue! Email us at troy@mcquillencreative.com or julie.aberdeenmag@gmail.com *Editorial inclusion not guaranteed.

Aberdeen’s Sertoma Club Launches Hearing Loss Service Project

For people who are hard of hearing, communicating through plexiglass shields and face masks has added a new layer of challenges. And if you own a business or work with the public, assisting someone one-on-one who is hearing impaired can pose difficulties even without COVID precautions and extra barriers in place.

Starting in May, Aberdeen’s Sertoma Club will kick off a summer-long project to help.

The club will be distributing Portable InfoLoops for various businesses around town to try out. A Portable InfoLoop is a device that amplifies one voice to another. For example, it can take the receptionist’s voice from one side of the plexiglass and deliver it to the customer who is hard of hearing on the other, without anyone having to shout to be heard. If a business tries the Portable InfoLoop and finds it helpful, the Sertoma Club will work with them to obtain one of their own.

Aberdeen’s Sertoma Club is known locally for its work at Storybook Land. But on a national level, the club’s mission is to serve those impacted by hearing loss. In honor of Better Speech and Hearing Month in May, the Aberdeen club is joining over 40 other Sertoma groups across the country to support those who are hard of hearing, and the businesses that serve them, to better communicate one-on-one in public settings.

Keep your eyes open for the Portable InfoLoops as they make their way around several locations in Aberdeen throughout the coming months. // - Jenny Roth

 For more information on Portable InfoLoops, reach out to the Aberdeen Sertoma Club at www.facebook.com/ AberdeenSertoma

 Sertoma Club members working to provide Portable InfoLoop hearing assistant devices are, front: Elizabeth Schwab, middle: Eileen Anderson and Miko Brandner, and back: Scott Noeldner.

Photos by Troy McQuillen

Second Street C-Express Undergoes Remodel and Expansion

The C-Express at 711 North Second Street in Aberdeen will have a brand-new look and more food goods on their shelves by the end of this year.

A fully-restored building will replace the current convenience store at this address. Owner Mike Carrels said the renovation will allow them to offer more for their customers, most notably, a small footprint of grocery items, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats.

The updated C-Express will also have a wider selection from their deli department, similar to what you see at their Sixth and Roosevelt location. Delivery will be available for Godfather’s Pizza orders placed here as well, and they plan to include this service for all store items (except alcohol and tobacco products) in the near future.

Along with the convenience store additions, Carrels said they’re revamping the attached casino and corner pub. Upgrades here will be a new lounge and menu with pub-style food. Extra parking will be put in to tie it all together.

Carrels said he is happy to partner with other local businesses, such as Ken’s SuperFair Foods and The Junction, to bring more groceries to this neighborhood in Aberdeen.

“This location services a needed market for items that go beyond the typical convenience store stop.” // - Jenny Roth  To keep up with the Second Street C-Express remodel, head to www.facebook.com/CExpressSD.

Palm

Garden

Thai Cuisine Serves Fresh Flavors at a Neighborhood Favorite

Thanks to a global pandemic that shut down much of indoor dining for a time, new restaurants in town were hard to come by this past year. Not to mention, some popular dining hubs, such as the Palm Garden, closed their doors for good during 2020.

The silver lining? Another restaurant has moved into the friendly yellow building on Sixth Avenue. Palm Garden Thai Cuisine opened its doors in late March, bringing all-new flavors while keeping part of the name Aberdonians have grown to love. Owner Saw Jack is excited to be the first person to open a Thai restaurant in town.

“We’ve been pretty busy so far,” he said. “There are a lot of people that like Thai food in Aberdeen.”

Though the first part of the restaurant’s name might ring a bell, the cuisine served is completely unique. The whole menu consists of authentic Thai food straight from Jack’s Thai heritage, including pad thai, curry, spring rolls, and various flavors of mochi for dessert.

Dine-in is now available for restaurant go-ers, along with an option to order online if takeout is more your jam. Jack said he’s happy to be bringing Thai food to Aberdeen and the surrounding area, and given the buzz about the new restaurant, it seems Aberdonians would agree a Thai restaurant is just what we ordered after the past year. // - Kaylyn Deiter

 Palm Garden Thai Cuisine is open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM (9:30 on the weekends). To order online, visit www.palmgardenthaicuisine.com.

 This building rendering shows what the future C-Express at 711 North Second Street will look like after completing an extensive remodel this year.  Palm Garden Thai Cuisine is open for dine-in or takeout, featuring a menu of authentic Thai food devised by owner Saw Jack (pictured right).

Merxbauer-Maier Dental Celebrates 15 Years With Community Giveaways

Merxbauer-Maier Dental is celebrating its 15th anniversary this May by giving patients a chance to win gift cards for local businesses and other prizes. It’s all in an effort to say thank you to the community that has supported this home-grown dental practice since 2006.

“Starting in May, each month until December, we’re going to feature a different local business that our patients will have a chance to win a gift card or other prize from,” office manager Bonny Merxbauer said. “We’ve been absolutely blessed by the community of Aberdeen and the surrounding areas, and we wanted to do something to celebrate and give back.”

The practice started out in the strip mall in front of the old Shopko back in 2006 with only a handful of employees. It quickly outgrew that space, buying a building across the street and more than tripling its staff. Last September, Dr. Merxbauer’s son-in-law, Dr. Maier, signed on with the team and became a partner. Merxbauer-Maier Dental also has a part-time dentist serving in Britton

a couple of times a week.

Despite 2020’s many challenges, Merxbauer said it only made them more grateful for their employees and loyal patients.

“Last year was super challenging,” she said. “There was a time where we only saw emergency patients, but we never shut down. It was a privilege to serve our community in a time of crisis.”

With 2020 in the rearview mirror, the Merxbauer-Maier Dental team is excited to see what the future holds and grateful for what the last 15 years have brought.

“When you start out, and you build something from nothing, it’s amazing to see that you now have this wonderful practice that believes when we take exceptional care of our patients, everything else will take care of itself,” Merxbauer said. “We hope to continue serving Aberdeen and the surrounding areas with exceptional dentistry.”

// -

Kaylyn Deiter

 Merxbauer-Maier Dental is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. To learn more, visit www.thebestdentalcenter.com.

Artistic duo Nick and Nicole Fischer are lending their practiced mural-painting hands to a new installation going in at the Malchow Plaza. The couple, who have been working as commissioned artists for the last 19 years together, are bringing a mural distinctly Aberdeen to downtown’s newest hot spot—highlighting the best of the Hub City, both past and present.

The mural, which the Fischers painted and designed off-site on wooden boards, depicts glass jars filled with colorful marbles. It’s a nostalgic picture, but upon closer inspection, each of the marbles reveals a scene from Aberdeen or around the region—from Wylie Park and the Brown County Fair to Twist Cone and the rolling prairie.

“We wanted to create something that highlights the things we love about Aberdeen,” Nicole said. “We’re all a bit out of practice socially with COVID, so we hope that looking at the mural inspires conversation between the people standing there together.”

The mural will be installed on the brick of the new Malchow Plaza building on the wall closest to Main Street, facing north. Just another reason, among many, to hang out downtown and enjoy all things Aberdeen this summer. // - Kaylyn

Deiter

 You can follow along with Nick and Nicole’s artistic endeavors at www.facebook.com/fischersart.

Photos by Troy McQuillen

 Pictured left to right are Dr. David Merxbauer and Dr. Taylor Maier with Merxbauer-Maier Dental. The dental office is ringing in its 15th birthday with gift cards and other prizes from local businesses.

 Nicole (front) and Nick Fischer work on a new mural that will go on display at the Malchow Plaza.

Picante Burrito Express Dishes Up Authentic Mexican Cooking

If you’re looking for a quick weekday lunch or a sit-down dinner with family and friends, stop in at Picante Burrito Express next time you’re feeling hungry.

Owner Luis Tejeda opened this new dining option for Aberdeen at 20 Sixth Avenue Southwest. The restaurant has quickly gained a name for serving Mexican fare in delicious and epic portions.

On the menu are, you guessed it, burritos. You can choose your meat (steak, grilled chicken, chorizo, shrimp, or shredded beef— to name a few options) and pair it with your favorite sides and fixings like rice, beans, veggies, and salsa.

If you’re craving a smaller bite, you might instead opt for the hardshell or softshell tacos, which start at just $2.00. They also serve several other Mexican-inspired dishes, like las pupusas, menudo, tortas, chimichangas, and more. Patrons can stay and dine in or take their meal to-go. // -

Jenny Roth

 Picante Burrito Express is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM and 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM, and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

It

all

» Specializes in Ag-Related Risks

» Strong Background in Commercial, Personal, and Life & Health Insurance

» Certified Insurance Counselor

 Server Milvinn Bermudez (left) presents a sample of authentic Mexican dishes created by Picante Burrito Express owner, Luis Tejeda (right).

may / june 2021 ABERDEEN MAGAZINE 13

2021 MAY & JUNE

MOOSE FAMILY BINGO

Thursdays starting May 6, 6:00 PM

Aberdeen Moose Lodge

 The Moose Lodge hosts bingo for families and all ages every Thursday evening. Packets start at $21 and include two warm-up games, 20 regular session games, two specials, blackout, and more. 605-225-5185.

MALCHOW PLAZA FARMERS MARKET

Saturdays starting May 8, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Malchow Plaza

 Come hang out at the first-ever Malchow Plaza Farmers Market, featuring locally-grown goods and crafted products. The farmers market will take place every Saturday through mid-October.

www.themarketontheplaza.com

MOCCASIN CREEK DEMO SHOW

May 14, 4:30 - 8:00 PM

Moccasin Creek Country Club

 If you’re in the market for new golf clubs this summer, this is your chance to get fitted for a set from top manufacturers such as Callaway, Titleist, TaylorMade, and Ping. www.moccasincreekcc.com

ABERDEEN WINGS

HOME GAME

May 14 & 15, 7:15 PM

Odde Ice Center

 The Aberdeen Wings will host the Minot Minotauros for two consecutive nights. These are the final home games of the team’s 2020-2021 regular season.

www.aberdeenwings.com

RUN FROM THE POLICE 5K

May 15, 10:00 AM

Wylie Park

 Lace-up your walking or running shoes for a trip through Wylie Park at the 7th Annual Run from the Police 5k. Kids ages 5-12 will start the event with a junior run at 9:30 around the circle of flags.

www.runfromthepolice5k.wix.com/ aberdeensd

BOYS IN BLUE EXHIBIT

Daily starting May 22, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Fort Sisseton State Park

 This new exhibit at Fort Sisseton State Park will highlight the Grand Army of the Republic, a veteran’s group that helped create veteran pensions, soldier’s homes, and Memorial Day. www.facebook.com/Ft.Sisseton

ROADRUNNERS PANCAKE FEED

May 23, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Yelduz Shrine Center

 Pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits, and a beverage for just $6! Everyone is welcome, and no preregistration is required.

605-225-4841.

ABERDEEN AQUATIC CENTER OPENING DAY

June 3, 1:00 PM

 What better way to spend a hot summer day than coasting down a water slide or relaxing in a lazy river? The Aberdeen Aquatic Center will open for summer 2021 with these attractions plus a lap pool, leisure pool, concessions, and more. 605-626-7015.

FORT SISSETON HISTORICAL FESTIVAL

June 4 - 6

Fort Sisseton State Park

 Become immersed in Civil War-era frontier life. Visitors can expect a full military encampment, historic figures in costume, stage shows with music, crafts, and plenty of lodgers, traders, and Rendevous participants.

www.facebook.com/Ft.Sisseton

CLAY TARGET LEAGUE

TOURNAMENT

June 5 - 6

Aberdeen Gun Club

 Spring clay target league shooters in grades six through 12 will gather to compete in this state tournament. Athletes will have three different classifications for shooting performances based on their abilities and season average.

www.aberdeengunclub.com

TOURNAMENT OF ROSES

June 12, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Whitetail Bowmen Archery Club

Outdoor Range

 All ages and family groups are welcome to participate in this two-day archery tournament. Adults are $20 for the weekend, families are $40, and kids ages five and under are free. www.whitetailbowmen.com

 Aberdeen Wings

HISTORY ALIVE

June 12, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Centennial Village

 Walk the boardwalk at Centennial Village as costumed characters share personal accounts and stories of local historical events. This free event is open to all ages. 605-626-7117.

FAMILY FUN WEEKEND

June 12 - 13

Wylie Park

 Come out to Storybook Land as they celebrate 45 years of hosting family fun in Aberdeen. A complete line-up of children and family activities will take place throughout the weekend. www.aberdeen.sd.us

ARTS IN THE PARK

June 19, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM &

June 20, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Melgaard Park

 Browse creations by talented arts and craft vendors at the 45th Arts in the Park. Spend the day shopping, enjoying live entertainment, and sampling cuisine from various food vendors. www.aberdeenareaartscouncil.com

DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH LADIES GOLF TOURNAMENT

June 25, 10:00 AM

Mocassin Creek Country Club

 The premier women’s golf tournament in the state returns with plenty of prizes, specialty drinks, and lunch. Registration required. www.moccasincreekcc.com

july

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

12 04

June 17, 6:00 - 11:00 PM

Downtown Aberdeen

 A free, family-friendly summer concert brought to you by the Aberdeen Downtown Association. Kids activities, food vendors, cold beverages, and a live band are all happening on Main Street. The music starts at 7:00 PM! www.aberdeendowntown.org

WYLIE PARK 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION

July 4

Wylie Park

 Enjoy the Independence Day holiday at Wylie Park. During the day, events include a performance by the Storybook Land Theater, a duck derby, and a show by the Aqua Addicts. The Aberdeen Municipal Band will play in the evening, followed by fireworks at dusk.

The 2021 Robertson Cup National Championship will be played at the Fogerty Arena in Blaine, MN June 18-22, 2021.

SERVICES:

» Professional Counseling

» Psychological Assessment

» Professional Development

»

 Family Fun Weekend

 History Alive

 Summer Concert Series

Partnering to Serve a Region

The United Way has been able to extend its reach even further by joining forces with two key charitable foundations for the Aberdeen area.

by UNITED WAY STAFF

Over the past year, ingenuity, creativity, and partnerships helped us endure one of the most challenging times for all businesses, including nonprofits. During this time of uncertainty, two local community funds helped distribute over $800,000 in our region. The United Way of Northeastern South Dakota and the Aberdeen Area Community Foundation (AACF), in partnership with the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, helped meet the needs of numerous nonprofits in the region.

The roots of the United Way go back to 1932, and the AACF was chartered in 1984. Both have similar goals to help provide financial assistance and expertise for nonprofits and donors. Over the last five years, the two organizations have partnered together to bring programs like 211 and Rachel’s Challenge to our community. In the Spring of 2020, both organizations focused their collective efforts on emergency COVID-19 relief to area nonprofits.

In 2020, the United Way had already committed to over $550,000 through their annual campaign appeal and Foundation grant program. They also established a COVID-19 Relief Fund that raised an additional $126,000, including two lead gifts from the United Way Foundation and the AACF totaling $80,000. All of the money raised for the Relief Fund was distributed in grants to local organizations.

Through a partnership with Knight Foundation, the AACF was able to make significant grants to address the impact of the pandemic in the Aberdeen area. In March 2020, Knight Foundation committed $225,000 to create the Knight COVID-19 Aberdeen subfund in the AACF. Throughout the year, the AACF made 13 grants for nearly $143,000 to organizations in the area, including the lead gift of $40,000 to the United Way COVID-19 Relief Program. In addition, AACF made another five COVID-related grants totaling $13,000 to local organizations that were fully matched by the South Dakota Community Foundation in its program to match grants by its community savings account partners, including AACF.

“The partnership has been incredible; Pat Gallagher and I have really tried to be strategic on how both organizations can do the best in our region. I believe the collective impact of both organizations has been a big help to several nonprofits this year,” said Aaron Schultz, director of the United Way.

“Of course, we can hardly take all the credit,” Pat said. “What our organizations have been able to do is only because we live in a community that cares and has contributed to us to be able to make this possible. Plus, we work well together. The United Way is kind of like the community checking account—paying for the immediate needs—while AACF is the savings account— which saves up funds, grows, and uses the interest to have an impact.” //

COVID-19 Relief Grants

 The Aberdeen Area Community Foundation presents a donation to the Salvation Army. Pictured left to right are: Robert Fouberg, AACF secretary and CEO and president of Dacotah Bank, Major Dale Hunt of the Salvation Army, Patrick Gallagher, community development coordinator with the South Dakota Community Foundation, and Aaron Schultz of the United Way.

Photo courtesy of The United Way

For the Wild Ones

Meet an Aberdeen couple who has turned their love for creativity and connecting with others into a photography studio that celebrates seniors.

by JENNY ROTH

It’s a snowy March morning, the time of year Midwest photographers would classify as “the slow season.” The weather won’t be ideal for outdoor shoots for at least another month or two, and studio portraits tend to slow down after the holidays.

So, what are photographers Alethiea and Jerome Wild up to on a day like this?

Building a custom, comic-book-themed backdrop for one of their senior clients, naturally.

Alethiea is full of light as she talks about surprising this senior with the backdrop.“I cannot wait for her to see this! She’s not going to believe it!”

If you hear senior pictures and automatically think of stuffy, rigid headshots with forced smiles, you haven’t met the Wilds.

“We really love to explore the creative side of photography along with the traditional,” Jerome explained. “Our seniors will get that classic yearbook photo, but we also mix in some fun, custom elements for that particular student.”

The creative elements that can happen in a shoot with the Wilds will be unique to each senior and their family and what they hope to get out of their photos. They’ve used everything from instruments to vintage props to a 1965 corvette stingray to give their pictures that extra something that has people looking twice.

The couple treats the seniors they work with like family. It’s not “just another typical senior photo shoot.” They genuinely celebrate each wildly unique individual they get to photograph and do everything they can to make senior pictures a highlight for every student.

Alethiea said, “It’s amazing to take something as serious as graduation — this huge, important milestone, and come alongside these kids to laugh and joke and enjoy the experience of it all. It’s one of the biggest moments in their lives, and we love working with these kids and making it special for them.”

The Wilds officially launched their photography business, Wildfire Studios, in Aberdeen a couple of years ago, but Alethiea and Jerome have been behind the lens for much longer.

Jerome grew up in a family of photographers and picked up a camera at an early age. “My father and grandfather both took photos constantly. At every summer vacation or family outing, they were always taking photos. By the time I was around 9 or 10, I started doing the same thing,” he said. Photography has been a hobby for him off and on ever since.

As Alethiea explained, she transitioned from sports parent to photographer rather unexpectedly. “I was always at my kids’ sporting events trying to get pictures of them in action. Then when I met Jerome, he took me under his wing and taught me everything about taking photos.”

One day while the couple was on the sidelines photographing their son’s soccer match, another parent asked if they did senior pictures.

While they hadn’t done this before, the project felt like a natural fit.

“We sit down with our seniors before every shoot and have coffee with them. We find out what they like, what they’re looking for in their photos, and what their parents are hoping for too. It’s about really taking the time to get to know them and building a relationship,” Alethiea said.

Photo by Troy McQuillen

It’s amazing to take something as serious as graduation—this huge, important milestone, and come alongside these kids to laugh and joke and enjoy the experience of it all.”

–Alethiea Wild

 Jerome and Alethiea Wild own Wildfire Studios, a senior and family photography business.

 Alethiea and Jerome specialize in senior photoshoots that embrace creativity and each unique individual, going beyond the traditional headshot. Photos by Wildfire Studios.

Soon after their first senior photoshoot, a family friend came to the Wilds because, like every mom, she wanted senior pictures of her son. The only problem? He wasn’t too thrilled with the idea of spending an afternoon getting his photo taken.

“He told us, ‘I am really reluctant to do this, but I want to do it for my mom, so I guess if you guys take them, I’ll do it,’” Jerome recalled. He ended up loving his photos and having a lot of fun surprising his mom with the finished album too.

After that shoot and seeing how much these photos matter to kids and families, the Wilds knew they were just getting started.

Jerome is quick to give most of the credit to Alethiea. “Her style is so fun and not the traditional thing I think kids are expecting when they think of photoshoots. We do photograph a lot of young men, and I think that’s because Alethiea takes the time to meet them before each shoot. That way, they know going into it that it’s going to be a memorable experience and in the end, they’ll get the photos they want and that their parents are happy with too.”

When Jerome stepped away from this interview to pour his wife another cup of coffee, she didn’t waste any time making sure he didn’t get away with making this story all about her. “Without Jerome, this business would not be here. We work together on everything. Both of us shoot, both of us do the editing. I’m truly the luckiest girl in the world to have a great partner and business partner in him.”

This winter, the Wilds were excited to open their first studio. Located on the second floor of the Briscoe Building, the space gives them even more freedom for creative expression in their shoots. Hence, the custom backdrops being made with individual seniors and families in mind.

Another milestone for the Wilds has been seeing their senior photography featured in publications like Senior Muse Magazine.

“You put your work out there, but it’s always a little scary because you’re never really sure how people are going to see it. So having it featured in a print publication like that is always so exciting for us,” Alethiea said.

Seniors in Aberdeen would agree they’re glad the Wilds are putting their talents out into the world. //  To learn more about Wildfire Studios, visit www.wfstudios.com or find them on Facebook and Instagram.

Local Art Galleries

WEIN GALLERY

Presentation College

 1500 North Main Street

 605.229.8349

 Mon-Fri 8 AM-5 PM

PRESIDENT’S GALLERY, JFAC GALLERY AND STUDENT CENTER GALLERY

Northern State University  1200 South Jay Street

 605.626.7766

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

LAMONT GALLERY

Dacotah Prairie Museum

 21 South Main Street

 605.626.7117

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

ARTWORKS CO-OP GALLERY

Aberdeen Mall

 3315 6th Ave SE Suite #48

 605.725.0913

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

JANE WEST GALLERY

Capitol Theatre

 415 South Main Street  605.225.2228

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

ARCC GALLERY

Aberdeen Recreation and Cultural Center

 225 3rd Ave SE

 605.626.7081

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

RED ROOSTER

COFFEE HOUSE GALLERY

 218 South Main Street

 605.225.6603

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

From Somalia to Aberdeen

Mona and Burham share their journey of building a life in the Hub City.

by SHEILA RICHARDS

Mona’s Story

Kaboom!

“The street in front of us exploded. People were crying and screaming. As we ran for our lives in the chaos and confusion, we became separated. I found refuge in a restaurant.

Where was my sister, Nasra, who was expecting a baby? Was she alive?

After three hours, those of us hiding in the restaurant cautiously made our way to our homes. Thankfully, Nasra had gone inside a building, waited for the sounds of war to cease, and was safely home. We had been in the marketplace buying what we might need to leave Somalia (like shoes.) We knew the matter was urgent now and that we could not wait any longer. We would leave tomorrow.

For two months, we lived outside the wartorn city. Nasra gave birth to her baby with no help from a doctor or nurse or hospital. When we left Somalia, we slept on chairs in the airport in Dubai for three days and nights. We took turns sleeping, so someone was always awake to watch the children. We were able to leave because I had a friend in Pakistan who got the visas for us. We sold our land to buy the tickets. That is how we got out of our country.”

Mona continued to tell me her story of leaving Somalia, flying to a refugee camp in Pakistan, and coming to the United States. Nasra’s husband is still waiting (several years later) in Ethiopia to come to the U.S.

While in Pakistan, they learned English. It was also in Pakistan that Mona took one year of study to be a registered nurse. She and her two sisters and nieces and nephews were eventually

flown to Tampa, Florida, where people were waiting for them. The family was taken to a nicely furnished home with lots of food, the 911 number to call for help, and the phone number of one of the greeters.

Mona said, “People were very nice but we did not know where to start to get a driver’s license or work.” They saw no other Somalis. Family members then suggested they come to Minnesota. They arrived in Rochester, where Mona, with her one year of nursing school, found work. Finding work in health care has never been a problem for her.

Still, Nasra wanted something different in schooling for her children and to live in a town with a low crime rate. Their next move? Aberdeen. Mona stayed for one more year in Rochester, and her plan was to move to Minneapolis to be near a school of nursing. Nasra told her, “Come here. Aberdeen has a school of nursing.” Soon, the three sisters and the children were together again. Community and family are what matter most. They are grateful for the people and agencies who have helped teach, mentor, and tutor the family in many ways and for helping them with citizenship in 2019. “The test was hard, but we were well prepared,” Mona said.

Prior to election day 2020, Mona and her family studied the sample ballot. On election day, a friend went with Mona to show her where to vote. She needed no other assistance. After casting her ballot, she went home to get her sisters and other eligible family members to the courthouse to vote. It was an important day, as was the day in Sioux Falls in 2019 when they became citizens.

Mona wants to be a registered nurse. Presentation College cannot accept her high school transcript nor the one year of nurse’s training from Pakistan, so she is working toward a GED to enter PC as a nursing student. She misses the food and the weather in her home country but doubts she’ll ever return.

“Somalia is a scary place. The memories are vivid and frightening.”

She enjoys the ease of getting from place to place in Aberdeen, the low crime rate, and the quiet compared to bigger cities. What’s a typical day like? She takes care of their daughter, Hoda. There is bathing, laundry, preparing food, house cleaning, and getting ready for her 4:00 PM shift at Mother Joseph, where she has worked for five years and become friends with some of her coworkers. Like many women in Aberdeen who juggle a job, family, and home, she has

 Mona, Burham, and their daughter Hoda pose for a photo at their home in Aberdeen.

Photo by Troy McQuillen

little time for much else. In her free time, she likes exercising, walking, reading, and cooking. “Cooking is fun for me.”

Burham’s Story

“Soldiers were killing people everywhere. It was 1991. Fourteen of my family, including my mother, were killed. My father used his connections to help move my siblings and me from house to house to house. Eventually, we escaped Somalia to live for seven years in a refugee camp in Nairobi, Kenya.

My dream was always to come to the United States. While in the camp, I was the only one in my family working. People paid me to teach and coach their children in soccer. I had been a professional soccer player on a national team for two years. I also had a job in the camp as a dishwasher. Finally, I saved enough money to leave the camp, flying to Mexico. I came into the United States in San Diego. I cried happy tears when I entered this country. My dream come true. I had no relatives or friends in the USA. It was expensive living in San Diego, and I could find no real job. I wanted to work. People told me to go to Minnesota or Wisconsin where I could get employment.”

Arriving in Minnesota, Burham first went to

school, earned his GED, and took one year of college at Minneapolis Community College. He had applied with three leagues to play soccer, but language was too much of a barrier. He was able to move his father (now deceased) and siblings to Minnesota. When the family was settled and safe, Burham wanted to move for more job opportunities. He was living paycheck to paycheck. Transportation was long and difficult. For an eight-hour job, five more hours were spent commuting. The crime rate bothered him. He moved to Salt Lake City in 2009, where he owned his own business, a coffee shop, for one year.

Upon returning to Minnesota, Burham, still eager for regular work, studied a map. He did not want to be too far from family, so he Googled three cities in South Dakota and decided on Aberdeen. In 2013, he called Molded Fiber Glass and was told yes, he could apply for work, which he did and was hired immediately. He has worked at MFG for eight years.

Much of Burham’s story is similar to Mona’s. There have been many nice people who have helped him. In the first week, a landlord gave him the keys to an apartment, assuring him to not worry about the deposit until he had his first paycheck. He could not believe it! “He

trusted me.” Another man at MFG provided transportation to and from work for two months and would not accept even one dollar for gas.

Yes, he misses Somalia. He was a young man, playing soccer. “I miss everything. The sky, the weather, everything I remember, I miss. I was in the prime of life, but many of my family had been killed and I had to start running.” I asked if he’d ever return. He said it is doubtful.

Burham goes to work at 4:00 AM and comes home around 5:00 PM to take care of Hoda. (Aunt Layla is there to care for Hoda for the few hours both parents are gone at the same time.) He does household chores, eats, and sleeps. On weekends, he plays soccer with some men (preCOVID), watches the Vikings and the Twins, and listens to music. He also likes to dance.

Building a Life in Aberdeen

Mona and Burham married in 2018. They knew each other casually before coming to Aberdeen. Their daughter, Hoda, is nearly 18 months old, trying to walk and talk in English and Somali. The family lives in an apartment with great neighbors. One man brings cookies now and then with, “Hoda, I am here!” Another neighbor who loves to bake often leaves goodies on the stairs

for Mona to see when she comes home from work. “She even calls to let me know when she is baking and invites me to come bake cookies with her. She is a snowbird to North Carolina, but the year Hoda was to be born, she stayed in Aberdeen, just in case we needed her, until after the birth.” Burham helps with chores and snow shoveling for the neighbors.

The family spends a lot of time at Wylie Park. “We love Wylie Park,” Burham said. I asked how being a father has changed his life. He said, “A

lot. Every decision I make, I make twice. I was used to making decisions for myself. Now, I have responsibility. My mom and dad raised us well. I want to raise my daughter as I was, and it takes a lot of work.”

I asked about prejudicial remarks. He said if someone calls him a name, he will calmly ask the person, “‘What does that mean?’ It’s amazing how people are embarrassed and do not answer.” When he is told to go home, he replies, “I am home. This is my country.” Burham plans to

KNOWLEDGE NUMBERS

become a U.S. Citizen. I asked what more he would like people to know. He said, “I want to return to college to have a degree in business management. Mona and I think about buying a home. Mona laughs at me, but I want to learn gardening. I want to coach soccer. I want to be a citizen. I want to contribute to our community. I also want people to know, the first thing I did when I arrived here was go to school to learn the language, to learn the good things about this country, and to learn to adapt to this new place. I want people to know more about me and my country before they make judgments. We come from different worlds, but now we are living together. Our future is to share and listen to each other’s stories, to get to know one another. I am so glad to live here to know different people. One man asked me if I knew about golf. I said no and asked if he, a man of 80, knew about soccer. He did not, so I showed him some soccer plays. Then, he took me to the golf course, gave me clubs and balls, and showed me how to play golf. This is how we learn to live with one another.”

As I was completing this phone visit, Burham called out, “Mona, it will be 60 degrees tomorrow. I think it’s warm enough. Let’s take Hoda and go to Wylie!” //

Photo by Troy McQuillen

 With little Hoda in tow, it’s no wonder Wylie Park is one of this family’s favorite places to hang out.

The Local Pub & Grub

If you’re looking for a great meal, a cold beer, or a fun experience out with family and friends, Pounders is the place to go.

by JOSIE CLEMENS

Aberdeen is filled with many great restaurants of various cuisines and styles for people to enjoy. One local business has become a popular choice for the community and visitors: Pounders Pub & Grub. Offering 40 beers on tap, a large selection of menu items, and a lively atmosphere, Pounders is a place like no other.

Filling a Need in Aberdeen

The journey of Pounders began over two decades ago when Kraig Schlaht opened Mavericks. Schlaht, currently the co-owner of three Mavericks locations, noticed something missing in the Aberdeen community — a steakhouse. Raised in a farming family with no restaurant experience, Schlaht used his ingenuity, determination, and charisma to craft a business unlike any other here. The owner took his time to carefully compile each of his ideas and consider all aspects of starting and managing

a local restaurant. Finally satisfied with his preparations, Schlaht opened the doors for business at Mavericks in October 1999.

Over a decade later, in 2010, Mavericks moved to its current building south of the Dakota Event Center, leaving the original location vacant. For almost three years, Schlaht pondered the future of the dormant restaurant on Sixth Avenue, looking for the perfect business that would not only make a profit but, more importantly, bring entertainment and satisfaction to the community of Aberdeen.

Much like the beginning of Mavericks, Schlaht found his inspiration for Pounders by responding to a need within Aberdeen. But the revelation came from a unique adventure. While spending time in Arizona with his son, Schlaht noticed many local businesses that sold an assortment of beers on tap.

“People were really enjoying craft beers and exploring all those options, styles, and flavors from microbreweries and local breweries,” Schlaht said. “It seemed like a good opportunity to give beer lovers a chance to try out beer they

 Since opening their doors along Sixth Avenue, Pounders has quickly become a favorite choice when deciding where to go for lunch or dinner in Aberdeen.

Photos courtesy of Pounders

couldn’t get anywhere else and offer great food as well.”

Thinking about how he could turn that fascinating niche he found in Arizona into a restaurant in Aberdeen, Schlaht evaluated the business concepts he observed on his trip and considered a variety of ideas suitable for the vacant building. Pounders was the result.

Pairing Craft Beer with a Fine-Crafted Menu

The name for Pounders came from a longstanding relationship with a hunter from Wisconsin. When Mavericks first started business, a couple of hunters came to the restaurant for dinner and drinks, and they quickly built a rapport with Schlaht and the employees that turned into a long-lasting friendship.

One of those hunters was nicknamed “Pounder.” Luckily for Schlaht, the nickname combined with the food and drinks he offers—a pound of beer, a pound of wings, a half-pound burger—created the ideal combination as he chose the name for his restaurant.

Pounders began with a limited menu to accompany the long list of craft beers because what goes better with beer than hamburgers and hot dogs? But Schlaht soon came to realize the true potential for his business.

“What we found over time was that we could offer a lot more variety. And we found that people who didn’t necessarily care about craft beer were coming just for the food and loving it.” Schlaht said.

The menu became a top priority for Pounders. Items such as flatbreads, specialty sandwiches, pretzel bites, chislic, shrimp tacos, salads, and so much more are now offered alongside its main attractions: the 40 beers on tap, the Sunday Bloody Mary Bar, and Build Your Own Burger. Pounders remains trendy and interesting by rotating items on its seasonal menu.

One feature that elevates Pounders in Aberdeen is the outdoor dining experience on its patio. A significant amount of thought and effort

went into creating an exceptional summer-time environment for the customers. The outdoor dining area is complete with a beer tap fountain, fire pit, lights, tables, and TVs. Schlaht noted that the patio will open as soon as the weather remains consistently warm, typically around the first part of May.

Once a business built on the idea of being a one-stop-shop for beer-lovers, Pounders is now a widely-known local restaurant that brings a little something to everyone in the community. From families with children to workers on their lunch break to friends enjoying a night out, Pounders has adapted to provide for many groups of people in the area.

Becoming a Hometown Favorite

Being a popular restaurant entails many highs and lows.

When asked about recent challenges, Schlaht mentioned the obstacles caused by the COVID-19 pandemic not only for Pounders but for all restaurants in town. The owner had to adapt, making choices for the health and safety of the community. But for a business that prides itself on its relationship with the community and the

 Pictured left to right are Pounders owner, Kraig Schlaht, general manager, Melissa Green, and assistant general manager, Jami Johnson.

Photo by Troy McQuillen.

 Pounders is well-known to those who love sampling different flavors of craft beer. They boast 40 brew selections on tap.

“OUR CUSTOMERS ARE THE BEST, AND WE’RE GRATEFUL FOR THEIR SUPPORT.”

– KRAIG SCHLAHT

experience it brings to its customers, closing the inside dining area was a difficult decision for Pounders.

The solution? Offering takeout.

A rapid increase in takeout orders to account for a large customer demand called for new training, policies, and procedures. The community’s support was overwhelming, and the phone barely stopped ringing for weeks while the dining services remained closed.

Pounders has currently reopened its indoor dining services to the public and continues to offer takeout. The dining service hours are from 11 AM to 10 PM, seven days a week, and the number to call for takeout is 605-725-BEER.

With the indoor dining experience available again, Pounders is back to doing what it loves: providing excellent customer service.

The owner of Pounders takes pride in his employees and their teamwork, creativity, and dedication. The close-knit staff makes a difference in the success of a small business, and they are all proud of the fun, comfortable atmosphere inside Pounders. Seeing the restaurant filled with families and groups of friends as they eat, drink, and laugh makes up for the trials of running a restaurant during a pandemic.

Pounders also likes to give back to the community of Aberdeen. Every Monday, all year, the business supports members of the military and first responders by providing a half-off discount for their meal. Pounders also participates in food drives and toy donations during the holidays, and the managers compile large prize baskets for charity events. Schlaht and his employees enjoy supporting the community that has graciously helped Pounders

become a popular local restaurant in Aberdeen. All in all, the small city of Aberdeen has been a great place to have a restaurant.

“Aberdeen is big enough to have enough customers to support multiple restaurants and support them well, but small enough that we know our customers personally and we’re connected to the community,” Schlaht said. “Our customers are the best, and we’re grateful for their support.”

Pounders has truly become a local hotspot for great food, a wide selection of beer, and impeccable service in Aberdeen. //

 Outdoor dining is a treat, and Pounders has put a lot of detail into making their patio fun and inviting for guests. The space includes a beer tap fountain, fire pit, and TVs.

 Pounders started with a limited menu and a long list of craft beers. Over time, they’ve evolved to keep the beer list but added an extensive food menu to compliment it. Photo by Troy McQuillen.

Photos courtesy of Pounders

What To Watch This Summer

Nomadland

By the time this article is published, writer/director Chloé Zhao’s “Nomadland” could very well have won the Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Zhao’s third feature has become the darling of every awards body imaginable this season. Plus, it’s also deeply rooted in Midwestern culture.

The story is about Fern, a mine worker from Nevada who loses everything during the Great Recession, meets a group of modern-day

Wolfwalkers

by JAMES HEISINGER

“nomads” who travel around the country living out of their vans, and joins them, beginning to live out of her own vehicle.

Fern eventually makes it all the way to South Dakota. While on her nomadic travels, she visits a number of places you’ve almost certainly been to, such as Badlands National Park and Wall Drug. However, she also crosses the Pine Ridge Reservation. The movie is steeped in themes of caring for the land and being a free spirit, but it’s also a slow-burn story about abject poverty.

If you’re looking for something a little lighter, “Wolfwalkers” is perfect. This is easily the best animated movie of the year, even if it won’t be able to beat out Pixar’s “Soul” for any awards. From Irish animation studio Cartoon Saloon, “Wolfwalkers” takes place in a small town in Ireland in 1650, whose residents are deathly afraid of the wolves who live in the neighboring woods as well as the supposed Wolfwalkers who can communicate with them. The father of the main character (Robyn) hunts wolves for a living as he works for the Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell. The animation style in “Wolfwalkers” is fresh and inventive, and the story has some familiar plot points, but it’s more than emotionally rousing. There are some genuinely heartbreaking moments, but equally as many moments of pure joy and delight.

Judas and the Black Messiah

Asomewhat idiosyncratic version of a typical political/crime drama, Shaka King’s “Judas and the Black Messiah” is fantastic. If you were to watch the movie solely to see the performances of Daniel Kaluuya and LaKeith Stanfield, that would even be worth it. Daniel Kaluuya is absolutely electric in the role of Fred Hampton, who was the chairman of the Black Panther Party of Chicago in the late 1960s. The central story connects Hampton’s party with the FBI, in which the FBI has placed a mole into the Party in order to finally stop Hampton’s political

rhetoric and action.

The movie takes an interesting and nuanced look at the Black Panthers, who are shown engaging in the direct or militaristic political action and leftwing rhetoric they were known for, but also as key charitable workers. Hampton’s work educating, feeding, clothing, and housing many of the impoverished citizens of Chicago is never hidden.

This is undoubtedly one of the most thrilling dramas I’ve seen in quite some time, and I would look forward to what Shaka King has to offer in the future. //

Three movies worth checking out if you need a quick break from all the outdoors and sunshine.

 Frances McDormand in Nomadland.

 Daniel Kaluuya in Judas and the Black Messiah.

 Wolfwalkers.

 Limoncello, an Italian specialty, can be easily made at home with a bunch of lemons and a lot of time. It can be enjoyed as a refreshing shot, an afterdinner palate cleanser, or as an ingredient for many other delicious treats like a lemon drop martini or cake. Please note, this does include alcohol, so unless you cook it in a recipe, it is not suitable for children.

An Italian Specialty Perfect for Summer

(ohheck,anytimereally!)

Impress your friends, amp up your dinner parties, or simply enjoy a sip or two on a hot Aberdeen day.

by TROY MCQUILLEN

RECIPIE CONTAINS ALCOHOL. NOT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN.

This recipe is a bit different in that it doesn’t really have any local or seasonal connection. It’s just something that came highly recommended by Aberdeen Magazine’s friend, Candace Briscoe.

Candace has devoted her life to good health via nutrition, exercise, and chemical-free living. She is the proprietor of Profiling Beauty and Fit and Fire Yoga Studio. She and her husband, Paris, have been restoring and revitalizing the old Allied Moving Company building (formerly Ward Candy) for over a decade. The building, on First Avenue Northeast, is now known as the Briscoe Building.

On a trip to Italy’s Amalfi Coast a few years back, Candace experienced two separate ailments (allergy and upset stomach), and both times Limoncello was recommended by restaurant servers. To her surprise, the stiff, sweet elixir cured her symptoms

Photo by Troy McQuillen

both times. She was hooked and began making it at home ever since.

According to one online source, “Lemons have long been a staple in the region along the Italian Amalfi Coast in Capri and Sorrento. Because of this, the city’s most famous product is its Limoncello. Families in Italy have passed down recipes for generations, as every Italian family has its own Limoncello recipe. In fact, this lemon drink is now considered the national drink of Italy and can be found in stores and restaurants all over the country” (What’sCookingAmerica.net). Any travel show that features Italy almost always mentions Limoncello as a must-have souvenir.

This lemon drink is wonderful as a palate cleanser or as an after-dinner sip. It’s perfectly fresh for spring and delightfully cold and refreshing for hot summer days. Store your bottles of Limoncello in the freezer until ready to serve. The ingredients are simple, and making a batch is easy, but you need to plan ahead. The magic is in the steeping process. Candace and many online recipes say 10 days, while authentic Italian-inspired recipes say 80 days. Here is Candace’s 10-day recipe. //

INGREDIENTS

• 8 lemons, zest only*

• 2 limes, zest only*

• 1 750 mL bottle

Vodka

• 3 1/2 cups sugar

• 2 1/2 cups water

*Candace highly recommends a zester because it’s critical not to get any of the white pith attached to the zest into the recipe (it will make it bitter). Wash the fruit to ensure no wax or residue is on the rind. You can zest the fruit with a vegetable peeler, creating long strips. Then, you can scrape any pith off the backside with a spoon, but it can be tedious.

INSTRUCTIONS

Combine the zest into a glass pitcher or jar that will hold all the vodka and zest. It should seal, or you can seal it with cling film and a rubber band. Add all the vodka. Make sure the zest is covered, seal it, then stow it away on the counter for 10 days (or more if you’re really patient).

After 10 days, in a pot, boil the sugar and water for 5 minutes until the sugar is completely dissolved. Set aside and allow to cool completely. Strain the vodka and discard the zest. Add the simple syrup to the vodka in an attractive jar or container. Chill in the fridge for at least an hour. Can be stored for up to a month in the refrigerator or freezer.

HOW TO USE IT

Aside from enjoying a shot or two of Limoncello after a meal, it can also be an excellent ingredient to many lemon-infused items. We experimented with a light cake with lemon icing and a lemon drop martini. Feel free to search the internet for recipes that include Limoncello. Baked items will eliminate the alcohol; therefore, your kids can enjoy tangy treats made with Limoncello too.

Remember, this takes nearly two weeks to make. So get your batch of Limoncello started today!

Photos by Troy McQuillen

 Painting of Dan Cleberg by Brandon Johnson (bamosj@icloud.com)

a I

Coffee House Calling? or a

DAN CLEBERG HAS SET A HIGH BAR FOR SERVING ABERDEEN CITIZENS WITH HIS QUIRKY, FUN, AND LOVING BRAND OF BUILDING COMMUNITY.

by SUSAN SCRUPSKI

was researching this story about Dan Cleberg, the owner of the famed Red Rooster Coffee House, when it hit me. This is a love story. It’s a love story about humankind, family, community, hometowns, and the love of the arts seen through the gift that self-expression brings to every artist– of every ability– and their fans.

As great stories go, it all begins– where else?–in Hollywood, CA, when a teenage Dan Cleberg headed out to Tinseltown with his 11-year old sister to visit his scriptwriting cousin, Michael, who was steeped in success with an office across the hall from Tom Cruise. Alas, the young Clebergs did not fall prey to the seductive glitz of Hollywood, but rather something more enticing.

Michael asked Dan if he wanted to visit a coffee house. Dan didn’t know what a coffee

house was but agreed to go along. “I walked into this magical place with wooden floors, a wooden bar… I had no concept of espresso at that point, but I knew coffee... and the smell of the place, plants growing above the menu, this jazz trio playing in the corner...I was like, ‘What is this amazing place?’” he recalled, reminiscent of that life-changing experience.

From that moment forward, the fantasy started to take shape. Whenever Dan and his sister Kileen (then Cleberg, now Limvere) would travel out of Aberdeen, they’d visit coffee houses in new cities.

“Eventually, we started saying, ‘When we have our coffee house, let’s have those things, and those tables like that, or lights like that,’” Dan said. He described it as a sort of game they’d play. They knew they were only kids, and it was fun, but over time the dream began to take root in their imaginations.

In the summer of ʼ94, after graduating from NSU and PC with a business degree, Dan met his lifelong partner. Angie Olson, now Cleberg, confessed to knowing instantly that Dan was “the one.” At a music festival in Minnesota, where they both camped every summer, their paths finally collided. “By the end of that week, I was like, ‘I’m gonna marry this guy.’ It was very fast, a very

sure thing for both of us. That was in July. By August, we were saying, ‘Well, we should start dating since we’re going to get married. I guess we should get to know each other.’”

It was about this same time that Kileen graduated from SDSU. She and Dan began having weekly conversations about Aberdeen– what they liked and didn’t like, why people left, what would make people stay. “We thought about Aberdeen,

and we loved the city. What could we do to make the city more interesting?” Kileen mused.

The Red Rooster Coffee House moved from fantasy to reality as a result of those heartto-hearts. “When we graduated from college, we both said we always talked about a coffee house… let’s look into it,” Dan said. “That space on the corner was open, and it seemed like a good idea.”

Meanwhile, Angie had been working in Minnesota for a coffee house that was planning to shut down. One day her boss asked if they’d be interested in buying all her inventory. “The stars were aligned. She was ready to sell; we were ready to buy. We got it for dirt cheap. Everything fit in the back of a truck,” she said. Dan and Kileen arranged a small loan as startup capital from their mother for the coffee house, but other than that, there was no debt or financing involved. They purchased everything–the equipment, tables, machines– for cash.

The Red Rooster Coffee House, a.k.a. The Rooster, opened its doors on the corner at 202 S. Main Street in the Citizen’s Building on August 31, 1996.

“I know people hate it when I say this, but ...we were too dumb to stop,” laughed Angie when she reflects on those early days of getting the coffee house up and running. Dan described the 6 AM to midnight, seven days a week grind in the beginning as brutal. Soon after the coffee house opened, however, something strange and wonderful started to happen.

Dan explained it this way, “We were the only kind of community like this that we knew of in town, so musicians started hanging out, and artists started to put stuff on our walls. People who weren't musicians or artists before were now identifying themselves as musicians and artists because they had a place to do it, a place to express themselves that way. We didn't plan on it; we didn't know that was going to happen. All these creative types started hanging out, and it would turn into filmmaking and other things over the years, and this great scene just started happening.”

Once the scene developed, there was no going back. The Clebergs had to keep the Rooster going even though money was tight. Angie described the social impact phenomenon

“We thought about Aberdeen, and we loved the

city.

What could we do to make the city more interesting?”

–Kileen Limvere

Photo by Troy McQuillen

 From the moment they first visited a coffee house in Hollywood, California, as kids, Dan and his sister Kileen had regular talks about what their own coffee shop would look like one day. In August 1996, they found out when they opened the Red Rooster in Aberdeen.

that was developing, “The coffee house was almost beside the point. It just seemed the best vehicle for us to do community development. It was really about building culture and community and having a place where people wouldn’t feel isolated.”

The engine and inspiration for that connection, acceptance, and community is Dan Cleberg himself. Dan’s innate talent to work seamlessly and patiently with young kids and teenagers, the people with disabilities, city leaders, artists and musicians, and everyday coffee house patrons is known today by anyone in Aberdeen who’s had the pleasure of being involved in any of his many projects. Dan’s philosophy about his work at the Rooster, Red’s Market, and his nonprofit, The Fallout Creative Community, is centered on finding people on the outskirts and bringing them in, making them part of the community,

DAN'S CAN

➼ When Dan, Angie, and Kileen purchased the contents of the coffee shop where Angie worked in Minnesota, they liked how all the tables were bright red. They decided they wanted a vintage feel to their new coffee shop, not unlike their notion of how a grandma's kitchen table would be decorated. They came across a coffee can featuring the brand Red Rooster and decided the name would be appropriate for their business. This particular Red Rooster coffee was a store brand of Super Valu stores. Several of these vintage cans can be spotted throughout the coffee shop.

and providing them an authentic sense of dignity and belonging.

The Rooster will celebrate its 25th anniversary this year at the end of August, and the impact Dan Cleberg has had on the city of Aberdeen is legendary. Scott Noeldner, director of accounting for Primrose Retirement Communities, had been coming to the Rooster for years, employed as a young accountant out of college working for Eide Bailly, whose office was right down the street. He started getting to know Dan when he interviewed him for the city’s annual Service to Mankind Sertoma Award in 2016.

“I realized that Dan was way more than even The Fallout Creative Community. He sees everybody in a way that I only hope I can some of the time. And he does it all of the time,” Scott said.

At his Sertoma banquet ceremony, Dan performed with Better Ride, his band. Before the evening was over, the typically formal membership attendees were on their feet, clapping and singing along. “That was a moment I knew that Dan was very special. All of these people came to support Dan and what he was able to create. We have not replicated anything even remotely close to that evening again,” Scott said.

Kileen Limvere was a full partner in the Rooster until 2018. She, too, sings Dan’s praises. “Dan would lose his shirt for the people in the community. He would do whatever it takes,” she said. What’s most important, however, is that they both stayed true to their original goals of

making a difference in Aberdeen. She explained, “We wanted to be in the corner of the underdog. We wanted to be always on the lookout for people or organizations… I guess now you’d call them marginalized, but we wanted to get in their corner and support them. In a world where everybody is racing to be in the front, we thought the best way to be a part of a community is to look deep and try to help build it.”

Scott, who sits on a couple of boards, including the Aberdeen Development Corp., sees Dan and the Rooster as a role model for other entrepreneurs. “It’s a model for what’s possible. It’s what we want people to know that is achievable in Aberdeen– you can have your own business, make it your own unique thing, and give back to the community.”

From its meager beginnings, the Red Rooster Coffee House has had a positive impact on the lives of thousands and thousands of Aberdeen residents. Now, ready to celebrate its 25th anniversary this August 31, you can be certain that Dan Cleberg is ready to welcome you. No invisible people walk through his doors. The good people behind the counter see you and celebrate you for the unique individual you are. You are always welcome and have a place to relax, express yourself artistically, and engage with the community at the Red Rooster Coffee House. Fall in love with a great espresso while you’re at it. //

–Angie Cleberg

“It was really about building culture and community and having a place where people wouldn’t feel isolated.”

Photos by Troy McQuillen

 Keeping the Red Rooster operating for 25 years has been a family affair. Pictured left to right are Angie, Dan, and Zion Cleberg.

Growing Gifts

by JENIFER FJELSTAD

Ahouseplant given as a present will flourish long after the holiday. With Mother’s Day and Father’s Day approaching, we wanted to show you how giving a plant can be as unique as the person you’re gifting it to. Plus, the benefits of having houseplants range from air-purifying qualities to cute conversation pieces.

“If the person loves plants, maybe try for something unusual. But if it’s someone that’s kind of new to plants, give them something a little easier to care for,” said Cindy Carlson of Aberdeen Floral.

When it comes to spring and summer holidays, turn over a new leaf this year by giving a personalityperfect houseplant.

Cindy also recommended including a card with good directions for watering the plant and keeping it in the right amount of sunlight.

Pam Teigen at Lily’s Floral Design and Gifts suggested blooming plants. She said, “I think it makes people feel happy to receive some beautiful spring flowers and feel like spring is really here.”

Read on for more hints about matching your loved ones’ personalities with the right plant. Dana Althoff, retail operations manager at Parkview Nursery, showed us around the greenhouse and gave us more expert advice on caring for each of the varieties listed here. //

For The Foodie For The Forgetful Friend

For the mom or dad who won’t get out of the kitchen, offer the gift of fresh herbs. They’ll smile at their delicately plated soup and rave about the fresh taste in their spaghetti.

Wait — I have to water this? Most people love the look of a chic houseplant but can’t level up to the care they require. These plant gifts won’t die, no matter how many times your friend forgets to water them.

ZZ PLANT

The Zamioculcas Zamiifolia isn’t sleeping on the job. An easy-care plant, this spiky version is good for even the most forgetful gardeners. Let the soil dry out between each watering and set it in indirect, low sunlight. The plant brightens up a dorm room or restroom, but be careful that no one eats it because it’s poisonous.

BASIL

Grow this herb in a planter, exposed to at least six hours of sunlight with regular waterings. The trick is to regularly pinch the stem to remove the more fully grown leaves for a fresh taste to tonight’s dinner. As a gift, it’s great to give this in a set with similar flavors like oregano and thyme.

SNAKE PLANT

The Sansevieria Zeylanica is a well-known oxygen purifier that can be watered once a month. Kept in low light, this plant will thrive even if you forget it’s there. As a tease, consider giving it to your mother-in-law this Mother’s Day since it’s also nicknamed Mother-In-Law Tongue.

Photos by Troy McQuillen

For The Plant Parent For The Green Thumb

As holidays celebrating the people who raised us near, pick up a prehistoric plant that requires medium-level care. This one’s for those longstanding, deep-rooted relationships.

This family member’s outdoor garden looks like a heavenly oasis. From watermelon to orchids, they can grow anything with a little dirt and a lot of heart. Give this person a challenge with a more picky houseplant.

CROTON

Any variety of this houseplant is sure to wow avid gardeners. The colorful plant is picky about watering — overwatering and too much drying could make the leaves fall out. The pros receiving this should give it bright light and plenty of TLC. Intermediate to advanced level skill is best for the ones taking in a beautiful Croton.

For The Social Media Guru

Dinosaur fans will love this small houseplant that’s been found in fossils. While it requires low moisture, it needs medium sunlight. To achieve this balance, consider leaving the pot outside in the summertime. A new row of fronds should grow back each year, so this makes a great long-term greenery.

Let’s be honest, this friend is just looking for a cute Instagram post. Give them something to post about with either of these trendy varieties. Other great ways to give these are in fairy gardens, wall hangers, or as sets.

STRING OF PEARLS SUCCULENT

The social media craze made these easycare plants popular. Their shallow roots and little thirst mean they’ll grow in the smallest, sweetest pots. To figure out if yours is thriving, look for the split lines on each little ball and definitely don’t overwater them.

RUFFLED RED ECHEVERIA

This succulent can get big. Echeveria is the type for your friend who wants to fill a corner with a plant requiring less daily care. Keep repotting bigger, and in a couple of years, this baby plant will graduate into a full-blown adult.

SAGO PALM

Photos by Troy McQuillen

Making Life a Little Brighter

Aberdeen area Make-A-Wish volunteers help wishes come true for children across the region.

by KAYLYN DEITER

trip to Disney World.

AA pony all their own.

A total bedroom makeover.

A New York Giants game and meet-and-greet with the team.

These are just a few of the wishes Aberdeen area Make-A-Wish volunteers have helped grant for children battling critical illnesses.

Sue Fischer joined Make-A-Wish over 20 years ago. She was working as a pediatric nurse at Avera when a teenager on her floor had to refer to Watertown’s Make-A-Wish volunteers because there wasn’t a group in Aberdeen at the time.

Sue set out to change that.

“The number of wishes we’ve been able to grant has gone up since we’ve had volunteers here,” she said. “We used to do maybe three to four wishes a year, and we always had to call over to Watertown to get those granted. Now we do eight to twelve a year. People have really stepped forward in the community.”

Bonnie Fisher signed on with Make-A-Wish soon after Sue, seeing a picture in the newspaper and becoming inspired to get involved. For her, helping with Make-A-Wish was also a way to give back for the blessings she already has.

“I felt like I needed to do something to pay back for having two healthy children and four healthy

grandchildren,” she said. “Now, I couldn’t give it up if I wanted to.”

Bonnie and Sue are part of Make-A-Wish South Dakota & Montana, where staff and about 300 volunteers work together across the region. All wishes start with a referral. These can be made by children being treated for a critical illness, medical professionals, parents or legal guardians, or family members with detailed knowledge of the child's current medical condition.

Once a child has been approved to receive a wish, volunteers like Bonnie and Sue help make it come true.

“We deliver the fun stuff,” Bonnie said. “The child and their family go through all kinds of things that their medical situation has thrown at them. They shouldn’t have to deal with that as a kid. That’s not the way the world should be. We try to make it better for them on a certain level.”

That “better” can, and has been, whatever wish a child can conjure up out of their wildest imagination.

Aberdeen Make-A-Wish kids have taken allinclusive trips to Disney—including send-off by limousine from the Aberdeen airport—had safarithemed parties at Dairy Queen, been granted allexpense-paid shopping sprees, and more. Lois

Chapin is another faithful Aberdeen volunteer working to turn those wishes into reality.

“Going out to the airport and sending kids off on trips, that’s about the coolest thing there is,” Lois said. “I love that they can be gone for a week without doctors and nurses. When they come back, it’s fun, too. It can be 11:00 PM, but they’re so excited—telling me all about what they saw and did.”

In addition to assisting with wish-granting, volunteers like Lois also help host a handful of fundraising events throughout the year. Annually, the organization puts on a poker run in the summer and then a New Year’s Eve dance for past and present Make-A-Wish kids, parents, volunteers, and community members. None of the events were able to take place in 2020, but Lois said the team is planning to hold the poker run again in July.

Another COVID-setback took effect last year: travel for Wish kids has been postponed until 2022.

“These kids are pretty fragile,” Sue said. “Traveling with COVID is a risk we don’t want to take, so there are some kids still waiting for their wish until next year.”

Sometimes rush wishes have to be granted

 Members of the Make-A-Wish board incude, (front row l-r), Bonnie Fisher, Karla Wendt, Jan Weber, (middle row l-r) Gloria Dahme, Deb Graves, Terrill Lenling, Loren Weber, (back row l-r) Jolene Siders, Sue Fischer, Shannon Wright, Cheryl Graft. Board members not pictured are Bob Compton, Lois Chapman, Phyliss Gab, Nona Shock, and Cindy Bauer.

Photo by Troy McQuillen

where the team takes fast action to make sure a child gets to experience their wish before more medical conditions get in the way. But for the most part, wishes happen whenever it’s convenient for the whole family.

“When we do a wish, the child’s whole family is involved,” Bonnie said. “It’s not the parents’ wish or the siblings’ wish, but the whole family does feel the hardships of this child’s medical condition.”

Even after a wish is granted—a trip taken, a gift given, a party thrown—the Make-A-Wish team still makes an effort to stay in touch with the child and family, sending cards and small gifts and generally keeping in contact to see how the child is doing.

This commitment to keeping Make-A-Wish families close came full circle for Bonnie when she and the Make-A-Wish team were volunteering at the Shrine Circus one year. Bonnie was working at the concession stand in the Civic Arena when a mom asked her if she knew where the nearest baby-changing station was. Since there really isn’t a designated babychanging area in the Arena, Bonnie offered one of her just-cleaned tables for the mom to use for her baby.

The two got to talking, and eventually, Bonnie recognized the mom as the sibling of one of her favorite Make-A-Wish kids from years back. It’s still one of her favorite memories of how volunteering at Make-A-Wish touches more lives than just the kids whose wishes are granted.

“I just thought, ‘Holy Cow, we went full circle!’” Bonnie said. “It was so fun to see her and visit with her. One of my biggest rewards of being in Make-A-Wish was getting to see her again.”

Even though they’ve all had different experiences with the organization and initially signed up for various reasons, Bonnie, Sue, and Lois all agreed that making kids’ wishes come true through Make-A-Wish has been one of the most rewarding experiences of their lives.

“It’s a gratifying thing to know that you’ve made someone’s life a little better for a while,” Bonnie said. “I wear my Make-A-Wish pin every single day, and it reminds me that there are worse things in the world than how I have it. Every day someone has a challenge that we might not know about, and we have to pray for them.” //

 To learn more about Make-A-Wish South Dakota & Montana, visit www.wish.org/sdmt.

It’s a gratifying thing to know that you’ve made someone’s life a little better for a while.”

–Bonnie Fisher

 Make-A-Wish volunteers from Aberdeen gather for a fundraising event pre-COVID. The group hopes to host their annual poker run again in July.

 Volunteers Bonnie Fisher (left) and Sue Fischer (far right) spend time with Make-A-Wish recipient, Kinley.

Photos courtesy of Make-A-Wish

 Sue Fischer accepts a donation on behalf of Make-A-Wish from Ken’s SuperFair Foods.

Pioneer Buildings

A rare peek into Aberdeen’s very early architecture. by TROY MCQUILLEN

Isaw this picture pop up on Facebook a few weeks back. The author of the post said it was from Aberdeen. But it didn’t resonate with me because there’s nothing in it that’s at all recognizable to photographs I’ve seen or our current streetscape. It’s also very rare to see pictures that include the raised, wooden sidewalks that kept people out of the soggy streets. Finally, the curved brick inset on the building on the left tweaked something in my brain. I had seen that before. If you were inside Noah’s Critters when it was last open or the Downtown Association’s Workshop, you’ve been in these spaces. The twostory, ornate building on the left is 210 S. Main (Noah’s Critters location), and the Curtis & Beman building is 208.

The large PHOTOGRAPHING

sign is for J. Q. Miller, a photographer who came to Aberdeen in 1883. He moved into this building in 1884 as Aberdeen’s only photographer. You can see this sign move to the top of the building in later pictures (right). The Brown County Assessor records say that the Curtis & Beman building was built in 1884. However, the current 210 Noah’s building was built in 1962. So the ornate building was either completely changed or

 This photo is actually half of a stereographic card produced by J. Q. Miller. The other half contains an identical image, but it has an offset blur to create a 3D effect when viewed through a stereograph.

removed to make way for a new building. Judging from the Linpark Clothing sign, it had made an unrecognizable transformation by the 1950s. They both did, actually.

I couldn’t find a tremendous amount of info on Curtis and Beman other than they both came from Auburn, NY, and started a retail/wholesale business of stoves, lubricants, gun powder, and hardware. They had two warehouses near the tracks but decided to open a store on Main Street too. However, they quickly abandoned the retail trade and went strictly to wholesale, leaving this location by 1885. Beman’s wife died in 1886, and he disappeared from the Aberdeen scene soon after. Curtis moved to Chicago in 1891 but still ran a business here along with H.H. Hungerford. I was not able to determine if this business continued as some other name or eventually dissolved. The 210 building on the left has no markings/signage whatsoever, suggesting it might be brand new. Because Curtis & Beman moved out in 1885, I would date this photo sometime during the years 1884-5. //

 This is a composite image made from three separate photos from the Brown County Assessors office. These pictures were all taken in the mid-to-late 1950s. The only identifying attribute to either of the two is the curved recess in the second-floor brickwork on the 210 Linpark building. The brick has been completely stuccoed over, and vitrolite glass now adorns the first floor. 208 (Mister's) is completely unrecognizable.

 These two buildings can be seen through the years, eventually being flanked by larger buildings such as the 1891 Building and Loan Association building (R.E. Huffmans/Studio 9) to the north and the 1889 Fletcher & Fisher Real Estate building (Plymouth Clothing/Sammy’s) to the south.

Photo by Troy McQuillen

 Present day.

The Not-So-Lo

Art

Sewing of

by CONNIE SIEH GROOP

eing able to take a piece of fabric, cut it into pieces, and fashion that into a beautiful piece of clothing is an art.

I didn’t realize how amazing that process was as I grew up learning to sew. My mom was an Extension agent who taught sewing, my sister sewed, and most of my friends sewed. It was what you did, much like playing games on your phone today.

Growing up in the 1960s and 1970s, purchasing ready-made clothes was seldom an option for our family. Walking into a fabric store offered endless possibilities. Pattern books conjured up ideas on how to turn the beautiful fabric into the latest style. A piece of pale blue corduroy would make a striking skirt. The wheat-flecked wool could be a stylish maxi vest.

My first project was an apron, a basic rectangle with a drawstring and machine hem. Ten years in 4-H took me through yards of fabric as I sewed for myself, my mom, and my younger sister. Yet, I haven’t sewed a garment in years. My sewing machine sits idle in an upstairs bedroom, used only for a quilting project or to fix a hem.

Once a necessity in every household, those who sew are now rare. I talked to a few who shared their passion for this craft.

STITCHING TIME

Sewing has been a lifelong passion for an Aberdeen woman who enjoys creating every day. When visiting a friend this winter, I met Sally Kushman, 94. We started chatting, and I knew she looked familiar. She was the extremely helpful lady who sold me fabric. Sally managed The World of Fabric store in the Super City Mall. Sally’s commitment to sewing didn’t begin until she was 21. “Mother was a seamstress and a perfectionist. She would remake clothes for us kids. If mother’s dress had a stain or a tear, she would remake it into a dress or an apron for us kids. Seldom were clothes made just for us.

I started sewing after I got married when we moved to Aberdeen in 1945.”

Learning to sew meant she had to master a treadle sewing machine. “Once I got the rhythm down, controlling the speed and regulating the stitches was easy.” (The power to drive the treadle machine comes from feet rocking back and forth on a foot pedal rather than from electricity.)

She recalled her first outfit as a challenge. “I don’t know why, but I bought the biggest red plaid I could find to make a two-piece suit. Anyone who has worked with plaids knows that takes a lot of work. By sheer determination, I got it done.”

Meet local crafters who are carrying a love for making things out of fabric across generations.

 Sally Kushman has been sewing since 1945. Along with fashioning garments for her family, she managed the World of Fabric store in the Super City Mall for 21 years.

Photo by Troy McQuillen

At a store called Fran’s, Sally made model garments for Fran Coester. She fashioned dresses, baptismal dresses, and anything Fran asked her to make for display. Sally even made wedding dresses. She vividly recalled finishing the hand sewing on one wedding dress at Girl Scout camp at Richmond Lake.

Such projects didn’t daunt Sally. “For our oldest granddaughter’s wedding dress, I stopped counting after I’d sewn on 4,750 pearls by hand. And I finished that in a camper when we traveled to Florida.” I call that dedication.

Through the years, she sewed everything for her daughters and others who asked. “I made my husband a suit coat. The hardest part was making sure the lapels and collar matched. I even made a leather jacket.”

The Super City Mall opened in 1965 with Mrs.

Blow’s Fabric & Sewing Center offering just about everything for people who wanted to sew. Sally loved the store, and Mrs. Blow asked her to work for her.

Two years later, the store was renamed The World of Fabric. Sally’s helpful manner soon had her working full time. In 1971, she took over as manager.

When polyester reached the market in the 1950s, it was a wonder fiber. People would wash garments, hang them up, and have them ready to wear in a few hours. With these fabrics available in stores, it meant the ’60s and ’70s were heydays for those wanting clothes with style. Customers could sew clothes for a lot less than those available in department stores. It wasn’t just women who sewed. “I had fellows come in to get fabric for snowmobile suits.”

At World of Fabric, customers marveled at the hundreds of bolts of fabric in a myriad of colors and designs made of polyesters, cottons, wools, fake furs, and Hardanger, a crafting fabric. The store included notions such as ribbons, rickrack, and seam binding plus buttons. “At one time, we had $2,000 worth of buttons in the store,” Sally said. “People would look through pattern books to find the latest styles for their new outfits. At one time, patterns sold for 95 cents or $1.95. That price was about the same as a loaf of bread. I can’t believe patterns now sell for $20.”

Sally became a trusted source for information about sewing. Her experience helped customers figure out problems they had with sewing, or she’d share the latest technique with them. She remembered, “Lots of 4-Hers came through the doors, and I still see some of them.”

After 21 years, Sally retired. People changed, fabric changed, shopping changed. Increased options in stores for low-cost clothing meant it might be cheaper to purchase a ready-made dress rather than sew one. People bought a lot less fabric. World of Fabric closed in 1992.

After traveling for 10 years, Sally settled down in Aberdeen, where she continues to be active. Two machines stand ready in her sewing room to tackle any project. Besides her regular machine, she’s found a serger makes quick work for edges, rolled hems, and blind stitching.

Her sharp brown eyes have no trouble with hand sewing. With her thimble, she can expertly tackle most any work. While she no longer sews clothes for herself, she works with the Exchange Club to reinforce the hems on United States flags so they can handle South Dakota winds. The ladies of her church cut out quilt squares and rely on her to sew the blocks together. And, like many who sew, she made many masks this last year.

She still has a stash of fabric that she’ll use for projects such as table runners. Sometimes she will peruse the fabric in stores just to see what’s available.

As for her favorite fabric, Sally said, “I really like the cotton-polyester for sewing. I detest chiffon. We used to sell a lot of wool. In fact, I have three yards of beautiful Pendleton wool that I’ve never made into anything.”

Now, many people enjoy a different type of sewing as quilting makes a comeback and crafting gains in popularity. Making your own clothes has become a disappearing art. For Sally, this skill brought her great joy through the years, along with memories of great people she’s met along the way.

 These 1970s-era pictures were provided by Sally Kushman, who managed World of Fabric in the Super City Mall and include style shows and Crazy Days events.

KINDLING A CREATIVE SPIRIT

Five years ago, Brittany Merkel became enthralled with the world of sewing. “At 30, I started staying home after my second child was six months old. I needed something productive to keep me busy.”

Her grandmother, Leone Dutenhoeffer, came to her rescue. “She got me a yard of purple fabric. We made an apron without using a pattern. I was super fulfilled and excited that I did it.” That ignited her interest in making clothes.

She still treasures the apron and the love she felt making it.

She said her grandmother is an industrious woman who pushed her to pursue crafts that bring Brittany happiness. “Sewing and gardening have allowed me to be creative and inspire our children to appreciate these crafts as well. Grandma is helpful and optimistic and always stays busy.”

Sewing appeals to her need for order. “I was a science teacher, so I love following directions. Sewing is similar, yet different. You cut the fabric; you piece it together into another enormous piece of fabric. There is just something so comforting. You have the time to yourself.”

“I enjoy giving something that people can get nowhere else,” Brittany said. “As a mom of five, I look forward to my creative time. I love staying at home. My job is making sure my kids feel loved and are happy. It gives me joy to carve out time to make things. I can say I made this and I’m proud of it. That’s why I sew.”

Giving birth to her fifth child this spring, baby Pearl joined sister Zoey and three brothers Ezra, Beau and Shiloh.

A blanket with a mermaid tail for her daughter challenged her. “Some of my friends liked them, so I took orders and sold them.” That led to making clothes for Zoey. “I stumbled across a company that sells patterns online.”

Instead of purchasing a pattern in a store, people can select and download the pattern and print it at home. She explained, “Once you print the pages, you tape them together and cut according to the size. They impressed me with the detailed instructions and how easy they were to follow.”

Her contact with that company led her to working for them.

“Last year, I sewed test patterns for this company to make sure the size fit well before it was available for purchase. I learned a lot from the experience, and it made me better at sewing. I remember making the first item for myself and

it fit me just right! It was a dress with darts and neat styling.”

She made several outfits and made suggestions to the company. “I made a matching set of dresses for Zoey and me. It was fun with multiple options. The back of the dresses were open, but they could have a zipper. It was fun to coordinate.”

During quarantine, Brittany read the Harry Potter books with Zoey. As a result, she created a dress inspired by Luna Lovegood in the books. Made of black fabric with stars and unicorns, it has buttons down the front. “I’m proud of it. It was my first outfit where my buttonholes were very visible. They turned out well. Now that I conquered those, I’m going to tackle making boys’ shirts, which have lots of tiny buttons.”

When does Brittany find time for sewing when she has five kids? “Truly, it’s late at night,” she said with a laugh.

Brittany said Zoey told her, “‘Mom, I look forward to you making my picture day dress every year.’ This year I didn’t think I could since I was very pregnant and sick quite a bit of the

time. I didn’t want to disappoint her. She and I are thrilled with how it turned out. I finished it right in the nick of time. I sewed the buttons on late in the evening just before picture day.”

Brittany said Zoey’s delight in the dress increases her sense of accomplishment, “It has lots of ruffles, and Zoey wears it a lot. She’s a dancer so sometimes she wears the dress without the pettiskirt. Most projects have been for Zoey. It’s always fun planning the pieces together. This year’s outfit is overall my favorite.”

Since she’s been pregnant, she’s taken a break from sewing and is excited to begin future projects. “I plan to sew more for myself as there is nothing like a clothing item that is custom made. I’m looking forward to trying more patterns, including a coat.”

While the price of purchasing fabric and patterns adds up, the time to make gifts for others is something she gives freely. “I want the person to have an heirloom piece. Sometimes it may cost more. You can’t put a price on something that was made just for you.”

 Brittany Merkel (above) took up sewing more seriously as a stay-at-home mom. She has worked as a pattern tester, taken custom orders, and sewn outfits for herself and her oldest daughter, Zoey (pictured at left).

Photos courtesy of Brittany Merkel

FOCUSING ON USEFUL PROJECTS

Sewing useful craft projects became a creative outlet for the Kiesz family during the last few years. Projects for 4-H were the catalyst for them to learn to sew.

While Wyatt, 13, and Cody, 11, haven’t sewn clothes for themselves, they have learned to make some clever projects with the help of their grandmother, Carole Kiesz. Their mom, Alison, has learned along with them.

Carole lives nearby, and when the boys visited her, they would sometimes sew together scrap fabric on her machine. To encourage them, she bought a sewing machine for the family for 4-H projects and fun items. With limited time in school for Family and Consumer Science class this year, Wyatt made items following online instruction and created some of his own at home.

Wyatt took fabric featuring sports logos and turned it into an apron, which he wore when demonstrating special foods at the Brown County Fair and State Fair level. This last year, Wyatt made prototypes of coffee koozies. One that worked well featured hook and loop fasteners. It took time to figure out what to do to keep the sewing machine needle from getting caught up in the product. He made 14 and sold them to family and friends. He and his brother made several pillows and placemats.

“Grandma helped us if the machine jammed or if we had trouble,” Wyatt said. He looked forward to his fourth-quarter Family and Consumer Science class at Holgate.

A laptop case proved to be a challenge for Cody and his mom. Cody found quilted outdoor fabric that he liked. Turning that heavy material into a finished project took almost six months.

Cody said, “We’d work on it, put it away for a while, and then work on it again. It just had a lot of steps. It also had the hook and loop fasteners. But it was cool when I got done.”

An easier project was a body pillow. They checked the price of fabric and found it was less expensive to purchase a bedsheet than the amount of material needed. Cody explained, “We laid the five pillows out and measured where to sew and pinned it together. It only took a couple of hours to finish. It’s on my bed, and I use it a lot.

I entered it into the Brown County Fair for one of my 4-H projects.”

Alison said she didn’t learn to sew and is very thankful for Carole’s help. With the sewing machine in the house, Alison found herself drawn to try some projects. “I made a bag and a simple skirt that I really liked. I watched tutorials to find out how to do things and to help the boys. It is fun to create, but I know my limits. I learned to rip things apart when I make mistakes.”

Knowing those basics is important, she said. “I’m glad the boys have learned to sew. They will know how to patch their jeans or sew on a button. I think they’ve learned lifelong skills while crafting creative projects.”

Tools of the Trade

Cody Kiesz shows a laptop case he made using outdoorthemed fabric.

 Wyatt, Cody, and mom Alison Kiesz have learned to do different sewing projects together for 4-H. The boys’ grandmother, Carole Kiesz, gifted them a sewing machine and has been a huge help in mastering the craft.

Photos by Troy McQuillen

Sewing Throughout History

Archaeologists believe that people used to sew together fur, hide, skin, and bark for clothing as far back as 25,000 years ago.

Early sewing needles were made of bone and ivory.

The sewing machine was invented in 1790 by Thomas Saint.

The Singer sewing machine was patented by Isaac Merritt Singer in 1851, and Singer’s patent made it the most dominant firm in the industry.

“The whole nine yards,” a common phrase, came from the fabric that was needed to make the fanciest coat for a man of fashion.

Women formed sewing societies in the 1860s to make quilts to sell at church bazaars.

The 1950s are regarded as sewing’s “golden age” because of a strong focus on fashion sewing, designer patterns, and copying Hollywood looks.

TEACHING THE NEXT GENERATION

In high school in the 1950s to the 1970s, girls spent hours sewing in home economics classes, making skirts and dresses they would wear. (Boys weren’t allowed in those classes and most likely wanted no part of ‘girls’ classes; they took shop courses.) Current curriculum includes boys and girls in the classes called Family and Consumer Science (FACS). Required for Holgate Junior High and Simmons Junior High sixth- and seventh-grade students, the school offers the class as an option for eighth-graders.

Ann Scott, FACS teacher at Aberdeen Holgate, grew up sewing and made many outfits for her daughters. She believes sewing is a fun part of the classes she teaches.

She said, “Some kids grumble, but I think they really enjoy the class and are proud of their projects. I tell them they need to learn the basics,

so they don’t have to call their mom when they are living on their own.”

Projects have changed from earlier days, with the focus now on making masks. Rather than sewing something to wear, students make pillowcases, locker caddies, and fleece quilts. Ann focuses on how to use a sewing machine, being able to use a pattern, and other skills they will use. “Sewing on a button is a must!”

Later this year, “One project is hand sewing a ‘germ’ out of felt. We do a food poisoning lesson, and they choose what germ they want to create. All the students seem to like hand sewing. All the students get creative. By linking sewing and food science, the concepts resonate with the kids.”

As a FACS teacher in Groton, Lindsey Tietz says the change in lifestyles has made a tremendous difference in teaching her classes. Students aren’t interested in making clothes to wear. They prefer to make a blanket, potholder,

 Above: Lindsey Tietz, Groton FACS teacher (center,) and her students display the final results of their senior quilting class. Right: Lindsey and one of her students work on a quilt together. Photos by Kristi Peterson.

 Ann Scott (right), FACS teacher at Aberdeen Holgate, helps her class work on their latest sewing assignment.

Photo by Troy McQuillen.

bag, or quilt. With COVID-19 this last year and guidelines set by the school district, students haven't been able to use the sewing machines as usual. Her FACS IV class, a senior quilting class, is the only class that has been able to sew.

Her students tell her it’s less complicated to find clothes on sale rather than take the time to find the fabric, decide on a pattern, and make the garment. She’s found students are not as comfortable wearing something they've made. That’s why she teaches students to sew by making projects such as pajama shorts, aprons, blankets, and potholders.

Lindsey said one of her first assignments in another class is to bring five items that need fixing/mending. Some may bring jeans in need of repair, leggings with holes, or a shirt with missing buttons. They learn how to fix and repair. “That’s a life skill providing knowledge they will use. They learn these skills so they don’t have to pay someone else to take care of it for them.”

With the four-day week at Groton, some senior girls have chosen to quilt at the school on Fridays. Lindsey said, “It’s fun to see their interest in this traditional activity. For some, it becomes addicting. They just want to come to my classroom and sew, sew, sew!” //

 Junior high students at Holgate Middle School have made things like locker caddies, masks, pillowcases, and fleece quilts.

Photo by Troy McQuillen

Downtown of Dreams

The quest for more housing at the city’s core and what that would mean for Aberdeen.

by PATRICK GALLAGHER

f you build it, they will come.” When they summarized how expanding downtown housing would work in Aberdeen, almost everyone I spoke with for this story did their best Kevin Costner impression. Okay, actually, they unintentionally paraphrased his “Field of Dreams” speech in their own voices. Another theme was more, more, more. More downtown apartments means more people means more businesses means more employees means more tax revenue means, well, more. So how might this downtown of dreams materialize?

There’s definitely room for growth in upstairs downtown. Heath Johnson, of Dakota Plains Commercial Real Estate, said the vacancy rate in downtown apartments is “effectively zero.” He admitted that’s an educated guess, but he pays attention to how quickly available apartments

get rented. There’s no solid count of the number of apartments in rentable condition on Main Street, but he estimated it at about 110 (this increases to about 160 if he expands his scope to the Downtown Business Improvement District [BID], which generally includes the two blocks on either side of Main Street between Sixth Avenue and the railroad tracks with an extension over to Central Park, the Roosevelt Apartments, and the library). Thus, the Malchow’s fire, which took 17 apartments out of the inventory, reduced Main Street capacity by about 15 percent. Spencer Sommers, design architect at Co-Op Architecture, said the firm did a rough estimate that found buildings on Main Street are using maybe one-third of their potential capacity for apartment space, suggesting room for perhaps 130 more apartments.

If You Build It, They Will Come

But why focus on downtown apartments?

According to Aberdeen Development Corporation CEO Mike Bockorny, it’s where people want to live. Plus, he said, it takes advantage of a unique asset for a town the size of Aberdeen. “Our strength in having two fouryear colleges is key. We need to keep as many graduates in our community as we can so they can fill jobs, create businesses,” and generally contribute to the city.

Mike pointed to research from a New Hampshire organization that focuses on rural and smaller cities. “They conducted a survey that found 50% of people in communities with populations under 50,000 prefer a walkable life, where you can walk from your home to your everyday needs. Also, the same poll reports 70% of people under age 30

Photos by Troy McQuillen

prefer a walkable life and want to live downtown.” What counts as walkability? Mike lists proper sidewalks, crosswalks, landscaping, lighting, seating, public art, facade improvements, and green space, among other amenities. He added that it’s not just for recent college graduates. The same survey said 20% of retirees desire a walkable life, a number that’s expected to increase to 40% over the next 15 years.

Confirming the demand for downtown housing, Shelley Westra-Heier, Aberdeen Downtown Association executive director, said after the fire that destroyed their homes, “Several Malchow’s tenants called me to find other places to live downtown.”

If They Come, They Will Build Businesses

“It’s the whole work/live/play concept,” Shelley explained. “When people live downtown, they have needs, like restaurants, a place to grab a drink, places to buy things. They bring additional foot traffic. If people live downtown, it’s where they play and shop. People attract people and businesses. That’s economic development for downtown.”

Jeff Mitchell, executive director of Homes Are Possible, Inc. (HAPI), asked rhetorically, “If you can bring 40 apartments downtown, what’s that do for getting a new restaurant or drugstore downtown?” The implied answer is “a lot.”

Heath summed it up, “At the end of the day, if you have people that live here, they’ll spend more of their time and money in the core. I think it’s key. Having more apartments and downtown dwellers will drive demand for more business downtown.” The potential is there, he said. “We need more households downtown.”

Besides the benefits new apartments bring to downtown as a whole, Shelley noted an essential factor in this equation. If a building owner’s business is on the ground floor, “Part of the success of a main-floor business might be that it’s subsidized by second-floor rents.” She added, “A key is to get buildings in the hands of the right owners who see that vision as well.”

If They Build It, It’s Going to Cost

Heath believes, “We could probably double or more the number of apartments downtown if the currently unusable apartments were fixed and other spaces were converted.” But he added, “Building codes and fire code are major issues.

“Having more apartments and downtown dwellers will drive demand for more business downtown.”

 Kaylyn Deiter lives in the Lofts on Main in downtown Aberdeen. Deiter said she enjoys living downtown because it feels like being in a city and she can walk to her favorite coffee shop, the Red Rooster. Also pictured is Deiter's dog, Belle.

–HEATH JOHNSON

 Heath Johnson of Dakota Plains Commercial Real Estate said available apartments in downtown Aberdeen get rented almost right away. The demand for more downtown housing is there. For owners, the challenge is cost-effectively retrofitting older buildings to meet code.

Many buildings downtown were built before the codes were in place. Retrofitting buildings to meet code can be difficult.” He knows this from experience, having been part of the group that bought the Olwen-Angell building on the northeast corner of Fourth Avenue and South Main (the Anytime Fitness building) and converted the upper floors into apartments.

That project added 14 new apartments downtown, and it was a considerable undertaking, including the installation of a new elevator. The one-time department store had a small elevator, but it didn’t serve apartment living needs. Besides addressing fire and building code issues, plus Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, there were additional obligations involved with converting the building from nonresidential to residential use. It paid off, and it could be a model for other projects and developers. But Heath added, “The need is to solve the problems of cost. It needs to make sense financially for an owner.” He also mentioned the issue of downtown parking, but more on that later.

Second-story housing is a significant focus of the BID, Shelley noted (another hat she wears is executive director of the BID). They are working to “help break down some of the barriers building owners are running into and gathering resources that could help them see their second-story project become a reality.” She added that it’s “disheartening” when a building owner is unable to finish a project “because of a code or ordinance issue that put a financial barrier in their path that they just can’t get around.”

If You Build It, They Will Lend

The Olwen-Angell project caught Jeff Mitchell’s attention because it was fully rented almost immediately. Known for building homes around Aberdeen, HAPI has been thinking about downtown apartments for years. About six years ago, HAPI and the Aberdeen Downtown Association received a grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation to study the costs of creating residential space in the upstairs floors of downtown. “The idea was to create a template for an owner to convert their building into apartments,” Jeff said.

That report considered an actual twostory downtown building. Jeff remembers

the building’s upstairs having “about 30 doors connecting many small offices,” meaning the hypothetical project would require gutting the whole floor. The Northeast Council of Governments conducted the study. Its 2015 report estimated that converting this upstairs office space into six apartments would cost $400,000, expenses that would not include an elevator since that ADA requirement only applies to buildings taller than two stories. Considering both financing expenses and rental income, the report concluded the project would provide net income immediately, which would grow over time.

A Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), HAPI can be one route to get there. Jeff said HAPI has earmarked $500,000 of its CDFI funds to support apartment development in Aberdeen. “Our funds can be used for affordable housing,” he said, “which requires that a certain percentage of apartments meet affordability requirements. That’s what we’re going to focus on, offering affordable loans to allow conversions or rehabs of existing apartments.” He noted that there are

many sources of financing for both affordable and market-rate residential projects.

If You’re Already There, What Do You Think?

So what about those people who already live downtown? What do they think? Given the focus of downtown growth on young people and retirees, that’s who we spoke with. Spencer Sommers, a 2017 South Dakota State University grad and now a design architect at Co-Op Architecture, moved to downtown Aberdeen in 2018. It was always where he wanted to live. “I like traveling to cities and being downtown,” he said. “Downtown Aberdeen is a cool place to be. It has everything you need within walking distance.” In addition, the young architect enjoys downtown’s historic and unique buildings.

It’s not perfect, however. “I’d like to see more bars and restaurants, more things to do outside 9-5, things to keep people downtown,” he said. “People beget people. If you have more of a bar/restaurant scene, you’ll get people who go to dinner then to drinks then hop around.” Looking with an architect’s eye, he said, “More

Photo by Troy McQuillen

 Spencer Sommers of Co-Op Architecture has lived in downtown Aberdeen since 2018. He said living downtown provides the opportunity to be within walking distance of everything and enjoy historic and unique buildings.

places to eat, live, and socialize—all within close proximity—will help attract and retain residents of Aberdeen by creating a more vibrant downtown 'destination' district where people will want to spend time no matter the time or day. Exterior dining options, well-utilized plaza spaces, and a denser pedestrian population all help create the sense of place seen in every thriving city throughout the U.S. This added activity not only improves the aesthetics of downtown but also drives sales and increases revenue for both local businesses and the city.”

It’s not surprising Spencer is a board member for the Aberdeen Downtown Association, and he believes Aberdeen is doing a great job making downtown more attractive in terms of concerts, good bars, coffee shops, and so on. But he still hopes for “more events to keep people coming downtown.” Echoing Mike Bockorny, he suggested exploring partnerships with Northern and Presentation to determine what young people want to interest them in staying here.

Promoting his neighborhood and his dreams for it, Spencer summed it up, “I love being down here. I plan to stay in Aberdeen, and I keep an eye on houses, but I like the freedom of downtown, not worrying about taking care of things, like snow and mowing the lawn.”

The latter benefit was one thing that appealed to Chuck and Wendy Gugel, who moved into a condo in the Ward in 2016. “One of the advantages,” said Chuck, who retired from tax accounting in 2020, “is no mowing, no snow removal, and we can park in the parking ramp attached to the building.”



“We like to be downtown, to be able to walk,” Chuck said. “We can walk to the Y, to ACT, movies, the library, Lager’s—and we don’t have to worry about driving home.” Wendy added, “Before COVID, there were times we didn’t move our car for days because we could walk wherever we needed to go.”

All that talk about walking recalls an occasionally repeated concern about developing downtown when there’s not enough parking available for residents and shoppers. Shelley Westra-Heier counts more than 1,000 parking spaces in the downtown BID area (her third hat is head of the Parking Board). That includes on-street and lot parking, of which only about 10% are leased spaces. More than one person I spoke with—maybe all of them— told me Aberdeen doesn’t have a parking problem. It has a walking problem. Their point was that too many people—whether they’re shopping or working downtown (including business owners)—want to park in front of their destination and are unwilling to walk even a block to get where they need to go. It’s an ironic problem, as Spencer pointed out, given that the average shopping trip to the bigger stores in town or the mall would involve, from parking place to store and back, the equivalent of walking several blocks.

The Gugels like live entertainment and they enjoy the downtown concerts on Main Street. “We can go mingle on the street or just open the window and listen,” Chuck said, adding, “A couple of years ago on Gypsy Days, we had brunch for friends and opened the window to watch the parade.” (They didn’t mention the option to do that without opening the windows on those 30-degree parade days too.)

Like Spencer, the Gugels would also like to see more downtown. “We miss our backyard, and it would be nice to have more green space downtown.” They wish there were more restaurants, clubs, live music, and shopping downtown—for example, “A convenience store would be nice,” Chuck noted. And what will it take to get those things? “More people,” Chuck said. To which Wendy responded with a familiar theme, “It’s a virtuous circle: the more people come, the more there will be for them to do, and the more people will come.”

Spencer encouraged people to “Think of your favorite city to visit. You probably go to the downtown part of the city. Why can’t we be the same kind of hub for people in our region?”

It might not be easy to make this downtown of dreams come true, but it sounds like it would be worth it. //

Wendy and Chuck Gugel have lived in their condo in the Ward building for a handful of years. Like Sommers, they agreed one of the biggest perks of living downtown is being able to walk to the places they need to go. Another bonus is being near live entertainment on Main Street, such as the downtown concerts and Gypsy Days parade.

“We can walk to the Y, to ACT, movies, the library, Lager’s—and we don’t have to worry about driving home.”

–CHUCK GUGEL

Photo by Troy McQuillen

REGULAR AND ONGOING OVATION FOR ABERDEEN

by TERESA LEVSEN-GAROFALO

he magazine you’re reading highlights unique stories, shares local history, and celebrates successes in the community. You can see that because you’re reading it! What you might not know is that this is a special, milestone issue: You’re reading the 50th addition of Aberdeen Magazine. Maybe you’re a long-time subscriber who never misses an issue, or perhaps this is the first time you’ve picked it up from a display in a local shop or restaurant. Either way, you might wonder about the magazine’s own story, its history, and the secrets of its success.

It all began with a man who loves the city of Aberdeen, who made it his mission to shine a spotlight on our community.

Troy McQuillen founded McQuillen Creative Group in 1995. The company was first a design shop specializing in print-related graphic design. It has evolved as the times changed to include additional services such as digital graphic design, advertising, and brand development. Today, MCG also provides website design, development and management, marketing, digital content development and social media management,

and original videos, including commercials, trainings, and documentaries.

While the staff works hard to provide unparalleled expertise to each and every client according to their needs, there’s one unofficial client that also benefits from the flurry of activity and the abundance of talent in the McQuillen office building on Main Street: Aberdeen itself.

Magazine staff and contributors agree that Mr. McQuillen’s deeply rooted passion for promoting and celebrating the city of Aberdeen is infectious. His pride and enthusiasm for the community permeate the company’s climate and the mood in the office. The optimism and excitement about the future manifest in the words and photos on the very pages of the magazine you’re holding.

After a decade or so with MCG, McQuillen knew there was a need in the community for a publication that could fill a particular niche, focusing on uplifting stories and, he said, “putting our current situation and future into perspective using historical stories.”

He set out to provide a voice for the heart of the community. In 2006, A List Magazine rolled off the presses. A precursor of the current Aberdeen Magazine, it was smaller in size and distributed

The heart and story behind Aberdeen Magazine.

free at local businesses. In time, and with a small staff handling a fast-growing client list at MCG, McQuillen made the difficult decision to shelve the project. But there was always a question in the back of his mind, “How can we do the same thing, but better?” He continued to think about ways to provide the type of high-quality publication he believed Aberdeen deserved to have.

In late 2012, the universe gave him a push in the right direction when the right people came along at the right time. Kiki Wanshura arrived to handle ad sales, and Barb Andrews signed on as its first editor. Aberdeen Magazine was officially in business. The first cover featured an up-close view of Lady Justice on top of the Brown County Courthouse. It questioned if residents walk by this bright, golden statue in the center of town every day without ever really noticing it, what else in our city were we overlooking because it all seemed so familiar?

Aberdeen Magazine initially didn’t look exactly like it does now. It was thinner in the beginning, and the covers looked different. Eliot Lucas, graphic designer, does the layout. “They give me all the pieces, and I put the puzzle together,” he said.

Lucas, who started with the MCG right out of college, cites the change from a cover with a graphic border to full-photo covers as an important evolution in the magazine’s feel and style moving forward. He said, “This magazine is the type of thing you might expect a larger city to have.” Lucas added that the photos make a big difference, and the vibrant covers are easily recognizable.

McQuillen agreed that full-color photographs add an extra layer to the storytelling in each issue. “When I see a big, beautiful picture, I want to read to learn more about what I see in the picture.” Quality matters, too. The magazine doesn’t scrimp on printing costs, choosing heavy, glossy paper and recently switching to a “perfect” binding – which you can notice if you look at the spine of this issue. In accordance with the belief at the heart of the magazine –supporting the community – Aberdeen Magazine has always been printed locally, currently by Midstates Printing. “It’s almost like a picture book,” said graphic designer, Nicole Hoines. “It’s perfect for keeping out on the coffee table.”

Advertising pays the bills, for the most part. While the magazine was initially offered only via subscriptions and retail sales (selling for $3.99 an issue), over time, McQuillen decided that he wanted more people to see the stories. It’s now distributed for free at almost 200 locations around town. McQuillen himself delivers new issues every two months at publication time. More than 6,000 issues are picked up by readers during each issue cycle.

Web designer Abby McQuillen said, “I know so many people who say they’ve kept every single issue. They keep them to go back and look at them again.” Sales representative Julie Lillis agreed that readers like to hold onto their copies because many of the articles are timeless. “People save issues because these are stories

you can read and reread. You can pick up an issue and read it in a year, and it would be as interesting as it is today. Every story is relevant to everyone in the community.”

The magazine is still available by subscription, and plenty of copies are still going out in the mail, direct to Aberdeen Magazine fans. One group of subscribers – almost half, in fact – are former Aberdeen residents who enjoy getting the magazine to keep up with what’s happening at “home.”

Regular contributing writer, Pat Gallagher, said it’s not just residents who should pick up a copy. People from out of town really ought to read the magazine, too. “Visitors should pick it up. They might find something to like about Aberdeen that they didn’t know about or didn’t expect.” Even though he’s a long-time resident, he said, “Every single issue tells me something I didn’t know. It’s truly a ‘feel good’ picture of Aberdeen.”

Ask the staff what makes the magazine truly special, and you’ll hear that theme repeated: Readers say they learn something new. “We’ve been doing this for nine years,” said Lucas, “and we’ve never yet repeated a story.”

 Editor/writer Jenny Roth and designer Eliot Lucas put together an issue of Aberdeen Magazine.

Photo by Troy McQuillen

Online marketing specialist Daniel Wise agreed, “It really serves to connect all of Aberdeen. It’s a small town, and you may feel like you know everything about it, but there are so much history and depth to it. The magazine explores all of that.”

The team brings its own experiences to the table when choosing story ideas or brainstorming ways to showcase businesses, people, and historical features. Video producer Stephanie Ludens said, “We all have different ways of perceiving the community, and we all have our hands in the magazine.” Hoines described it as “the heartbeat of Aberdeen, the pulse of all that’s going on.” She said the magazine has something for everyone: business profiles, personal stories, popular events, and things to do.

The historical articles add extra perspective, and they’re some of the most popular pieces in the magazine. Editor Jenny Roth said, “The history of where we live is something we all have in common. It’s just another way for us to feel connected.” McQuillen is known around town as a local historian, and it’s not uncommon for folks to walk in the door with old photos or historical items to show the staff. Roth added, “You think

THE EDITORS WHO GOT US HERE

you know Aberdeen, but there’s so much to know! I think when you read the magazine, you know where you live on a whole other level.”

Business features provide an important service to the community, showcasing new establishments opening their doors and wellknown entities. Wise said there are fascinating stories right here in our own backyard: “Unique stories to give a spotlight to ordinary people doing extraordinary things, to show their complexities, and to paint a complete picture. It’s so important.”

Bookkeeper Wendy Monson said the features can really mean a lot to “mom and pop” businesses, and readers can even learn from the ad pages. “There’s value in the advertisements. You never know what you’re going to learn.” Web developer and coder Zamani Peters

said the articles can help businesses thrive.“It creates word of mouth and highlights things you might not see anywhere else.”

While a daily newspaper must report crime, politics, weather, and government stories overnight, the staff at the magazine have the relative luxury of working on a cherished story idea for weeks or even months. That allows for in-depth interviews and highly detailed photo shoots. Intern Jennifer Fjelstad points to the special Aberdeen Weddings issue as an example of a project that involved intense planning and contributions from everyone on staff in one way or another, culminating in a product that showcased local businesses and people. “Bringing everything together that way is a lot of fun. It’s so exciting to see it on the page.” Lucas shared that joy of printing time, “When it’s no longer just living on a screen but a physical object I can hold!’”

BARB ANDREWS ISSUES 1-12

ANGELIA SCHULTZ ISSUES 13-14

SEAN MCCRACKEN ISSUES 15-20

BECCA SIMON ISSUES 21-28

KARLIE SPIRY ISSUES 44-46

JENNY ROTH ISSUES 29-43,47-50

 Sales representative Julie Lillis (left) works with Kiernan McCranie and JoDee McCranie of Skal Moon to plan a magazine ad for the business.

Photo by Troy McQuillen

So what’s in the future for this little local magazine? Joan Heier, web developer, points out that consumers look for news in different ways now. “Anyone with a computer or a phone – basically everyone – wants to get content via the website.” Though the beauty of the magazine as a physical object is a point of pride, and its distribution continues to increase, staff members know that some readers want to get their information from scrolling on devices. Wise is on a mission to maximize mobile and online access, with a focus on social media outreach to attract more viewers and achieve more exposure for stories that matter. His goal is to cultivate the magazine’s digital presence. The stories and the images provide real value, he said. “Photos are everything.”

Staff members say videos add an extra dimension to the stories. Peters said the goal is utilizing digital access to create a connection with readers. “Video clips,” he said, “can lead people to the rest of the content.” Ludens said, “We want the magazine’s website to be a real source of information online. When people search ‘Aberdeen, SD,’ we want them to access our magazine.”

One thing is certain: the focus of the magazine won’t change. Lillis summed it up, “100% Aberdeen, and 100% positive.”

As McQuillen said, the community has so much to offer. “People made this town out of a grass field. If people 140 years ago could make a city out of nothing, how much more could we do with what we have now, and with positivity and enthusiasm?”

A NOTE ON YOUR PUBLISHER

When I heard Aberdeen Magazine was doing this story, the production process for the magazine that goes on in my house immediately popped into my mind.

I’m involved sometimes, but, more specifically, I thought the world should get some more personal insight about your publisher, Troy McQuillen. Some of my favorite dates with my husband are the cooking photo shoots for the recipe articles. Together, we’ve made and photographed chislic, kuchen, Thanksgiving dinner, tomato soup, and the hot beef combination from the Virginia Café. I help Troy stage the photographs, but how he creates the beautiful pictures that make it to print is beyond me.

Our evenings include Troy researching old newspapers, writing to family members of historical Aberdonians, shopping for Aberdeen historical photos and postcards, writing articles, and spending endless hours tweaking type

Fjelstad added, “We love the community, and as a natural result of that, we will always find cool things to report. We’re capturing and sharing the culture of Aberdeen.”

Peters agreed there’s “the glamour and glitter” of what goes on in town, but more than that, there’s also “an emotional touch, an intimate look at Aberdeen.” And Roth said the magazine

treatments for headlines. Those who are my Facebook friends have probably heard me say this, but I’ll say it again for all of you – Aberdeen Magazine is Troy’s love letter to Aberdeen. I could be jealous of all the time he spends on this publication and his love for all things Aberdeen, but it’s one of the things about him that make me love him.

Know that when you’re reading Aberdeen Magazine, Troy’s entire heart is in those pages. // -

Dani McQuillen

will continue to bring the best of Aberdeen to light: “Everyone has a story; knowing someone’s story connects you to them. It shows us we’re more alike than we’re different, and it makes you proud of where we live. It’s a big deal to us, to tell these stories.”

Abby McQuillen points out the bottom line, “You can’t get this content anywhere else in Aberdeen.” //

 Publisher and photographer Troy McQuillen gets just the right shot for a magazine recipe photoshoot and article.

We Want to Hear from You!

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

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

423 S Main Street Suite 1 Aberdeen, SD 57401

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

by Eliot Lucas