Stories
Our speaker today was Dr. Cheryl Chapman, Executive Director of West Dakota Regional Water System. Dr. Chapman gave us an update on the Missouri River water project which is working to bring bulk water from the Missouri river to western SD. They are currently working on use and availability studies along with fundraising. With our growth, in dry years we are not able to meet demand. For more information please visit www.wdrws.org. |
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Host Families Needed for 2024-2025 School YearWe are looking for host families for our new Youth Exchange high school inbound student, a boy from Thailand by the name of Peach Tancharoam. He is a 16-year old looking forward to learning all about America and the Black Hills. If you are interested in hosting him for part of the year, call Bill Spindle at 907-227-4970 or email him at William.spindle@sdsmt.edu.
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April 16, 2024 MeetingOur speaker today was Dave Snyder, author and founder of Pathways Spiritual Sanctuary in Lead, SD. He created Pathways in 2010 as a free space set aside to be a quiet, peaceful, sacred place to walk, read, write, contemplate. It is open Memorial weekend through mid October, weather permitting. For more information please visit www.pathwaysspiritualsanctuary.org. |
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6th Grade 4-Way Test Essay ContestToday we welcomed Olivia, the first place winner of the 6th grade 4-way test essay contest from South West Middle School. She read her winning essay, which was excellent! Above is the 2nd place winner and the two that tied for third. Great job! |
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April 9, 2024 MeetingJon Cass received his member badge today after completing the new member requirements. Congratulations! STORY BOOK ISLAND UPDATE Malory Hook, the new Executive Director for Story Book Island gave us an update on the park. In 2023 The Christmas Light Nights raised $187,000. A new Santa’s workshop was added. The Winnie the Pooh Tree Gala raised $39,000, bringing the total raised to $461,000.The 2024 season opens May 25th. It is the 65th season. There will be adult fun nights, new decorations and photo ops. They will also have $1 train ride nights. The birthday house will also reopen for rentals. Mark your calendars for August 16th. That will be the park’s 65th birthday celebration. Club committees Rene Sorenson introduced all the club’s committees and their chairpersons to help new and older members get information on how they can be involved.
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April 2, 2024 MeetingOur speaker today was Dr. Eric Zimmer, Director of Philanthropy for the Black Hills Area Community Foundation. Founded in 1987, they support other non-profits by coordinating their needs. They help with set up, grant making, alignment with donors and offer administration support. With $60 million in assets they have been able to give $35 million in assets to the community. For more information on this vital group go to www.bhacf.org. |
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Serving at Cornerstone Rescue MissionRushmore Rotarians served the April lunch at the Cornerstone Rescue Mission. Servers: Chris Russo, Shawn Walters, Hoodie Smock, Mary Kenner and Heidi Bell Geise. All had fun. Our next serving opportunity is May 7. |
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March 26, 2024 MeetingOur speaker today was Alysala Malik, daughter of fellow Rushmore Rotarian April Malik and a 3rd year medical school student. She gave an incredible talk about her concern for the large amounts of commercial food waste versus the high numbers of food insecure people. In college she got involved with collecting excess food from dorms, stores, and restaurants to give to the food insecure. This led her to apply and receive a Watson Fellowship which allowed her to conduct independent exploration of this subject outside the U.S. for 1 year. In her year she visited France, India, Nepal and spent 3 months in Madagascar. She lived among the food insecure and worked with groups trying to help. She was able to see different solutions and a need for long term solutions by meeting and talking with the local people to find out the whys. Infrastructure, education in farming and clean water were often the long term solutions. Thank you for such a great topic and impactful talk. |
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RC Alternative Academy 4-Way Test essay winnersToday we welcomed the winners of the 4-Way Test essay contest from the Rapid City Alternative Academy. The essays covered how the Rotary 4-Way Test can be instilled in our lives and in school. 4th place- Lexi Herman -$200 3rd place- Hunter Johnson -$300 2nd place- Talia Miller -$400 1st place- Geannavieve Weitzel who received a plaque and $500. The winning essay was read to us. What an impressive essay! Congratulations to all! |
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March 19, 2024 MeetingOur speaker today was Ronda Gusinsky, Executive Director of Life Sight. Life Sight has been in Rapid City for 30 years and provides free vision screening for those who don’t have access or means to eye health exams. Their goal is to protect and restore vision. Most insurance, including Medicare does not cover eye exams. Under the Kids First vision screening program they go into schools and do a free screening for the kids up to 5th grade. They also do screenings as young as 6 months. If any vision issues are detected a copy is given to the parents so they can have an eye exam done. There are vouchers for income based needs. So far they have screened over 57,000 kids throughout the black hills. Life Sight also helps adults get eye care so they can maintain an independent lifestyle. They are looking for volunteers to help scan at the schools. For more information please visit their website www.lifesightsd.org Congratulations to Scott Van Dam and Mark Barry on receiving their Paul Harris Fellow +3. |
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Letters From School of St. Jude StudentsWe received letters from our sponsored students at The School of St. Jude, Hilary Mathew and Princess Sillass Mollel. It’s great to see how wonderful they are doing. |
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New Member Mikaela Leners
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March 12, 2024 MeetingCongratulations to Jeff Kingsbury who received his Paul Harris Fellow today. Today was Rotary day. We had a wonderful presentation from fellow Rotarians Roger Heacock, his wife Chris and Janet Kahler on their 3 week Rotary Friendship trip to India. 13 Rotarians and family traveled to India and were exquisitely hosted by the Rapid City Rotary Club’s sister club, the Rotary Club of Madras. Flags were exchanged and they visited some of their bigger projects in the area. They were also taken sight seeing and shopping along with beautifully hosted receptions. Thank you to Ashok Kumar, Mike & Vasti Gibson, and Carol Johnson from the noon club for joining us this morning to share this wonderful trip. |
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Whiteclay Makerspace Visit |
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March 5, 2024 MeetingOur speaker today was Nick Van Dyne, Program Coordinator for TeamMates Mentoring Program of Rapid City. Their mission is to positively impact the world by inspiring Students to reach their full potential through mentoring. Teammates was founded in 1991 by coach Tom Osborne and his wife Nancy. They are in 192+ school districts in 5 states. They came to Rapid City in 2019 and are currently in 9 schools with 62 matches. Mentoring has led to improvement in grades, attendance, and fewer disciplinary issues. 98% of their students graduate high school and TeamMates also offers scholarships to mentees. They are always looking for mentors. If you would like to volunteer or need more information you can find them on Facebook at Rapid City TeamMates, or their webpage: chapters.teammates.org/chapters/rapid-city. |
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2024 Children’s Home GalaOur annual children’s Home Society Gala fundraiser was Saturday night at the Holiday Inn Downtown. Thank you to our emcee Darla Crown and auctioneer Jeff Kingsbury for a fun and successful night. Guests were quite generous during the auctions raising $75,000! We were entertained by the wonderful Craig Karges and his amazing tricks and demonstrations. Thank you to all who attended and so generously donated to support the advocacy center. |
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February 27, 2024 MeetingOur speaker today was our own past president Jennifer Rollins, coach for the Black Hills Ski Team. Jennifer shared her past experience as a ski racer growing up and for the US Air Force Academy. She also went back to racing after she retired from the USAF until a knee injury ended her career. 2 years ago she became a certified ski coach and volunteers coaching the Black Hills Ski Team. She teaches the kids racing techniques and prepares them for competition. She was joined by racer Carter who shared his experience skiing and racing. For more information you can visit their website www.bhskiteam.com.
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February 2024 SocialOur social this month was bingo at the VFW in Rapid City. It was a great time! Thank you Heidi for your bingo calling skills and Ron for keeping us honest.
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February 20, 2024 MeetingOur speaker today was Judith Kennedy with West River Resettlement. They have been bringing in Ukrainian refugees to Rapid City since early 2023. They help find sponsors, housing and jobs for these refugees. There are more on the way and they are always looking for sponsors and funds for housing. If you would like to help or want more information please visit www.westriverresettlement.org.
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New Members February 2024Welcome to our 3 newest members. Tanner Hart Tanner grew up in Norfolk, Nebraska. Also the hometown of Johnny Carson. He then attended SDSU in Brookings and graduated in 2011 with his Bachelor's of Science in Nursing. From there, he practiced as a nurse in the hospital setting for six years in Sioux Falls before transitioning to Rapid City in 2017 to pursue opening Profile. Tanner manages all day-to-day operations for the location as well as works with individuals 1:1 as a Health Coach. Tanner is married to his beautiful bride Brandi and has two sons Dempsey(8) and Summit(4). In his spare time Tanner enjoys hunting, fishing, hiking, and pretty much anything to do with the outdoors and his family. He is excited to connect with other members of the Rotary and make a positive impact on our community. Hoodie Smock Hoodie was born in Ft. Riley, KS. the spoiled only child of Louise & Lt. Richard Smock. Her father was killed during the Korean Conflict. She and her mother moved to Spearfish, SD where her maternal grandparents lived and Spearfish became home base. Her mother decided that she wanted her to see as much of the world as possible (at least as much of the part of the world that interested her) so she overcame her fear of flying and after she finished her degrees she took jobs that allowed them to travel to Japan, Guam and South America. But Spearfish and Black Hills State University were always home base for them. She eventually graduated from Black Hills State University with a BS in Speech w/ Theater . She worked in professional dinner theater for several years. Hoodie got a Masters in Speech Pathology and worked in the Kansas and Wyoming school systems. Eventually she went back to get a Masters in Counseling and worked as a School Counselor in Eagle Butte, SD. Eventually she decided to go back and get a Masters in Social Work and eventually moved back to Spearfish and worked as a Medical Social Worker with the Hospice of the Northern Hills. She retired in 2016. Yes my friends I have three Masters degrees and no doctorate - my sanity is in question. She moved to West Hills Village in Rapid City on September 30th 2021. She has some family in Saint Paul, NE but most of her family is on one coast or the other. She has a lot of wonderful friends. Hoodie also has a Havanese named Kona Lou who has not read the literature on Havanese dogs and doesn’t know that the breed doesn’t bark (she does) and is a lap dog (she isn’t). She loves to do theatre and was very active in Spearfish. She hopes to get more active here in Rapid City. Kara Flynn Kara moved to Rapid City in 2006 with her husband Leo and sons Leo, Kelley and Nathaniel. She was born and raised in Sioux Falls and holds a BA in Latin American Studies from UW Madison and an MS in Geography from SDSU. After staying home to raise her sons for many years, Kara returned to work as the Executive Director of the Rapid City Public School Foundation, served on the RCAS School Board and chaired the signage and volunteer committees for the 2020 school bond. She is currently the Director of Development for Children’s Home Foundation and serves on the boards of Friends of South Dakota Public Broadcasting and Black Hills Community Theater. Her son Leo attends the University of Montana in Missoula and Nathaniel will graduate from Stevens HS this year. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, skiing, camping and cooking. She is a former member of the singing group TRASH and still believes that “Laughter cures what ails you!” |
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February 13, 2024 MeetingToday was Rotary Day. Jennifer Rollins was presented with a Paul Harris Fellow +4. Congratulations! We welcomed 3 new members today, Tanner Hart, Kara Flynn and Hoodie Smock. They received their Rotary pins and 4-Way Test plaques. Help welcome them to Rushmore Rotary! Pat Sutliff, International Projects chair, presented information on The School of St. Jude in Tanzania. Our club sponsors 3 students and we are in need of support for 2 of the students, Furahini and Princess. I takes $220/mo. To sponsor each student. If you would like to contribute towards these 2 scholarships in any amount please contact Pat Sutliff for information. pmsutliff@gmail.com. |
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February 6 Meeting - Genevieve OsbornOur speaker this week was Genevieve Osborn, first female from South Dakota to officiate a State Class AA Football Championship. Genevieve shared her background story of adversity living on Pine Ridge Reservation, and dealing with jurisdictional and custody battles that caused her to move and attend several different schools over a span of 12 years. She admits that the adversity, hard work and setting goals helped to get where she is today. Her introduction into officiating began in 2012 when she was asked to officiate basketball by a middle school colleague. Her officiating resume is impressive as a female, but also part of the 1st indigenous all female crew to work the AA high school game (2018) and 1st State Basketball Tournament (2019); 1st all female crew at a RMAC college game (2020); and officiated at a championship game as crew chief on the 50th anniversary of Title IX. In 2023 she was asked to officiate football and after five camps, she became the first female in the history of South Dakota to officiate at a class 9 AA high school football championship. While being the first woman to officiate a football championship was special, she wants to be judged on her skills and looks forward to every opportunity to help women break barriers. She is employed as a public accountant and can be seen officiating at many high school and college basketball games in South Dakota. |
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January 30, 2024 MeetingOur meeting today was at the Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo. It runs through Saturday, February 3rd at the Monument. The stock show has a large economic impact on this area. The competitions help set the market for auction. Our Speaker was Justin Tupper, President of the U.S. Cattleman’s Association and owner of St. Onge Livestock. He answered a lot of questions pertaining to the beef industry, and challenges facing it today. See the full schedule of events for the stock show at www.blackhillsstockshow.com. |
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January 2024 SocialOur January social was at the Minneluzahan Senior Center. Bunko was the game, thank you Larry Steven’s for explaining the rules.
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R.L.I. Workshop |
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January 23, 2024 MeetingOur speaker today was Amy Sazue, Executive Director of the Remembering the Children Memorial in Rapid City, SD. This memorial will honor the discovered location of unmarked graves of children from the Indian Boarding School which operated in west Rapid City from 1898-1933. The land has been put into trust to protect it. The memorial, which will be placed this fall, will be there to acknowledge, educate and help heal this piece of history.
For more information on this important project visit: www.rememberingthechildren.org. |
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R C Alternative Academy students of distinctionToday we recognized the Rapid City Alternative Academy 1st semester students of distinction. Each winner received a $50 Walmart card. Rushmore Rotarians will also throw a doughnut party for them at the school at 9:45 this morning. Congratulations to these outstanding students! |
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YFS Rotary Action Fund
The fund was established after talking to Connie Olson, Chief Development Director at Youth & Family Services (YFS). Connie shared that a number of the families served by YFS who are facing ruinous situations can often be kept from homelessness, severe hunger, or other hardships simply be receiving a small, one-time financial gift. Although YFS offers a variety of services and programs to support families—especially families from low-income homes—organizational funding is most often restricted to support programming and not available to assist with families’ personal crises. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, YFS began seeing a significant increase of families facing these difficult situations. Not only were families facing circumstances that were more troublesome but the number of families experiencing them also increased. In an effort to help these families, Dr. Ashok Kumar from Rapid City Rotary and Dr. Willis Sutliff from Rushmore Rotary, decided to “pass the hat” to see if we could collect enough money to help some of these families. We were delighted when more than $14,000 was raised for this effort. These funds made a tremendous impact during the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds from this initial collection lasted nearly a year and a half and garnered great results. In an effort to continue this support, the two Rotary Clubs applied for a joint Rotary 5610 District Grant. Each of the clubs raised an additional $2,000 dollars for a total of $4,000 which was then matched through the grant, giving us $8,000 to utilize over the next Rotary year. Again, we saw great results from these funds. Although those funds have been utilized, it is our goal to carry on this programming to continue supporting families in need. Currently, the RAF is continuing through the generous support of Rotarians. If you would like to donate to the Rotary Action Fund to help children and families in crises, please contact Rotarians Willis Sutliff, Dave Dolan, Linda Peterson, Ashok Kumar, or Connie Olson at Youth & Family Services, 605-342-4195. Donations can go directly to YFS attention RAFund.
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January 16, 2024 MeetingOur speaker today was Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun. He has been in office 6 months now and addressed his vision and goals for Rapid City. Our city is an amazing destination, but he wants it to remain a great place to raise a family. There are many opportunities with new businesses relocating here. We are also experiencing unprecedented growth so new housing is trying to catch up, and water usage is being addressed. Updates and expansions to our system are in the works. The city is also working with many community groups to address homelessness and keep people safe. He believes as we grow we need to be better before bigger. |
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CHS GALAYou can sign up and pay by visiting http://chssd.org/event/gala Hope to see you all there supporting this wonderful organization.
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January 9, 2024 MeetingToday was Rotary Day. We heard from Pat Sutliff on the Rotary Friendship Exchange last fall to India. A group from our district traveled to India and were graciously hosted by district 3120. They toured temples, attended lots of Rotary meetings, visited schools and medical clinics that were helped by our global grants, and ate a lot of wonderful food.
If you are interested in going on a friendship exchange or want more information go to rotary.org. #district5610 #RotaryFriendshipExchange |
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January 2, 2024 MeetingToday was a working meeting. We were joined by Taylor McCarty, LOSS team program director with Journey On. We stuffed kid and teen care bags for the LOSS Team. They are a non-profit supporting individuals and families who experience trauma due to suicide. They go to the scene with law enforcement to help families deal with the suicide, give comfort kits to the kids and teens. They also assist with the details involved and follow the family for a year. They depend on grants from Rapid City and fundraising donations. For more information go to their facebook page, Facebook/journey on-LOSS Team. |
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2024-2025 OfficersAt our meeting on December 19th, the following slate of officers were nominated and approved:
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Thank You Letter from Denmark Friendship Exchange |
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December 19 Meeting Dr. Jacob Weasel – Mt. Everest Expedition Our speaker today was Dr. Weasel, a general surgeon at Monument Health and enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, and first Native American to summit Mt. Everest. He shared his life lessons and experiences climbing Mt. Everest in 2023. Climbing Mount Everest was challenging and complicated as he made his way to basecamp and the four camps, as well as the process of ascending and descending. Dr. Weasel was reminded of his own mortality and desire to keep gratitude at the forefront of all he does and is. It taught him that unsurmountable things can be accomplished one step at a time. He shared stories of the extreme temperatures, avalanches, ice storms, “death zone”, crevices, high winds, and experiencing hallucinations. He shared the unique and emotional experience of the “field of cairns”, a memorial field to those who have lost their lives on Everest. Dr. Weasel enjoyed time with other climbers, visited a local school and connected with an OBGYN clinic while in Nepal. He was gifted an “eagle feather” from his Tribe to place at the Top of Everest as a symbolic gesture for the Lakota and indigenous people around the world. To learn more about his climb and his other climbing goals, see Monument Health Magazine https://magazine.monument.health/article/on-top-of-the-world. |
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December Social/Christmas PartyOur December social Christmas party was Wednesday night at the fairgrounds. Great fun and fellowship. Everyone brought wonderful food and wore their fun Christmas shirts. There was a rousing game of trivia along with a white elephant gift exchange. Merry Christmas everyone!
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New Member Erin EricksonWelcome to our newest member Erin Erickson. Today she received her Rotary Pin and 4 Way Test plaque. Give her a warm Rushmore Rotary welcome. Here is Erin’s bio: Hi all. My name is Erin Erickson and I was born and raised here in Rapid City, SD. I adore the Black Hills and my husband Noah and I have a large, blended family including children ranging from 2 yrs to 21 yrs. old. I am passionate about BE-ing present and value connection with others. I am a self proclaimed life-long-learner, and enjoy innovative ideas.
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2 More Paul Harris Fellows AwardedCongratulations to Shari West-Twitero for earning her Paul Harris Fellow +8 and Scott Van Dam for earning his Paul Harris Fellow +4. |
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Queen of Hearts Drawing WinnerOur 50/50 Queen of Hearts drawing has been going on for quite some time without a winner. Finally Cathy Quinlivan won the pot last week-$836!! Congratulations 🎊
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December 12, 2023 MeetingToday was Rotary day and we heard from club members Roger Heacock and Scott Van Dam on their trip to the Rotary International Convention last May in Melbourne, Australia. They shared highlights of the trip which included the House of Friendship. Here they met numerous Rotarians from around the world and learned of the many projects being done by Rotary clubs. The general sessions had fantastic music & entertainment along with informative speakers. The convention also had numerous breakout sessions to learn about Rotary projects, world issues, and human issues. They and their families also explored Melbourne and all its beauty including the Rotary Peace Park and flower garden. International conventions are a must do for Rotarians. They are high energy and a chance to meet and learn about club members from all around the world. Next year’s convention is in Singapore. For more information visit rotary.org. |
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December 5, 2023 MeetingOur speaker today was our own Carmen Hansen. She shared her insight on the Vucurevich Foundation speaker series process. The speaker series began in 1993 as a way to give to the rest of the community that doesn’t utilize the foundations grants. They have brought incredible speakers to Rapid City such as Carl Sagan, Margaret Thatcher, and Colin Powell to name a few. Ticket prices are $7 for adults and $3 for students. They limit the number each person can buy to make it available to more people. When choosing a speaker they look at current relevance, community interest, and relatability. The board makes final approval. To get more information on upcoming speakers and the John T. Vucurevich Foundation visit jtvf.org or the John T. Vucurevich Foundation facebook page. |
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November 28, 2023 MeetingOur speaker today was Bud Gusso, Executive Director of Operational Support Services for the Douglas School District. They are a small school district that is growing quickly due to Ellsworth AFB B21 expansion plan, City of Box Elder growth, and regional growth. They have a strategic plan to address this issue which includes 3 new pk-5 schools, converting the current high school to a 2nd middle school and a new high school. Funding the buildings is a big challenge they face.
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Rushmore Rotary FloatRushmore Rotarians got busy this month building a float for Rapid City’s Festival of Lights Parade November 25, 2023. Great job team!
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November 21, 2023 MeetingAt today’s meeting Linda Peterson was presented with the Rotary Foundation’s Major Donor status award. Thank you for your great generosity allowing so many people around the world to be helped. Our speaker today was Leland Breedlove, COO of Sodakian Servant Warriors. They are an organization working in community safety along with helping veterans and first responders by providing a mission and community. They provide security service jobs such as Thursday Nights downtown and Sturgis. They also work teaching firearm safety classes to help gun owners in our community be safe and responsible. Future plans include a community center/shooting range for veterans and first responders to have a place to go and be in community, teach classes and receive access to local assistance, and enjoy time with family and neighbors . Visit Sodakian.org and sodakian.com for more information . |
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Decorating The Rotary gazebo at SBIRushmore Rotarians came out Friday to decorate the Rotary gazebo at Storybook Island. Don’t miss Christmas Nights of Lights at the park 5:30-8:30 pm November 24, 25, 26 and December 1-3, 8-23. $4 per person.
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November 14, 2023 MeetingPast President and Miss Veteran America 2RU Jennifer Rollins participated in the Rapid City Veterans Day Parade. Our speaker today was Callie Tysdal, Communications Director for the John T. Vucurevich Foundation. She shared with us what they do and what they fund. The foundation was set up to make sure the Rapid City community was supported. They currently manage 63 grants worth $27 million. Next year will mark $100 million invested in the local community. About $8 million/year is given to help low income families in Rapid City through affordable housing, early learning, economic mobility, and basic needs. They are working hard to educate the public about these needs and also partner with other groups to make this happen. A new 3-year trial program to partner with employers and families to make child care affordable is under way. To get more details on the foundation and their giving visit www.jtvf.org.
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November 7, 2023 MeetingToday was Rotary day. We were privileged to have our District 5610 Governor Rich Burns and his wife Kelly visiting our club today. He Brought gifts for our District representatives and presented flags for district awards we received last year for 100% foundation giving, 100% participation in every Rotarian every year to the foundation, number 1 club in foundation giving, and polio plus giving. Nice work Rushmore Rotary! He also shared his goals for this Rotary year. Founation: Half of foundation giving comes ack to the district as grants. We will have less money to work with this year by about $30,000. We need to get more clubs in the district to support the Rotary Foundation annual fund. Polio Plus: 19 of the 35 clubs in the district contribute to Polio Plus. We are so close to ending Polio that we can’t quit now. We need to get these 26 clubs involved. Public Image: The district website is being revamped to include videos and more exciting content. Check it out at district5610.org DG Burns is also putting out a food challenge to all our clubs. Food 4 the Holidays-A $500 pop up district grant is available to clubs 11/13/23-01/01/24 to partner with local groups to support food assistance. Don’t forget to bring donations for the elder tree to meetings through December 8th.
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October 31, 2023 MeetingAt our meeting today two Rushmore Rotarians were presented with Paul Harris Fellows. Kim Nearhood +1, Willis Sutliff +5. Thank you for your Rotary Foundation support. Our District Governor Elect and member Bruce Nearhood gave his classification talk and updated us on his conference next year, October 3-6, at the Holiday Inn Downtown Rapid City. It’s going to be a fantastic conference so make sure you attend. And last but not least, Dave Dolan came dressed for Halloween! |
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Darla Crown up for NASCAR Foundation AwardRushmore Rotary’s own Darla Crown is a finalist for the NASCAR Foundation Humanitarian Award. Her selection has already earned Youth and Family Services $25,000, which will go toward their inclusive playground. If she wins, YFS will get an additional $75,000!
You can support Darla in all her great volunteerism and YFS by voting daily for her to win. Just scan the QR code to go directly to the site: www.NASCARfoundation.org/award Great job Darla! |
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October 24, 2023 MeetingToday is World Polio Day. In recognition our membership wore red to support the Polio Plus campaign. We also auctioned off 3 club polo shirts for Polio Plus. $235 was raised. Our speaker today was Connie Olson, Chief Development Officer for Youth and Family Services. She reported on the families that were helped through Rotary’s matching grant. The funds allowed YFS to help with immediate food & clothing needs of families in crisis. YFS also has many programs for families and children like a child development center, counseling, family support and advocacy services, Girls Inc., and Head Start. Visit youthandfamilyservices.org for more information. |
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October Rotoberfest SocialOur October social was Rotoberfest at Lost Cabin Beer Co. Mary Kenner made pretzel necklaces for all to wear. A great time!
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World Polio Day October 24thAfter 35 Years, Polio’s Cornered-We Must Finish the Job Rotary and its partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative have made great strides to reduce polio cases by 99.9% worldwide over the past 35 years, and we’ve reduced the circulation of wild polio to Pakistan and Afghanistan. That’s why as we approach this World Polio Day on 24 October, as Rotary members, we are pleased to recognize this progress. However, I ask everyone to help us finish the job and end polio for good to ensure that this paralyzing disease does not return to polio-free countries, putting children everywhere at risk. From encouraging vaccine acceptance, to sharing factual vaccination information, to calling on elected officials to fund polio eradication, there are so many ways in which we can each support polio eradication efforts. We must all do our part to prevent polio outbreaks in our own communities and continue the march toward global eradication. We have an opportunity to make history by ending polio, which will be only the second human disease ever to be eradicated, and the time for action is now--visit endpolio.org to learn more about how you can get involved. |
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2022-2023 Roger Kozak Award WinnerThe 2022-2023 award was given to our own Carmen Hansen! The award honors the memory of Roger Kozak, who distinguished himself as a servant leader in his home town of Vermillion, SD, where he served on the city council for seven years and as Mayor for three years. He died August 1, 2012. In recognition of exceptional service to Rotarians in Rotary District 5610. This award honors the memory of Roger L. Kozak, long-time member of the Vermillion Rotary Club, who served as District Governor, 2009-10, and who distinguished himself as an exceptional servant leader.”
Carmen is a true servant leader. We are proud of her accomplishments and tireless work for our club and the district. We wish her a well deserved congratulations! |
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September 26, 2023 meetingOur speaker today was Mary Zimmerman from the Norbeck Society. She gave a very interesting talk about forest management and natural disasters which affect the forest. She shared concerns that there is more logging being done in the Black Hills that may be sustainable. She encouraged us to engage in caring for our forest and to contact our representatives with concerns or comments.
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New member John CassMeet our newest member, John Cass.
John has had the privilege of serving as the Executive Director for the United Way of the Black Hills. He is a native of South Dakota growing up in Pierre, SD. He went to Moorhead, St. Paul, and Minneapolis in Minnesota for both his BA and Masters. He has a diverse work background—14 years farming (WEST RIVER), almost 9 years in the Army and Army National Guard, College football coach, 26-years traveling the globe for ministry, 3 years working with Blue Cross Blue Shield and just for the heck of it, Interim museum director for the South Dakota National Guard Museum in Pierre. I has three grown children spread out across the US. He enjoys volunteering, riding his Harley—on road and off, biking and reading. Welcome John! |
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September 12, 2023 meetingGreat meeting today. Welcome new member John Cass, United Way and Mark Crosswait for his full membership. We welcomed Wiradjuri native visitors from Australia for the Wiradjuri/Oceti Sakowin cultural exchange. They will be traveling throughout South Dakota meeting Rotarians and the Native community.
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Feeding South Dakota volunteersFilled boxes of food at Feeding SD. Great opportunity to serve the community.
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August 22, 2023 meetingOur meeting today was at the fair hosted by our own Ron Jeffries. Attendance is high this year with lots of great entertainment including concerts and rodeo. We heard from Dani who runs the new South Dakota Ag-Ventures building which offers education on agriculture. There are many fun interactive stations to learn about SD agriculture including VR, tractor simulator, videos and puzzles. Come check it out while you’re at the fair. We also received our new Rotary year banner. Create Hope in the World. |
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August 15th MeetingOur speaker today was Miranda O’Bryan, Miss South Dakota 2023. Miranda is originally from Martin and a South Dakota girl through and through. She is a graduate of South Dakota State University (BA Journalism and History), and worked as a news anchor for KOTA Territory News/KEVN Black Hills FOX. Her presentation included information about the Miss SD competition as well as her community service initiative entitled “Page Turners: Fall in Love with Reading.” Miranda shared that she has competed locally in competitions over the last five years and has earned over $25,000 in scholarships, which she will use to further her education. She will compete on the Miss America Stage. She described the five stages of competition for Miss South Dakota: Evening Gown, Talent, Private Interview, Fitness (new in 2023), and On-Stage Question. Part of her community service initiative on Literacy involves access, education and representation. She has traveled across South Dakota and the US sharing her initiative which involves building and placing little libraries. She has collected over 10,000 books. She is into her second season of a podcast focused on literacy. She recently finished writing a children’s book “Jericho the Journalism Kitty” based on her cat “Jericho”. We wish this delightful young woman success in the Miss America pageant! New Member – Francie Fortune Welcome to our newest member Francie Fortune. She is Executive Director for SunCatcher Therapeutic Riding Academy. She is a native of our South Dakota grasslands, growing up near Interior and Belvidere, continuing five generations of ranching alongside three brothers. A non-traditional graduate of BHSU, her work background includes ranch management, editor and publisher for SD State Poetry Society, multiple sales/marketing and support roles, and diverse health care experience. Her greatest joy is spending time with her three grown sons Grady, Garrett, and Gage, and their precious wives. Outside of work, she loves playing in the yard and garden with her partner Christopher Montileaux, hiking, riding her Indian Scout, writing, and creating a joyful ruckus wherever she can. |
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Rotary Day Meeting August 8thCongratulations to the following members who received Paul Harris Fellows this morning. The Paul Harris Fellow program recognizes individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. The Rotary Foundation helps Rotary members to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty. Willis Sutliff (+6), Ron Jeffries (+4), Jeff Meyer (+3), Darla Crown (+3), Cindy Howell (+2), Terri Davis (+2), Bill Spindle (+2), Jim McAnn (+1) and Marcia Whiting (+1). Tiffany Gikling provided an update on fundraising for The 100 Acre Woods, one of two larger projects Storybook Island has undertaken in the last two years. The goal for the Winnie the Pooh project is $600,000 The park is hoping to finalize fundraising by year end (2023) and made a request to our Club to help meet that goal. Michael Steve announced that the Board of Rushmore Rotary approved a $20,000 contribution to The 100 Acre Woods. Thank you Tiffany for your hard work as President of the SBI Board of Directors. Football Book Fundraiser: The drawing for members who have turned in/sold at least 8 books was won by Deb Niemi. Congratulations--Keep those sales going. Social Event Planning: The committee organized a planning event during today's meeting -- encouraging each group to come up with an idea for an upcoming social, including planning and organizing the event. Several great ideas emerged -- STAY TUNED! |
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2023 CHS Golf TournamentThis years Children’s Home Society golf tournament at Arrowhead was a huge success! $72,000 was raised for the advocacy center and a great day of golfing and fun was had by all. Michelle Lavallee, CEO and Jon Mammenga, CPO from the CHS accepted the giant check at the August 1st club meeting. Thank you to all the volunteers and sponsors who make this possible. |
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August 1, 2023 MeetingOur speaker today was John Cass, the new Executive Director for the United Way of the Black Hills. He talked about their direction to raise money to help non profits do what they do. They are focused on recognizing community needs and making it better. September is the Month of Caring so volunteers are needed along with suggestions for projects. Visit
unitedwayblackhills.org for more information. |
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Vermont district project with Oglala Lakota Schools |
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July 25, 2023 MeetingOur Speaker today was Domico Rodriguez, Executive Director of Rapid City Sports Commission. They strive to be a positive economic force that enhances the quality of life in the Rapid City area through exhilarating sporting events. The RCSC is working on growing Rapid City’s youth sports and upping the competition to bring teams in along with bidding and hosting regional events. They are working on new facility funding, utilizing and improving current facilities and having access to them, a field house development, and a trails master plan. Rapid City needs community engagement, funding, growing off season sports and a clear plan for growth. For more information and sports schedules go to rcsportscommission.com |
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July 18, 2023 MeetingWe had a visiting Rotarian today, Stefan from Romania. He was the founder of his club of 22 members. Flags were exchanged. Welcome to Rapid City. It's football book time again! We are selling 2200 books this year. Proceeds fund our projects and help with club expenses. You can turn in your money and stubs as you go. There will be 3 drawings for prizes: 1st is for those that sell 8 books in 2 weeks with the drawing 8/2. 2nd is for every 10 you sell you are entered, drawing 9/5. 3rd will be for top sellers(25+). Please let Catherine Quinilivan know if you're having trouble selling some books so she can find help. Remember to turn in the stubs with the information LEGIBLE!
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Social at Black Hills PlayhouseWe had an outstanding picnic and attended the musical comedy The Drowsy Chaperone at the Black Hills Playhouse in Custer State Park. It starred our own Jeff Kingsbury as the man in chair. He was hilarious. Great job! If you haven’t seen it, get out there. Blackhillsplayhouse.com. Thank you Jean Cline for getting all the food there. |
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July 11, 2023 MeetingToday was our new president, Michael Steve’s first meeting. Welcome to the new Rotary year. The Rotarian of the Year award was presented today to Mary Kenner. Mary is the club secretary and also volunteers with numerous projects throughout the year. Congratulations and Thank you for all your hard work! Today was Rotary day and we received an update on Storybook Island from the Executive Director, Jackie Laws. The park has a new mission statement, “We commit to making Storybook Island a fun, inclusive family park which awakens the imagination through literacy and engagement”. They have also updated the bylaws, created a new handbook for staff and are undergoing a financial audit. The park had it’s most successful year in 2022 bringing in $1.4 million in revenue, and the gala in February netted $26.8k for the Pooh Tree. Currently the board is currently looking at developing the additional 6 acres the park owns with in the next 5 years. Storybook Island also received the Brennan & Scot award this year which honors businesses that enhance tourism. Many sets have been redone and added forever lawn. There is a new Cinderella’s castle and the all ability play area was added this year. The park also has a community garden maintained by the Master Gardeners. Lot’s of great new things to experience! Upcoming dates to watch include: Dollar Days 8/16/23-carousel & train rides only $1 ea. Volunteer Day- 9/6/23- 9:00-5:00 cleanup & paint. Lunch provided. Safe n Sweet Trick or Treat 10/28/23. 2:00-5:00 and 6:00-9:00. |
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Australian Group Study Exchange Here 9/9-9/30The Wiradjuri Mob will be touring our District September 9-30. The four-member team plus Rotarian leader will be visiting Native American Reservations in our District. The committee managing our Group Study Exchange with D9700 Australia, has drafted the agenda attached. Please review the draft and note the dates the team will be in your clubs' areas. The committee will need to hear from you about hosting the team members, providing meals, home hosts, and also recommending any activities or tours you would like to suggest. Please contact Linda Peterson with home hosts details, and your club's contact person. Please contact Tom Katus for activities and planning the visit. The contact information is at the top of first page. Let's make their visit informative and successful! |
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Social at the Baker's HouseFriday, July 7th was the get together at the Baker's house for home-brew and other drinks along with some great food brought by all. Around 30 people attended. It was such a fun time I forgot to take pictures, but everyone seemed to be having a great time getting to know each other better and relaxing.
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Makers Space Update |
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2023-2024 RI PresidentR. Gordon R. McInallyPresident 2023-24Rotary Club of South QueensferryScotlandR. Gordon R. McInally was educated at the Royal High School in Edinburgh and at the University of Dundee, where he earned his graduate degree in dental surgery. He operated his own dental practice in Edinburgh until 2016. McInally was chair of the East of Scotland branch of the British Paedodontic Society and has held various academic positions. He has also served as a presbytery elder, chair of the Queensferry parish congregational board, and commissioner to the general assembly of the Church of Scotland. Gordon joined Rotary in 1984 at age 26. A member of the Rotary Club of South Queensferry, he has served as president and vice president of Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland. He has also served RI as a director and on several committees, most recently as an adviser to the 2022 Houston Convention Committee and chair of the Operations Review Committee. Gordon says he looks forward to working with members to build new Rotary clubs and groups. "My vision is that Rotary should exist everywhere in a style to suit everyone who has the desire to be part of us and to help us do good in the world," he says. He is a patron of the UK-based nonprofit Hope and Homes for Children and led a partnership between that organization and RIBI to support children in Rwanda who had been orphaned in the genocide there. He is a patron of Trade-Aid, an initiative of the Rotary Club of Grantham Kesteven, England, that provides sustainable humanitarian aid to individuals, families, and businesses in the developing world. He is also an ambassador for Bipolar UK, a national mental health organization. In August 2022, he was made a laureate of the Sino Phil Asia International Peace Awards Foundation. In his free time, Gordon enjoys rugby, good food and wine, and stick dressing, the traditional Scottish craft of making walking sticks. Gordon describes The Rotary Foundation as "the engine that provides the energy to do Rotary service." He and his spouse, Heather, also a Rotarian, are Paul Harris Fellows, Major Donors, Benefactors of The Rotary Foundation, and members of the Bequest Society. Gordon wishes to dedicate his presidency to making the world a better place for his granddaughters, Ivy and Florence, and all the children of the world, to live and thrive. |
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June 27, 2023 MeetingTo raise money for the Rotary Foundation we auctioned off a cheesecake made by Sandy White shield. $120 was raised! Thank you Scott Vandam. Our speakers today were Bridget Marshall, Executive Director of Journey On, and Molly Miller, Loss Team Director. Their organization was previously Front Porch Coalition. They recently merged with Journey On which partners with the Rapid City Police Department to help the houseless needs in our community including teens and soon families and children that struggle to get to school. The Front Porch Coalition brought over services dealing with suicide. Partnered with the Pennington and Lawrence County Sheriffs they work with families of suicide on site and walk them through the process of dealing with the death. they also do suicide prevention, monthly support groups, survivor outreach and grief classes. They are available to these families 24 hrs/day. Their major fundraiser is the Suicide Awareness Walk held 9/23/23 9:00am at the chimney shelter at Canyon Lake Park. For more information on this incredible group visit journeyon-rapidcity.org and frontporchcoalition.org.
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New Member Bo SecrestNew member Bo Secrest received his Rotary pin and 4-Way Test plaque today. Bo, Electric Operations Manager for Black Hills Energy, has been in the energy industry for 16 years. Growing up in Nebraska and graduating college from SDSM&T, Bo and his wife Joanna call home here in the Black Hills(Bear Butte Valley) with their three children, Cale, Lucy and Macy, along with their loyal dog Emmy. When he is not with his family Bo spends his free time focusing on football officiating and getting ready for every game. Welcome Bo!
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Final Presidential Picks AwardedApril Malik and Kyle Bargman received their Rotary coins at the transition dinner as recipients of Jennifer’s Presidential 12 announced at the June 13th meeting.
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Transition Dinner 2023Our annual transition dinner was held last night at Firehouse Wine Cellars in Rapid City. It was well attended and a wonderful time as we said goodbye and thank you to Jennifer Rollins for her year and welcomed this years president, Michael Steve. We look forward to another great year in Rotary! |
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June 20, 2023 MeetingAt today’s meeting Sandy White Shield and Rene Sorenson received their Rotary coins awarded by President JenniferRollins last week as part of her Presidential 12. The membership contest has come to a close. Although we have lost members this year through moves and life events we have brought in over 10% of our total in new members. The women won! Get planning that victory party men!! Our speaker today was Lisa Allison with the Cornerstone Rescue Mission. They provide a soup kitchen, emergency shelter, veterans wing with 14 beds, and prison transition. There is also a women’s & children’s home with 68 beds in a different part of town along with a thrift store that will gladly take your donations. Cornerstone works with the motivated homeless to assist in getting back on track. Shelter occupants have 30 days to find a job with help and get assistance with life skills. Cornerstone is always in need of volunteers to cook and/or serve lunch and dinner meals. They are funded by community donations and receive no state or federal funding. If you would like to help, or learn more go to cornerstone mission.org. Our club has been collecting toiletries for the shelter residents and they were presented to Lisa today.
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June 13, 2023 MeetingShari West-Twittero was awarded her 7th Paul Harris today. Way to go Shari! As part of Jennifer's last Rotary Day as president she honored the board members with her gratitude and a Rotary 4-way test challenge coin. Jennifer also recognized her 12 Presidential Picks, people that have helped the club behind the scenes. They were presented with a Rotary International challenge coin. Congratulations to Tiffany Gikling, Kim Baker, Mary Kenner, Cindy Howell, Linda Rabe, Deb Niemi, John Johnson, Mark Barry, Rene Sorenson, Sandy White Shield, Bill Spindle, and April Malik. We learned that Jennifer set 15 goals for her presidential year and met 12. The club will be receiving a citation from the district for meeting at least half of her goals. Congratulations! As a club we have been addressing and planning for an inclusive future. This includes engaging diverse communities, intergenerational and people with disabilities. CBT training is available on the Rotary website at my.rotary.org in the learning center. We also learned that a global grant led by the Brookings club dealing with educating businesses to recognize signs of past trauma in employees and referring them to the proper places for help was rejected, but the district is working to resolve and re submit. Another grant was to raise awareness of human trafficking within the Pined Ridge Indian Reservation through focus groups, educating kids, youth summits, and data collecting. Jennifer will be sending out information on Rotary Organization 101 and encourages all to take it in order to learn the different levels of Rotary to help communication and getting the job done. This can also be found at my.rotary.org in the learning center. |
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June 6 Speaker Doug Scheller, Lions ClubToday's speaker was Doug Scheller from Lions Club. Doug immediately pointed out that Lions Club and Rotary have more similarities than differences. We share the same passion in serving others. Doug is a Past District Governor for Lions and came to share with us information about the KidsSight Program and Eyeglass Donations. South Dakota Lions Foundation and the KidsSight Program this year alone have screened over 40,000 students in schools. The Foundation Grants program has assisted in the purchase of two vans for the program in South Dakota. They partner with Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (VOSH) in providing screening and eye glasses to Mexico and Jamaica. The Eyeglass donations are a big part of this mission project. Over 60,000 pairs of glasses have been shipped to Mexico and Jamaica as part of this program. Lions Club members volunteer to sort eyeglasses as well as provide support on the mission trips screening recipients. Rushmore Rotary presented Doug with a box of eye glasses for their collection program. We look forward to working together in the future. |
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Storybook Island sponsor nightCelebrating our Pirate Sponsorship at Storybook Island by spreading the word about Rushmore Rotary as we handed out cupcakes to park visitors.
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Sturgis Rotaract Trivia NightCome join the Sturgis Rotaract Club fundraiser this Friday, May 26th for trivia night at the Sturgis Brewing Company, 600 Anna St., Sturgis, SD. 6:00-9:00pm.
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Visit to Rapid City LibraryOur meeting today was at the Rapid City Public Library. We were hosted by our own Terri Davis, Director of the Library. The library offers numerous programs such as, Lunch and Learns during the school year, kids summer reading programs, home delivery for those unable to come to the library, the Libby app for ebook downloads, and archives. They also have over 40 computers available for use and now have 3D printers and large printers for banners. You can even get documents notarized at the library! Come check it out and get your library card. Thank you Terri, and our tour guides. For more information visit: rapidcitylibrary.org
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Black Hills Playhouse Clean Up DayThanks Rushmore Rotarians and friends for participating in blackhillsplayhouse.com clean up day! #rushmorerotary #district5610
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RCHS Teacher Appreciation DayGreat day with the Teachers and Staff at RCHS and celebrating them and all they do with a Walking Taco Bar and wonderful desserts!👍🏼
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Servant LeadershipGood advice provided by Volunteers of America. |
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2023 P.E.T.S Training Polio UpdateAt P.E.T.S training last weekend our own Dr. Willis Sutliff gave a report on where we are in fighting polio and that we still need to work on it. The people are dressed like the Energizer Bunny that goes on and on demonstrating that the fight against polio needs to go on and on until it is banished from the world.
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Rick Edelen Receives His Official BadgeRick Edelen receives his official Badge! Nice job.
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Terri Davis Receives Paul Harris #2Terri Davis receives Paul Harris #2! Congratulations Terri and thank you for supporting the Rotary Foundation.
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RCHS Four Way Test Essay Contest WinnersRCHS Four Way Test Essay Contest Winners.
The Youth Advocacy Committee presented prizes to the following RCHS winners. 1st Place - Kaylee 2nd Place - Krystyne 3rd Place Madisyn 4th Place - Jennavieve Carmen, Chair of the Committee, said a total of 23 essays were received. The winners were announced at a Quarterly Assembly at the school. Congratulations to these talented kids. |
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2023 CHS GalaA wonderful night at the Children’s Home Society Gala. A lot of fun, great entertainment and lots of money raised for the children! Thank you Rushmore Rotary Gala Committee, our emcees Ron Jeffries and Bruce Nearhood and auctioneer extraordinaire Jeff Kingbury. Close to $40,000 was raised in the auctions alone. Lara Roetzel, Pennington County State’s Attorneys Office, was the recipient of the 2023 Partner Protecting Kids award. The entertainment was terrific as usual. Brad Johnson entertained all with his music through the decades. |
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Bell & Gavel held hostage by Rush the service dog.After our March 7th meeting, our speaker’s service dog Rush was not happy with the noise created by our bell and gavel- so he took them and held them for ransom. Our club raised $300 to go to SD Service Dogs as ransom and Rush returned the bell & gavel at our March 21st meeting. He and his handler were also presented with the history of Rotary’s bell. Thank you Rush for being such a conscientious service dog!
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Micro aggressionsPresident Jennifer Rollins spoke on micro aggressions, words or actions that offend people and what to do. There is a great tutorial on ClubRunner under the learning center. |
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Mark Barry Donates Chair/PlantstandsMark Barry shared his latest creation, a beautiful plant stand/chair. He has donated these as a district raffle prize and an auction item at this years Children’s Home Gala. Nice work Mark! The district raffle tickets are on sale. They would like each member to sell a book, which is $100 worth of tickets. Contact Kerry Lassaux kerry@unitedwayblackhills.org. |
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2023 Membership ContestIt’s that time of year again! The Membership contest begins 3/15 and ends 6/15. Guys vs. gals. See the above flyer for points breakdown.
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RYLA camp 2023Rene Sorenson spoke about RYLA camp this summer July 9-13 in Maxwell, NE. It is open to current sophomores or juniors. There are no kids from our district going so we really need some applicants and to promote RYLA here. Students don’t need to provide their own transportation to camp. Please contact Rene with applicants and to get more information on this amazing leadership opportunity. reneinak@gmail.com
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2023 Youth ExchangeWe heard from Bill Spindle, youth exchange chair for the district. He talked about the program returning after Covid shut it down. This year we will have inbound students. He is looking for 3 clubs in our district to host 1 student each for the school year this fall. There will be outbound students in 2024. Host families don’t need to be Rotarians. If interested or you would like more information please contact Bill. William.spindle@sdsmt.edu. (907)227-4970
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February Bingo Social at the VFWGreat bingo social tonight at the VFW. Many winners and a lot of fun! Thank you Larry for your incredible bingo calling skills and Deb for being our Vanna!
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Happy 118 Birthday Rotary2/23/23 is Rotary’s birthday! 118 years ago today was the first Rotary meeting. Let’s celebrate this wonderful organization.
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Paint A Bowl Fundraiser for Volunteers Of America
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Black Hills Children’s Home Gala 2023
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Social at Zymurcracy 1/27The February Social was at Zymurcracy Brewery. It was well attended despite the falling snow. The club coin check was called, but only 2 people remembered their coins- not sure who had to buy! Don't forget next time.
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Romania Wheelchair DistributionWe have a modified wheelchair distribution trip scheduled for March 11 - 19, 2023. Attached is an itinerary. We will travel to Bucharest, interact for an evening with a local Bucharest Rotary Club, then go to Barlad. In Barlad, we will participate in a one-day wheelchair distribution, view the new Hope Haven International facility in Barlad and interact with local Rotarians in Barlad. Then we will travel to Brasov and Sinaia, tour Peles Palace, Dracula's Castle in Brasov and enjoy the mountains for a bit. We will finish in Bucharest and then home. I estimate the costs for this trip to be around $2,000 per person. If you have questions, please email me at: msiemons@hopehaven.org. Or call me at 712.470.0298. I am looking for 2 - 4 people to fill our team. I would like to book air travel next week. Hope you can join us for this trip!
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February 7, 2023 Meeting
Our speaker today was Matthew Connor, Information Director for Box Elder Growth & Development. His presentation was by Zoom. The City of Box Elder is expecting continued growth with Ellsworth AFB and the new B-21 Raider Bomber coming in 2025. With the larger population they will require housing, infrastructure, shopping and entertainment in order to become a vibrant place to live. A new micro brewery/restaurant will be built right outside of the Liberty Gate and they have plans for a children’s museum with Black Hills hands on, high tech themes. Thank you for the informative talk.
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Sean Binder Receives Paul Harris AwardThe highest award in Rotary is the Paul Harris Award. It is given to a Rotarian or a member of the community that has made an outstanding contribution to the community. The Paul Harris recipient goes above and beyond in serving our community through promoting change and understanding. It has been awarded to Rotarians and others that have shown that they are prepared to go that extra mile in support of people in need. The Rapid City Rushmore Rotary Club honored Sean Binder, Internship Coordinator with Rapid City High School, with the distinguished Paul Harris Fellowship Award. Sean was instrumental in developing the City of Rapid City Youth Council, serves on the Lifeways board and is dedicated to youth development and work-based learning programs in the community and school. Sean has nurtured the partnership with Rapid City High School and Rapid City Rushmore Rotary. Congratulations Sean. |
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St. Thomas Moore Interact Blue OutOn Friday, January 13, the St. Thomas Moore Interact Club had a "blue out" fundraiser to raise money for Human Trafficking Awareness. They decorated the school with blue streamers and made posters about statistics on Human Trafficking. Students donated $5 in order to wear blue. They are donating all of the funds to the Cornerstone Women's and Children's Shelter on January 19 at 11:30. The Interact Club will be at Rushmore Rotary’s meeting this Tuesday. Donations are welcome!
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Whiteclay Makerspace featured on Nebraska Public MediaWe are happy to share this recent news story produced by Nebraska Public Broadcasting. The equipment you will see was purchased by our Global Grant. While equipment and supplies purchases have slowed, the artists are busy creating and marketing their products. Holly Albers, marketing manager, is currently recruiting additional artists. They will have opportunities to attend quilting and sewing equipment training in Rapid City this winter. Also, skills classes on various craft/art subjects will be offered. Our grant will reimburse travel and class expenses. Global Grant committee members are happy to respond to any questions regarding this project. Ina Winter, Hot Springs Rotary, D5610 PDG 2019-20 kristine.ina.winter@gmail.com Linda Peterson, Rushmore Rotary, PDG 2014-15, RPIC 2018-20 linda4rotary@me.com Tom Katus, Rushmore Rotary, Omniciye Committee tmkatus@gmail.com |
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Denmark Friendship Exchange 2023WOULD YOU LIKE TO GO TO DENMARK? There is a Rotary Friendship Exchange with Denmark this year, the group from our district will go July 1 to 12 or 14 and the group from Denmark will come here September 15 to 27 or 29. This is a wonderful way to explore Southern Denmark, learn about Danish culture and make new friends. If you are interested, please contact Pat Sutliff 605-593-2896, <pmsutliff@gmail.com> |
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Story Book Island Gala deadline for sign upsStorybook Island’s Gala to save the 100 acre woods is Saturday, February 11, 2023. If you haven’t already bought your tickets please note the deadline is January 31st. Please come out and support this great cause.
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School of St. Jude UpdateWatertown Rotary challenged Clubs in District 5610 to match their $25,000 for The School of St. Jude. The district achieve this goal and $50,000 was donated to the school. Rushmore Rotary donated $8,000 through our fundraising dinner event held in October. Thank you to Pat Sutliff who serves as our International Chair and Liaison to the school. |
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January 3 2023 Speaker - Mark BarryOur own Mark Barry shared his hobby of woodworking at our meeting on January 3rd. Mark has been doing woodworking over the last 39 years and has created a wide variety of pieces including a shed for his wife, tables, rocking horses, highchairs, doors, and unique pieces (wine rocker, crosses, urns) for friends and family. He was introduced to Rotary through a project he completed at Black Hills Children's Home (and we are glad he joined Rushmore Rotary). Mark uses several types of tools and saws, and a variety of woods including hickory, birch, maple, walnut, oak, redwood. One of Mark's favorite sayings is "in a world where you can be anything--Be Kind! And that he is! |
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Rotary Foundation Giving Match begins 1/1/23Recall that when you contribute to Happy Bucks, the money is donated to Polio Plus (one branch of the Foundation). With each dollar we receive, the club receives one point. Points can then be used to reward an individual (a fellow Rotarian or community member) with a Paul Harris Fellowship (this takes 1,000 points). This is a big deal! Of note, this is the same for you personally. As you donate you acquire these points. For example, with your $10 or more contribution to Happy Bucks, one point per dollar is given to you. Once you have collected 1,000 points you can choose who to honor. The Board decided to match, in points, all donations made by a member who donates to the Foundation between January 1 and May 31, 2023, one point per dollar. In other words, for those of you who are close to receiving a Paul Harris Fellowship, your donation in this window is essentially doubled and may put you over the 1,000 mark to achieve this special recognition. For those of you just starting a contribution or one time donation, this match will give you a great jump start to eventually reach Paul Harris Fellowship recognition. Our Foundation is the lifeblood of our organization, please consider giving. |
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National Human Trafficking Awareness Day 1/11In support of National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, January 11th, #wearblueday, Rushmore Rotarians wore blue to Tuesday’s meeting. January is National Slavery & Human Trafficking Prevention month. #WearBlueDay | Homeland Security (dhs.gov) #WearBlueDay | Homeland Security - DHS National Human Trafficking Awareness Day is recognized each year on January 11 th. In recognition of this important day, and throughout the month of January, Blue Campaign hosts several special events and educational activities. |
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New members Toni Owan and Brittany RimingtonToni Owan Toni was born and raised in Williston, ND. She graduated from Williston High School in 1981. Toni spent 15 years in Hawaii and both of her sons were born in Hawaii. At the age 26, as a single mom, she decided to go to college. She received her 4 year degree, then a law degree from the University of Hawaii. In 2000, she accepted a job as a foreclosure attorney in Denver. She then started her own foreclosure firm in 2003. In 2010, se reconnected with a guy friend from high school who is now her husband (thank you facebook) and gained a daughter and 2 grandkids. She was tired of practicing law so she sold her law firm and in 2021 and moved from Denver to Summerset, SD. She is still employed at the firm that purchased her firm, working from home as their Chief Financial Officer. Her one son teaches English in Seoul, South Korea, the other son is a Sergeant in the U.S. Army stationed in Stuttgart Germany and her daughter is a 7th grade science teacher in Williston, ND. Toni will turn 60 in January and you are all invited to her 60’s hippy themed 60th birthday "Peace Love & Party" at Kickstands Juke Joint Bar & Grill on Saturday 01/14/23 at 5pm where wearing a costume is highly recommended. Brittany Rimington Brittany just moved here from Eugene Oregon in May. She has a 6 year old St. Bernard named Albus. Brittany is a Quality Assurance Analyst and originally went to college for English Literature. In her time off time she volunteers at the public library. She is an avid reader and also enjoy sewing, cross-stitching and crochet. Brittany hopes to learn to garden in the next couple of years when she has the space for it. Welcome! We are so glad to have you both as part of our club. |
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Weather Update For Tuesday Dec 13thWeather Update for Tuesday December 13th, 2022. Due to the pending weather in the area, below are some guidelines I am putting into practice with respect to Rushmore Rotary Club meeting. 1. Please be safe! If you do not feel you can drive do not try. Remember, unless we are off-site, we always have the zoom option. 2. If the Rapid City area schools close for the day (due to inclement weather), then Rushmore Rotary will not meet in person, but will still have the zoom option (note the speaker/program may change). 3. Recommend checking the news upon waking up and before heading out to determine if Rushmore Rotary in-person is available. If not, stay home and login to zoom to join us virtually. 4. For RUMMBLE Meeting (second Wednesday of each month), a similar policy is in effect. If schools are closed due to inclement weather, then RUMMBLE will be cancelled (no zoom option available). NOTE: The Rushmore Rotary Christmas party (originally scheduled for December 13) has been postponed. Stay tuned for more details to the new date. Be Safe, Rotarians. Jennifer |
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Giving Tuesday
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November Social at Pour 54The November social at Pour 54 was well attended and a great time with great food and plenty of beers to try. |
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Hope Haven Wheelchair Distribution
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Sturgis Rotaract Music Trivia NightShow your support and join the Sturgis Rotaract and Northern Hills Rotary for their Music Trivia Night fundraiser at Sturgis Brewing Company on Wednesday, November 30th from 6-9 pm. |
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Rapid City High School Assembly
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Dan Cox named District Governor for 2025-26
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World Polio DayRapid City, SD has declared today World Polio Awareness Day. Celebrate with us by supporting #endpolio. Visit endpolio.org for more information. |
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October 4th Speaker - Corey DavisCorey Davis, Scout Executive and CEO of Black Hills Area Council/Boy Scouts of America (BSA) introduced us to Grace (pictured), the first female Eagle Scout in the Black Hills as part of his presentation. We all learned something new about BSA, its localized funding, new policies and and its restructuring to support their goals to incorporate family activities, prepare leaders, explore careers, and have adventures. For more information on BSA go to blackhillsbsa.org |
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Swedish Friendship Exchange VisitLast month, we had a wonderful time hosting a contingent of Swedish Rotarians as part of the Rotary Friendship Exchange. We showed off our top tourist locations in the Black Hills as well as a few Rotary led projects such as Whiteclay Makerspace and Storybook Island (SBI). We loved learning about Sweden, especially during their briefing at SBI...that is until the sprinklers made us reach an abrupt end. |
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Fundraiser for The School of St Jude 10/14On Friday, nearly 40 Rotarians and community members enjoyed a wonderful evening raising money for the School of St Jude, Tanzania while feasting on a local Tanzanian meal of beans and rice plus watermelon. At the end of the night while the women tallied the money raised, the men did the dishes. Have to love the embrace of equality! |
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District Governor John Schneider to visit Rushmore Rotary
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RI A Look At The Year Ahead
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Storybook Island UpdateSafe and Sweet Trick or Treat is scheduled for October 29th. Contact jackie@storybookisland.com to volunteer. They are in need of candy donations for the event. Bring to our weekly meetings or drop off at SBI.
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SBI Adult Fun Night 9/23/22PLEASE NOTE THE DATE CHANGE. THEY COULD USE SOME VOLUNTEERS TO ASSIST WITH THE DUNK TANK, JENGA STATIONS AND SELLING 50/50 RAFFLE TICKETS.
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August 2022 social-family picnicSaturday 8/13 was the August social at Canyon Lake Park. Rotarians from neighboring clubs joined in the fun. As always the food was good, the fellowship great, and the corn hole competition fierce!
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Visit to Whiteclay Makerspace/Trading PostOn Friday, August 5, 2022 a group from Rushmore Rotary visited the Whiteclay Makerspace and Trading Post, a District 5610 Global Grant project. It was wonderful to see the ongoing progress on location, including an updated professional photo booth, expanding bead and yarn shop, and a second quilting long arm. After a productive meeting with the partners involved, the group attended the Pine Ridge Pow Wow. Despite the 108-degree weather, the group enjoyed visiting the vendors, talking with Pine Ridge locals and other visitors to the Pow Wow, and watching the setup of the teepee building competition.
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Fun time at the July SocialThe July social at the Baker’s house was a great time! Everyone brought great food and enjoyed Bob’s home brew! Great fellowship was enjoyed by over 40 Rotarians and guests. |
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Football Book Sales Are On!Football books were handed out at the 7/12 meeting. Everyone should have received an e-mail with your team captain information. They will be getting your books to you. It is important that everyone sells their books so we can continue to support Story Book Island, The Black Hills Children's Home, International Projects, Student Achievement, and various donation requests that come up throughout the year. This year the football books committee will be holding drawings for $25 gift card rewards to encourage members to sell all their books. Here's how it works: 1st drawing will include those who sell 8 books within the first 2 weeks. 2nd drawing will be a month later with 1 entry for every 10 books sold. 3rd drawing will be for the top sellers(25 or more books). 1 entry for every additional 10 books sold. So get your books sold and see your captain for additional books!
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Rotarian of the Year Paul Harris AwardRotarian of the Year, Cathy Quinlivan, received a Paul Harris Fellow as part of her award. This makes Cathy a Paul Harris +1. Congratulations!
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The Rotary Foundation
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Trip to School of St. Jude TanzaniaMany members of Rushmore Rotary were part of the larger group of 37 people from District 5610 that had the pleasure of traveling to Tanzania in May 2022. The purpose of the trip was to visit the School of St Jude and attend the graduation ceremony for many of the students we sponsor. But the trip and the school were so much more! The School of St Jude is unique in many aspects. It started in 2002 with a vision of a young Australian Gemma with only three students. Today, with much help from many Rotary clubs, districts, and supportive individuals it has a student body of 1800. This is school is one of a kind in East Africa and arguably all of Africa. Their mission is to end poverty through education, and it is working! Those of us who visited observed this firsthand. For example, of the approximately 900 graduates, they have positively affected their families and friends. But, also during their community service year after graduation, many teach at public schools. Graduates raised the academic level of the 80,000 public school children to whom they taught. See article published in the RC Journal for more details on School of St. Jude. A huge thank you to Pat Sutliff for organizing this trip. The second part of the Tanzania trip was a safari. Our group was privileged (and a bit lucky) to have observed all the big game in their natural environment. Some species are rare to see (cheetahs), some really rare to see (leopards), some nearly extinct (rhinoceros), some really smelly (hippopotamus), some gracefully tall (giraffe), and some are just really cool (lion, elephants). Despite the big seven, there were countless other animals, birds, and plants of amazing beauty. The spectacular trip was only eclipsed by the marvelous group of Rotarians with whom we travelled!!
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North Middle School District 5610 Four Way Test Essay WinnersDistrict 5610 does a Four Way Test Essay Contest with 6th graders. Each club in District 5610 can run their own Four Way Test Essay Contest choosing a first, second and third place winner. Colby Christensen has been running our contest at North Middle School (NMS) in Rapid City and presented our winners at a recent club meeting. Jennaya's essay regarding the value of friendships as it relates to the Four Way Test was read to our Club. We awarded gift cards and sponsor a pizza party for the participants at North Middle School. Each club sends their first place winner to the District contest where they are judged and winners are announced for the district. The first place district winner reads their essay at our District Conference in the fall. Congratulations to the following North Middle School students: Jennaya (1st place); Jaselle (2nd place) and a tie for 3rd place Matthius and Ken (not pictured). Thank you to Colby and Becca (NMS English teacher) for their assistance in this contest. Also pictured with the group is Darla Crown from Rushmore Rotary. |
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Rotary's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Code of ConductWhat we say and how we behave matter. Although free expression is important, we must take responsibility for how our words and actions may affect others. The RI Board has approved a new DEI Code of Conduct to help Rotary members create and maintain an environment that is collaborative, positive, and healthy for everyone. Simply put, the DEI Code of Conduct asks you to:
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RCHS Four Way Test Essay WinnersThe Four-Way Test is an ethical guide for Rotarians to use for their personal and professional relationships. The test has been translated into more than 100 languages, and Rotarians recite it at club meetings. Each year Rushmore Rotary Youth Advocacy Committee sponsors an Essay Contest at Rapid City High School based on the Four Way Test. We are proud to announce the winners for 2022: 1st place--Jasua, 2nd place--Kevin, 3rd place--Rayven, and 4th place--Kaylee. Jasua’s essay was read at our weekly meeting and it made a great connection between Rotary’s guiding principles and the expectations set out for students at RCHS. Congratulations all. Pictured with the students are Sean Binder, RCHS advisor and Scott Van Dam, Club President. |
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Storybook Island's Grand Re-Opening May 28thCome and explore the place where magic happens. Lots of new updates have been made in the park to discover. Saturday May 28, 2022 from 9am to 7pm. Cake and beverages served (first come basis). |
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Whiteclay Makerspace Workday May 7th We have set a workday at Whiteclay for Saturday, May 7. Projects include:
1. Cleanup and painting of back room to prepare for second quilting machine (arriving mid-May)! 2. Cleanup and setup of woodworking equipment in workshop, possibly installing a garage door 3. Yard cleanup and preparation for gardening projects, pruning crabapple trees. Contact Linda and Norm Peterson if you are planning to go. 605-341-5006, cell 605-390-0800 |
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Membership Contest Social April 20thYou missed a fabulous Thai meal prepared by our own April Malik and a fun night of corn hole competition. First place went to Bruce Nearhood and Tiffany Gikling; second place to Scott Van Dam and Kim Baker and third place to Deb Niemi and Scott Kenner. There was no lack of form or function! Thank you to Heidi and Bruce for organizing the celebration. Our club is currently at 74 members!! Be sure to invite a guest to an upcoming meeting. |
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Friendship Exchange to Sweden - Openings for June 17-28There is a Friendship Team going to Sweden from June 17 to 28, 2022 and they have 4 openings. It will be a really great trip, you will be celebrating Midsummer there. This is their biggest celebration of the year with lots of flowers, bonfires, great food dancing and more. This is truly a cultural experience. You will fly in and out of Gothenburg and can add on travel to other places if you wish. The Swedes will come here from September 18 to 27, 2022. If interested please contact Pat Sutliff <pmsutliff@gmail.com> or 605-593-2896
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Disaster Relief for UkraineAs one of the world’s largest humanitarian organizations, we have made peace the cornerstone of our global mission. We join the international community in calling for an immediate cease fire, withdrawal of Russian forces, and a restoration of diplomatic efforts to resolve tis conflict through dialogue. As Rotarians, we have two options for contributions to disaster assistance: 1. Consider Contribution to the Rotary Disaster Relief Fund now through 30 April 2022 at https://my.rotary.org/en/disaster-response-fund Contributions will go into the Disaster Response Fund to address a variety of issues affecting Ukraine: Refugee assistance, transportation to safety, lodging, food, clothing, water, medical care, other needs. 2. Due to the relationships built between Rotarians of District 5610 and Romania through the Hope Haven wheelchair projects, we have direct connections with Rotarians that are supporting refugees in Romania. To make a contribution go to www.hopehaven.org and click on the Give button in upper right corner of the homepage. The money will be used to buy food, clothing and other essentials for the Ukrainian refugees. I hope you have you can join us in this effort.
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School of St. Jude Graduation
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Children's Home Advocacy Center GalaMaking a Difference for Generations Gala was held on March 19th to benefit the Children's Home Child Advocacy Center. Thanks to Golf sponsors, Gala Sponsors, InKind donors, Rushmore Rotarians, ALL the volunteers, auction package donors and buyers, attendees, Gala committee, Childrens Home board members, and EVERYONE who made it possible, we raised over $45,000 for the Children's Home Child Advocacy Center. Best ever ! A HUGE THANK YOU.!!! |
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Strategic Planning Session April 11thPlan to attend the April 11 Strategic Planning Session from 5:30 to 7:30 at our regular meeting location: Howard Johnson Express. During this second meeting members will focus on the activities, timeline, and tracking needed to ensure success. Rushmore Rotary is already a strong and healthy club. These assemblies are meant to set the path to make the small improvements and encourage continual growth in a positive direction to best align in providing service needed by the community, large and small.
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January 11 Join the Blue CampaignThe U.S. Department of Homeland Security plays a large role in the fight against human trafficking with efforts called the Blue Campaign. January 11 has been designated Human Trafficking Awareness Day and our club wore blue to raise awareness of human trafficking. Visit the following website to learn more as well as other ways to participate. https://www.dhs. |
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Diversity Strengthens our ClubInvite prospective members from all backgrounds to experience Rotary. New members from different groups in our community bring fresh perspectives and ideas to our clubs and expand Rotary's presence. Refer a member: myrotary.org/member-center |
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Rotary Rocks!If you found one of our painted rocks...welcome to our page. We hope you check out Rushmore Rotary or another Rotary organization (rotary.org) whereever you live. Send us a note if you found one. Happy New Year!
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Rotary Plaza UpdateCarmen Hansen shared an update on the Rotary Plaza constructed in memory of George Lyons at Rapid City High School. Pictured are Carmen and Dana Foreman with the new plaque that will be installed in Spring 2022, followed by an official dedication ceremony. The plaque recognizes several businesses and individuals who have contributed to this project: Rushmore Rotary, Lind Exco Inc, KLJ Engineering, Western Dakota Tech, Timber Ridge, Bob Quinn Construction, Pat Peel, Roger & Chris Heacock, and Carmen & Gary Hansen. As previously mentioned, benches and skateboard racks designed by Western Dakota Tech are already being used by the students and staff at Rapid City High School. Thank you to members who have helped with installation/site preparation.
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Meet our Newest MembersLET'S WELCOME OUR NEWEST MEMBERS TO THE ROTARY FAMILY! April Malik is the Executive Director of Minneluzahan Senior Center and owner of Thai To Go. She has been in Rapid City for 21 years. April assisted our Club with the Children's Home Society fundraising efforts during the pandemic, which we are so thankful. Her experience working with our energetic Club was why she joined Rotary and she looks forward to networking opportunities. She is a mother to 5 daughters, the reason that she started the Thai To Go business in 2010. April recently returned from getting three of her daughters settled into college in New York City, Minnesota and California. When she's not working, cooking, or spending time with her daughters, she enjoys walking and beekeeping. A sign in her office tells it all: "No Job is More Important than Your Family." Rene Sorenson was born and raised in Anchorage, AK and obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and minor degrees in Economics and Communication Arts. Her work experience includes positions with Microsoft (Recruiting Assistant), FDIC, and State Farm (claims adjuster). Rene and her husband Clark returned to Rapid City in 2021 (Clark’s hometown) after he retired from a civil engineering career in the oil and gas industry. They have a beautiful blended family of five adult children and four grandchildren. Rene was a member of the Russian Jack Rotary Club and served on fundraising committees for the Anchorage Symphony Pops Concert, Anchorage Museum and Catholic Social Services charity balls. She and Clark enjoy hiking, golf, biking, pickleball, camping and spending time with family and friends. Stacy Johnson spent her early years on their family ranch in Northeastern Wyoming. She is a new citizen of Rapid city, moving here in January 2021. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Finance from the University of Wyoming and built a career of financial advisory in Casper for 18 years. Between college and financial advisory, she spent 10 years with two statewide non-profit organizations. This experience sealed her love for serving people including youth ministry, cooking, teaching, mentoring, playing and singing. She served as a child advocate with CASA, and served in an advisory role in statewide church leadership, a local credit union, and Casper’s planning and zoning committee. Her hobbies include riding motorcycle (which introduced her to the Black Hills), knitting, reading, and hiking. Stacy served alongside her former husband in the Casper Rotary Club for many years. She is inspired by our club’s involvement with youth through Story Book Island and the Children’s Home Society and the many community action projects.
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World Polio DayFor more than 30 years, Rotary and our partners have driven the effort to eradicate polio worldwide. Our PolioPlus program was the first initiative to tackle global polio eradication by vaccinating children on a massive scale. Today, we have reduced polio cases by 99.9 percent, and just two countries continue to report cases of wild poliovirus: Afghanistan and Pakistan. The infrastructure we helped build to end polio is also being used to treat and prevent other diseases (including COVID-19) and create lasting impact in other areas of public health. Thank you members for your support of the Polio Plus Program! |
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Benches are in at RCHS "Rotary Plaza" project
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District Governor Nominations being accepted (2024-2025)Nominations are being accepted for the following District 5610 position: District 5610 Governor Nominee (serves as District Governor 2024-25). Those seeking this position must have served as a club president (per Rotary International bylaws). Nominations or expressions of personal interest should be forwarded to Past District Governor Dan Little no later than October 18, 2021. If you have any questions, please contact Dan Little at 5610dlittle@delittledvm.com or call Dan at 605-695-3732. |
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Community Action Highway Cleanup Sept 25thThanks to all who participated in the Highway Cleanup. Great job everyone! |
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Rotary's Areas of Focus |
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White Clay Makerspace Grand OpeningGrand Opening was held on Sunday October 17th, following the District Conference. Several District and Club members were in attendance and got to experience first hand the hard work that has been put in on this District 5610 Global Grant by members and Lakota artists. Whiteclay Makerspace Inc. building owner, Jon Ruybalid is handling the building and the management of the facility while Rotary is equipping the makerspace with needed equipment and supplies. Candi Red Cloud is the store manager, and recruits the artists. |
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FOOTBALL BOOK FUNDRAISER - GET YOUR STUBS AND MONEY IN BY SEPTEMBER 12We have two more weeks to sell football books and all of you have done a fantastic job!! We decided to print 100 more books. So if you want more books to sell, let Cathy Q know. Please be thinking about getting your stubs and money together and turned in at the meetings, at Print Mark-et, or give one of us a call (Q: 381-0661 or Linda: 431-2886). We would love to get everything in by September 12th or 13th (first Monday Night Game). Thanks again for selling your books! |
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District Governor - Doug LindOn July 1, Rushmore Rotary's own Doug Lind assumed the volunteer post of Rotary International District Governor for 2021-22. As Governor, he coordinates the community and international service projects of the 40 clubs in District 5610 encompassing all of South Dakota, northwestern Iowa, southwestern Minnesota and northeast Nebraska. Lind will serve through June 30, 2022. Lind is one of only 535 Rotarians worldwide serving as a district governor this year. He has served as the president and on numerous committees of our Club. Additionally, he has attended two International Rotary Conferences and participated in Rotary friendship exchange trips to Japan and Sweden. DG Lind shared his vision as District Governor at our meeting on July 6, 2021. Congratulations! We look forward to a great year. |
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Leadership TransitionRushmore Rotary's transition picnic was held on June 30 to welcome incoming president Scott Van Dam and to thank Dana Foreman for his year of service to the club, particularly during our adjustment to "zoom" meetings. Great job Dana! Dr. Van Dam joined Black Hills Oral Surgery in 2007. He completed his dental training at Creighton University and received his medical and surgical training at the Mayo Clinic. He is Board Certified as a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and is a member of the American Dental Association, the South Dakota Dental Association, the American Medical Association, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology, and member and past president of the Black Hills District Dental Society. Dr. Van Dam is an active member of the Medical Staff at Rapid City Regional Hospital and Same Day Surgery Center. He has served on several Rotary committees, and chaired the Children's Home Gala Committee. We look forward to a a great year. |
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SAVE THE DATE - DISTRICT CONFERENCE OCTOBER 14-16 DEADWOODSave the Date of October 14-16, 2021 for the District Conference - to be held at Cadillac Jacks Hotel in Deadwood, SD. There are great speakers lined up, some really interesting breakout sessions planned and the opportunity to network. Please put it on your calendar! Watch for additional details coming this summer. Bruce Nearhood and Pat Sutliff are Co-Chairs of the District Conference.
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SAVE THE DATE OCTOBER 14-16 - DISTRICT 5610 CONFERENCE IN DEADWOOD |
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GOLF COMMITTEE RENEWS PLEDGE TO CHILD AVOCACY CENTERThe Golf Committee voted to extend another $250,000 pledge to the Child Advocacy Center Endowment over the next 3 years. The current group has indicated their willingness to commit to that dollar amount and time frame. That will bring us to the 35th golf tournament. The Committee will be looking for volunteers to work the tournment in July. |
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Whiteclay Makerspace District Project UpdateWorkday rescheduled for May 8th -- painting to get ready for an upcoming soft opening in May. Rapid City Area Volunteers: We will depart at 7:30 AM Saturday, May 8th from the parking lot at SDSU Native American Nursing Center, 1220 Mt. Rushmore Road. The Whiteclay Makerspace has proven to be an excellent project for Rotary DIstrict 5610. Additional information can be found on handout under download page. |
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Happy Schools - International ProjectsThe Happy Schools project of Rotary India project aims to adopt 1,000 elementary schools across India to provide infrastructural and/or co-scholastic facilities to make them secure, attractive and happy learning-teaching places for students and teachers. Here are a few pictures of the difference our club is making towards 16 Happy Schools project. |
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RYLA CAMP 2021 Applications AvailableWe are excited to begin accepting applications for RYLA 2021 – to be held July 13-18 at Nebraska National Forest near Halsey, NE. RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) Camp is no cost to the camper, all-expense paid five-day conference which brings together this special group of young men and women. Activities, including problem solving games, a challenge course, group discussions and team-building activities, help participants build confidence and leadership skills; becoming the leader they were meant to become! Additional information on RYLA can be found at https://greatplainsryla. See video on the excitement from past campers: https://youtu.be/ |
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ROTARY FELLOWSHIPBeing part of a fellowship is a fun way to make friends around the world, explore a hobby or profession, and enhance your Rotary experience. Rotary has over 100 Fellowships. They can be found at More Fellowships | Rotary International. While not officially registered Rotary Fellowhip groups, Rushmore Rotary members recently participated in two activities: skiing and hiking.
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YFS COVID RELIEF FUNDThis past December, members of Rushmore Rotary and Rapid City Rotary clubs stepped up in a big way to support families in crisis who are enrolled in programs at Youth & Famity Services. Many of the families YFS serves were struggling to make ends meet prior to the onsetof the COVID-19 pandemic. Connie Olson, YFS Director, shared that an increasing number of families are now facing the very real possibility of becoming homeless. Thanks to Willis Sutliff for establishing a partnership between YFS and Rotary organizations. Within a few weeks, Rotarians raised $13,500 for the fund to help cover utility bills, rent, day care costs, and to purchase necessary supplies for children and their families. Just another great example of the impacts we make in our local communites. Thank you to such caring, committment and compassionae individuals. |
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School of St. Judes - International UpdateGemma Sisia started the School of St. Jude in Tanzania with the help of Rotary in 2002--to educate disadvantaged, bright students from the Arusha District to become moral and intellectual leaders in their country. Rotarians around the world (including our Club) have provided support over the years through sponsorships, purchase of buses, buildings, and equipment. The school started with 1 teacher and 3 students and today it has over 1800 students and hundreds of graduates. Our club currently sponsors three students: John, Furahini and Abdulkadir. There are several ways you can help support students: 1) Individually sponsor a student. Full sponsorship for a student for a year is $2,640 or you can do a 1/2 sponsorship for $1,320. Visit the website: afstjude.org. 2) Make a tax deductible donation to the school and/or students by sending your check to: AF School of St Jude, PO Box 3994, Rapid City, SD, 57709 3) Through our Rotary Club by donating monthly Highmark Federal Credit Union- Pat Sutliff has forms and information.
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WHITECLAY MAKERSPACE PROJECT UPDATEAnother great workday at Whiteclay Arts Makerspace Rotary 5610 District project! Delivered power tools for the woodworking shop, assembled a cabinet and countertop for sewing center, and had a great fellowship time with Rotarians from three clubs! |
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Rapid CIty High School Students of DistinctionWe are excited to announce the following students from Rapid City High School as the 2020-2021 1st Semester Rushmore Rotary Students of Distinction! Congratulations and keep up the good work: 9th Grade- Ariana; 10th Grade- Lillian; 11th Grade- Chad; 12th Grade- Adrianna (not pidtured) We miss being part of the in-person Prize Patrol, but look forward to the day we can join back in the celebrations! |
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Year End Drawing for Football Book FundraiserCongratulations to Jim Scull, Tommy Barbour and Lindsay Willits who were winners in the year-end drawing for our football book fundraiser. We made it through a complete season of Monday Night Football!! Thank you to members who sold the books in support of many great Rotary projects.
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Exciting News for School of St. JudeThe 40-year-old Australian actress, Rebel Wilson, appeared on "Who Wants to Be a Millionnaire" and was raising money for the charity of her choice -- School of St. Jude in Arusha, Tanzania. Rebel served as an ambassador and once sponsored a student. She won a total of $250,000 and donated her entire winnings to the School of St. Jude. Very exciting news for St. Judes. |
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District Grant for COVID ReliefThe District Governor and the members of the COVID-19 Disaster Response Grant Taskforce are happy to announce that thirteen District 5610 clubs have been awarded funds to help with projects in their communities to lessen the impact of COVID-19. These funds were allocated from a $25,000 Disaster Response Grant awarded to District 5610 this fall and will be used by the clubs between now and April 2021. With support from our members, Rushmore Rotary and District 5610 were able to provide financial help, food donations, prepare 800 backpacks for children during the holiday season and package holiday meals for distribution to help Feeding South Dakota. |
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COLLECTING STOCKING STUFFERS FOR WAVIAs part of our December 20, 2020 meeting, we will be collecting Stocking Stuffers for WAVI, who will be our program speakers that day. Suggested items for donation include: colors, markers, color books, books, activity books, games, puzzles, matchbox cars, miniature dolls, chapstick, hair ties, Christmas candy, suckers, etc. Be creative! Items can be brought to the December 8th in person gathering or Linda Rabe will be collecting items on December 19th at Baken Park parking lot from 10:00 am to noon (corner of Mt. View and Canyon Lake Drive). If you have any questions or need to arrange a separate time to drop off items, please contact Linda direct. Thanks for your participation. |
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DISTRICT ZOOM CONFERENCE HELD NOVEMBER 6, 2020The District Conference 2020 was well attended and well received by participants. District Governor Dan Little provided an introduction and opening remarks were shared by RI President Elect Nominee Jennifer Jones. Several presentations were made on Global Grants (Human Trafficking), Growing Rotary, the Foundation, Polio Plus, and local Club projects. If you were unable to join the meeting, the presentations can be found on the District website https://www.rotary5610.org/ under "downloads". Thank you to several members of our club who served on the different committees for this conference.
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ACHIEVING SUCCESS AT ST. JUDE
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Recognition GatheringThe Club held an in-person gathering September 29th at Old Storybook Island to recognize new members (Kyle Bargmann) and Paul Harris Fellows: Mike O'Connor (+8), James Huff (+6), Kent Musegades (+4), Willis Sutliff (+4), Penny Lind (+2) and Mark Schreiner (+2). Paul Harris recognizes members who contribute $1,000+ to the Rotary Foundation. Dana Foreman (current president) gave a summary of our ongoing projects and grants. Doug Lind, District Governor Elect, gave a preview of the 2021 District Conference scheduled for October 2021 in Deadwood. Jennifer Rollins gave a preview of the 2020 District Conference (including the Human Trafficking initiative) which will be held virtually November 6th. Watch for more details on the link and itinerary. Thanks to all who participated. It was great to socialize even if it was masked and at a distance. |
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GLOBAL AND DISTRICT GRANT UPDATESRotary Plaza in memory of George Lyons - This project is using funds donated in memory of George Lyons, a Rushmore Rotarian, and supplemented by a District Grant, and in-kind contributions by several project partners to create an outdoor space at Rapid City High School. Concrete has been poured and benches are in the works. We look forward to seeing the final product for the enjoyment of students and staff at RCHS -- in tribute to a great Rotarian and friend. Global Grant - Makerspace, Whiteclay NE - Work days for volunteers to setup and install equipment and prepare the space have been scheduled for October 2, and 10. Please call us to volunteer! Linda and Norm Peterson, Marcia Whiting, Mary Kenner (Rushmore Rotary), Ina Winter (Hot Springs) and Dr. Ashok Kumar (Rapid City Rotary) volunteered on September 26. If you wish to make donations for the project, see download file (Whiteclay Donation Form) on this website or District 5610 website. Items needed: table saw, drill press, laser cutter, Mac computer with Adobe Photoshop software, airbrush tool, quilt hoops, leather tooling punches, stamps, awls, mallets, Carpentry tape measures, angles, saws, misc. hand tools, wood chisel hand tools set. District 5610’s Ending Human Trafficking Initiative - At the upcoming District 5610 Virtual Conference scheduled for November 6, the subcommittee plans to invite a victim of human trafficking to speak (or provide a video) to the audience in order to raise awareness of the prevalence of this crime. |
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SERVICE ABOVE SELF -- MASK MAKING KITSSeveral members of Rushmore Rotary volunteered in July and August at WDT Masks for Rapid City putting together mask kits. Masks for Rapid City is an effort to sew and distribute 60,000 masks for healthcare providers, caregivers, and immunocompromised individuals in our community. You can order mask-making kits, or place orders to receive completed masks via Masks for Rapid City facebook page or call the Masks for Rapid City hotline at (605) 718-3088.
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FOOTBALL BOOK SALESMONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL IS IN FULL SWING! Football book winner will be announced weekly during our meeting and checks mailed out while we meeting virtually. Congratulation to all winners and thank you to the Committee and Rotarians for participation in this great fundraiser. |
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MARK BARRY - ROTARIAN OF THE YEARCongratulations Mark Barry for being chosen as Rotarian of the Year for Rushmore Rotary. Mark is a force in selling football books and plays a very large role in the Children’s Home Golf Tournament every year. Additionally, he has brought guests and new members to the club. He is not only kind to everyone, but goes over and above to volunteer for our Club. He sells many, many books each year - last year 270 books. He does this by speaking to everyone he knows ( I will add his large extended family) and many that he just meets in passing. Mark provides constant support on many Rotary tasks and always with a huge heart. Mark was recognized at the recent Transition Dinner. Pictured with Janet Kahler, Club Secretary. |
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COVID GrantRapid City Rushmore Rotary Club donated over $2,300 in gift cards from local businesses to the Black Hills Regional Homeless Coalition for those individuals and families affected by Covid-19. With a Rotary grant and donations from its club members, Rushmore Rotary was able to not only support Rapid City downtown local businesses by purchasing gift cards from Philly Teds, Armadillos, Fork Real Café and Colonial House, but also help families. Austin Brummer of Armadillos Ice Cream states, “We love seeing organizations pay it forward and we hope it does not stop there and hope everyone in our community pays it forward.” Food insecurity was identified as a high priority, and Rotary wanted to be part of the solution. In addition, Rushmore Rotary Club wanted to also provide economic relief to local businesses affected by the pandemic. With guidance from Black Hills Area Community Foundation and United Way of the Black Hills, Rotarians decided to partner with Volunteers of America Northern Rockies because they are coordinating the Homeless Coalition and assisting families with emergency resources and housing support. “We are grateful for these gift cards that will be used to feed families and help brighten their day,” says Sara Hornick, VOA Coordinator of Black Hills Regional Homeless Coalition.” |
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Black Hills Children's Home Thank You LetterHello Rotarians, While it was unfortunate, it sure seems like it was the right call to cancel the Gala at Mount Rushmore. Now, so much more has transpired since that time. We hope you are all staying healthy and safe. We are so very grateful for all the time and effort that went into planning the Gala – thanks to everyone from Rotary who was part of that! We also appreciate very much how the sponsors and intended guests were open to still giving their gifts even after the event was cancelled. It sounds like the event will still raise around $31,000! That’s similar to what the event has made on average over the past few years – that is terrific! As you many know, the funds are designated to endowment for the Child Advocacy Center, our program where we provide forensic interviews and support for children who are alleged victims, most often of sexual abuse, but sometimes severe physical abuse. Over 50% of the funding for the Child Advocacy Center has to come from charitable support, so building the endowment funding to help run the program is so very critical. In 2019 we provided forensic interviews for 341 children.You are all part of a wonderful service club – and part of a terrific group of people in your Rapid City Rushmore Chapter. Thank-you for your many acts of Service Above Self, and for your partnership in our work! Michelle Lavallee Chief Executive Officer Development Director Children’s Home Society Children’s Home Foundation |
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RCHS Student of Distinction Pizza PartyRotarians and Rapid City High School staff honored students of Distrinction nominees for this quarter with a pizza party. Thank you to several members who helped them celebrate. |
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NOVEMBER FOUNDATION MONTHOver a dozen members took advantage of the Club's match for November's Foundation Month Giving. Thank you to The Board, Norm and Shari for encouraging contributions to a great organization--Funds are returned to our Club in the form of future District Grant Funds. This match is available to the end of the year--so take advantage. End Polio Now: Countdown to History Campaign Certificate of Appreciation: Rushmore Rotary will receive a certification of appreciation for contributing at least US $1,500 to Rotary's polio eradication efforts. Isn't that a tremendous use of our Happy Dollars collection. |
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College Application Day - Rapid City High SchoolSeveral members from Rushmore Rotary volunteered at Rapid City High School during their College Application Day. Members assisted junior and seniors in completing their applications on-line. Application fees are waived for students during this week. Pictured are Dave Dolan, Shawn Binder (RCHS), Mary Kenner, Kathy Quinlivan, and Gene Bilodeau. |
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Rotary Classification TalksAre you ready? As our club grows, it is important that we get to know more about our Fellow Rotarians. President Gene Bilodeau will be calling on members to share their classification talks and has prepared some guidelines from other clubs. See download files for the full set of guidelines. The talks should be approximately 5-7 minutes and include information on your vocation, personal information (family, hobbies) and Rotary connections (what brought you to Rotary). GO ROTARY!
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Storybook Island - Carousel House Pledge CompleteThanks to Football Book Fundraising we have met our pledge for Storybook Island's Carousel House project in the amount of $50,000. Great job everyone. Special thank you to Dana Foreman for his help with the design and construction specs. Pictured are Darla Crown and Shari West Twitero presenting Connie LeZotte (SBI) the check. REMINDER: Get your Football Books money turned into Cindy Hansen, Shari West Twitero or your team captain! |
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DISTRICT GOVERNOR INA WINTER VISITDistrict Governor (DG) Ina Winter (Hot Springs) visited Rushmore Rotary on July 25th. Ina shared her goals for the year: membership (2 new groups), Foundation (global grants), and Rotary recognition. Pictured below are former and future DGs from our Club with Ina: Jean Cline, Doug Lind, George Twitero and Linda Peterson. A Deck Party was held later in the week at Norm and Linda Peterson. |
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Australian Friendship ExchangeSeveral Club members hosted members of District 9670 from New South Wales, Australia in their homes. Jennifer Rollins organized tours including the Badlands, Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Wind Cave and a tour of the President's downtown Rapid City and a potluck at Storybook Island. Thank you to all who participated. It was a great time learning about their projects and fundraising and sharing information about our Club. A contingent from our District will visit Australia in October. |
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Omniciye Satellite Club -- UpdateOmniciye Multi-Cultural Satellite Club gave a great update at Rushmore Rotary on recent projects: 3 Sister Gardens, Little Free Library, 4 Way Test Contest (North Middle School), Pine Ridge Youth Assessment and Global Grant for Art Maker Space. Pictured are Linda Peterson, Kibbe Conti, Colby Christensen, Sheela Farmer, and Tom Katus.
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STORYBOOK ISLAND CLEANUPSeveral Rushmore Rotarians enjoyed a spring morning helping cleanup at Storybook Island in April. The dedication for the carousel is scheduled for May 28th at 9am. Hope to see a great turnout.
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6th Grade Four Way Test Essay Winners - March 2019North Middle School Kibbe Conte and Colby Christensen presented certificates of participation and gift cards to the students and provided a pizza party for them. Congratulations to Devin, pictured with his mom Keisha, for taking 1st place in the competition for North Middle School 6th graders. Southwest Middle School Opal Nelson third place; Scarlet Marcus second place; Bryn Marietta first place. Bryn also won the District 5610 competition CONGRATULATIONS. |
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HOST FAMILY NEEDED ***HOST FAMILY NEEDED FOR OUR CURRENT EXCHANGE STUDENT - ELO from March 1, 2019 to May 31, 2019. Please share with prospective families or individuals. Please contact Cindy Bailie at cabailie@rap.midco.net or Cindy Howell at chowell763@gmail.com Elo, Rotary foreign exchange student from Belgium needs housing for her last 3 months in the USA. She is a straight A student at Stevens HS, has lots of energy and is looking to make her stay in the US as rich as possible. Elo is very easy to be around as she is very interested in others. She needs a bed of her own but can share a room with another female. She will need rides to and from school; however Rotary has many who can help with transportation. She should be treated as one of your family when in your home. Her school lunches are provided by Rotary. If you have conflicts during the time but are still interested Elo has a place to stay for when her family is out of town. |
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Rapid City High School Service ProjectFor our Christmas meeting in December 2018, the club collected hats, gloves, boots, and coats for Rapid City High School students, as well as gift cards and cash to be used to purchase similar items. The clothing and gift cards were presented to Shawn Binder the Internship Coordinator. Great job Rushmore Rotarians. |
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MEMBERSHIP UPDATEWelcome Rushmore Rotarians (2018): Fred Folsom, Debra Niemi, Casey Bulyca, Todd Hyronimus, Chris Twiggs, Tyler Trevillian, and Bob Weyrich; pictured with Darla Crown (current President) at a February 2019 meeting. Latest update on Membership contest: Men 14 - Women 10! Keep up the good work Rotarians. |
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Rotary Foundation MonthNovember is Rotary Foundation month and Tuesday November 27 is Giving Tuesday. This is a great opportunity to review your personal commitment to The Rotary Foundation and its programs. If you have not already made your personal contribution to the Foundation, please support our Foundation by making a contribution before the end of November to help make lives better in our community and around the world. Rotary's 35,000 clubs carry out sustainable service projects that support six areas of focus to build international relationships, improve lives, and create a better world to support our peace efforts and end polio forever. For more information on the Foundation go to https://www.rotary.org/en/about-rotary/rotary-foundation. Contact Sheri West Twitero for quarterly or annual giving options. |
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School of St. JudeRushmore Rotary Club hosts three students at the School of St. Jude in Arusha, Tanzania, East Africa. Pat Sutliff is the International Committee chair. |
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Rushmore Rotary Highway CleanupThanks to everyone who helped conduct cleanup on Highway 16 for Adopt a Highway Program. We had 17 participating Rotarians and their guests. Several enjoyed pizza after. Thank you Cindy Hansen for organizing. r. |
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Pat Sutliff Honored with Roger Kozak AwardPat Sutliff was honored at the District Conference with the 2018 Roger Kozak Service Above Self Award. It is given in recognition of exceptional service to Rotarians in Rotary District 5610. Congratulations Pat! |
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Jessica Dial receives Paul Harris FellowIn October 2018 Rushmore Rotary recognized Jessica Dial with a Paul Harris Fellow for her leadership as a former Youth Intern Coordinator at Rapid City High School. Jessica was designated to receive this recognition as a special expression of appreciation from our Club. Darla Crown, Pat Peel and Jessica Dial are pictured below. |
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WORLD POLIO DAYIn recognition of World Polio Day (October 24, 2018) Rushmore Rotary sponsored a Free Movie WONDER at the Elks Club. Thanks to Heidi Bell Gease and Dr. Willis Sutliff for organizing the event. The turnout was light, but the message about eradicating Polio and Rotary's involvement was shared with many.Thanks to club members who participated during the event. For more information on POLIO PLUS go to: https://www.endpolio.org/
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Keaghan Duffy - Rotary Exchange Student UpdateCindy Bailie gave us an update on Keaghan Duffy, our Rotary Exchange Student to Italy. She is enjoying her experience and shared that the people are so friendly and the country beautiful. Cindy hopes that everyone will try to stay in touch with her at: keaghansiobhan@gmail.com She is writing a blog that can be accessed at https:// The photo is the entrance to the town, Sant'Agata de' Goti (i.e. S'Agata) where Keaghan is staying.
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Friendship Exchange Visitors - ItalyRushmore Rotarians hosted Friendship Exchange visitors from Italy in August. The visitors included 5 members from Milan, including 4 different Rotary Clubs; and the first female Milan Rotary District Governor (40 clubs). Their professions included a university professor of Cultural Policy, notary/Civil lawyer, judge, chemical engineer, and a civil engineer. The visitors enjoyed a trip to Mount Rushmore, Prairie Berry Winery, Reptile Gardens, Badlands National Park, Custer State Park, Delta Missile site, BH Children's Home, Journey museum and a potluck at Storybook Island. They were so moved by the children’s home mission that they ended up making a financial donation before they left!! Jennifer Rollins commented that " it was really fun to talk about combining efforts on current and future Rotary projects; and laying the groundwork for a potential global grant as they would be our International partner. It was an amazing week building upon our initial friendships formed when we visited Milan Italy in 2017. The rotary Friendship exchange is a top notch, well designed program for not only building friendship and fun but truly building culture awareness for the betterment of people as especially the Rotary mission." Upcoming Friendship Exchanges for Australia and Scotland are full for our club, but for future exchanges, please contact Pat Sutliff for information. Thank you to the host families (Lind's, Sutliff's, O'Connor's, Nearhood's, and Jennifer Rollins and the Rushmore Rotary Club for their hospitality. |
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Copy of Belgian Exchange Student ArrivedSeveral Rotarians greeted our Belgian exchange student, Eloise Longhi, at the airport on August 20th. Cindy Howell is her first host family. Elosie attended the Rushmore Rotary meeting on August 21st. Welcome. |
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Belgian Exchange Student ArrivedSeveral Rotarians greeted our Belgian exchange student, Eloise Longhi, at the airport on August 20th. Cindy Howell is her first host family. Elosie attended the Rushmore Rotary meeting on August 21st. Welcome. |
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Celebrate St. Patrick's Day at Darla & Doug's home!Doug and Darla invite you to their home at 4813 Carriage Hills Drive, on Friday, March 16, around 5:30 pm. Access their home via Sheridan Lake Road to Corral Drive. Bring snacks to share! |
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Membership Matter WorkshopA Membership workshop is scheduled for Black Hills area clubs on May 20. Please signup up on the District website if you are planning to attend this workshop.
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Congratulations!Congratulations to our Students of Distinction! Our students for the first trimester of the 2014-15 school year are (from the left) : Brittaney Hanson for the 9th grade, Susan Brown for the 10th grade, Spencer Alden for the 11th grade and Gunnar Leach for the 12th grade. The Rushmore Rotary Award Patrol surprised them in their classrooms and then invited them to our December 2 meeting where they received their gift cards. What a wonderful bunch they are!!
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Quote of the Week - Who Said It?
We could never learn to be brave and patient, if there were only joy in the world.
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Thought for the Week - Who Said It?
An optimist is the human personification of spring.
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Mark Your Calendars!
Here you can post little tidbits of information, reminders, or anything else!
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