Stories
Custer Rotary hosted Olivia Wilkins for fundraiser for 2024 FCCLA National Leadership Conference in Seattle. Olivia is elected to Vice President of FCCLA for SD.
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Donation to HOSACuster President Rob McWhorter presents $500 to HOSA Adviser, while Sidney and Brandon, HOSA finalists look on. Sidney Garcia was also a Custer Rotary Senior Scholarship winner.
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Don Kraus is RememberedThe Custer Rotary Club has lost a great friend and member. Don Kraus has been a member since December of 1989, for the last 35 years. He is a past president, and board member of the Club. Don took a special interest in assisting in the projects of the club, and was always there when it came time to assist the Custer Storehouse with their monthly food pick up! His smiley face will be truly missed by our Club, our community, and our District. Don was one of the most familiar faces at activities! |
Dan and Michelle Hutt Visit The School of St. JudeDan said, The poor family I visited yesterday gave me a goat. It rode back in our van and I gave it to Michelle. She gave t to the school. Not sure what we had for supper. Greetings from Arusha, Tanzania. We are being treated very well at the School of St. Jude. We had a three course breakfast in the Rotary Kitchen. In an hour we go on a walking tour of the surrounding village. We’re seeing some of the good being done by Rotarians and others.
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Custer Rotary Board MembersThe Custer Rotary Board members each received a "Jersey" for participating as a board member! A hearty Thank You to each of you for your Service Above Self by serving as a board member!
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Donation to Custer StorehouseKim Canete receives a $500 donation for the Custer Storehouse from Custer Rotary President Rob McWhorter!
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Storehouse DonationKim Canete receives a $500 Donation for the Custer Storehouse, from Custer Rotary President, Rob McWhorter. Thanks for all you do for the Storehouse Kim!!
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SD DOT Rich ZacherSouth Dakota Department of Transportation in Custer area engineer, Rich Zacher receives special plate of chocolate chip cookies in recognition of another great presentation to Rotary. |
Preplanning funeralsDeann Arneson presented an interesting program on preplanning your funeral. It was to die for! |
Presentation from W.E.A.V.E.Prized Rotary cup presented to Donna Talley, Executive Director of Women Escaping A Violent Environment, following her presentation.
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Dr. Ashok Kumar on Polio PlusDr Ashok Kumar gave Custer Rotary an update on Rotary Internationals Polio Plus. In assisting Rotary International to keep their pledge of $50 Million a year toward eradication of Polio, he asked for each member to contribute to the Polio Plus campaign.
we passed the Polio Plus bowl and raised $271.00. |
School UpdatesVice President Pat Argabright presenting a Rotary pen to our speaker Matt Fridell from Tallgrass Landscape Architecture speaking about the community's thoughts for the old grade school space. Custer School District Superintendent Mark Naugle spoke about up-coming plans for the school district. |
Donation to Senior Meals Program$500.00 Rotary matching donation to Senior Meals was presented by Custer Rotary President, to Mary Ann Schmitz of the "Bingo Crowd" recently. This will result in a $1000.00 total for seniors who need help with their meal costs. |
Update Custer Search and RescueRick and Sam ( and his lovely daughter) gave us a summary of history, and the growth of the Custer Search and Rescue unit. This has evolved into a highly technical organization with the most up to date equipment, and abilities. There are 40 some members, of highly trained individuals that have done a spectacular job. Thanks so much!! Custer Rotary donated $500 to Search and Rescue.
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Custer Co Highway Dept SuperintendentCuster County Highway Department Superintendent Jesse Doyle spoke November 13 meeting
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Custer Youth and Alumni AssociationPresident of Custer's Youth & Alumni Foundation Lea Ann McWhorter, spoke to the membership about the good work they do for scholarships for our graduating students and for special classroom needs for the teachers in our school district.
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Life on the Aircraft Carrier DeckSteve Hone Retired Master Chief from US Navy gave a very interesting program of live on the aircraft carrier deck. He was a "Green Shirt" involved with operating and maintaining all aircraft launch and recovery equipment and performed all support equipment and aircraft-related maintenance. Thanks for your service Steve! |
A Wonderful Thank You |
Flying highRetired Lt. Col. John Heaton shared with the Custer Rotary Club, some of his activities and duties while active. In addition, he shared some of the contracting he has been doing with drones. I'm sure there is much more that he can't tell, but he kept everyone very interested. Thanks for your service and contribution John!
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Sylvan Lake Road CleanupA BIG thanks to all who showed up for the road cleanup!! |
Custer Care and Rehab CenterA BIG thanks to all showed up at the Custer Care and Rehab Center for prepping the number 1 hall and room!!!!! Another thanks to Rotarians Janet Boyer, and Monica McGowen for spearheading the action!! the pictures above show our Rotarians in Action!! Thanks, was a fun day!
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Gift for Senior Center DirectorCuster Rotary President Rob McWhorton presents a gift of appreciation to Senior Center Executive director, Jodi Niksic for a job well done! Thanks Jodi!!
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Custer County LibraryCuster County Librarian, Sarah Meyers explains to the Custer Rotary Club, all the goings on with the library. She explained all the different activities in both Custer and Hermosa that the library has and is doing. A gift of appreciation! Librarian Sarah accepts a donation of $500 from Custer Rotary President Rob McWhorton.
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Chuck Johnson, Superintendent of Fitzmaurice State Veterans HomeChuck Johnson, Superintendent of the Fitzmaurice State Veterans Home for the last year and a half, gave us some insight as to the history, and the goings on at the Veterans Home in Hot Springs. Currently it is experiencing staffing challenges, in order to keep up with the need. It's a great asset to those Veterans and spouses that are able to be there. Thanks for what you and your staff does to take care of those that need it!
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District Governor Rich Burns Visits Custer Rotary ClubDistrict Gov. Rich Burns, shares with the Custer Rotary Club some of his areas of focus, such as suggestion of a signiture project, and revamping the District website to include small video clips from clubs. He shared also some thoughts on participation, and membership. He commented on the Rotary International Presidents focus on erasing the stigma of mental health, and staying focused on eradicating Polio, hand how important it is to continue working for eradication. DG Burns also reminded us of the 7 areas of focus for Rotary.
Thanks for the insight DG Burns!! DG Rich Burns presenting Custer Rotary Club President Rob McWhorter this years Presidential Banner, " Create Hope in the World" DG Burns and wife Kelly receiving a gift from Custer Senior Center staff, Director Jodi Niksic, and Board member Janet Woytossek for the grant which allowed Custer Rotary to assist in getting the elevator for the Custer Senior Center. DG Rich Burns and Custer Rotary President Rob McWhorter, presents a check for $500 from Custer Rotary Club to Custer YMCA Director ( and Custer Rotary Member) Rex Jorgensen! |
Getting out of HOT water!Dr Mark Hogg, gave the club a first hand narrative of his and several members of his family, being on Maui, near Lahaina during the devastating fires. They experienced several days of electrical outage, and high winds. Fortunately they were upwind of the fires. If they had not stopped at the Walmart upon arrival before going to their vacation rental, they would have been out of food for most of the week! Thankfully, they were able to eventually get a flight out after several cancellations and rebookings and at one point, the 6 family members spending a night in their van. We are thankful you and your family were able to escape without any injuries!
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Special Award to Mike ChaseMike Chase, Custer Rotary Treasurer for 28 years, is awarded a special plaque for his many years of community and club involvement. Mike has donated countless hours to community service, and dedication to our club. He also was given a Paul Harris Foundation award, his fourth, in honor of his many years of Rotary work! Thanks Mike, you are an inspiration to us all! |
Jim Ganser SD GFP OfficerSD GFP Officer Jim Ganzer discussed different phone map apps to use to help from getting lost. There is now no reason anyone should get lost while out hunting, or hiking. Thanks Jim!! |
The Boyer LegacyJanet Boyer shared with the club her families business growth in Custer. The Boyer family has been instrumental in the economical growth of Custer. Their involvement in not only businesses in town, but in supporting many of the local needs. Thank you Janet for sharing and caring! This community is better because of you and your families participation in it.
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Crazy Horse The MountainCaleb Ziolkowski, from Crazy Horse Memorial along with Kay Weninger gave a most interesting program on the mountain and the carving. Everything from some history, to how the blasting went, and how they do finishing work. Caleb has extensive education, and has now been working with the family at Crazy Horse. He gave us information on how the progress has averaged over the years, and some of the advances including machines (Frankensaw) they have devised to help facilitate the carving. There are thoughts that some of the advancements including large cranes will help advance the carving process. The progress is constantly monitored and scheduled on computers. Thanks Caleb for an outstanding presentation. We look forward to hearing from Kay in the future. |
FCCLACuster Rotary President John Carson, presented to the local chapter of FCCLA a check for $300 to assist in travel expenses for the 3 girls going to the National Convention in Denver. The 3 girls going to the National Convention are Olivia Wilkins, Ecco Nagy, and Bella Petersen. Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is a nonprofit student organization that helps youth develop leadership and workplace skills to prepare for both college and careers through peer-to-peer education, community engagement, and the application of skills learned in the Family and Consumer Sciences classroom.
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Custer Mayor Bob BrownCuster Mayor Bob Brown, gave the club an update on what he has been working on, and improved during the last 2 years. He then shared a number of things that he has still been working on, including West Dam. |
Linda Anderson, Exec. Director Black Hills PlayhouseLinda Anderson, Executive Director of the Black Hills Playhouse, presented an update on what's going on at the Black Hills Playhouse. There are 65 performers that will be doing plays for 12 weeks this summer at the BH Playhouse. Those 65 performers are from 19 different states, and will include seasoned and intern theater performers. It sounds like some wonderful performances for us to enjoy this summer! Thanks Linda for the informative update!
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Custer Rotary President John Carson receives Paul Harris FellowIncoming Custer Rotary President Rob McWhorter presents Custer Rotary President John Carson with his 5th Paul Harris Fellow 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 honor, named for Paul Harris who founded Rotary at age 36, was created to show appreciation for contributions that support our Annual Fund, PolioPlus, or an approved Foundation grant. In a recent article, journalist Arnold Grahl listed several great reasons to give to Rotary. 1. AccountabilityAccountability and transparency have earned The Rotary Foundation 11 straight years of four-star ratings — the highest possible — from independent evaluator Charity Navigator. Ninety-two percent of Foundation funds are spent directly on programs. No high administrative costs dilute your gift. 2. ImpactRotary partners with other organizations to increase our impact and make your donations work even harder. When you give to PolioPlus, for example, you have the satisfaction of knowing that every $1 Rotary commits to polio eradication is matched by $2 from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Thanks to this partnership, all donations to end polio (up to $50 million per year) are tripled, providing critical funding toward creating a polio-free world. 3. A record of successRotary unites leaders who have the skills and resources to tackle some of the world’s most difficult problems and deliver sustainable, long-lasting results. For decades, Rotary has been a leader in the battle against polio and has caused cases to plummet from 350,000 in 1988 to only a handful this year. Rotary members have also achieved notable results in other areas, like eradicating Guinea worm disease in Ghana. 4. Global reachOur 1.2 million members span the globe, uniting people who have a common desire to serve others.From teaching children to read in Ecuador to a microcredit program in Indonesia, Rotary members identify local problems and use Rotary’s vast network and the resources of The Rotary Foundation to take action in their communities. 5. Local ImpactHalf of everything you contribute to the Rotary Foundation Annual Fund comes back to your home district. At the end of every Rotary year, contributions directed to the Annual Fund-SHARE from all Rotary clubs in the district are divided between the World Fund and the District Designated Fund(DDF). Districts can use the DDF to pay for Foundation, club, and district projects that your club and others in the district choose. Help Rotary make a difference in the world |
Marguarite receives her second Paul Harris FellowMarguarite Cullum receives her second Paul Harris Fellow from Custer Rotary President John Carson. A Paul Harris Fellow is recognition for $1000 donation to The Rotary Foundation. 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.
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May is Backpack month for Custer RotaryMay is Backpack month for the Custer Rotary Club. Every meeting in May; the club packs about 100 meals for the Custer Elementary School. |
Senior Center ElevatorThis picture from the Custer Chronicle says it all! The Rotary District 5610 Grant along with contributions from the Custer Rotary Club, upgraded and made safe the elevator system at the Custer Senior Center! That's one way to get uplifted!!!!
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A Most Amazing CollectionThe Custer Rotary Club met at Roseanna Harris' collection of player pianos and organs on the 24th of April. She has a wonderful collection of restored player pianos and organs that came from all over the world. She has them housed in an environmentally controlled large building in the hills about 5 miles out of Custer. Who would have known such a treasure was lurking there? She was kind enough to give a short history on most of them, along with a song or two from them. They all have been restored. Thank you Roseanna for a wonderful experience! |
HOSA presentationJulianna Uphoff, Makenna Allen, and Peyton Helfer presented a program on HOSA. They are members of the Custer High School Chapter of HOSA- Future Health Professionals. They received a $500 donation from the Custer Rotary Club in addition to the club passing the hat for more, to assist in sending the 9 members that qualified to the National Conference. In addition to a great presentation, Makenna Allen, won the queen of Hearts drawing worth over $200!!!!! Fun Day! The mission and purpose of HOSA is to provide opportunities for health science education students to gain knowledge, skills, and leadership in health care. At the State Leadership Conference, they earned the opportunity to attend the International Leadership Conference in Dallas, TX beginning June 21, 2023 by placing in the top three of their individual events. The International Conference will be an opportunity for their team to work with about 10,000 other future health care workers while experiencing competition in leadership development, teamwork, and health related workshops. They will each compete in the following events: Creative Problem Solving Team (Makenna, Mical, and Julianna), Cultural Diversity and Disparities (Sidney and Payton), Forensic Science Team ( Taylee and Brit), Health Career Photography (Hailee), Medical Law and Ethics, ( Amber Layton). |
Boy Scouts Troop #25 at the Custer Rotary meetingBrent Nelson, Troop Leader Jaden Metz Daniel Ferraro Liam Dillon Spoke to Rotary about badges they are working on, trips they are hoping to take, & projects they are doing to make money to support their programs & trips. They were given a $500 check from Rotary to support them. |
Dan Hutt receives 4th Paul Harris FellowDan Hutt receives his 4th Paul Harris Fellow from Custer Rotary Club John Carson. Thanks Dan for helping to make a positive difference in the world! 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 honor, named for Paul Harris who founded Rotary at age 36, was created to show appreciation for contributions that support our Annual Fund, PolioPlus, or an approved Foundation grant. In a recent article, journalist Arnold Grahl listed several great reasons to give to Rotary. 1. AccountabilityAccountability and transparency have earned The Rotary Foundation 11 straight years of four-star ratings — the highest possible — from independent evaluator Charity Navigator. Ninety-two percent of Foundation funds are spent directly on programs. No high administrative costs dilute your gift. 2. ImpactRotary partners with other organizations to increase our impact and make your donations work even harder. When you give to PolioPlus, for example, you have the satisfaction of knowing that every $1 Rotary commits to polio eradication is matched by $2 from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Thanks to this partnership, all donations to end polio (up to $50 million per year) are tripled, providing critical funding toward creating a polio-free world. 3. A record of successRotary unites leaders who have the skills and resources to tackle some of the world’s most difficult problems and deliver sustainable, long-lasting results. For decades, Rotary has been a leader in the battle against polio and has caused cases to plummet from 350,000 in 1988 to only a handful this year. Rotary members have also achieved notable results in other areas, like eradicating Guinea worm disease in Ghana. 4. Global reachOur 1.2 million members span the globe, uniting people who have a common desire to serve others.From teaching children to read in Ecuador to a microcredit program in Indonesia, Rotary members identify local problems and use Rotary’s vast network and the resources of The Rotary Foundation to take action in their communities. 5. Local ImpactHalf of everything you contribute to the Rotary Foundation Annual Fund comes back to your home district. At the end of every Rotary year, contributions directed to the Annual Fund-SHARE from all Rotary clubs in the district are divided between the World Fund and the District Designated Fund(DDF). Districts can use the DDF to pay for Foundation, club, and district projects that your club and others in the district choose. Help Rotary make a difference in the world |
Asst DG Jean Cline visit to Custer RotaryAsst. DG Jean Cline from District 5610 makes a presentation about the School of St. Jude Rotary sponsors in Tanzania. |
Lights for the Mickleson TrailPeg Ryan from Custer City Council & Colleen Hennessy from the Recreation Committee spoke to members about a proposed plan to light the citywide Mickelson Trail with solar lights. |
New LibrarianJessica Phelps, new Custer County Librarian, spoke of her background and the current & future of the library. The main focus of the Library Foundation & library funds will be the Hermosa Library.
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The Storehouse at CusterStorehouse volunteer, Kim Canete, updated the Custer Rotary Club on what’s happening.
Custer Rotarian, Rob McWhorter presented $500 check to Kim for the Storehouse. |
Nice Challenge!!“Rotary President John Carson (R) and Custer Lions President Fred Mills (L) each presents $500 checks to the Custer area Meals on Wheels program to assist seniors who cannot afford their meal costs. Accepting the checks are Senior Meals Site Manager Tiffany Wilcox (CL) and Cook Katy Ryan (CR). The Lions had challenged the Rotary to match $200, but the Rotary bumped the challenge up to $500 each, which the Lions bravely rose rose to meet!" |
Christmas for Kids!Cory Virtue shared with the Custer Rotary Club, The Christmas for Kids program. They raise funds for kids in the community for Christmas presents. They average over 100 kids per year. Custer Rotary is donating $500.00 to the program. Thanks for what you do Cory! |
Happenings at the YOur own RexJorgensen, Director of Custer YMCA, receives a $500. Donation from Custer Rotary President John Carson. He then gave the club an update on the Y. Last year they set a record for total membership. With a new bus for the Y, and the many programs, the Y has been busy. This last year there were about 35 employees, with lots of volunteer help. The Y and Custer school district collaborated on different programs. Thanks Rex for a successful Y! |
Dennis Krull, new District 30 RepresentativeNewly elected District 30 Representative Dennis Krull, updated Custer Rotary Club on his goals! We look forward to your leadership as you represent us in Pierre! Thanks for taking time to update the Club.
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Crazy Horse Memorial DonationCEO of Crazy Horse Memorial, Whitney Rencountre, accepting a $500 gift donation to The Indian University of North America from Rotary Board Member, Marguerite Cullum.
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Monument Hospital AdminBarb Hespin Marketing Director of Monument Hospital at Custer gave the club an overview of the Custer Hospital. She pointed out many of the challenges due to Covid 19 and how many health care givers have had burn out. She shared some of the avenues that are being pursued to improve. Thanks Barb for the insights.
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CEO of Crazy Horse MemorialRecently appointed CEO of Crazy Horse Memorial, Whitney Rencountre II, gave the Custer club an update on what’s happening at Crazy Horse Memorial. There are approximately, 65-70 employees, and during tourist season, as many as 125-130 employees. Whitney Rencountre II, is Crow Creek Hunkpati Dakota from the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe and is the CEO of the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation. Whitney previously served as Associate Director and Instructor at The Indian University of North America. |
Road CleanupThanks to the crew who showed up for the road cleanup. Pictured above, are From L to R - Frank Urrutia, Greg Giese, Nathan, his two daughters and Rob McWhorter. Not shown: Fred Hlava, Marguerite Cullum, Mike Chase, and John Carson. |
Sheriff Marty updatesSheriff Marty updated the club on many of the activities that have kept the sheriff’s office busy. Some of the programs that they run, such as the ankle bracelet that they use to monitor those that need drug testing, and breathalyzer tests, rather than incarceration. That save the county thousands of dollars. We appreciate all you and the department does for the city and county. Many thanks! The second picture is Custer Club President John presenting Sheriff Marty a token of appreciation that he can use for writing up new tickets.
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District Governor VisitDistrict 5610 Governor John Schneider visited the Custer Rotary Club. He presented the club with his program, outlining some of the goals for this coming year. He also reviewed with the club, Rotary Internationals vision. Rotary International's President this year is Jennifer Jones from Canada, the first RI female President. DG John, presented Custer Rotary President John Carson with this years banner, and a memento of a Rotary handbag. Thanks John for taking the time to visit our club and give us your insight. We also had Lydia Austin from Custer State Park give us an update on the upcoming Buffalo Roundup. |
Robert Martin’s Vietnam Story |
Custer County Veterans Service Officer Todd Fish.Custer County Veterans Service Officer Todd Fish, shared what Veteran’s benefits are available to Custer County Veterans.
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The Custer Court House MuseumWanda Wheeler from the Custer County Couthouse Museum provided an interesting program with games of artifacts from the museum. She gave us some great information about the history and some stories about the courthouse. Thanks for a good programWanda.
Custer Rotary President John Carson presented Wanda with a contribution of $500 for the Museum. |
New Member Fred HlavaNew member Fred Hlava presented to the club his history, and a lot of his past experiences in his many different positions. You have led an interesting life Fred! Thanks for letting us get to know you better.
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Custer Rotary President John CarsonPresident John Carson presented with President's Gavel for this past year as Custer Rotary President, presented by past President Marguerite Cullum. Thanks John for a tough Covid year!
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Mark Papousek, Monument FoundationMark Papousek Development Officer for Monument Health Foundation, spoke about the Foundation's structure and various upcoming events we could participate in.
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Custer Scouts Troop 25Brian Nelson receiving a $500 check for the Custer Scout Troop 25. The Club got an update on what the Troop activities have been. Also explained to those of us that have not been in the Scouts, some of the ways they achieve badges.
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Carson Awarded from School StaffThis was a staff recognition for allowing girls golf to practice above Carson Drug for all these years! Congratulations John!
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Newest Custer Rotary MemberCongratulations Fred HLava for being the newest Custer Rotary Member!!!! 4 Way Plaque presented by John Carson, Custer Rotary President.
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Don Barnett Mayor of Rapid City 71-75Don Barnett, Mayor of Rapid City 1971-1975, who wrote the book , "Thorns and Roses, Rapid City 1971-1975" presented his perspective on his time as mayor during the Rapid City Flood, and racial issues. Most interesting and educational. Thanks for the great job of leading a city to recovery during trying times!!!
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Joshua Rudnik Director of North American Indian University, Crazy HorseJoshua Rudnik, Ph.D. Direcror The Indian University of North America gave an interesting program on the educational work being done at Crazy Horse. Dr. Joshua Rudnik joined The Indian University of North America as a teaching assistant in summer 2015 and has served university students in a variety of roles, including instructor, Success Coach, residential advisor, and most recently as the Manager of Student Success. In his current capacity as Director of the university, he leads curriculum development by identifying innovated means to best serve Native American students, as well as teaches courses in English and American Indian Studies. |
Successful Wine Extravaganza Fund RaiserThe pictured is Mke Chase, winner of one of the wheelbarrows of wine!! Mike kept some of the refreshments, then had the item auctioned off, as did Jen Randulavich, winner of the other wheelbarrow of wine!!! Then the winner of the wagon of beer, Karen Kraus, wanted to keep the wagon, so she had all the beer auctioned off !!!! It was a successful evening, lots of good appetizers from Crazy Horse Laughing Water Restaurant, along with a of fun! Custer Rotary Club thanks all the participation by all the businesses that support Custer Rotary, and all those who came to the event to have fun!! Thanks to all the Club members who helped to prepare, and assist, and contributed to a successful fund raiser.
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overall Real Estate MarketAndrea Ronning gave an overview of the overall Real Estate Market of the area.
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Economic Development in CusterPhil Abernathy from Dakotah Bank gave the club an interesting update on the Economic Development of Custer. One of the items on their list is to get more housing in the Custer area. He explained that the Economic Development has a 5013c foundation that can be taken advantage of for assisting in projects that could be used to better the community. Thanks Phil for a great program.
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Assistant District CommanderAssistant District Commander Lieutenant Angel Duran, from the SD Highway Patrol gave an interesting presentation to the club on what the Highway Patrol is doing in and around the Black Hills. He gave us a background of himself, starting his life in Mexico, to being a Lieutenant State Trooper in the SD Highway Patrol, to all the training, and activities involved in their departments. |
County Commissioner updateCounty Commissioner Craig Hindle gave an update on what's happening on the County level .
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Career Learning Center of the Black HillsStephenie Rittberger of the Career Learning Center of the Black Hills told us about their focus and work they do in our communities.
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Highway updateRich Zacher presented an update on highway road projects using different materials. He also gave an update on the work being done on the Keystone Way Bridge.
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Welcome to our newest club member!Custer Rotary Club President, John Carson welcomes newest club member, Micheal Fischer. Welcome Micheal, we are looking forward to getting to know you. |
Great ProgramWe had a great program with updates from Kim and Marge in regards to what is happening at the Storehouse in Custer. The number of meals, and working in assisting Feeding South Dakota has resulted in increased meals for those in need. It was stressed that donations to the Storehouse that folks drop by that are basically junk, that people should think of if their mother in law has no need for it, that it should be discarded to waste, rather than dump it off at the Storehouse, where volunteers, then have to discard those items. People are urged to use common sense, and don't bring junk in that can not be utilized. Marge commented on the increase of assistance they are providing at Buffalo Gap, which is dear to her heart, since that's where her mother's grandparents homesteaded many years ago. Kim and Marge thanked all those volunteers that have assisted with the loading and unloading of food to the Storehouse, including those from Custer Rotary that have made a big difference. Thanks Marge and Kim for what you do to make this a better community to live in. We welcomed Stacey, and Mark from Rushmore Rotary Club, representing the District Raffle Committee, and challenged the club to buy one more book to help with the Foundation through the District Raffle. Stacey, (works for Hope Haven), also updated the club on what's going on in regards to plans for wheelchair distributions, and participation with Rotary Clubs, and what Clubs can do to assist Hope Haven in their mission to provide wheelchairs for those without mobility. Also updated us on the working with Rotary to supply wheelchairs to the Rosebud Indian Reservation. Thanks Stacey and Mark,
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Wildland Fire DivisionLogan Brown & Lane Ostenson from Wildland Fire Division for speakers on Nov 22
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Past President Naugle receives Paul Harris FellowshipPast President of the Custer Rotary Club Mark Naugle receives a Paul Harris Fellowship, given in honor of his year as President of the club. The Paul Harris Fellowship represents $1000 given to The Rotary Foundation. Congratulations Mark, and thanks for your year of service.
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Club Visit by District Governor LindDistrict Governor Doug Lind presents this years banner and theme to Custer Rotary President John Carson. DG Lind gave a presentation sharing this years goals. Assistant Gov. Jean Kline was also present for our meeting.
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Past President MargueritePast President Marguerite is being presented with the Past President Gavel Plaque and a Paul Harris Fellowship! Thanks for doing a great job over a difficult and trying year!
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Bison Center Custer State ParkCuster Rotary member, Dick Brown gave an update on the new Bison Center that is being constructed in Custer State Park. The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust had awarded a $4 million grant to construct the Bison Center. The SDPWF (a 501(c)(3) non profit, independent support organization for the SD Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks, is seeking $1 million in private and public donations for the total project budget of $5 million. Dick had a number of diagrams of the Center that showed the internal workings of the Center. It's expected completion by end of May 2022. The Center will educate visitors through dynamic interpretive displays and tell the origin story of the park's bison, herd management and the annual Buffalo Roundup and auction.
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Human Trafficking in our districtJennifer Rollins of the Rapid City Rushmore Club presented her research on Gov. Little's District Subcommittee to execute a Global Grant focused on ending Human Trafficking in our District. We will certainly hear more from her as she gets the grant put together as "the next BIG project to join together and to conquer." |
Road CleanupCuster Rotary Road Clean up Supervisor, Amelia Wiederholt, was proud of the group, after waiting for a hail storm to pass, the dedicated group proceeded to clean up 15 bags of garbage along Sylvan Lake Road!! Others participating, included: Dan Hutt, (Supervisor and future Rotarian, Amelia Wiederholt), Nathan Wiederholt, Verl Scheibe, Kathy Scheibe, Patti Hauschildt, Jake the dog, Marguerite Cullum , the photographer. Not present, but assisting the evening before, during good weather, was Mike Chase, and John Carson. Thanks to all, great job!! |
Wine Raffle Fund RaiserGood turn out in spite of Covid! Our wine Extravaganza was a huge success! Lots of door prizes, lots of good appetizers too. A big Thank You to Crazy Horse Memorial for the wonderful hospitality and appetizers! Thanks to all the contributions from supportive businesses too. It was a great success. A special thanks to Naked winery, Firehouse Winery, Crow Creek Brewery, Knuckle Brewery , and Sick and Twisted for their wonderful contributions too. Thanks to all who turned out to participate in our fund raiser! some of the working crew, apologies for those that missed the picture. Some of the winners of the whine and beer. |
Queen of Hearts WinnerHere's the Queen of Hearts winner, Pat Engebright and his check for $450 that he gave back to our general fund. He was just thrilled to be named a "winner" - He is a winner in our book! Thanks for your wonderful contribution!!
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Shelter st the dog park.The sign is installed, complete..... Now we need dogs!!! |
The Queen of HeartsEveryone knows, our Queen of Hearts drawing at the Custer Rotary Club helps raise money..... Well, there is now $710 in the pot, winner of course gets half of that!! But, there are now only 3 cards left to draw from........ 2 jokers (if drawn you forfeit) and if you draw the queen..... well, I'm your friend!! Unfortunately today, Terri drew the last of the regular cards , the 4 of clubs...... so, next meeting 22 March, someone will have a 33.33% chance to win over $350.00!!!!!! |
Covid 19 updateDr Lisa Brown from Monument Health Hospital here in Custer, gave the club an update on Covid 19. She explained the workings of the virus and the vaccines that help prevent the spread. Thanks Dr Lisa, it was very interesting, we're looking forward to the reduction of the spread!!! In addition, Toby Cass the Custer HS Principle, gave an update on what's happening at the Custer High School. They have an incentive program for positive action. Custer Rotary Club President, Marguerite Cullum presenting Toby with $250 to go toward the Positive Action program at the High School. |
Progress on the Dog Park ShelterProgress on the Dog Park Shelter will proceed following the cold snap. Work being done by Joey Steed, thanks Joey! Update, as of Tue, 9 Feb. it looks like it may get completed by end of day, or tomorrow. More pictures, ..... and Finished!!!! Thanks again Joey ! |