Our Speaker today was Lindsey Seacris, Community Outreach and Development Coordinator at Black Hills Center for Aging. Established in 2018, they are the only adult daycare in western South Dakota. Their mission is to serve the aging community by providing day services, education, and resources to enrich their live; a cost effective alternative care option to delay and possibly prevent need for more intensive forms of care. They give respite for caregivers, social interaction, connection, transportation, hygiene support, activities, outings and nutritional support. If you would like more information, or wish to donate please see their website at: blackhillscfa.org.
This weekend we hosted the District Conference here in Rapid City at the Holiday Inn Downtown. It was well attended and had a great slate of presentations, speakers, and activities. We had inspirational talks from Dr. Jacob Weasel, the first Native American to summit Mt. Everest, John Ockenfels, Polio Pilots, and President’s Representative Andrea Kraus. We learned a lot about Peace Schlors and Interpol, human trafficking, polio, RYLA & youth exchange. The breakout sessions were terrific and we dedicated the Peace Pole at Memorial Park. It was a fun, informative conference. Thank you to the planning committee for your awesome work.
This years Roger Kozak Award goes to Jim Mollison of the Pierre-Ft. Pierre Rotary club. The award was presented by the previous winners that were present at the District 5610 Conference.
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.”
Paul Harris #5 for Jennifer Rollins! Congratulations and thank you for your continued support to the Rotary Foundation which helps to fund countless life saving and enhancing projects around the world.
At this past weekend’s District 5610 Conference our club received several awards for the 2023-2024 Rotary year.
Net Growth in Membership (11%) 2nd Highest Contribution Polio Plus Dollars 2nd Highest Per Capita Giving Annual Fund (Rotary Foundation) 100% Every Rotarian Every Year Contributions 100% Club Foundation Giving
Congratulations to a hard working and generous club! We are within a few cases of eradicating polio in the world and help thousands of people worldwide wide.
Today was Rotary day. We discussed the fantastic District 5610 Conference that took place here in Rapid City this past weekend. We also were visited by Speaker Patrick Harrison, Zone 29 and 25b Leadership Public Image.
Patrick confirmed what we as Rushmore Rotarians already know -- we are an energetic and involved club. He reminded us that "Everyone has a role in Public Image" and encouraged members to "go outside of the Club's walls" by visiting other Clubs, attending Conferences, and seeing the power of Rotary. He was inspired by our Club's community involvement, projects, fundraising, and friendliness. Thank you for sharing your enthusiasm for Rotary with us!
Congratulations Cathy Quinilivan on receiving her Paul Harris+3 today. Thank you for your continued contributions to the Rotary Foundation so their good work will continue. To learn more about Rotary’s projects visit rotary.org.
Rotarians continue to bring candy donations for Storybook Island’s Safe n Sweet Trick n Treat which takes place October 26, 2024 at the park from 2-5pm or 6-9pm. Help us make this a great event. You can donate candy directly to the park through the 26th.
www.storybookisland.org
Our speaker today was Daniel Ainslie, City of Rapid City Finance Director. He shared information on the consumable sales tax ballot issue, IM 28, on the November 5th ballot. This measure would take away cities abilities to collect sales taxes on anything fit for human consumption. Because of this broad wording a lot more than food will not be taxed creating a state budget deficit estimated at $120 million. This will affect every city differently. Rapid City would have to make some hard budget cuts. Be sure to read the pros and cons to all the ballot issues and don’t forget to vote!
Rushmore Rotarians and friends help distribute food to 250 families today. Every week, Feeding SD distributes over 3,000 packages of food to children across South Dakota through the BackPack Program. And they also serve over 10,000 families each month through 120 Mobile Food Distribution sites. Thank you for supporting such a great organization.
Thanks to some SD Mines ASCE students, Scott Kenner, and our own Mary Kenner and Jeff Meyer, the concrete pads on M Hill for a Rotary Bench were completed today. Jeff Meyer suggested adding a Rotary bench on M HIll as he is an avid mountain biker in the area. Mary Kenner wrote the grant for district dollars to add a bench at M Hill and 2 benches at the City of Box Elder. The bench will be added at a later date. Thanks all!
We received some great publicity from the Rapid City Journal on the school of St. Jude and our upcoming fundraiser. Don’t forget to mark your calendars to be there on October 26th!
Our speaker today was our own Francie Fortune, Executive Director of SunCatcher Therapeutic Riding Academy. SunCatcher was established in 2001 as a mobile program out of Custer, SD. In 2010 they permanently moved to Rapid City, SD where they provide therapeutic horsemanship. They serve all ages of people with special needs. Their program allows them to learn and experience the unique connection between horse and human. This year they were able to have 84 participants who came weekly. They also ran special programs for kids from the Children’s Home Society. We heard from board president Kent Wells on his experience with kids and trusting with the horses help. Bill & Tammy Dennert , Certified Practioners introducing Horseback Miracles which is a unique equine sensory therapy program where the horse is the catalyst for improving brain function. SunCatcher is a mostly volunteer organization depending on the generosity of local business, private donations and grants. If you would like more information on this incredible organization please visit www.suncatchertra.org.
Thank you Rotarians for more candy donations to help the Stotybook Island Safe n Sweet Trick N Treat Fundraiser October 26, 2024. They still need more volunteers for the event. Contact the park if you can help.
What a great team. Rushmore Rotarians turned out today to decorate sets at Storybook Island with lights. Great work people! Don’t forget the Safe N Sweet Trick N Treat 10/26 from 2-5 pm or 6-9 pm.
Our speaker today was Paulette Davidson, President and CEO, Monument Health. She gave us an update on their integrated health care system serving the Black Hills communities and neighboring states. They have recruited 250 new physicians in this area and maintain a relationship with Mayo Clinic for increased patient care. Monument’s 5 year plan was shared with us and she answered Rotarians questions about future plans, including a new Rapid City Children’s expansion and a Spearfish expansion. They are also planning a drug and alcohol rehab facility in Rapid City. They are continuing to have world class healthcare in Western South Dakota.
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