Stories

Visit to Whiteclay Makerspace/Trading Post

On 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.

Storybook Island Update

Storybook Island is having a banner year! Donations/income as of 8/1/22 total $876,598.57, and the summer is not even over. The All Ability playground is continuing to move forward. Storybook Island has a projects wish list and several have already been granted.

Volunteer Opportunity for Rotary Club- Wednesday 9/7/22- Day of Caring for cleaning up the park, touch-ups etc. There will be a food truck onsite.

Don't forget the next Adult Fun Night is set for 9/17/22. Come enjoy games, food and drink at the park.

Fun time at the July Social

The 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.

August 9, 2022 Meeting

This weeks meeting was a Rotary day. President Jennifer Rollins reviewed the 2022-2023 budget. The presentation and minutes will be posted on this web site.

2022-2023 RI Presidential Initiatives

New resources available

Rotary has developed exciting new resources to help you keep members informed about our Action Plan and about what we are doing to increase our impact, expand our reach, enhance participant engagement, and increase our ability to adapt. Learn about these resources and strengthen our mission by sharing them with your members and partners:

The Rotary Action Plan Strategic Initiatives is a quick guide to our Action Plan and our four strategic initiatives.
The Rotary Action Plan talking points is a progress report on each initiative that includes suggestions about how to talk with members and participants.
The Rotary Action Plan presentation captures the talking points in a PowerPoint format that makes it easy for you to share at club and district meetings.
The Rotary Action Plan Communication Guide provides tips to help you create powerful and effective communications to promote your club’s work, attract participants and partners, inspire donors, and motivate volunteers.

WHAT'S NEW

2021-22 Rotary year in review

Rotary clubs and districts began the 2021-22 year focused on COVID-19, in particular on increasing access to vaccination. Nearly a year later, clubs are still navigating challenges created by the pandemic and continuing to improve their hybrid meetings. We are also responding to humanitarian crises brought on by the war in Ukraine and by environmental disasters around the world. Learn about what Rotary accomplished last year in General Secretary John Hewko’s 2021-22 Report to the Convention, and share it with your members.

FOR CLUBS

Updates from the Council on Legislation

In April, representatives to the 2022 Council on Legislation voted overwhelmingly to add “equity and inclusion” to the Rotary International bylaws, affirming our organization’s continuing effort to be inclusive of all cultures, experiences, and identities and to reflect the communities we serve.

The council meets every three years to review and vote on changes to RI’s constitutional documents. At this year’s council, representatives also approved a dues increase and a club administration pilot that will allow Rotary to experiment with different governance structures. A Report of Action has been sent to clubs, which have until 1 August to submit statements of opposition to adopted measures. Revised governance documents are available online, and you can also review voting results and find more information about the council process.

MEMBERSHIP

Create a welcoming experience

August is Membership and New Club Development Month, a time for Rotary leaders to focus on the most important part of our organization, our members. This year, Jennifer Jones is emphasizing comfort and care for our membership as one of her four presidential initiatives. Throughout the month of August, read inspiring stories of how districts and clubs are creating a nurturing environment and a welcoming culture that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion. And find a variety of resources that will help you build and strengthen your membership.

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!

Rotarian of the Year Paul Harris Award

Rotarian of the Year, Cathy Quinlivan, received a Paul Harris Fellow as part of her award. This makes Cathy a Paul Harris +1. Congratulations!

The Rotary Foundation

Every day, Rotary members respond to challenges big and small, emerging and ongoing. And when members like you participate through service or with a donation to our Foundation, we make an even bigger impact.

Please donate online or send your contribution by mail to The Rotary Foundation’s Annual Fund-SHARE or one of our Annual Fund's areas of focus. Your gift will support projects like these and make Doing Good in the World possible.

Trip to School of St. Jude Tanzania

Many 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!!

North Middle School District 5610 Four Way Test Essay Winners

District 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.

Rotary's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Code of Conduct

What 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:

Use respectful language
Be supportive
Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment
Celebrate diversity

RCHS Four Way Test Essay Winners

The 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.

Storybook Island's Grand Re-Opening May 28th

Come 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).

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

Membership Contest Social April 20th

You 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.

Friendship Exchange to Sweden - Openings for June 17-28

There 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

Disaster Relief for Ukraine

As 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.

School of St. Jude Graduation

After many years of dedication to his studies and with your support, John has graduated from the Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences(CUHAS). John graduated on the 13 November 2021 from CUHAS with a Diploma in Medicine and Health Services. John is one of the third group of BSJ scholars to have accomplished this phenomenal milestone. Thanks to your incredible support, John and 89 of his peers are now equipped to become the future leaders their communities and nation needs. Over the past two years, we have celebrated graduates from different fields: accounting, engineering, education, nursing, architecture, business and so many more. Last year was even more incredible! What made last year extra special is the fact that we celebrated our very first graduate doctors. Your support of St Jude’s has made this possible.

Children's Home Advocacy Center Gala

Making 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.!!!

Strategic Planning Session April 11th

Plan 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.

January 11 Join the Blue Campaign

The 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.gov/blue-campaign/wearblueday

Diversity Strengthens our Club

Invite 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

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!

Rotary Plaza Update

Carmen 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.

Christmas Gatherings

A small group of Rotarians gathered to make a JOYFUL noise at Storybook Island as part of our Christmas Social on December 15th. The weather was a chilly 30 degrees, but we enjoyed caroling, strolling through the park to see the lights and visit Santa, followed by warm drinks and treats at the Twiteros.

At our December 22nd meeting, Feeding South Dakota came to make a presentation and members donated food and cash to support this great organization. See "We are People of Action" for more information on our monthly volunteering opportunity at Feeding South Dakota.

Meet our Newest Members

LET'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.

International Committee Update

We have completed many Global Grants with this district in India over the last 10 years, including Happy Schools. It shows us making the world a better place (see Then and Now photos). Thank you for your dedication to Rotary.

Locally, the St. Thomas More Interact Club will be completing an International Project with The School of St Jude who n

eeds water storage tanks (see example) for their new girl’s school. The tanks will enable them to store clean water for use during the dry season. The tanks hold 10,000 liters and cost $1,000. They need 8 tanks for the school. Rushmore Rotary's International Projects Committee proposed and approved a match for the money that the Interact Club raises up to $1,000.

World Polio Day

For 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!

Benches are in at RCHS "Rotary Plaza" project

Great News! Members Dana Foreman, Bob Quinn, Mike Fuller and Mark Barry installed the benches, trash receptacle, bike racks and skate board rack at Rapid City High school. Rotary Plaza sign has been ordered and as soon as it gets installed, we will have a ribbon cutting and acknowledgment of key partners. . A big thank you to Carmen Hansen for spearheading the grant and the project and for those members that have helped make this happen. Below are some photos and a message from Sean Binder, RCHS. Students are already using the benches.

“Rushmore Rotary Club-Yesterday we had the joy of watching benches and bike racks being installed. Today I was walking down the hallway during lunch when a coworker stopped me. She quickly ushered me to the second floor windows. As I looked out the windows I witnessed the coolest sight! Two of our learners were joyfully sitting on one bench eating their lunch. While another learner sat on the other bench quietly reading a book. I wandered downstairs and out to the benches to say hello to the learners on their lunch break. As I approached the two eating lunch they quickly said, “Look at these new benches! These are so great… we have a place to actually sit.” Not even 24 hours into the benches being installed they are being used! We will be sharing further official expressions of gratitude with club soon. However, I could not wait to share this with the entire Rushmore Rotary Club.”

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.

Community Action Highway Cleanup Sept 25th

Thanks to all who participated in the Highway Cleanup. Great job everyone!

Rotary's Areas of Focus

White Clay Makerspace Grand Opening

Grand 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.

FOOTBALL BOOK FUNDRAISER - GET YOUR STUBS AND MONEY IN BY SEPTEMBER 12

We 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!

District Governor - Doug Lind

On 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.

Leadership Transition

Rushmore 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.

SAVE THE DATE - DISTRICT CONFERENCE OCTOBER 14-16 DEADWOOD

Save 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.

SAVE THE DATE OCTOBER 14-16 - DISTRICT 5610 CONFERENCE IN DEADWOOD

STORY BOOK ISLAND UPDATES

Don't forget to visit

SBI for the Christmas Nights of Light thorugh December 31. Thank you to members who have supported SBI in numerous ways in 2021 and over the 50 plus years the park has been operating. Thank you to the Board members from our Club: Amy, Michael and Tiffany and the dedicated staff at the Park. Photo courtesy Rapid City Journal.

GOLF COMMITTEE RENEWS PLEDGE TO CHILD AVOCACY CENTER

The 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 35^th golf tournament. The Committee will be looking for volunteers to work the tournment in July.

RAPID CITY CLEAN UP DAY - Community Action

Great turnout for Rapid City Cleanup Day on April 24th. Rushmore Rotary covered an area near Stevens High School. City-wide volunteers collected over 6.5 tons of trash. Thank you faithful Rotarians for your "service above self." Cleanup for Highway 16 is scheduled for Saturday May 22nd, 10:00 am. Meet at Old McDonald's farm. Lunch provided after at Pizza Ranch.

Whiteclay Makerspace District Project Update

Workday 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.

Happy Schools - International Projects

The 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.

RYLA CAMP 2021 Applications Available

We 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.org/. Campers: Apply now by visiting the RYLA Application page.

See video on the excitement from past campers: https://youtu.be/yqfUbB9e5tE

ROTARY FELLOWSHIP

Being 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.

YFS COVID RELIEF FUND

This 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.

School of St. Judes - International Update

Gemma 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.

WHITECLAY MAKERSPACE PROJECT UPDATE

Another 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!

Rapid CIty High School Students of Distinction

We 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!

COMMUNITY ACTION MONTHLY VOLUNTEERING

Year End Drawing for Football Book Fundraiser

Congratulations 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.

Exciting News for School of St. Jude

The 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.

District Grant for COVID Relief

The

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.

COLLECTING STOCKING STUFFERS FOR WAVI

As 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.

DISTRICT ZOOM CONFERENCE HELD NOVEMBER 6, 2020

The 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.

ACHIEVING SUCCESS AT ST. JUDE

St. Jude's is very appreciative of our support to Furahini - the gift of a 100% free, quality education. It is thanks to the generosity of supporters like you that St. Jude's are able to continue fighting poverty through education and nurturing the future leaders of Tanzania! This year, our sponsored student, Furahini successfully transitioned to an Advanced Level (A Level) academic scholarship - she is now in Form 5 at St Jude’s! This will surely be an exciting and challenging leap from her O Level studies due to new responsibilities that accompany higher years of education; however, we are sure that, with continued guidance from our dedicated teachers and secondary staff, Furahini will continue to thrive.

Recognition Gathering

The 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.

GLOBAL AND DISTRICT GRANT UPDATES

Rotary 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.

SERVICE ABOVE SELF -- MASK MAKING KITS

Several 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.

FOOTBALL BOOK SALES

MONDAY 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.

MARK BARRY - ROTARIAN OF THE YEAR

Congratulations 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.

COVID Grant

Rapid 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.”

Black Hills Children's Home Thank You Letter

Hello 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 Rick Weber

Chief Executive Officer Development Director

Children’s Home Society Children’s Home Foundation

RCHS Student of Distinction Pizza Party

Rotarians 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.

NOVEMBER FOUNDATION MONTH

Over 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.

College Application Day - Rapid City High School

Several 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.

Rotary Classification Talks

Are 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!

Storybook Island - Carousel House Pledge Complete

Thanks 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!

Welcome to our Rotary Club!

Posted by Linda Peterson

ENGAGE LEADERS | EXCHANGE IDEAS | TAKE ACTION

Rotary International is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. Rushmore Rotary is a club composed of inspired individuals who translate their passions into relevant social causes to change lives in communities.

DISTRICT GOVERNOR INA WINTER VISIT

District 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.

Australian Friendship Exchange

Several 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.

Omniciye Satellite Club -- Update

Omniciye 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.

STORYBOOK ISLAND CLEANUP

Several 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.

6th Grade Four Way Test Essay Winners - March 2019

North 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.

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.

Rapid City High School Service Project

For 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.

MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

Welcome 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.

Rotary Foundation Month

November 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.

School of St. Jude

Rushmore Rotary Club hosts three students at the School of St. Jude in Arusha, Tanzania, East Africa. Pat Sutliff is the International Committee chair.

Rushmore Rotary Highway Cleanup

Thanks 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.

Pat Sutliff Honored with Roger Kozak Award

Pat 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!

Jessica Dial receives Paul Harris Fellow

In 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.

WORLD POLIO DAY

In 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/

Keaghan Duffy - Rotary Exchange Student Update

Cindy 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://thesaunteringchicken.wordpress.com and photos can be found at: https://vsco.co/keaghanduffy/images/1

The photo is the entrance to the town, Sant'Agata de' Goti (i.e. S'Agata) where Keaghan is staying.

Friendship Exchange Visitors - Italy

Rushmore 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.

Copy of Belgian Exchange Student Arrived

Several 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.

Belgian Exchange Student Arrived

Children's Home Golf Tourney

Rushmore Rotary hosts Children’s Home Society 29th Annual Golf Tournament

Another successful fundraising golf tournament was held at Arrowhead Country Club, Rapid City, SD, on July 30, 2018.

Rushmore Rotary has raised over $1.5 Million for Black Hills Children's Home through the golf tournament (1990 - 2017) and Gala at Mount Rushmore (1994-2017). Thank you to the many volunteers, sponsors and golf participants who faithfully support this cause. Stay tuned for the total raised during the 2018 golf tournament to be announced in the near future.

Omniceye publishes Pine Ridge Rotary Requests

The Pine Ridge Area Social Services Organizations Rotary Directory was originated by Angie Sam, Raising Healthy Families Together Director. Her intern, Maretta Afraid of Bear, collected the initial data and Robyn Whirlwind Horse assisted with data entry in 2016/17. Raising Healthy Families Together is an informal network of social service organizations providing services to the residents of the Oglala Lakota Nation on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota.

The Omniciye Club asked the members of RHFT to expand or compose their organizational profiles, assess the communities they serve, and outline potential projects Rotary clubs might wish to consider for support of volunteers, materials and funds.

Dr. Craig Howe, Center for American Indian Research and Native Studies (CAIRNS) and Tom Allen, Oglala Lakota College, provided historical and contemporary Tribal information. On behalf of Omniciye Multi-Cultural Rotary Club: Bev Warne, Kibbe Conti, Gloria Eastman and Tom Katus were members of the initial visiting team. Terri Hunter wrote the chapter on Lakota History, Dee Katus edited the data, Tom Katus provided over all management to the project, and Linda Peterson provided final editing and electronic publishing.

The electronic file is available in downloads for anyone wishing to find a worthy project in need of support. An additional file on Pine Ridge Social Services Organizations Contacts Directory is also available. Both directories were funded by a Rotary District 5610 Grant to Omniceye Multi-Cultural Rotary Club.

Dana Foreman Rotarian of the Year!

The members voted and Dana was nominated Rotarian of the Year for 2017-18! He was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow at the last meeting of the Rotary year on June 26. Thanks Dana for all your contributions to Rotary and the community!

Storybook Symphony plays on!

The Leadership Rapid City Class of 2015 has met the fundraising goal for our legacy project, benefiting Storybook Island. Our project will bring a new attraction to Storybook Island: Storybook Symphony. Storybook Symphony will feature a collection of colorful, life-size, outdoor, musical instruments, installed in the southeast section of the park. The interactive ensemble will allow visitors of all ages and abilities to explore the wonders of making music.
As of March 2018, Leadership Rapid City had raised $28,500 of the $30,000 goal through a GoFundMe campaign, a Character 5K Walk/Run, and a banquet, which was held on February 20, 2018. Our final push to raise the remaining $1,500 was met by Rapid City Rotary and Rapid City Rushmore Rotary clubs. Rotarians have volunteered and helped raise funds for Storybook Island and are happy to support this new feature.
The staff of Storybook Island and Leadership Rapid City, Class of 2015, are thrilled to bring Storybook Symphony to the park,. Playing music has been shown to increase social and academic skills while building self-esteem. The musical equipment is specifically designed for outdoor use and is built to last with very little maintenance. This attraction will serve Storybook Island for years to come.
Leadership Rapid City, Class of 2015, has committed to purchase and install Storybook Symphony at no cost to Storybook Island. We have set an aggressive goal to install the exhibit in the Spring of 2018.

Where's this billboard?

24th Annual GALA AT MOUNT RUSHMORE

On Saturday, March 3, 2018 nearly 200 guests enjoyed an incredible gourmet meal, wide array of refreshments and opportunity to bid on unique live auction packages at the 24th Annual Gala at Mount Rushmore. Rotary Club of Rapid City Rushmore sponsored the entertainment-Cowboy Brad Fitch, emceed the event, and assisted with event planning and coordination. Xanterra Parks & Resorts, Inc. donated the meal, beverages and auction packages and National Park Service staff chipped in to provided top-notch service during this elegant evening in the newly-renovated dining room. In addition to serving as a “Thank You Celebration” for Diamond and Gold Sponsors of the Rushmore Rotary Black Hills Children’s Home Golf Tournament, this event is on track to raise more than $29,000 this year to support Children’s Home Child Advocacy Center (CAC).

CAC provides expert forensic interviews of children who are alleged victims of sexual and/or physical abuse or who have witnessed violence. Children’s Home Society established CAC with the support and involvement of law enforcement agencies, the medical community, United States and State Attorneys and court services. In addition to forensic interviews for children, CAC provides family support services and abuse prevention programs. (www.chssd.org/cac)
Since 1989 Rotary Club of Rapid City Rushmore, partner businesses, golfers and guests have raised nearly $1.5 MILLION DOLLARS to support Children’s Home Society programs in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Each July this club hosts a fundraising golf tournament and every March they host the Gala event. In addition to all the complimentary admissions for the Gala that are part of the Diamond and Gold Golf Sponsorships, the GALA itself has raised over $415,000! Rotary Club of Rapid City Rushmore has been a vital supporter of Children’s Home Society for nearly 30 years!

(L-R:) Laura Hawkins, Tiffanie Pietro and Brandi Tonkel. Laura was the very first forensic interviewer and Rushmore Rotary guaranteed her salary for three years to enable the program to get started. Tiffanie and Brandi are the current interviewers. By creating this program we help to protect children who had been sexually abused from repeated interviews. It has been a tremendous assistance also to law enforcement in handling these cases.
Save the dates for upcoming events: 29th Rushmore Rotary BHCH Golf Tournament is Monday, July 30, 2018. The 25th GALA at Mount Rushmore is Saturday, March 16, 2019.

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!

Students of Distinction

Our February 27 meeting was a rousing celebration of second trimester Students of Distinction! We packed the room at 7 AM!

Rotaract club pizza party!

SDSM&T Rotaract and Rapid City Rushmore clubs met for pizza on February 26 at the SDSM&T campus. The student club maintains 15-25 members, and completed three service projects so far this year. They recruit students during the fall student fair, and elect officer

s every April.

Attending

from Black Hills State University was Jama Khainzan, a Northern Hills Spearfish Rotarian, who is energetically forming a Rotaract club at BHSU. She met with Meerab Joseph, SDSM&T Rotaract secretary, and Heidi Bell Gease, Rushmore club liaison, to gain some tips. Jama is a Rotarian from Mongolia, reported Rotaract is strong there, and suggests an exchange program with them in the future.

Membership Picnic

Members celebrated the end of our recent "membership drive" with a picnic hosted by the losing team (men) on July 11th at the Central States Fairgrounds. A total of 12 new members have joined bringing our total to 75!! Great turn out and cause for celebration.

Children's Home Gala

The 24th annual Children's Home Gala will be held on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at Mt. Rushmore's newly remodeled dining hall. A partnership of Xanterra, National Park Service and Rushmore Rotary has raised approximately $30,000 annually.

Save-the-date postcards will be mailed soon, (see attached) with formal invitations to follow. Tickets are $90/person, with seating limited to 200. Pre-dinner social, delicious dinner, fun auction, and entertainment rounds out a wonderful evening. Please rsvp to Theresa or Katie at 605-343-2811.

SDSM&T Rotaract Stuffs Puppies for Polio

A group of Rotaract members stuffed 100 puppies, and then sold all of them for $20 each. Josiah Horner, club president, worked the table at student center. They netted $550 for polio, with the Gates Foundation match of $1100, totaling $1650. They estimate 60 cents per vaccine, protecting 2,750 children from contracting polio.

Rotary Day on December 5 is Committee Reports

All committees will be reporting their progress at the half-year point on December 5. This will be a very interesting and informative meeting!

Foundation Donations add up

Norm Peterson, Club Foundation Chair, encouraged members to contribute to the Foundation in November, and he walks his talk! Both Norm and Linda gained the next level on Paul Harris recognition. Linda decided to join Norm in the Paul Harris Society, agreeing to contribute $1000 per year ongoing.

Norm is anticipating a good report on club giving, and will report findings in mid-December.

Hansen honored as District Rotarian of the Year for 2016-17

Carmen Hansen, District Membership Chair, was honored by Immediate Past District Governor Ed Jacobson at the District Conference. But Carmen had left for a family event by the time of the award. So we surprised her with the award at a club meeting in November! Congratulations Carmen, and thanks for your hard work on encouraging membership in Rotary!

A Note from Beyond the School of St. Jude: John’s Service Year

    It’s been about 7 weeks since John’s first day at his Community Service Placement and he has already achieved so much.
    Thank you for your continued support of John who has taken the opportunity to show his appreciation for the support you have given him by giving back to his community. We believe that sharing the benefts of a quality education and giving back to the community is an important part of the culture of The School of St Jude.
    John has decided to work as a teacher at Kimaseki Secondary School. He is teaching Biology to Form 1 students. In addition to teaching full classes, John is helping other Science classes with there practicals and assisting with the Debate Club! As government schools often deal with large class sizes, very few teachers and do not have the resources and support that private schools have,
    John is providing much needed help in his community by working as a teacher. "I have learnt when you stay with your fellow students you behave differently compared to when you are with your fellow teachers. I no longer see myself as a student but as a adult."
    John is doing a great job and will derive more and more from this experience as his Community Service Year continues. We know that his community will, too!

Christmas Social Invite

Hiway Cleanup a great day!

On Saturday, October 7, a group of lively Rotarians and friends joined together to clean our assigned section of Highway 16 from Sitting Bull Cave area to just prior to the turnoff for Rockerville. We always have a great time and the volunteers are very much appreciated. Participating this time were Ann Bolman, George Twitero, Carmen Hansen, her husband Gary Hansen, Janet Kahler, Weldon Freightner, Ivan Brown, Gene Bilodeau, Michael O'Connor, Pat Peel, Jean Cline, Maria Roes, Cindy Hansen, and her grandson, Kyle Klinnert.

George Twitero honored with Kozak Award

George Twitero was honored at the District Conference with the 2017 Roger Kozak Service Above Self Award. It is given in recognition of exceptional service to Rotarians in Rotary District 5610. The award honors the memory of Roger L. Kozak, long-time member of the Vermillion Rotary Club, who served as District 5610 Governor, 2009-10. Roger Kozak distinguished himself as an exceptionally dedicated servant leader.

George Twitero, PDG 1996-97, served also as Treasurer and Council of Legislation positions, and gives of his time, talent and treasure to the Rapid City Rushmore club.

“What’s Happened?…What’s Next?”

STORYBOOK ISLAND - Clean up days April 6, 2019 and April 13, 2019 - 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
MEMBERSHIP CONTEST - Congratulations to the Men; they won the membership contest by 1 point. We will host a victory party on April 23, 2019 at 5:30 pm at VFW. More details to follow.

Football Book Update

Our Club has great speakers!

Yes, we have great speakers every week, whether it's a member of a community business or organization, or our own members' reports on Rotary Day-the first Tuesday of the month. Or perhaps it's a tiger roar! We recently met at the Central States Fair and were entertained by beautiful tigers! Thanks Ron Jeffries. (more photos available, ask Linda Peterson to email yours.)

Children's Home Golf Fundraiser

THANK YOU for joining us for the 28^th Annual Children’s Home Society Rushmore Rotary Golf Tournament! Proceeds from this event will support Children’s Home Child Advocacy Center (CAC.) The 2018 Golf Tournament date is Monday, July 30!

Rotary Club of Rapid City Rushmore has been a long-time, valued friend to Children’s Home Society of SD. With support from sponsors and golfers, Rotary has raised nearly 1.4 MILLION DOLLARS since 1989 to support Children’s Home Society Programs in the Black Hills. We have contributed to every building project at Black Hills Children’s Home and the Community Based Services location in east Rapid City. Our efforts today are vital to the financial sustainability of Children’s Home Child Advocacy Center.

YOUR DONATED DOLLARS AT WORK

*The goal of Children’s Home Child Advocacy Center is to reduce a child’s trauma by eliminating repeated interviews and medical examinations by multiple investigative parties when child abuse is suspected.

*CAC is a cooperative venture between Children’s Home Society, law enforcement agencies, the medical community, United States and State Attorneys and court services.

*CAC also provides family support services and abuse prevention programs.

*The number of children served by CAC in 2016 INCREASED 24%!

Rotarian of the Year Announced!

President-Elect Darla Crown announced the Rotarian of the Year award to Dr. Scott Van Dam at the regular morning meeting on June 27. Scott was the chair of this year’s annual Mt. Rushmore Gala, however, a major renovation precluded the use of the dining area this year so the Gala event committee created "March Gladness!" The community was encouraged to donate to a non-event, or host “mini events.” That effort raised over $25,000, matching previous year’s donations. Out-going President Jean Cline commended Scott Van Dam for his efforts to improve the lives of children, proceeds go to meet the Rapid City Rushmore Rotary club's challenge to raise $250,000 for the Child Advocacy Center.

Children's Home Pledge Update

Scott Van Dam reported progress on our pledge to the Child Advocacy Center of the Children's Home Society. Current pledge to Child Advocacy Center Endowment for 2016 is $250,000. Income: July 2015 Golf Tournament add'l $716, March 2016 Gala at Mt. Rushmore $25,550, July 2016 Golf Tournament $70,443, March 2017 “March Gladness” fundraisers $25,214, leaving a balance of $128,007.

What a great job the Gala Committee did to come up with an alternative to the Gala while Mount Rushmore was under renovation! Three members of our club: Darla Crown, Linda Peterson and Scott Van Dam had VERY creative ideas for events that spurred matches and participation from a variety of sponsors. We're WELL on our way to meeting our current pledge. Thanks to all who participated!

Tikes & Bikes Poker Run

Rapid City Rushmore Rotary hosted the 7th Annual Tikes & Bikes Poker Run, July 30, 2017, benefiting Thrive, a ministry of Love INC of the Black Hills. Thrive is an outdoor adventure resale store where youth (ages 14-17) learn life and employment skills while repairing and selling donated or consigned outdoor adventure gear and equipment.

Membership Matter Workshop

A 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.

Four-Way Test Essay Contest Winners!

Children's Home Gala is YOU!

Due the the construction at Mt. Rushmore, the gala will not be held there this year. So here's your chance to host your own "gala"! The poster and information sheet is attached to this story (click on the headline), and also available in download section. More messages will follow.

Mommy’s Closet benefits from District Grant

Rapid City Rushmore Rotary celebrated the holiday by providing diapers for Mommy's Closet, a program within Volunteers of America. Rotarians donated over $900 in diapers and cash donations. Mommy's Closet is a free crisis resource provider that lends a helping hand to moms, dads, and families with children under the age of five. Because young families have particular needs yet sometimes have trouble meeting those needs for a variety of reasons, Mommy's Closet provides assistance by supplying necessities to help take care of babies and children.
This diaper donation goes hand in hand with a District Grant, Rushmore Rotary received to provide health kits to Mommy's Closet clients. Members packed 250 bags of goodies on February 25. The matching funds were raised by Tikes & Bikes Poker Run in July.

Be a Rotaract student mentor!

Students who attended Rotary Zone Institute came back on fire for Rotary! Our November multi-club social featured two members describing their Rotaract club goals. Starting in January, one of SDSM&T Rotaract goals is to match Rotarian mentors/host family to student members. You can sign up by contacting Bruce Nearhood or Janet Kahler to add your name to a list. Then we will have a social gathering in January to match up students to hosts. Stay tuned for more details!

Support Rotary’s Giving Tuesday – November 29, 2016

Giving Tuesday is a day dedicated worldwide to celebrating generosity. On November 29th, join those committed to making a difference by giving to The Rotary Foundation (TRF) online. It’s also a great way to help your club reach its centennial giving goals.

The Rotary Foundation turns 100 in 2016-17! The Rotary Foundation (TRF) stands at the forefront of humanitarian service, having supported thousands of projects to provide clean water, fight disease, promote peace, and provide basic education — as well as the historic project dedicated to eradicating polio worldwide.

Don’t forget to support Rotary’s Giving Tuesday! https://www.rotary.org/en/give

Cheyenne River Youth Project links

Julie Garreau, Executive Director spoke at our November 22 meeting about her 28 years of building the youth community center in Eagle Butte. If you are interested in learning more, here are the links to CRYP Videos:

CRYP (long verson)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5J159nTxM8&feature=youtu.be

CRYP (Short Christmas 2016 version)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OipDqJd0zM&feature=youtu.be

CRYP Christmas 2015
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWMbjFzUUQI&feature=youtu.be

RedCan 2016
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7Vrom5qTNs&feature=youtu.be

RRAP on the move!

Rushmore Rotary Achievement Patrol (RRAP) was on patrol on Thursday, November 17th, 9am at RCHS. The honorees, family members and RCHS representatives will be hosted at the November 29th meeting.

Club awarded for Polio giving

Our club was awarded for being 4th highest in the District for End Polio Now giving in 2015-16, at the Foundation Day. Thanks.

We cleaned up the hiway!

We had a great group of almost 20 people cleaning our section of Highway 16 on Saturday, September 17, and enjoyed pizza buffet at Pizza Ranch after. Thank you to a great group of volunteers!

Club wins awards at District Conference

Our club won the award for having the most members in attendance at the District Conference, other than the host club. We had 16 members registered, but-more important-participated in presentations! Michael and Georgia were honored for serving as Assistant Governors. Carmen, Linda, Pat and Willis all provided reports and led breakout presentations on a variety of subjects as District Committee Chairs. Good work everyone!

Global Scholar Kjelsie Hass speaks

Kjelsie gave the club a glimpse into her studies and future plans at the July 26th meeting. She has a District Global Grant to obtain a Master's Degree in Peace & Conflict Resolution, studying in Belfast, Ireland.

Four-Way Test Scholarship Winner

Aspen Whitehead-Kalytka, a Rapid City High School student, was first place winner of the second semester Four-Way Test Scholarship sponsored by Rushmore Rotary. Aspen received a $500 check from club member, Patricia Peel, in recognition of her first place essay based on the Rotary Four-Way Test, in June. Aspen and other Scholarship winners must use their award for educational purposes only. Aspen, who was a freshman when her essay was selected, was also honored as the third trimester freshman Student of Distinction.

Tikes & Bikes great success!

The poker run began at 9 AM, Sunday, July 31 with over 80 riders. Five sites in the Black Hills gave the riders over three hours of sun and rain! Almost $5000 was raised, with a District grant submitted to match. The Poker Run always support youth, and all of this year's funds go to Mommy's Closet for health kits for mothers and fathers of newborns.

Thanks to the sponsors, volunteers and riders for making this event successful!

Children's Home Golf Tournament

Monday, July 25, saw Rushmore Rotary hosting the 27th annual Black Hills Children’s Home golf tournament at Arrowhead Country Club. The club is long-time friend to Children's Home Society. Since 1989 Rushmore Rotary has contributed to every building project at Black Hills Children's Home, the Community Based Services building in east Rapid City, as well as support to build endowment funds for long-term financial sustainability. Funds generated from the 2016 golf tournament are again designated to support the Children's Home Child Advocacy Center (CAC) in Rapid City. This location provides a safe, child-friendly environment for conducting expert forensic interviews of children who are alleged victims of sexual and/or physical abuse. The primary goal of CAC is to reduce a child's trauma by eliminating repeated interviews by multiple investigative parties.

Rapid City Rushmore Rotary Club celebrates 30 years of community service

   What happened in 1986 that sparked a second Rotary Club? With encouragement from Rapid City Rotary Club, Rushmore Rotary became a new club including charter members’ George Twitero, 1993-1994 President, and Greg Hollibaugh. “We had already become a Sister City with Keno in Japan. Some members were on the board of Children’s Home Society, and involved in other activities.” Once the club formed, a partnership was established early with Children’s Home. “At the beginning we pledged $20,000, which evolved to over $1.3 million dollars pledged, with funds raised through an annual golf tournament,” says George Twitero. Strong committees are the backbone of the club, keeping projects and events on track. Golf Committee Chairs Scott Barber and Mark Barry say “It’s about the team and the kids we benefit!”
    Why did Greg Hollibaugh join? “A tiny article in the newspaper called for interested people to join a new Rotary club, so I did! My father-in-law and brother-in-law were both Rotarians in Chadron, so I thought it would be good for me too.” Rushmore Rotary now has 63 members, 46% female, including four couples. One dedicated couple is Georgia and Michael O’Connor. “We encourage couples, especially retirees; it doubles the volunteer contributions!”
    In addition to Children’s Home, Rushmore Rotary supports Storybook Island, Rapid City High School with educational scholarships through a Rotary 4-Way Test Essay Contest, Tikes and Bikes Poker Run, focused on the youth of Rapid City, highway cleanup and other community activities as well as international projects.
    During their 30th year, Rushmore Rotary hosted a Transition Celebration. Outgoing Club President Carmen Hansen, Program Officer and Event Coordinator for the John T. Vucurevich Foundation exclaimed: “It has been an honor to serve as President. It’s been a great experience.” Carmen joined Rushmore Rotary in 2007 because it is such a vibrant, community focused club. Incoming President Jean Cline, a native of Rapid City, and semi-retired attorney explained “The way you join Rotary, is when someone asks you.” Jean attended Black Hills State University, taught school for several years, including overseas in Glasgow, Scotland. After attaining her law degree from the University of South Dakota, she concentrated on children’s issues, and continues to do so. She has been a member of Rushmore Rotary for just over four years. “The enthusiasm of the club at 7 a.m. keeps me coming back. Our desire to give back to the community to make it a little bit better each day keeps us committed.”
   Visit RushmoreRotary.org website to learn more about this club.

Janet Kahler newest Rotarian of the Year!

Janet Kahler was selected by the Rushmore club members to be this year's Rotarian of the Year. Janet serves as club secretary—but she also volunteers on many of the committees, and facilitates much of the paperwork necessary to help the projects and events run smoothly. Thanks for doing a great service to Rotary Janet!

First Trimester Students of Distinction

December gave Rushmore Rotarians their chance to honor the first trimester Students of Distinction at Rapid City High School. Jessica Dial and Clark Richardson introduced us to Kelli Bonser, 9th grade; Andrew Vance, 10th grade; Jordyn Jackson, 11th grade and Austin Swenson, 12 grade. Remember to look out for them on the award poster if you visit the school. Congratulations to a great group of young people!

School of St. Jude Support Project

A number of Rotarians and clubs in our District support the School for St. Jude in Tanzania. We have had personal visits to our

District from Gemma, who started the school. If you do support, thank you!
A group of Rotarians visited the campus in May, 2017 to see the graduation ceremonies!

Club Video - 2014

Posted by Jon D Johnson

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!!

Quote of the Week - Who Said It?

Posted by Jon Johnson on Jan 09, 2014

We could never learn to be brave and patient, if there were only joy in the world.

Thought for the Week - Who Said It?

Posted by Jon Johnson on Jan 09, 2014

An optimist is the human personification of spring.

Mark Your Calendars!

Posted by Jon Johnson on Jan 09, 2014

Here you can post little tidbits of information, reminders, or anything else!

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