Whitewood

Whitewood Beginning Babysitting Class  has been postponed one week 

                            to  Thursday 5 June from 9:30 - 11:30
 
Class conducted by Deb Rombough, Lawrence County Extension Agent, at the Whitewood Public Library.  Anyone wishing to sign up may call the Library at 269-2616.      Read this Previous Babysitting Club Blog  for more information.     previous date was 29 May.

 Deb Rombough - Beginning Babysitting -  5 June    9:30-11:30 am 

Deb Rombough -  Age Appropriate Activities on June 12 from 10-11 am

Ellen Jenter, County Health Nurse - on June 19 from 10-11 am

Hello to all, the city wide yard sale is fastly approaching and we have several people who are taking part in this. For all the ones who have been asking I will not be putting the maps out until Friday night. I will deliver them to Whitewood Plaza and Aprils Place. Good luck to all during your yard sale.

Here are our girls from Whitewood who dance for Stugis Performing Arts. This was taken at their recitle May 17th. Girls you did a great job.

If anyone is interested in joining the scholarship committee, please contact Amy Barker at 269-2130 or Kaity Parks at 722-6526.  The meeting will be Saturday May 31  2pm meeting at the Diner:) Topics are distribution of raffle tickets, recruiting people to sell raffle tickets. We are looking for kids and adults. Sounds like a great day for pie and coffee:)

Great news! Our  word is getting out and people want to buy the tickets and help too!

If we help our children understand how to use money, it may help them budget for the future.                 
1: Teaching: Teach them the value of the different coins. Talk about it!
2: Play Money: Letting your children have some of their money they have earned, for play money, gives them a choice for things they want.
3:Change the world: Teach your children, about donating to charitable organizations. And show them how it will help these organizations. Talk about it!
4: Saving for the future: Talk with your children about saving some of their money in a jar, or get a bank account set up for them and show them, each week, how their money is growing.
There are many other ways we can teach our children about money. By teaching your children about the value of the dollar now! May help your children understand how to use money.
GOOD LUCK!

The Summer Reading Program

at the

Whitewood Public Library

          27  MAY  -  “Bug Songs”  Sing & learn about bugs with Tom Cornwell         

                 2 June  -    Pick-up and start your reading log     

             2 July  -    Spin-a-Tale make giant spiders       

             9 July  -   Backyard Bug Hunt learn about bug collecting      

           16 July  -   There’s a Buzz @ your LibraryBHSU Yellow Jacket Mascot visits      

           23 July  -   Wings, Stings, & Leggy Things  use your imagination to make bugs     

          30 July -     Reading Bug Blast       end of program party 

Mondays - Puzzle Day – stop in anytime, do the puzzle and post a bug on the wall

Fridays - Quiz Day       – stop in anytime, do the quiz and pick a prize from the jar.

Wednesdays are Fun Days with Speakers, Crafts and games  from 10:00 – 11:30 

Prizes, make and take activities, treats are planned for your child.

Start your Reading log on 2 June to get a head start on winning prizes in July. 

Some of the girls and moms from troop 72291 went bowling in Rapid City for a mom and me bowling day. We have a great time in out grass skirts and flowers. It was a pot luck so we got lots of great food to eat.

  Tuesday 27 May 2008    3:00 pm

Yes you read right  “Bug Songs”.   This years summer reading program is “Catch the Reading Bug”.  We are starting out with a presentation by Tom Cornwell.   http://www.bugsongs.com/pictures.htm

This message is from Deb Olson:

Here’s an update on how the skating went on May 9th at Hale Hall.  We had 65 kids that skated and we took in $305 with the raffle and candy sales, and $200 with the admission.  So all in all we had a pretty good night.      Till next time,  Deb

Just a reminder that the city wide yard sale is May 31st. Email me at mok9698@spe.midco.netor call me at 206-0247 to be put on the map. Please remember the deadline is the 20th of May so that i can get all the advertising done. I look forward to a great turn out. And for the ones who are not happy with the $8 per person, please remember that i put it in the paper, have to make all the maps and copies and also drive all over to put up signs (Sturgis and Spearfish included).

A garden with a broad range of vegetables can save families money, even if they have never gardened before, a South Dakota State University specialist said.

“All that is needed is a space with a minimum of six to eight hours of sunlight per day,” SDSU Extension Horticulture Specialist Rhoda Burrows said. “A single container garden can provide fresh salad greens or tomatoes, while a raised bed can allow those who have difficulty bending or stooping to share in the benefits of growing their own food.”

Burrows said a conservative estimate of a diverse garden of vegetables can yield about $70 worth of vegetables per 100-square feet.

In addition, gardening is good exercise, and it can be a way to help children appreciate nature and healthy food. “It’s not too late to start a garden this year, and your local cooperative Extension office can help you,” Burrows said. “Warm-season crops like tomatoes, beans, and peppers should not be planted until mid-May, so there is time.” (more…)

from Mary Koens

May is Elder Abuse Awareness Month

In 2005, 85,000 persons over the age of 65 were victims of non-fatal violent crime.  Crime victims over the age of 65 lost a total of $1.3 billion due to personal and property crimes in 2005.  Many of these crimes were committed by family members or people who were known by the victim.  What can we do to help keep our elder population and ourselves safe?

• Report suspicious activity in our neighborhoods and businesses to the police.
• Let a friend or neighbor know when going on vacation, to the hospital and any other changes in routine.
• Never give out banking numbers, Social Security numbers and other personal information on the phone or internet.
• When hiring repairmen, call to check out their credentials.
• Keep doors locked even in the day and even if you are home.
• Remember to lock car doors and garage doors.
• When in public, be aware of your surroundings.  In crowded places, keep your billfold in a front pocket.  Keep your purse close to your body.
• Walk in daylight or well lit areas.
• Consider keeping valuables in a safety deposit box or safe.
• Do not carry or keep large amounts of cash.

Mary Koens

Artemis House

At one of our recent meetings with Carolyn she asked us several questions about Poverty and how it linked back to our community. Here are the questions and answers

Throughout the Horizons project we have been talking about how poverty affects rural communities. We want to know how you will link what you’ve learned about poverty throughout the Horizons project (Spotlight, Study Circles, Action Forums, LeadershipPlenty® and Strategic Planning) to the actions you will be taking in your community.

Community: ___Whitewood, SD_______________

Activity:                Using your Community Strategic Plan, identify at least 3 pieces of the plan that specifically address poverty reduction in your community and explain how taking action on that goal or objective will change your community.

1.       Goal and/or Objective:   To  improve communication in Whitewood

What has been or will be done?

1.       The Black Hills Pioneer provides two pages of their paper for Whitewood News and provides papers free of charge to the residents in Whitewood once a week.   The Lawrence County Journal, a bi-weekly newspaper, publishes a Whitewood edition that contains articles about the happenings of Whitewood once a week.

2.       The Horizon Blog serves as a resource for information about Whitewood. 

3.       The Whitewood Chamber has put together a packet featuring business in the Whitewood       area has been created an awareness of services available to Whitewood residents.

4.       The Whitewood Town Hall meetings have helped to bring community members together and provide resources to the attendees.

5.       The number of Whitewood Citizens attending the city council meetings has doubled in size.

6.       A partnership with a local business has been formed to provide the availability of a digital sign to post upcoming events in Whitewood.

7.       A senior citizen directory that contains pictures and a short bio of senior citizen members is being published.

8.       Information on energy conservation was distributed at a town hall meeting and Eco Friendly Light Bulbs were distributed to each household.

How has it changed the community?

Participation in community events has increased.  Community members have conveyed their appreciation of the increased knowledge and upcoming events.  Citizen of Whitewood

feel they have a voice and it is being heard.

 2.       Goal and/or Objective: Provide  business opportunities, jobs and services for Whitewood Economic Development

What has been or will be done?

1.       Five new businesses have moved into Whitewood, one of the businesses is a store that provides slightly damages goods at reduced prices and accepts EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) cards.

2.        The membership of the Whitewood Chamber has increased and activities/services from the Chamber have increased.

3.       Forming of the Whitewood Economic Committee has helped to improve a better business community.

4.       Horizon seminars have provided resources and knowledge to Whitewood businesses and citizens.

How has it changed the community?

New business and services are available, new employment opportunity for residents, new sales tax revenue,  the economic committee has formed, and increase in knowledge and membership in Chamber has taken place in Whitewood.

3.       Goal and/or Objective: To provide recreational opportunities for the citizens of Whitewood

What has been or will be done?

1.        An outdoor ice skating rink has been constructed in the park.

2.       Trees have been planted in the park.

3.       Fund raising has begun to build a skateboard park.

4.       Fund raising has begun to provide scholarships to youth that are unable to participate in recreational activities.

How has it changed or will change the community?

Free recreational activities are available to Whitewood for families – thus families will not have to travel out of town for these activities.   A feeling of pride in Whitewood is gained by tree planting and new recreational services offered.  There is an Increase in youth participation of recreational activities in Whitewood. Youth and adults have become involved in the planning and fundraising of skate park, ice rink, and park and then take recommendation to the city government for approval.

Is there anything you would add to your Strategic Plans to strengthen the poverty reduction component of the plan? Other ideas?

Just a few pictures of the traffic backed up outside of Whitewood at 5:00 pm on Friday, 2 may 2008. 

We measured 26″ on our picnic table.  This spring storm gave us such heavy wet snow that is hard to move.   When it melts we are going to have water everywhere. 

On Friday May 9th, 9 Whitewood residents attended the South Dakota Municipal District 10 meeting in Faith. Before the meeting began a few of us went to the Faith library for a tour! The library was great and we received a heartfelt welcome! We then went to the Faith community center for the meeting. This event was sponsored by Faith and we are all given a sneak preview of Sue the Dinosaur! Sue will be on display in Faith all summer! I recommend that everyone go check her out. Kids and adults will love her!

This is from another blog.  The website it refers to contains facts from studies conducted about green spaces.  

  How Plants Help Communities -

    When trees are planted, communities grow

A scientific study at the Human - Environment Research Laboratory, College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Studies, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, has demonstrated that green views and access to open green spaces in urban areas may in fact, help to restore attention and relieve everyday pressures of living in poverty.

For more information, check:         http://www.americainbloom.org/Default.aspx?CategoryId=63

Click on http://communityblogs.us/   then look under Updated Blogs.  These are the latest blogs from other Horizon Communities.  We are not alone in trying to boost our community.    Community Action Groups are coming up with ideas left and right.  

posted by Kaity Parks 

May 8, 2008

Horizon’s II

Recreation Subcommittee

Whitewood Children’s Scholarship Fund

Our membership has grown with the welcome addition of Katie Heckenlaible.  We are still pursuing youth participants and will be recruiting at Whitewood Elementary on Wednesday, May 14.

We have been approved to have a table during Wrangler Day at the school.  We understand that scholarships aren’t as sexy as a skateboard park, so we will have handouts explaining the scholarships and why kids need to be involved      (I will try to attach a copy).  We will have a sign up sheet for committee members, pictures of the “Loaded Trunk”, and raffle tickets.  That should be a good little kick-off to help get the word out.

Amy Barker attended the City Council meeting and we have been approved to hold a Raffle.  We have selected an item sold by Home Porch in Sioux Falls.  It is a trunk of Dakota made items and is loaded into a very attractive trunk. 

We have decided not to pre-purchase the trunk for a couple of reasons.  First, the picture of the trunk is very eye appealing.  People take one look at it and want to buy a ticket or ten.  However, secondly, the trunk really isn’t that big.  (I will try to attach a picture.)  Compare the size of the trunk to the size of the magazine.  Third, we don’t want to be hauling a trunk all over hill and yon getting tattered between now and the drawing.

We are looking for suggestions for any venues that may be a good place for us to be to sell tickets.

I am going to UPS tomorrow to make copies of the fliers and the raffle tickets.  I will also get a price for laminated poster boards compared to banners.  That’s a great idea whoever came up with it.

Below is message from Deb Olson regarding the fundraising efforts for the skateboard park. Please note the roller skating fundraiser scheduled for tomorrow! This committee is doing a fabulous job raising money for the skateboard park!!

Just letting you know how things are going with the fundraising.  Tomarrow is our roller skating at Hale Hall from 5:30 to 8:30, we will be having free pizza and coke, the pizza was donated by Pizza Ranch in Sturgis and the coke was donated by coke.  We are also going to raffle a skateboard that was donated by Rushmore Mountain Sports in Spearfish.  The raffle tickets will be 1 dollar, we also have a t-shirt to go with it.    As far as businesses that have been donating money we got a $500 donation from Wheeler Lumber which I thought was awesome!   The next fundraiser will be the rummage sale and we are looking for donations for this event. 

was held on Tuesday May 6th to a packed room of young and old. This weeks BINGO was a fun event and more money was awarded than the usual BINGO nights. Larry was the big JACKPOT winner, which was well deserved!! BINGO will be on a hiatus until October. Be sure and check it out then as it truly is a fun family event! Pictures to be posted soon as I’m having technical difficulties!

How could your Whitewood Community Group use this blog? Let me count the ways…

1. Post your meeting minutes

2. Start a discussion here that you think will dominate an entire meeting and have the discussion online, on the blog,  instead, then recap the discussion at the face-to-face meeting.

3. Publicize the wonderful Projects your group is doing by making your group’s affairs public.

4. Post pictures of your group having so much fun that others are compelled to join you. 

5. You can use the blog in any way that benefits your community group. Your imagination is all that is limiting you.

How do you learn to blog?  click on Wanna Blog in the green section on the right hand side of the screen in the Pages section or send an email to whitewoodblogger@yahoo.com

 Justin Schlecht has appeared in the 5 May, Sports Illustrated.  Way to go Justin!!!    Justin moved to Whitewood as a young boy  with his mom and dad, Kim and Kirby Schlecht.  He and his brother Stanton wrestled with the Whitewood AAU wrestling club throughout their grade school and middle school years.  Both boys went on to wrestle  for the Sturgis Scoopers.  Their sister Dani joined the wrestling program as manager for the Scoopers during her high school years.  Now all the children are in college.  Justin and Stanton went to Dickinson State in North Dakota.  Both boys have achieved national attention with their athletic ablities.    

We were hit with a large storm on Thursday May 1st and Friday May 2nd. I’m not sure of the total snow accumulation, but it was a BUNCH. We are looking for pictures from the snow that anyone may have to share. I’m attaching a few here now, but if anyone has anymore please let us know.

After our big snow storm this past weekend we had a few people in Whitewood build a snow castle. The castle was built by Kaleb Schipke and Kyle Kettlesen along with their children Halley age 9 and Perry age 5. What a creative way to use all of that snow!! The castle really looked great. Here are a few pics!

9 May, Friday 5:30-8:30   Hale Hall  $5.00 to Skate

 FREE Skateboard Drawing donated by Rushmore Moutain Sports.  

 FREE Pizza & Coke.

Raffle for a Skateboard donated by Edge Sports

Funds for Whitewood Skate Park.          Posted by Joe Taggart

 Pedometers are at Whitewood City Hall for anyone who had a raincheck from the Whitewood Health and Safety Fair.   Thank you for having patience.  We experienced difficulty getting them shipped in time for the  Fair.  They are here now & ready for you to pick up.    Pedometers were purchased by Whitewood Horizons.                                            

        A new small step you can take to a healthier lifestyle, a healthier you!

Wow! What a Spring Storm we had.    Did anyone take some great photos?   We would like to document this in the Whitewood History books.   Just click on the word ‘comment’ at the bottom of this blog entry to respond with your name and number if you would like to share your photos.

The City Wide Yard Sale is May 31st. If you are interested the cost will be $8 to be put on the list and in the papers. Please if you are going to have a sale this day give me a call at 443-0114 or 206-0247 you may also email me at mok9698@spe.midco.net

I will need to money, address, name and list of items you want listed by the 20th of May. I had originally said the 15th but i think it would be ok for the 20th. The more sales the better it will be. 

Anyone interested?   Call the Whitewood Public Library  -  269-2616

Tonisha Williams would like to start a Babysitting Club in Whitewood.  Tonisha is a 7th Grader who attends Sturgis Williams Middle School and knows of a similar group is Sturgis. They will call each other or refer parents if they cannot fulfill a babysitting request She likes the teamwork effort and their cooperation between each other.  Tonisha would like coordinate the same effort in our community.   When she told me her story I thought that the Whitewood Library could host a Babysitting Class and provide the club with a place to meet and resources.  The County Extension Office is looking into their schedule to see if the will be able to conduct a class here at the library.   All ideas and input are welcome.

 Posted by Tonisha

Jean and I decided to postpone the Genealogy class due to the snowstorm predictions.  That was Thursday….boy did we get it!  Thank you to Jean for helping me get the word out and to those out of towners that called in to check.  

The postponed the Genealogy  Class  will be Thursday, 8 May 2008, 6:30 at the  Whitewood Public Library 269-2616