Whitewood

Hello everyone!

We had a meeting June 1st… Here are our thoughts  

The committee met with the following discussions:  Discussion on laminate poster board versus banner, they (the sign making people)cannot do laminate poster board but will make two banners for $50.  Discussion was also held on the Loaded Trunk basket and how to have the steering committee pay for trunk before the next phase of Horizon is done. Another dilemma is where do we store money; is there an account for horizons?

 Amy will go to next steering committee meeting and discuss issues with them.

 The committee is looking for more support from adults and children to help out. They can either serve on committee or just sell raffle tickets at various events in the area. We went over the list off names that have at one time or another worked with Horizons.  Please expect phone calls soon J

Discussion held on how to possibly get help selling raffle tickets; Amy will create a letter and propose it to the Whitewood Chamber by letter seeking local businesses to sell raffle tickets at their businesses

Next meeting is June 20th at Bullwhackers at 5:30 pm please bring your ideas and your appetite

SOUTH DAKOTANS WORRY ABOUT INCOME AND ECONOMY

Findings from a survey commissioned by the Northwest Area Foundation

IN THIS SURVEY, South Dakotans say they are worried about theirpinched wallets, overworked neighbors and struggling local economies.83%say they’ll vote this November, and most say their choices will be

influenced by what local elected officials are doing to help those struggling to

make ends meet:

• 3 in 10 worry all or most of the time that their income

won’t pay the bills this year.

• 1/2 say their local economies are “only fair” at best.

• Most believe their local elected officials should take

specific action on poverty.

At the same time, the survey results point to South Dakotans’ characteristic

“American grit” and hope. And most say they personally want to do more to help.

Click here to read more about this report

Victims of Violence Intervention Program/Artemis House is now collecting used ink cartridges from printers and copiers as well as used cell phones.  We are able to recycle these items to bring in a little more cash to be used for victims of domestic violence in our area.  Please drop off any used ink cartridges and cell phones at the Artemis Boutique, 344 Colorado Blvd in Spearfish.  Thanks, Mary Koens.

       Summer activities  to write on your calendar

• June 5 - Baby sitting Class/Club starts 
• June 14 - 1st Whitewood Walking Challenge
• June 28-29 -  Whitewood Days
• June 28 - Poker Run
• July 1-31  - “Catch the Reading Bug” @ the Whitewood Public Library 
• July 7-10 - First Presbyterian Church Vacation Bible School
• July 13 -2nd Whitewood Walking Challenge
•  July 13 -  Whitewood Horizons Graduation
• July 28 -1 Aug - Immanuel Lutheran Church VBS Day Camp
• August 12 - 16 -  Butte/Lawrence County Fair
• August 18-22 - Black Hills Baptist Church Vacation Bible School
• August   - 3rd Whitewood Walking Challenge

Did we miss anything?  Is your event listed?  Send in your additions to the Blog address on the right hand side of the screen.

Immanuel Lutheran Church - 28 July - 1 Aug                     269-2104

Presbyterian Church -              7-10 July                                                                 6:00 pm  - 8:30 pm

Black Hills Baptist Church -     18 - 22 Aug                           269-2646                 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

BH Baptist’s theme for their VBS is ” Out Rigger Island”  and open for ages 4 yrs - 6th Grade.  A light supper will be provided.  Need a ride?  call 269-2646

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

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!

  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

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?

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

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. 

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!

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

Saturday May 10th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 - City Shop.

Bring Roofus and Snowflake in for their City Tags and Basic Shots 

Call City Hall for more information 269-2247. 

“Pick It Up - Don’t Pass It Up!”

Horizons is calling all groups and organizations, young and old to help with             Whitewood Clean-Up Days on 8-11 May.                           How can you help?   By Volunteering in any way you can.  Here are a few suggestions

1.  Clean-Up Crews for the 10th of May - These crews will follow a dump truck to throw curbside trash in.

2.  Pick up Trash on your own -  Select a portion of your area to pick up trash.

3.  Organize a Group - to spruce up a section of our community.

Garbage bags will be available at the library for all volunteers.  Free Lunch will also be served at the Senior Center.  Please call 717-3745 if you plan to volunteer and eat lunch.

Posted by Peggy Flynn

   End of the Semester Crunch.    Term papers Due.     Senior Paper Deadlines.

Your Whitewood Library Card is a useful resource you can use from your home.  Several databases on the SD State Library web page can be accessed by using  the barcode from your card and your last name.  Use this link to get started http://library.sd.gov/databases/remotelc.htm .  Any questions call the numbers on the link or the Whitewood Library at 269-2616.

SDSU Representative Carolyn Hendricks presented Whitewood Horizons the following resources.  These will be added to the already existing Whitewood Horizons resource box located at the Whitewood Public Library.  All materials are available for checkout.

Taking the Reins Together: Youth/Adult Partnership -  8 minute video - 

Energizing Entrepreneur Charting a Course for Rural Communities

Myths About the Future of Small Towns

Reflect and Improve - a tool kit for engaging youth and adults as partners in program evaluation

Learning and Leading- a tool kit for youth development and civic activism

Better Schools through Public Management

Building Local Leadership

I would like to thank all the people who showed support for Melinda for the pancake feed. We had a great turn out, the estimated count was 240 people. We would like to say thank you for the support from Howdy for the use of his restaurant and his fine cooking. Also all the other people that we could not have done without as far as cleaning tables, serving, donations, manning the booths, cleaning after the benefit, if i have left something or someone out i am truly sorry. thank you to all the people who made a donation for Melinda. If you have won a raffle you will be getting a call in the next day or two. Thank you again and i am happy to see that we have such a great town with such great support. THANK YOU TO ALL!!!!!!

Everyone Welcome!

Whitewood Senior Citizens Center  

24 April  Thursday               6:30 Free Meal                  7:00 Program

Three speakers from across the state will take the podium.

Jim Seeber, Northern State University, NE Regional Aging Council

  Topic - Economic & Social Aspects Welcoming Communities

Renee Oscarson, SDSU,  Extension Specialist Gerontology -

 Topic -  Meeting Needs of the Elderly

Linda Nussbaumer, SDSU Prof. of Interior Design -

Topic - Effects of Baby Boomers on Housing

  RSVP by 21 April are neccessary for the meal .  Contact Rea Weyrich  269-2616

My fellow Horizons buddy Kaity took the time to type up minutes so enjoy…..

April 11, 2008Horizons IIRecreation Subcommittee MeetingWhitewood Student Activities Scholarship  Members of the subcommittee are Millie Humphrey, Amy Barker and Kaity Parks. The objective of the subcommittee is to create a scholarship fund through fundraisers and donations that will be self-sustaining and ongoing to assist children in participating in the arts and athletic activities from infancy to completion of High School. Amy Barker will conduct a needs assessment through Whitewood Elementary School and other resources. Millie Humphrey will inquire of the Sturgis Community Center on how their scholarship fund is managed. Kaity Parks will contact other communities and Horizons participants to find people with expertise in scholarships for advice. Some basic decisions about the operation of the scholarships were made.  Scholarships will be awarded to individuals but the payments will go to organizations, facilities or businesses.  The purpose of this method is remove temptation from a person in poverty who may be put into the position of choosing between ballet shoes and food on the table. The subcommittee will conduct an initial fund raiser by raffling off a Dakota Made Products gift basket.  Tables will be set up during local and other community events throughout the summer with a drawing being held approximately August 16 to give the opportunity to sell raffle tickets during the Rally.  It is hoped that other Horizons II committees and accomplishments can be celebrated on the same

Day and have a community party.  

Today the fire department had a extracation training after the health fair. I will update more information of this event later as well too. Just want to get some of the pictures posted now.

was a SUCCESS! Although, we would have liked to have had a few more people in attendance the event turned out great. I heard a lot of good things from the vendors as well as the patrons of the event. There was a wide variety of booths, and a lot for the kids to do too. Some of the BHSU boys basketball team was there helping kids with basketball. The USD nurses were there giving out free stuffed animals to the kids. This booth also showed the kids how to fix up their stuffed animals if they had broken bones or bruises. It was really cute. There were a variety of booths and I don’t have the list in front of me right now. I wanted to get the pictures of the event posted on the blog for now. I will come back and update more information on this event at a later time.

On Thursday April 10th we had our first real Action meeting. We had about 22 people in attendance at the meeting. There was an array of ages in attendance Considering the night was snowy and cold it was a pretty good turn out. We broke up into different groups and started making plans to get some of our goals and objectives completed. The main groups that broke off at this meeting was the Recreation group that is working on two items: one is the skateboard park group. They are working really hard to raise money to build a skateboard park in town. The other group is the scholarship committee, which will be working hard to fund schlorships for our youth to participate in various activities! The communication committee broke off and discussed different ways of communicating ideas and activities in town. We also discussed beautification and our upcoming city wide clean up which will be next month in May. All in all the meeting was good, and it was a good way to get everyone back together again and talking about what needs to be done! People just need to take charge and work together to see our goals and objectives through to the end! Below are some pics of the event!