GHS Volleyball continues with victory after victory. This past week they faced Vermillion on Sept. 21 with a 3-0 victory. The next day they faced Dell Rapids at home, winning 3-0 again. Chester gave them the hardest time last week on Sept. 24, but the girls triumphed 3- 1! So far their season has tallied 11- 1 and they are ranked 8th in the State.
The Lady Dragons played on Sept. 29, results not available by press time. They play in Parker on Oct. 1 and Elkton Oct. 5. On Oct. 6 they match up against Dell Rapids St. Mary at home.
Last week, the Gazette released an article outlining how COVID-19 was on the rise in South Dakota.
Since that article was written on September 22, twenty-one more people died from COVID-19, bringing preliminary totals to 56 people within one month.
September was the worst month for South Dakota since the pandemic began with regards to numbers of affected persons, hospitalizations, and deaths. Over 8,000 people tested positive, and hospitalizations jumped from an average of 50-80 persons to an overwhelming 200+ daily average.
Overall, 482 South Dakotans were hospitalized with COVID-19 in September. This outpaced the next worst month, May, which had a total of 253 persons. In July and August, 150 and 185 persons were hospitalized, respectively. Percentage-wise, per active cases, this is a 5.7% hospitalization rate. In May, the hospitalization rate topped out at just under 10%.
This lowered rate may be reflected in part due to the lower ages of those contracting COVID-19, as those under 50 years of age tend to not require hospitalization. Overall, 15,122 people under the age of 50 have tested positive since pandemic records began in March with only 397 hospitalizations, while 1,827 people have been diagnosed positive with 1,080 hospitalized over the age of 50. The majority of deaths have been in those aged 80+, with 110 total deaths. The 50- to 79- year age group has had 94 deaths, while only 19 deaths in ages under 50 have been recorded in South Dakota so far.
This does not mean, however, that those under age 50 have not been impacted. Symptoms range from a cough and shortness of breath to loss of taste or smell, headaches, sore throat, and muscle pain. Up to 40% of people could be asymptomatic, meaning without symptoms, making it easy for this virus to spread. The viral load is also highest in the day or two before symptoms appear. Scientists are still studying why some previously healthy people end up very sick from it, while others with co-morbidities appear to weather it just fine. However, those with pre-existing conditions appear to be at higher risk for developing severe symptoms and requiring hospitalization.
To help reduce the amount of asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic spread, epidemiologists are requesting more testing. They note that a case positivity rate below 5% means that the rate of spread may be slowing or that enough testing is being done, and anything above 10% means not enough testing is being done and active cases far surpass diagnoses. South Dakota has been averaging around 13-15% case positivity rates since the beginning of September, even though they surpassed their testing goal of 44,233 tests by more than 60%.
The South Dakota universities are beginning to offer mass testing to its students, though after an initial large uptick in cases among college-age students, the rates appear to be declining substantially. The SD Department of Heath reported 825 cases among the eight colleges in South Dakota the weeks of August 23 through September 5, and 405 cases the next three weeks for September 6-26.
Among K-12 students, cases are still on the rise. The Garretson School District reported its first student case on Monday since the school year began. The district is attributing its delay in cases to a mandatory mask policy and strict adherence to CDC guidelines, and thanks the students and staff that have been very diligent in following it.
Brandon and Sioux Falls schools have had several cases since the beginning of the school year, resulting in the quarantining of hundreds of students. Exact numbers are unknown, as the districts have opted not to share their numbers, but Sioux Falls Superintendent Jan Stavem said on Monday that .11% of students and .37% of staff have been diagnosed positive. Superintendent Stavem said mask usage was high.
Brandon School District Superintendent Dr. Jarod Larson would only confirm “handfuls” of positive cases at their most recent school board meeting on September 14. The Argus Leader has obtained at least 11 letters from the Brandon School District warning of close contact with a positive case since the school year began.
Several SD schools delayed the start of their school year, and at least three have transitioned, at least temporarily, to a distance-learning model after outbreaks in their schools. On Monday, the SD DOH reported that 347 students had been diagnosed positive in the last week. One hundred sixty-one schools had at least one active case, and 38 schools had three or more cases.
With the continued rise in cases, public health officials are requesting that people continue to follow CDC guidelines and obtain their flu shot as soon as possible. While the shot won’t prevent COVID-19, it can reduce the likelihood of getting the flu, which if contracted at the same time or after COVID-19, could make suffering worse.
Update 9-30-20: The initial press run had 13 deaths since September 22, an incorrect number. Article has been updated to reflect correct number of twenty-one deaths since Sept 22.
We are pleased to announce that the Garretson School District has been approved to provide free lunch and breakfast to all children aged 0-18 in the District through the month of December 2020. The State of SD recently approved a waiver that opens a stream of Federal funding intended to ensure that all children have access to nutritious food during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our program has been approved to begin on October 1, and will continue through December 31, 2020.
The program is available for all children aged 0-18, even if they do not attend school, or if the family has opted for distance learning, they are still eligible for the program. Meals can be picked up between 10:00 AM and 10:30 AM for those not in attendance at school. A delivery option is also available for those who need it. If your children do not physically attend school, but you would like to participate in the program, please call the school office to ensure that we have prepared enough meals to meet the demand. The program will provide one breakfast and lunch for each child. Students who wish to purchase a la carte items or additional entrees will need to have money in their account to pay for those items. As always, if you have questions, please call our office and we will be happy to explain the program.
Justice leaves legacy, known for strong stance on equality
by Rebekah Roth, GHS Blue Ink
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
On September 18, 2020, this last Friday, Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (RBG) passed away at the age of 87 due to complications with pancreatic cancer. Ginsburg was located in Washington D.C. inside of her home at the time of her death. As she was a member of the Supreme Court, it is crucial to acknowledge her accomplishments and what she did for the country.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg was born as Joan Ruth Bader on March 15, 1933, in the bureau of Brooklyn in New York. Her parents were Nathan and Celia Bader. Early on in her life, she was exposed to the many inequalities women had faced prevalently during that time.
Ruth Joan Bader was advised to work while attending high school, in hopes to acquire some more money for her younger brother who would eventually use it for his college education. Evidently, Ruth was much more qualified for college than her younger brother, yet because she was a woman many colleges would not accept her, despite her capabilities.
Celia Bader was diagnosed with cancer, and died the day before Ruth’s graduation from James Madison High School in Brooklyn. Her mother was a huge influence on her life, teaching her the importance of education and independence. “My mother told me to be a lady. And for her, that meant be your own person, be independent,” quoted RBG, much later in life.
Ruth Joan Bader enrolled in Cornell university, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in government. In 1954, she graduated at the top of her class. That same year, she married Martin D. Ginsburg, another law student, who admired Ruth’s intelligence and motivation. She put a pause to her education advancements to start a family, and had her first child in 1955.
Nearly two years later, Ginsburg attended Harvard Law. Even though her husband, Martin, was diagnosed with cancer during her first year, requiring her to assist him with his studies, this did not prevent her from staying at the top of her class.
Unfortunately, RBG still battled with several more challenges. While focusing on her studies, she also managed the various responsibilities of motherhood. RBG was one of nine women in her 500-person class, and she withstood the ruthless gender-based discrimination from even the highest authorities at Harvard Law.
Martin recovered from cancer and graduated from Harvard, and moved to New York City to work at a law firm. Ruth, on the other hand, finished her last year of law school by transferring to Columbia Law, and graduating in 1959.
Even with RBG’s unprecedented academic record, gender-based discrimination was her worst enemy when it came to finding work in the 1960s. Eventually, U.S. District Judge Edmund L. Palmieri hired Ginsburg as a clerk, and she worked under him for two years. Law firms began to offer her jobs, but only at significantly lower salaries than her male counterparts.
In 1963, Ruth Bader Ginsburg was employed as a professor at Rutgers University Law School, until 1972 where she became Columbia Law’s first female tenured professor. During the 1970s she also directed the Women’s Rights Project of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to fight against gender discrimination. She argued six landmark cases on gender equality before the U.S. Supreme Court, including one case that involved the Social Security Act which favored women over men.
President Carter elected RBG to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia in 1980. 13 years later, in 1993, President Clinton appointed her to the U.S. Supreme Court, as he wanted someone with the political expertise to contrast the more conservative members.
Beginning her career as a justice, Ginsburg continued to advocate for women’s rights. In United States v. Virginia, in1996, she wrote most of the opinion, informing that qualified women should not be denied the right of admission to Virginia Military Institute. RGB targeted specific areas of gender-based discrimination one at a time. She believed huge social change should come from Congress and other legislatures, but still using the court for guidance.
In Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., where a female employee was being paid substantially less than her male coworkers of the same position, RGB and President Obama worked together to pass his first piece of legislation he signed, which was the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009.
Even when Ginsburg was undergoing chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer, surgery for colon cancer, and the tragic loss of her husband Martin D. Ginsburg in 2010, she did not miss a day of oral arguments until 2018. RBG proved that she was not to have her judicial capabilities doubted, as she was one of the most devoted questioners on the bench.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg largely impacted this country, not only by being a member of the Supreme Court, but by progressing women’s rights and attacking gender-based discrimination Many are left to speculate who will replace the honorable justice, when such procedures will take place, and if the new member will be just as qualified. Regardless, Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s memory will go down in history.
I’m sure by now you’ve seen at least one of the many YouTube videos the multimedia students have put out, or listened to their new podcast, or even seen one of their sports edits around the school. The multimedia class is taught by Mr. Schrank and he has 13 students in his class. In this class, the students learn how to better use and understand technology by editing pictures and videos.
“My class does anything from editing pictures for events coming up, to recording videos for YouTube, to now building a podcast. Just kind of anything that gets information out to students and blue dragon supporters” stated Mr. Schrank.
Multimedia is a fun and expressive class that challenges students to put their creativity to the test by using technology. During class the students “pitch” ideas to each other for upcoming YouTube videos or other new things they wish to create.
“My favorite part of multimedia is probably the classmates and the teacher. They just make the environment more fun and it’s just easier to get work done”, explained Matthew Gilbert, the idea man and video editor. Last year’s multimedia class came up with the idea to start a YouTube channel. Mr. Schrank said he hopes his class can get out one creative and entertaining YouTube video per week after this week.
The class is now working on a few videos, including, a tour of the school to see the ins and outs of some rooms you might’ve never seen before, test testing food blindfolded, and they’re going to bring back videos with students in them by asking some questions. You can find these videos when you search Garretson Tech on YouTube.
The multimedia class makes a variety of different videos, according to Mr. Schrank. “A lot of our ideas are just funny and silly ideas so we’re trying to comb through some of those bad ones. It kinda depends what’s going on in the school. If there’s something going on in the school we’ll go with that theme.”
One new thing the multimedians are doing this year is a podcast. It’s called the Blue Dragon Buzz, and there are currently two episodes out. On this podcast they play some games and have different segments where they talk about a variety of things from sports to controversial things happening in the school.
Mr. Schrank noted, “You can find it on all of your podcast platforms. Personally I listen to all my stuff on Apple podcasts but it’s also on Spotify, so just go to any podcast platform and search Blue Dragon Buzz.”
Despite Covid, the South Dakota Hand Corn-picking Contest goes on. It is that time of the year to get a first hand look at hand corn picking. The contest is scheduled for OCTOBER 11th at the FRED FEDLER FARM at 46119 240th STREET, CHESTER, SOUTH DAKOTA.
Registration is 8:00 a.m. TO 9:15a.m. THERE IS AN ENTRY FEE. You may preregister with any one of the people who are listed below. The SCHEDULE IS- OPENING at 9:45 a.m. HUSKING starts at 10:00 a.m. There are 10 minute class for children 14 and under to 75 and older for men and women. AWARDS AND APPRECIATION follow the contest. LUNCH IS AVAILABLE ON THE GROUNDS.
4-H and FFA members are encouraged to enter and try this forgotten art. They also need volunteers to glean and be a timer. THIS EVENT IS DONE ALL BY VOLUNTEERS WITH NO CHARGE TO WATCH. CALL Verna at 1-605-270-1056 or Carol at 1-605- 864-1215 or Brian at 1-605-695-0304. GET OUT IN THE OPEN AND ENJOY THE DAY WITH FRIENDS. SPONSORED BY THE DAKOTA HARNESS MEMBERS.
SIOUX FALLS – The Minnehaha County Commission was short-handed on Tuesday, Sept. 22, week with both Commissioners Gerald Beninga and Cindy Heiberger being absent.
But there weren’t any contentious issues at the meeting, and most of the agenda items dealt with receiving money, and not spending it.
The One Sioux Falls Fund, which presented the county with $300,000 a few weeks ago to help with COVID-related expenses, this week gave them another $100,000 to help with those same expenses.
Commissioners also approved the work of the multi-cultural center to apply for a $15,000 grant to upgrade the sprinkler system at the Sioux Falls Coliseum, where they hold many of their programs.
A third item called for commission approval to allowing application for a $700,000 grant from the MacArthur Foundation.
Erin Srtska, Director of Programs for the Sanford School of Medicine at USD explained that if the grant is received the money would come over a two-year period, and it would be used for The Link (the new triage center) and other community-related projects.
Erin Srtska
Fairless 4-H
One of the Minnehaha County 4-H advisers, Nathan Skadsen, was present through Zoom video conferencing to talk about the current situation with the county 4-H programs.
While the big event the 4-H kids, ages 5 to 19, work for each year, Achievement Days, usually takes place during the Sioux Empire Fair, this year, due to COVID-19 restrictions, that event had to be held separately.
But Skadsen told commissioners Achievement Days still took place on Aug. 15-17, a week after the fair closed.
Some of the events like special foods, fashion review, public presentations and consumer decision making were held as “virtual” contests.
The livestock events were still held “in person,” although attendance was limited to just family, and animals were shown from their trailers and not put up in stalls, Skadsen said.
At their Sept. 22 meeting, Minnehaha County 4-H Program Director Nathan Skadsen (upper right) spoke remotely to commissioners about how the pandemic affected local programs and the 2020 Achievement Days. Minnehaha County 4-H serves all of the communities in this slide. (Photo by Dave Baumeister)
He also talked about other 4-H programs, as well as what would be happening this fall, since many of the regular 4-H events would still be virtual.
Regular club meetings will be starting up again, but Skadsen explained they will have very strict guidelines about social distancing and wearing face coverings.
Be prepared!
Emergency Management Director Jason Gearman reminded commissioners that September is National Emergency Preparedness Month, and in looking at their slogan, “Disasters don’t wait, make plans today,” he reminded people at the meeting of some of the disasters the county has seen in just the past 18 months: floods, unseasonal tornadoes and a pandemic.
Gearman also explained the priorities of his office are “to preserve life, preserve property and to maintain communication between the county and other local authorities.”
Meetings are held every Tuesday at 9 a.m. on the second floor of the Minnehaha County Administration Building at 6th and Minnesota in Sioux Falls.
Public comment is always encouraged, but people attending are reminded that social distancing guidelines limit how many people are allowed in the meeting room at one time.
Nancy, Araya and Chase Ward will spend six months as missionaries in Kenya. Photos from Simba Ministries.
Chase Ward is going back to Kenya.
And this time, his young family – wife Nancy of nearly two years and 8-month-old daughter Araya – will be going with him. It’s the next chapter of Ward’s involvement with Simba Educational Ministries, which he founded in 2015 after taking part in a mission trip there in 2014.
The Wards will remain in Kenya for six months to oversee three building projects that are intended to benefit 350 families.
“This year, I just really felt a push toward families,” Ward said. “With everything that’s going on, even here in America, it just seemed like people were drawn closer to their families, spending more time together, and it’s going on over there, too, with the whole coronavirus thing.”
Prior mission trips have focused on sponsoring children and working with families.
“But we’re going deeper and really wanting to know more about that family and trying to get them out of situations they’re in or if there’s any brokenness in the family, to bring restoration to that home, connect them back to their families,” he said.
Give a man a fish, he’ll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he’ll eat for a lifetime. Simba Ministries Raise One, Give One project, trains families how to start and maintain a poultry farm on their own property. They share a portion of their crop with the schools, and make a profit for themselves and their families.
Another interesting program being implemented is family reintegration. Ward explains that “street kids”, referred to as “Zombies of Nairobi” on YouTube, flee from their homes because of abuse and the like, and soon become addicted to huffing glue.
“They’re living on the streets,” Ward said. “We have a rescue program they go through and after that we try to reintegrate them back into the school system, get them the education they need and then reintegrate them back into the home setting.”
Some families Simba will assist are simply lacking resources or jobs. Simba provides social workers, counselors and pastors that create care plans specific for each family.
So, what does that look like?
“Let’s say it’s a single mom with eight kids and she doesn’t have a job or is working casual labor,” Ward explains. “What would a consistent job look like that would be able to provide the income so she can feed all of her kids.”
That’s achieved through business ventures, such as the tailoring center, where this mom of eight, for instance can work making school uniforms for the Simba-supported school and surrounding schools, because Ward said uniforms are required in all Kenyan schools.
Another endeavor is the dairy project, which was enhanced by a tractor that was shipped from neighboring Hills-Beaver Creek, and is being used for haying operations.
Family members can also work at the school as a cook, cleaner, a teacher or security guard, for instance.
A mission house that will soon be constructed will not only serve as a place for missionaries to stay, but will be converted into a hotel when not used for that purpose. Missionaries take four trips a year, two weeks at a time, leaving the building available for the hotel business.
“We decided to convert it into a hotel and will have people that come in and clean the rooms, and we’ll also have a restaurant and bakery,” he said.
Why family is important?
The father of Ward’s wife passed away in recent months and in February of this year he became a dad.
“Seeing that aspect of it, it was like ‘Wow, there’s a whole deeper level to this.’ The care that I have for my child made me realize that these parents in Kenya really care for their children as well. They’re transitioning back into their home setting, reiterating this family strengthening,” he said.
Ward continues to be amazed by what God has done through his mission work. Among the projects is a well that was drilled for the school. The $20,000 project has solar panels and pumps. A computer classroom has been outfitted with 30 computers and the Brandon Historical Society donated 3,000 books, which were put on a shipping container, and now fill the library that was constructed along with 15 teacher’s quarters, a new preschool-kindergarten three-classroom building and dining room.
“I’ve invested a lot in this school and now we’re expanding,” Ward said. “The goal is to build the community up and empower them,” he said.
Another project that happened in this time of chaos was a food relief package, which provides three months of food to sustain them.
“But we didn’t want to create dependency,” he said, hence the Raise One, Give One project, which trains families how to start and maintain a poultry farm on their own property. Once they have gone through the training, they are given five chickens and one rooster. They are also required to give a certain percentage of their profits back to the ministry, which in turn is shared with the next graduating class.
“Sometimes, all of the different pieces that have come together, I’m like, ‘Wow, God does some pretty amazing things,’” Ward said.
This year, Ward estimates they’ve impacted the lives of 5,000 Kenyan people.
“That’s the direct impact, but you don’t know the other impacts, like the chicken project,” he said.
An Oct. 10 free barbecue, which will be served from 4-7 pm. Saturday, Oct. 10 at Ward’s parent’s home, 48304 254th St., rural Garretson, is intended to raise money for the mission’s next chapter. Ward is challenging 360 people to give $360 each ($30 per month or one-time gift of $360).
“That will help us with this new family strengthening program, transporting counselors and social workers to and from the homes to help these families,” he said.
Editor’s Note:
Looking back in our archives we’ve featured Chase Ward and his work with Simba Ministries in four major articles in the last few years and he’s been mentioned at least a dozen times in our newspaper. When we heard he was going back to Kenya, this time for a major half year visit, we of course wanted to do another feature. Sadly, the day of our interview with Chase, we spoke to him instead by phone, where he confirmed that he was ill and fighting off COVID-19. Thankfully, our friend Jill at the Brandon Valley Journal had just done this story which we will happily reprint. We last heard from Annie Ward on Monday Sept. 28, and she said that Chase is doing better. Our best wishes go out to Chase and the Ward family, in hopes of a speedy recovery and a clean bill of health as soon as possible so that they can resume their good work. I’m also grateful for my good neighbor, fellow independent journalist and colleague Jill Meier.
Palisades State Park has a hidden gem for residents, and it’s not among the beautiful granite outcroppings. The Palisades State Park Lodge opened just over a decade ago to the public, and has flown under the radar since.
The lodge, which is a converted old farmhouse, can be rented for groups of 6-12 people. It has four bedrooms on three floors, two large bathrooms, a fully-stocked kitchen, and a deck with a view. It has been used in the past for weddings, graduation parties, and family reunions. It can be rented for $280 per night. A 2-night minimum is required.
“You can get the family together for the weekend, and know that the kids won’t be running off to school events,” said Karla Lofswold, Camp Host, at an open house that was held this past Sunday and Monday.
“You’re all together playing games, it’s great fun,” added her husband, Darrell. “[You get] some of that together time.”
The Lofswold’s note that between the cost savings as compared to a block of hotel rooms and being able to bring and cook one’s own food, it’s a steal.
It can be rented up to a year in advance, and Park Director Luke Dreckman encourages residents of Garretson to take advantage of it. Christmas and Thanksgiving are already taken for 2020, but they would love to see it utilized more between October and April.
Both Karla and Darrell Lofswold have spent the summer volunteering at Palisades State Park as camp hosts. These volunteer positions are in high demand by campgrounds, as they are relied on for lots of small jobs around the park. For instance, Karla had spent some time cleaning the stove at the lodge a few days ago.
“There’s only three full-time positions in the park,” said Park Ranger Rob Reuland, “so we rely on them a lot.” The Lofswold’s were joined by one other couple as camp hosts this summer.
“They’re very valuable,” said Dreckman. He said there is more demand for hosts than there is supply, because there is work involved and it is a time commitment. However, hosts are rewarded with a free stay at the campground for the summer.
Karla said she and Darrell have fallen in love with camp hosting.
“We kinda started too early,” Karla said. “We wanted to give it a try this summer to see if it was our thing before we retired, and now we want to do it full-time.” The Lofswold’s, who are from Sioux Falls, plan to retire next year. They will continue helping out around the park throughout the winter, and are already locked in for next summer as camp hosts at Palisades State Park. Part of the reason they enjoy it is because “the people are so friendly.”
A friendly vibe is evident throughout the lodge, with a large dining room table, couches, and a fire pit near the garage. There’s a television both upstairs and downstairs if needed, along with a foosball table in the lower level. There are plenty of spaces for adults and kids to separate if needed, but those areas also encourage everyone to come together for meals, games, or conversation.
An RV camping pad is also available out front, just in case more space is needed. The cost for the camp pad is the same as any electrical spot within the park, but it is separate from the lodge.
The garage is available for a separate fee as well. The garage has several tables and chairs set up for a large gathering such as a graduation party. However, lodge rental is required, and the fee to rent the garage is $50 per day.
The privacy of the lodge is one of its best features, said Dreckman. Its entrance is located approximately a half mile north of the current park entrance, and while the park can be accessed via a hiking trail, it’s away from the noise and bustle of the park itself.
“It can get pretty busy, especially on the weekends,” said Karla.
When asked if that will change when the new Palisades entrance is constructed, Dreckman replied that he wasn’t sure. He figured it would stay the same, but the future of 485th Avenue is uncertain at this point. The township has said in the past that it does not have the funds to maintain it as a paved road if there is no financial help from the state, and while Garretson’s City Council has wondered about possible annexation in order to maintain it, no answers are clear. The road was patched a few years ago by Minnehaha County in order to keep it open for the park, but it is quickly falling into disrepair.
State officials have been reticent to put any more funds toward helping the township maintain the current roadway, as a new entrance for Palisades State Park will be built within the next 3-4 years at the junction of 484th Avenue and 256th Street. Conversations between the township, the City of Garretson, and the state are ongoing.
No matter the outcome on 485th Street, however, the lodge will stay in play as a valuable asset to Palisades State Park, and Garretson residents are encouraged to take advantage of it.
As you might have seen in the paper the last few weeks, Doreen Rollag is celebrating her 95th birthday this week. Beloved by her fellow congregation members at Palisades Lutheran Church, serving as their organist and choir director for generations, known as a music maker and the Lemon Bar Evangelist, she was also a charter member of the Sioux Falls area Sweet Adeline’s Chorus, first called the Sioux-Per-Cords, now called Sound Cascade.
Keeping masks on to keep as safe as possible, Sound Cascade sang with 47 year charter member Doreen Rollag, celebrating her retirement from their chorus and her 95th birthday.
With the Coronavirus pandemic, visiting a 95-year-old woman could have deadly consequences. Sound Cascade has participated in no contests or events since the pandemic began for the safety of their members and the public. However, these ladies wanted to celebrate not only the birthday of one of their founding members, but also commemorate 47 years of her leadership and fellowship, as she has decided to retire from the chorus this year.
“We couldn’t just do nothing, and let this pass unremarked or uncelebrated,” said Dawn Webb of Sound Cascade. “Doreen is a treasure and we had to do something, so we figured out a way to do this in person.”
“I appreciate everything that you all have done for me!,” said Doreen Rollag. “A lot of years and a lot of wonderful contests and I’ve enjoyed them all. You all made it worthwhile!”
They formed a convoy of vehicles, honking as they came in, while Doreen and Dawn waved. They set up a picnic in Doreen’s large garage, everyone wore masks and enjoyed a luncheon sitting apart. Probably the hardest thing was not being able to spread hugs around, but everyone refrained and maintained distance. They did not refrain from a little singing, however. The presented Doreen with birthday balloons, flowers and an award as their 2020 Sweet Adeline Lady of the year.
“Way back in 1973, Leonard Rollag heard a Sweet Adeline's quartet perform and they were promoting a Sweet Adeline chorus which was in its beginning stages in Sioux Falls,” said Webb. “He thought this would be a good way for his little wife to get out of the house and do something for herself! Never mind that she was a full-time farm wife with 3 kids, she helped load hogs (with a tear in her eye!), cooked lots of meals, specialized in homemade Angel food cakes, and was very involved in Palisade Lutheran Church as their organist, taught music to the kiddos, AND directed the choir!
“That quartet that Leonard saw consisted of 4 charter members: Ardith Rang, Audrey Lundquist, Delores Whitney, and Charlotte Himmler, AKA the Sioux-Per-Chords,” Webb said. “The Sioux Falls Sweet Adeline's chartered as a chorus in February 1974.”
“The past several years this chorus, now known as Sound Cascade, has had just 2 charter members left of the original 40 or so members- Jodi Stitt and Doreen Rollag. Both have been more than involved with the chorus over the years,” continued Webb.
“But today we are honoring our dear Doreen, as she has had to make the difficult decision to leave our chorus. She will be 95 in three days, so I would say it is an honorable discharge!
“Doreen has always been a driving force behind our chorus, and has served in every capacity and office. She doesn't take no for an answer—just ask Tony at the Brandon Sunshine Store, or our director Dave, who wasn't looking to direct a Sweet Adeline Chorus when we needed a new director!
“We all have many stories to share about our chorus experiences and I could go on and on but I won't!
“We are here during this crazy pandemic... socially distancing and singing with masks on...to honor Doreen for her longevity with Sound Cascade, and to present her with an award. With her positive attitude, knowledge of music, especially the baritone part, love of performing, and for at least the 4th time in her history with us, we are proud to present Doreen as our 2020 Sweet Adeline Leading Lady of the Year!”
Seated is Doreen Rollag. 1st row: Dawn Webb, Jerralynne Tjeerdsma, Betty Elbers, Darlene Hemmer, Donna Humme, Jodi Stitt, Larae Olesen, Audrey Knapp, and Mary Remmark. Back row: Director Dave Sternborg, Mary Ann Hofer, Karen Stucky, and Sandy Collins.
