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Andrea Van Essen | Photos By: Shane Monahan Photography
hroughout his life, Reid Johnson has learned time and again to remain open to new opportunities and trust God’s timing. Following these principles has guided him through numerous valuable experiences and opened doors to unimaginable blessings over the years.
Life hasn’t been all smooth sailing for Reid, but it has been fruitful.
From switching up his athletic pursuits to joining his family business, navigating adoptive and biological family relationships, blending a large family and learning to balance it all, Reid knows a thing or two about taking life as it comes.
“There are going to be struggles in life, that’s a given. It’s your family, friends and your faith in the Lord that enable you to get through it,” Reid says.
One of the earliest, and perhaps most impactful, examples of this occurred when Reid was a teenager and he was given the opportunity to meet his biological family for the first time. Reid was adopted at birth, and though he grew up knowing this information, it wasn’t until he needed a surgery around age 18 that he became more open to getting to know his biological family.
“The doctors wanted my family history to know if I would be allergic to anesthesia or medication, so instead of going in blind, I decided to find and meet my biological parents. It was partially to get that medical history, but I was also ready to meet them,” Reid explains.
At the time, he was going into his senior year of high school, and he says he felt he was at a good maturity level to handle it.
“I probably wouldn’t have been if it had happened earlier, so the timing was really perfect. We were able to connect, and they were able to come and see those senior football games, see me crowned homecoming king, come to basketball games and track meets, and attend my graduation party.”
Though connecting with biological family after adoption can sometimes be fraught with tension or disappointment, Reid says his experience was positive and expansive. His adoptive parents were supportive, and he gained new, lifelong relationships.
“I attribute that to the fact that whenever they [his adoptive parents] first told me, they did a great job of making sure I felt loved and nurtured and that I understood what it meant, so when it came time to meet my biological family which included a brother and twin half-sisters, they weren’t threatened,” Reid shares.
Adoption has continued to be a powerful part of Reid’s story. At age seven, Reid went with his parents to Romania and they adopted his younger brother Ethan, who was seven months old. In addition, Reid adopted his wife’s three children after they got married, creating a beautiful blended family of, ultimately, seven kids. Each of them brought three children into the marriage, and they welcomed a new baby boy together in 2023.
Reid recalls his first date with Jessi, his now-wife, when they learned that each had kids from previous relationships.
“We were out to eat, and my phone lit up and showed the background picture of my boys, and I was like, ‘Oh shoot, I’ve got to break the news right away that I have three kids.’ But Jessi said, ‘No kidding, so do I.’ It was something we had in common right away,” Reid reflects.
The process of blending families wasn’t simple, but Reid says it was so worth it. It was something he and Jessi prioritized before moving in together to lay a strong foundation for their future family.
“It was amazing to see the organic relationships built between them. We’d do things like get all the kids together and go to the peach festival or circus, and it would be a fun event, but the best moments were the times where they’d just organically start doing things together at home without us even encouraging it,” Reid says.
“One of the moments that sticks out was from before we moved in together — it was the most epic box fort you could imagine. There were many pounds of cardboard and many rolls of duct tape involved, and it’s fun things like that that really brought us together before we even knew we were going to be a family. That was the groundwork.”
Now, Reid says, he can’t imagine life any other way. Adding their youngest, Rowen, to the picture has only made their family stronger.
“The largest blessing of having Rowen is how much the other kids have enjoyed having him. We pictured that with the majority of them being teens and boys, they would be turned off a little by a baby being around that sometimes might scream and cry and take even more attention away, but instead of that, they have gone to their rooms less after dinner or right after coming home from school or sports. They’re always asking where he is, or if he’s awake, and that’s been the most heartwarming thing.”
With seven kids ranging in age from one to 20 years old, it’s obvious that the Johnsons are busy balancing work, family, activities or volunteering.
The couple both work at Reliabank, which was founded in 1920 and purchased by Reid’s grandfather in 1967. Reid is Chief Culture Officer and Marketing Director, and Jessi is in the compliance department. As part of the next generation of the family business, Reid and his brother Ethan are also part of the bank’s ownership group.
But Reid didn’t actually anticipate joining the family business. After graduating from the University of Sioux Falls with degrees in media studies and business, he was selfemployed for six years as a videographer, while also coaching track for his alma mater.
He has always had a creative eye, and says that his mind always goes to video when it comes to marketing.
“I see things through the eye of a lens, or what I want someone to see. Even now, working for Reliabank doing marketing for over ten years, I’m drawn to the visual side of things,” Reid explains.
Reid joined Reliabank in 2011 as a graphic designer. With three young children, he was seeking the structure and stability of a corporate setting, but he says he was also keenly aware of the pressures that come with joining a family business.
“Not having thought that working at the bank was going to be my path, there was a bit of nervousness that current employees might look at me differently or think that I just got the job cause I’m the CEO’s kid. There was a high level of wanting to prove myself and do good work, to really show that I belong,” Reid adds.
Photos Left to Right: Reid and Jessi in Colorado; Reid with family at niece’s Baptism; Reid triple jumping at USA National Track meet in Oregon, 2015
“THERE ARE GOING TO BE STRUGGLES IN LIFE, THAT’S A GIVEN. IT’S YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND YOUR FAITH IN THE LORD THAT ENABLE YOU TO GET THROUGH IT.”
He’s certainly done so, and though it was an unexpected career move, Reid has grown to care deeply about Reliabank and the people it serves.
“There’s a big sense of responsibility, but also pride, knowing that we make a difference for our employees, our customers and our communities,” Reid says.
Athletics has also remained a longstanding part of Reid’s life — another example of trusting God’s timing and opportunities.
“My dream was to play college basketball, and I got on both the basketball and track teams [at University of Sioux Falls], but the day before our first game, something just didn’t feel right for some reason. My friends and family thought I was crazy to quit basketball and choose track, but it ended up being the correct decision from a success standpoint leaving USF with two school records and becoming an All-American, and also for the relationships track has brought me,” Reid says.
Reid kept competing in track after college — athletes can compete unattached or without any sponsors or teams, simply by showing up to college meets and paying an entry fee. Additionally, he coached the USF track team for several years and individual high school athletes as opportunities arose.
In fact, he’s currently coaching an 85-year-old gentleman in the long jump and triple jump, who recently competed at the World Masters Athletics Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden. Reid is also a track coach at Sioux Falls Christian High School.
Reid says he’s grateful for experiences like these that he never would have had were it not for bumps in the road along the way, like quitting the basketball team or narrowly missing an opportunity to compete in the Olympic trials in 2016.
“I competed in the USA Indoor National Track Meet in 2009 and the Indoor and Outdoor Nationals in 2015. If the last one would have been a year later, that would have been the Olympic Trials. My goal was to jump over 52 feet in the triple jump again and compete at the trials in 2016, but it didn’t work out due to a few injuries, and I do believe in God’s timing. It doesn’t mean everything’s going to turn out perfectly, but there can be a timing component you don’t realize until later on. I finished competing in 2016 and that season taught me how to help others get through a disappointing finish to their career,” Reid shares.
Whether he’s serving clients in his career, pursuing volunteer opportunities, helping fellow athletes reach their goals or strengthening his family relationships, Reid tries to make the most of every opportunity that comes his way.
“Every day is a gift and an opportunity. I don’t even look at it as making my life better, but if you’re doing things in an unselfish way, it comes around full-circle and people will make your life better in some way. Just being faith-based, there are times where it feels like God’s calling me to do something, but it doesn’t give me a sense of obligation, it’s just a sense of knowing this is what I should be doing and only good is going to come about.”
Photos Left to Right: Wedding in 2020; Family last fall; Speaking at Leadercast Women event; Family in Oregon Ducks gear with Reid’s truck; Reid and Jessi at the World Track Championships in Oregon, 2022; Family in the Black Hills this summer; Reid and Jessi on Rowen’s 1st Birthday
In 2012, Reid attended the London Olympics and in the chaos of the crowd, he happened to be escorted by security through a busy area outside the stadium with members of the USA men’s basketball team including LeBron James.
Reid and his wife, Jessi, were featured on Amos and Heather Kittelson’s Fortitude podcast in December 2023. The episode is titled: “#30: Reid & Jessi Johnson - A Family United: Love, Adoption, and Faith.”
Volunteering is important to Reid, and he has served on various boards for Volunteers of America, Dakotas since 2019. He is also Vice President on the American Advertising Federation, SD board and is a scholarship evaluator for the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation. Working with Make-A-Wish through Reliabank is also an important cause for him.
Reid’s mom has been an avid runner all her life and is in the South Dakota Senior Games Hall of Fame, and his dad coached him and his brother Ethan in youth basketball. Reid also coached Ethan in the long jump at USF, and several of his children’s youth sports teams.
The Johnsons enjoy travel, and Reid says they seek adventure when they go on trips: “We don’t want to sit around and relax, we’re all about finding all the new experiences we can do.”
B-Squad Dog Rescue transports, heals, fosters and finds forever homes for at-risk dogs.
Please think of us with your END OF YEAR GIVING!
Donate As a small, 100% volunteer-run organization, we rely solely on private donations to raise the funds needed to rescue and care for the dogs in our program. Your generous contribution will have an immediate impact on dogs in need today!
Adopt Dogs in our program reside in foster homes in the Sioux Falls, SD area. Our process is designed to match potential applicants and dogs to be set up for a lifetime of success!
Foster Fosters are the heart and soul of B-Squad Dog Rescue! If you have a love for animals, making a difference, and a can-do attitude, you may be the perfect foster!
Volunteer We truly couldn’t do what we do without our amazing volunteers! Our ability to change lives is directly dependent on the number of volunteers we have. If you want to help save dogs while having fun with a group of like-minded people we hope you’ll consider joining us!
Life is too short to eat boring food.
All of us at Empire know that food is the ingredient that brings us together! In the coming months, we will be featuring the best foodie spots in Sioux Falls!
Want to feature your foodie spot? We’d love to have you! Email ads@michelscom.com for more information!
By: Michaela Feldmann
Since he was a young boy, Alex Andersen has been serving up delicious food with his family at Crack’d Pot Restaurant.
“I was ten when my dad first put me to work. My dad always jokes he gave me two extra years of fun than he got.”
Crack’d Pot Restaurants have a long history in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
“There were a bunch of truck stops called Truck Haven Café and they wanted to have some not attached to gas stations. So, they started what’s now known as the Crack’d Pot Restaurants,” Alex explains.
It’s his grandpa, Kurt Andersen, that Alex says got them where they are today.
“He joined the Air Force when he was 17 and they put him in the kitchen right away. He realized he really loved it, it was fun, and he was good at it.”
When Kurt got out of the Air Force in the 60s, he decided he wanted to go into the restaurant business. Kurt and his wife Carol started working for the Truck Haven Cafés. He worked his way up the ladder becoming manager, regional manager and eventually partial owner in the company.
“My grandpa became good friends with the owner, Bob Smith. Unfortunately, Bob passed away from cancer and my grandpa bought the Sioux Falls location from his kids in 1992.”
That location where Alex now serves as general manager, opened its doors on October 16th, 1974. “It’s hard to forget the day we opened because President Gerald Ford flew into town. When the Smiths set the opening date, they didn’t know the President would be in town. They thought
they were going to be so overwhelmingly busy that they decided to wait until after his rally to open their doors.”
Over the years, the name has changed a bit.
“In 1992, my grandparents changed the name to KC’s for both of their names. In 2005, when my dad took over, he changed it back to Crack’d Pot, but wanted to honor the legacy of my grandparents. Our sign now has a KC in the middle of the cracked pot. A lot of people know us as KC’s Crack’d Pot or Kurt and Carol’s Crack’d Pot.”
One thing that hasn’t changed is the great food and quality service.
“Our menu is one of those things that has been around so long and if it’s not broke, don’t fix it. A lot of the omelets are the same as they made in the ‘70s. We still have the ham and cheese omelet and the western omelet with the diced peppers, onions and ham. We have the same bacon and cheeseburgers, steaks and chicken dinners,” Alex adds.
Of course, they’ve added a few fan favorites to the menu over the years like broasted chicken.
“That’s probably one of our top selling items. People love it! Back in the day we had fried chicken, but broasted chicken is just such a fan favorite.”
A Friday night fan favorite is their prime rib, but Alex says the top of the list is a breakfast item called the Mike’s Special, named after his dad.
“We’ve had it before I started working here, which was 18 years ago. It’s a three egg, ham and cheese omelet with hashbrowns and a half order of biscuits and gravy. That sells like crazy.”
One thing Alex says has been important over all the years is keeping their menu items at a reasonable price.
“I think that’s why we’ve been able to stay open so long. It’s hard to go out and eat nowadays. Our goal is to make sure a family of four is still able to go out to eat and not have to worry about if they have enough money in their account to pay for it.”
Alex says they also wouldn’t have they success they do without several of their employees.
“There’s my dad and owner Mike Andersen, and my grandma Carol. Next is Dan Stahly, who has been a manager since 1974. He is an incredible and hard-working guy and to mention the Crack’d Pot without mentioning Dan is nearly impossible. He has helped me and the restaurant a lot and without him it would have been a lot harder.”
Alex says many of his wait staff have also made the restaurant successful.
“I have Richard St. Pierre who has been a server since the mid-90s. Deb Wenzel has been here about the same time too. Cherish Breen has been a server since 2005.”
Over the years, Alex says his favorite memories center around Sunday mornings.
“My grandma, dad and I are in the back cooking. Three generations all in the kitchen together. When you think about it, it’s kind of cool to have three generations in the kitchen like that. That’s something that’s going to stick with me. My grandma is one of my favorite people. She’s 83 and can still run circles around a lot of people. She’s one of the reasons I keep going because of all the hard work I’ve seen her do over the years. If she can do it, so can I.”
Crack’d Pot is open daily Sunday to Thursday 8 a.m. –8 p.m. and Friday and Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
DeadwooD: The perfect fall getaway destination
By: Heather Jordan
Founded in 1876, the Wild West town of Deadwood has become the Black Hills’ region most popular year-round play ground. Nestled in the Black Hills National Forest, this National Historic Landmark is an ideal base camp location for outdoor excursions like hiking, biking, off-roading and sightseeing, all within minutes of downtown Deadwood. Open to stay and play all year long, Deadwood offers
AN OUTDOOR RECREATION LOVERS’ PARADISE!
legendary fun in every season complete with lodging, gaming, retail and restaurants in addition to special events and live entertainment without pause.
605-578-1876
501 Main St., Deadwood, SD Deadwood.com
Late September into early October is the perfect time to catch the fall colors in and around Deadwood. Take a scenic drive through Spearfish Canyon, a self-guided historic walking tour, or bike the Mickelson Trail. If you don’t have a bike, no problem. Traditional pedal bikes and e-bikes are available at local outfitters. Enjoy one of Deadwood’s trails while the leaves are turning. Just a few notable mentions include:
HIKE MOUNT ROOSEVELT TO FRIENDSHIP TOWER
Hike Mount Roosevelt to Friendship tower for a great history lesson tying President Teddy Roosevelt to Seth Bullock! Enjoy a fantastic sunset location with a westerly overlook over this 1-mile loop trail near Deadwood.
HOMESTAKE TRAIL
Homestake Trail connects Deadwood and Lead with scenic overlooks of Deadwood. The Homestake trailhead is located just past the Mickelson Trail Trailhead in Deadwood and is a 7-mile out-and-back trail considered an easy route that is popular for hiking, mountain biking and birding.
WHITE ROCKS TRAIL
NEW! The White Rocks Trail connecting the Deadwood Welcome Center to the white rocks visible over Deadwood will be fully operational in October. In addition, for more outdoor adventure, the Whitewood Creek Trail renovation will also be completed in October.
Photo Credit: Matt Kline
A TASTE OF THE OLD WEST: REENACTORS AND STAGECOACH
Bring the legendary history of Deadwood to life through live performances. Deadwood Alive has been entertaining and educating visitors for over 20 years with reenacted Main Street shootouts and a variety of regular performances scheduled throughout the year.
The full, 6-day-a-week reenactment schedule is available through September 21 except for Deadwood Jam weekend (September 13-14). After September 21, shows switch to Fridays and Saturdays, only. For more information and a complete schedule visit DeadwoodAlive.com.
Transport yourself back in time to the Black Hills Gold Rush, and travel Historic Main Street in Deadwood via the famous Deadwood Stagecoach. This iconic western mode of transportation was used to carry passengers, gold and mail from 1876 until the arrival of the railroad in 1890. Stagecoach rides are available Tuesday through Saturday through September 21st, except for Deadwood Jam weekend from 9 am – 2 pm weather permitting.
DEADWOOD’S HAUNTED HISTORY
Explore Deadwood history during spooky season with a ghost tour that’s sure to tingle your spine or discover Deadwood’s most haunted sites. Investigate paranormal activity at the historic Adam’s House, where adults can add a psychic reading to foretell the future.
Ghost Tours at the Bullock Hotel – Ghost tours are available at the Bullock Hotel on Friday and Saturdays, except during the week of Halloween when they are available nightly starting at 5pm. No reservations needed, and guests should arrive at least 15 minutes in advance to purchase tickets. Each tour is 90-minutes and tickets are $20 each with kids under five free of charge.
Visit the historic Fairmont Hotel building for ghost tours starting at the Oyster Bay Bar at 8:30 pm nightly. No reservations needed. Embark on a haunted history walking ghost tour that begins at the Saloon No. 10. Call 605-641-2299 to make reservations.
For the inquisitive mind, join Deadwood History and Black Hills Paranormal Investigations (BHPI) for an exclusive ninety-minute paranormal investigation of one of Deadwood’s most haunted sites. Participants will search for paranormal activity in the Adam’s House alongside the BHPI team. Investigations are offered at 6:00, 7:30, 9:00 and 10:30 pm Fridays and Saturdays in October 4-19. Tickets are $35 and space is limited to 20 people per investigation. Available to ages 12 and up and youth 12-16 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information visit DeadwoodHistory.com or call 605-722-4800.
Photo Credit: Travel South Dakota. Byron Banasiak
Photo Credit: Adrienne Kline
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By: Erica Wilcox
It’s safe to say we’re starting to finally feel the crispness in the air that welcomes the fall season. If you’re like me, fall is by far my favorite season to dress for. In summer, I feel that we’re limited to layering and styling because of the heat. But with fall, we can add layers, accessories like scarves and hats and a variety of closed-toed footwear that we wouldn’t dare to wear in the summer months. The easiest piece that you can start incorporating into your daily outfits are layering pieces. Keep those tank tops and tees handy while adding in a few of my favorite lovable layers!
The coatigan is perfect for adding an elevated flair to whatever outfit you’re rocking. You can see that I have dressed my coatigans up and down and it truly acts as that layering piece to really tie it all together.
A relaxed blazer is another elevatedchic layering option that will be a must-have this season. I love this style of blazer because you can throw it on with work pants or with jeans and the blazer is the showstopper and focal point of your outfit. You’ll see this relaxed style everywhere as well so it makes it more wearable and less of a tailored fit.
The classic button-down is always a good place to start. This could be a chambray material, a soft plaid or your classic, crisp button down. Grab a basic white tank and leave the button down open, relaxed jeans, white sneakers and voilà, the perfect effortless, chic outfit!
Vests, vests, and more vests! Wear them alone or to layer. We’re seeing these in all different fabrications and in all styles. You truly cannot go wrong with any vest you see in retail right now. For the warmer days, try wearing alone with pants and for cooler days leave the vest open with a classic long sleeve tee underneath.
Born and raised in Sioux Falls, SD, I’ve been obsessed with fashion since I could dress myself. I was one of those kids who dressed up every day for school, no sweatpants here! My first taste of real fashion was my first retail job at 15. Working in fashion and living it through my everyday outfits, I noticed that everyone would always ask me about my outfits! I’d often get personal shopping requests or asked for fashion advice.
My passion kept growing to the point where I knew this was what I wanted to further my education in. I went on to get my bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising with a minor in business at South Dakota State University. After completing an internship and study trip, I knew that this was my calling, but I was not sure where to go with it.
After doing some corporate buying and retail management, I was grateful for the experiences but needed more. After years and many individuals telling me to start a blog, I finally did.
Best Dressed Blonde was born… an everyday fashion, clean beauty and lifestyle brand. Sharing through my personal website, Instagram and other fashion platforms is the perfect way to express and showcase my passions!
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BE SURE TO FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM AND THE FREE SHOPPING APP,
On Best Dressed Blonde, you’ll find me sharing daily deals and sales, makeup tutorials, try-ons and a little bit of everyday life! My passion has also grown into my clean beauty business with Crunchi where I help women detox their skincare and makeup with truly high-performing and clean products.
bestdressedblonde.com
Envision Your Event with Us
At Gate City Events & Lodging, we o er a customized experience for personal and business needs! Rely on us for holiday parties, corporate events, family gatherings, life celebrations, and events of any size! Our chic, rustic venue features two distinct areas that can be rented separately or together, depending on your event's needs and guest count. Whether you’re needing a large space to accommodate up to 360 guests or a smaller intimate space to host 100 guests or less we have you covered!
Explore our recent upgrades, including a refurbished venue oor, bar, and exterior. Our new indoor patio and outdoor space feature bar access, re pits, and turf, all framed by an elegant black fence for added privacy. With our open vendor policy, you can bring your unique vision to life. Enhance your event with accommodations in our on-site rental house, which can host over 20 guests and includes a saltwater pool. We also o er cozy motel rooms and full hook-up campsites for additional lodging options.
Ready to create a memorable event? Schedule a tour today to see all the details and discover the endless possibilities at Gate City Events & Lodging!
Event Venue | Rental House | Motel Rooms | Campground
By: Lauren Johnson
As the air turns CRISP and the leaves change COLORS...
...Newton Hills State Park invites you to join its 24th Annual Fall Festival and Candlelight Walk on Saturday, October 5 th to celebrate the changing season. The festival kicks off with the highly anticipated crafts fair, featuring nearly sixty vendors, and ends with a 2-mile candlelight walk as nighttime falls over the park.
“Somebody came up with the idea to have a fall festival, and it has just grown over time,” says Jason Baumann, manager of the park. “Last year a few thousand people attended the festival and about 1,300 people joined the candlelight walk. All it takes is an idea, and now it’s become a really special event that people look forward to each year.”
The first part of the Fall Festival is the crafts fair from 1 to 5 pm, featuring an array of handmade goods that capture the essence of fall. From jewelry to skin care to home décor to great food, the craft show offers something for everyone, including the kids! Numerous activities and demonstrations include a pumpkin carving contest, pumpkin catapulting (always a crowd favorite), candle making, make-and-take crafts, story time, hayrides, live music, and even a campsite decorating contest! “Campsite renters decorate their sites with a fall or Halloween theme, and the hayrides travel through the campground so people can vote for their favorite campsite,” Jason says. “It’s a lot of fun for everyone.”
Before and after the crafts fair, visitors can enjoy the 1,063-acre state park, which is home to ample trails, watersports, wildlife, camping, and more.
The second part of the fall festival starts at about 7:15 pm, when a candlelight walk unfolds along the lower road until 9:30 pm. The path, lit by the glow of countless candles, guides visitors past
various encounters and performers along the way, whether it’s bagpipes, singers, musicians, pumpkins, or star gazing. Each step on the candlelit journey is a sensory feast of nocturnal beauty and Halloween fun that leaves a lasting impression on all who participate.
Newton Hills State Park is located about 35 minutes outside of Sioux Falls and six miles south of Canton. The Fall Festival is free, but you need a park pass to enter. Jason says, “Show up with your park pass, and we’ll get you parked and down onto the festival grounds. An event like this takes a lot of planning, and everyone involved wants to make sure you enjoy your time here.”
Questions? For more information, call 605-987-2263 or email newtonhills@state.sd.us.
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Our mission is to prepare you for a successful, skilled career. Come and visit or check us out online and you will find out how you can Be The Best at Mitchell Technical College.
EXPERIENCE DINNER THEATRE DELIGHT
at the historic Olde Towne Theatre
By: Lauren Johnson
Before The Olde Towne Theatre (OTDT) in Worthing, South Dakota was established in 1982, it had been a furniture store, grocery store, and an automotive building. “A group wanted to start a theatre, and at that time the performance area was much smaller,” says Megan Bakken, Executive Director. “The meals were cooked across the street. The bathrooms were used next door. A lot has changed since then, and now we can seat 100 per night!”
John Boe has worked at the OTDT since 2006, the last 12 years as artistic director, and has also witnessed the changes over the years. “I was in a show when I was in college as an actor, and I fell in love with the place,” John says. “A year later I got the job of assistant director, and the building has gone through many updates. But one thing that hasn’t changed is the atmosphere. You walk in and there’s just a feeling to it. I hear the same thing from actors when they come here. Some people have been coming almost as long as I have who love the place, environment, and atmosphere.”
When attending the Olde Towne Dinner Theatre, guests can expect a fun and full evening out all in one beautiful place— with a delicious four-course meal and outstanding performances. The final show of the 2023-2024 season was Little Shop of Horrors and was the most successful to date, with nineteen sold out shows.
“For the most part, we do mostly comedies,” John says. “We drop in a murder mystery or musical about every year, but we stay away from hard dramas. Dinner theater patrons are looking for an escape, and the last thing they want to do is come here and cry.”
Tickets for the upcoming performance of The Importance of Being Earnest go on sale August 19 for what will likely be another sell-out event.
“When I do a show, especially one I’ve seen before, I want to present something about it in a way that I haven’t seen before or hasn’t been done before,” John says. “The original story is set in the 1800s, but to give it a different spin without changing the script we’ve set it in the 1960s. It has a different aesthetic and feel. Instead of a time when all marriages were made by their parents, it now is set in a time where people could be more independent and give it a different color.”
John was specific in choosing the 1960s. “I wanted a time that was more modern, but I didn’t want to get caught in the trap of cell phones. A lot of problems in the original could be solved immediately with cell phones. The two leads are now partiers who get around with a lot of women, and it made me think of the swinging ‘60s in Britain.”
The theatre does four shows a year with 18 to 20 performances of each show. The Olde Towne Dinner Theatre serves about 1,700 people per show.
“It’s a labor of love to preserve and perform at The Olde Towne Theatre, and it’s one the Board of Directors and OTDT staff wouldn’t trade for the world,” says Megan. “The OTDT is home to many of us, and we are a family.”
John says that the OTDT is constantly attracting new people, whether as guests, performers, or volunteers. “So many people have been coming down here since I was a kid. They’re season ticket holders, and they love the place as much as I do.”
Megan adds that the OTDT couldn’t function without their volunteers. “Everyone from the bartenders, coffee pourers, servers, and the actors on stage are volunteers,” she says. “We have regular volunteers for each show, but we always love seeing new volunteers. They get to enjoy the four-course meal and show for free in exchange for volunteering.
“The Olde Towne Dinner Theatre is a real treasure,” Megan says. “If you are a first-time guest, we welcome you and know you will have a fantastic evening! Season tickets for 2024-2025 are still on sale. Become a season ticket holder and enjoy four nights out a year at the Olde Towne Dinner Theatre!”
For tickets and information, visit https://www. oldetownetheatre.org/.
DIAMONDGLOW WITH AESTHETICIAN ANNA
It's Time to Glow!
As we trade swimsuits for sweaters and sunny days for crisp, cozy evenings, it’s the perfect season to refresh your skin and embrace your inner radiance at Plastic Surgery Associates of South Dakota. This fall, Aesthetician Anna is ready to help you GLOW with her customized DiamondGlow Facial treatment!
FALL IN LOVE WITH DIAMONDGLOW:
• Exfoliate and Extract: DiamondGlow deeply exfoliates, extracts impurities, and infuses your skin with nourishing serums. Think of it as a monthly pampering for your skin!
• Customized Care: Anna personalizes each DiamondGlow treatment to suit your unique skin needs, ensuring you get the perfect treatment every time. DiamondGlow is not limited to just a facial treatment but can be performed on the neck, decollete, hands and back!
• Relax and Refresh: Every DiamondGlow includes an extra touch from Aesthetician Anna with a mask and massage of your choice to help you unwind and refresh. It’s a treat for you and your skin!
• Instant Results: See a noticeable glow and smoother texture after just one treatment. Say goodbye to dull, tired skin and hello to a luminous complexion!
• Better Together: DiamondGlow is the perfect treatment to pair with you fall laser services to really polish your skin after a deeper resurfacing treatment.
MEET AESTHETICIAN ANNA:
With years of experience and a passion for skincare, Anna is dedicated to helping you achieve your best skin yet. Her gentle touch and expert knowledge make every treatment a luxurious, effective experience. At Plastic Surgery Associates of South Dakota, Anna’s goal is to ensure you leave feeling rejuvenated, confident, and absolutely glowing.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
• Skin Assessment: Anna will start each treatment with a comprehensive skin analysis to understand your specific needs and goals.
• Customized Treatment: Enjoy a DiamondGlow Facial tailored just for you, targeting your unique skin concerns.
• Instant Glow: Walk out with visibly brighter, smoother, and more radiant skin!
Sweet careers a-plenty!
Brenda Sr. Manger Corporate Sales Operations
As we celebrate National Assisted Living Week, we are reminded of the heart and soul behind everything we do.
A special THANK YOU to our dedicated staff, whose unwavering commitment and compassion make our community thrive. Your hard work and kindness touch lives every day.
To our incredible residents, you inspire us with your stories, resilience, and vibrant spirits. You are the heart of our community, and we are grateful for the joy and wisdom you bring.
And to the families of our residents, thank you for your trust, support, and partnership. Your love and care enrich our community and help us provide the best for your loved ones.
Together, we create a caring, vibrant, and supportive environment. We are truly blessed to have each and every one of you as part of our community.
Here’s to celebrating the spirit of National Assisted Living Week and the incredible people who make it all possible!
L I f E IS Sw EET IN S TONE yB ROO k SUITES !
OUR MISSION
We are a full-service assisted living community “To foster the well-being of each resident by nurturing the mind, body, and spirit while maintaining each resident’s enjoyment of independence and dignity in a secure and supportive environment. We invite you to come to StoneyBrook Suites, where our joy is in serving you.”
AMENITIES
• Coffee Shop
• Salon
• Walk-in Whirlpool Spa
• Centrally located meals and activities
SERVICES
• Caring, trusted, 24-hour staff
• Personal housekeeping
• Theater
• Courtyards
• Spacious suites all on one level
If you’re considering assisted living, we are here to help every step of the way. Schedule a tour and see the quality of life available to you or your loved one.
• Three homestyle meals per day
• Professional medication administration and laundry
• On-site physical, restorative
• Scheduled daily social and and cognitive therapy exercise activities
• Personal pendant system
• Wellness clinic
• Assistance with activities of daily living
Our passion for assisted living shines through every day at StoneyBrook Suites.
Suicide is a national public health issue in America that disproportionately affects the military Veteran population. This is why it is a top priority for the Department of Veteran Affairs and why we believe that suicide prevention is everyone’s business.
The Sioux Falls VA Medical Center Suicide Prevention Program is dedicated to the prevention of Veteran suicide through education, monitoring and case management as well as outreach and collaboration with community partners who are integral to reaching at-risk Veterans.
Veterans who have a risk of suicidal behaviors receive an enhanced level of care and appropriate services through the following:
• Suicide Prevention Coordinator
• Compact Act Coordinator
• Suicide Prevention Case Managers
When a Veteran is identified with a higher risk for suicide, we can provide extra support by ‘wrapping services’ around them and their family/ support system. This includes increasing the number of mental health care appointments to closely monitor any changes that may impact mood and/or behaviors.
• If the Veteran is not already connected to a mental health team, we will assist in connecting him/her to a team for enhanced care and long-term support.
• Together, the Veteran and their treatment team as well as the suicide prevention program will make a care plan that includes weekly mental health phone contact or face-to-face appointments for four weeks.
• Staff will facilitate a discussion around safety planning and assist the Veteran in creating an individualized safety plan to address thoughts about suicide and ways to decrease them.
The team will monitor overall care and mental health contacts for at least 90 days to influence overall access to resources for ongoing improvement and engagement.
If you have more questions about the Suicide Prevention Program or to host a VA S.A.V.E. Training, please contact Jenifer Schramm, Suicide Prevention Coordinator at 605-336-3230 ext. 6238.
