PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATE JONES STUDIOS
CHOOSE YOUR CHAMP. CHOOSE YOUR CHAMP.
It’s a hometown matchup, and you make the call! Each local business is bringing their creativity with an exclusive Mash Madness drink. Try them all during the month of March and make Mash Madness 2025 the best yet!
Vote to put your favorite drink in the lead!
team of writers
Andrea Van Essen, Erica Wilcox, Lauren Johnson, Teresa Mentzer, Natalie Frazier, & Duane Duimstra
Account Executives
Cory Johnsen
605-951-3567 | cory@michelscom.com
Stace Osthus
605-261-0437 | stace@michelscom.com
Jill Foley
712-490-8506 | jill@michelscom.com
Editor
Heather Jordan heather@michelscom.com
Photography
Kate Jones Studios katejonesstudios.com
Hannah DeGroot Photography
graphic designer Makenzie Jorgenson
chief of operations
Hanna Michels
605-760-4269 | hanna@michelscom.com
is a yes woman
While some might view always saying yes as a recipe for burnout or a lack of boundaries, Kacey doesn't see it that way It's an approach to life that has served her well, both personally and professionally
For her, balance is less about knowing when to say no and more about knowing when to say yes to herself.
From welcoming unexpected job opportunities to trying out a new weeknight sports league, Kacey stays open to whatever might come her way, while also finding ways to protect her peace.
“I’m excited about living life and saying yes to things. I tend to be a joiner — I’m really willing to try anything,” Kacey shares.
She describes herself as flexible and relaxed —the type of person who doesn’t need a perfectly spelled-out plan before diving into something — but keeps herself grounded with a consistent daily routine.
“I have an ideal schedule, but it doesn’t send me over the edge if it gets messed up. I just know that’s where my best self comes from,” Kacey explains.
Up by 5 a.m. most mornings, Kacey likes to get in a workout at Fit Body Boot Camp before heading downtown to her office at Maximizing Excellence, LLC, a nonprofit consulting firm where she has worked since 2017. A major part of her role there includes serving as the Executive Director for Sales & Marketing Executives, Inc. (SME) of Sioux Falls.
Kacey’s commitment to nonprofits extends beyond the office, as she serves on the board of Lost&Found, an organization dedicated to suicide prevention for youth and young adults. She has also volunteered as a coach for Girls on the Run in the
betterment of the community. It’s not like that everywhere, and we can go back and thank the leaders of 60-70 years ago for setting that vision and attitude,” Kacey reflects.
She adds that the people involved in nonprofits are what drive her to pour out her energy for that community.
“One of my favorite aspects of the work that we do is knowing the people — the blood, sweat and tears that go into making things happen in this community,” Kacey notes.
As someone with a behind-the-scenes perspective on the nonprofit world, she says it inspires a lot of grace and understanding in tough situations, as well as appreciation for the community’s accomplishments.
“When things don’t happen the way people think they should, we have a real understanding of the various challenges or situations and why things do or don’t happen. Ultimately, knowing that we’ve been a part of some pretty cool things is definitely a motivator,” adds Kacey.
In her free time, Kacey stays busy with a variety of sports leagues —golf, pickleball and bowling— and loves traveling and attending concerts, solo or with friends.
In fact, her boss at Maximizing Excellence, Cindy Peterson, is one of her good friends and go-to concert buddies.
“I worked with Cindy at the United Way before she left to start Maximizing Excellence. So, we’ve known each other for 20 years now and are good friends. I joined her after she’d been running it for seven years, and it was a very smooth transition. I had a pretty good idea of what the boss would be like,” Kacey says, laughing.
Friends and family are important to Kacey. In fact, she shares a home with her mom, sister and her 12-year-old nephew, who she loves spending time with.
“I don’t have kids of my own, but my nephew and I spend a lot of time together.” One of her traditions with her nephew is his annual
Christmas gift, a trip to a Minnesota Vikings’ game.
But Kacey doesn’t always travel with friends or family. She recently celebrated her 50th birthday with a solo trip to London and Dublin. Although it was not her first voyage abroad, she went all the way to Australia 20 years ago —it was her
“I decided I wanted to be doing something fun on my 50th, and I didn’t want other people deciding what I should be doing, so I just booked it,” Kacey states.
She adds that people might have their own opinions about solo travel or how she planned the trip —minimal agenda items to allow her to go with the flow —but this was an opportunity for her to say yes to herself.
“It’s my 50th birthday, and I feel great about it. I’m enjoying life and doing things because I want to. I’m not scared of the unknown. I haven’t really struggled with any of those big decade changes, I’m just excited to keep enjoying life,” Kacey adds.
She attributes a lot of that enjoyment to knowing when to say yes
“There are plenty of things it’s easy to say no to including doing this magazine article, for instance, because talking about myself is one of my least favorite things, but if there’s no reason for me to say no, other than it being uncomfortable, I think opportunities are worth embracing.”
Kacey has a chocolate lab, Murphy, who is nine years old and is the second dog she's owned He was a rescue dog, and Kacey thinks she was actually his fourth owner in a year and a half He's a bit crazy, but loves people
Kacey loves traveling for concerts Two of the artists she has seen the most are the Dave Matthews Band and Matt Nathanson She has seen them each ten or more times
She loves people - they're Kacey's driving force If you're familiar with StrengthsFinder, Kacey's top 15 strengths include all of the relationship-oriented strengths
Before getting into the nonprofit world, Kacey worked in retail for quite a few years part-time as an assistant manager at Bath & Body Works and later at Eddie Bauer The hours were starting to burn her out, so that's when she made a change and moved to United Way
Kacey never would have imagined that her career would be in the nonprofit space In fact, when she was in high school, Kacey thought she would be a teacher
Refresh Your Life with Breast Reduction Surgery
As the seasons change and nature begins to bloom, it’s the perfect time for renewal—both inside and out. Spring is a season of growth, fresh starts, and embracing the beauty around us. If you’ve been considering breast reduction surgery, why not let this be your season to flourish?
At Plastic Surgery Associates of South Dakota, we understand that oversized breasts can affect more than just your appearance—they can impact your daily comfort, confidence, and overall well-being. Just like spring’s gentle renewal, breast reduction surgery can bring a sense of lightness, freedom, and rejuvenation to your life.
Relief from Physical Discomfort: Spring is a time to move freely and embrace the outdoors! Large breasts can lead to chronic neck, back, and shoulder pain, making everyday activities feel like a challenge. Breast reduction surgery helps relieve these discomforts so you can enjoy long walks, gardening, or outdoor workouts without strain.
Improved Posture and Mobility: Feel lighter, stand taller, and move with ease! Reducing the weight on your chest can improve your posture and make physical activities more enjoyable. Whether it’s a yoga session or a weekend hike, you’ll experience a new level of freedom.
A Fresh Boost of Confidence: Spring is all about blossoming into your best self. Breast reduction isn’t just about comfort—it’s about feeling confident and radiant in your skin. Enjoy wearing the clothes you love, embracing your personal style, and stepping into every moment with renewed self-assurance.
Customized Results for Your Unique Goals: Just as no two flowers bloom the same way, every patient’s needs are unique. Our skilled surgeons work with you to create results that feel natural, beautifully balanced, and tailored to your body’s proportions.
At Plastic Surgery Associates, we are committed to providing compassionate, expert care. From your first consultation to your recovery, we are here to support you every step of the way. Using advanced surgical techniques and a patientcentered approach, we ensure that your journey is smooth, safe, and empowering.
Spring symbolizes fresh beginnings, and there’s no better time to prioritize yourself. Imagine stepping into this season feeling lighter, more comfortable, and truly confident. Breast reduction surgery isn’t just a procedure—it’s a transformative journey toward a happier, healthier you.
Are you ready to welcome a new season of comfort and confidence? Schedule a consultation with Plastic Surgery Associates of South Dakota today and let us help you bloom into your best self.
Have a mom, daughter, grandma, friend, sister or wife that you think deserves to be queen for a day?
Tell us why you think that special someone should be Queen for a Day by sending in a 200 word max story and photo to jess@michelscom. com by March 31, 2025. Clips of various stories will be chosen to run in the April edition of Empire, with one winner to be ‘crowned’ in May. A great prize package perfect for a queen!
By: Lauren Johnson
BETSY SCHUSTER PRESIDENT AND CEO
Whether it’s time to get the heart pumping, connect with friends, try a new hobby, or give back to the community, Active Generations in Sioux Falls is there to help you or your loved one, no matter what stage of maturity you’re in. Active Generations provides state-of-the-art fitness facilities, organized activities, support services, and a vibrant community so adults of all ages can live their best lives. We are serving over 1,000 people per day.
“We’re a very diverse organization with a mission to create community and promote positive aging,” says Betsy Schuster, President and CEO of Active Generations. “We do that by offering three core services.”
1. Adult day and care giving
Daybreak is the name of the program for adult day services from 7 am to 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday, which helps to support both the participants and their caregivers. Daybreak allows for individuals diagnosed with the potential for Alzheimer’s or dementia or other cognitive issues to spend the day with activities, enrichment, and care.
Daybreak specializes in providing high-quality social, nutritional, and daily living services to a diverse group of people with a wide range of care needs. Participants enjoy person-centered activities that allow them to establish meaningful friendships in a protected environment, while also benefitting the caregiver who may need to continue to work or who just needs to run errands, enjoy hobbies, relax, or take time for themselves.
“It’s a phenomenal program, and we are the only organization on the east side of the state offering this service,” Betsy says. “We support care givers, offer support groups, and provide individual-care case management. It’s a free Caregiving service. Your loved one doesn’t have to be in the Daybreak program to take advantage of our free services.”
2. Nutrition and transportation
Active Generations also provides nutrition and transportation assistance, serving approximately 24,000 meals a month to people over the age of 60. “We do that through Meals on Wheels along 39 different routes to serve a hot lunch to 380 people a day,” Betsy says. “Sometimes this can be the only interaction a person may have that day, so it’s impactful and critical to their well-being. We’re always looking for volunteers to pack or deliver meals.”
Congregate dining for lunch has been available Monday through Friday for 30 years at the main campus at 2300 W. 46th Street by Scheels, and a brand-new congregate dining space has opened in Sioux Falls behind Dawley Farms at 5500 E. Active Generations Place.
3. Member services
Individuals 18 years and older can become Active Generations members, with access to fitness centers at both locations. Activities include over-50 social clubs, educational
opportunities for lifelong learning, cards, pickleball, music therapy, pet therapy, knitting, coloring, singalongs, and trips to see and experience different locales and tourist spots. There’s even dancing on Tuesday nights at the main campus from 6:30 to 9 pm. “We want to create lots of opportunities for people to do what they love,” Betsy explains. “The power of connection for emotional and mental health is critical to aging well and is a vital part of our core services programs.”
Betsy has served as the CEO of Active Generations for nine months and says it’s important to keep growing and changing to offer the best services to meet individual needs. “We encourage people to check us out so they can make sure we’re a place they feel welcome and where they’d like to learn or do things they love. There are a lot of ways to stay engaged and involved, regardless of your age.”
Call 605-336-6722 to schedule a tour between 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, or contact Active Generations Adult Day Services at 605-336-6751 for a free consultation or to schedule an assessment for a trial day. The team at Active Generations can show you how our services can improve and enhance the quality of life for adults in our community.
TUESDAY, MAR 18, 2025
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
SIOUX FALLS
Enjoy an afternoon of breakout sessions, speaker panels, and a trade fair. Stay for the evening program featuring Ann Kim, James Beard Award-winning chef, and the presentation of the 2025 Women Of Excellence awards.
By: Natalie Frazier
Ladies, grab your fabulous hats, and gentlemen, don your best Kentucky Derby-themed attire for the 13th annual Kentucky Derby Raffle benefitting the Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Dakota.
“April 3rd will be a night full of Kentucky Derby themed fun,” states Jessica Arend, Chief Development Officer of Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Dakota. “From mint julips, to derby food and outfits fit for Louisville, there is a lot going on the night of the reception that makes it a great night for all involved. Live music, raffle baskets and derby themed games will also be going on throughout the night.”
“The previous 12 years we have hosted a Kentucky Derby fundraiser where we gave away a day trip for six to The Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs,” Jessica explains. “A private jet would leave in the morning from Sioux Falls and they would head back to the jet and fly back to Sioux Falls that night.”
In 2025, an expanded prize allows for a little more time for relaxation and really soaking in this once in a lifetime opportunity.
“This year we have really elevated the experience,” Jessica shares. “We're really excited to get to offer a much bigger and better experience for our supporters who want to be a part of this.” This year's winner of the Kentucky Derby fundraiser raffle will still travel on a private jet including round-trip air transportation from Sioux Falls to Louisville, but will also receive tickets to the Kentucky Oaks races on May 2nd along with six box seat tickets to the 151st Kentucky Derby on May 3rd. Food, drinks and a two-night hotel stay at the Marriott SpringHill Suites in downtown Louisville are all included in the prize package.
Tickets will be on sale until April 2, 2025 and cost is $150. There is no maximum on the maximum amount of tickets that may be purchased, but buying a ticket will allow you entry into the Kentucky Derby Raffle Cocktail reception. The winner will be announced at the reception. “At 7 o’clock we will pull one raffle ticket and that person will be our winner. You do not need to be present to win the raffle,” Jessica explains. “But it makes it a whole lot more fun if the winner is there, of course.”
If you can’t make it to the Derby in Kentucky but still wish to participate in the charity’s Kentucky Derby fundraiser, Jessica notes that individuals can still purchase raffle tickets, but indicate on the ticket that if pulled as the winner, you want your ticket raffled to the highest bidder the night of the event on April 3rd. This way, participants can still financially contribute and even add a bit of excitement to the typical raffle process.
When asked what she loved the most about the event, Jessica spoke about the rallying of the local community around the special event and the impact that it had on local families staying with the RMHC while their children receive medical care.
“The reason I love this event so much is because of how unique and fun it is. So many people dream of getting to attend the Kentucky Derby,” Jessica shares. “The best part about this event though is that 100% of the proceeds from the sold tickets stay local to support South Dakota’s Ronald McDonald Houses and families throughout our region.”
If getting involved with the Kentucky Derby fundraiser is not an option, there are plenty of other ways to support the Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Dakota.
Providing Meals for families at RMHC
“We have so many ways to get involved right now,” Jessica comments about volunteering with the Ronald McDonald House.
The House on Lake Avenue near Sanford is undergoing a major kitchen renovation beginning March 5th lasting about two months, but the mission stays the same. RMHC hopes to provide families staying with them at least one warm meal during the day even though the kitchen will be shut down.
Jessica points out that the charity is rallying behind community restaurants, friends of the charity, or anyone who wants to help provide catered or boxed meals for the families staying at the Lake Avenue Ronald McDonald House during the time their kitchen will be renovated.
Spring Cleaning volunteer opportunities
“I always tell people whatever we all have to do in our own homes, we have to do at the Ronald McDonald Houses as well. We always have spring cleaning volunteer opportunities,” Jessica says.
The volunteer opportunities are pretty typical for RMHC, but on a much larger scale. Those looking to help around the House and donate their time can do so with outdoor and indoor cleaning opportunities.
Grow your green thumb and give back
“We are so excited to plant and grow our garden for its first season, and with that will come maintaining it,” Jessica adds. “Last year we received a very generous grant from Northwestern Mutual allowing us to be able to construct a garden outside and it is gorgeous.”
With this new garden comes the opportunity to grow fresh food to contribute to the meals they make for families staying with them.
“We want to make sure the families staying with us have access to healthy meals,” Jessica notes. “We want to make sure our families feel the best they can while they work toward their child’s health.”
As the garden gets kicked off volunteers can work to
plant, pick, weed and water the garden throughout the season. There will be many opportunities for people to get involved in the garden including opportunities to utilize the garden to cook meals for families.
Donations of any size are welcome
Whether you donate your time, treasure or talents, any contribution plays a role in helping families that stay with the RMHC.
From financial donations, to rounding up at your local McDonald’s, or simply keeping an eye on the RMHC wish list, those who wish to help can find more information on the RMHC of South Dakota website (www.rmhcsodak. org) and social media pages (@RMHCSoDak).
Join us as we announce the 2025 Kentucky Derby Raffle Winner! Thursday, April 3rd, 2025 | 5:30-8PM Canopy Hotel – Steel District 120 E. 4th Pl., Sioux Falls
Raffle tickets are $150 each. No limit on the number of tickets you can purchase! Contact Jessica at jarend@rmhcsodak.org to purchase your tickets today!
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: Teresa Mentzer
In 1890 the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA) was formed in pursuit of women’s voting rights. That same year a baby girl was born whose generation would cast the first votes as women. Her name was Gladys Pyle, and she would blaze a trail of her own in pursuit of equal rights for women.
To guide her way, the suffrage path had already been paved in states across the country. Soon after gaining statehood in 1889, South Dakota joined the list, and Gladys’ mother, Mamie Shields Pyle, helped advance the state’s enactment for women’s suffrage.
And then along came Gladys, the youngest of four children for Mamie and her husband John L. Pyle. Gladys was born October 4, 1890 in Huron, SD where she attended public schools and graduated from Huron College in 1911. She taught for several years but eventually was called to follow in her mother’s footsteps of public service.
In August of 1920 the 19th Amendment was signed into law, and at age 30, Gladys voted in the Presidential Election that November the first of many significant firsts in her future.
In 1923 Gladys Pyle became the first female member of the House of Representatives in South Dakota. During her tenure, Gladys
presented an amendment to the state municipal jurors’ bill which would have made women eligible to serve on a jury.
“Women have as much right for a trial by their peers as men,” Gladys stated at the time.
The amendment was defeated, but not Gladys or her ‘can do’ spirit. She was just getting started with her efforts to defend and support the rights of women. From her perspective anything men could do women could, too.
“Women have as much right to run for the legislature as men. If my brother can hang by his knees on a trapeze, so can I!” Gladys exclaimed.
Following her years in the House, Gladys served as the South Dakota Secretary of State from 1927 to 1931. In 1930 she became the first women to run for governor. Despite winning the primary over her four male contenders, she did not receive enough votes at convention to earn her party’s nomination.
Gladys once again showed her resolve and continued her work for the common good, a cause she believed would render good for women as well.
During the Depression era of the 1930’s Miss Pyle stepped away from the political forum and turned her attention to the State Securities Commission from 1931-1933 and to her life insurance business in Huron. In November of 1938 Gladys ran for the Senate after the death of Sen. Peter Norbeck earlier that fall. She won the special election and served until January of 1939 to finish Norbeck’s term and represent her state in Congress.
Gladys Pyle stepped out of the political ring again, but not without leaving her mark in the record books. She was the first South Dakota woman to be elected to the U.S. Senate and serve as Secretary of State, the first Republican woman to be elected to the Senate, the first woman elected to the state legislature and the first woman to serve on a state commission.
Her interest in politics continued and she was a delegate to the National Republican Convention in 1940 in Philadelphia. She enjoyed political discourse and had great respect for women and men in public office.
“It’s a noble business,” Gladys shared in an interview. “Men and women give up a lot when they go into politics and know they will be kicked around,” she explained.
While many of her female contemporaries engaged in
more traditional roles as wife and mother, Gladys Pyle, wrote her own script.
“Why not?” she said when asked to explain the reason women should be involved in the political and public arenas of our country.
It was this confidence and zest that earned Gladys the tag line, “Ultra-Modern Young Woman” when she ran for governor. Her take charge-approach garnered attention whether it was tacking her own nameplate above the senate office door, driving her father’s car from South Dakota to D.C. through a snowstorm or managing the family farm near Huron.
Gladys may not have coveted the headlines she made throughout her life, but the annals of South Dakota history are emblazoned with her accomplishments and the impact she had on the future for women in public service and government.
She witnessed some of her work come to fruition when she joined five other women on the South Dakota jury in 1947, and she celebrated the passing of the Equal Rights Amendment in 1972, a half a century after they were both proposed.
Her public service was honored in 1979 when she was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame. Nearly a century after she arrived, Gladys Shields Pyle died on March 14, 1989.
SATURDAY, MARCH 29TH from 8:00 am - 12:00 pm Social Hour at 8am Sale Event 9am-12pm
Prairie View Event Hall 27091 Kerslake Place Tea, SD 57064
The temperatures are finally starting to rise and we’ve got spring on our minds! It’s time to freshen up those wardrobes for all the season’s events and we have the perfect event to do just that! Five local socialites in the Sioux Empire area are coming together again for the Sioux Empire Closet Sale! Grab your calendars and tell your shopping gals because you won’t want to miss out on this event.
What is a ‘Closet Sale’ exactly? This is a rare event to shop inside these five ladies’ closets at the beautiful Prairie View Event Hall in Tea! All the ladies agree that their industries; influencing, modeling, entrepreneurship and fitness bring them more clothing, shoes, decor and accessories than
Vendors:
Crunchi: toxin-free skincare and makeup
House of Colour: image and color season consultants
Elevated Air: balloons, inflatables and backdrops
You Glow Girl: mobile spray tanning
Jane Lee: permanent jewelry and piercing
Prairie View Event Hall
the average consumer. Trends are constantly changing, as are the seasons, so it is an opportunity for these ladies to make room in their closets for the newest, upcoming trends to share with their followers. With each sale the selection and the quantity gets a little bigger! At this sale you’ll be able to shop for clothing, shoes, jewelry, clean skincare and make-up, home décor, handbags, swimwear and more! Many of which are brand new or barely worn. We’ll have clothes from all four seasons, the largest selection in spring and summer clothing, in a wide variety of sizes. Come early for our social hour from 8:00am-9:00am for refreshments and to check out our vendors and all they’re offering!
Sizes:
Tops & Jackets: XS-2XL
Jeans & Bottoms: 0-18
Shoes: 8-11 (1/2 sizes included)
Dresses, Jumpsuits & Swimwear: XS-2XL
Photography: Mary Novak with Prairie and Wild Photography
LIFESTYLE INFLUENCER & CLEAN BEAUTY ADVOCATE • BEHIND BEST DRESSED BLONDE •
Full time Influencer, Clean Beauty Advocate and Content Creator behind Best Dressed Blonde. I’m a fashion enthusiast who shares my passions, purpose, and love for overall health and wellness on social media! Online you’ll find me sharing the best deals, latest trends, affordable staples and toxin-free beauty and lifestyle finds. My style could be described as; fashion-forward, everyday classics, pops of trendy, with lots of hues in summer colors!
What spring trend are you most excited about? The return of the denim skort! They’re so much more functional and practical. I’m also excited about spring and summer colors returning to brighten up our wardrobes. Hoping to finally find a good, soft summer yellow!
@BESTDRESSEDBLONDE
• BEHIND KAYLAMARWALDNER •
Influencer and Content Creator behind kaylamarwaldner, with a passion for supporting local businesses. I love all things fashion, lifestyle and fitness! My content includes day-to-day snippets of my daily life while sharing my go-to products, general fashion, beauty, and healthy living. A few of my favorite brands include Anine Bing, Abercrombie, Lululemon, Mango, and Free People. My style in a few words: comfortable but elevated.
• JACKIEJANE.XO •
Lover of fitness, fashion and farming. I am a first time mama to my girl Daisy and have been loving this stage of life. I work full time on my family farm and love sharing my busy lifestyle on socials with my community! You’ll see fitness, food ideas, home routines and try on hauls and now some mama content! I love my staples but I’m always shopping for seasonal finds! My style could be described as casual comfy, neutral staples, pops of trendy and fun colors.
What spring trend are you most excited about? I’m really pumped for all the pink that will be trending!
@JACKIEJANE.XO
What spring trend are you most excited about? I love spring fashion! The introduction to warmer months while also being able to layer. I’m most excited about thick cuff-hem denim, pea coats, boat-neck sweaters and barn jackets. I also got my hands on the Brooklyn bag by Coach and I truly think it’s a must-have!
Be sure to follow them all on Instagram and other social media platforms! Share this article with a shopping buddy!
• BEHIND MARILYNJOAN •
I am a mommy and business professional who loves shopping and keeping up with the latest trends. My wardrobe is very extensive to match my on the go, active and professional lifestyle, while still maintaining work from home casual comfort. It’s no secret that I love to shop so I am constantly updating my wardrobe. You can expect to find current, on trend pieces from me on the sale!
What spring trend are you most excited about? I’m most excited about pink and pale yellow coming back! Those are two of my favorite colors to wear!
@MARILYNJOAN
• BEHIND KAYLEE.SLAGUS •
I am a plus-size fashion influencer and curve model. My content is dedicated to celebrating our bodies as they are, with a strong emphasis on self-love and plus-size fashion inspiration. I aim to empower women of all sizes to embrace their confidence, feel sexy, and own their power. Online you’ll find me sharing all the plus-size and tall girl fashion finds. My style ranges from comfort and athleisure to streetwear, bodycon, and oversized styles.
What spring trend are you most excited about? I’m most excited that sporty styles are trendy for this spring! Think track jackets, oversized hoodies, sneakers, layering spandex and vibrant color palettes — blending comfort with style has never looked better.
@ KAYLEE.SLAGUS
At StoneyBrook Suites, we will care for your loved one in an environment designed to allow them to thrive.
Enhancing the lives of our residents and offering peace of mind to their families is at the heart of what we do here at StoneyBrook Suites Assisted Living. Imagine a place where your loved ones are not just cared for, but truly embraced in a supportive community. Our commitment is to provide an environment where seniors can thrive independently, all while receiving the personalized care they deserve. StoneyBrook Suites is more than just a place to reside; it’s a vibrant community that fosters fulfillment, security, and a profound sense of belonging for our cherished residents.
Join the team at StoneyBrook and discover a rewarding healthcare career. Scan the code to apply!
We are a full-service assisted living community with a mission
“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.”
• Coffee Shop
• Salon
• Walk-in Whirlpool Spa
• Centrally located meals and activities
• Caring, trusted, 24-hour staff
• Personal housekeeping
• Theater
• Courtyards
• Spacious suites all on one level
• 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
By: Duane Duimstra
The Sioux Falls VA Health Care System is dedicated to delivering the best possible care to all Veterans, especially those diagnosed with neurocognitive disorders. The Behavioral Recovery Outreach (BRO) program, which specializes in dementia care, was established to alleviate stress for both Veterans and their family members. The program aims to enhance the quality of life for Veterans and improve their access to care.
“We made sure that the process is simple,” said Kimberly Morgan, BRO Team Program Coordinator and social worker for the team. “Veterans with VA benefits or their family can request a consult through their provider, for non-medication assistance and approaches from our team.”
To achieve their goal, the BRO team consists of a psychologist, a nurse, and a social worker. They work with Veterans at the Sioux Falls VA and consistently travel to Veterans in assisted living and nursing homes to provide their expert care and make an impactful difference for the Veterans.
The BRO Team utilizes a variety of techniques to manage a
Veteran’s diagnosis, which could include mood, behavior, memory, and other challenging neurocognitive changes.
“With our Traditional Program, we follow inpatient Veterans into the assisted living, medical foster home or nursing home facilities to work with their staff and share a Veteran’s specific behavior plan to ensure they are well taken care of,” said Morgan. “We also stay connected with the facility as a resource and guide while performing regular checks on Veterans ensuring they are doing well. BRO Team Preventative Program is offered to outpatient Veterans residing at home, medical foster home, or a facility, helping their fulltime caregivers with interventions to prevent them from needing to be hospitalized due to behavioral concerns.”
Although the team is small, the BRO Team undeniably makes a substantial and positive impact on the lives of Veterans with dementia and their families.
“Our team is truly invested in helping Veterans,” said Morgan. “Our team takes the time and effort to create a care plan because every Veteran’s diagnosis is different.”
Photos By: Hannah DeGroot Photography
First, please tell us a little bit about your background such as where you are from, where you went to school, and what you are currently working on: I was born and raised in rural Elkton, South Dakota, and I earned my a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from South Dakota State in Brookings. After working in a couple local art galleries, and a music store, as well as some time appraising art and antiques, I’m now blessed to homeschool my kids and create in the small but sweet town of Steen, MN, just east of Sioux Falls. I am currently embroidering Bible covers in a continuing series that I am calling “Stitching the Scriptures” and also starting a three-dimensional painting series using Wonder Horses as the canvases.
How did you get started creating art? Growing up in school, I can always remember the urge to create and go over the top aesthetically. It helped to have parents that were both creative in different ways and always encouraged me to continue down that path. I can remember my Dad writing down phone numbers from art school commercials on TV, sitting outside my childhood home and drawing it, and both parents driving me to check out art schools in high school.
In your portfolio, you have several different mediums of art that you create. What is special about each, and do have a favorite type or style? I used to focus only on ceramics and sculptural forms because it is what I fell in love with in college, but there are so many mediums and methods to try and explore. I always like to try and work a little out of the box just to surprise people or change things up for myself so that it doesn’t get too repetitive or stagnant. I don’t have one favorite, but I have fallen for embroidery and some past works had me utilizing eggshells to make mosaics, which was completely new and fun to me! I will always love to work three dimensionally whenever
I can, so my upcoming series, “Saddle Up Your Horses,” which explores using reclaimed Wonder Horses as painting canvases, really intrigues and excites me!
What are some common themes that you pursue? The common theme throughout everything I create is Jesus. No matter what I am working on, it will showcase my Christian beliefs and hopefully point viewers in His direction or make them ask questions and start a conversation.
What techniques do you use, are there certain materials required, and is there a connection between your process and your artwork’s message? Since I work in so many different mediums and methods, the techniques are all so different whether it’s painting, embroidery, carving with a hot knife, using stencils graphically, adhering eggshells to make a mosaic or even writing poetry, it’s been all so different and I love that. I do believe there is a connection between the process and the final product, because it is an act of worship. If I was born with creative abilities and I am using those to share Jesus with people in art form, I can’t think of a greater connection. A creation continuing what the Creator started.
Who was the most influential person to you (artistically speaking)? God is the ultimate artist in my opinion. I mean, look at you and me (and don’t get me started on sunsets and flowers!) But as far as human artists that influence me, I would have to say any mom artist out there that is finding the time and energy to create while also loving and raising their babies. Speaking of art historically, Edmonia Lewis, Mary Cassatt, L.S Lowry, Maurice Utrillo and Andrew Wyeth are just a few names that come to mind.
What habits do you have that encourage creativity? Listening to Christian music, Bible reading, watching my kids create things and looking at everyday items with an open mind of how it could possibly be used in a creative way.
Describe a memorable reaction to your artwork: I think my most memorable reactions were when a piece would spark a genuine conversation, like when I title artworks with Bible verses, or when they look closer and realize what I used to create something and I overhear them say, “I would never have thought to use eggshells to make something beautiful.”
What would you tell your younger self? You can be creative in unorthodox or counter-cultural ways. God has a plan for your creativity and He will surprise you all the time. Never stop making things.
What are three things still left on your bucket list? 1. To have a sculpture in the Sioux Falls sculpture walk. 2. To have a fine art exhibition in a gallery setting addressing art and faith. 3. To leave a legacy about Jesus.
Tell us something that might surprise us about you. I once saved a neighbor who was trapped under her riding lawn mower, which provided inspirations for a ceramic sculpture I created in college about the event. I got an A+ on it, but more importantly, I got to have so many interesting conversations about it.
Name three words that describe your art collection: Hygge. Religious. Textile
Where can readers view your work and learn more? Instagram: @kingdom.gardener
