THE BUZZ

Just Kidding Childcare Center opens in the Industrial Park.

 Caring for students at Just Kidding Childcare Center are (L to R): Adwoa Street, director, Brogan Kary, Cynthia Jones, Mykell Phelps, Janet Funmaker, and Peggy Pavlish.

After Pastors Drew and Christi Becker launched Freedom Church in Aberdeen’s Industrial Park, they started praying about what they could do with the church’s first floor. The entire space was empty and they wanted to use it for good, but they weren’t sure exactly what that would look like. When Drew suggested a childcare center, they were both surprised. Christi says, “We discovered child care is a huge need here, but neither of us had a background in that field.” Enter Adwoa Street, a new Aberdeen resident who has a master’s

in early childhood development and in education counseling. Her education, along with her previous experience in developing childcare centers, made her the perfect fit for the role of center director. Christi says, ”Adwoa really makes it her mission to know and love each child here. She makes this their home away from home.”

Just Kidding Childcare Center opened in August 2019. They care for children ages four weeks to preschool and also hold after school and summer programs. Christi says what sets them apart is their curriculum and their dedication to each child and family. “We really want to inspire every child, instruct them through teachable moments, and invest in them so they have a successful future.” // — Jenny Roth  Just Kidding Childcare Center is located at 516 Production Street, Suite 100. To reach them or inquire about openings, call 605-725-KIDZ or head to www.jkchildcarecenter.com.

 Head Instructor Maryah Wilson works with a student at Strongheart Martial Arts Academy.

Strongheart Martial Arts Academy expands with new location.

Kids and adults have a new option in the Aberdeen Mall for getting active and growing in confidence and self-discipline. Strongheart Martial Arts Academy moved to the mall in December. Founded in 2006 by Master Nathan Schutz, the academy was previously located at NSU and on Main Street. Third Degree Head Instructor Maryah Wilson says their new location just felt right. “We are visible to a lot of people here. Plus, our students have plenty of space to run and move.”

Strongheart Martial Arts serves around 20-25 students, ages five to adult, and teaches skills in Taekwondo and Hapkido. Their classes really are for all ages, with some of their students starting in their 40s, 50s, and even 70s. They also welcome a wide range of abilities. “Kids with confidence struggles, ADD, ADHD, OCD, and autism practice here. It’s a way for them to focus their energy in a positive environment. When students make a mistake we correct them, but we never put anyone down. We teach to the individual and make our training fit each person, versus making every person fit into the same training,” Maryah says. Classes start at about $35/month. // — Jenny Roth  Strongheart Martial Arts Academy is open for new students wishing to enroll. To find out more, visit www. strongheartmartialartsacademy.com or call 605-377-3376.

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 The Aberdeen Zonta Club is Dorene Nelson, Colleen Callum, Gloria Smith, Lavonne Miller, Jacki Omland, Marilyn Kohles, Karen Lane, and Mickey Geffre.

Aberdeen’s Zonta Club celebrates 67 years.

Over a hundred years ago, in the aftermath of World War I, a group of women formed Zonta International. While the organization has evolved over time, its mission to help women through service and advocacy has remained the same. South Dakota is home to three Zonta clubs—in Pierre, Spearfish, and Aberdeen.

Zonta Aberdeen has been a part of the community since March 1953. Today, they have 12 members who hold two annual fundraisers for local women and for women around the world. Their first fundraiser is a luncheon, hosted every February. Then in October, they hold a See’s Candy sale, which club secretary Dorene Nelson calls, “the best candy and chocolate in the world.” With these fundraisers, Zonta provides four college scholarships to nontraditional women students (two at Presentation, and two at NSU), as well as high school scholarships. The club also gives to Zonta International to aid in their worldwide work that notably includes putting an end to child marriages. // — Jenny Roth  Aberdeen’s Zonta Club invites new members wishing to join. They meet monthly on the fourth Tuesday at the Millstone at 6:00 PM. To find out how you can support Zonta or for more information, contact Dorene Nelson at gnelson@nvc.net or at 605-397-8462.

 Harbor Freight recently celebrated its grand opening in the former Herberger’s store in the Aberdeen Mall.

The store is one of the nation’s largest retailers for tools and accessories.

Harbor Freight has opened in the Aberdeen Mall. Nationwide, the discount tool center has over 1,000 locations, all stemming from a business founded in 1977 by 17-yearold Eric Smidt. Aberdeen’s Harbor Freight celebrated its grand opening on February 1 inside a portion of the former Herberger’s store.

Harbor Freight is known for high-quality, affordable tools and accessories for home repair, auto repair, and various hobbies. Aberdeen residents can shop a wide selection of air and power tools, welding supplies, outdoor power equipment, shop equipment, hand tools, and more. The company also develops its own product line, including 600 new tools and accessories to be released in 2020. Austin, store manager, says they are the perfect stop for technicians, contractors, woodworkers, homeowners, and hobbyists. // — Jenny Roth  Stop in at Harbor Freight seven days a week, including Monday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. For more information, call 605-824-1314.

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 Deb Stengel has owned Anchors of Faith since 2006. Photo courtesy of Anchors of Faith

The New Beginnings Center gathers funds for a much-needed kitchen remodel.

 The kitchen plays a significant role at the New Beginnings Center group home for youth. Pictured L to R are members of the NBC staff: Dixie Garett, chef/cook, Dawn Richards, program director, and Liesl Hovel, development director.

The kitchen is the heart of a home. It’s where everyone meets at the end of a busy day to kick off their shoes, relax, and enjoy a meal together. More than food, the kitchen is where people go to be heard and to connect with others who care about them. The children at the New Beginnings Center rely on their kitchen for all of these things.

New Beginnings is a group home for youth ages 10-18, most of whom are referred by the Department of Social Services or the Department of Corrections. Their current residential building was constructed in 1994, and since then has not seen a kitchen remodel. Liesl Hovel, development director at Lutheran Social Services, says, “Our kitchen has served us well, but we’ve been serving kids in it for over 25 years and it’s showing wear and tear.” They would like to replace appliances (many of which they received second-hand) and add a walk-in freezer, refrigerator, and pantry. Their Campaign for Hope to raise funds needed for the project is active and will run through August 2020. // — Jenny Roth  You can help sponsor the New Beginnings Center’s kitchen by sending donations to LSS, C/O Campaign for Hope, 110 6th Ave SE, Suite 200, or by calling 605-262-6301.

The Christian gift shop has been closed since October after sustaining damage caused by the Malchow’s fire.

There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the future of Anchors of Faith on Main Street Aberdeen. The business shared a wall with Malchow’s Home Furnishings, and while firemen prevented the fire that took that building from spreading into others, Anchors of Faith suffered a hundred percent loss due to smoke and water damage. Owner Deb Stengel says, “We knew immediately when we opened the back door the morning after the fire that things had changed.” At least 18 inches of water covered the store’s basement along with smoke throughout, causing an excess of moisture and heat that resulted in crippling damage to the building and its inventory. As of now, Deb says they are still going through the insurance process and waiting to see where they’ll go from here.

Deb’s faith is what brought her to the store in the first place and it is what keeps her going as she waits. She was a customer at Anchors of Faith before purchasing the business in 2006. “I had wanted to own a store for years and had forgotten that dream, but God didn’t,” she says. Her shop specializes in Christian gifts, books, special occasions, and cards. // — Jenny Roth  To follow along with updates on Anchors of Faith, visit their Facebook page.

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Electric motor bikes gain momentum in Aberdeen.

 Engineer Jason Osborn is the owner of Oz Motorz, a mobile e-bike and e-bike conversion shop.

Jason Osborn is using his engineering background to develop e-bikes and e-bike conversions at his new business, Oz Motorz. His bikes have two modes, pedalassist and battery-only, and have a max speed of about 20 mph. If you have an injury or a physical limitation that prevents you from riding a regular bike, an e-bike can be your chance to get out there on two wheels again. And they provide a faster, more convenient way of commuting that won’t leave you showing up for work looking like you just left the gym.

A new e-bike with Oz Motorz retails between $1,400-$3,200. Converting your existing bike into an electric runs about $1,000-$1,200. When doing a conversion, Jason sets the bike up with a motor and services the entire thing. It’s the perfect way to bring an old bike back to life and to put a smile on your face. “Being able to ride a bike again, it’s like being a kid again,” he says. Oz Motorz is a mobile bike shop, traveling within 100 miles of Aberdeen. // — Jenny Roth  As the warm weather returns, watch for free e-bike test ride opportunities by Oz Motorz in Aberdeen. In the meantime, visit www.ozmotorz.com or find them on Facebook.

 Jordyn Volk (right) has moved her maternity and newborn photography studio to 3001 Sixth Avenue SE, Suite 6. Photo by Jordyn Photography

Jordyn Photography launches a studio exclusively for maternity and newborn portraits.

Many photographers have studios, but Jordyn Volk wanted to take that one step further when creating her new location for Jordyn Photography. She designed the space not just for moms and babies to come in and get their pictures taken, but for them to really cozy up and feel welcome. “The goal for the new studio is to have an instant feeling of comfort and relaxation. We have a closet full of maternity gowns and infant outfits and a changing room. There’s also an area designated for hair and makeup for maternity sessions so those moms can relax and feel pampered,” she says.

Newborn photography has become a true niche in the photography world, especially in recent years. It was after attending a workshop especially for newborn photographers that Jordyn decided it would become her niche too. Her new studio is open by appointment and located at 3001 Sixth Avenue Southeast, Suite 6. // — Jenny Roth  To find out more about Jordyn Photography, find her Facebook and Instagram or check out www.jordynphotography.com

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