August 2018

Bringing home the gold--and the silverCongratulations to Derrick Boegel, Joshua Gilbert, David Tanner, Mike Eastman and Matt Morin and to staff Amy Jobgen and Joe Burmeister on their success at the Special Olympics USA Games June 30-July 7 in Seattle, Washington. Derrick, Joshua, David and Mike all competed on South Dakota’s softball team which brought home a gold medal from the games. Amy was the head soft-ball coach for the South Dakota team. Matt won a silver medal in bocce ball and together he and Joe won bronze in the unified bocce competition. The Black Hills Works group was part of a South Dakota contingent of 51 athletes and 17 coaches from across the state. Four thousand athletes from across the country participated in 14 team and indi-vidual sports. Joe Burmeister shared his thoughts as a coach, “This week is about changing lives. I got to have a hand in providing these lifetime experiences and memories for these athletes who ask for nothing more than to be allowed to compete and to be accepted.” The athletes also took in a Seattle Mariners baseball game and enjoyed some sightseeing, includ-ing a visit to the Space Needle.

360 degrees of artFlutter Productions hosted their second 360 Degree Arts Camp July 20-22 at Camp Meeting the Need near Keystone. Ten participants explored nature, dance, music, visual arts and theatre with professional in-structors Sara Olivier, Andrea Fischer, Mark Zim-merman and Heather Pickering. They also attended Oklahoma at the Black Hills Playhouse on Friday evening. Flutter Productions Artistic Director Heather Pickering says the goal of the camp was “to give people some things they could do at home to help con-nect them to the arts and calm them when people are feeling anxious.” The camp was made possible by the Black Hills Playhouse, the Rasmussen Fund, Rush-more Lions Club, and Modern Woodmen.”

Liz Warner and Freida Henschel attended the performance at the Black Hills Play-house with other Arts Camp partici-pants.

Front row, left to right: Tyler Brink, Liz Warner, Rachel Grant, Jenny Oxton and Freida Henschel. Back row: Andrea Fischer, Casie Cotton, Lisa Warner, John Kraft, Bart Williamson and Mike Leithauser.

Members of South Dakota’s softball team which took the gold medal at the Special Olympics USA Games June 30-July 7 in Seattle, Washington.

Recognition from National GuardCongratulations Becky Trainer-Carlson, Frontline Leader at Sitka, who was selected to participate in the National Guard’s Golden Coyote Boss Lift in June. Becky represented Black Hills Works as a South Dakota employer supporter of the National Guard and reserve. The Boss Lift is designed to show civilian employers what their soldiers do during annual train-ing and drill. Becky says participants did many simu-lators and also got to ride in a helicopter as it flew over Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse. She also received a plaque on behalf of Black Hills Works because of the agency’s support of employees in the guards. Then on June 29, she got a surprise visit from Bob Mallow of Employer Support of the National Guard who came by to present her with an Award of Patriotic Employer from the office of the Secretary of Defense.

Becky Trainer-Carlson in the Humvee ready to do a simulator rollover. Becky participated in the National Guard’s Boss Lift in June.

Toaloa Levaula (employee and member of the National Guard), Becky Trainer-Carlson and Bob Mallow from Employer Sup-port of the National Guard.

Employment success“I’m going to retire from here,” says Sam Gar-cia with a smile when he talks about his new job with the Rapid City School Dis-trict. He started on May 23 and is responsible for cleaning the dis-trict’s print shop, warehouse, bus barn and mainte-nance building. Each building has different needs and Sam is on a tight schedule in order to complete all four buildings in his allotted time. Despite memory issues, Sam is doing very well thanks to assistance from job coach Lorrie Martin and the assistive technology team. Lorrie made laminated, color-coded sheets showing his daily tasks and he uses a dry erase marker to check off tasks as he does them. The assistive technology team assisted Sam with learning to use the Wayfinder application so that he can ride the bus to and from work. They continue to look for ways to help Sammy not only keep his job, but grow in it. Lorrie says Sam’s supervisor, Steve Luken, and other school district staff has been excellent with Sam. “They are understanding, and helpful with his needs as he grows and learns.” They have also been very accepting and welcoming. Sam was recently invited to a potluck the print shop and warehouse were hosting. And she hears many positive comments about Sam from a variety of school district employees. She says it shows that the people we serve can “work side by side with the community and not only improve their lives, but also the lives around them.” There has been a lot of time and effort put into helping Sam become successful at his job, but it’s been worth it to Lorrie. “This is very much a success-ful story for Black Hills Works and the Rapid City School District. I am very honored and proud to have been a part of this process.”

Sam Garcia is all smiles about his new job with the Rapid City School District.

Employment First staff hit the lanes at Meadowood Lanes on Friday, July 20 for some team building. Pictured are left to right: Lorrie Martin, Sara Renton, Kathy LaForest, Dawn Wozna, Sandy Ollila, Mariah Fischer and Kelly Hotovec.

Employment First staff at the lanes

Out & About at the rodeo Eight people served attended the Black Hills Roundup Special Needs Rodeo June 16 in Belle Fourche. The annual event pairs contestants of all ages and abilities with State High School Rodeo contestants in rodeo events from roping to riding. It takes place in conjunc-tion with the South Dakota High School Rodeo Finals. Participants were provided with a complementary lunch, T-shirt, award and cowboy hat.

Chloe Baldwin out for a ride at the Black Hills Roundup.

Shad’s gardenShad Bebout (below) maintained a garden at the Black Hills Works green house until day-service staff-ing issues prevented it. That also put an end to the contract he had to provide rhubarb to Prairie Berry Winery. But Shad isn’t one to give up. Direct Support Professional Ben Hobson says Shad set out to gar-den on his own. He purchased the wood needed for a garden bed, soil and seeds including rhubarb, purple green beans and rainbow carrots. Staff at his apartment took care of the irrigation watering needs by hand wa-tering with a hose from May through June. But Shad grew tired of asking staff to take care of his garden, so he researched on his own on how to build a watering system that he could activate himself with a switch or a lever. Ben helped him build customized accessible watering system for his garden with PVC pipes and hosing (below). Shad is now able to water his garden morning and evening any day of the week with no staff support.

Grant funds make refurbishing possible Some Black Hills Works facilities are getting some much needed refurbishing thanks to the $91,000 grant Black Hills Works received from the South Dakota Housing Development Authority in May 2017. Doug Meiron says the patio at Hampton has been extended five feet and a new patio with awning has been added at Jake’s. Quincy now has a new roof and the gutter there has been replaced, also thanks to the grant. In other non-grant related projects, three rooms at St. Cloud and the apartment office and one apart-ment at Johns’ have all received new flooring. Quincy will get new flooring in their hallways in August. And Minnesota, Indiana and Fir are all set to receive new flooring in some rooms also in August.

BHWI hosts car show

Justin Bruns (front) Michelle White Whirlwind, Ordean Ste-venson and Dean Baker check out one of the cars at the BHWI Car Show on July 13. Thanks to all who brought vehicles and participated.

Rodney Kraft recognized In June, Rodney Kraft received a “shout out” certifi-cate for “selflessness and sense of commitment to the men and women of the 28th Bomb Wing.” Rodney has been employed at the Ellsworth supply store for 23 years. Jan Dominguez, Unit Program Coordinator at the 28th Civil Engineer Squadron, who recommended Rodney for the certificate, said “He is knowledgeable, helpful and always cheerful.” Great job Rodney!

Rodney Kraft

Raider Star David WilliamsCongratulations David Williams, Raider Café Em-ployee of the Month for June. David was honored with a $10 gift card and his name was added to the plaque with past winners. Sodexo, military and BH Services employees all took part in congratulating him on his achievement. David works in the dining and dishwashing area. He is responsible for sanitation and cleanliness and has also taken on cashier duties. Paul Warren says David is a capable and independent worker and that he has a good relationship with everyone. “He is always pleasant and polite to all he encounters during his work shift from the dining customers, military, con-tract personnel, staff and co-workers. He is a pleasure to have on the food service crew,” says Paul.

St. Cloud babiesPeople living at St. Cloud apartments hatched some chicks in June. Katherine McNeary says they candled the eggs so they could see the chicks developing and they also listened to them peeping in the shell and watched as they broke free. She says this is the second year they’ve hatched chicks who will grow up to “hide from hawks and chase cats” on her twenty-acre prop-erty.

Hoksila Long (left) and David Johnson enjoying the baby chicks hatched at St. Cloud.

Special OlympicFall Classic will be held in Mitchell September 21- 23.

Foundation Focus: Help spread the wordThe Black Hills Works Foundation supports the work of Black Hills Works. The funds we raise help in all areas of the agency, from residential to recreation to assistive technology and more. You play an important role in our fundraising efforts: •Keep sending us your photos and stories. We use them to educate potential donors, as well as potential employees and employers, on Facebook, in newsletters and in the media. •Like the Black Hills Works page on Facebook and share our posts with your friends. •Invite the foundation team for a Walk About through your work area. The more we know about the people you support and the work you do, the better we can tell your story. •If you know of a group that would be inter-ested in learning more about Black Hills Works, either refer them to us or let us know who to contact. We would be happy to do a Walk Through the Works pro-gram about our agency for them. Contact Dr. Andrea Serna (extension 6204) or any member of the foundation team.

SCAC mentioned in national arts listingRapid City made the Top 40 Most Vibrant Arts Com-munities in America list for 2018. Congratulations to the Suzie Cappa Art Center which was mentioned as an example of why Rapid City was selected. The list was divided into large, medium and small com-munities and Rapid City was ranked number eight of the 10 medium communities named. The study was released by the National Center for Arts Research and can be read in its entirety at http://mcs.smu.edu/artsre-search2014/arts-vibrancy-2018

Erin Walz meets Giddy the clown during Gold Discover Days in Custer.

Gold Discovery Days

Candidate visits TBIRC

Gubernatorial candidate Billy Sutton visited The Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center on July 27. Pictured are Sutton (front) and Andrea Serna, Kameron Nelson and Dr. Justine Ashokar.

We’ll miss you Jasmine! As Jasmine Nguyen leaves us for new adventures, BakeWorks staff want to wish her the very best. We have so appreciated your thoughtfulness and concern for both staff and people supported. You have a gift for working with people. And we really appreciate the way you have stepped in when staffing was short. You will be missed. BakeWorks staff

The Road Ahead with Colleen RomanoBy Kathy RomanoWhat a wonderful experience for Suzie Cappa artist, Colleen Romano, to be able to attend the opening of The Road Ahead Art Exhibit at Art Enables Gallery in Washington, D.C. on July 14. The opening reception was scheduled for 4 p.m. following the second Sat-urday workshop. Colleen and mom, Kathy arrived in time to participate in the workshop and have plenty of time to visit with the staff and artists. Colleen par-ticipated in the workshop led by local artist, Charlie Visconage. The workshop is open to the public and was well attended. Art Enables supports 30 artists at their loca-tion on Rhode Island Ave in northeast Washington. In the large well-lit storefront location, the artists work primarily in acrylic painting. Throughout the afternoon and reception, visi-tors were able to view the show in the gallery on the lower level. Colleen and her mom had the opportunity to meet some of the regular artists and visit with staff and volunteers, learning that we share the same hopes and goals for the artists. Sunday allowed for some leisure time to explore Washington, starting with brunch at the Old Ebbit Grill, which dates back to colonial days. We also took a walk past the White House and around LaFay-ette park where there are always tourists and locals to visit with. Colleen had a great time sharing her story and her art. Thank you to Suzie Cappa Art Center for giv-ing Colleen the place to grow in her art and a venue to exhibit it to the wider world. Thanks for all you do!

Artist Colleen Romano attended the opening of The Road Ahead Art Exhibit at Art Enables Gallery in Washington, D.C.

Employment anniversaries Tara Wilcox 22 yearsMichelle Aman 39 yearsBrenda Bertrand 20 yearsLaura Gibson 32 yearsSara Giles 9 yearsSusan Norskov 27 yearsPaula Pederson 18 yearsCheyenne Ness 2 yearsCynthia Carner 13 yearsPaul Warren 16 yearsRobert Matthews 21 yearsGail Mai 11 yearsTrena Garlick 10 yearsKitra Willmes 10 yearsMelissa Myers 10 yearsScott Durand 2 yearsNicole Roberts 9 yearsHeidi Clark 4 yearsDoreen Schulze 8 yearsAlexi Kieffer 8 yearsMatthew Brady 8 yearsChrystena Kellermann 8 yearsBecky Trainer-Carlson 7 yearsMichelle Kline 6 yearsCarolyn McBride 5 yearsMichelle Mechaley 4 yearsMary Lee 1 yearKatie Zwetzig 3 yearsTianna Hurt 3 yearsShelly Whitney 2 yearsRebecca Bryant 2 yearsElizabeth McCloud 2 yearsKameron Nelson 2 yearsDina Montero 2 yearsStephanie Muilenburg 2 yearsAlyssa Phillips 2 yearsChristena Cristini 1 yearAshly Hendrickson 1 yearSamantha Keller 1 yearSamorra Allen 1 yearDesmond Barnes 1 yearRhiannon Martin 1 yearJulie Martian 1 year

Power of B winners Hats off to this month’s Power of B winners: Ben Hobson helped Shad Bebout be more independent by helping him build a watering system for his garden with “PVC pipes, hoses and ingenuity,” according Kelli Schmidt who nominated him. “It is seriously the coolest thing ever. You can read more about Shad’s garden elsewhere in this issue. Mary Wheeler assisted three people with two vacations. She not only rearranged her schedule to accommodate both, she did it with the least amount of overtime possible. Mariah Handley says MaryAnne went out of her comfort zone to enjoy this year’s ComicCon in Colorado. “Both times when arriving back, she had the biggest smile on her face and said what a wonderful time it was. I wish I could clone MaryAnne,” says Mariah. Daniel Hern is being recognized for going out of his way to help Van DeVries replace a handrail that had rusted off and become a safety hazard. But not only did Dan help with the handrail, he supplied it from his own home. Sarah Holz has often helped Shad with his sewing machine. But when the machine was beyond repair, Sarah researched the issue and discovered that the necessary part was no longer being manufactured. She spread the word and eventually was contacted by someone in Canada who had the part. Sarah was able to obtain the part and assist Shad with fixing the machine. Robin Murner planned an 85th birthday party for Al Weber. Despite many challenges along the way, Robin stayed determined the party would happen and Pat Thompson says it was all Al had hoped for. “He got to see many of the people that had come in and out of his life, which made him smile the whole day.” Thanks also to Sean, Joey, Pauline, Sarah, Elisa, Cassie, Tammy and Amanda. To nominate someone for a Power of B award, fill out the nomination form elsewhere in

this newsletter or on Lotus Notes. Click on Agency Main; click on Staff (left-hand green buttons); then click on Staff Forms which is located in the center panel on the right side. Choose Rapid City, then page down to Power of B Recognition Award, launch the document and print. Send your nominations to Alexi Kieffer at RSC. Winners receive $50 and a Power of B T-shirt. Their story appears in The Workplace. Please give specific examples of how your nominee demonstrates the POWER of B.

Welcome new employeesJessica Halvorson CH AllenMadeline Bloemendaal CommissaryTerry Wagner Harney ViewDouglas Sorensen RSCAustin Klein RSCEmily Anderson ParkviewMarvin Denke IndianaAllison Nichols ChoicesGary Price BHWIAlexis Brandt FirKelly Dunne Commissary

Look who’s coming to Art NightThere will be some special guests at this month’s Art Night on August 10. Stop by and meet four-legged visitors from the Humane Society of the Black Hills. Art Night lasts from 5-8 p.m, but you can come when you can and leave when you must. Enjoy free appetizers and drink specials throughout the evening plus live music by Marcia Dunsmore.

Staff picnic held The staff picnic was held on July 27 at Elk Creek Resort. Thank you PartyWorks for organizing! Dawn Wozna, top left, won the first-place prize, a Kitchen Aid mixer, for her fruit-inspired dessert and Becky Jandahl (right), took home the second place prize, a Keurig. Tara Blasius (bottom photo) shaves a balloon in one of the relay races.

Stay in touch!We encourage you to stay connected to the news and posts about our organization between newsletters:

1) Like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/blackhillsworks

2) Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/blackhills-works

3) Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackhillsworks/

4) Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/black-hills-works

5) Read our newsletters (staff and community) online: http://www.blackhillsworks.org/who-we-are/news/

Movie ticket discount for staff and people servedMovies are expensive, but employ-ees and people supported can buy discounted movie tickets for AMC theaters (formerly Carmike Cin-emas) for $8.50 from Laurie Todd at RSC.

Thank youThanks to all the non-bakery staff who showed up to helps us when we needed it over the past few months. Special thanks Dallas Caylor, Lovey Goergen, Chuck Conlee, Doug Meiron, Justin Fines and Josh McElroy, Todd Wicks and all maintenance staff! We appreciate your efforts here at BakeWorks.

LUNCH MENUS-Bhw Learning Institute-Bhwi-TBIRCAll meals include Lemonade, Tea, and CoffeeMenus are subject to change due to availability

WEEK 1

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday30-Jul 31-Jul 1-Aug 2-Aug 3-Aug

BBQChicken Cheese Sand. Chicken Hot dog Hot hamburgeron Bun TomatoRice Tetrazzini Pasta Salad cup SandwichColeslaw Soup/Crackers Tossed Salad Pineapple jello Potatoes/GravyFrench Fries Applesauce Diced Pears Snack Mixed Vegs.Banana SnackWEEK 2

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday6-Aug 7-Aug 8-Aug 9-Aug 10-Aug

Chicken fillet Spaghetti Ham salad Sand. BBQ. Pork Bean SoupScal.Potatoes Tossed Salad Vegetable Soup Sandwich PB&JSliced Carrots Green beans Crackers Tater tots Cottage cheeseBanana Pumpkin pie Mixed fruit Diced Peaches Pineapple cup

WEEK 3

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday13-Aug 14-Aug 15-Aug 16-Aug 17-Aug

Cheeseburger Ham&Swiss Chicken Ndl.Soup BBQ Pork Bologna &Lett/Mayo Tossed Salad Crackers Patty on Bun Cheese SandPotato Chips Mand.Oranges Corndog Potato Chips Lett/MayoBanana Snack Pickled beets Mixed fruit Baked beans

Diced pearsWEEK 4

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday20-Aug 21-Aug 22-Aug 23-Aug 24-Aug

Chick.Fajitas Goulash Brd. Chick.Patty Tatertot hotdish MeatballsSoft shell Corn on Bun Green beans Mash.PotatosBroccoli Applesauce Lettuce/Mayo Applesauce GravyBanana Snack French fries Mango juice cup Trop.Fruit

Carrot Pine.Salad Ice crm.cup

Lunch menus

Happy birthday Leann Iron Hawk 1Sherri Jensen 1Greg Solano 1Terry Wagner 2JoAnne Pryor 4Kristina Hendrickson 4Yolanda Cohen 4Jolene Nichols 5Vallene Morris 6Tara Wilcox 7Sarah Blaeser 7Alison Coyle 8Dorothy Rosby 9Susan Norskov 10Isaac Cooper 11Kyle Ross 11William White 12Tara Delzer 12Demi Reasor 13Linde Miller 14Mary Corneliuson 15John Reno 15Duran Harris 15Rosa Porter 15Michael Wagner 15Rebecca Holloway 15Vince Horne 17Tara Blasius 17Shelby Wentz 17Martha Black 19Colleen Van Dam 20Lorrie Martin 20Lawanda Sanders 20

Elizabeth McCloud 20Adam Weiler 21Mary Jenniges 22Kitra Willmes 24Linda Snipes 24Laila Schumacher 24Naomi Ashcraft 24Melissa Evenson 26Lissa Marotz 26Cheryl Hurley 26Kevin Merrigan 26Tom Seiler 26Ashley Moore 27Benjamin Watson 27Alpheia Vopat 28Darren Demaranville 28Donald Young 29Beverley McReynolds 31

Get cool stuffThe Black Hills Works store is now up and running. Check out all the BHW logo products online or stop by the next time you’re at RSC. The store is located behind the front desk. Products with the BHW logo include apparel, binders, coffee mugs, water bottles, and computer bags, sports bags and tote bags.

Power of B

Nomination Form Name of the staff person you’d like to recognize: Title of the person you are recognizing: Department of area they work in: Check the “B” that applies with the example of the “B” they demonstrated.

For Being Respectful of Others

For Being Accountable

For Being Your Best (Their Best)

For Being Supportive

Reason for the nomination: Please provide a detailed explanation with specific information on what you would like to recognize this person for. Your name and title: _____________________________ Your department or area: ___ __ Please send this form to Alexi Kieffer at RSC. Your nominee could be selected to receive the $50 prize and be featured in The Workplace. Feel free to make copies of this form for additional people you’d like to recognize. There will be up to 5 winners selected each month to receive the Power of B prize and recognition.

9-6-16 Rev 5-30-18