The Vermillion Rotary Club was fortunate to hear a wonderful presentation on the blizzard of 1888 from Tim Waltner, an award-winning journalist and former publisher of the Freeman Courier. Waltner's presentation set the larger context by describing the immigration patterns into the northern plains, especially into South Dakota. Following that he provides an intriguing step-by-step retelling of events leading up to, during, and following the January 12, 1888 blizzard that struck the upper plains. His focus during the presentation was on what happened to the students and teacher at a small country school approximately five miles east of Freeman. If you would like to view his presentation, you can CLICK HERE or on the image below to see the video on the club's YouTube channel.
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Welcome to Vermillion Rotary Club's Website
Rotary Serving Humanity
We meet every Wednesday at noon.
Al Neuharth Media Ctr.
Al Neuharth Media Ctr.
555 North Dakota St.
Mailing address PO Box 634
Vermillion, SD 57069
United States of America
Mailing address PO Box 634
Vermillion, SD 57069
United States of America
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Members of the Vermillion Rotary Club were fortunate to hear more about the operations of the Southeast SD CASA organization. The staff and volunteers of this organization perform a vital service by serving as an objective advocate/voice for children in our area. Our thanks to Executive Director, Sherri Rodgers-Conti, for this wonderful update on the organization's activities. You can watch this fascinating presentation by clicking on the image below.
Our thanks to Lauren and Trevor Mandernach for joining us at our meeting today. They are pictured here with Rand Wergin, the club's past president and the president when Lauren was recruited. Lauren gave a short presentation on her experience. She thanked the club because the RYLA program forced her to step out of her comfort zone and to get a more complete understanding of what it means to be a leader.
Thank you, Vermillion School District Superintendent, Damon Alvey, for your wonderful update on the District. We enjoyed hearing about initiatives, facilities upgrades and partnerships that are making Vermillion Public Schools stronger every day. You can watch the presentation by simply clicking on the image below, or watch it on the Club's Youtube channel by Clicking Here.
Nate Welch, Executive Director of the Vermillion Area Chamber & Development Company, provided a detailed discussion of the impact of the first and second "Vermillion NOW" campaign, and previewed the goals for Vermillion NOW-3. Fundraising for the third campaign is currently under way even as the community benefits from the programs established from the first and second campaign. If you would like to watch his presentation you can CLICK HERE or on the image below to see the presentation in the Club's YouTube channel.
Congratulations to Peyton Krogman, VHS student, who's short story was recently awarded a gold medal and an American Voices award at the national Scholastic Writing Award Competition in Carnegie Hall in NY City. The Vermillion Rotary Club's YouTube channel has Peyton's reading of her short story and it can be accessed by CLICKING HERE or on the image below.
We hope that you have a wonderful July 4th.
We will have no meeting on July 3. See you on July 10.
The threats of scamming and public/school violence were discussed at today's meeting of the Vermillion Rotary Club. Thank you Capt. Chad Passick for discussion the two issues and the proposed responses/programs of the Vermillion Police Department for both of these threats. If you would like to watch his presentation you can CLICK HERE or on the image below to see the presentation in the Club's YouTube channel.
At one point not that long ago, Sioux Falls, SD and Sioux City, IA had the same population and the cities had the same industries when founded. However, there are distinct differences today. In this presentation, Dr. Ralph Brown, Emeritus Professor of Economics from the University of South Dakota, outlines the economic realities of the two cities and how they have taken different paths from a pretty similar origin. Thank you for the fascinating presentation, Dr. Brown. The Vermillion Rotary Club's YouTube channel has Brown's presentation that can be accessed by CLICKING HERE or on the image below.
Thank you, Stephanie Rissler, for joining the Vermillion Rotary Club on June 12 to offer us a preview of the upcoming documentary, Vanished South Dakota. If you would like to view her presentation, CLICK HERE or on the image below to see her presentation on the Club's YouTube channel. If you would like to learn more about this project, you can go to the SD Public Broadcasting project page.
Please join us on June 14 in Prentis Park for free hot dogs and hamburgers and the Rotary Duck Race. The Prentis Park concession stand will also be open for the purchase of other items. The BBQ begins at 6:00 p.m. and the races begin at 7:00. The ducks will run in three heats, with the top 20 ducks from each heat moving to the final championship race.
Ducks can be adopted for $5.00 each, with proceeds going to support the Community Connections Center. If you wish to volunteer, please contact Steve Walters at 402-320-047. Come and enjoy this inaugural duck race.
Read the Vermillion Plain Talk article here.
Thank you Professor Victor Huber for joining the Vermillion Rotary Club on June 5 so that we could learn more about vaccinations, how they work and how important they are to public health.
Huber's presentation can be viewed on our YouTube channel by CLICKING HERE or on the image below.
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At the May 29 meeting of the Vermillion Rotary, Club president, Rand Wergin, offered a fascinating analysis of the retail sales numbers in the state of South Dakota. In addition to looking at the retail sales figures for the entire state, Wergin discussed the retail sales by type of sales (building materials, restaurants, etc.). The discussion talks about how different communities have greater sales in some sectors. Additionally, Wergin compares retail sales data for different communities based on their population to determine which communities are doing well compared to others.
To view Rand Wergin's presentation on the Club's YouTube Channel, please CLICK HERE or on the image below.
James Goblirsch, Director of Vermillion Parks and Recreation, provides a review of the numerous activities of the Department. Thank you for joining us and for providing a wonderful review of the Department's activities.
To see his presentation on the Club's YouTube page, CLICK HERE or on the image below.
Dr. Willis Sutliff, the Energizer bunny of the Polio Plus campaign in District 5610, receives a club banner from Rand Wergin, Vermillion Rotary Club President, after Dr. Sutliff's update to the Vermillion Club on Rotary's efforts to rid the world of Polio. To watch Dr. Sutliff's presentation to the club you can CLICK HERE or on the picture below to go to the Club's YouTube page.
Vermillion will host the South Dakota Special Olympics State Summer Games on May 16-18. Ross Dickenson spoke to the Vermillion Rotary Club about the Summer Games and the opportunities that are available for individuals in the area to volunteer. Thank you for joining us, Ross. If you would like to view his presentation, you can visit the Vermillion Rotary YouTube channel by CLICKING HERE or by clicking on the image below.
Rotarian Jim Perry pulled double-duty and offered the Club some information on the Clay County Fair Board. In addition to presenting the mission and recent accomplishments, Jim offered a preview of what is happening at this year's Clay County Fair. Thank you, Jim, for outlining opportunities for the members to be involved. To view his presentation, click on the image below to be redirected the Vermillion Rotary YouTube channel or go to: https://youtu.be/BjFRZsp6mb8
Rotary District 5610 will again partner with Rotary District 5630 (in Nebraska) and will send up to 24 students to Rotary Youth Leadership Camp. The camp will be held JULY 17 to JULY 21 at the Nebraska State 4-H Campgrounds near Halsey, NE. Last year our district sent 8 campers to RYLA and each camper indicated it was one of the best experiences of their lives.
The link provided will give you and interested students a better appreciation for RYLA. https://greatplainsryla.org/ You are also welcome to contact either Dave Lorenz or Nicole Rawden for information and assistance. Their contact information is below.
We invite your club to nominate a student. You may nominate more than one student in rank order of preference. The first 24 District 5610 Rotary clubs to submit their nominee to District Governor Dave Lorenz will be rewarded with a reserved spot at RYLA camp. Alternates will be selected to attend as availability permits.
Students who are currently high school sophomores or juniors are eligible to attend. The cost of sending a camper is divided between the club and District 5610. Your club nominations must be received no later than April 15, 2019.
We also have the following volunteer opportunities available.
Senior Counselors to learn more click link https://greatplainsryla.org/volunteers/volunteeropportunities/
Club RYLA Chairs to learn more click link https://greatplainsryla.org/rotaryclubs/responsibilities/
Dave Lorenz Nicole Rawden
Rotary District 5610 Governor Rotary District 5610 Administrator
Phone 712 899 3962 Phone 605 690 4829
Julie Overgaard, Executive Director of South Dakota Public Broadcasting, provided an excellent review of the organization's strategic planning process for the future of SDPB. Included in the presentation was information on the new studios in Rapid City and Sioux Falls. The strategic planning activities were conducted to enable SDPB to step in and fill the gaps being created by the changing media landscape.
At the March 27 meeting Vermillion Rotary Club, Lauren Hollenbeck provided some very informative information about 4-H.
You can see Lauren’s presentation on the Vermillion Rotary YouTube channel or by simply clicking on the image below.
Thank you, Nick Oyen, for your informative presentation on the operations at SESDAC and the critical topic of disability awareness. Also, thank you for supporting the USD Womens basketball team with the red tie!
Thank you, Rotarian Kelsey Collier-Wise for the informative update on the new Community Connection Center progress.
Steve Ward, Director of USD's Academic and Career Preparation Center (ACPC), come by the Vermillion Rotary noon luncheon to present some interesting information about graduation rates of USD as compared to other regional institutions, as well as to discuss the retention efforts of the University. Thank you for the informative presentation, Steve. You can watch the presentation below, or find it on the Vermillion Rotary Club YouTube Channel.
Thank you, Dr. Thomas Flesher, for joining the Vermillion Rotary Club today and sharing more information about Sanford Orthopedics.
Patrick Morrison, Assistant Director of International Student Services at USD, provides a wonderful report on the activities of his office and of his recent recruiting trip to Asia. Thank you, Rotarian Patrick, for sharing your experiences with the Vermillion Rotary Club.
In January, the Vermillion Rotary Club recognized all the new members joining during the 2018 calendar year. While some were able to make it to a social in their honor earlier in the month, Kelsey Collier Wise (left) and Emily Merrigan are pictured below with Vermillion Rotary President, Rand Wergin, who presented them their membership certificates at the January 23 Rotary meeting. Our most sincere welcome to all the new Rotarians: Adam Chandler, Kelsey Collier-Wise, Michelle Cwach, Sheila Gestring, Matt Lavin, Emily Merrigan, Nick Oyen, Wess Pravecek and Dan Sundberg.
Michael Kruger, Dean of the USD College of Arts & Sciences, updated the Vermillion Rotary on the activities of the College, the largest in the University of South Dakota. Thank you, Dean Kruger for the interesting and informative presentation. You can watch Kruger's presentation using the embedded video below or by viewing it on the club's YouTube page.
Clay County State's Treasurer, Alexis Tracy, gave an update of her office's activities in the last year. Topics include the teen court, young-adult diversion program for underage alcohol offenses, digitizing files, case statistics and more. Thank you for the wonderful update.
Thank you, Vermillion School District Supt. Damon Alvey, for your thoughtful and thorough update on our schools.
Thank you Shannon Cole, Executive Director of the Vermillion Cultural Association, provides an excellent background on the Association, its history, recent activities, and goals for the future.
You can see Shannon’s presentation by clicking on the image below, or watch it on the Vermillion Rotary YouTube channel.
Thank you, Coach Dawn Plitzuweit, for sharing your birthday with the Vermillion Rotary Club. Your engaging story of the growth of the team on the court, in the classroom and in the future careers, offered a fascinating insight for our members. Click the image below to watch the presentation and to hear Rotarians sing "Happy Birthday" to the coach.
The Evan Project is providing diapers, wipes, feminine hygiene products and adult diapers for residents in and around Vermillion. Thank you, Ellie Pyles, for developing this important program that has helped so many in our community. We also want to thank you for joining us at our October 17 meeting to tell us about the Evan Project.
Thank you, USD Head Volleyball Coach, Leanne Williamson, for joining the Vermillion Rotary at our October 10 meeting. Your update on the USD volleyball team was interesting and informative. We wish you and the team all the best for the remainder of the season.
Major Dan Sundberg joined the Vermillion Rotary Club on October 3 and provided an informative presentation featuring updates on the University of South Dakota ROTC. You can watch the video by clicking on the image below, or watch this and other presentations on the Vermillion Rotary Youtube channel.
Former University of Nebraska-Lincoln football head coach Tom Osborne addresses a banquet audience at the Muenster University Center on the USD campus Friday night. He was keynote speaker at the Rotary District 5610 annual conference being held this weekend in Vermillion. Read the article.
VERMILLION, S.D. – The Vermillion Rotary Club will host the Rotary District 5610 annual conference and celebration, themed “Be the Inspiration,” Sept. 28-29 at the Muenster University Center in Vermillion.
The conference “Be the Inspiration” banquet being held on Friday evening will feature keynote speaker, Tom Osborne, former University of Nebraska-Lincoln head football coach and athletic director, sharing a message on leadership and service. Osborne excelled in every aspect of his professional career and consistently kept the focus on service. Read More in the Plain Talk Article.
The conference “Be the Inspiration” banquet being held on Friday evening will feature keynote speaker, Tom Osborne, former University of Nebraska-Lincoln head football coach and athletic director, sharing a message on leadership and service. Osborne excelled in every aspect of his professional career and consistently kept the focus on service. Read More in the Plain Talk Article.
Tim Schreiner joined the Vermillion Rotary Club today and provided a fascinating look back at his journalism career that began as a reporter for USD's Volante and took him to Sioux Falls TV stations KELO and KSFY, the Argus Leader, and then to out-of-state work for the USA Today, the San Francisco Chronicle and Oakland Tribune. After 20 years in news he turned to magazines and served as the editor, publisher and editorial director of various magazines and websites. Schreiner ended his career as a Professional in Residence teaching at the Journalism School at Louisiana State University for two years before returning to Vermillion. To see his presentation click on the image below or go to the video on the Vermillion Rotary YouTube channel.
At today’s meeting, we had the opportunity to hear from Dan Daily, Dean of Libraries at USD, as he shared with us the vast wealth of support and information for USD students and staff.
You can see his presentation by clicking on the image below or by going to the Vermillion Rotary Youtube channel.
Thank you Jason Huska, Vermillion High School Athletic Director for a very informative update on student athletics at our meeting today!
You can see the presentation by clicking on the link https://youtu.be/nXMY7Ktgzd0 or by clicking image below.
University of South Dakota President, Sheila Gestring, joined the Vermillion Rotary Club for our August 22 meeting and provided a wonderful update on current events at the University. Learn more about student enrollment trends, building projects, student achievments and much more!
Click on the image below to watch her presentation or go to https://youtu.be/ZMhR9Cf-57g.
Today we had the opportunity of hearing from Vermillion City Manager, John Prescott as he updated us on the many projects that are in process throughout the city. John also shared with us some of the proposed budget items for next year.
By clicking on the image below, you can also enjoy his presentation! If you would rather go to the YouTube page click here: https://youtu.be/g3h5eO2nEYY
Thank you John!
Doug Peterson, Vermillion School Board member, delivered an informative an entertaining presentation discussing current issues in the school district, including funding levels, school spirit, community spirit and respect for educators. Thank you for sharing your insights with us, Dr. Peterson. Please click on the preview below to see the presentation. Click the image below to watch Dr. Peterson's presentation.
Thank you, Rotarian Nick Oyen, for helping us to learn more about the history and operations of SESDAC, Inc. Click on the image below to see Nick's informative presentation delivered to the Vermillion Rotary Club on July 24.
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Bobbi Lower of Vance Thompson Vision, provided a very informative presentation regarding cataracts! You can watch her presentation or going to the the Vermillion Rotary Club Youtube page (link on the left side of the home page).
Today, Rotary Club of Vermillion president Rand Wergin, welcomed District Governor, Steve Harrington, who was present to swear in our very own, David Lorenz, as the new District Governor for the 2018-2019 Rotary year! In addition to Steve Harrington (podium), past District Governor, Steve Sikorski (left), represented the District during Dave's induction as the District Governor.
David, in his very first message as District Governor spoke about the kindness, we as Rotarians share not only world wide, but also here in Vermillion.
At the July 3 meeting of the Vermillion Rotary Club, it was announced that Kathy Chandler was selected as Rotarian of the Year! A very deserved honor. Congratulations, Kathy!
As a lead into a trip in 2019, Vermillion High School teacher, Teramie Hill, talked with the Vermillion Rotary Club about educating the next generation about WWII and the Holocaust. Thank you, Ms. Hill, for sharing your knowledge on this topic and for putting together this wonderful tour for 2019 that will allow VHS students to see first-hand some of these critical locations related to WWII and the Holocaust.
James Goblirsch of the Vermillion Parks and Recreation Department provided an update on his Department's activities. The update included the recent changes to Rotary Park, as well as the announcement of a Rotary Duck Race to be held in August.
Rotarians from Vermillion and Yankton answered phones for South Dakota Public Broadcasting pledge drive on June 4. Thank you, Arvid Krueger, Stephen Yarbrough, Greg Huckabee, Dan Van Peursem, Chuck Lubbers and Rich Burns.
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University of South Dakota Track & Field Head Coach, Lucky Huber, reviewed the team's success this year and highlighted the recent Women's team conference championship, as well as outstanding performances by many of the team members at the NCAA West Preliminaries last week. Six athletes finished in the top-12 in their events and will be competing next week at the NCAA Outdoor National Championships. Thank you for your humor and your insights, Lucky. You can watch his presentation below or on Youtube.
Thank you, Professor Chaya Gordon-Bland, for your presentation about the upcoming South Dakota Shakespeare Festival. We are looking forward to seeing a performance of Richard III on June 7, 8, 9 & 10. For more information about the performances or all the other events surrounding the festival, you can go to the organization's website (http://www.sdshakespearefestival.org/) their Facebook page (South Dakota Shakespeare Festival), and/or listen to her presentation below or on YouTube.
Professor Molly Rozum joined the Vermillion Rotary Club to discuss her research on the early settlers of Northwest South Dakota. A particular focus of her presentation was on the sod houses of those early settlers. Thank you for your incredibly interesting presentation.
For the twenty-second year, the Vermillion Rotary Club has given free bicycle helmets to all second-grade students in Jolley Elementary School and St. Agnes School. In partnership with the Vermillion Medical Clinic, the groups purchased the new helmets.
As part of the Earth Week activities in Vermillion, Rotarians, Vermillion Medical staff, members of the Barking Dogs Cycling club and Vermillion EMS, came together to provide information and demonstrations on different types of bicycles and bicycle safety, before helping the students to properly fit their new helmet.
Thanks to all the volunteers who helped with the helmet distribution.
Our thanks to Meghann Jarchow for joining us today to fill in the club members and guests on the Earth Week activities in Vermillion as well as the wonderful activities of the Greening Vermillion organization. More information about about the organization can be found at www.GreeningVermillion.org and to learn more about Earth Week activities visit www.GreeningVermillion.org/earth-days. Please click on the image below to watch Dr. Jarchow's presentation.
At the April 10 meeting of the Vermillion Rotary Club, members and guests learned more about "SK8 the State for MS" a program raising funds and awareness in states throughout the Midwest.
Coyote News, the weekly news broadcast created by students at the University of South Dakota, featured the Vermillion Rotary Club in their April 4 broadcast. Click below to watch the short story about the Club.
For Read Across America Day, the Vermillion Rotary Club gave books to all the Kindergarten students in Vermillion, SD. This short video shows some of the great pictures (thanks Lisa Swanson) of these wonderful students selecting and enjoying their new books. The Rotary Club hopes that this will help to encourage these students to continue reading. Be sure to turn up the volume to hear a classic story.
Angela Helmer of the Vermillion Rotary Club joined a group of volunteers led by Shelli Gonnerman Masek from Hope Haven on a recent trip to distribute wheelchairs in Guatemala. Angela's presentation at the Vermillion Rotary's March 20 meeting helped us to understand the wonderful work being done by Hope Haven.
At the March 13 lunch meeting of the Vermillion Rotary Club, Vermillion School Supt., Damon Alvey, provided a wonderful background of his experience as an educator and an update on all the wonderful activities in the Vermillion School District.
At the February 27 meeting of the Vermillion Rotary Club, United Way of Vermillion Executive Director, Kelsey Collier-Wise, provided an update of the organization's activities in the last year. Highlights included a record setting annual campaign that just completed and information on the new Communication Connection Center that is currently in the planning stages. Watch the video below to learn more or go directly to the presentation on Youtube.
On February 20, Vermillion Rotarians and guests were fortunate to hear a wonderful presentation by USD Medical Student, Emily Endres. Emily described the F.A.R.M. program, a program that places USD medical students in smaller hospitals in more rural communities. The seven communities benefit by having extra medical staff and the students are introduced to medical practice in smaller communities. Please select the link below to hear about this great program.
On Tuesday, February 13, Vermillion City Manager, John Prescott, along with Vermillion City Council Vice-President, Rich Holland and President, Kelsey Collier-Wise (left to right) accept a check for $5,000 from Vermillion Rotary Club President, Steve Walters, for renovation of Rotary Park in Vermillion. The check represents the first half of the Rotary Club’s $10,000 commitment to the City for the park’s renovation.
The Vermillion Rotary Club will not be meeting on December 26 or January 2. We look forward to seeing you all on January 9. Until we meet again...
South Dakota Governor, Dennis Daugaard joined the Vermillion Rotary Club to discuss economic development in the state. Thank you Governor Dennis Daugaard for joining us on December 19 and sharing important information on the economic future of our state.
Two years ago the Vermillion Rotary Club was fortunate enough to host Tayla Fenkart on her Rotary Youth Exchange in Rotary District 5610. Her talent was in evidence during her time at Vermillion High School and she continues to impress. The link below takes you to her performance on Good Morning Austria. Don't worry, the performance is in English. 
Our thanks to Kelly Herbster for sharing this link so that we could all enjoy Tayla's talent. We also wish to thank the Herbster family, as well as Dave and Lisa Swanson and family for being such wonderful host families. Click on the image below to be linked to her performance.
Our thanks to Kelly Herbster for sharing this link so that we could all enjoy Tayla's talent. We also wish to thank the Herbster family, as well as Dave and Lisa Swanson and family for being such wonderful host families. Click on the image below to be linked to her performance. Ryan Nowack, Director of the Intensive English Program at USD, shared his experiences having living in Korea for 15 years and now working with international students at USD.
On Saturday, Dec. 2, members of the Vermillion Rotary Club and Yankton Rotary Club answered phones for the South Dakota Public Broadcasting pledge drive. After some instructions the Rotarians answered phones during the breaks and enjoyed some laughs between working the breaks. Mark Yockey from Vermillion and Rich Burns from Yankton were the big fundraisers.
Front row: Steve Walters, Mark Yockey, Rich Burns (Yankton), Chuck Lubbers
Front row: Steve Walters, Mark Yockey, Rich Burns (Yankton), Chuck Lubbers
Back row: Dan Van Peursem, John Prescott
USD Womens Basketball Coach, Dawn Plitzuweit, shares the three expectations they have of the players on the team as well as the four elements of the "Elevate" program. Part of the program is to provide community service. Coach Plitzuweit is an example of a coach who is doing everything she can to help her players to succeed on and off the court.
Mike Piccanatto treated the Vermillion Rotary Club to a presentation on the German Culture and the efforts within Berlin to integrate Syrian refugees. Piccanatto and his family have lived for five years in Berlin and he shares his experiences during that time and answers questions from Rotarians.
A special "Thank You' to all the current and former members of the military. Thank you for your service!
Clay County Historical Society Commission members, Evelyn Schlenker and Patrick J. Morrison, honored the Vermillion Rotary Club by having our November 8, meeting serve as the venue to present several awards for historic preservation achievement in Clay County. Congratulations to the individual preservation project award recipients, Monica Lund Iverson and James Waters for their renovation to the property at 15 West Main Street in Vermillion and also to Mart Brothers Construction for their renovation of the property at 3 Prospect St. Marty and Teresa Gilbertson were also recognized for their preservation efforts on several structures, including houses in the University Historic District. Finally, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church was recognized with a lifetime achievement award.
Rotary District 5610 Gov., Steve Harrington delivers his inspirational message to the Vermillion Rotary Club on October 24 (United Nations Day).
Our thanks go to Randell Beck for sharing your experiences as a member of the Pulitzer Award committee - the first person from South Dakota in the 100+ year history of the award.
Vermillion Rotary Club members and guests were treated to a wonderful presentation by USD Head Football Coach, Bob Nielson, at the October 3 meeting. Nielson previewed the upcoming Dakota Days football game against Youngstown State as well as discussing a couple of major issues that are becoming more important in collegiate sports. To watch a video of his presentation, please do to the Club's Youtube page (https://youtu.be/1TX1_rRaJhI), or play the video below.
On October 24, members of the Vermillion Rotary Club, along with the other 1.2 million Rotarians around the world, will celebrate the nearly complete task of eliminating Polio from the Earth.
Dr. Amanda Duxbury, MD, gave the Rotary Club members the opportunity to learn more about her history, her medical training and what medical services she will provide at Sanford Vermillion. If you wish to learn more about her background, click here. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Buxbury.
After the meeting, Dr. Duxbury took time to answer questions from club members, including Dave Lorenz, District 5610 Governor-Elect, and Rand Wergin, Vice President of the Vermillion Rotary Club.
Lenni Billberg, Vermillion High School teacher and coordinator of the School's Volunteer Day, accepts a "big check" from Vermillion Rotary Club President, Steve Walters, to help support the upcoming Volunteer Day. For the past eight years high school students have taken one day off from classes during homecoming week to provide service to individuals and organizations in the community. Thank you, Lenni, for your contributions to the community.
Our thanks to Dean Tom Geu for his Sept. 5 presentation to the Vermillion Rotary Club updating the members on the USD Law School. Dean Geu was kind enough to stay after and answer questions.
At the August 1, 2017 Vermillion Rotary meeting, Daniel Burniston, Director of the Edith B. Siegriest Vermillion Public Library, provided an interesting synopsis of the many services and programs offered by the library that benefit the entire community.
Ten Vermillion Rotarians prepared and served dinner at the Welcome Table on Monday, July 24. Thank you to the volunteers who helped and who donated food. And special thanks to the regular volunteers at the Welcome Table who make this weekly meal one of the great aspects of Vermillion!
While the unofficial welcome happens all the time, it has been a while since the Vermillion Rotary Club had an official recognition of new members. At today’s meeting, eight of those new members introduced themselves and then there was a “moment of silence” as the “new” sticker was removed from their club badge. Pictured below are eight of the new members to the club in the last 18 months, along with Club President, Steve Walters.
Pictured above:
Front row: Mark Winegar, Jo Kim, Kelsey Collier-Wise, Jason Thiel,
Front row: Mark Winegar, Jo Kim, Kelsey Collier-Wise, Jason Thiel,
Back row: Clarence Vanderlei, Steve Walters-President, Lamont Sellers, Abby Doorn, Arvid Krueger.
Other new members who could not attend today’s meeting include: Musheera Anis, Shelly Bunkers, Tiffany Graham, Robert Hansen, Angela Helmer, Jeaneite Lorenz, Art Rusch, Jay Thaler, and Jessi Wilharm. Those not able to attend today will be officially recognized at a meeting in the fall.
Happy Independence Day from the Vermillion Rotary Club. No club meeting this week (July 4). See you all next week!
At a club social on Tuesday, June 27, Michelle Maloney receives a plaque recognizing her service as the President of the Vermillion Rotary Club during the 2016-17 Rotary Year. The plaque is presented by Steve Walters who takes over as the Club President starting on July 1.
At the recent Rotary International Convention in Atlanta, a total of $1.2 billion in pledges toward the eradication of polio was announced. To see a short video about the announcement and the importance of these pledges, click on the image below or this LINK.
 | Four Vermillion Rotarians (Michelle Maloney, Jason Thiel, Dave Lorenz, and Chuck Lubbers) participated in the Rotary Membership Matters workshop in Sioux City on June 3. |
 | The twelve Rotarians at the workshop learned about strategies for member recruitment and retention. |
 | District Governor-elect, Steve Harrington, and Zone trainer, Bob Delavan of the Grand Junction, Colorado, Rotary Club, pose with the 4-way test banner after the Membership Matters workshop in Sioux City on June 3. Thanks, Bob, for such a wonderful session. |
At the May 23 weekly meeting, Jackie Williams, Vice President, was proud to present the first Vermillion Rotarian of the Year Award to Doug Tuve. Thank you Doug for your continued service and dedication to the Vermillion Rotary Club!
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Our thanks to Chaya Gordon-Bland, Managing Artistic Director of the SD Shakespeare Festival, for her informative presentation on all of the SDSF activities. Gordon-Bland, Scott Mollman, Director of Operations and Productions, and Rotarian Greg Huckabee were founding leaders of the Shakespeare Festival. The South Dakota Shakespeare Festival welcomes everyone to free performances of the production "The Comedy of Errors" in Prentice Park, Vermillion SD. In addition to the production, the SDSF features workshops for children, preview performances in the region and a roundtable discussion of the play with Shakespeare scholars on Saturday afternoon. More information can be found on the SD Shakespeare Festival's website. The Vermillion Rotary Club has been a financial sponsor and has provided volunteers since the beginning. Additionally, two Vermillion Rotarians (Rich Holland and Lamont Sellers) serve on the SDSF Board of Directors and over 20 Vermillion Rotarians are also individual sponsors.
On April 21, 2017 the Vermillion Rotary Club partnered with the Vermillion Medical Clinic and the Barking Dogs Cycling Club to provide information on cycling and to present all the second-graders in Vermillion with a new helmet to wear while riding. This is the 23rd year that the Vermillion Rotary has given bicycle helmets to all second graders. Special thanks go to the helmet program's coordinator from the very start, Chuck Yelverton, for all of his hard work on this project. Thanks also to all the other Rotarians who have supported the work over the years.
This short video shows some photographs from the event. You can either click on this link or the image below to see the video. There is also a copy of the Vermillion Plain Talk article in the download files section.
Our thanks to Dr. Heather Kleeman for sharing her experiences while on a medical mission trip to Zambia. Her presentation during the April 18 meeting of the Vermillion Rotary Club helped us to have a better understanding of the health care challenges faced by the people of Zambia.
Our thanks to Michael Dendinger for sharing his experiences while he was in the Peace Corp serving in Armenia. His presentation at the April 4, lunch meeting of the Vermillion Rotary Club was informative and entertaining. We wish Michael all the best as he pursues graduate work in International Relations.
This presentation by Milt Haar of the U.S. National Park Service discusses the Missouri National Recreational River and the possible incorporation of "Goat Island" into the park. This presentation was given to the Vermillion, SD Rotary Club on March 28, 2017 in the Al Neuharth Media Center on the campus of the University of South Dakota.
Owen DeJong and Nick Schwebach, two members of the Public Domain Tunes Band (PDTB), share some wonderful music with the Vermillion Rotary Club on March 21, 2017. The performance was held during the Rotary Club's weekly meeting.
Congratulations to the graduates of the 2017, District 5610, Area 7 Rotary Leadership Institute held in Vermillion, SD on March 25. Pictured below (L-R) are Dave Lorenz, District Gov. Nominee and RLI facilitator; Jackie Williams, Arvid Krueger, Mark Hecox, Stephen Yarbrough; Lamont Sellers, Milton Haar, Charlie the Coyote standing in for Steve Walters; and Chuck Lubbers, Area 7 Asst. Gov and RLI facilitator. Dave Lorenz, Jackie Williams, Arvid Krueger, Stephen Yarbrough, Lamont Sellers, Steve Walters and Chuck Lubbers are all members of the Vermillion Rotary Club.
For "Read Across America" day, the Vermillion, SD Rotary Club donated books so that all Kindergarten students in town could have a book of their own. Extra books were left with the instructors for class use. This 2-minute video includes photos from the day as well as an audio track with a famous actor reading part of "Green Eggs and Ham." The inside cover had a sticker where students were encouraged to write their name in their book! Our thanks to librarian, Lisa Swanson, for the amazing photos. https://youtu.be/KI2vso9JppU
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Shekhar Mehta of India selected to be 2021-22 Rotary International President
Shekhar Mehta of India selected to be 2021-22 Rotary International
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