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Welcome to Vermillion Rotary Club's Website
Members of the Clay County Historic Preservation Commission present their awards for historic preservation in the County at the November 17, 2021 meeting of the Vermillion Rotary Club. Our thanks to the Commission for sharing the ceremony with our club and our congratulations to all of the award recipients:
- Richard & Sally Abild - Farmer's Daughter's Sewing Museum
- Carson & Courtney Merkwan - Main Street Inn, 221 East Main
- Donna & Pat Gross - Restoration of multiple buildings
- Jim Stone - Special recognition for historic preservation
Please click on the image below to be taken to the Vermillion Rotary Youtube channel and see the video of the award presentation.
The Vermillion Rotary Club has lost another beloved member. On the morning of November 6, Sylvester “Cliff” Clifford passed away at his home. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on November 12 at the First United Methodist Church in Vermillion.
Cliff served as a professor in the Speech and Hearing Department (now Communication Disorders Department) at the University of South Dakota and worked hard to improve the services provided to all South Dakotans. Cliff brought that desire to serve to his four decades of membership in Rotary. Cliff joined the Vermillion Club in 1970 and was an active member throughout that time, including attending a meeting just 10 days before his passing. Cliff contributed to the Rotary Club’s many activities over the years and served as President of the club in 1986.
As is noted in his obituary, “Cliff always worked to improve the lives of those around him in large and small ways with his loving heart and generous spirit.” Whether he was working to improve speech and hearing services in the region, or supporting his local church, the Vermillion United Way, and Rotary Club, Cliff was always the epitome of the Rotary motto, Service Above Self. We will miss seeing you, Cliff.
Our thanks to Mark Sternhagen for joining the Vermillion Rotary Club today to discuss his life with Polio. Your story helped to personalize Rotary International's drive to make Polio only the second disease to be eliminated from the planet. Mark is the author of "Normal for Me." If you would like to view his presentation on the club's Youtube channel, please click on the image below. #EndPolioNow
The Vermillion Rotary Club lost one of our most beloved members, Mary Merrigan, on October 11, as Mary’s courageous battle with cancer took from us a wonderful friend. We wish to thank Nick and all of her family for sharing her with us.
Mary had been an active club member for years and was always one of the first to step forward when we called for help. Mary helped arrange programs for meetings and introduced many of us to the Vermillion Rotary Club.
Mary was well known for her abilities to prepare a wonderful event. She used those abilities in service to the club when she was a co-conference planner for the 2018 District Conference in Vermillion. That conference was the largest in the history of the District, was very well received by all who attended, raised thousands of dollars for local and international charities, and was evidence of how Mary epitomized the Rotary motto, “Service Above Self”.
One day in July, of 1932, a Rotarian named Herbert J. Taylor, sat at his desk and prayed that God would give him a simple guide to help us to think, speak and do that which was right. He picked up a white card and wrote down what we Rotarians call The Four Way Test of the things we think, say and do:
- Is it the TRUTH?
- Is it FAIR to all concerned?
- Will it Build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
- Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
Rotarians around the world begin or end each meeting by reciting this to remind us all to live by these words in our daily, business and personal relations. We believe Mary lived by this 4-Way Test every day of her life, and because of that, we were all fortunate to have crossed her path during her lifetime.
You can read Mary's Obituary by CLICKING HERE.
Modern agricultural practices are dramatically different than they were just a decade or two ago. On October 13, Denton Stephens of C&B Operations gave the Vermillion Rotary Club a glimpse into the world of precision agriculture. To watch a video of his presentation on the Club's YouTube channel, please CLICK HERE on the image below.
Jay Trobec, Chief Meteorologist for KELOLAND News, was the speaker at the October 6 meeting of the Vermillion Rotary Club. Dr. Trobec provided a fascinating look at the "unique" weather we have in South Dakota. To view his presentation, simply click on the image below. https://youtu.be/Lhi7vRqdZY0
Vermillion Rotarians supporting South Dakota Football during the USD Dakota Days parade on October 2! We distributed enough candy to keep the kids of all ages happy for a while. 
Thank you, Nick, Rachel, Kevin, Dan, Mark and Bart for making it such a wonderful day. #GoYotes #DakotaDays #livevermillion
Thank you, Nick, Rachel, Kevin, Dan, Mark and Bart for making it such a wonderful day. #GoYotes #DakotaDays #livevermillion
University of South Dakota President, Sheila Gestring, provides a summary of the challenges faced by USD in recent years. President Gestring goes on to note that despite these challenges the University continues to see improvements in student retention and graduation rates while still being an affordable option. The success of many academic programs is highlighted, as was a list of national rankings and student awards. To view her presentation click on the image below or CLICK HERE to go the Vermillion Rotary YouTube channel.
Vermillion City Engineer, Jose Dominguez, provides a wonderful update on the streetscape project in Downtown Vermillion. Find out more about how city staff have worked to overcome supply shortages and staffing issues to keep the project moving forward. To watch the presentation on the Vermillion Rotary Club's YouTube channel, simply click on the image below.
USD Soccer Coach, Michael Thomas, provides fascinating insight into the recruiting process for USD Soccer as well as a candid look at the off-field activities of the players. Thank you so much for your presentation to the Vermillion Rotary Club. If you would like to view the presentation, simply click on the image below.
USD Head Volleyball coach, Leanne Williamson, joined the Vermillion Rotary club to talk about how the team dealt with COVID-19 restrictions and uncertainty on their way to an NCAA appearance. She also noted that nearly the entire team returns this year and that in preseason polls they are ranked number one in the conference. Thank you for the insight into the team, and we look forward to the season. To view her presentation, simply click on the image below.
On August 25, 2021, Vermillion Public School Superintendent, Damon Alvey, addressed the members of the Vermillion, SD Rotary club. His presentation gave a wonderful outline of the proposed new elementary school in Vermillion and answered the questions surrounding the project and what would become of the two older elementary schools. You can watch Alvey's presentation by CLICKING HERE to visit the Vermillion Rotary's Youtube channel or by clicking on the image below.
On Saturday, August 21, the Vermillion Rotary raced nearly 600 rubber ducks in the Prentis Plunge water park. The ducks were shot down one of the large water slides and then with the help of the Prentis Park lifeguards were directed into the lazy river. The first three ducks to finish received a cash prize. The $2,700 raised will be used by Rotary Club to support projects in the Vermillion area. Our thanks to the Rotarians, friends and family and who showed up for the event. We also wish to thank the Vermillion Parks & Recreation Department, especially the staff of the Prentis Plunge, for all of their help. 
Thank you, Rotary District 5610 District Governor, Doug Lind, for your wonderful presentation to the Vermillion Rotary Club. We look forward to your leadership this year. If you would like to see DG Lind's presentation, you can CLICK HERE to go to the Club's Youtube channel, or simply click on the image below.
Thank you, Rotary District 5610 District Governor, Doug Lind, for your visit to the Vermillion Rotary Club. While in town, DG Lind also presented Vermillion Rotary president, Nick Oyen, with a flag for the 21-22 theme, and had a gift for Rotarian, Patrick J. Morrison, who serves the District in the Youth Exchange Program, as well as meeting with the Vermillion Rotary Board of Directors.
It's always wonderful to hear from other groups in the community who have the same goal of providing service to help make our community a better place. Thank you, Katharina Wymar, Karen Davies and Dan Mourlam, for your wonderful presentation. If you are interested in seeing the video of the presentation by volunteers from the Vermillion Public Schools Foundation, please click on the image below.
Thank you, Matthew Callahan, Chief of the Vermillion Fire Department and EMS Service, for his wonderful presentation to the Vermillion Rotary Club today. In addition to his presentation in the Neuharth Media Center, the Chief also brought along a little show-and-tell, Ladder truck #1. If you would like to see a recording of his presentation, please CLICK HERE or on the image below to watch it on the Club's YouTube page.
We thank Dr. Jill Tyler, President of AARP-SD, for your wonderful presentation to the Vermillion Rotary Club on July 21. It was wonderful to hear more about the three areas in which the organization concentrates its work. We wish you all the best in this your sixth and final year as the volunteer state president. If you wish to watch her presentation on this page, please click on the image below. If you would rather watch it on the Vermillion Rotary YouTube channel, CLICK HERE.
Thank you, Sherri Rodgers-Conti for the wonderful update on the operations of SE South Dakota CASA. You can hear about the program and the current operations by watching the presentation on the Vermillion Rotary YouTube channel by clicking on the image below.
At today's meeting of the Vermillion Rotary, outgoing President, Kelsey Collier-Wise, was presented with three recognitions: 1) her Paul Harris pin and certificate; 2) a plaque recognizing her service; and 3) a round of applause from the Rotarians for leading the club through an incredibly difficult year! Below is a photo of Nick Oyen, incoming president, presenting the plaque to Kelsey.
Congratulations to Vermillion Rotarian, Ted Muenster, who was presented with another Paul Harris pin at today's Vermillion Rotary Club meeting by Vermillion Rotary President, Kelsey Collier-Wise.
Today, the Vermillion Rotary Club featured new public image materials, including banners, a backdrop, an inflatable Rotary logo, and a Rotary-branded bean bag game. We are looking forward to using these materials at meetings and community events in the future.
The Vermillion Rotary Club will be moving back to face-to-face meetings starting June 16! Here's a short video breaking the news. Be sure you turn up the sound. We hope to see all of you for our noon meeting on June 16.
We hope to see all of you for our noon meeting on June 16.We wish all Rotarians, their family and friends a wonderful Memorial Day. A special thank you to the members of our Rotary family who have served, or are currently serving the nation.
Thank you Rotarian Jennifer Rollins for your informative presentation to the club on the efforts by Rotary 5610 to respond to sex trafficking. We look forward to hearing more about the District's efforts in the future, as the next District Governor, Doug Lind, has announced his intention to continue the work on this critical issue. If you would like to view her presentation, simply click on the image below.
The Vermillion Rotary Club congratulates all the Vermillion High School 2021 graduates! We are proud of your accomplishment and wish you great success in your upcoming adventures. We offer special congratulations to these three 2021 VHS graduates who received scholarships from our club.
Thank you, Dr. Gabrielle Strouse for your interesting presentation on your research concerning the role of video chat in connections between grandparents and their young grandchildren. If you would like to view a recording of her online presentation, click on the image below.
Help Rotary raise awareness for polio eradication and the importance of vaccines during World Immunization Week, 24-30 April. Show your commitment by sharing some of these sample posts on social media. Here are a few of the reasons why it is important to remind everyone of the importance of vaccines, and they are ready for social media posting. You can get more ideas for social media posts, as well as videos and images by going to the helpful resource page on the Rotary International site or just Download the World Immunization Week Toolkit.
- Because vaccines work, Rotary and partners have reduced polio cases by 99.9% worldwide since 1988. EndPolioNow won't stop until we end the disease for good. #VaccinesWork endpol.io/c2tr
- The systems created to deliver polio vaccines to the hardest-to-reach areas of the world are helping #EndPolio workers find #COVID19 cases, trace contacts & provide info on how to slow the spread of the virus. #VaccinesWork endpol.io/c2tr
- #VaccinesWork & are the best investments we can make in human health & potential. Thanks to the polio vaccine, the world’s seen a 99.9% reduction in polio cases since 1988. @Rotary #EndPolio EndPolio.org
Thank you, Kelly Wismer, Legislative Affairs Director of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, for your presentation to the Vermillion Rotary Club on April 7. Broadband access in rural areas is a challenging issue and you helped us to understand many of the important issues related to the subject.
Thank you, Dr. Shane Nordyke, for your wonderful presentation on Ireland and Northern Ireland. It was the perfect subject for St. Patrick's Day. We enjoyed your photo-filled presentation and the wonderful answers to the questions afterward, including the response about the Blarney Stone. 
If you would like to watch the presentation, simply click on the image below.
Even a pandemic couldn't stop the Vermillion Rotary Club from its annual project to help the Kindergarten students of Vermillion to celebrate Read Across America Day on Dr. Suess' birthday, March 2. Enjoy this quick video to see the reactions of the students as they selected their book, wrote their names in it, and then took some time to read and share their new treasure. You'll also get to hear the story, the Town Mouse and the Country Mouse, so share it with others! Thank you, Lisa Swanson for helping us coordinate this at Austin Elementary (and for the photos!) and Carrie Roerig for organizing the distribution at St. Agnes.
Thank you, Dr. Marcus Long, President of Mount Marty in Yankton, for joining us for our meeting today. It was great to learn more about all the wonderful changes at Mount Marty.
The District Governor and the members of the COVID-19 Disaster Response Grant Taskforce are happy to announce that thirteen District 5610 clubs have been awarded funds to help with projects in their communities to lessen the impact of COVID-19. The projects are a testament to the work of Rotary clubs in District 5610 to help our communities in these unprecedented times. Vermillion Rotary will partner with the Community Connections Center in Vermillion to provide diapers that are in high demand as well as gift cards to local restaurants that have been severely hit by the pandemic.
These funds were allocated from a $25,000 Disaster Response Grant awarded to District 5610 this fall. The funds will be used by the clubs between now and April 2021 after which the clubs will report on their efforts to lessen the impact of the pandemic.
Whether you attended the virtual conference in November and want to review some of the materials, or would like the chance to take a first look, most of the conference materials are now available online. Use any of the links below to select the materials you would like, or go to the District website list of all the links.
District 5610 Virtual Conference Video, Speaker PowerPoints, and Presentations now available on the District website.
- District 5610 Conference Welcome - DG Dan Little - PowerPoint Slides and Video Segment
- Rotary International President Nominee Jennifer Jones - Video Segment
- Foundation - Presenter Tracy Dahl-Webb - PowerPoint Slides and Video Segment
- Grow Rotary - Presenter Kathryn Fahy - PowerPoint Slides and Video Segment
- Public Image - Presenter Chuck Lubbers - PowerPoint Slides and Video Segment
- Whiteclay Makerspace - Presenter Linda Peterson - PowerPoint Slides and Video Segment
- Rotary District 5610 Global Grant End Human Trafficking Initiative - Jennifer Rollins - PowerPoint Slides and Video Segment
- Rotary International Director Suzi Howe - Video Segment
- BridgeHope - Red Flags
- BridgeHope-Familial Trafficking
- BridgeHope-Commercial Sexual Exploitation
- National Human Trafficking Hotline
- Spotlight of Signature Projects by Clubs within our District
- Celebration of Life - Memorial Slides
Thank you Rotarian Damon Alvey for your wonderful update on the Vermillion School District.
The Vermillion Rotary Club is trying something new - live streaming on Facebook the programs for our meeting. By clicking on the link below you can watch Damon Alvey's presentation. Enjoy!
This video captures some of the activity and excitment associated with the "Great Duck Shoot" in August of 2020. Thanks to the members of the Vermillion Rotary Club for staffing the event and buying a duck. Thank you to all the community members in Vermillion who helped us to launch the ducks.
On Sunday, August 2, members of the Vermillion Rotary Club, members of the local community, friends and family converged on the DakotaDome for the great Rotary Duck Shoot. The fundraiser was a modification of last year's Great Duck Race at the Prentis Plunge, since the water park was not available this year. The real winner was the Patriots Plaza that is currently under construction on the USD campus. That project receives the the funds from the fundraiser, which when combined with the matching grant from Rotary District 5610 makes Rotary one of the largest donors to the project. You can CLICK HERE or on the image below to see Dave Lias' article about the event in the Vermillion Plain Talk.
July 1 marks the start of the new Rotary year - 2020-2021. This video is part of a new Public Service Announcement (PSA) campaign to promote Rotary in the US. I have added the club identity to the video and also incorporated the 2020-21 theme - Rotary Opens Opportunities! Click on the image below to watch this short PSA or you can CLICK HERE to see it on our Club's YouTube channel.
Thank you, Debra Robertson, Director of USD's Student Counseling Services, for your wonderful presentation. It was great to learn more about your program's operations. If you were unable to join us for Vermillion Rotary's June 24 meeting (or if you want to relive the wondrous event again), you can CLICK HERE or on the image below. Debra Robertson's presentation begins 21 minutes into the meeting.
Thank you, Kevin Nelson, South Dakota Public Broadcasting's Director of the Early Learning Initiative, for joining us today. Your enthusiasm for the importance of early childhood learning is inspiring. If you would like to see the recording of the June 17, Vermillion Rotary meeting, including Mr. Nelson's presentation (starting 35 minutes into the meeting) click here or on the image below.
Our thanks to John Battern for his wonderful presentation on the SWIM program that produces small devices that can create a chlorine solution to sanitize water. These devices are helping to reduce illness and death rates from diseases spread by unsanitary water sources. Some estimates say that 10,000 people a day are dying because of diseases related to water. You can view the video of the meeting by CLICKING HERE or on the image below. The presentation begins 24 minutes into the video.
Thank you, Senator Art Rusch, for providing a detailed South Dakota Legislative update, including an analysis of the budgeting process in South Dakota. This recording of the meeting also includes announcements of what is happening in the community and with Rotary projects. The recording of Vermillion Rotary Club's June 3 online meeting is now available and can be viewed by CLICKING HERE or on the image below.
Thank you, Tim Tracy, for your presentation to the Vermillion Rotary Club on May 20. We appreciate the update on COVID-19 in our area, as well as your honest expression of what still concerns you about the future in the new way of doing business. If you would like to see a recording of the Zoom meeting of the Vermillion Rotary Club, including Tim's presentation, please CLICK HERE or on the image below.
To see the Zoom recording of the Vermillion Rotary meeting, including Professor Gordon-Bland's presentation, please click on the image below.
Nate Welch, Vermillion Rotarian and Executive Director of the Vermillion Area Chamber and Development Company, was recently interviewed by WNAX radio about how small town downtowns can survive in the current tough economic times. You can listen to segments of the interview by CLICKING HERE or on the image below.
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As you may already know, on Saturday, March 7 the Vermillion Rotary Club lost one of our most beloved members, Steve Walters.
Steve epitomized the Rotary motto, “Service Above Self”. He had been a very active member of our club, since moving to Vermillion, as was evidenced by his receipt of the Paul Harris award. For the Vermillion Club he served as a vice-president, president elect, president and past president, in addition to serving on the Club’s Board of Directors. Most recently, Steve spearheaded the Club’s efforts to launch the Vermillion Rotary’s Great Duck Race as a fundraiser for community projects. The Club will miss his calm, quiet leadership, his concern for everyone in the community, and his smile that could light up any room.
One day in July, of 1932, a Rotarian named Herbert J. Taylor, sat at his desk and prayed that God would give him a simple guide to help us to think, speak and do that which was right. He picked up a white card and wrote down what we Rotarians call The Four Way Test of the things we think, say and do:
- Is it the TRUTH?
- Is it FAIR to all concerned?
- Will it Build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
- Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
Rotarians around the world begin or end each meeting by reciting this to remind us all to live by these words in our daily, business and personal relations. I believe Steve lived by this 4-Way Test every day of his life, and because of that, we were all fortunate to have crossed his path during his lifetime. We wish to thank Terry and all of Steve's family for sharing him with us. At our Club's March 4, 2020 meeting, the membership voted unanimously to fund a new annual scholarship in Steve's name that will be given to a Vermillion High School senior.
You can read Steve's Obituary by CLICKING HERE.
In recognition of the national "Read Across America" day, the Vermillion SD Rotary Club works with the local elementary schools to provide a free book for all Kindergarten and Jr. Kindergarten students in the community. Students get to select a book from those provided to each classroom and the extra books are left for the teacher's use. These photos represent a few taken by Lisa Swanson (Thank you, Lisa), and they try to capture the joy of the event. We hope that receiving these books is another small step to developing a passion for reading. You can watch the video on the Club's Youtube channel by CLICKING HERE or on the image below.
Thank you, Vermillion Assistant Manager, James Purdy, for speaking to the Vermillion Rotary club about the 2020 Census. If you would like to watch his presentation you can CLICK HERE or on the image below.
Christine Lesher, USD TRIO Program Director, has just completed her first year leading the program. Today she was kind enough to share more about the TRIO program. We learned about the three programs that make up the TRIO program-Upward Bound, Educational Talent Search, and Student Support Services, as well as how the program operates at USD. To view her presentation on our YouTube channel you can CLICK HERE or on the image below.
Thank you, USD President Sheila Gestring, for providing a wonderful overview of upcoming facilities changes on the USD campus, especially the new Health Sciences building. We also appreciate your willingness to provide your insight into current issues on campus and the state legislature. If you would like to hear President Gestring's presentation on the Rotary Club's YouTube channel, simply click on the image below.
Thank you, Susan Heggestad, for your very informative presentation on the past and future of the Vermillion Area Farmers Market. If you would like to view her presentation on the Vermillion Rotary YouTube Channel, you can Click Here or on the image below.
Our thanks to Vemillion School Superintendent, Damon Alvey, for his wonderful presentation updating the Vermillion Rotary Club on the local schools. If you would like to watch the presentation on the Club's YouTube channel, you can CLICK HERE or on the image below.
Thank you, Professor Tim Schorn, for updating the members of the Vermillion Rotary Club about the three critical "hot" topics in the Persian Gulf region - the three I's - Iran, Israel and ISIS.
To view Professor Shorn's presentation on the Club's YouTube channel you can CLICK HERE or on the image below.
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We were thrilled to see Vermillion Rotary's own, Steve Walters, at the meeting today. Steve has been courageously battling cancer and we are so happy that he could join us for our meeting. The wonderful folks at Hillside Church have worked with Steve and Terry Walters to set up a go fund me page. We encourage you to go to www.gofundme.com/f/steve-walters or click on the image below to make a donation.
Our thanks to Vermillion area legislators, Art Rusch and Ray Ring, for their preview of what they expect to be some of the major issues in the 2020 SD Legislative session. You can watch their presentation by clicking on the image below, or watch it on the Vermillion Rotary YouTube channel by CLICKING HERE.
Our thanks to Kevin Earlywine and Megan Wiedner for their wonderful presentation on the activities of the South Dakota Playhouse. It was great to hear about the history of the Playhouse and the how the support of its partners, including Custer State Park and the University of South Dakota, helped the Playhouse to come into existence and to thrive for nearly 75 years. It was also fascinating to learn more about the statewide education programs conducted by the playhouse. To view their presentation on the Club's YouTube page CLICK HERE or on the image below.
Did you know that it took 60 years for South Dakota to return to the population that it had before the start of the Great Depression? Did you know that in 1933, the lowest point of the Great Depression, that South Dakota ranked last in the nation in annual income? The US unemployment rate before the depression was 3.2%, but by 1933 it was 25%. These interesting facts and so much more were part of Dr. Ralph Brown's presentation on the Great Depression in South Dakota. Thank you for your presentation, Dr. Brown. To view Dr. Brown's presentation on the Club's YouTube channel, you can CLICK HERE or on the image below.
Saturday's University of South Dakota football game featured wonderful tributes to current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces. The Vermillion Rotary Club's and Rotary District 5610's contribution to the new USD Veteran's Plaza was featured during the game.
At this week’s meeting we had the opportunity to hear from Dwight & Dari Carlblom, who worked in China for approximately 30 years. To view their interesting presentation, you can view it on the Club's YouTube page by CLICKING HERE or click on the image below.
Members for the Vermillion Rotary Club were honored to host the presentation of the annual historic preservation awards by the Clay County Historical Society. Our congratulations of the well-deserving recipients of the 2019 awards. Thank you for all that you do to preserve our history. You can watch the award presentation and the recipients' presentations on their preservation work on our Club's YouTube channel by CLICKING HERE or on the image below.
Thank you, Reyna Hernandez and USD Professor Amber Hansen, for joining the Vermillion Rotary Club at our October 9 meeting to update the club on the wonderful mural project in downtown Vermillion. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for the project. To view their presentation on the Club's YouTube channel, click HERE or on the image below.
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Scott Pohlson, USD's VP of Enrollment, Marketing and University Relations, offered the members of the Vermillion Rotary Club an inside look into enrollment trends that are impacting USD, other regional universities and the nation's institutions of higher learning. Thank you for joining us today and sharing your insights into these trends that have so much impact on the major employer in Vermillion. If you wish to watch Scott Pohlson's presentation, simply click on the image below to go to the presentation on the Club's YouTube page.
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Thank you, Dr. Shane Nordyke, Director, Chiesman Center and Government Research Bureau at USD, for your very informative presentation on the work of both of these organizations. We look forward to seeing what the future brings to the Chiesman Center after it's recent move to USD. If you would like to see her presentation, you can CLICK HERE or simply click on the image below.
When District Governor Ina Winter envisioned her club visits, I doubt she thought she'd be posing with rubber ducks. The Vermillion Rotary Club took the opportunity of the DG's visit to celebrate raising $3,580 during the inaugural Vermillion Rotary Duck Race this past summer. The money was used to support Vermillion's Community Connection Center, and we look forward to supporting wonderful Vermillion organizations through this and other fundraising for many years to come.
The Vermillion Rotary Club took the opportunity of the DG's visit to celebrate raising $3,580 during the inaugural Vermillion Rotary Duck Race this past summer. The money was used to support Vermillion's Community Connection Center, and we look forward to supporting wonderful Vermillion organizations through this and other fundraising for many years to come.
Thank you, Rotary District 5610 Governor, Ina Winter, for joining the Vermillion Rotary Club on September 11. Your message helped to inspire our members, and we greatly appreciate your message of service to humanity. To view DG Winter's presentation you can CLICK HERE or on the image below to view it on the Vermillion Rotary YouTube channel.
Our thanks to the USD Fine Arts Gallery Director, Amy Fill, for her informative presentation of all that USD Fine Arts has to offer the Vermillion Community. Click on the image below to view her presentation on the Club's YouTube channel.
To say that the National Music Museum is growing, is a drastic understatement. The NMM new director, Matt Collinsworth, joined the Vermillion Rotary Club today to outline the wonderful expansion project underway. His presentation made us all anxious for the grand reopening of the new, expanded museum. To learn more about what has already been done and what will be next, you can watch the presentation on the Club's Youtube channel by CLICKING HERE or on the image below.
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.
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.
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Vermillion, SD 57069
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