Empire - March 24

SIOUX FALLS | Bridgest at 57 th

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CONTRIBUTORS

team of writers

Andrea Van Essen, Lauren Johnson, Erica Wilcox, Natalie Frazier, Stacey Kracht, & Kayla Bartmann

Account Executives

Cory Johnsen

605-951-3567 | cory@michelscom.com

Jill Foley

712-490-8506 | jill@michelscom.com

Kevin Culhane

605-661-8509 | kevin@michelscom.com

Chris Hilson 605-661-9940 | chris@michelscom.com

Editor

Heather Jordan heather@michelscom.com

Photography

Shane Monahan Photography www.shanemonahanphotography.com

graphic designers

Makenzie Jorgenson

Ashley Carrison Flint Farley

chief of operations

Hanna Michels

605-760-4269 | hanna@michelscom.com

We

Every month Empire showcases local human interest stories along with beauty, fashion, family, home, career, health and nutrition information all with beautiful photography. We also feature businesses, men and women and homes in the Sioux Falls region. Want to subscribe to Empire? One year subscription is only $40.

IGNITING WELLNESS: A JOURNEY OF RESILIENCE, FAITH AND COMMUNITY

By: Andrea Van Essen | Photos By: Shane Monahan Photography

AshLeigh Cook has a fire inside her.

Throughout her life, she has cultivated striking resilience along with an unshakable work ethic, and in recent years, those traits have been matched with a deep passion for her work.

AshLeigh owns Ignite — a hot yoga studio in Sioux Falls — and she says nothing makes her as happy as teaching and creating a positive community. Her journey to this point, however, hasn’t been easy.

Growing up on a farm in small-town northern Minnesota, she learned the value of hard work at a young age, both from growing up on a farm and the wide range of jobs she tackled over the years.

Starting at 12 years old, AshLeigh worked with her mom every summer at an area Bible camp, cleaning bathrooms and serving meals. Then, between her senior year of high school and freshman year of college, she took a road construction job, which she says was eyeopening and gave her the confidence to try new things.

In college, she tended bar and worked as a physical therapy assistant, and, after graduating from the University of South Dakota with her degree in business management, she did some more bartending before becoming the manager of a Starbucks in Sioux Falls.

“I did that for just shy of 11 years, and I absolutely loved it,” she said. “I loved connecting with people, it was fast-paced, you’re always multitasking, and I had the opportunity to train and mentor all these high school and college girls who worked there.”

Fitness was also something that was part of her life from a young age, she says, although she didn’t really get into sports until eighth grade. That was

the year she found softball and cross country, and AshLeigh says she loved the way the sports made her feel — both physically and being in community with her team. As an adult, she continued running and says she even went for a run the same day she had her first son.

Two years later, though, she found herself in a challenging place mentally, after losing twin baby girls at 26 weeks and struggling in her marriage with her now ex-husband.

“It really threw me for a loop mentally and in my place with God. I had an unhealthy relationship to fitness then, I think I was just trying to get some control back,” she said.

Around that time, a friend suggested she try hot yoga for a change of pace. She was skeptical at first, but quickly fell in love with the practice and was soon encouraged to train as an instructor. She loved teaching and the flexibility it gave her to stay at home with her two young sons, Lincoln and Marshall, but shortly before the pandemic hit, she got fired from that studio.

“I knew when I got fired that I needed to take a little time off. It messed with me, and I was feeling kind of empty, but amidst it all, so many people kept telling me to start my own studio,” she said.

AshLeigh kept shrugging off their suggestions, but when COVID-19 struck, people insisted that she record her at-home sessions.

“They were like, ‘We know you’re working out, just record it,’ and it actually just blew up and was really fun,” she said. “At first, I was mortified because my sons would come in and be sitting there with their stuffed animals or asking me to open their Pop-Tarts, but I think that made it personal and realistic.”

It didn’t take long for her to see the potential in opening up a studio. More people were telling her they were craving in-person workouts, and because of the pandemic, construction was less busy, and she was able to get the space built out rapidly.

For most people, setting out on their own to open up a brick-and-mortar business in the midst of a pandemic would feel like a risky proposition, but AshLeigh says she had a steady sense of confidence in the situation.

“In my heart, I knew God was telling me to do something, and if the door closes it closes, but if it stays open, He would get me through it. I had a lot of friends and family saying, ‘Whatever you put your mind to, you’re going to do,’ but there were also plenty of people saying, ‘This is so much, do you really know how to run a business?’”

She adds, “God never shut the door, and I just love being around people and seeing them become better versions of themselves. I knew that if all else failed, if I could stay open for just a year and make people feel good, that would have been worth it.”

That was 2020. Over the last three years, she has built a community that feels like family, with 5:15 a.m. classes that are booked solid with a waitlist daily.

“People bring their babies, my kids love being at the studio, and I just didn’t realize how much it meant to people to have this community that pushes them to do things for the betterment of their health and wellness,” she said.

Few people exude humility and confidence with as much balance as AshLeigh. She emphasizes her immense gratitude for the community that has sprung up at Ignite and brims with ambition for what the future could hold.

She is currently planning an expansion to a larger facility that would include more holistic wellness options, such as breath work, sound therapy, cold plunging, 3D body scanning, infrared saunas and more.

As someone who has struggled with unhealthy mindsets around fitness, an eating disorder and depression, she is passionate about whole-body wellness rather than working out to achieve a certain aesthetic.

“GOD NEVER SHUT THE DOOR, AND I JUST LOVE BEING AROUND PEOPLE AND SEEING THEM BECOME BETTER VERSIONS OF THEMSELVES. I KNEW THAT IF ALL ELSE FAILED, IF I COULD STAY OPEN FOR JUST A YEAR AND MAKE PEOPLE FEEL GOOD, THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN WORTH IT.” -

“I hate hearing people say negative things about their body, and I never comment or respond to those things. I always try to rephrase it like, ‘I love that you’re doing this for your future self,’ because that’s really what it’s about. I want to be strong enough to be able to do anything with my kids, and someday my grandkids,” she said.

While many people would look at AshLeigh and see an extremely self-disciplined person — a business owner and mother who teaches fitness classes and works out six days per week, all with abundant positive energy — she challenges that concept of self-discipline.

“Discipline is often this negative mindset, and I read something recently that talked about how we should focus more on self-regulation,” she said.

“We can get blinders on if we’re so disciplined, but to be self-regulated, you can say, ‘Yes, I work out six days a week for my body and my mental health, but I don’t beat myself up if it doesn’t happen one day.’ I think that also comes with age, just giving yourself grace each day and listening to your body.”

Talking to AshLeigh or taking one of her classes, one might wonder how she maintains so much energy and positivity or if she ever feels burnt out.

“I don’t think people realize how happy you can truly be when you’re doing something you really love. I get so many endorphins and have so much passion for teaching, and it’s very sad for me to think that some people don’t have something like that,” she said.

With that in mind, she says that she tries to make Ignite a place that can fill people’s cups each day, even if it’s just for 45 minutes.

“Sometimes when people come to the studio, that’s the one thing that day that’s going to fill their cup. So we get to pour into them while doing what we love so much,” AshLeigh shares.

It’s her ability to nurture others and relate to people on numerous levels that defines AshLeigh as far more than a business owner or a yoga teacher. From challenging work experiences to loss and divorce, she has been through so much, yet still has the ability to see the good.

“I feel like God has let me go through so many hardships so that I can truly relate to people with feelings of loneliness or pain and show them, ‘You can be happy.’ I am truly happy. This isn’t a facade. If I hadn’t gone through the things I’ve been through, I wouldn’t be able to relate to 70 percent of the people I have,” she said.

Her positivity shines through in every aspect of life.

“I see such good in people, almost to a fault, because everyone has a past, and everyone deserves a clean slate. I always try to see the best in things — the cup half full.”

Photos Left to Right: Date night with her sons; Yoga instructor training at the studio; Watching her son play baseball on the Ignite sponsored team

THINGS ABOUT 5

1

AshLeigh is getting another puppy soon, a golden doodle. She already has Karl, a 2-yearold aussiedoodle who serves as her studio dog, and everyone loves him!

2 When AshLeigh worked road construction, she did so many different jobs! She was a sign girl, and worked the paver, steamer and rubber roller.

3 She likes to do things and build things on her own. For example, AshLeigh redid the light fixtures in her house, but when it comes to anything queasy like blood, she’s out.

4 AshLeigh is half-Asian (Korean), and loves to tell people that anything odd or unique about her is “because she’s half-Asian.”

5 She has hiked in the Grand Canyon three years in a row, backpacking in and camping with a group of other ladies.

First trip to the Grand Canyon

Monthly dinner with girlfriends

Fall family photo

with fine dining EXPERIENCE THE “WOW” FACTOR

By: Natalie Frazier Photos By: Grand Falls Casino & Michels Digital Solutions

Before he was an Executive Chef at Grand Falls Casino and Golf Resort, John Reck was a kid finding his love for cooking in the same kitchen as his father.

Growing up, Chef John watched his father working in a restaurant kitchen and started out working dish duty until one understaffed day when he stepped up to the plate and helped his father with food prep. According to John, those food prep tasks are what taught him to work and sparked his passion for the culinary industry.

“I started in the kitchen that he worked at for decades, and was always interested in what was going on in there,” Chef John shares. “From the cooking, to the staff, and everything in between.”

Fast forward to May of 2016 when Chef John started in the Grand Falls kitchen. He has been a part of their team for close to eight years. He has taken this time to not only develop his culinary skills, but to also embrace all the different aspects of working in a restaurant kitchen from interacting in the dining room, helping to create recipes, and using his creativity every day.

On top of that, Chef John has found that his customer appreciation skills are at the root of what really makes him excited about his job. He enjoys seeing the joy that an incredible meal brings to a customer, or experiencing his first standing ovation from a crowded dining room. Creating a great experience from the dining room to kitchen back to the table is why he does what he does.

Though the days can be long, Chef John prides himself on appealing to the wide variety of patrons Grand Falls Casino and Golf Resort serves. He says that the freedom to be creative in his work is something he highly values. That creativity is something that makes the culinary industry incredibly important.

“It’s not something that everyone can do,” Chef John shares. “Sure, we can all cook something, but to put your passion and love onto a plate and in front of a guest is something different. To expose yourself to the palate of every individual that comes into the restaurant and have the confidence in the fact that they will enjoy the food doesn’t come naturally to everyone.”

As the years go on, John always looks forward to working with individuals that share the same motivation and passion that he does for the culinary industry. He continues on with hopes of giving back his knowledge and what he has learned to the younger generation of chefs and culinary professionals.

“I enjoy working with young, inspired, talented individuals. As I grow a bit older, the younger generation is entering the culinary world and it reminds me of where I started. I have the chance to mentor them, and to help them learn and grow in the culinary industry,” Chef John explains.

When he’s not in the Grand Falls kitchen, Chef John shares his expertise and passion for cooking with West Lyon High School students who are involved in the Iowa ProStart and FCCLA programs to sharpen their culinary skills. “I like to work with students who have goals and aspirations,” Chef John shares.

Specialty dishes to please every palate

Grand Falls Casino and Golf Resort strives to bring a “wow” factor in quality, presentation and taste in all of their specialty dishes. They offer a little bit of everything to cater to a wide variety of taste preferences.

Executive Chef John Reck is excited for all that is to come in the near future for patrons visiting Ruthie’s. Exciting specials, wine dinners and event menus are just some of the things that guests can look forward to.

Ruthie’s does whatever it can to source its high-quality ingredients locally including pairing Midwestern beef with seasonal produce from Minnesota and Iowa. Altogether, Ruthie’s creates a serene, fine dining experience all with a local touch.

“From the time they are ordered to the time they arrive to the guest can vary, but generally around 20 to 30 minutes. The real answer is in the preparation,”

Chef John said. “As with any dish, the preparation is the most time-consuming portion of it because we take time to make sure our product is of the highest quality possible.”

For a high-quality steak experience:

An incredible cut, the lean 14 oz. Delmonico Ribeye is cooked to perfection. Included in this meal is Herbed Butter Lump Crab full of mild and delicate flavor. The meal is completed with fresh, grilled broccolini.

Pairs best with: J Vineyards Russian River Pinot Noir

Floral aromas of rose petal and violet are complemented on the silky-smooth taste by fruit notes of cherry, ripe strawberry and baked plum. Deeper hints of gingerbread, forest floor, soft leather and slate create an incredibly complex yet balanced wine to pair with your meal.

For the best of surf and turf:

Tender filet medallions are expertly seasoned and prepared, topped with pink peppercorn, crusted garlic herb shrimp, creamy garlic confit mashed potatoes, cabernet demi-glace, and crispy onion strings.

Pairs well with: Joel Gott Cabernet

This Cabernet brings aromas of raspberries, mocha, plum and blackberries paired together with notes of cedar and cinnamon. The wine starts out with red fruity flavors followed by smooth tannins on the mid palate. Notes of black pepper bring you to the end with a long, textured finish.

For a taste of the Cajun South:

Ruthie’s Creole Penne is equal parts bold and spicy. The meal includes large diver scallop with a sweet, meaty flavor, jumbo shrimp, smokey and savory Andouille sausage, fresh bell pepper, wild mushroom broccoli and

Cajun cream. Those flavors meld together to create a savory southern dish fit for those who enjoy the spice of authentic Cajun cuisine.

Pairs well with: 14 Hands Merlot

This soft, approachable wine is very food-friendly. Aromas and rich flavors of blackberry, plum, mocha and cherry create a round, structured sip to pair with your meal.

“These three dishes are special to us and to Elite Casino Resorts as a company because they are a culmination of inspiration between the chefs of the different properties and the desires of the guests,” Chef John explains. “Making a dish special is more than just putting food on a plate It’s about listening to what your clientele wants, selecting high-quality, local ingredients, and working together as a team to provide the best possible experience for each and every guest.

712.777.7777

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Add a scalp massage for extra relaxation or boost your blowout with an Add-On.

From volume to curls, there’s a style for you. Look through the lookbook to pick your new do.

Your

Samantha Griebel

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED CREATING ART?

I started drawing when I was a young girl but didn’t really actually start creating art until my freshman art class!

WHO WAS THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSON TO YOU (ARTISTICALLY SPEAKING)?

Vincent Van Gogh

AS AN ARTIST WITH CEREBRAL PALSY, HOW DOES YOUR ART CONNECT YOU TO OTHERS AND WHAT MESSAGE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEND?

I have to really concentrate on my muscle control when I’m working on a piece because of my CP. I make the art pieces personal to the person, I will ask them what they want me to make and the details that they want me to include in the piece that I’m making for them! If I know the person well, I will create a piece that is personal to them! Anything is possible if you believe it can be done!

WHAT MOST EXCITES YOU ABOUT YOUR WORK AND THE CONTRIBUTION YOU CAN MAKE?

That I get to share my talent and creativity with people!

WHAT HABITS DO YOU HAVE THAT ENCOURAGE CREATIVITY?

I enjoy spending time outside and visiting different places!

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PIECE OF ART? WHY?

My rose is my favorite because roses are my favorite flower!

WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

Don’t be afraid to speak up for what you believe in!

WHAT ARE THREE THINGS STILL LEFT ON YOUR BUCKET LIST?

Visit the Eiffel Tower, own an art studio and visit Florida

Samantha Griebel

TELL US SOMETHING THAT MIGHT SURPRISE US ABOUT YOU.

I have my Rose drawing on the utility box on the corner of 14th and Main, Downtown Sioux Falls!

WHAT IS ONE ART RULE YOU ALWAYS FOLLOW? Have fun!

IF YOU COULD REPLAY ONE MOMENT IN YOUR LIFE, WHAT WOULD YOU CHOOSE?

The night that my family got our first dog!

NAME THREE WORDS THAT DESCRIBE YOUR ART COLLECTION:

Colorful, Personal, Unique

WHERE CAN READERS VIEW YOUR WORK AND LEARN MORE?

https://samathasart.wordpress.com www.Facebook.com/samanthasdrawing www.Instagram.com/samanthasart30/

Happy 135th Birthday, Sioux Falls!

This year, Sioux Falls is celebrating 135 years of being a city! The namesake of the city of Sioux Falls is two-fold. “Sioux” comes from the Sioux Tribe of American Indians. “Falls” comes from the waterfalls of the Big Sioux River that the town was built around. In 1876, the village was incorporated, and since March 1889, Sioux Falls has been chartered as a city.

The falls of the Sioux River has drawn civilizations for hundreds of years, long before the existence of

By: Stacey Kracht

Sioux Falls. We know the area was inhabited prior to 500 B.C. because of burial mounds left behind on the river bluffs. After that time, villages were constructed by an agricultural people. The nomadic bison-hunting Lakota and Dakota tribes came to the area in the 1700s and would trade with French fur trappers near the falls.

Early explorers to the region during the 1800s included Lewis and Clark as well as John C. Fremont and Joseph Nicollet, but Philander Prescott was the first to officially record a visit to the falls in December 1832. In 1844, a military expedition to the area was led by Captain James Allen. Depictions of the cascades of the Sioux River were originally published in The States and Territories of the Great West by Jacob Ferris in 1856.

Philander Prescott Marker

Photo By: The Historical Marker Database

The land around the falls began to capture the attention of land inspectors. The waterpower potential of the falls was a very attractive feature, and Sioux Falls was ultimately established by investors wanting to acquire promising plots for towns before settlers and railroads had a chance to move in. The Western Town Company of Dubuque, Iowa, and the Dakota Land Company of St. Paul, Minnesota, arrived in 1856 and 1857 respectively, claiming 320 acres each. The first winter, 17 men lived in Sioux Falls, and the next year, that number had already grown to almost 40.

In August 1862, Sioux Falls was evacuated due to the Dakota War between area settlers and the American Indians. Former and new settlers reestablished the town in May of 1865. By 1873, the population had grown to 593. When it was incorporated in 1876, the village consisted of 1,200 acres.

The 1880s were a booming time in the Dakotas with the influx of railroads. Over that decade, the population of Sioux Falls swelled from 2,164 to 10,167. In 1909, John Morrell opened their meat packing plant; in 1942, an airbase and military radio and communications training school was opened; and in the early 1960s, the interstate highway system through the area was finished. Other milestones and growth over the years have made it the flourishing city it is today. Happy birthday, Sioux Falls!

Rail line connected East Sioux Falls with Sioux Falls

Photo By: South Dakota Public Broadcasting

East Sioux Falls in 1888

Photo By: South Dakota Public Broadcasting

Big SIoux River falls in the late 1800s

Photo By: GreetingsFromSiouxFalls.com

Feeling

March is the month to seek out a new Career at Wells.

MAKERS OF

Make March your lucky month and check out all of the career opportunities at Wells!

Leanne, Production

Daisy, Production

Walter, Frozen Warehouse

THE 2024 REPORT Fashion Trends

By: Erica Wilcox

We’re feeling the warm-up and ready to ditch the heavy layers! If you’re like me, I always get in the mood to freshen up my wardrobe when the seasons switch and it’s time to look at what will be trending in all things fashion this year. Here’s a breakdown of some of this year’s top trends in all categories to keep you in-the-know when shopping for the season!

Not-So-Basic Basics

Freshen up those modern closet staples such as long sleeve tees, a shift dress, 90’s relaxed jeans, and classic button downs. When pairing these minimalistic pieces, less will be more chic.

We’re seeing a much-appreciated shift into more walking-friendly footwear and the return of the 1-2” heel height, the “kitten heel”. This trend transcends into all footwear styles; traditional heels, sandals, pumps, etc. We’ll also see a lot of slingback styles returning.

Bows

Bows will be everywhere! Bow earrings, hair barrettes, appliques, details on bags, and really anything with a bow on it, you’ll be trending.

XL Bags

The weekender bag size will be popular, but this year, in different styles, like: slouchy satchels, carryalls, totes, crossbody and every style in between. You will find your favorite silhouette and it will be super-sized!

Kitten Heels & Slingbacks

Metallics

We’ve seen this trend make a comeback on the tail end of last year and it’s going to be bigger and bolder for 2024! Think head-to-toe metallic jackets, sets, 2-pieces, dresses, etc.

Prepster

Button down shirts, academic blazers, crewnecks and polos are making a comeback! Think a mix of prep school meets 50’s fashion. Layering more than one of these trends will be ideal until the weather warms up.

Be sure to follow me on Instagram and the free shopping app, LIKEtoKNOW.it, to see links to these items, daily sales and looks for Spring! @bestdressedblonde

Born and raised in Sioux Falls, SD, I’ve been obsessed with fashion since I could dress myself. I was one of those kids who dressed up every day for school, no sweatpants here! My first taste of real fashion was my first retail job at 15. Working in fashion and living it through my everyday outfits, I noticed that everyone would always ask me about my outfits! I’d often get personal shopping requests or asked for fashion advice.

My passion kept growing to the point where I knew this was what I wanted to further my education in. I went on to get my bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising with a minor in business at South Dakota State University. After completing an internship and study trip, I knew that this was my calling, but I was not sure where to go with it.

After doing some corporate buying and retail management, I was grateful for the experiences but needed more. After years and many individuals telling me to start a blog, I finally did.

Best Dressed Blonde was born… an everyday fashion, clean beauty and lifestyle brand. Sharing through my personal website, Instagram and other fashion platforms is the perfect way to express and showcase my passions!

On Best Dressed Blonde, you’ll find me sharing daily deals and sales, makeup tutorials, try-ons and a little bit of everyday life! My passion has also grown into my clean beauty business with Crunchi where I help women detox their skincare and makeup with truly high-performing and clean products.

FOLLOW ME FOR MORE OUTFIT INSPIRATION!

@bestdressedblonde

bestdressedblonde.com

Empire Foodies

Life is too short to eat boring food.

All of us at Empire know that food is the ingredient that brings us together! In the coming months, we will be featuring the best foodie spots in Sioux Falls!

Want to feature your foodie spot?

We’d love to have you!

Email ads@michelscom.com for more information!

THIS MONTH’S

Foodie

LOVE THE ATMOSPHERE HERE AND THE SERVICE IS ALWAYS FRIENDLY AND EFFICIENT!

22TEN Kitchen Cocktails vision is to create an awe-inspiring gathering spot for the Sioux Falls community. With a menu reflecting “American Eclectic” cuisine, with a focus on innovative, artisan plates, as well as some local favorites and everyday classics.

Our bar offerings span the masses and will include hand-crafted cocktails built with fresh-squeezed juices and house-made syrups and sours, in addition to craft beer and a chef-selected wine menu that perfectly complements our portion appropriate plates.

We emphasize social dining with close friends and family. The clean, palatable flavor of our menu selections will allow our guests to easily dine in courses, and our skilled culinary team ensures our portions are on-point so guests will rarely leave any bite behind!

HAVE A MOM,

GRANDMA, FRIEND, SISTER OR WIFE THAT YOU THINK DESERVES TO BE QUEEN FOR A DAY?

Tell us why you think that special someone should be Queen for a Day by sending in a 200 word max story and photo to heather@michelscom.com by March 31, 2024.

QUEENfor a day

Clips of various stories will be chosen to run in the April edition of Empire Magazine, with one winner to be ‘crowned’ in May. A great prize package perfect for a queen!

The VA March to Food Security

By: Kayla Bartmann, MSW, CSW-PIP

March is both National Social Work and National Nutrition Month. The Sioux Falls VA Health Care System employs 65 Social Workers and 15 Registered Dietitians who provide crucial supportive services for our nation’s Veterans. The Sioux Falls VA joins in the national celebration of these professionals by recognizing their efforts and contributions.

The Sioux Falls VA Registered Dietitians provide care to populations in the Inpatient, Outpatient, Mental Health, Home-Based Care, Whole Health, and MOVE! programs

and as requested by other specialties, clinics, and directives. They can see Veterans individually or in groups using several modalities such as in-person appointments, video, or phone. Dietitians assess a Veteran’s nutritional health, meet the Veteran where they are in their health journey, and help them meet their nutrition goals through education and counseling with the ultimate goal of promoting overall wellness and disease prevention.

Social Workers provide care to populations in primary care, specialty clinics, caregiver support, home-based primary care, inpatient units, suicide prevention, intimate partner violence, outpatient mental health therapy, behavioral recovery, substance use disorder care, and more. Social workers provide outreach and case management, counseling and psychotherapy, advance care planning, financial assistance, resource and community linkage, and housing and community living options.

Over the past several years, the VA has spotlighted food insecurity in the Veteran population. Food insecurity is the inability to provide adequate food for an active and healthy life whether through limited financial means to purchase food or the lack of access to food. Food insecurity is a social determinant of health which is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as non-medical factor(s) that influence health outcomes. These factors can include economic stability, education, health and access to health care, neighborhood and built environment, and social and community context – including food security. We know that if Veterans are not able to provide adequate sustenance, overall health and well-being suffer. VA Social Workers and Dietitians have partnered together to address this issue.

During VA appointments, a screening tool is used to ask Veterans annually about food insecurity. If a Veteran screens positive, Social Workers can help connect Veterans to local resources such as community food

banks or pantries, Meals on Wheels programs, and/or VA supportive resources that might help a Veteran’s overall health and well-being. Dietitians can then support the Veteran by providing information about low-cost recipes or budget-friendly shopping lists that take the Veteran’s nutritional diagnosis or goals into account. Through combined efforts of Social Workers and Dietitians, food insecurity is being recognized and addressed in the Sioux Falls VA Health Care System.

March may be National Social Worker and National Nutrition Month, but EVERY DAY is about the Veteran at the Sioux Falls VA Health Care System.

For questions regarding Veteran food insecurity please call:

Kayla Bartmann, Social Work Executive

605-336-3230 x. 6684

Alyssa McLellan, Chief, Nutrition & Food Services

605-336-3230 x. 6368

EVERYONE DESERVES TO LIVE THEIR Best Life

By: Lauren Johnson

DakotAbilities in Sioux Falls is a nonprofit organization that supports adults with physical and developmental disabilities throughout their lifetime. Dedicated team members work alongside each person supported to help break down barriers so they can experience life to the fullest, based on their interests and abilities. The organization’s new mission statement is reflective of that effort: “Together, we create a warm and welcoming community enriching the lives of those we support.”

“At any point, whether it’s leaving the school system or a change in living situation, we’re here to support adults with disabilities throughout their lifetime,” says Shelly Johnson, Director of Development. “Our number one priority is the health, safety, and welfare of those we support, and because we provide 24/7 access to nursing, we can support people with the highest levels of medical need.”

Currently, there are 136 adults in Sioux Falls supported by DakotAbilities. From residential housing, 24-hour nursing care, physical habilitation services, and Meaningful Day services, each person has his or her own individual support plan. “We are intentionally small,” Shelly says. “And while we are addressing the increased need for our services in Sioux Falls with plans to grow, we will remain relatively small to ensure each person receives specialized and customized care.”

Part of their growth plan includes building two new homes in Sioux Falls in 2024 to replace two homes built in the 1990s. By listening to those who are presently supported, the new homes will provide each resident with their own

private bedroom to ensure each person has the privacy, dignity, and personal space they deserve. The new homes will also accommodate more people while maintaining a critical staff-to-person-supported balance.

“Physical habilitation is another key component of the support we provide,” says Shelly. “Our physical habilitation specialists are great at keeping people moving and motivated, and helping them make progress while relieving physical discomfort.”

Meaningful Day services address the interests, hobbies, and passions of the people supported through art, music, nutrition, and physical fitness. “The things we want to do that fulfill our lives and bring us joy are the same things the people we support want. Opportunities for expression and experiencing our community are what Meaningful Day services are about.”

Meaningful Day services take place Monday through Friday at Longfellow Center in Sioux Falls, the site of the former Longfellow Elementary School. Many events and activities take place there, including:

- Performances by the South Dakota Symphony

- Participation in three plays per year with the Black Hills Playhouse

- Sewing, crafts, arts, and creative projects

- Raised bed gardening, maintained with the help of staff and volunteers

“We also visit places like the Washington Pavilion, Levitt, Trent Farm, the Butterfly House, and the Midco Aquatic Center,” says Shelly. “Imagine what it's like to experience life on a farm by driving a tractor, or to go swimming, or finding a new interest at an exhibit. We also offer volunteer opportunities at The Foster Closet and the GreaterGoods Store. It’s a win/win when the community and nonprofits work together.”

DakotAbilities is a strong advocate for inclusiveness, raising awareness about issues that impact those with disabilities. “We want to broaden peoples’ understanding and break down barriers so the people we support have an easier time navigating our community. We invite volunteers and businesses into Longfellow to get to know the amazing individuals who are here.”

All of DakotAbilities' residential homes and services are based in Sioux Falls. They are one of twenty Community Support Providers in South Dakota.

To donate, volunteer, or learn more about their services, visit dakotabilities.org or contact them at 605-334-4220.

Is Now the Time to Consider Assisted Living for Your Loved One?

At StoneyBrook Suites, we will care for your loved one in an environment designed to allow them to thrive.

Enhancing the lives of our residents and offering peace of mind to their families is at the heart of what we do here at StoneyBrook Suites Assisted Living. Imagine a place where your loved ones are not just cared for, but truly embraced in a supportive community. Our commitment is to provide an environment where seniors can thrive independently, all while receiving the personalized care they deserve. StoneyBrook Suites is more than just a place to reside; it’s a vibrant community that fosters fulfillment, security, and a profound sense of belonging for our cherished residents.

Life is Sweet in StoneyBrook Suites!

OUR MISSION

We are a full-service assisted living community with a mission “To foster the well-being of each resident by nurturing the mind, body, and spirit while maintaining each resident’s enjoyment of independence and dignity in a secure and supportive environment. We invite you to come to StoneyBrook Suites, where our joy is in serving you.”

AMENITIES

• Coffee Shop

• Salon

• Walk-in Whirlpool Spa

• Centrally located meals and activities

SERVICES

• Caring, trusted, 24-hour staff

• Personal housekeeping

• Theater

• Courtyards

• Spacious suites all on one level

Schedule a tour and see the quality of life available to you or your loved one.

• Three homestyle meals per day

• Professional medication administration and laundry

• On-site physical, restorative

• Scheduled daily social and and cognitive therapy exercise activities

• Wellness clinic

• Personal pendant system

• Assistance with activities of daily living

Dakota Dunes

Paul Fick Homes proudly uses products and services from these companies:

FAITH AND FAMILY NIGHT UNITY AMONGST PEOPLE

3:05 pm on sunday, april 14 th

KEVIN DURANTEATER

EXPERIENCE THE SCAN THE CODE TO SEE THE 40+ ZOOPERSTARS IN ACTION!

The Sioux Falls Storm is celebrating its annual Faith and Family Night with the mission of Unity Amongst People. This year Faith and Family Night will be held on Sunday, April 14th. The highlight of the day will be the ZOOperstars! brought to you by First Premier Bank.

MISSION FOOTBALL GIVEAWAY!

We are also excited to host the mission ball, who will be on-site and giving away mission ball footballs! what is the mission ball? the mission ball is simply a football covered with biblical text, meant to be used as a bridge to share the gospel!

WHALE GRETZKY

LEBRONCO JAMES

ROGER CLAMENS

DONOVAN MCCRABB

Let’s rock , everybody, let’s rock e verybody in the whoLe celL bLock Was dancin’ to the Jailhouse rock

-elvis presley

The King of Rock entered the United States Army on March 24, 1958 and was discharged from the Army Reserve on March 23, 1964. This is Elvis Presley’s official United States Army Uniform.

LIVING HISTORY. LEGENDARY EXPERIENCES.

Elvis Presley is the singularly most recognized performer in the world, and after more than 40 years since his death, his name only revives the images of the singer, performer, actor, and ultimate showman who could hold an audience in the palm of his hand.

Elvis Presley sold more than 1 billion records worldwide, more than anyone in record industry history.

See what more the Hard Rock Sioux City Memorabilia Collection has to offer. Our walls are decorated with rock and roll history.