February 2018

“I like to paint, draw, stroke, stroke stroke—like Vinnie,” says Jeff McGlade. Vinnie is how Jeff af-fectionately refers to his idol, Vincent van Gogh, the Dutch painter. Jeff has been involved at the Black Hills Works Suzie Cappa Art Center since 2010. Over the years, he has experimented with many different mediums, most recently acrylic painting. Artist in Residence Mary Wipf says, “Like many artists, Jeff was a wanderer, kind of trying out one thing and then another.” She says at times, Jeff seemed bored with his art until one day a couple of years ago when she led a group project on the work of van Gogh. “We were looking at the direction of the strokes and examin-ing the pictures in the book of van Gogh’s work and something clicked for Jeff. And since then, he has been very focused and very self-directed in working on these paintings.” That focus and self-direction combined with a lot of hard work are why Jeff was named the 2018 Artist of the Year by the Suzie Cappa Art Center Arts Ambassadors Committee. Jeff was honored during a reception at the Suzie Cappa Center’s regular Art Night on January 12. “It’s an honor,” says Jeff. “I worked hard for it. I was happy. I’m happy now.”

Jeff McGlade named Artist of the Year 60 years and countingBlack Hills Works began in 1958, when 23 concerned parents and friends of children with disabilities started Rapid City’s first special education program in Mrs. J.S. Kibben’s basement. At that time, parents had few choices other than to send their children with dis-abilities to institutions, often far from their homes. Children who remained with their families were often isolated with no options for education, employment, even social interaction and recreation. From humble beginnings serving eight chil-dren to serving more than 600 adults, from one small setting to a variety of work sites and living arrange-ments throughout the community, Black Hills Works and the people we serve have come far. We continue to

Candido Torres and Dean Baker in a photo taken around 1967.

60 years continue on page 2.

The Suzie Cappa Center will host a reception for the traveling art exhibition, The Road Ahead, on Friday, February 9 from 5-8 p.m. during their regular monthly Art Night. The Road Ahead features the work of 32 artists with developmental disabilities who represent arts programs in eight states. Suzie Cappa Artists participating include Nancy Weiss, Colleen Romano, Anna McDowell and Sheryl Finch. The Road Ahead will be at the Suzie Cappa Art Center through March. The eighteen-month tour began at Sophie’s Gallery in San Diego in October of 2017 and will end at MOSA-Museum of Special Art, in Bothel, WA in July, 2019. Other stops include Hozhoni Foundation in Flagstaff, AZ, Creative Trails in Portland, ME, Art Enables in Washington, D.C., Imagine That in Kansas City, MO and N4th Gallery in Albuquerque, NM. This is the second annual show; four Suzie Cappa artists also participated in 2016.

During the month of January, the Learning Institute celebrated and studied various cultures, both local and international. Danette Schille says support staff have backgrounds from the Philippines, Mexico, Germany, India and Thailand, which made learning about those countries easier. Locally, a group paid a visit to the Dakota Drum Company which specializes in tradition-al buffalo hide drums and Native American art.

Jeremiah Vigil, Barb Brings Plenty, Nicole Laird and Robert Tomahawk visited Dakota Drum Company in January to learn how Native American Drums are made.

Bringing the world to Black Hills Works

make improvements in the services and opportunities we provide to people with disabilities and in turn, they make increasingly important contributions to our com-munity. Today people served by Black Hills Works enjoy a wide array of living arrangements, from group home to apartment to home ownership, based on their wishes and needs. They contribute to our community through their work and volunteerism and they enjoy the opportunities our community has to offer for recre-ation, shopping and social interaction. It would be impossible to summarize sixty years of incredible progress in this space or name all of those who have helped make Black Hills Works what it is today. But we are grateful to those parents who decided 60 years ago that things could be better for their children, the direct support employees who devoted their careers to making sure that it was, the businesses who believed in the abilities of those we support, the volunteers and donors who shared their time and resources, and the community whose accep-tance and generosity have made our success possible. Together they have given us a solid foundation that guarantees that the next sixty years will be even better. And hats off to the people we serve now and the many we have served over the years. Their determination has been an inspiration to all of us.

60 Years continued from page 1.

REMEMBER: HIPAASecurityandPrivacy

A Team kick-off Monday, February 26, 5-7 p.m.

Black Hills Works Training RoomMembers of the People First group are transitioning into the A Team! All people supported, their support staff and family members are invited to join us Mon-day, February 26 from 5-7 p.m. for the kick-off ses-sion of the A Team. A national representative of the A Team will be sharing examples of the advocacy work done on behalf of people with disabilities in other states, including passing resolutions, enacting legisla-tion, publishing articles, changing policies. RSVP to Kelly Hotovec 343-6466. The A Team is a national organization whose mission is “to ignite the passion and energy of people with diverse abilities and their families, to advocate in grassroots efforts, create awareness in the community and advise others to ensure service options and oppor-tunities meet people’s needs.” The A Team uses a three pronged approach: Advisement: Grow knowledge/guide out-comes. Grow to be a credible adviser and mentor for others. Guide others in what is best for self-advocates and their loved ones. Awareness: Share your story. Tell your story to expand understanding of those with diverse abilities throughout the community. Advocate: Promote your rights. Speak to others about what is important to you. Participate in various activities to make your voice heard. We need dedicated advocates, including self-advocates, family and support systems. There is power in numbers. For more information on the A Team at Black Hills Works, call Kelly Hotovec 343-6466.

Back in the saddle At the Frontline Leader Gallery Walk on December 8, DSP Laurie Eisenbraun described assisting Rich-ard Booth to return to an activity he loved after being sidelined due to an injury two years ago. Laurie says Richard missed riding with his friends at SunCatcher Therapeutic Riding Academy. Richard was beginning to walk again after the injury, but was still using a wheelchair, so getting back in the saddle this past summer, required that he build up his strength after the injury. A more enjoyable part of the preparation was helping Richard shop for his own riding helmet. Richard communicates nonver-bally, but Laurie says it was clear from his smiles that he loved his new black helmet. Because of the wheelchair, special arrange-ments had to be made to pull closer to the platform where riders mount their horses. Once on the platform, she says four staff and volunteers assisted Richard on and off his horse each time and three walked with him as he rode for safety reasons, but the effort was worth it. Richard was back riding with his friends every Wednesday this summer and he loved it. Laurie says he communicates that he’s having a good time with his smiles and his body language. When he rocks forward, he is enjoying the ride and when he rocks sideways, he’s ready to get off the horse. Best of all, he’s ready for next summer’s riding season.

Richard Booth enjoys the ride at SunCatcher Therapeutic Rid-ing Academy.

BHWI is Tough Enough to Wear Pink

Back Row: Pat Thompson, Shelley Wilson, Jolene Delker, Lianne Brandup, Robin Murner and Kelly Hotovec. Front Row: Robin Madsen, Kim Helseth, Kim Jones, Mary Jenniges, Dee Schultz and Julie Martian.

The Strongest HeartOrdean Stevenson started writing this a few days after his brother from Belgium came to visit and finished it in Heather Pickering’s play writing class in November. Heather is hoping to use a version of it in a future production or project some day.

The Strongest Heart By Ordean Stevenson One part of my heart is goodThe middle part.It beats perfect, on time, normal.One part of my heart is sad.The top part.It lost someone, but it is okay.One part of my heart is bad.The left hand side.It doesn’t pump enough blood.One part of my heart is excited. The bottom part.When someone comes to see you, like my brother, my heart is joyful.One part of my heart is the greatest.The side part. It is a happy heart with the Lord Jesus inside.

$100 winners announced Each year, six lucky participants in our Finders Keep-ers Program win $100 for their efforts. The Finders Keepers Program rewards the fabulous staff who recruit new employees throughout the year. Along with their checks for referring staff who stay, they are also eligible for the annual drawing. The 2017 winners were:Lissa MarotzCalvin GalimorePatrick LuisiAshton JonesBrad WinterTrisha Michael

Next year it could be you! Staff are a key way we get people outside of Black Hills Works to consider a career here. Thanks to the six winners and to everyone else who referred employees in 2017!

Admission: $7.00 for Adults Children 8 & under FREE

Sunday, February 25th 7:30am - 2:00pm

Bring the whole FAMILY!!!

FREE Diabetic Screening byBlack Hills Works Nursing Staff

8:00AM - 10:00AM

Yummy

RUSHMORE LIONS CLUB57th Annual

Adults of all abilities will explore music, theatre, dance and visual arts at this unique camp alongside professional instructors.

All proceeds will beneet 360˚ Arts Camp.

Donations can be made at www.blackhillsworks.org

Modern Woodman will be matching proceeds up to $2,500.

Cheers! What’s your why?This monthly feature gives employees an opportunity to explain what they find most fulfilling in their jobs. This month, we hear from Quality Support Special-ist Mallory Buxton. If you would like to share your “why,” email it to drosby@bhws.com.

What keeps me at Black Hills Works is the feeling I get when I come into work. Most days when I arrive at work, it’s like I am walking into a real-life episode of Cheers! I get praised with wonderful words and amaz-ing questions. Of course, like Cheers, it has its ups and downs, but unlike a fictional television show, I get to make a difference in people-served lives and they make a difference in mine. I have learned so much from the people that I have assisted throughout the last five years. This job has taught me to push the limits and absolutely noth-ing is impossible! All in all, I have to say that this job, although complicated and pressing at times, has left a permanent mark on my heart and drive in my soul to assist people with breaking boundaries and accom-plishing their dreams.

Power of B winners Congratulations to this month’s Power of B winners: Justin Pierce is being honored for working extra time while a new supervisor could be hired at the commissary, then helping get the new supervisor up to speed. Becky Trainer-Carlson was nominated for her quick thinking during a crisis with a boiler line leak. Ian Kellar is being honored for filling in for another staff on FMLA while maintaining his other duties. Samantha Keller was nominated for being extra supportive in her residential duties. Emilee Ericks was nominated for filling in shifts and assisting to train staff. Brenda Shirk-Brimmer is being honored for her outstanding support of an individual needing surgery. Jennifer Lindbloom was nominated for being supportive and responsive to staff and parents and guardians. To nominate someone, find the nomination form elsewhere in this newsletter or on Lotus Notes. Click on Agency Main; click on Staff (left-hand green buttons); then click on Staff Forms which is located in the center panel on the right side. Choose Rapid City, then page down to Power of B Recognition Award, launch the document and print. Send your nominations to Alexi Kieffer at RSC. Winners receive $50 and a Power of B T-shirt. Their story appears in The Workplace. Please give specific examples of how your nominee demonstrates the POWER of B.

Collette Long Wolf and Mallory Buxton.

Reaching out and making friendsAt the DSP Gallery Walk on December 8, Shelly Whitney discussed an experience she had helping a person she supports build and maintain friendships, which is one of the competencies DSPs and frontline leaders are working on in the credentialing process. Shelly says that “Jack” had expressed to her that he wanted to be more involved and feel more con-nected with the others in the house he lives in. They brainstormed and came up with a plan. One of Jack’s ideas was to host a movie night. Jack chose a movie and together they made movie tickets which those at-tending could exchange for popcorn. He also made a display for his door announcing the event. The night of the movie Jack went around the house handing out the tickets and asking all to come. He then sat at the door collecting tickets and handing out the popcorn. “He was so excited about this and expressed how happy he was that everyone came,” says Shelly. It went so well that Shelly asked to keep the tickets and the display to use for future events. Also toward his goal of being more social, Jack attended a Halloween party and has also asked staff to take him to church where he discovered some of his work friends also attend. In another breakthrough, Jack was hesitant about going to a bingo event, but he decided to give it a try. Shelly says at first he became frustrated because he wasn’t getting many numbers on his cards, but with the help of staff he found the num-bers on the card and got a bingo on the third game. “He was so happy and excited! He said he really enjoyed this and can’t wait to go again.” Jack enjoys watching football on Sundays. One weekend Jack felt one of his house mates was a little bored, so he invited him to come and watch foot-ball with him. This is not something that Jack would normally have done, says Shelly, but since they began focusing on making friends, he has been more open to trying new things and doing more socially. “I have noticed a very positive change in Jack and his attitude since working with him on this project. He has been more open to talking to staff and asking to try different things. The staff has also mentioned that he seems hap-pier and has been coming out of his apartment more to interact with his house mates, even joking with every-one and not getting as agitated with the little things. He has told me he is beginning to feel more a part of the home and that he is wanted,” says Shelly.

Congratulations to the Black Hills Works Safety Committee on winning the Black Hills Works/BH Services tree decorating contest at this year’s holiday party. Pictured are Codie Lynn Magbuhat, Doug Meiron, Robin DeBoer and Leah Drummond

Safety committee tops in decoratingcontest

Volunteerism up at BHWIn 2017, 1,136 volunteers put in a total of 9,755.86 hours at Black Hills Works. Volunteer Manager Mat-thew McCaskell says that is a slight increase of vol-unteers from the previous year. Among many other sources, volunteers included Youthworks and Ameri-Corps volunteers again. The Brain Injury Rehabilita-tion Center (TBIRC) had an intern help them out over the summer also contributing to the overall numbers. Matthew anticipates that connections with Youth Voices in Prevention, the YMCA, the Boys Club, and Central and Stevens High Schools will result in addi-tional volunteers in 2018. Matthew also says the Community Volunteer Days, a joint effort by Out & About Program and the Learning Institute is going strong. Volunteers cleaned a city park and shopped for shoes for the homeless shel-ter among other activities in 2017 and are now helping restock shelves at Feeding South Dakota.

Kudos to amazing staffBrad Saathoff received the following letter from a happy parent regarding Lianne Brandrup and Mary Jenniges. Way to go you two!

Dear Mr. Saathoff: It is with sincere appreciation that I send a message to recognize two wonderful staff at Black Hills Indus-tries. As you know Lisa, has been a client at the Black Hills Works for sixteen years. She is involved with various projects at Black Hills Industries. There are two exceptional wonderful ladies that work with Lisa. They are Lianne Brandrup and Mary Jenniges. Lisa never complains about going to work and when I visit, I see the dedication, patience and love that these two guardian angels display for Lisa. As Lisa’s father, I hope you will convey my deep appreciation to these ladies for their kindness and caring for Lisa. They are fantastic. It has been my experience that the Black Hills Works has all wonderful folks or they would not be working there.

On January 25, Heather Kickery (left) and Kandi Ronfeldt, and Lisa Batteen (not pictured) delivered 48 pairs of gloves/mittens and six hats collected by People First to WAVI.

Delivering warmth to WAVI

Looking to buy a home? The home ownership classes for Black Hills Works staff will be starting back up again in February. Tanner Oman from CMG Financial and Josiah LaF-rance from Pillar Properties will be once again head-ing up these classes and encouraging anyone that is considering buying a home

to attend. They will be offering great insight in home buying and a Q&A session afterwards. The first class is tentatively planned for February 6, 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. in the training room at RSC. Sign up on the train-ing calendar. For information, contact Matthew Mc-Caskell 718-8328 or mmccaskell@bhws.com.

Black Hills Works Spring Blood Drive9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Friday, April 13

Black Hills Works Gymnasium

Because of our previous success, United Blood Servic-es has added 16 slots, meaning we are looking for 132 donors! Be watching for your chance to sign up. There will be prizes offered for those who sign up and keep their appointments.

Special Olympics scheduleBlack Hills Area Basketball and Cheer Tournament will be held at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology on March 9. State Tournament is scheduled for March 23-25 in Mitchell, SD. Practice for Special Olympics skiing will be held February 9, February 16, and February 23. Athletes should plan to leave Rapid City by 11:00 a.m. each day and will return to Rapid City around 4:00 p.m. The cost is $30.00 a day and includes equipment rental, lift pass, and instructor time. The Black Hills area tournament will be February 28. If someone you support is interested, contact Amy Jobgen 718-6280 right away as space is limited. Putt-N-Pub fundraiser for Special Olympics will be held March 10, downtown Rapid City. The Polar Plunge, also a fundraiser for Special Olympics, will be held April 7 at Black Hills Harley Davidson. For information on either of these events, contact Joe Burmeister at 718-8341 or 593-2481. The Bowling Awards Ceremony will be held March 15, 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.. Parents and guardians are welcome, but please RSVP to Joe Burmeister 718-8341 or 593-2481. Cookies and punch will be served so he needs a count.

Welcome new employeesIsabella Hagg CH-AllenJeremiah Davis West OmahaBrittney Johnson BHWIShane McGlaun CH-CentennialKitty Santana CommissaryCrystal Peaster FirPauline Ashley BHWIJessica Ferderer IndianaJennifer White Horse IndianaTamara McGuire CH-Allen

Revised 2018 Payroll Schedule Paid on Week Weeks Worked 12-January 1 Dec 10 thru Dec 30* 31-January 2 Dec 31 thru Jan 13 15-February 3 Jan 14 thru Feb 3* 28-February 4 Feb 4 thru Feb 17 15-March 5 Feb 18 thru Mar 3 30-March 6 Mar 4 thru Mar 17 13-April 7 Mar 18 thru Mar 3130-April 8 Apr 1 thru Apr 14 15-May 9 Apr 15 thru May 5* 31-May 10 May 6 thru May 19 15-June 11 May 20 thru June 2 29-June 12 June 3 thru June 16 13-July 13 June 17 thru June 30 31-July 14 July 1 thru July 14 15-August 15 July 15 thru Aug 4* 31-August 16 Aug 5 thru Aug 18 14-September 17 Aug 19 thru Sept 1 28-September 18 Sept 2 thru Sept 15 15-October 19 Sept 16 thru Sept 29 31-October 20 Sept 30 thru Oct 20* 15-November 21 Oct 21 thru Nov 3 30-November 22 Nov 4 thru Nov 17 14-December 23 Nov 18 thru Dec 1 31-December 24 Dec 2 thru Dec 15 15-January 1 Dec 16 thru Jan 5*

*3 week pay period for hourly employees Schedule subject to change

John Kraft did a super job singing the National Anthem at the Rapid City High School Gymnastics Invitational!

Way to go John!

Free for employees

iRest: Restoration Nidra Meditation

The Wellness Committee Brings to You:Donna Savage, IRI Certified iRest® Teacher

Wednesday’s 4:15*Doors closed and

no interruptions after 4:20 PM

•Work clothing is fine; no need to change into workout clothing

•iRest can be practiced lying down or sitting in a chair

Register on the training calendar on Lotus Notes on the training calendar. Cindy Roan Eagle (left) and Liz Warner (right) shared this

photo they had taken with Cinderella singer Tom Keifer at his concert at the Fillmore Auditorium in Denver on October 28.

Hanging out with the stars

Foundation FocusGet help with marketing and PRmaterials for your department Foundation staff are your source for a variety of marketing and public relations needs, from ordering promotional items to posting to the Black Hills Works Facebook page. The Black Hills Works Foundation is made up of Andrea Serna, Tara Wilcox, Judy Domalewski, Josh Rundell, Kameron Nelson and Dorothy Rosby. Foundation staff can be contacted through a referral database on Lotus Notes, similar to the method used for residential options, resource and support assistants and assistive technology. To access a Foundation Request form, go to Agency Main, choose Staff, then choose Create Foun-dation Request. Choose the button that best describes your need then fill out the form that appears. If your request includes an attachment, use the paperclip attachment like you would in other software. Your request will automatically be routed to the person responsible for that request. You can also have it for-warded to others you would like to make aware of it, for example your supervisor. You will be informed of status updates regarding your request through email. Some examples of the items or services you can request from Foundation staff with a Foundation Request form include:

•Signs •Website content for your department’s section on BHW site•Business cards•Promotional items, such as logo pens•Materials for booth displays•Content for BHW newsletter or social media •Photography or videography for your department•Printed materials, such as flyers or brochures •Advertising for your area•Media coverage for an event or assistance if the media has contacted you

Stay in touch!We encourage you to stay connected to the news and posts about our organization between newsletters:1) Like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/blackhillsworks

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

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

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

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

Polar PlungeApril 7

Black Hills Harley DavidsonContact Joe Burmeister

Happy birthdayCec Richart 1Mary Lee 1Tamara Rath 1Lynn Vallette 2Nicole Olson 2Penny Burmeister 3Toni Kuntz 3Marissa Dixon 4Janet Johnson 4Ashleigh Young 5Shirley McKelvey 5Pat Thompson 6Chuck Conlee 6David Wright 6Destiny Christensen 6Andrea Fay 6Natasha Wilks 7Bethany Larson 7Joshua McElroy 7Karen Young 8Vera Arnopol 10Debbie Heintz 11Samantha Keller 12Kathrine McNeary 13April Moore 13Paula Pederson 14Valerie Gross 14Cheyenne Ness 15Nancy Haugen 16Erin E. Neal 17Joel Anderson 17Tony Fuerstenau 17Brian Essex 18Sherry Jackson 18Susan Rountree 18Savanah Youngman 18Marilee Williams 20Sheila Looking Elk 22Jasmine Nguyen 22Justin Madsen 24Lane Thomas 26Kim Helseth 27Mae Ri Ueding 28Jessica Halvorson 28Kimberly Bodnar 28Judy Domalewski 29

Employment anniversaries Shelly Blank 34 yearsEmily Burdick 16 yearsMarie Greenfield-Sahli 24 yearsArtee McCaskill 1 yearAmie Bach 13 yearsJacki Schoenrock 34 yearsColleen Van Dam 25 yearsBrad Winter 22 yearsAhmad Hayes 3 yearsKrisstina Kuroiwa 11 yearsDarryl Keys 10 yearsSherry Mousseaux 8 yearsGlory Harp 6 yearsErin Aukes 6 yearsBrookley Garman 4 yearsSean Chaney 5 yearsKathryn Riewe 5 yearsAmanda Gronos 5 yearsDebbie Heintz 4 yearsFranklin Shade 4 yearsKristy Martin 1 yearVera Arnopol 1 yearShanna Niswender 3 yearsStacy Hower 3 yearsLisa Biehn 3 yearsMonica Ruiz 2 yearsMary Denett 2 yearsCasey Clarke 1 yearBridget Militello 1 yearSarah Blaeser 1 yearSteven Conlon 1 yearHannah Francis 1 yearShannon Ghost 1 yearAshton Jones 1 yearFrances Mackey 1 yearMelissa Collins 1 yearTyler Hughes 1 yearDonna Philip 1 yearSheila Looking Elk 1 yearMegan Wendlick 1 year

“B” Recognition Award

Name of the staff person you’d like to recognize: Title of the person you are recognizing: Department of area they work in: What you’d like to recognize them for: Check the “B” that applies with the example of the “B” they demonstrated. Please be specific.

For Being Respectful of Others

For Being Accountable

For Being Your Best (Their Best)

For Being Supportive

Reason for the nomination: Your name and title: Your department or area: Please send this form to Alexi Kieffer at RSC. Your nominee could be selected to receive the $50 prize and be featured in The Workplace. Feel free to make copies of this form for additional people you’d like to recognize.

9-25-08 Rev 9-6-16