Week of Aug. 29

It was a joy to see Rev. R.D. and Dee Streeter visiting the Lakes Region. He was the pastor at Calvary United Methodist Church in Arnolds Park back about 14 years ago. The couple now lives in Colfax where he is a half-time minister. Can't seem to totally retire R.D.? They spent a week here visiting old friends and enjoying the Lakes Region they have loved for many years. We look forward to your next visit!

What a wonderful surprise we had at Rock the Roof Thursday night, Aug. 16. Kevin & the Shane Gang were scheduled to play. I had been told ahead of time that there may be a "surprise" guitarist joining Kevin King and Shane Von Holdt on stage that night. The rumor was true. Rod Jerke from Sioux Falls strapped on his guitar and the rockin' began. Rod and Kevin were the founders of Hot Rod Chevy Kevy years ago. That band is in both the South Dakota and Iowa Halls of Fame as is the guest keyboardist that evening Tim Horsman. Von Holdt and drummer Al Klein are in the Iowa Hall, too. What a group of first rate performers on that stage. It was so much fun to see Hot Rod Chevy Kevy together again and with all that added talent, it was quite a show!
David Ellefson will be in the Iowa Great Lakes Region over Labor Day Weekend. The co-founder of the world-famous heavy metal band Megadeth will be inducted into the Iowa Rock 'n' Roll Music Association Hall of Fame. A native of Jackson, Minnesota, David will be conducting a bass guitar playing workshop from 11-11:45 Saturday morning at the music museum for those musicians who want to improve their bass playing skills. So the other band members won’t feel left out, Duane "Nudie" Binder will hold a drum workshop in the Roof Garden at the same time; while guitar players can learn from Gary Richards on the museum patio. Jason Walsmith and Mike Butterworth of the Nadas will conduct a song writing workshop in the Hedburg Theater at the Maritime Museum. We say a fond welcome home to Ellefson and Spirit Lake native Butterworth and congratulations on their upcoming hall of fame inductions.
I was pleased to hear from Jamie Lamb about Iowa Lakes Community College's participation in STEM Day at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines on Sunday, Aug. 19. A pat on the back to those students and staff who gave up a summer weekend to travel to our state capital to help educate students and adults in a highly successful day at the fair. Iowa Lakes was one of 22 exhibitors who hosted interactive STEM-related activities for students and their families. It was called one of the most well-attended and successful days at this year’s state fair. STEM education in our schools is vital to the growth of our students. For those who don't know and I am sure there are probably very few of you, STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math. As you can see by the photo, the kids learned a lot that day.
I want to take this opportunity to call your attention to an upcoming benefit concert. Milford native Andrew Ryker has undergone surgery to remove part of a brain tumor and will undergo more treatment. The benefit will take place Thursday, Sept. 6, at First Lutheran Church in West Okoboji. Performing will be Andrew Duncan, Heath Huberg, John Moore, Travis Richter, Jessica Schable and Karina VanWyhe. All of these outstanding young classical singers and musicians went to school together at Okoboji and have gone on to national and international renown. Some teach classical music, some perform and some do both. They invite everyone to join them and help Andrew with his expenses as he battles what is called craniopharyngioma. I wish him a speedy and successful recovery and look forward to hearing all of his friends perform again back home where it all began. The concert begins at 7 p.m. For those unable to attend but wanting to contribute, a fund has been set up at both United Community Bank locations.
If any of you have family reunions, weddings, anniversary or other types of celebrations or visitors from afar, feel free to email me the information at doris@dickinsoncountynews.com or give me a call at the DCN office, 336-1211.