Speakers
Betty Smith & Lana Svien
Sep 11, 2024
Senior Co-Housing in Vermillion
Megan Red Shirt Shaw, Susan Tuve, & Others
Sep 18, 2024
Vermillion Community Foundation
Tim Schreiner
Sep 25, 2024
Historical Walking Tour of USD
Leann Williamson
Oct 02, 2024
USD Volleyball
Bob Nielsen
Oct 09, 2024
USD Football
Damon Alvey
Oct 16, 2024 12:00 PM
Vermillion Schools
Noah Shepherd
Oct 23, 2024
USD Foundation and Alumni Association
Susanne Skyrm
Oct 30, 2024 12:00 PM
Dark Sky Project
Wayne Berninger
Nov 06, 2024
Scouting: A Leadership Organization that Goes Camping
Kelsey Collier Wise
Nov 13, 2024
United Way Update
Kalesta
Nov 20, 2024
Disease
open (day before thanksgiving)
Nov 27, 2024
Vermillion Schools
Dec 04, 2024
T.b.d.
Tentative:
Dec 11, 2024
Legislative Preview
t.b.a.
Dec 18, 2024
VHS Choir and/or Holiday Meal
View entire list...
Links
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Club Information
  Welcome to Vermillion Rotary Club's Website
Vermillion

Rotary Serving Humanity

We meet In Person
Wednesdays at 12:00 p.m.
Al Neuharth Media Center - USD
Mailing address PO Box 634
Vermillion, SD 57069
United States of America
We meet every Wednesday at noon.
District Site
Venue Map
Home Page Stories

VCDC's Peterson Discusses Grow Vermillion Campaign
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Sep 04, 2024
Jim Peterson, President & CEO of the Vermillion Area Chamber & Development Company, provides a quick summary of recent VCDC accomplishments and outlines the the new "Grow Vermillion" campaign. The goals of the campaign include measurable activities in the areas of expanding housing, expanding the workforce and enhance the quality of life in Vermillion. Please visit https://livevermillion.com/ for more information on the VCDC. Click on the image below to view the presentation on the Vermillion Rotary YouTube channel. 
District Governor Outlines Club Priorities
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Aug 28, 2024
Our thanks to Bruce Nearhood, 2024-25 Governor for Rotary District 5610, for his presentation to the Vermillion Rotary Club. We appreciate your advice on directions the clubs in our District might take to prepare for the future. Your discussion of the four priorities for clubs will help to guide their transformation. Click on the image below to watch the presentation on the Vermillion Rotary Club's YouTube channel.

Joint Jurisdiction Zoning Area Comprehensive Plan Update 
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Aug 21, 2024
Sean Hegyi, a planner with the South Eastern Council of Governments (SECOG), joined the Vermillion Rotary Club on August 21, 2024 to discuss a draft of a Joint Jurisdiction Zoning Area comprehensive plan update (JJZA plan). The plan developed by representatives of Clay County (SD) and Vermillion once approved will serve as a document to guide development in the growth area around Vermillion for the next couple of decades. Click on the image below to see the video of the presentation on the Vermillion Rotary YouTube channel. 

Clay County Fair has a Record-Setting Year in 2024
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Aug 14, 2024
Thank you, Missy O'Connor, for your informative presentation on our county fair. The statistics on the Fair shows its popularity as well as the recent growth of the Fair. To see her presentation on the Vermillion Rotary YouTube channel click HERE or on the image below. 

Everything You Need to Know about Clay County 4H
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Aug 07, 2024
Katie Heine, Member Manager at the Vermillion Area Chamber and Development Company, joined the Vermillion Rotary on August 7, 2024. We appreciate the quick update on VCDC activities, membership and growth before moving on to the primary topic of the day - Clay County 4H. We appreciate your explanation of the the 4H pledge, the purpose of 4H and the current statistics about the Clay County 4H. The discussion of your memories was a wonderful way to outline all of the activities associated with 4H. If you would like to watch your wonderful, informative presentation on the club's YouTube channel, simply click on the image below. 

OLLI-USD Offers  Members Lifelong Learning Opportunities
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Jul 31, 2024
Thank you for your wonderful presentation about the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the July, 31, 2024 meeting of the Vermillion Rotary Club. We appreciate your examples of the wonderful OLLI programs that are being offered in the upcoming semester. If you would like to find out more visit www.usd.edu/OLLI. To view the presentation on the Club's YouTube channel, simply click on the image below. 
 
USD - Sioux Falls Growing and Serving the Community
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Jul 24, 2024
Our thanks to Jay Parry, Vice President for USD–Sioux Falls, for his wonderful presentation about the performance of the USD-Sioux Falls campus, as well as the discussion of the relationship to the USD Vermillion campus. We also appreciate the information on population and enrollment trends for SD and bordering states from which we draw the most students. This presentation provides great information on the growth of programs on the Sioux Falls Campus and the student populations being served by that campus. Click on the image below to watch this wonderful presentation, or you can click HERE to watch it on the Club's YouTube channel. 
 

Thank You, Beta, for Sharing Your RYE Experience
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Jul 24, 2024
It was wonderful to hear from RYE student Beta Camergo as she completed her year in the US. In one week she returns to Brazil with wonderful memories and plans to host her American friends from Vermillion. Click on this link to see a couple of photos from her introductory presentation to the Vermillion Rotary Club on Nov. 1, 2023 and more photos from her July 24, 2024 good-bye talk. Thank you for joining us Beta! Click on the image below to view a slideshow of some photos of her presentations or choose it from the "Photo Albums" link at the top. 

A History of Direct Democracy in South Dakota
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Jul 17, 2024
The program for the Club's July 17 meeting was presented by Doug Kronaizl. His presentation on direct democracy practices in SD over the last 126 years discussed the periods of time where direct measures increased an decreased. He also outlined bills/proposed legislation that would have impacted the way that are conducted. Some of the proposed legislation would have made the process easier, while other bills would make the process more difficult. You can view this informative presentation on the Club's YouTube channel by CLICKING HERE or on the image below. 

President Berninger Outlines Club Goals for 2024-25
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Jul 10, 2024
Melissa Berninger, 2024-25 President of the Vermillion Rotary Club gave the weekly program on July 10. She reviewed Rotary's Areas of Focus, discussed some current projects of the club, and encouraged everyone to suggest new ways that our club could serve the community and world. She also outlined her primary goal for the year, increasing membership by 10%. We look forward to your leadership! To view her presentation on the Club's YouTube channel, simply click on the image below. 

Melissa Berninger to Serve as 2024-25 Club President
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Jun 29, 2024
Prior to the duck race, current club president Kevin O'Kelley turns over the club leadership to Melissa Berninger, who will serve as president for 2024-25. The ceremonial passing of the gavel and Rotary bell signals the passing of leadership from Kevin to Melissa. After taking over the club leadership, Melissa Berninger presents Kevin O'Kelley with a plaque recognizing his wonderful leadership as well as his Paul Harris Fellow certificate.

2024 Vermillion Rotary Duck Race Raises $4,500
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Jun 28, 2024
Tonight (June 28) the Vermillion Rotary Club held the 2024 Vermillion Rotary Great Duck Race. The race featured 900 ducks each sponsored for $5, that go down the slide and through the lazy river at the Prentis Park Aquatics Center. The $4,500 raised will be used for a variety of community projects in the upcoming year. Our thanks to all the duck sponsors, the staff of the Prentis Aquatics Center, and the City of Vermillion Parks and Recreation Department for their support.  Check out photos from the event in Photo Album page or CLICKING HERE or on the image below. 

USD Athletics in the Changing world of College Athletics
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Jun 12, 2024
Our thanks to Jon Schemmel for his candid and informative presentation on some major changes in college athletics and how USD Coyote Athletics compares to our peer programs. We appreciate the explanation of the changes in the department structures as well as the discussion of USD compares to the other universities in terms of spending, sponsorship and media rights, ticket sales, etc. The detailed and candid discussion of the financial realities is appreciated. You can view this wonderful presentation on the Rotary Club's YouTube channel by CLICKING HERE or on the image below.

Community Partnership Works on Daycare Initiatives
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Jun 05, 2024
Thank you Jim Peterson, CEO of the Vermillion Area Chamber and Development Corporation, for your presentation on the planning grant and implementation grant that are helping to alleviate the lack of daycare in Vermillion. We were pleased to hear that the work of so many community members and groups is leading to a number of community-based solutions for this important issue. Please click on the image below to see the presentation on the Rotary Club's YouTube channel. 

Rotary Donates to the 7th Annual River Honoring Event
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Jun 05, 2024
Grace Freeman and Geoffrey Gray-Lobe of the Friends of the Missouri National Recreational River accept a donation from the Vermillion Rotary Club to support the Friends’ 7th Annual River Honoring Event at Clay County Park on Sunday, June 9. The check was presented by club president Kevin O' Kelley at the June 5 meeting. Find out more about the event at https://www.facebook.com/events/470366368697727/ or https://fomnrr.org/event/river-honoring-event/

Update on  New Clay Area Law Enforcement Center
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on May 22, 2024
Thank you Vermillion Police Department Chief, Crystal Brady, and Sherriff Andy Howe for your wonderfully detailed description of the new Clay Area Law Enforcement Center. We appreciate your description of the different elements of the Center. Click on the image below to watch the presentation. 
 
 

Adopt-a-Drain Program Promotes Environmental Protection
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on May 15, 2024
Our thanks to Samantha O'Kelley and Deb Christensen for their interesting and informative presentation about the "Adopt-a-Drain" project, a signature project for Greening Vermillion (https://www.greeningvermillion.org/painted-drains).We appreciated seeing the examples of the drain paintings and learning more about the mile-long, "Wase Wakpa" Trail. To view the presentation on the Vermillion Rotary Club's YouTube channel, simply click on the image below. 

The New USD Rotoract Club Serves the Community
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Apr 24, 2024
Thank you, Ella Dockendorf, president-elect, and Maggie Pallesen, Meals on Wheels Coordinator, for your wonderful presentation about the new USD/Vermillion Rotaract Club. In less than a year the club has grown to over 40 members who are either USD students or young professionals in the community. You have already taken an active role in service projects and demonstrated your commitment to helping improve your community. We appreciate your background information on Rotary and Rotoract. The Vermillion Rotary looks forward to working on projects. To view their presentation on the Vermillion Rotary YouTube channel, click on the image below. 

Vermillion Second Grade Students Receive Helmets
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Apr 19, 2024
For nearly 30 years, the Vermillion Rotary Club has partnered with the Vermillion Medical Clinic to provide a new bicycle helmet for all Vermillion students in the second grade. To read the Vermillion Plain Talk story about the program you can CLICK HERE or on the image below. As he has in the past, Dr. Matt Krell brought X-rays and a watermelon to help students understand the dangers of riding without a helmet. The students heard from many others who talked about using bikes safely in so many ways. 

Rotarians Learn about Fraud and Identify Theft Prevention
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Mar 20, 2024
Our thanks to the First Dakota National Bank team for their wonderful presentation on fraud and identity theft prevention delivered at the the March 20, 2024 meeting of the Vermillion Rotary Club. Watch this video to hear about the extent of fraud and identify theft in the US, common types of fraud, the uses of stolen identities, common identity theft techniques, and what you can do to avoid becoming the victim of fraud and identify theft. To watch the video simply click on the image below to be redirected to the presentation on YouTube. 

Vermillion Rotary Offers 2 Scholarships for VHS Grads
Posted by Chuck Lubbers
Please encourage Vermillion High School seniors to apply for one of two, $1,000 college scholarships for 2024-25. The application materials can be downloaded in the "Download Files" section to the right, clicking on the image below or by CLICKING HERE. 

Rotarians Hear about Open Primary Proposal
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Mar 13, 2024
Jeanelle Lust of the South Dakota Open Primaries Initiative joined the Vermillion Rotary Club on March 13, 2024, to outline the reasons they seek to bring to the SD voters a Constitutional amendment changing the primaries in SD to open primaries. She notes that the current party primaries tend to encourage a lack of cooperation among our elected officials. Additionally, SD primaries are paid for by all of us, but the current system doesn't allow over 145,000 South Dakotans to fully participate in the party primary process. To find out more about the initiative, you can visit their website: www.sdopenprimaries.org. You can click on the image below to view the presentation on the Club's YouTube channel.

Rotary Gives Books to Kindergarten Students
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Mar 08, 2024
Thank you to the teachers and staff at Austin Elementary School and St. Agnes Catholic School for your amazing support on this project. The Vermillion Rotary Club provides a free, age-appropriate book for all the Kindergarten and Junior Kindergarten students in Vermillion, SD. It is our hope that this small act will help lead to a life filled with reading. Click on the image below to view a 2-minute video featuring amazing photos taken by Lisa Swanson of the children during the book distribution. As a bonus you'll also hear a reading of a Dr. Suess book!
 

Vermillion Public School Administrators' Update
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Mar 06, 2024
Our thanks to the Vermillion Public School administrators who joined the Vermillion Rotary Club on March 6 to provide a wonderful update on what is happening in our schools. In addition to providing updates on District news, building principals took the opportunity to highlight student accomplishments and some of the challenges they face. Click on the link below to view this presentation on the Club's YouTube channel.

A Preview of the 2024 South Dakota Shakespeare Festival
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Feb 28, 2024
Our thanks to Rebecca Bailey, Executive Artistic Director of the South Dakota Shakespeare Festival for her preview of the 2024 Festival. Thank you for the wonderful review of past festivals, including efforts to offer activities that offer something for everyone. We are excited to see what the festival will offer to Vermillion residents and all those who will join us for the production June 6-9 as well as the other activities. Find out more about the festival at: www.sdshakespearefestival.org. To view her presentation on the Club's YouTube channel, simply click on the image below. 

The Science of Love-A Valentine's Day Special
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Feb 14, 2024
As a special treat on Valentine's Day, 2024, Dr. Harry Freeman presents on the science of love. He discusses some of the factors that go into how humans form bonds from infancy into adulthood. He also explains how the different types of relationships through our life vary from one another or what they share in common with other mammals. Take some time to watch this interesting discussion. Simply click on the image below to watch the presentation on the Club's YouTube channel. 

Retail Trade Patterns in South Dakota - Dr. Rand Wergin
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Feb 07, 2024
Dr. Rand Wergin of the USD's Beacom School of Business presents an analysis of ten years of retail sales in South Dakota and uncovers some surprising changes that have occurred in recent years. How does Vermillion compare to other communities? What's going on in Aberdeen? Should city leaders in Sioux Falls be worried? If you would like to read the report that Dr. Wergin discusses in his presentation, the link is: https://red.library.usd.edu/emm-fp/2/. To view his presentation on the Club's YouTube channel, simply click on the link below. 

Vermillion Rotarians Learn about the DARE Program
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Jan 31, 2024
Officers from the Vermillion Police Department, the Clay County Sherriff's Office and the University of South Dakota Police Department provide an insight into the current version of DARE being used in schools and discuss how it being presented in Vermillion. Click on the image below to watch their presentation on the Vermillion Rotary Club's YouTube channel.

Morrison Discusses the USD International Studies Program
Posted on Jan 24, 2024
On January 24, Patrick Morrison discussed national and local trends in international graduate student enrollment as well as the programs they are most likely to study, the economic impact of international students, and the recruitment efforts at USD. Thank you for your presentation to the Vermillion Rotary Club. To view the presentation on the Club's YouTube channel, simply click on the image below. 
 

Vermillion Rotary Supports School Playground Project
The Vermillion Rotary Club is very happy to offer support for the project to create an inclusive playground at the new elementary school in Vermillion. Vermillion Rotarians Chuck Lubbers and Melissa Witte Berninger present a check to Dan Mourlam, Board President, and Mary Giffin, Executive Director of the Vermillion Public Schools Foundation.

Tim Schorn Discusses Five Global Conflicts
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Jan 17, 2024
Dr. Tim Schorn provides a detailed discussion of five conflicts currently raging around the globe. His insights helped the audience to understand the background for the conflicts, what is currently happening and likely prospects for the future. Click on the image below to view this informative presentation on the Vermillion Rotary Club's YouTube channel.

What Does Economic Development Look Like in Vermillion
Posted on Jan 10, 2024
Jim Peterson, President and CEO of the Vermillion Area Chamber and Development Corporation, gave an overview of what economic development looks like in Vermillion to the members of the Vermillion Rotary Club. Learn more at the VCDC website - https://livevermillion.com/. To learn more about projects undertaken by the Vermillion Area Chamber & Development Company, housing initiatives, business recruitment, etc., just click on the image below to see the presentation on the Club's YouTube channel.

SD District 17 Legislators Preview 2024 Session
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Jan 03, 2024
Chris Kassin, SD House of Representatives, and Sydney Davis a SD State Senator both represent District 17. They offered their insights about what we can expect from the SD Legislative session at the January 3 meeting of the Vermillion Rotary Club. The Rotary club welcomed members of the Vermillion Area Chamber & Development Company to the presentation for their first “Learn Over Lunch” for 2024. To view the video of their insights, you can simply click on the image below or view it on the Vermillion Rotary YouTube channel by Clicking Here. 
 

Rotary Supports the Friends of the W. H. Over Museum
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Dec 20, 2023
Vermillion Rotary Club President Kevin O'Kelley presents a check to Maxine Johnson from the Board of the W. H. Over Museum to support the Friends of the W. H. Over Museum's activities. To find out more  about the Over Museum, South Dakota's oldest natural and cultural history museum, visit their website at whovermuseum.org. 

Vermillion HS Choir Entertains at Rotary Holiday Lunch
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Dec 13, 2023
Our thanks to the Vermillion High School choir for making the Vermillion Rotary Holiday lunch another wonderful event. Please enjoy the choir's rendition of Sparklejollytwinklejingley. If you go to the end, you'll see the presentation of money to the choir to help them reduce the costs of travel to choir competitions. Click on the image below to watch the choir's presentation as well as the check presentation at the end. If you would prefer to watch the video on YouTube, simply CLICK HERE.
 

Vermillion Rotary Helps with Food for the Holidays
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Dec 06, 2023
In conjunction with Kelsey Collier-Wise's presentation/update on the United Way of Vermillion, the club had the opportunity to do the ceremonial presentation of $500 for Feeding Vermillion's Holiday food program. The Vermillion Club received a $250 "Food for the Holidays" grant from the District which was then matched by our club. In the photo, club president Kevin O' Kelley presents the check to Emmanuel Ankinwande, Feeding Vermillion Operations Director, and Kelsey  Collier-Wise, Executive Director of the United Way of Vermillion. 

Vermillion City Council Updates the Vermillion Rotary
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Nov 29, 2023
Thank you to the members of the Vermillion City Council who joined the Vermillion Rotary for our November 29 meeting. Katherine Price, representing the Central Ward, Mayor Jon Cole, Julia Hellwege, Northeast Ward, and Lindsey Jennewein, Central Ward provided an interesting recap of the Council's recent activities, offered insights into upcoming issues and answered questions from Rotarians. To hear about all of the topics please click on the image below to watch the presentation on the Vermillion Rotary Youtube channel. 

2023 Clay County Historic Preservation Awards
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Nov 15, 2023
Thank you Evelyn Schlenker, Secretary of the Clay County Historic Preservation Commission, for the presentation of the 2023 preservation awards at the November 15 meeting of the Vermillion Rotary Club. Our thanks also to Commission Chair Tim Schreiner, Vice-Chair Jim Wilson, Treasurer Patrick Morrison, and Board member Jim Stone for joining us. Click on the image below to watch the presentation and see some of the amazing historic preservation work being done in Clay County, SD.

Rotary Youth Exchange Student Visits Vermillion Rotary
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Nov 01, 2023
Thank you, Roberta Sanches de Souza Camergo, for your wonderful presentation to the Vermillion Rotary Club. This Rotary Youth Exchange presentation introduced our members to her home nation of Brazil. We were so happy to hear that you have enjoyed the first couple of months of your Rotary Youth Exchange to Vermillion, SD, USA, and we are so happy that we could sponsor your RYE. To watch her presentation, please click on the image below. 
 

USD's Mock Trial Team Captains Provide a Primer
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Oct 25, 2023
RyLeigh Christopherson and Lindsey Grabowska, 2023-24 captains of the USD Mock Trial team, gave the Vermillion Rotary Club a primer about what mock trial is, some of the recent trial topics, the structure of a trial, how the events are scored, and the tournaments in which they compete. Their description provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at this collegiate competition. To view the presentation on the club's Youtube channel, simply click on the image below. 

Rotary President McInally's World Polio Day Message
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Oct 17, 2023
World Polio Day is on October 24, and Rotary International President Gordon McInally has a message for all Rotarians. Working with partners, Rotary has reduced wild polio cases to just a few this year, but even one is too many. Now is the time to help finally end the threat of Polio from the Earth. 
 

Alzheimer's Warning Signs and Treatments Discussed
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Oct 11, 2023
Thank you, Leslie Morrow of the Alzheimer's Association South Dakota, for this informative presentation of the various types of dementia, warning signs, new treatments and the services provided by your organization. If you would like to view the presentation on the club's Youtube channel, simply click on the image below.

Supt. Alvey Provides School Construction Update
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Oct 04, 2023
Thank you, Dr. Damon Alvey, for joining the Vermillion Rotary and providing this information filled update on the construction of Vermillion's new elementary school scheduled to open in August of 2024. To view his presentation simply click on the image below to be redirected to the club's Youtube channel. 

New Store Brings Goodwill Programs to Vermillion
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Sep 27, 2023
Charlotte Nelson, Chief Growth Officer for Goodwill of the Great Plains, was the speaker at the September 27, Vermillion Rotary meeting.  Nelson provided an overview of the new store that is scheduled to open in Vermillion during the first quarter of 2024. She also provided background information on Goodwill of the Great Plains and the services that they provide to the community in which they operate. You can learn more about the Goodwill of the Great Plains by visiting their website - www.goodwillgreatplains.org. If you are interested in viewing her presentation, you can do on the club's Youtube channel by CLICKING HERE or by clicking on the image below to play the video on this page. 
 

Article Features VPSF Playground Campaign
Posted on Sep 22, 2023
Our thanks to the Vermillion Plain Talk for this wonderful article by Sarah Wetzel. We appreciate the thorough coverage of such an important topic - making the playground at the new elementary school accessible for all children. You can read the article on the Plain Talk site by clicking on the image below.  

National Music Museum is a Vermillion Treasure
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Sep 20, 2023
Dwight Vaught, Director of the National Music Museum (NMM), joined the Vermillion Rotary Meeting Sept. 20, 2023, for a wonderful presentation about the National Music Museum. The recently re-opened and expanded museum is a gem in Vermillion and one of the top three collections of musical instruments in the world. We also appreciate Dr. Darryl Martin, Conservator and Coordinator of Graduate Studies at the NMM, for coming to give us a glimpse of the Grafton Saxophone, one of the 14,000+ instruments in their collection. Click on the image below to view the presentation on the Club's Youtube channel.

Rotary GSE Team Learns about Native Programs at USD
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Sep 15, 2023
It was wonderful spending time with the Australian GSE team on Friday, Sept. 15. They toured the Howe Exhibit in USD's Day Gallery, heard from students and faculty about the Native American programs at USD and the importance of Native art, and had a chance to chat with Vermillion Rotarians and USD faculty, staff and students. We look forward to spending more time with them during the Rotary District 5610 Conference.

USD Football Head Coach, Bob Nielson, 2023 Season Preview
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Sep 13, 2023
Thank you, Coach Nielson, for joining the Vermillion Rotary Club on September 13 and providing a wonderful preview of the 2023 season. It was great to hear more about our highly competitive conference as well as some of the major changes going on in collegiate football. Click on the image below to watch the presentation on the Club's Youtube channel.

Leanne Williamson previews USD Volleball for 23-24
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Sep 06, 2023
USD Head Volleyball Coach, Leanne Williamson, joined the Vermillion Rotary Club on September 8 and gave an excellent preview of this year's team and what we might all see in the upcoming months. Thank you for your wonderful talk and we look forward to watching the 'Yotes this season. To watch the presentation on the club's Youtube channel, simply click on the image below. 
Vermillion Public Schools Foundation Supports our Schools
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Aug 30, 2023
Daniel Mourlam, president of the Board of Directors for the Vermillion Public Schools Foundation, joined the Vermillion Rotary Club on August 20, 2023 to provide an overview of the operations of the VPSF and to present the newest initiative for the organization - raising funds to provide the additional funds for accessible playground equipment at the new elementary school that will open in August of 2024. To view the presentation click on the image below or CLICK HERE to visit the club Youtube channel. 
 

New Members are Welcomed to Vermillion Rotary
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Aug 23, 2023
Wonderful program today as we officially welcomed many new members who have joined us this year. In addition to information about Rotary, they received their badges, a membership certificate, a packet of new member information and their 4-way test plaques. Congratulations to:
Front Row: Anna Nelson, Crystal Brady and Matt Callahan.
Back Row: Ray Ring, Quinn Cannon, MD., Emmanuel Akinwande and Bryant Jackson.
New members unable to attend today: Ionela Georgescu, Veronica Schmidt and Elizabeth Smith.

Vermillion Rotary Duck Race Raises Funds for Local Projects
Posted on Aug 09, 2023
Hundreds of rubber ducks raced at Vermillion's Prentice Plunge to raise funds for Vermillion projects supported by the Vermillion Rotary Club. Our thanks to all of the duck sponsors for their support of these worthwhile programs and to the staff of Prentis Plunge and Vermillion Parks and Recreation Department who supported this project. The video tries to capture some of the action. You can watch the video below or on the Club's Youtube channel at: https://youtu.be/U3rLOU66Q38
 

Mike Card Discusses Important New SD Laws
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Aug 09, 2023
Thank you, Dr. Mike Card, for your presentation to discuss one initiated measure and several new laws that took effect on July 1. To hear Dr. Card's presentation, click on the image below to be directed to the presentation on the Club's Youtube channel. 

District Governor Rich Burns Visits Vermillion
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Aug 02, 2023
Rich Burns was kind enough to start his club presentations with a trip to Vermillion on Wednesday, August 2, 2023. Governor Burns outlined several perspectives on the purpose of the Rotary Districts. He also discussed his goals for the upcoming year as well as the status of the District. Gov. Burns also highlighted many of the events and speakers in the upcoming District Conference in Yankton. To view his informative presentation you can click on the image below or CLICK HERE to view it on the club's Youtube page. 

Dr. David Burrow Discusses Vermillion During Prohibition
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Jul 19, 2023
Thank you, Dr. David Burrow for your fascinating look at Vermillion in the leading up to, during and immediately after prohibition. Some of the materials were pulled from an Honors Seminar taught by Dr. Burrow. To access the the podcasts created by the class, you can go to: https://red.library.usd.edu/honors_projects/1/ . If you would like to see Dr. Burrow's presentation on the club's Youtube channel, go to: https://youtube.com/live/9NgXaRhILC0 or simply click on the image below. 

Alan Wittmuss Explains SD Water Source Projects
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Jul 12, 2023
Alan Wittmuss of the South Dakota Dept. of Agriculture and Natural Resources offered tremendous insights into the programs of the SD Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, especially those related the monitoring of water sources in the state. To watch his presentation on the Vermillion Rotary Youtube channel, simply click on the image below. 

Vermillion Community Theater Previews Newsies
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Jun 21, 2023
Thank you to the cast members of "Newsies" who performed for the Vermillion Rotary Club today. The video below provides a short clip from one number in this award-winning musical. To see the full production join the Vermillion Community Theatre for a performance on July 7-10. Tickets are on sale now at several locations in Vermillion, but can also be purchased on the website: http://vermillioncommunitytheatre.org/ The Vermillion Rotary is a proud supporter of the VCT. To watch this promotional video on the Club's YouTube channel CLICK HERE or on the image below. 

Anna Nelson Joins the Vermillion Rotary Club
Posted on Jun 21, 2023
As one of his last official acts as the 2022-23 Vermillion Rotary Club President, Rich Holland presents the membership badge to Anna Nelson, Vermillion Rotary's newest member. Thank you for joining us Anna, and we look forward to seeing you at future Rotary events.

Dr. Cannon Discusses Rural OB Care
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Jun 07, 2023
Dr. Quinn Cannon of Sanford Health Vermillion provided an interesting presentation on obstetrics care in rural areas. The presentation included a quick personal history, a look at the history of rural OB care, as well as recent trends.

The War Experiences of Two Vermillion Soldiers
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on May 31, 2023
Thank you, Dr. Kurt Hackemer, Provost at USD, for your wonderful presentation in honor of Memorial Day, 2023. In this presentation, Dr. Hackemer discusses the war experiences of two Vermillion men. Dr. Hackemer also has a fascinating discussion of the impact of the Civil War on development in the Dakota Territory. To watch his presentation on the Vermillion Rotary Club's YouTube channel, simply click on the image below. 
 

Welcome to Rotary Emmanuel Akinwande
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Jun 07, 2023
President-elect, Kevin O'Kelley, had the honor of presenting his member badge to Vermillion Rotary Club's newest member, Emmanuel Akinwande. Thank you for joining the club, and we look forward to seeing you at future club events.

Congratulations VHS Scholarship Recipients
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on May 12, 2023
Congratulations to all of the 2023 graduates of Vermillion High School! We want to offer additional congratulations to the three graduating VHS seniors to receive one of our scholarships for next year. We wish you all the best in your academic pursuits!

So Much Happening at the Library!
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Apr 26, 2023
To help celebrate National Library Week, the Vermillion Rotary Club invited the Edith B. Siegrist Library Director, Daniel Burniston, to join us for the April 26 meeting. You can learn more about all of the wonderful activities happening at the library by watching the video of his presentation on the Vermillion Rotary YouTube channel. Simply click on the image below to be taken to the presentation. 

Rotary and Vermillion Medical Clinic Donate Helmets
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Apr 21, 2023
On Friday, April 21, Vermillion Rotarians and staff from the Vermillion Medical Clinic joined to present new bike helmets to all second-grade students in Vermillion and to provide interesting programs about cycling, types of bicycles and riding safely. 

Rotary Learns More About Boys & Girls Club
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Apr 19, 2023
Savannah Wise, the director of the Vermillion Boys & Girls Club, joined the Vermillion Rotary on April 19, 2023 to give us an update on the club's activities. She discussed the club's programs, the values they work into their programs, as well as their tutoring program and work with the Clay County Teen Court, their summer program and opportunities to volunteer. To watch the video of her presentation, simply click on the image below. 

Kindergarten Students Receive Books for RAA Day
Since 2017, the Vermillion Rotary Club has helped Kindergarten students in Vermillion SD celebrate Read Across America Day by providing a free book for each student. We hope that this small gesture will help to ignite a love of reading. We wish to thank all of the Kindergarten teachers, the principals and the librarians at Austin Elementary School and St. Agnes for making this event possible. Click on the link below to see photos from the 2023 book giveaway, and if you turn on the sound, you'll hear a reading of a classic children's book.
 

Rotary Welcomes Betty Smith and Hears from Commissioners
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Mar 08, 2023
Vermillion Rotary President, Rich Holland presents her membership pin to our newest member, Betty Smith. Welcome to the Vermillion Rotary Club! We also wish to thank Betty, and her fellow commissioners, Travis Mockler and Geoffrey Gray-Lobe for their informative presentation about the status of Clay County, SD.

Vermillion Rotary Offers Three VHS 2023 Scholarships
Posted by Chuck Lubbers
The Vermillion Rotary Club is pleased to offer three, $1,000 scholarships for 2023 Vermillion High School graduates. Please help us to spread the word about these scholarships for Vermillion High School 2023 graduates! The application can be downloaded in the download section in the lower-right corner of this website or directly with this link: https://tinyurl.com/Rotary-2023-App

Dan Van Peursem Presents Beekeeping 101
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Feb 22, 2023
Our thanks to Dan Van Peursem for his wonderful presentation that we should call Beekeeping 101. It was wonderful learning more about this fascinating hobby. Click on the image below to view the presentation on the Vermillion Rotary Club YouTube channel.

Chief Brady Discusses the Vermillion Police Department
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Feb 15, 2023
Our thanks to Vermillion Police Chief Crystal Brady for her presentation to the Vermillion Rotary Club on February 15. We enjoyed the peek behind the curtains to see the operations of the Vermillion Police Department. If you would like to learn more about our local police department, Chief Brady invites you to take a look at their website.

Jim Peterson Discusses the Vital Role of the VCDC
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Feb 01, 2023
At the February 1 meeting of the Vermillion Rotary Club, club president, Rich Holland accepts on behalf of the club the Investor Level membership certificate from Jim Peterson, President & CEO of the Vermillion Chamber & Development Company. Thank you for your presentation about the VCDC, Jim, and our thanks for the other VCDC staff who joined us today - Brittany DeJong, Melissa Eberts, and Sam Craig.

Vermillion Rotary Club Welcomes its Newest Member
At last week's Vermillion Rotary Club meeting, President Rich Holland presented a membership pin to our newest member, Crystal Brady. Welcome to the Club, Crystal! We look forward to seeing you at future meetings.

VHS Choir performs at Holiday Luncheon
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Dec 14, 2022
The Vermillion Rotary Club was treated to a wonderful selection of Holiday songs performed by the Vermillion High School Choir during our annual holiday luncheon. After the choir's performance, Club President, Rich Holland, presented a check from the club to support the music program at VHS. Accepting the check is Trisha Fisher, VHS Choir Director and vocal music teacher.

Kayla Karius Previews USD Women's Basketball Season
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Dec 07, 2022
Thank you USD head WBB coach Kayla Karius for joining the Vermillion Rotary Club for our December 7 meeting. We enjoyed hearing more about the whirlwind ride you have been on since being named the head coach in April of this year.  If you would like to view the video of her presentation on the Club's YouTube channel you can CLICK HERE or on the image below. 

Thank You to All Who have or are Currently Serving
Posted on Nov 09, 2022
In 2019, the Vermillion Rotary Club presented a $13,500 check to the Patriots Plaza Committee at USD to make a significant contribution to the Plaza project. On Veterans Day we remember the service and sacrifices of those who have served in the armed services of the United States. We do this by sharing the USD Veterans Day message from 2021 that was filmed at the Patriots Plaza. We also offer our special thanks for Professor Greg Huckabee, veteran, Rotarian, and a driving force behind the Patriots Plaza project. 
 

November 22 Election Recap and Kids Vote South Dakota
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Nov 09, 2022
At the November 9 meeting, Rotarian Tim Schorn moderates a discussion of the November 2022 midterm election results with two other USD Political Science professors - Shane Nordyke and Ed Gerrish. Professor Nordyke, Coordinator of the Chiesman Center for Democracy at USD, also reports the results of the Kids Vote South Dakota. To view the presentation on the Club's Youtube Channel, please CLICK HERE or on the image below. 

Eric Peterson Previews USD Men's Basketball Season
Posted by Chuck Lubbers on Nov 02, 2022
The Vermillion, Rotary Club welcomed USD's new men's basketball coach, Eric Peterson, to our November 2, 2022 meeting in the Al Neuharth Media Center. Peterson, who was named the head coach in March, treated the club to a wonderful preview of the upcoming season, including players to watch and schedule previews. Click on the link below to watch the presentation on the Club's Youtube channel.

Vermillion Rotary Participates in Dakota Days Parade
Posted on Oct 22, 2022
Three legendary Rotarians and supporters of the 'Yotes (L-R, Dave Lorenz, Ted Muenster and Kathy Chandler) and Club VP Melissa Berninger in the staging area getting ready to hand out candy and greet MANY 'Yote fans during the 22 Dakota Days Parade. Not pictured Dan Van Peursem, driver and trailer wrangler, and Chuck Lubbers, banner designer and candy distribution technician. :-) 

World Polio Day is October 24
October 24 is World Polio Day. While Rotary International and many other groups are working every day to eradicate polio from the planet, this one day is set aside to recognize the importance of the fight. You can watch an update on polio eradication by clicking on the image below or learn more about the fight to end polio at www.endpolionow.org 
Club Executives & Directors
President
Melissa Berninger
President Elect
Mark Yockey
Treasurer
Doug Tuve
Secretary
Kathy Chandler
Past President
Kevin O'Kelley
Director
Dan Van Peursem
Director
Chuck Lubbers
Public Image Chair
Chuck Lubbers
Director
Bart Hanus
Foundation Chair
Nick Oyen
Webmaster
Chuck Lubbers
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Bylaws-Vermillion Rotary-2019
USD-Sioux_Falls-Aug-2024
Law Enforcement Ctr -June 2024
Childcare Challenges-June 2024
Fraud Prevention-May 2024
Bike Helmets - April 2024
Open Primaries-March 2024
SD Shakespeare Festival-March_24
SD Retail Trade Patterns-March_24
World Conflicts - Feb. 2024
Economic Development-Jan 2024
Legislative Preview-Jan. 2024
Exchange Student-PlainTalk-Dec 23
Alzheimer's Assoc-Nov 2023
Nat'l Music Museum-Oct 2023
New SD Laws-Aug 2023-Plain Talk
Boys-Girls Club May 2023-PlainTalk
Library Director-Plain Talk-May 23
VSD Pres-PlainTalk_Oct. 22
MRES Presentation-2022- Plain Talk
Rotary Club Profile-Volante-Oct 21
Rotary Support Community Mural-2021
Duck Race 21 - Plain Talk
Duck Race 20 - Plain Talk
Duck Race-June 21 2019 Plain Talk
Bike Helmets-May 3 2019-Plain Talk
Osborne Stresses Spirituality
Osborne to Keynote at District Conf-Sept 2018
SD Gov. Daugaard Visit - Dec 2017 Plain Talk article
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