March/April 2011 - Black Hills Workshop

March/April 2011
Partnership makes new contract possible
Rob Mudge, Owner and Chief Executive
Officer of RPM and Associates, a
manufacturing firm located in Rapid
City, has served on both the Black Hills
Workshop Operating Board of Directors
and the Board of Directors of the Black
Hills Workshop Foundation. Along with
being a very active board member, he
has for many years volunteered company
employees and time to fashion signature
metal pieces (a hot air balloon, lamp posts,
wagon wheel and others) for our annual
fund-raising gala.
So when we needed a device
to make a new contract possible for
people we serve, we turned to Rob and
his company. The new contract is with
a local furniture company, Perdues Inc.
Eventually people supported by Black
Hills Workshop will be drilling holes in
and installing stop tacks in some 4000
drawer slider guides per week for Perdues.
But when Perdues first approached us
about the process, it seemed doubtful
that anyone we support would be able to
operate the equipment currently in place
for the process.
That’s when we approached
RPM & Associates. Rob and three of his
Alex Drewitz demonstrates the new Mpower Tech D2T.
employees, Alex Drewitz, Dan Flynn
and Mal Betchner worked together with
Black Hills Workshop and Perdues to
create a machine they call the “Mpower
Tech D2T”. “Mpower Tech D2T”
incorporates three tasks (two drilling
and one tacking) into one and has been
designed with operator safety as the
number one priority. It’s on wheels and
has easily adjustable height legs to allow
for a variety of operator work heights and
is easily operated by clients supported
by BHWS, including those who use
wheelchairs. A built-in computer, limit
switches and two adjustable drill motor
locations improve product quality/
consistency and production capacity over
existing equipment. An integrated dust
collection system gathers drilling dust
while diagnostic lights keep the operator
informed on the machines status. The
RPM Mpower Tech D2T makes the job
not only possible, but safe and efficient for
those we support.
Rob gives the following
explanation about where the name
came from: Mpower – because we are
empowering those we serve. Tech –
because we are using technology to
accomplish our
goals. D2T –
Drilling 2 holes
and installing one
Tack all in one
operation. We
appreciate Perdues
Inc. for giving us
this opportunity as
well as the time to
pursue a method to
make the contract
possible. And we
are grateful for the
partnership we have
with Rob Mudge
and his employees at RPM and Associates.
Partnerships with these fine businesses
have created another employment
opportunity for people we support.
Thank you to
our volunteers
Michael Kaiser
Volunteer Coordinator
With over 600 people supported, the
Black Hills Workshop knows a thing or
two about staying busy. Our group homes
are constantly buzzing with activity any
given morning or evening. We have our
own small fleet of vans and buses, and we
employ a small army of staff members
to help provide daily support, manage
finances, cover administrative duties, and
so much more.
Our staff knows (hopefully) how
much they are appreciated, but in honor
of National Volunteer Month in April,
we wanted to take this opportunity to say
“thank you” to every one of the nearly 150
volunteers who serve and support BHW
and the people receiving services through
our programs. Our volunteers serve in
many of our day programs at our building
on Range Road, help with large events like
our annual Gala, Golf Tournament, and
Suzie’s Royal Tea, and help with special
opportunities like Hot Summer Nights on
6th, the Dublin Dash, art festivals, and
Special Olympics.
We are thankful for the
dedication and support of every person,
business, and group that helps us every
day. Thank you for coming and providing
that little bit extra that our staff isn’t
always able to provide. Thank you for
being a friend and a neighbor and for
helping others live a life of full potential.

Brain Injury Conference May 5-6
The 6th Annual Black Hills Brain Injury
Conference will be held May 5-6 at the
Ramkota Hotel in Rapid City. The event
is cosponsored by Community Transitions
and Regional Health Hospice House, and
includes tracks for both professionals and
family caregivers.
8:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. More conference details and a registration form are available on
the Community Transitions’ web site, www.brainrehab.org. Community Transitions is
an affiliate of Black Hills Workshop and Training Center which serves people who have
suffered a traumatic brain injury.
Stepping up to serve
Among the
presenters is
Lee Woodruff ,
coauthor of the
best-selling book,
In an Instant.
Lee Woodruff
garnered critical
acclaim for
the compelling
and humorous
chronicle of her family’s journey to
recovery following her husband Bob’s
roadside bomb injury in Iraq.
Also
presenting are BJ
and Abby Jackson.
In August of 2003,
B.J. Jackson was
critically injured
in Iraq. Jackson
lost both legs and
suffered severe burns
on his arms, legs and
back. B.J. discusses
his road to recovery, overcoming odds,
leadership, perseverance, and adapting to
life’s changes.
Patricia
Haldeman will
be discussing her
son’s traumatic
brain injury at
age three from
a playground
accident. Though
undiagnosed, the
injury resulted in
John’s death years
later when he was a teenager.
Several months
ago, David
Brooks, Steve
Lanphere and
Greg Solano
took on the
responsibility
of ushering at
Canyon Lake
United Methodist
Church.
Their
duties include
handing out
bulletins, helping
people find seats,
handing out
friendship pads,
recording the
number of people attending, taking up the offering and helping clean up the sanctuary
after the service. They are pictured here with church members Becky Bender
Open House honors Connie
Whitley
Connie Whitley, the 2011 Artist of the Year, was honored at an open house on February
24 at the Suzie Cappa Center. She will also be honored at Suzie’s Royal Tea on May 1,
the annual fund raiser which benefits the art center. For information on the tea, contact
Brian Munsell at extension 718-6207. Below Connie poses during the open house with
Brad Winter, Director of the Suzie Cappa Art Center.
Other presenters include Annette
Pearson, Kari Ann Sovel, Ellie Bernier,
Merri Vitse, Laura Barbera, Betty Bowers,
Christina Cote, Susan Kains and Dorothy
Rosby. The conference will be held at
the Ramkota Hotel 10:45 a.m. - 8 p.m. on
Thursday, May 5 and Friday, May 6 from

Super Bowl Sunday!
Tom Brought Plenty, Sandy Trowbridge, Mike Braden and Michael Moore all met at Sandy’s
house on Super Bowl Sunday. Sandy supervises the three men, who work at McKie Ford as
custodians.
Dear friend of Black Hills Workshop,
On February 14,19 people supported by Black Hills Workshop and seven support
staff traveled to Pierre to speak to legislators about the Medicaid cuts being
proposed by Governor Daugaard. They were able to meet with individual senators
and representatives and also attend a meeting of the Appropriations Committee. I,
along with other agency directors, testified at the meeting. And when the floor was
opened to other testimony, I was so proud to see eight people supported by Black
Hills Workshop speak up. They made articulate, persuasive, and moving speeches
about how funding cuts will affect their lives.
All of these participants met several times prior to the trip to practice
telling their stories. Some of the speakers are members of People First and
Advocates for Change. Some have participated in Partner’s in Policymaking.
Without knowing it, they have all been preparing for just such an event for some
time and they did an outstanding job.
They put their self-advocacy skills to good use as they reminded
legislators how budget cuts would directly affect not only themselves, but friends
of theirs who are unable to speak for themselves!
The grass roots effort against the cuts combined with some one-time
unexpected funds helped lessen the cut we were facing from 10% to 4.5%. While
this still presents a very serious challenge to our agency, we are all very proud of
the effort put forth by those we serve, our staff, and our many friends to lessen the
blow.
Sincerely,
Brad Saathoff
Chief Executive Officer
BHW tough enough to
wear pink
Black Hills Workshop raised $320 again this year for the John
T. Vucurevich Regional Cancer Care Institute by purchasing and
wearing “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” T-shirts. Thanks to everyone
who participated and a big thank you to Marie Greenfield-
Sahli for coordinating our participation!
Board honors
hospital
employees
The Black Hills Workshop Operating
Board held their monthly meeting at
Rapid City Regional Hospital on March
14 so that board members could see the
work being done by those supported by
Black Hills Workshop on our contract
there. We also took the time to honor and
acknowledge the hospital employees who
have supported us in this contract. Thanks
to Connie Brash, Mark Brodin, Johanna
Maggard, Carla Jakeway, Jane Jensen, Ray
Byram, and Sheri Zimmer for recognizing
the talents and abilities of those with
disabilities.
The relationship Rapid City
Regional Hospital and Black Hills
Workshop started in 1992 when we
began assembling kits used for standard
medical procedures, such as dialysis
or chemotherapy, as well as counting
and packaging a variety of items for
the hospital. In 1995, another crew was
added because of the success of the
contract. Today fifteen people from Black
Hills Workshop de-lint, fold, and wrap
surgical towels; assemble and heat seal
several kits; assist in the medical records
department; and work in Central Supply
gathering items for upcoming surgeries.
The relationship between
Black Hills Workshop and Rapid City
Regional Hospital is mutually beneficial,
providing quality services to patients and
employment opportunities for people
with disabilities. We are grateful for the
opportunity.

BLACK HILLS WORKSHOP AND TRAINING CENTER, INC.
P.O. Box 2104
Rapid City, South Dakota 57709
(605) 343-4550
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Rapid City, SD
Permit No. 67
Ribbon cutting at Jake’s Place
and Helena’s Home
Address
changes
Please check your address label carefully.
Send your address changes to:
Sheila Muehlberg
Black Hills Workshop
P.O. Box 2104
Rapid City, SD 57709. Or e-mail your
changes to smuehlberg@bhws.com or call
605-718-6208.
You can also e-mail your corrections to
smuehlberg@bhws.com.
Thank you to the residents of Jake’s Place and Helena’s Home for hosting an open house at
their new homes on February 14. Each new facility is home to five individuals. Thanks also to
representatives from the local Chamber of Commerce who were on hand for a ribbon cutting to
help celebrate the occasion.
If you would prefer to receive the
Exchange via e-mail, please send your
e-mail address to smuehlberg@bhws.
com.
Transitions is published bimonthly by the Black Hills Workshop Foundation. The Black Hills Workshop
Foundation is dedicated to supporting comprehensive, quality services for people with disabilities. The Foundation
is committed to ensuring those services now and in the future. Comments and questions are encouraged
and may be addressed to Dorothy Rosby, Editor, Box 2104, Rapid City, SD 57709, or call (605) 343-
4550. You can also e-mail drosby@bhws.com. Visit us at our web site at bhws.com or bhwsfoundation.org.

Thank you contributors!
Donations received January 1-February 28
Babb, Gary & Lawren
Bachand, Frances
Barlow, John M.D.
Bodeson, Joseph & Tammy
Braun, Vince & Connie
Bussmus, Joyce M.
Cappa, Peter & JoVayne
Castro, Craig
Colman, Della
Cower, Rev. D. Craig
Crazy Horse
Emme, Owen
Fallbeck, Dr. Patricia
First Interstate Bancsystem Foundation,
Inc.
Freimark, Dr. Lyle & Marilyn
Fullerton, Jacquolyn & Dale
Hill, Brian
Ichiban
Independent Insurance
Keyser, Allen & Connie
Massie, Charles and Barbara
McCollam, Bill & Carol
McKie, Mark & Kristol
Moore, Helena Trust
Perdue, Donald & Joan
Pollock, Robert & Victoria
Rau, Tom
Rydstrom, Don & Linda
Saathoff, Brad
Simmons, Drs. Matt & Lynn
Slagle, Cheryle
South Dakota Arts Council
South Dakota Housing Development
Authority
Steiger, Gayle & Neil
Sturgeon, David & Guyla
Tinker, Donald
UCT Black Hills Council # 516
Vanorsdall, Mary
Wilson, Dr. Roger & Diane
Wittman, Dex
In honor
Michael Braden
Braden, Ann
In memory
Carl & Leona Bangert
Paschke, Daniel & Lila
Suzie Cappa
Jones, Rebecca
Patsy Clavel
Clavel, Calvin & Martha
Stuart Clavel
Stoeser, BJ & Phyllis
Richard Hunter
Clavel, Calvin & Martha
Brenda Lynde
Conrad, Sylvia
Dick Perrett
Conrad, Sylvia
Caryn O’Connor
Conrad, Sylvia
Roy Schaub
Krueger, Florence
Shawn Stratton
Conrad, Sylvia
In Kind
Action Lane Furniture
Anderson, Alan & Susan
Badiuk, Patrick
French, Hildur & Lisa
Guthmiller, Mervin
Hahn, Dave
Herbergers Department Store
Massie, Ima
Perdues Inc.
Robinson, Monica
Schroeder, Alan & Dottie
Congratulations
Hunter Plumman
who, with the help
of a Social Security
PASS account
was able to save up
money to purchase
a used car. This is
Hunter’s first car.
He was also able
to complete the
driving test. He
had already passed
the written test,
but needed a car to
do the driving test
and get his driver’s
license. Hunter receives services from Community Transitions.
Saathoff
named to
ANCOR Board
Brad Saathoff,
Chief Executive
Officer at Black
Hills Workshop
and BH Services
has been appointed
to the Board of
Directors of the
American Network
of Community
Options and Resources or ANCOR.
ANCOR is a nonprofit trade
association which represents and
advocates on behalf of more than 800
private organizations who provides
services and supports for nearly 500,000
Americans with disabilities. Black Hills
Workshop and Training Center is an
ANCOR members.
ANCOR’s efforts in the area
of public policy, federal legislative and
regulatory initiatives, judicial results,
state-level initiatives and the culling of
leading practices have uniquely positioned
it as the national presence for private
providers. Congress and federal agencies
turn to ANCOR as the authority in our
profession. ANCOR is our eyes, ears, and
voice in Washington, DC.
Congratulations Hunter

Freezing for a reason
Lions host
Pancake
Benefit
Front to back, David Tanner, Chuck Conlee, Mike Turner, and Joe Burmeister took the plunge
for Special Olympics at the Polar Plunge Saturday, February 26. Mike Studer, who is not pictured,
also participated. The event, which took place at Parkview Pool, raised $37,000.
Cold drink . . . hot chili
Heroes and Hardrockers held a chili cook-off before the Polar Plunge and raised $105.47 for
future events. The first place team was “Willie Wonka & The Chili Factory” (Pictured above
are John Tanner, Carla Streeter, David Tanner, Phil Streeter.) Judges were Marty and Holly-
KICK 104, Jim Peterson-KEVN, Helene Duhamel-KOTA, and Bob Riggio-KNBN. Heroes
and Hardrockers is a made up of South Dakota School of Mines and Technology students and
people supported by Black Hills Workshop.
Help us save printing and
mailing costs!
If you would prefer to receive the Exchange via e-mail, please send
your e-mail address to smuehlberg@bhws.com. Your e-mail address
will not be shared with other organizations.
Eugene Leroy and Jackie Wald work with
Lions Club members at the annual Pancake
Benefit. Thanks to all who attended. Money
raised at this year’s event will be used to build
a picnic area behind Black Hills Workshop.
Suzie Cappa
artists on
display at
Shaviq
Eighty-one pieces of art from the Suzie
Cappa Center are now on display at
Shaviq, 626 St. Joseph in downtown Rapid
City. Check it out! Congratulations to the
following artists: Shawn Bifulco, Marlene
Bryant, Jeff McGlade, Hoksila Long,
Darlene Brookbank, Russell Steinback,
Bobby Sullivan, Molly Holsworth, Jill
Holien, Mike Leithauser, Connie Smith,
Kay Slusser, Anthony Capra, AJ Nordbye,
Kendall Kriemann, Scott Vearrier, Nancy
Weiss, Stephanie Wagner, Barb Heagy,
John Clark, Twillia Otterstetter, Charlotte
McLean, Greg Solano, Aimee Johns and
Kathy Reed.