Happy Thursday (already?!)
My mom (who graduated from Lead Deadwood High School) mentioned the other day how interesting it is to see her classmates and other people she knows (me included) really find a way to carve out a living here.
It can be difficult when so many jobs are seasonal. I had a wild ride of jobs when I came here. With no clear cut career path I jumped in and started doing all the things – scooping ice cream, working at a golf course, as a church secretary, a tutor (at times all of these jobs at once). It was tough, but I am so thankful for each of these experiences. It ended up being an amazing way to get to know the area and the people – with friendships I still have!
Those experiences also helped me learn all aspects of running and managing a business and gave me an important glimpse into tourism and seasonal work. Serving ice cream was a pretty humbling experience, but it ultimately led me to so many opportunities (including in a wild way, working here at the Chamber).
There are so many jobs here in Lead (and in our entire state). True, there are hurdles to some of them, but all of them are worth doing, and worth doing well. We have amazing opportunities for more businesses and more growth this year in Lead and it’s pretty exciting stuff! I have always believed that there is more money, more success, more opportunity than you can shovel up – the hard part is just the shoveling. I applaud those of you who do the hard work – for yourself or someone else and I’m excited that Lead continues to be a wonderful place with more opportunity than you can shake a shovel at!
______Here’s what’s going in Lead this week_____
Today, Thursday 2/18
10am-2pm – The Library continues curbside pickup. Look forward to real in person open hours coming in March. They will most likely be more limited than in the past but we’re happy to see it opening again after almost a year!
12pm – Preservation Thursday: The Q’s High Line to Deadwood – A 130 Year Retrospective. As residents and visitors walk the George S. Mickelson Trail in the Black Hills, conversation often turns to the trail’s railroad history. South Dakota State Railroad Museum Curator Rick Mills will talk about the trail’s 110 miles of history in photos and stories. Admission is $5 for non members at the Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center.
4-6pm – FEBRUARY CHAMBER MIXER! This month we’ll be at Explore Fitness & Adventures and with our newest member, BA Coffee! Come meet both businesses along with some of the instructors that teach classes at EF&A. Everyone is always welcome, chamber members get free drinks! We hope to see you there at our happy hour time. Ribbon cutting for both businesses will be at 5pm sharp!
6pm – Cooking Class at Cheyenne Crossing! Always fun, never dull – call for reservations as they sometimes sell out! (605)584-3510
7:30pm – Did you know that Explore Fitness & Adventures is doing a Couples Dance Class? This is a fun way to get some exercise in with your honey. Price is $75/couple/month. See their website for more details and info on other fun classes they offer!
Friday, 2/19
6:30pm – Zumba at Explore Fitness & Adventures with Debbie Minter! If you haven’t been yet this is a really fun time!
Saturday, 2/20
9:30am-3:30pm – Makers Market at Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center. Come see the various items from different vendors (a few new vendors) as well as some of the new stock of kids shirts and items for this summer in the gift shop!
11am-1pm – Celebrate Chinese New Year and the year of the ox. Students in grades K-6 will create a Chinese lantern and a Chinese Zodiac chart to take home, eat Chinese style food for lunch, and be a part of a red envelope ceremony. Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center. The program is free but reservations are required. Please call Amanda Brown, Education Director, at 605-578-1657 for reservations or more information.
6pm – GALENTINE’S CABARET at the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center! We’re super excited to be throwing this brand new event at the Visitor Center! A few of you have asked 1) How dressy is dressy? As dressy as you want! You can come like the gal on the poster, or in whatever feels special and fun to you. It’s South Dakota, there will probably be some gowns and some jeans and we welcome it all! 2) Can teenagers come? Sure! There will be beer and wine served but we’ll wristband anyone under 21. 3) What is a cabaret? Will there be anything risque? Gosh no! Cabaret just means variety. 4) Can I come alone? Yes siree! We’re building a new kind of event with entertainment and mingling and even if you come by yourself you’re going to have a great time!! 5) Do I need tickets in advance? No, but it’d be great if you could let us know you’re coming so we don’t run out of drinks or food. 6) What the heck is GALentine’s? It’s like Valentine’s but for celebrating your gals. (Hey, February needs all the pizzazz it can muster!) 7) Can men come? Absolutely! …but they may feel slightly awkward as it will be primarily girls.
Tuesday, 2/23
5pm – SCIENCE ROCKS at the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center. In the quest to create more programming and fun we are excited to announce this new event in 2021! Join us in welcoming Dr. Katrina Donovan from Materials & Metallurgical Engineering at South Dakota Mines. She will be discussing 3D printing and will have demonstrations. All ages are welcome. Snacks, drinks and beer will be provided. This event is free and sponsored in part by SD Mines!
7pm – Poker for Fun at Blackstone Lodge.
Wednesday, 2/24
9am-12pm – Shepherd’s Pantry at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church. Providing grocery and pantry items to anyone who needs.
6pm – Trivia night at Jailhouse Taps.
____ News & Notes_____
We’re hiring for a Tourism Director and prepping to hire tour guides, concierge staff and more fun stuff!! See our website for the full job description and details, along with some other great jobs from our members!
With Love from Lead,
Sierra Ward
ED