Rural Dakota Pride Award Recipients Honored During Farmers Union Day
[caption id="attachment_602" align="alignleft" width="387" caption="Rural Dakota Pride recipients pictured from left to right: Cheryl Wasland, Ruth Anne Farnsworth, James Major, and Deb Schroeder. Not pictured: Tori Simon"]
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Five outstanding South Dakotans were honored Saturday, Sept. 3, with the 2011 Rural Dakota Pride Awards from the South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) Foundation. A ceremony was held on the Freedom Stage during Farmers Union Day at the South Dakota State Fair in Huron. The Rural Dakota Pride Award program was established through the SDFU Foundation four years ago with the awards designed to recognize individuals who have made a difference through volunteer efforts in their local communities.
The recipients were among several who were nominated from across the state of South Dakota. The recipients of the 2011 awards were Deb Schroeder of Doland, S.D., James Major of Wessington, S.D., Ruth Anne Farnsworth of Carter, S.D., and Tori Simon and Cheryl Wasland of Watertown, S.D.
Deb Schroeder, who works for Farmers Union Insurance in the Boyd Agency, has volunteered countless hours in her community to make it a better place to live. In 2003, Schroeder became one of the founding members of the Doland Pride Committee. The group carries out community service projects with the help of local school children. She has helped the committee paint store fronts on Main Street in Doland, clean up the local park and cemetery, landscape areas around town and put murals on vacant buildings. Deb continues her community service projects through Doland Women in Action which sponsors the local Snow Queen contest and other beautification projects. She is a founding member of the Doland Area Wellness Center and was instrumental in its opening in 2007. Deb is the long-time organist for Doland United Methodist Church where she also sings in the community choir and works with the church’s youth.
“We appreciate all that Deb has done to improve her community and to make life better for her neighbors,” said SDFU Foundation Executive Director Leslie Rupiper Morrow. “It’s because of people like her that make South Dakota such a great place to live and work. We’re so thankful that our communities have people like Deb to make a difference every day.”
Tori Simon and Cheryl Wasland co-founded Codington County Cares (CCC), a group that raises money for people diagnosed with cancer in the Watertown area. Simon, who is a cancer survivor, teamed up with Wasland, a chemotherapy nurse, to help support people financially who are battling cancer and have helped several people with expenses during cancer treatment. At the age of 25, Tori Simon was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. She underwent a double mastectomy, radiation and chemotherapy. During this difficult time, Cheryl Wasland served as Tori’s chemo nurse. In their time together, these Watertown women began to discuss the financial issues that often arise when people are fighting for their lives. Tori felt fortunate that she had the support of friends and family, but she knew others weren’t so lucky. As a result, the two co-founded Codington County Cares (CCC). In May of 2007, CCC wrote the first check to help someone in their fight with cancer. The money was used to purchase a gas card to allow the patient to travel to chemotherapy treatments. Since that time, they have built the non-profit organization into a very important funding resource for those with cancer who are facing an urgent need. All of the money raised stays in Codington County. Tori has been cancer-free for five years. She and Cheryl continue to work tirelessly to grow their organization so they can offer hope to even more people battling cancer in Codington County.
“These women used their personal experiences to fill a need in their community and have made a dramatic impact in the process,” said Rupiper Morrow. “Their passionate efforts offer support to people during what is often the most difficult time of their lives. We appreciate all these incredible women have done for people in their community.”
Ruth Anne Farnsworth has helped run their family’s cow/calf operation near Carter for 45 years. She and her husband, Bob, raised two daughters and have six grandchildren. Ruth Anne has been with South Dakota Cattlewomen since she was 18 years old and is serving as President for the second time. She has been very involved with the Beef Ambassador program and for 8 years traveled the state talking to 4th graders through the “Ag in the Classroom” project. Through the years, she has also served as a 4-H judge and says she likes to see young people “step up” and she encourages them to run with their ideas. For 16 years, Ruth Anne worked as a school cook. She is active in Carter Gospel Fellowship Church and has volunteered with Relay for Life.
“Ruth Anne knows how important the future generation is to South Dakota’s rural community and that’s what drives her dedication to volunteerism,” said SDFU Foundation Executive Director Leslie Rupiper Morrow. “No matter how she’s volunteering, Ruth Anne says she likes to spur young people to action - to encourage them to be creative and follow through with their ideas. She’s looking out for the future of rural South Dakota, and she is a blessing to her community and to the entire state.”
James Major is a faithful member of the Wessington First Presbyterian Church where he speaks from the pulpit, leads singing and teaches Sunday School. He has been involved in the American Legion for many years, serving as Americanism Chairman, encouraging young people to get involved in youth programs. He’s been the Legion Finance Officer for the past 25 years. Jim also acts as the Sergeant-at-Arms for the Legion Color Guard and Firing Squad. He’s also a board member for the Wessington Heritage Society and also helps with the Wessington Economic Development Corporation. Jim is active in Wessington’s Community Club and is also a member of the Masonic Lodge.
James Major is a faithful member of the Wessington First Presbyterian Church where he speaks from the pulpit, leads singing and teaches Sunday School. He has been involved in the American Legion for many years, serving as Americanism Chairman, encouraging young people to get involved in youth programs. He’s been the Legion Finance Officer for the past 25 years. Jim also acts as the Sergeant-at-Arms for the Legion Color Guard and Firing Squad. As a Board Member for the Wessington Heritage Society, Jim is giving people in his community the opportunity to learn more about the history of their town through the recent development of a local museum. He’s also looking out for the town’s future through his work with the Wessington Economic Development Corporation. Jim is active in Wessington’s Community Club and is also a member of the Masonic Lodge. He is married to Ruth Ann Wright and they have two sons: Justin and Preston.
“Jim’s devotion to his family, his faith and his community is evident through the tireless hours he’s spent volunteering,” said SDFU Foundation Executive Director Leslie Rupiper Morrow. “His commitment and leadership have helped make South Dakota a great place to live. We appreciate all that Jim has done to improve his community.”
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Five outstanding South Dakotans were honored Saturday, Sept. 3, with the 2011 Rural Dakota Pride Awards from the South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) Foundation. A ceremony was held on the Freedom Stage during Farmers Union Day at the South Dakota State Fair in Huron. The Rural Dakota Pride Award program was established through the SDFU Foundation four years ago with the awards designed to recognize individuals who have made a difference through volunteer efforts in their local communities.
The recipients were among several who were nominated from across the state of South Dakota. The recipients of the 2011 awards were Deb Schroeder of Doland, S.D., James Major of Wessington, S.D., Ruth Anne Farnsworth of Carter, S.D., and Tori Simon and Cheryl Wasland of Watertown, S.D.
Deb Schroeder, who works for Farmers Union Insurance in the Boyd Agency, has volunteered countless hours in her community to make it a better place to live. In 2003, Schroeder became one of the founding members of the Doland Pride Committee. The group carries out community service projects with the help of local school children. She has helped the committee paint store fronts on Main Street in Doland, clean up the local park and cemetery, landscape areas around town and put murals on vacant buildings. Deb continues her community service projects through Doland Women in Action which sponsors the local Snow Queen contest and other beautification projects. She is a founding member of the Doland Area Wellness Center and was instrumental in its opening in 2007. Deb is the long-time organist for Doland United Methodist Church where she also sings in the community choir and works with the church’s youth.
“We appreciate all that Deb has done to improve her community and to make life better for her neighbors,” said SDFU Foundation Executive Director Leslie Rupiper Morrow. “It’s because of people like her that make South Dakota such a great place to live and work. We’re so thankful that our communities have people like Deb to make a difference every day.”
Tori Simon and Cheryl Wasland co-founded Codington County Cares (CCC), a group that raises money for people diagnosed with cancer in the Watertown area. Simon, who is a cancer survivor, teamed up with Wasland, a chemotherapy nurse, to help support people financially who are battling cancer and have helped several people with expenses during cancer treatment. At the age of 25, Tori Simon was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. She underwent a double mastectomy, radiation and chemotherapy. During this difficult time, Cheryl Wasland served as Tori’s chemo nurse. In their time together, these Watertown women began to discuss the financial issues that often arise when people are fighting for their lives. Tori felt fortunate that she had the support of friends and family, but she knew others weren’t so lucky. As a result, the two co-founded Codington County Cares (CCC). In May of 2007, CCC wrote the first check to help someone in their fight with cancer. The money was used to purchase a gas card to allow the patient to travel to chemotherapy treatments. Since that time, they have built the non-profit organization into a very important funding resource for those with cancer who are facing an urgent need. All of the money raised stays in Codington County. Tori has been cancer-free for five years. She and Cheryl continue to work tirelessly to grow their organization so they can offer hope to even more people battling cancer in Codington County.
“These women used their personal experiences to fill a need in their community and have made a dramatic impact in the process,” said Rupiper Morrow. “Their passionate efforts offer support to people during what is often the most difficult time of their lives. We appreciate all these incredible women have done for people in their community.”
Ruth Anne Farnsworth has helped run their family’s cow/calf operation near Carter for 45 years. She and her husband, Bob, raised two daughters and have six grandchildren. Ruth Anne has been with South Dakota Cattlewomen since she was 18 years old and is serving as President for the second time. She has been very involved with the Beef Ambassador program and for 8 years traveled the state talking to 4th graders through the “Ag in the Classroom” project. Through the years, she has also served as a 4-H judge and says she likes to see young people “step up” and she encourages them to run with their ideas. For 16 years, Ruth Anne worked as a school cook. She is active in Carter Gospel Fellowship Church and has volunteered with Relay for Life.
“Ruth Anne knows how important the future generation is to South Dakota’s rural community and that’s what drives her dedication to volunteerism,” said SDFU Foundation Executive Director Leslie Rupiper Morrow. “No matter how she’s volunteering, Ruth Anne says she likes to spur young people to action - to encourage them to be creative and follow through with their ideas. She’s looking out for the future of rural South Dakota, and she is a blessing to her community and to the entire state.”
James Major is a faithful member of the Wessington First Presbyterian Church where he speaks from the pulpit, leads singing and teaches Sunday School. He has been involved in the American Legion for many years, serving as Americanism Chairman, encouraging young people to get involved in youth programs. He’s been the Legion Finance Officer for the past 25 years. Jim also acts as the Sergeant-at-Arms for the Legion Color Guard and Firing Squad. He’s also a board member for the Wessington Heritage Society and also helps with the Wessington Economic Development Corporation. Jim is active in Wessington’s Community Club and is also a member of the Masonic Lodge.
James Major is a faithful member of the Wessington First Presbyterian Church where he speaks from the pulpit, leads singing and teaches Sunday School. He has been involved in the American Legion for many years, serving as Americanism Chairman, encouraging young people to get involved in youth programs. He’s been the Legion Finance Officer for the past 25 years. Jim also acts as the Sergeant-at-Arms for the Legion Color Guard and Firing Squad. As a Board Member for the Wessington Heritage Society, Jim is giving people in his community the opportunity to learn more about the history of their town through the recent development of a local museum. He’s also looking out for the town’s future through his work with the Wessington Economic Development Corporation. Jim is active in Wessington’s Community Club and is also a member of the Masonic Lodge. He is married to Ruth Ann Wright and they have two sons: Justin and Preston.
“Jim’s devotion to his family, his faith and his community is evident through the tireless hours he’s spent volunteering,” said SDFU Foundation Executive Director Leslie Rupiper Morrow. “His commitment and leadership have helped make South Dakota a great place to live. We appreciate all that Jim has done to improve his community.”
Do you know someone who should receive the Rural Dakota Pride Award? Email Leslie Rupiper Morrow with your nomination, and describe this person and what they've done to help in their community.