Happy Friday! Megan here.
Weather check: Feelin' hot, hot, hot
Calling all parents: As I'm looking at the costs of school supplies around town – and comparing to last year's similar story – it's clear, and unsurprising, that the costs are going up. I'd love to be able to talk more about the impact that's having on families (in addition to comparing costs). Are you driving to multiple stores? Spreading out purchases over a few weeks/months?
- Reply to this email with your own personal strategies, and help me get a better handle on this story (and take notes for myself before tackling my own kid's school supply list). Thank you!
This week, I've got some good news from the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society. Plus, get the story behind a nearly century-old music organization. You'll also find some Super Simplified Stories and a reminder of events happening this week.
And now, news:
COMMUNITY
What's behind the humane society's record-breaking month of adoptions
Simplified: The Sioux Falls Area Humane Society saw a record number of adoptions in July and is on track to hit its goal of 4,000 adoptions in 2024. Here's a look at how they're making it happen.
Why it matters
- At the start of July, the shelter was significantly over capacity with more than 500 animals in its care.
- For context, the shelter has 311 kennels, but some kennels hold more than one animal. Director James Oppenheimer said it starts to get over-full at around 330 animals.
- Part of the challenge is that more people are giving up their pets, Oppenheimer added. The humane society has seen about a 25% increase in animal surrenders this year.
- The shelter put out a call for adoptions around the Fourth of July on social media, and folks responded in droves. All told, 486 animals were adopted in July, breaking the previous one month adoption record of 439, which was set in December.
"It's exciting to see our team of 60 animal lovers – who really put their heart and soul into making this organization run – to see them get the reward of seeing results for their hard work," Oppenheimer said.
Why are more people surrendering animals?
SIMPLIFIED PRESENTS
Meet the group bringing affordable music to Sioux Falls for nearly a century
This is a paid piece from Live on Stage Sioux Falls.
Simplified: Live on Stage Sioux Falls has been bringing world-class music to the community since the early 1900s. Though it's changed over the years, the mission of bringing affordable, quality entertainment to town has lasted nearly a century.
Why it matters
- Affordable pricing is a major tenet of the nonprofit, which was formally founded in 1930 as the Civic Music Organization.
- Additionally, the goal is to bring a wide variety of entertainment – from cover bands of classic rock, to classical piano, to big band jazz, to fiddlers playing holiday tunes.
- Members have been a big part of keeping the organization around for as long as it has. A membership – which includes tickets to five performances between September and May – is the most affordable way to experience these shows you won't see anywhere else.
"We try to bring entertainment that people aren't going to find in Sioux Falls through other venues," President and Executive Director Darla Van Rosendale said.
Tell me more about Live on Stage
Also, you can get 10% off a season membership with promo code "SIMPLIFIED10" by calling the Washington Pavilion Box Office at 605-731-2422.
TL;DR
Super Simplified Stories
- Seeking school supplies. The Banquet is getting very close to distributing backpacks and school supplies to kids in need as part of its annual Project SOS initiative. Have a need? Register here to receive a backpack. Have extra to give? The Banquet takes school supply donations year-round. Learn more here.
- Hang with some cops. Tuesday is National Night Out, in which several neighborhoods will be hosting events to connect law enforcement with the broader community. According to Dakota News Now, more than 20 neighborhoods are expected to participate.
- It's fair. The Sioux Empire Fair kicks off this weekend with the new Fiesta Latina on Friday, and a performance by The Fray with Kory and the Fireflies on Saturday. Wanna know what else is happening? Our friends over at Pigeon 605 summed it up nicely here.
THIS AND THAT
What I'm falling for this week:
ICYMI
More Simplified Stories
Megan Raposa
Megan Raposa
Megan Raposa
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