Blog---July 16, 2025—9-10---Working on Wellness Wednesday

  Our Working on Wellness Wednesday---picked some interesting scenarios on wellness---but topics that affected a lot of people feeling good and concerned about working on their wellness—hour by hour—day by day.

  We started with a real milestone event—the ADA Sioux Falls Committee, the City of Sioux Falls Disability Awareness and accessibility. 

  The milestone celebration is being help not this Saturday—but Saturday June 26th from 5 to 9:30PM commemorating the 35th Anniversary of the important day---this civil rights law was enacted for people with disabilities with the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

   The celebration –first of its kind in Sioux Falls will honor the deeply interwoven connections we all share with people with disabilities—will foster opportunities for greater understanding and will look to the future as a community of diverse perspectives and attachments.

   The so-called REFOCUS Exhibit was set up on July 3rd at the Shriver Square Atrium and is open 8AM to 7PM daily with exception of Sundays. 

   In this interview we talked with Vicki Stewart the Executive Director—and her co-chair Tana Zwart. They have been involved with the ADA and City of Sioux Falls Disability Awareness Group. 

   Coming up on July 23rd—at 7PM and July 27th at 4PM at the Sioux Falls State Theater---Crip Camp Documentary Film. Noon on July 25th at Start-up Sioux Falls—and 5PM on July 26th ADA Festival Strengthening Connections and Moving Forward Together will kick off at the Levitt at the Falls for a full evening of activities. Will continue to follow along in the next couple of weeks.

   Lisa Ottmar joined us talking about 988 offering Lifeline for our Youth Facing Summer Isolation and Stress. Reach out if you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use challenges, or any kind of emotional pain. Calling, texting or chatting 988 connects individuals to trained counselors at the Helpline Center who listen, provide support, connect callers to resources and offer follow-up care. 

   If you or a family member are struggling—please reach out to the Helpline Center by visiting helplinecenter.org/999 or calling -texting or chatting with 988.

  Candi Briley---helped us start watching the calendar for the South Dakota State Fair---and what we followed today was almost wellness driven for this show. The announced the sensory-friendly morning on Wednesday August 27th offering a welcoming experience for children and adults with sensory sensitivities –as we learned they visited Iowa State Fair---and others that have tried this and seems like a great way for families—several generations can take the first day of the State Fair---and enjoyed a few important items:

Reduced noise and lightsGentle animal interactions in a quiet control spaceA peaceful calming cottage to rest, reset, and rechargeInteractive hands on sensory activities for all ages and abilitiesA fun accessible scavenger huntAnd a specially modified carnival time. It will run 9Am to noon and visitors can enjoy special programming and a calmer environment as they explore the fairgrounds in a way that suits their needs. 

    The Fair runs August 27th to September 1st.

    Meanwhile at the Sioux Empire Fair---August 1st is opening Day---and Julie Hammer talked to us about a SD Pork Pal Event---and what those here will be able to enjoy as the Fair Season starts---on the first turn of the calendar in August. We’ll be at both events. 

    Our Working on Wellness Wednesday Show---is heard each Wednesday 9-10. Norm Anderson sees to it the podcast of the show is available on the KELO-AM website. My job is to schedule the guests—interview them—and write the Blog that gives you insights on what was in the show and where.

    Questions for me—feel free—to call/text at 605-728-2455 (BILL) or email me at bill.zortman@mwcradio.com.