Brandon’s Own Stimulus Package

by Sara on May 28th, 2009

Hi everyone,

As many of you know, I spent a large portion of my childhood growing up in Brandon, SD. I graduated from Brandon Valley High School in 2005, and still frequent athletic events to support my brother and Brandon athletes in general. The city of Brandon recently released information that the city reaped an unforeseen amount of sales tax revenue in 2008, creating an influx of nearly one half million dollars into the city budget. This unexpected sum has been delegated to the city’s various “wish-list” items.

Upon analyzing what the city plans to spend nearly $500,000 on to “improve the city,” I’m disappointed in the city’s budget plans. While some additions to the city are necessary (including street lights on Aspen Blvd., stretching from McHardy Road to Country Club Avenue, and improvements to the eroding roadway leading into Pioneer Centennial Park), among the superfluous plans are a parking lot for a park to be constructed near a park to be located in the Bluffs development and a permanent speed indicator sign to be placed on West Holly Blvd.

The Bluffs area, which has been developed much like the homes on Tomar Road or near Tut Hill in Sioux Falls, is a development comprised of inexorable wealth, complete with wrap-around porches, gazebos, windows stretching the height of homes and three-car garages. Because of such superficiality, it doesn’t surprise me that the families living in the Bluffs area lament the fact that their location requires them to drive a whole 4 miles away to the the nearest park, the Big Sioux Recreation Area, despite the fact that the Big Sioux is a wonderful park that combines bike and hiking trails with camping, wilderness and playground opportunities.  However, if the city of Brandon insists on adding a park to the Bluffs area, that’s not my main concern. The $12,000 parking lot to be added near the park, however, displays a severe lack of foresight.

I feel that the $12,000 that the city of Brandon is spending on adding a parking lot to the Bluffs park area is superfluous and could be better directed by investing directly in the interests of children and families who aren’t living in luxury but instead are strapped for money. The sum of $12,000 could be better directed, in my view, to improving the daycare facilities in the city of Brandon, facilities that families of all income levels take advantage of. While adding a park to the Bluffs area will certainly entertain the children of Brandon, not merely just children living in the Bluffs area, the construction of a parking lot in order to eliminate side street parking seems ridiculous. What’s wrong with parking on the street if it saves $12,000?

Furthermore, the city council has also allocated $2,500 to permanently place a speed indicator box on West Holly Blvd. While speed indicator boxes do not have the capability to pull over and enforce speed limit laws, it’s my belief that the Brandon Police Department hopes that the presence of the speed indicator forces drivers to slow down. Holly Blvd, which is the main thoroughfare between three schools and a large church, seems like a logical location for this box. However, in a time of pinched pocketbooks and an unstable economy, the city of Brandon should simply use the police taskforces that it employs and pays to enforce the speeding laws in school zones instead of simply spending the money to *hopefully* prevent speeding merely because the funds are available.

I feel that the city of Brandon should echo the practices of middle-class Americans during these unstable economic times by showing self-restraint and working to make smart investments and/or save any surplus income, rather than simply spend money merely because it’s available.

I’d love to hear what any of you think. To read the Argus Leader’s full report, click here.

-Sara

I’m a college graduate!

by Sara on May 24th, 2009

Hi everyone!

Today, I graduated from Augustana College! I’ve had an amazing graduation weekend, which began with graduation rehearsal yesterday and culminated today with the actual commencement ceremony.

Yesterday I also had a double open house in conjuction with my brother Brian, who also graduated today from Brandon Valley High School (congrats, B!). Our party was so much fun for me; a lot of my professors, family and friends came out to support me, and I had a great time sharing my excitement with all of them. So thank you to all of you who came out!

Today I participated in baccalaureatte in the morning (thanks to cousin Kristen for her company!), and apparently the service opened the floodgates for my poor mother…it must be very difficult to have both of your children graduating on the SAME day at the SAME time. Because of today’s double graduation, not only did my extended family have to split up, but my parents did, too. My Dad attended my ceremony and my Mom attended Brian’s.

I had SO MUCH FUN giving my commencement speech today, too; I got emotional in the middle of it, which was completely unexpected, since I’ve practiced it so many times without my emotions getting the better of me. Everyone I spoke with said I recovered well, however, but it was a little overwhelming :) I had a great time speaking in front of thousands of people in the Sioux Falls Arena, and I feel so honored to have been chosen.

MANY THANKS to my boyfriend, Jordan, who was a complete gem today and videotaped all of the action so that my entire family will be able to view my speech and me walking across the stage. Thanks also to Steve and Nachole, Jordan’s parents, who let us borrow their super camera to record the event.

I can’t wait to get my diploma in the mail!

-Sara

Graduation Weekend!

by Sara on May 23rd, 2009

Hi everyone!

Graduation weekend has FINALLY arrived, and I couldn’t be more excited. This morning at 9:30 is commencement rehearsal, followed by a picnic at the Augustana President’s house for graduates and their families. After that, it’s off to Brandon, SD, where I’ll be having an open house in conjunction with my brother, who’s also graduating high school.

I feel so excited for today, and for tomorrow, with Baccalaureatte and Commencement ceremonies. I may not have told my blogverse this yet, but I’m Augustana College’s senior commencement speaker this year! It’s SO exciting, and yes, before you ask, my speech is written :)

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend, and here’s to hoping mine turns out beautifully. :)

-Sara

Shaq: On the Court to Behind the Camera

by Sara on May 20th, 2009

In today’s New York Times, journalist Pete Thamel catches up with Shaquille O’Neal, who has recently received 3 days of private instruction at Syracuse called Sportscaster U, an immersion program that Shaq hopes will help him land a television spot after a few more seasons in the NBA.

Syracuse’s broadcasting program has turned out such broadcasters as Bob Costas (my personal favorite), so Shaq definitely knew what he was doing in shelling out over $15,000 for a 3-day immersion in the world of television and radio interviewing.

What do you think about Shaq’s prospects as a sports broadcaster? Do you think he’ll be able to shed light on any sport other than basketball?

Something to think about; I applaud Shaq for realizing that sports broadcasting is a worthy career for retired athletes, and that he didn’t simply use his clout and his talent to garner him a broadcasting gig.

Read the full text of the article here.

-Sara

Dear Mark Schwahn …Part III

by Sara on May 18th, 2009

I’m sorry.

AMAZING episode.

Sincerely, Me.

Summer Goals

by Sara on May 16th, 2009

Hi all,

This post is more for me than for you, but here’s my summer goals:

June

1. Send off portions of my thesis to magazines to (hopefully) be published!
2. Watch more old movies. A nod here to my adviser, Jeffrey Miller, who has listed on his Facebook page 5 favorite movies from each decade. :)
3. Conduct an oral history interview with my Grandma.
4. Start writing a play (my first attempt at playwriting!) :)
5. Read FOR FUN!
6. Continue to work on my profile of former baseball player Jason Klam.
7. Buy a bike! I miss riding :(
8. Go to the Omaha Zoo!!!!!!

July

1. Start studying for the GRE! (I hope to pursue graduate school after taking 1-2 years off)
2. Continue sending my thesis to different magazines and journals…
3. Continue writing my play…
4. Conduct an oral history interview with my Dad.
5. Send off my profile of Jason Klam to magazines and journals in hopes of getting published!
6. Start another blog. Of some sort.
7. Buy a Macbook :)

August

1. Make sure the Empire Mall in Sioux Falls recycles.
2. Continue sending out my work, editing my work, and studying for the GRE…
3. Go fishing! And camping! I haven’t done both of these in forever :(
4. Write 2 pieces of creative nonfiction; one about farming, and another about hunting/fishing.
5. Attend annual ACE Ethanol Conference & Trade Show in Milwaukee, WI! :)
6. Jordan’s birthday = Sara & Jordan’s Midwestern Extravaganza!

I think that’s it for now; I’ll sure be a busy girl this summer! :)

-Sara

Dear Mark Schwahn …Part II

by Sara on May 15th, 2009

Dear Mark Schwahn,

I think you’re an idiot. PEYTON AND LUCAS. Seriously?!?!

They’re like, 1/2 of the super couples on “One Tree Hill,” and not only are you letting them go, but you’re bringing in THREE NEW CHARACTERS?!?! Do you not remember the Felix/Anna disaster that was OTH Season II??

I don’t want to know anything about Quinn (Nathan probably slept with her, too, which is so four seasons ago), about Alexis (who needs another drunk model?!) or about Clayton (although if you do get someone gorgeous to play him I may not be as upset – READ: GET SOMEONE GORGEOUS).

Seriously, I thought you’d have more respect for the love story between Lucas and Peyton. I don’t wanna hear this whole, “it’s hard to make happy couples interesting” crap … you’re messing with the vision here, man; you’re messing with the fans’ devotion to the show. Peyton and Lucas are supposed to be proof of “true love ALWAYS” not “ALMOST always.” What is their departure supposed to illustrate about love? That when couples finally love each other at the same time and want to spend forever together that forever is impossible!?

I’m very, very disappointed.

Sincerely,

Me.

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