DeBerg: 2021 gave Watertown lots to be thankful about

Over the years, we realize the best gifts aren’t found under the Christmas tree. Sometimes those gifts are in a tradition, a feeling or something that benefits our overall wellbeing. I started a tradition in this column several years ago to take the opportunity at Christmastime to recall some of those wonderful gifts in our community. These gifts aren’t found on a shelf or online, but within a thriving community and the hearts of so many.

One of those first gifts we “unwrapped” in 2021 was the ability to “see” one another again. Our new normal may include being careful, wearing a mask and getting vaccinated, but we were more in-person than in 2020 and that is something to be thankful for.

School and church services resumed. Events like Thursday Night Live were back on schedule. People gathered again to enjoy a city fireworks display and parade on the 4th of July. From the fireworks show to the Optimist Club’s Winter Wonderland (now in progress) and all the great concerts and events in between, the Watertown area is given the opportunity to experience beauty and arts and culture in many ways. Local talent also shines on the Town Players’ stage, as well as in our schools, churches and other venues.

The Redlin Art Center continues to welcome residents and visitors alike to view the amazing works of Terry Redlin’s paintings, other art and events in a one-of-a-kind extraordinary place.

Some art welcomes us outdoors. Thanks to sponsors and Friends of Artwalk, sculptures continue to help showcase our downtown, as well as Lake Area Technical College, the Redlin Art Center’s grounds, and a new location this year – Jenkins Living Center. The art is enjoyed year-round by residents and visitors of all ages. I hope you will take the time to introduce yourself to Ratatouille, Ralph Moose, Rock Dragon and the 13 other sculptures along Artwalk’s path.

Several artists came to our community this summer to paint, draw or photograph the unique features that make Watertown stand out during a plein air event hosted by Northern Prairie Arts.

All around our community, one can see activity and construction — progress.

The Human Service Agency is building a new Regional Appropriate Facility that will serve our community for many years to come and improve our local services and support for those in a mental health crisis.

We bid “farewell” to an era with the recent destruction of the old Senior Center, but not without celebrating a new era. Our seniors are now enjoying a new center in downtown Watertown which will also be home to many with senior apartments above the complex. The space once occupied by the former Senior Center is now a blank slate. It is exciting to envision what this space will become, which includes the planned Watertown Area Community Foundation Plaza — a downtown park that will aesthetically enhance the City, encourage active fellowship and embrace outdoor events. Groundbreaking for this is planned in 2022.

Watertown and downtown continue to see renovation and new store fronts with the completely renovated historic Goss Opera House among the gems. Furthermore, before year-end, a 1928 9-foot concert grand piano will grace the Goss stage.

Preserving our past, is a gift for today and our future. Whether it’s the District 5 schoolhouse in Kranzburg, the Goss, Mellette House, or our hometown newspaper, we thank all those who accomplish this task. Thanks to the Codington County Historical Society, many volunteers and organizations, our Public Opinion archives are safe and sound. This project involved moving and storing nearly 140 years of newspapers to a secure location. Museum Director Christy Lickei led the successful effort. Thank you to the Mellette Memorial Association (Mellette House) and the Codington County Heritage Museum for giving us the wonderful gift of preserving and sharing history in interesting and meaningful ways.

The Watertown Regional Library has expanded its offerings in interesting ways as well. Who knew, you could now borrow a ukulele, or even a bicycle with your library card? Although you should probably wait until spring to ride a bike again, now is the time to take in a good book, other programs and things at the library and, of course, the annual Watertown Area Community Foundation Christmas Tree Fundraiser at the library which highlights and supports 15 area nonprofits.

Supporting youth is a gift that gives back in many ways for years to come. East Central Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children and the Boys & Girls Club of Watertown continue to play a huge role in many youths’ lives and futures. Watertown Healthy Youth Coalition and Project SUCCESS at Watertown Middle School and Watertown High School are also among gifts supporting youth and their tomorrows.

More than 2,200 students are enrolled at our Lake Area Technical College, still deemed one of the top colleges in our nation. LATC continues to grow its facility, curriculum and enrollment and is an immeasurable gift to our state, as well as our community.

Interlakes Community Action Partnership is a much-needed gift to many in our community. It is instrumental to the 60s Plus Dining and local HeadStart programs, as well as the Watertown Transitional Housing Program. ICAP also partners with Delta Dental twice a year to bring approximately $32,000 in free dental care to roughly 50 area youths.

Many organizations in our community give to our community 365 days out of the year. There are so many more not mentioned in this column: Brothers and Sisters Behind Bars, Beacon Center, 4 the Kids, PACH, Sea of Goodwill, Salvation Army, Special Olympics, the list goes on and I know I speak for many when I say, “Thank you.”

Jan DeBerg is the executive director of the Watertown Area Community Foundation.

This article originally appeared on Watertown Public Opinion: DeBerg: 2021 gave Watertown lots to be thankful about