34th Annual Awards Banquet

The 34th Annual Awards Banquet honors the people supported at NHTC.   This year's theme will focus on the community and the community connections we have for work, play, worship, volunteering, etc.

The banquet will be held on Sunday, January 31 at the Spearfish Holiday Inn and Convention Center.    Cost is $15/person for lunch and the awards ceremony.

If you are interested in attending, please contact Peg Holmquest at      642-2785 x 201 or holmquest@nhtc.org.

Polar Bear Plunge to Benefit Special Olympics

Spearfish Law Enforcement and South Dakota Special Olympics are teaming up for a first time Spearfish community event.   On Saturday, March 13, a Polar Bear Plunge will be held at the Spearfish Rec Center.    Half of the proceeds will benefit NHTC Special Olympics and the other half will benefit SD Special Olympics.

Want to help???    "Jumpers" are needed to plunge into cold water.   Volunteers are also needed to help at the event.   If interested in helping, please contact Ashley Shevling at NHTC.

Spearfish Wal-Mart donates to NHTC

The Spearfish Wal-Mart Event VAP (Volunteerism Always Pays) contributed $500 to NHTC.   Wal-Mart encourages its employees to get involved in charitable organizations in their communities.   The employees may request charitable contributions on behalf of the eligible organization where they volunteer. 

Wal-Mart employees participated in NHTC's Annual Chili Feed, and were able to request the contribution for their time.    The presentation was made at Wal-Mart on December 21.

 Congratulations December Blue Diamond Award Winner

Amanda Allred is a Direct Support Professional working at 815 34th Street. 

Amanda recently returned from a mission trip to Africa and is scheduled to post a photography exhibit at Meier Hall in the near future.

Nominees included:

Ashley S, Dawn T and Jennifer H.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL NOMINEES!!

Congratulations November Harvard Employee of the Month

Josie Good Shield is Harvard's November Employee of the Month.  Josie helps by bringing others to breaks and lunches.   She also helps with laundry and other janitorial tasks around NHTC.

(People First members presenting at the Hickory House)

                  HOW IS NHTC INVOLVED IN THE SPEARFISH COMMUNITY???

• People First exists to create a self-directed, supportive community for adults with developmental disabilities.  People First members have made two presentations to the residents of the Hickory House.  The first presentation addressed Dignity and Respect, while the second presentation was on language and its effect on people with disabilities.  Following the presentations, the residents were treated to root beer floats.  People First hopes to schedule speaking engagements with other organizations.
• Eric Bowers, a person who receives services from NHTC, has joined the Spearfish Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors.    Eric will attend monthly meetings and help welcome new businesses to the area.
• A number of people supported volunteer their time at the Western Hills Humane Society by playing with kittens, walking dogs and cleaning the kennel areas.
• NHTC crews, working through the Adopt-A-Highway program, are responsible for road clean-up on a 1/4 mile section of Tinton Road.
• NHTC has volunteers who assist with planting, weeding, watering and moving plants at the City of Spearfish flower garden.
• Meals-on-Wheels benefits from NHTC involvement through the delivery of meals on Wednesdays and Thursdays.    These meals are delivered to homebound seniors in Spearfish.
• Treasure Island, the NHTC thrift store, accepts donations from the community.  Clothing is shared with those in need at the VA and the reservations.  Winter clothing is shared with the schools.  Torn blankets are given to the Western Hills Humane Society for use in kennels.     
• NHTC crews work at Kid Konnection, a local day care.
• Cleaning crews for the Spearfish city park bathrooms, homes and businesses.
• Tinton Program recycles aluminum and accepts community recycables.
• Runners/walkers of Team NHTC support local fundraising events by participating in area running/walking events.   Look for their royal blue shirts at these events.
• Northern Hills Training Center will host its annual Chili Feed on October 20; a Chamber Mixer on November 5 and a Blood Drive on November 19.