Goldi. B. Locks

Last evening was the final performance of Fairytale Opera in the Park. The opera is a yearly endeavor (except for last year, of course) of Opera South Dakota, an organization which exists to acquaint South Dakotans with opera. ¶ Opera is not something that springs to mind immediately when one thinks of South Dakota. That is the raison d’être for Opera South Dakota, to provide operatic experiences for our citizens so that they may become acquainted with and enjoy opera. I was privileged to sit on the board of the organization for a term.

¶ One of those experiences provided is this annual summer event designed to reach children and, incidentally, their parents. Many years there is an opportunity to have children in the chorus so they can actually be in an opera instead of just watching. It is also a chance for our local operatically inclined singers to have a chance to perform. ¶ This year’s production was Goldie B. Locks and the Three Singing Bears. You would know the plot well enough. Enough comedy is included that the evening remains light. There was a warm up session so the crowd could learn to applaud and shout “bravo.” The choruses and solos are all based on familiar operatic choruses or arias. The four characters performed well. ¶ Opera in the Park is produced in the McKennan Park Bandshell. The park was a donation from Helen McKennan. She was an early land speculator in Sioux Falls. Her mansion formerly stood on this large piece of city land. She recognized the need for parks in a growing city which prompted her to make a gift of twenty acres of her land for a park, now named in her honor. ¶ This park is one of the most beautiful in the city. There are tennis courts, a wading pool, horseshoe courts, a sunken garden (popular for weddings) and the bandshell, plus a lot of green-space. Much time and effort is expended by Parks and Rec in planting, mowing, and care for the horticulture. ¶ Directly across Second Avenue from the park is the former home of one of grand dames of Sioux Falls. Sylvia Henkin was the daughter of a rabbi. She and her husband built a broadcasting empire in this city which also included a movie theater or two. Everyone knew Sylvia. She

was a constant presence at any downtown event. With nary a drop of Irish blood, she was, nevertheless, chosen as the Grand Marshall of the first St. Patrick’s Day parade. I had the privilege of teaching some of her grandchildren, one of whom appeared on the Broadway stage in “The Producers.” ¶ I was reminded of Sylvia (who always remembered me with a flamboyant greeting) when I arrived early for the aforementioned opera. I wondered around the park for a time and paused by the bust of Helen McKennan. People in this city sometimes will donate a park bench in memory of a relative or friend. The city places a plaque thereon commemorating the person. Looking for a place to sit for a bit, there was a bench with a plaque simply saying “Sylvia.” I knew immediately the woman who was honored. Although many might find it unusual not to include the last name of the deceased, it seemed perfectly appropriate to me. Most everyone, and they are legion, would immediately know it was Sylvia Henkin. Sitting thereon one can look across the park and see her former home. Rest in peace Sylvia. Thanks for all you have done for our city.

¶ We’ve had rain today, softly and gently falling which is very welcome. We’ve also had a few day’s break from the oppressive heat. It has actually been a pleasure to take a stroll outside. ¶ I had the privilege of hosting a tour of alumni from the former high school which is now the Washington Pavilion. This was the group’s fortieth get-together. It was enjoyable hearing the remarks about former teachers and places they remembered from our walk through the building. ¶ The week has passed in a blur. I’ve put in quite a lot of time on the organ bench preparing for tomorrow. This afternoon a friend had a coffee for some former teachers. It was so good to be able to get together again and enjoy one another’s company. My health has been wonderful, for which I am most grateful. This allows me to treasure every day. ¶ Many thanks for your thoughts and prayers and the constant reminders that you are thinking of me.