Happy Friday! Megan here.
First things first: This issue is sponsored by Big 'N Time Strength Enhancement.
- Big 'N Time provides individualized training to make you stronger. Past clients include powerlifters, athletes and people looking to get into better shape. Learn more here.
Weather check: Keep an eye out for possible storms tonight
This weekend, you'll get smart about local craft beer, learn about exciting new things at the Washington Pavilion and meet a group making connections in the sustainability space. Plus, find some Super Simplified Stories and our weekly event guide.
And now, news:
GET SMART
Get smart about local craft beer with Stacey and Dan Berry
Stacey and Dan Berry own Covert Artisan Ales in Sioux Falls. Last week, they were named "Mash Madness" champions for their Pineapple Hwhip sour. Sioux Falls Simplified chatted with them about the winning brew, the local craft beer scene and their personal beer identities.
Answers are edited for length and clarity.
How did you âget smartâ about brewing beer â i.e. what in your background prepared you for running a brewery?
Stacey: Running a brewery is not something Iâd ever anticipated in life. Everything Iâve learned has been from Dan, and heâs a pretty good teacher.
Dan: Through our venture I have realized that brewing and running a brewery are two different things. Luckily, the brewing community is a great resource for both, and we wouldnât be where we are without our friends.
Weâre all about simplicity here. Can you describe the Mash Madness winning Pineapple Hwhip in 10 words or less?
Stacey: Probably not. Pineapple sorbet and sugar cone?
Dan: Who doesnât love pineapple?
Whatâs something people most often misunderstand about craft beer? (And, if you could politely correct them, what would you say?)
Stacey: The first (thing I would correct people on) is there really is a beer for everyone.
- You donât have to only be familiar with domestic styles to find and love craft beer. Lagers and pilsners are classic styles, and most craft breweries make at least one.
We also get a lot of folks that say they donât like beer thatâs too âbeery.â I absolutely love meeting those individuals, and introducing them to Covert Artisan Ales.
- The majority of the time, I can find something theyâll enjoy. Iâm a little biased, but Dan is a wizard when it comes to creating unique flavors. Weâve made beers that taste like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, one that tastes like key lime cheesecake, and one that tastes like a creamsicle.
- Beer flights are one of the best ways to try several beers without full commitment.
The biggest misconception about Covert Artisan Ales absolutely has to be that we only make sour ales.
- We have expanded the styles we make to include lagers, IPAs, pilsners, gluten-free ales. Donât get me wrong, we still love making sours, but weâve got a little something for everyone. Dan: That we are all the same, it is ok to like more than one brewery. Sioux Falls residents are fortunate to have so many great breweries in our area, donât be afraid to let them know.
Dan: That we are all the same.
It is ok to like more than one brewery. Sioux Falls residents are fortunate to have so many great breweries in our area, donât be afraid to let them know.
See the full interview here
SUSTAINABILITY
How to get inspired to 'go green' over drinks
Our Earth Month sustainability series is made possible by the support of Friends of the Big Sioux River. They're celebrating Earth Day with a new release of Big Sioux Brew and river clean-up events throughout the watershed. Learn more about their mission here.
Simplified: A local nonprofit is reinvigorating a local chapter of Green Drinks, an international organization focused on bringing people together in a casual setting to talk about wins and goals regarding sustainability and the environment.
Why it matters
- Green Drinks isn't a place to talk policy or politics. It's really more about businesses sharing successes they've had in implementing sustainable practices and like-minded people hanging out.
- There's been Green Drinks events in Sioux Falls for some time, but meetings dropped off during the pandemic. In the last year, nonprofit Building Sustainable Connections has re-started the events with some more structured programming.
- Some events have featured speakers, but others are intended to simply provide a space for gathering and networking for folks interested in going green.
"One of the big things for me is being surrounded by people who are also working to make these changes â listening to their innovations and getting inspired by what everyone else is doing in our community," said Amber Lively, executive director of Building Sustainable Connections and leader of the local Green Drinks group.
Tell me more
What can I expect from a Green Drinks event?
TL;DR
Super Simplified Stories
- See the latest River Greenway designs. It won't be done until 2025, but the final design for the next phase of the Downtown River Greenway is shaping up to have some cool features from spots for community gatherings to a dog park to riverside walkways. SiouxFalls.Business has the details.
- City adds calming circles. The city has added a temporary traffic circle to Ninth Street and Duluth Avenue. It's a pilot project for what could become a more widespread effort to slow down drivers in neighborhoods. Dakota News Now has more.
- Chat with councilors. Councilors Marshall Selberg and Pat Starr will be hanging out at Leonardo's Cafe in the Washington Pavilion on Saturday. Stop by from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. to meet with them and discuss any city government questions or concerns.
COMMUNITY
How a three-way partnership will bring big changes to the Pavilionâs science center
Simplified: Marketbeat and Dakota State University are teaming up with the Washington Pavilion to renovate the entire first floor of the Kirby Science Discovery Center. Hereâs what you need to know about the new âSpace and Technology Floor.â
Why it matters
- This is a first-of-its-kind partnership between the public university, a private company and the Pavilion nonprofit, Pavilion President and CEO Darrin Smith said during a press conference Thursday.
- DSU students and faculty will be involved in the design process to create the exhibits for the space and technology floor. The goal is to have hands-on exhibits geared toward elementary and middle school kids.
- The renovation announcement comes as two other major construction projects for the Pavilion are already underway. The cinedome is being transformed into a $2 million state-of-the-art planetarium, and the little kid water playroom is being completely redone as well.
"We kind of focus on the physical exhibits, but it's really what happens in this space on a daily basis with parents, kids, grandparents â that's what's special, what makes this place a special place to come," Smith said, adding that having DSU students and faculty in the mix will make it all the more special.
Tell me more
What happens next?
EVENTS
Stuff to do: April 14-20
- *Party with butterflies. Are you a member of the Butterfly House and Aquarium? Come out for Spring Fling, a member appreciation event from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, April 21 at the butterfly house. They'll have a variety of activities like inflatables (weather permitting), hot dogs, popcorn, Mr. Twister balloons, games, and even a magical performance by Spellbound magic! Details here.
- Join the conversation. Learn more about South Dakota Urban Indian Health's new WoâOkiye Project, which will provide support to unhoused members of the community in lieu of police response. Details here.
- Shop for spring. This Friday and Saturday, stop by some boutiques for a spring boutique crawl. Visit each of the participating locations and you'll be entered to win $800 in gift cards. Details here.
- Dance with your daughter. Take your little one to a daddy daughter dance on Saturday at 3 p.m. for an evening of princesses, crafts, treats and more. Tickets are $55, and you can find more info here.
- Careers with a cause. Learn more about careers in public safety from SFFR and SFPD on Sunday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. There will also be vehicle displays, kids' activities and snacks. Details here.
- Not your circus, but maybe monkeys. Catch the start of the El Riad Circus on Thursday at the Sioux Falls Arena. Tickets are already available, and you can find more details here.
*Denotes a sponsored event. Want to see your event featured in our weekly guide? Get started here!
THIS AND THAT
What I'm falling for this weekend:
Become a member
Has Sioux Falls Simplified made you feel smarter about where you live? Consider buying into a smarter Sioux Falls by becoming a member and offering financial support to the no B.S. journalism you've been reading here.