area briefs
RECOVERY ENGAGED COMMUNITIES GRAND OPENING
MOORHEAD – Recovery Engaged Communities (REC) would like to welcome everyone to a tour the afternoon of May 13th, 20222 from 3:00pm to 6:00pm at Moorhead Presbyterian Church.
One of April grantees for the Awesome Foundation Grant; The REC hopes to introduce to the Fargo Moorhead community not only to their organization but the many ways one can have fun living in recovery. This event is open to all ages and will feature food, refreshments, live music, games, interactive art, and so much more.
The REC is collaboratively working with Moorhead Presbyterian Church and The Lotus Center Inc. to begin providing non-clinical recovery supports to the FM community. These services include but are not limited to peer-recovery supports, recreational recovery-related events and activities, education, and advocacy. The REC strives to create healthy and whole communities that support recovery efforts for all regardless of the pathway and work towards making life in recovery a norm rather than the exception.
CHAD MARKUSON NAMED MSUM ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
MOORHEAD – Minnesota State University Moorhead hired a familiar name to lead MSUM’s Dragon Athletics. Chad Markuson, who has served as interim athletic director since last spring, has been named the Dragons new athletic director. He will transition into the permanent role beginning May 2, 2022.
“I am humbled and honored to be the director of athletics at MSU Moorhead. This place has become my family over the past 11 years. I look forward to continuing the upward trajectory of Dragon Athletics and connecting alumni, friends of the program and the community,” Markuson said.
“I want to thank President Blackhurst and Search Chair and Vice President of University Advancement Gary Haugo for their confidence and the opportunity to lead the storied Dragon Athletic Department. My wife Heather and daughters Kiley, Courtney and Maci are excited to continue to be Dragons and remain in the Moorhead-Fargo community.”
Markuson was among three finalists from a national search. He joined MSUM in 2011 and served as associate athletic director and deputy athletic director before assuming leadership of the Dragons Athletics program. Before joining MSUM, Markuson was the associate athletic director and men’s and women’s golf coach at Upper Iowa University. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration: corporate finance from Minnesota State Mankato and a master’s degree in business administration from Upper Iowa. He is also a graduate of the prestigious NCAA Pathway Program, a selective program designed to elevate senior-level athletics administrators.
“Chad Markuson was the clear choice to serve as our next director of Dragon Athletics. He was enthusiastically supported by student athletes, coaches, alumni, and community members, all of whom praised his leadership, dedication, and passion for Division II athletics,” said MSUM President Anne Blackhurst. “There is no one more prepared to take Dragon Athletics to the next level, and I look forward to working with Chad in his new role.”
In addition to his service to MSUM, he has served nationally on the NCAA Division II Women’s Golf Committee and the NCAA Division II Women’s Soccer Committee. He has served on two different occasions on the NSIC strategic planning committee.
The athletic director leads a Division II athletics program consisting of 16 teams and the dance team. He will serve as a visible and engaged leader in the Fargo-Moorhead community and promote the highest standards of ethics and excellence for student-athletes, coaches, and Dragon Athletics staff.
DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION CELEBRATING 125 YEARS
WEST FARGO – The North Dakota State Society Daughters of the American Revolution will hold its 113th Annual State Conference May 13-15, 2022 at the West Fargo Conference Center and Bonanzaville. They will be celebrating 125 years of service to North Dakota. The President General Denise Doring VanBuren will be in attendance and will speak at the Banquet Saturday night.
In addition to membership meetings, the dedication of a “Never Forget Garden” will take place at Bonanzaville on Saturday May 14th at 11:30am. The “Never Forget Garden” is in remembrance of the 100th Anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Fargo Memorial Honor Guard will present the colors and a rifle volley play TAPS. Following the dedication there will be a box lunch in Dawson Hall with Jason Hicks of United Patriot Bodies presenting an imformational program on the efforts to build a building at the Fargo National Cemetery.
The Installation of new officers will conclude the conference. These officers will serve the State Society for the next three years.