Hi Alumni,

It is getting close to the 4th of July, our Independence Day. I have thought about the struggles that brought us to that moment in time, when we became a free nation.

I thought about our flag, hand stitched by Betsy Ross, "One Nation under God." The freedom each and every one of us has experienced.

I look forward to celebrating that freedom with family. We spend the 4th of July and that weekend with family at my brother's cabin on one of the lakes in South Dakota. We eat, eat and eat again, until we can't move. We all chip in and buy a wonderful assortment of fireworks, and shoot them off from the beach in front of his cabin. We have a bon fire, and make smores, that is one of my favorite times of the whole weekend. The other special time is in the early morning when I wake up while everyone else is sleeping. I will go for my walk, and when I get back my coffee is done, and I will sit on the beach having my coffee and gaze at the water. It is so peaceful before the boats, and skiers get on the water, that is when I spend time with my God.

I thank God for the opportunity of sharing this time with Him, that my sobriety has come from God and the 12 step program. I thank Him for my recovering friends I have met along my recovery journey. I am always reminded of the first day of a sober and clean life, when I walked through the doors of Keystone Treatment Center. I know that without God's help, the guidance and the tools that Keystone gave me I wouldn't be here today. I wouldn't know the joy and peace of sitting on this beach knowing my loving family was sleeping in the cabin waiting for the day to begin, and being reassured from God that my day with Him had already truly began.

Keystone will be celebrating our annual reunion on Saturday, August 6th 2011 in Canton at our inpatient facility. The fun will begin at 2:30 PM and then a wonderful banquet will be served at 6 PM. We will be giving out some special awards, and will close with a recovering speaker who is a bit magical. Also we have an alumni meeting the first Wednesday of the month, for all Alumni, family, and friends.

Keystone has introduced a wonderful new tool to all Keystone Alumni. It is called One Recovery, a social media that is for all Keystone Alumni. If you have any question about it, feel free to call myself, or Brad at the Keystone Outreach office. We would love to see One Recovery be a big part of your recovery! You will meet many recovering people on line. You will be able to share in their recovery, and share your own recovery. I have been on this site for 5 months, and it has truly been a tool I use almost on a daily basis. Keystone feels strongly that it will be something all alumni will truly benefit from.

Phyllis Bauerle
Keystone Alumni President
7511 South Louise Ave.
Sioux Falls, SD 5108
605-335-1820

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Dear Alumni,

This month, we will be celebrating Memorial Day, as I sit and watch TV the advertisements are largely about home improvements, camping, vacationing, etc, etc.
I am thinking, WOW, that looks like fun, planting my flower garden, having a 3 day weekend, AWESOME, and then I stop; let’s see this day is about my freedom.  The freedom to plant those flowers, to take a vacation, or to go camping, were I want, if I want.
I remember those men and women who are still fighting for my freedom, and also those men and women who have lost their lives so that I can enjoy all of the freedoms I, my family, and you have today. My daughter –in- law is a Veteran of the United Sates of America, and I see her believe so strongly in the freedoms that we are so fortunate to have, and every time she is recognized for her service, my buttons pop a little more with pride.
I also thought about the freedom of addiction that we as recovering people have been given.  That by simply KEEPING IT SIMPLE, our lives are certainly something to celebrate.  That we can hold our heads high, and say WE are FREE, that we have the privilege to walk in God’s grace, and be who he has designed us to be. We know today, that our addiction does not rule us, but that with God’s help, the 12 Step program, spirituality, family and friends, we have the freedom to make right choices once again.
So as we are packing those suit cases, tiling the soil for our gardens, making those home improvements, or packing the campers for a 3 day week end.  Let us not forget those men and women that are still protecting us, or have protected us in the past. Those men and women, who have laid their lives down for us.  And as the President of Keystone’s Alumni, I ask that you remember those still suffering alcoholics addicts and gamblers, and pray that they find the freedom from their addiction.
In closing I also salute those who are in recovery, wishing all of you a blessed Memorial Day, and I also salute, and ask that you remember the men and women who fight and Die for our freedom.  May God Bless each and every one of you!

Phyllis Bauerle
Keystone Alumni President
7511 South Louise Ave.
Sioux Falls, SD 57108
605-335-1820

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Dear Alumni,

Well, I am sure all of us are waiting for spring to show up.  I thought that a couple of weeks ago when we had a 73 degree day, that maybe just maybe that would be the beginning of the spring and the summer season, but no it did not happen. I was watching the news this morning before work, and I saw that the news was running a crawl for the schools that had late starts, wow it is the 19th of April, and they were having late starts in some areas for school. Late starts in school and Easter in the same week. 

I am hoping that all of you have a wonderful Easter; it is the time to remember what God did for all of us.  The renewing of live both seasonally and spiritually.  I pray that each and every one of you could spend time with those you love, and shared the renewing of life with them.

We are also in the season for Proms, and graduations coming up, with parents and friends concerned about the alcohol that will be used.  We alumni need to remember to also tell those young people just how important they are to us, and let them know that we are there for them as they celebrate these two very important moments in their lives. That alcohol is dangerous for young high school students and can also be deadly at times.

I also want to remind you, and I will be sending out at least one or more reminders of the Alumni Reunion in Aug of 2011.  It will be the first Sat. in Aug, the date is the 6th.  The reunion will be held at our inpatient facility in Canton, SD.  It will start at 2:30 in the afternoon. We will be playing soft ball, we will have an on going recovery meeting in the fireside room. In the evening a great meal, speakers, and also some awards.  Please mark this on your calendar. I will be sending more information at a later date.

I hope this letter is finding all of our alumni well, and that we are working and living the 12 steps daily.  It is our prescription for a healthy, sober and clean life.

Thank you for being a part of my life

Phyllis Bauerle
Keystone Alumni President
Assistant Clinical Director of Keystone Outpatient

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Dear Alumni,

Just letting you know that we had an awesome Mid Winter Conference the first weekend in Feb. Those of you who could not make it, we really missed you. Our conference started out on Friday evening with a mother and her son speaking about her addiction to meth, and how her son dealt with mom's addiction. As they were sharing their story, it was so quiet in the room you could have heard a pin drop. The audience was so amazed at the two of them, and how they have worked through this addiction, and how they continue to touch others lives through their experience. To support them that evening were many family members, including her older son, and her parents, along with the friends they have acquired on the road to recovery they are traveling. Saturday morning Pastor Paula presented a spiritual opening. It really pumped us up for the rest of the conference. Bob Bogue lectured on the "Lords Prayer"; he really took it apart so that every one could understand it. At 1:30 a DCI agent, Mike Hockett spoke on synthetic drugs that are excisable in our community. Many people asked questions. Mike was informative and interesting. At 3:00 pm Dr. Ron spoke to the group on stress management in recovery. Banquet started a 6pm and as always, the food was wonderful. Mike Rehling a former Alumni President told his recovery story, and also visited about what it was like as President of the Alumni about 15 years ago, After a short break several stayed and we had a mini town hall meeting, what that means, we spent time remembering all the wonderful times we all have had being a part of Keystone, We shared with the people that are still there, working, caring the torch of recovery, sharing their hopes and dreams for the future, and we remembered those that have passed on. Remembering the contribution those people made to Keystone, and recovery. Thanks to all of you who made it possible for this awesome weekend. During the conference we had a young lady from California, by the name of Hallie Kotrla from "One Recovery"; Hallie helped us launch our new Alumni portal. I will be sending out more information on this very soon, those that were at the conference have already been signed up, and we are very excited about this new alumni tool. It will help all of you stay in touch with each other and will also allow Keystone to keep in touch with you.

I hope that all of you had a wonderful Valentine's Day. I was so very blessed to have a husband that sent me two dozen roses in many different colors. He has been my Valentine for the last 40, years and I pray he will be my Valentine for many more to come.

I pray that you are enjoying your recovery, and that you will continue to spread the word, that recovery is a new chance at life. Not only a new chance at life for yourself, but also for your family. Keep sharing with others who are still out there in the throws of their addiction. We have been given the gift of recovery, to share with others.

One more request, that you keep in touch with me. You all have my email, and would love to hear from each and everyone of you. Share your accomplishments, and your sorrows with me, I love to hear from you.

Phyllis Bauerle
Keystone Alumni President
7511 South Louise
Sioux Falls, SD 57108
605-335-1820

 

A Happy Holidays Message

Merry Christmas Alumni,

As I am writing this message to you, I am also listening to some of my favorite Christmas Carols.  Those would be, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”, “Oh Holy Night,”  “What Child is This,” and of course “Silver Bells” and last but not least “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas.”

Christmas is one, if not, my favorite time of the year. I am reminded that the reason for the season is the birth of Jesus Christ.

I love the colors, the smells, the twinkling lights, Christmas movies, the Christmas Pageants, and yes I even love Rudolph, Santa and snow, with sleigh rides, and long walks in the Christmas snow.  

I am remembering 25 years ago, when I was in the throws of my addiction. The 13th of December 1985, I was taken to Keystone Treatment Center for the fight of my life.  I remember thinking I can’t do this, it’s Christmas and my favorite time of the year, but I also knew I was out of drugs, and going into withdrawal and I was tired of living life with the monkey on my back, never knowing how or when I could get my drugs, and hurting  physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  So, a special gentleman, by the name of Wally took me from Sioux Falls, SD to Keystone in Canton SD. Between the hospital and the treatment center I was away from home until the end of January. Yes, I spent Christmas, New Years, and New Years Eve in treatment. It didn’t take me long to realize that this was the best Christmas gift I could, not only give my family but also myself.

Today, along with my husband, I have raised 3 children, have 7 grandchildren, and am so thank full to God, family and Keystone for this continued gift of sobriety. I have been allowed not only to have a full life with family and sobriety but to also work for Keystone the last 13 years, and also honored to be the President of Keystone’s Alumni.
It is amazing when we turn our will and lives over to the care of our Higher Power, and leave it in His care that our life, love, happiness, and joy begins.

So as you are gathering around the Christmas dinner table, with all of your favorite Christmas traditions, and then around the Christmas tree, opening those special gifts from family and friends, take time to look at each and everyone sitting there with you.  Pray for them, for the year ahead and also do not forget to pray for those who are much less fortunate then you are, and still in the throws of addiction.  God is so good.

A couple of reminders and announcements.  Don’t forget our alumni meeting the first Wednesday of every month at 7 pm at the treatment center in Canton.  The Winter Conference on the 4th and 5th of Feb. 2011.  The Conference starts on Friday evening and runs all day Saturday along with speakers and a banquet in the evening.  I will be sending out more information the closer it gets to February.

Keystone is now on Facebook. Just get on your face book account and you can become a friend of Keystone Treatment Center. One more point of interest, we would love to have you visit our web site at Keystonetreatment.com. and be sure to check the Events tab.

Once again, we at Keystone, and the Keystone Alumni wish you a Very Merry Christmas, and may God Bless each and every one of you.
 
Phyllis Bauerle,
Keystone Alumni President
Sioux Falls, SD 57108
605-335-1820

 

A Holiday Message

Happy Thanksgiving Alumni,

As I was getting ready for Thanksgiving this year, many thoughts and memories kept going through my mind.  I thought of what it must have been like at the first Thanksgiving, and how thank full the pilgrims and the Indians were to celebrate together in a new world.  But most of all my memories came back to a time when I was very young. I remember waking up thanksgiving morning, my mom singing the song, “Over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house we go.”  I remember the smells of her baking and cooking on the old wood cook stove.  The next thoughts were packing the food to take to grandma’s house to be with the entire family.  I remember so many Thanksgivings that the snow was very deep by Nov. and having 4 wheel drive was almost unheard of, so our solution was to park our car at the end of the drive way, and dad would start the tractor in the barn, hook it up to a trailer with a bed of straw on the floor and many blankets to stay warm.  He would pull it up to the front of the house, we along with all of the food would pile in and drive through the field to get to the car, which he had already been to and started so it would be warm for us when we got to the end of the drive way and the car. Then our last leg of the morning would be to get to grandmas for Thanks giving.  Finally, we are sitting around the table full of meet, potatoes, veggies, buns, and of course pumpkin pie. Grandpa would say grace thanking God for all of our blessings, and WOW what a journey the day turned out to be.

Today as I am sitting hear writing this little memory for you, I also am aware of how close I came to not being able to pass this tradition on to my family, because of my addiction to drugs and alcohol, and so when I sit down with my family this Thanksgiving, having a much easier journey concerning transportation, lol, I will be thanking God for the privilege, honor, and blessing he has allowed me to have in being with my family, clean and sober.  What a wonderful memory we can have when we allow God and recovery into our lives so that we may celebrate with our family, and with the Father Almighty. 
We at Keystone and the Keystone Alumni want to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving.  Spend it with family and friends, ask for God’s blessings, and thank Him for those blessings. 
Don’t forget our Alumni meeting is Dec. 1st 2010 at 7pm in Canton at the Keystone Center.  Hope to see you all there.  Remember always good snacks hot coffee, and juice.  Again Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!!!!!

Phyllis Bauerle
Keystone Alumni President
Sioux Falls, SD 57108
605-335-1820

 

Keystone Celebrates its 35th Year With an
Alumni Banquet

Keystone Treatment Center in Canton, S.D. celebrated its 35th year of helping alcoholics and addicts with its annual alumni dinner and activity day on August 2, 2008.  Included among the activities were a softball game between patients and staff and alumni, a recovery call-up meeting held throughout the day and an alumni banquet.  Among those in attendance at the banquet were many alumni, including the first patient who completed treatment at Keystone in 1973 and who remains in sobriety today. 

Several awards were given out during the evening’s activities including a special award for service to the recovering community by former Keystone Medical Director, Dr. Donald Frost.  Highlighting the evening was the presentation of the Alumnus of the Year Award which went to Keystone alumnus and outpatient therapist Phyllis Bauerle.  Phyllis completed treatment at Keystone 23 years ago and since that time she has dedicated her life to helping others as a substance abuse therapist.  She currently works at Keystone’s Outpatient Treatment Program in Sioux Falls as the Assistant Director where she does group and individual therapy with adult patients.  Phyllis is always willing to go the extra mile and can always be found with a smile on her face.  Her family was in attendance at the banquet to share in this honor with her.  In addition to her role as a Keystone therapist, Phyllis is also the current President of the Keystone Alumni Association.  Congratulations Phyllis on being named Keystone Alumnus of the Year!

The evening was capped off by an inspirational talk given by another Keystone Alumnus, Matt Lynch who currently works as the Adolescent Boys Unit Coordinator for Keystone.   Matt spoke of his own recovery and his love for Keystone and the great focus at Keystone on the healing of the spiritual as well as the physical side of addiction. 

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