Category Archives: In Their Words

Most people know Watertown is a great place to raise a family. However, it’s when a family not only realizes it, but helps make Watertown that “great place,” that both the community and the family really thrive. One such family … Continue reading →

Many of us knew who Eric Tennis was. He attended nearly every Arrows’ game to cheer them on and he greeted many of us at a local grocery store always finishing with “Have a nice day.” His endless good nature made you smile regardless of what your mood was before you saw him. In the year 2000, he received the Hospitality Award from Governor Bill Janklow.

Though supposedly having many things against him, this young man could teach anyone how attitude makes all the difference. He purchased his own home in 2007 where he lived independently. He was a mentor at Roosevelt Elementary School in Watertown and a graduate of Partners in Policymaking, a six-month course in Pierre, SD, teaching self advocacy for people with disabilities and families of people with disabilities. Eric was also a dedicated member of Cornerstone United Methodist Church in Watertown.

Eric’s life was way too short, June 19, 1978, to Nov. 8, 2008, but many will never forget the impact he had on their lives. Jeff and Annette Gamber of Watertown are two of those people. Just prior to June 19, 2011,which would have been Eric’s 33^rd birthday, the couple established a scholarship fund in Eric’s memory that will honor him with each scholarship awarded annually by the Watertown Community Foundation beginning in 2012.

The scholarship recipient will have a physical disability, mental challenge or learning disability. Despite these challenges and adversity, they will have opportunity with the help of the Jeff and Annette Gamber Family Scholarship Fund in memory of Eric P. Tennis.

If you would like more information, please contact the Watertown Community Foundation, 211 E Kemp, uptown Watertown; or call: 882-3731 or email: assistant@watertowncommunityfoundation.org

It always helps to have a good start in your quest for success. That start may come from your upbringing, your attitude, a helping hand or all of the above. Take it from someone who knows. “They wanted me to … Continue reading →

A love for family, education and her hometown made Mary Rueb Conner look for a way to make it all last forever. She has accomplished that and more. Through not one, but two scholarship funds at the Watertown Community Foundation … Continue reading →