Night at the Museum: Raise a Glass

The Great Plains Dinosaur Museum held a 'Night at the Museum, Let's Raise a Glass' get-together on Friday, November 5, from 5:30-7:00 p.m.

It was a chance for supporters and fans of the museum to gather for some drinks, hors d'oeuvres, conversation, and to recognize some people that have helped the museum get to where it is.

Museum Board member Damien Austin welcomed and thanked everyone for coming. "Tonight, we'd like to raise a glass and thank some people who have contributed over the years as well as recently, to the success of the museum," said Austin.

Austin then introduced fellow board member Anne Boothe.

Boothe started out by introducing the current board members of the Judith River Foundation, which is the board for the museum; Damien Austin, Lu Besel, Mardy Demarais, Dixie Stordahl, David Rummell, Randy Shores, Katie Smith, and Scott Meneely.

Boothe then introduced Victor Bjornberg by saying, "Without Victors' help, this building would not be here."

She went on to say that Bjornberg was very instrumental in getting the grants for the museum buildings and he is still a very active participant with the Dinosaur Trail.

Boothe went on to talk about three founding board members that have passed away in recent years.

"Byron Ereaux was a founding board member and was also mayor at the time. He was also a big part of us getting this building."

"Paul Kunze was very instrumental in digging up Leonardo. He was really good at moving dirt, and he loved Leonardo."

"Shirley Legg was the member that was always at every meeting. She was faithfully in attendance. The very first brochures we had were due to Shirley."

Boothe went on to say, "When these founding members passed away, we really didn't recognize the contributions that they made to this facility and to the historical society in general. So tonight, I would like to make a toast to them."

"We would also like to toast some people that have helped rearrange the building and have helped with the day-to-day operations," said Damien Austin.

"The first is a toast to Rosemary Veseth and family for their donation of the brown pickup truck affectionately known as 'The Beast'. It is amazing to have a vehicle that we can use out at digs".

"We would like to toast Scott and Gina Simanton for their donation of some amazing display cases," said Austin. "And finally, we would like to toast Shey Williamson for helping us knock the wall down and put that beam up. And for helping us get all of the renovations done."

"We thank you all for coming out tonight to celebrate these people," said Austin. "There is plenty of food and drink so stick around for some great conversation."