August 7, 2012 • Page 11 shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com 4 Meet the Captain & Belle Couple Named Riverboat Days Captain, Belle For Involvement BY EMILY NIEBRUGGE news@yankton.net When Dave and Brenda Spencer first moved to Yankton, they had no idea what Riverboat Days was. After attending the events for the first time in 1994, they have been involved within the Yankton community year after year. Dave and Brenda have now been selected as the 2012 Riverboat Days Captain and Belle for their contributions to the community. “For our first Riverboat Days, we were merely spectators,” Brenda said. “We didn’t know what it was all about, but we had our family from Nebraska come up and attend the parade and events at the park with us.” Over the years, the entire Spencer family became involved with Riverboat Days events, which this year will be held Aug. 16-18, through dance, student council, the Ice Association and the Boy Scouts, Brenda said. Mike Gullikson, Chairman on the Riverboat Days Board of Directors, said the board selects the Captain and Belle based on their prior involvement with the festival. The Spencers have been key people with the involvement in the Boy Scout river cleanups and the Ice Association, as well as many other activities in Yankton, he said. Dave and Brenda Spencer have been chosen as the 2012 Riverboat Days Captain and Belle for their contributions to the community. (Courtesy Photo) “We select who we feel have been good leaders in Yankton,” Gullikson said. “The Spencers were there pretty much nonstop during the river cleanup and have been really involved with the Ice Board Association, contributing a lot to the Yankton community.” The job of the Captain and Belle includes representing Yankton in area towns during the summer, Gullikson said. Harry Lane Electrical Contractor • Commercial • Residential • Farm Wiring • Prompt Service • Quality Work • Competitive Prices New Construction or Remodeling Home 665-6612 Drivers & Owner Operators Wanted Premium Best Transport 1501 Wek Road Yankton, SD 57078 JOIN OUR TEAM! 605-665-9202 • Fax 605-665-0162 “The Captain and Belle go to the surrounding communities as Yankton’s ambassadors,” Gullikson said. “They are Yankton’s repesentation and bring people in the surrounding areas to our celebration of Riverboat Days.” Brenda said her family is excited to partake in the activities during the summer and talk to people about the festival. It is an honor to be selected among so many great people, Dave said. “The Captain and Belle from previous years have been people who promote the events and the community,” Dave said. “It’s humbling because there are a lot of great people in the Yankton community who could be selected. We’re happy to do it and promote a great community.” The Spencers have been married for 26 years and have three children — Complete Care of the Head & Neck Region David J. Abbott, M.D. • Chronic Sinus Problems & Endoscopic Sinus Surgery • Chronic Ear Infections & Ventillation Tubes • Head & Neck Cancer • Tonsillectomies • Hearing Difficulties • Ear Pain • Snoring & Sleep Apnea Treatment • Balloon Sinuplasty • Comprehensive Hearing Evaluation & Counseling • Balance Disorder Maggie, Eric and Adam. Dave works for Farmer’s Pride in Nebraska while Brenda is a paraprofessional with the Yankton School District. Gullikson said the Yankton community is blessed to have members like Dave and Brenda. “They have always been there to help anyone who ever needs anything,” Gullikson said. “They have provided a lot of great services to the Yankton community.” Board Certified Otolaryngologist Catherine A. Wright, M.D. We’re H“ear” ForYou! Board Certified Otolaryngologist Beth J. Beeman Au.D, CCC-A Todd A. Farnham Au.D, CCC-A EAR, NOSE & THROAT ASSOCIATES, P .C. 605-665-0062 • Toll Free 866-665-0062 2525 Fox Run Parkway, Ste. 101, Yankton SD 57078 • www.entyankton.com