The 2000 Black Hills Summer Seminar is fast approaching, and you will want to join us! As always, SDAFP Committees will meet at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday evening, prior to the seminar. Following the committee meetings, a Welcome Reception will be held in the Convention Center. Join us for a time of relaxation and snacks following your drive.

CME sessions will run Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings, leaving the afternoons free for family and sightseeing. On Thursday afternoon, there will be an optional suturing workshop, led by Dr. Pat Miller of Sioux Falls.

Thursday late afternoon we will hold our Exhibitor’s Social. This is a time for families to come into the exhibit hall, as we request that they not come in during the remainder of the seminar. Some exhibits are not of a nature intended for children. We will be serving hors’ d’oeuvres during this time.

Later on Thursday evening, Dr. Leo Frangipane will present "Mars and Venus In South Dakota," a program about communication and the sexes. It speaks about the "big life" and the balance an MD needs to achieve between family and job. It has lots of Venus and Mars references and talks about living "well" by utilizing generosity and graciousness as tools to achieve the balance. Registrants and spouses are invited to this dessert and coffee program.

On Friday at noon, registrants and spouses are invited to attend our annual Awards Luncheon. Our new officers will be installed during this time, and the mystery Family Doctor of the Year will be presented by AAFP Family Doctor of the Year, Harry Depew, MD, of San Diego, California. Babysitters and lunch will be served to children whose parents are attending the Awards Luncheon.

Friday evening you will want to join us at the Circle B Ranch for our annual All-Member Party, courtesy of Merck & Co. This is a family event! We’ll meet by 6:00 p.m. at the Circle B Ranch for an evening of fun. We’ll be treated to a cowboy supper at 7:00 p.m., a shoot-out, and a western music and comedy show. Free covered wagon rides will be available for the youngsters. If you want to show up earlier in the afternoon, there are all kinds of fun family activities, such as nature trails, mini-golf, horse-shoe pit, gold panning, woodcarvers and a soda fountain. Maps will be available at our registration table. The show ends at 9:00 p.m. so you’ll still have time to make it to the lighting ceremony at Mount Rushmore if you want.

Saturday, beginning at 6:00 a.m., join your colleagues for a Fun Run/Walk. Breakfast will be provided for participants. Bring your family and get some early morning exercise!

Dr. Ross Black, from the AAFP Board of Directors, will be our special guest. Other guests include Minnesota AFP President-Elect, Dr. Keith Stelter of Mooselake, Minnesota and