Originally from Winner, Janet Kahler has made Rapid City her home since 1983, when she and her husband Monte, who was born in Colome, moved back to South Dakota after some 16 years in San Diego. In California, Monte, who passed away last summer, drove for Greyhound, among other endeavors, and he and Janet raised their daughter, Deonne, a writer and photographer. “San Diego was getting big and we got tired of it,” says Kahler. “We love the Hills. We came back here one fall just to check out where we might want to relocate. It was October. We went to Canyon Lake. It was a gorgeous fall, with beautiful colors. We said, ‘Okay, this is it.’ We make decisions pretty fast.”
The loss of Monte was difficult, but tempered by daughter Deonne’s own relocation to Rapid City to be closer to her parents. “Monte was quite delighted Deonne was going to be here,” says Janet. “It was the first time since she was in college that we all lived in the same city. It’s such a treat having her here.”
Janet says she gives to SDPB and other organizations that benefit children and women because she recognizes her blessings. “I have been blessed in so many ways — health and everything,” says Janet. “How can you not feel good about giving back to the community? My daughter is the same way. This is important to us. I know SDPB relies on donations. You don’t get a lot from the state, and at times they talk about defunding public broadcasting. Well, I love South Dakota Public Broadcasting. I listen to NPR when I get up in the morning and the more I listen, the more I love the programming. I love that its commercial-free.”
Janet has been a Friend of SDPB for 16 years because she appreciates programs like Vanished South Dakota, Christiane Amanpour & Company, Masterpiece, and PBS Passport streaming service. “I purposely contribute to SDPB programming because I want this programming to be kept up. The local, the entertainment, the education – all of the programming for kids as we’re going through the school shutdowns.”
When she learned she could give more through her IRA without penalties, both Janet and her financial planner were pleased. “Our accountant, who we’ve had for 30 years, thinks it’s great. He says he wishes more people would do it, if they have the means.”
Janet says she simply didn’t know she could give more without penalties and that setting it up was simple, even after she switched brokers. “It’s on top of my regular deductions. I thought you just had to get what the IRS told you that you could withdraw at a time. It’s not a huge amount, but I’m able to give more.”
The past year has been one of great change for Janet and her family. “I just have a real passion for what you guys are doing,” says Janet. “I really do. It just makes me smile thinking about it. So now I’m listening more and I’m giving more.”