Pembrook Township's long-time directors retire

by Bridgette Moses

The Pembrook Township Board met March 7 for their annual meeting. Like other Townships, Pembrook Township has had an unspoken tradition of "Lifetime Memberships" for Board positions. Last week, they made history when two positions opened up simultaneously. John Blomster and Charles Boulais retired/resigned.

However, John Blomster and Charles Boulais will not quit completely as Pembrook Township remains their home. The Board expects Blomster and Boulais to continue their involvement. Their unofficial roles will become more of historians and mentors. Both Blomster and Boulais recognize the importance of the next generation being interested and involved in their community. "We've lost a lot of people in our Township over the years," claims John Blomster, but he's proud to see the grandchildren of neighbors and friends making Pembrook Township their home.  In fact, Jason Braun and Chris Erdmann, the grandsons of two neighborhood families, were elected to replace Boulais and Blomster respectively.  

Historically speaking, the Blomster family has been represented on the Pembrook Township Board since at least 1946.  John Blomster recalls decades of changes in the Pembrook community during his 63 years of service on the Board. Though he helped install some of the first telephone poles, has maintained the Pembrook Township Cemetery, and has watched technology move into all areas of rural life, Blomster says that road improvements during his lifetime have been most memorable for him as a Board member. "Pembrook Township has the best roads for miles around," stated Blomster.

Blomster has always had fun hosting Board meetings in his wood shop and in his family home. However, many unofficial meetings were held in driveways and along the roadside.  Blomster said, "It's just what you did." Blomster prefers these old ways of communication to email and texting. He remembers when Pembrook Township held picnics to celebrate their community. Once a year, neighbors would gather for a potluck at the Pembrook School or drive to Melgaard Park in Aberdeen.  After he married, the picnics moved to the Blomster farm. As families grew, life got busier and picnics were harder to schedule. The gatherings happen rarely now. Blomster is the oldest member of Pembrook Township. He loves to visit about those good old days and considers it important to continue to gather so we know when to help each other in times of need.  The Pembrook Township remains a community because of these efforts to stay connected.

Charles Boulais knows the importance of those gatherings and how the people of Pembrook Township have come together to fight fires, welcome neighbors, and assist when families experience loss.  Because of Pembrook's community, he believes representation is needed on the Township Board from each corner of the Township. Boulais has traveled nearly every inch of Pembrook's roads to inspect or to help neighbors. He has seen effective changes the Township Board has made for road infrastructure, erosion prevention, and supporting the neighborhood families.  Though the role of a Township Board is scripted by the South Dakota Association of Towns and Townships handbook, Pembrook Board members help to build and maintain safe access to school, work, and around their own land. "It's our job, guys," he reminded the Board as he spoke to new members about annual inspections and maintenance.   

Being on a Township Board is not difficult work.  Boulais made the last 40 years as Supervisor look easy.  He is knowledgeable, detail oriented, and an inspiration for those in the community.  His retirement will mean other Board members will need to step up in order to solve problems and maintain the community's efforts.  The Board will need to continue blending the ways of the past with new ideas, people, and equipment.  

Pembrook Township is embracing these changes with serious camaraderie.  When thanked by the Board, Blomster said being Clerk has been "nothing but fun." The Pembrook Township Board celebrated the retirement of these two community leaders with certificates and Blomster's favorite popcorn treat.  Friends and neighbors of Pembrook Township thank them for their service and wish them well.