Official Guide to Delano 2019 | Page 44

Special projects and events include the annual spring book sale in April, the March photo exhibit, supporting the summer children’s programs with treats and volunteers, October art exhibit, November Fiber Art exhibit, numerous special events and author visits, supporting the January adult winter reading program with incentives and prizes, and facilitating a quilt exhibit in February. If you are interested in joining or volunteering, or have more questions, visit the library and find more information and membership forms on the Friends of the Library bulletin board found near the community bulletin board at the end of the hallway in the library. General Federated Women’s Club of Delano The General Federated Women’s Club of Delano was founded April 24, 1968. The club currently has 20 members, and meets the second Monday of the month, September through April, at the Delano Public Library, with a Club special event elsewhere to install new members in May. GFWC’s motto is “Unity in Diversity.” Our purpose is to provide a channel through which women can best realize their own capabilities, and make a valuable contribution of service to our community. Past projects include several renovations to the Delano City Library, began volunteer recycling and supported city-wide recycling, equipped a neighborhood park with playground equipment, constructed a gazebo in the park, completed a walking path connecting downtown to the schools, and completed a walkway from the street to the gazebo, city beautification efforts, supported M.E.A.D.A., contributed to the ECFE playground equipment project, supported the Delano Middle School auditorium refurbishment and raised funds for development of Riverfront Park and the splash pad. Most recently, the club provided the funds for the purchase of an aquatic wheelchair so all members of our community can safely enjoy the splash pad. In 2019 we are partnering with with Delano High School National Honor Society students on a safe driving campaign. Ongoing projects include the summer Concerts in the Park series, a card marathon, supporting the Anna Marie shelter, promoting the awareness and prevention of domestic violence which often lead to homelessness. Proceeds from fundraisers including the Citizen of the Year Banquet and singing telegrams are used to fund community improvement projects. In addition, the club sponsors a Delano area student to attend HOBY leadership training, Delano Athletics, Delano Area Scholarship Association, Delano Estates, Old-Fashioned Christmas, Operation Nice (troop support), Operation Smile, Relay for Life, Ronald McDonald House, St Peter’s School and USO’s Operation Phone Home. Officers through May 14, 2020 are Presidents Jennifer Halverson (annual reports), Marlene Kittock (public events) and Chris Brazelton (meetings), First Vice President Jeanie Pilarski, Second Vice President Pat Sawatzke, Secretary Lisa Blodgett, Treasurer Marge Barfknecht, Publicity Coordinators Jeanie Pilarski and Chris Brazelton, and Historian Lorraine Statema. If anyone is interested in joining, ordering a singing telegram or has more questions, contact Chris Brazelton at 612-209-4553 or Jennifer Halvorson at 952-994-1128. Knights of Columbus Immaculate Conception Council 4653 The Knights of Columbus Council 4653 was founded Dec. 8, 1958, and currently has 140 members which meet the third Tuesday of the month immediately following 6 p.m. mass at St. Martha’s Hall at St. Peter’s Church. It is affiliated with the Fraternal Organization of Catholic Gentlemen, associated with Fourth Degree 2649 Christ the King Assembly of Buffalo, and Nicollet Assembly 526 of Minneapolis. The purpose of the organization is to defend the Catholic faith, protect widows and orphans, and perform acts of faith, hope, and charity. Special projects or events include the annual Tootsie Roll Drive, which raises funds for programs for the mentally challenged and for local activities in the churches and communities, supporting Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, youth baseball, softball, and other youth sports, and local area churches and schools. If anyone is interested in joining, or has questions regarding the organization, call Steve Hanlon at 952-934-8270 or Kevin Otto at 612-867-7890. Love INC-Heartland Love INC - Heartland, Love In the Name of Christ, is a shared Christian ministry of more than 50 area churches working together to help people in need. Love INC serves Delano, Dasssel, Cokato, Independence, Loretto, Greenfield, Rockford, Mayer, Montrose, Howard Lake, Waverly, Watertown, Corcoran, Winsted and Maple Plain. We have two Thrift Stores serving people in need and selling to the public to support the ministry. The locations of each store are 318 Railroad Avenue, Delano (Hours: Monday - Thursday 9 a.m.- 2 p.m., Friday and Saturday 9 a.m.-noon) and 801 Highway 12 in Howard Lake (Hours: Thursday and Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.). In 2018, more than 4,000 needs met through more than 12,000 volunteer hours. Love INC - Heartland practices a form of redemptive compassion which is a catalyst for transformation in the lives of those we help. Rather than sustaining people in need, we desire to help them reach their full potential in Christ. Participants in our Fresh Start classes paid down over $410,000 in debt while learning skills to become more self-sufficient. All of our classes are open to the public. Contact Lisa at 763-972-6547, option 3 for more information. Financial donations and items in good condition are always welcome and a vital part of our sustainability of our ministry in helping those in need. Furniture donations are welcomed and can be dropped off at either location (Delano or Howard Lake). Furniture donations cannot have holes, stains, bad scratches, odors or pet damage. Contact our store manager with any questions at 763-972-6547, option 2. Clothing and fabric donations with rips, stains are accepted because we can sell this by the pound, which helps our ministry immensely. Please label such donations with a # (hashtag) to indicate to our volunteers it is for poundage. The annual spring Love INC Gala fundraiser dinner will take place from 4-7 p.m. Sunday, April 28, at Medina Entertainment Center. This year our theme is “Live, Love, Laugh.” You won’t want to miss | 44 | Official Guide to DELANO 2019