Public invited to park for hot dogs, information May 9
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
There was a time when the New Richland Commercial Club was an integral part of the community.
Some people feel it can be again.
Several concerned citizens turned out for an informational meeting on the topic at City Hall last Wednesday, and all came away with the feeling a commercial club — or, more likely, a community club — can again have a positive impact on New Richland.
“There’s just so much potential in this community,” said Gail Schmidt. “We’ve just got to get the wheels going.”
Schmidt, who came with a list of 50-plus businesses that could be contacted for potential membership, was joined at the meeting by Bernie Anderson, Dale Halgren, Ray Mielke, Matt Harrington, Dan Schmidt and Evan Berg.
Anderson and Halgren were heavily involved with the NR Commercial Club, which has been inactive for about five years.
“We had no problem raising bodies,” said Halgren. “The problem was lack of a mission.”Schmidt had several ideas, starting with getting more community involvement for projects like city beautification and park maintenance, among others. And more ideas are sought.
So, on Wednesday, May 9 starting at 6:30 p.m., community members are invited to bring their appetites and ideas to NR’s City Park for free hot dogs/refreshments and an informal gathering to discuss the future of a community club.
“I think we can revive it,” said Anderson.
Halgren said the history of the NR Commercial Club dates to the early 1900s.
“They were involved with Dairy Days, and later Farm and City Days, and at one time they provided ballplayers with rides home after practice,” said Halgren. “Margaret (Engesser) should be here.”
The club was also active on Halloween, Christmas and during Crazy Days. Its noon meetings would draw about 25 people.
“You start naming things off, the commercial club used to do quite a few things back in the day,” said Halgren.
“There are lots of areas we could put our efforts towards,” said Schmidt, who suggested getting not only community members but the fire department and ambulance crew involved.
It’s hoped there will be a good turnout for the Wednesday, May 9 event, which will be held at NR City Hall in case of rain.
“The focus is on making New Richland a better place to live, to put pride back into the community,” said Halgren.