Local Organizations
4-H
4-H is an organization for youth in grades three through one year past high school, which works to foster life skills in its members, generally focusing on leadership, citizenship, and community service. 4-H is the largest out-of-school youth organization in the United States with more than 7 million youth members.
Wright County currently has more than 450 4-H members. With over 160 adult leaders and a special 4-H Cloverbud program for youth in grades Kindergarten through second grade, 4-H truly is for people of all ages.
Beginning in 1902, 4-H has definitely changed and evolved throughout the years. Wright County has 23 clubs around the county to choose from, which generally hold monthly meetings and give youth the opportunity to meet people around their area. Wright County 4-H also holds various events throughout the year, some of which non 4-H members can participate in for an additional fee. There are overnight camps, day camps, community service projects, bringing projects to the county fair, riding horse at horse clinics, learning various shooting sports, staying with a host family for a week in another state, and much more.
Franklin Friends 4-H Club: Meets the first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Sylvia Hickman residence. Club leaders are Carol Reinhart, (763) 685-4207; and Sylvia Hickman, (763) 972-6528.
Mighty Crow 4-H Club: Meets the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Delano Heritage Center. Club leaders are Dean Larson, (763) 972-6063 and Cindy Manthei (763) 972-8209.
Willing Workers 4-H Club: Meets the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Delano Community Education building cafeteria. Club leader is Sharon Farniok, (763) 972-5002.
4-H is for all ages, even adults can volunteer.
If you would like more information about 4-H or would like a packet sent to you, please contact the Wright County Extension office at (763) 682-7394 or e-mail mnextwright@umn.edu.
Delano American Legion
The Delano American Legion was founded in 1919. There are about 340 members. The officers are Mike Brossard, chairman; Jon Hanson, commander; Mike Brandenberg, adjunct; Tim Boorst, finance; Amy O’Byrn, chaplain.
Other organizations under the American Legion family are the Delano American Legion Auxiliary, President Linda Wehr; and the Delano Sons of the American Legion (SAL), President Brian Blowers.
Special events and projects include the Delano Fourth of July celebration, Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day, veteran’s funerals, and a variety of fundraisers with the funds going back into the community. The SAL has an omelette breakfast the second Sunday of the month.
This is a very active post, not only in the community, but also in the district. The organization had two past district commanders and three district presidents.
If anyone wants to join any of the three groups, they may call the Delano American Legion at (763) 972-2969.
If you meet a vet, thank him or her.
American Red Cross
The Central Minnesota Chapter of the American Red Cross was founded in 1917 to give emergency training, provide services, and coordinate blood collection. Participation in the chapter offers many volunteer opportunities.
There are about 1,000 members in the organization, which meets in St. Cloud.
Officers in the chapter are Bill Bard, chairman, board of directors; Shawn Lingle, vice chair; Debra Keiser, secretary; Laura Pfannenstein, treasurer.
If anyone is interested in joining, or has more questions, call the local chapter at (320) 251-7641 or 800-560-7641. Or visit us at our web site at www.cenmnredcross.org.
Delano Area Historical Society
Established in 1999 to preserve the area’s rich history and educate the public, the Delano/Franklin Area Historical Society currently has 30 members which meet the first Monday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Delano Heritage Center.
Special projects include partnering with the city of Delano to open the Delano Heritage Center, located in an historical landmark building, the original city hall/fire station. The center is open the second and fourth Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., or by appointment.
Individuals may donate items to the museum and/or use the resources to learn about the history in the Delano area, or discover and work on their own family history.
The Heritage Festival is tentatively planned for Saturday, May 20.
For more information, call Jon Steinmetz, president, at (763) 972-2655.
Dream Team
The Dream Team, established in 2000, hosted a community visioning session which identified three top initiatives for the community: expand Common Grounds’ youth outreach program; beautification of downtown; and improve visibility and accessibility of area parks and green space.
Projects to date include the Annual River Clean-Up, Adopt-a-Pot Contest, Paint the Town, Sunday brunch community fundraiser, and host annual Forum of Delano community organizations.
The Dream Team is no longer active, but established the following organizations to work on the community initiatives: Big Woods Garden Club, Delano Growers’ Association, Delano Farmers’ Market, Delano/Franklin Area Historic Society, and Crow River Communities Initiative.
Big Woods Garden Club
The Big Woods Garden Club, serving the areas of western Hennepin, eastern Wright, and northern Carver counties, was founded in 2002.
Meetings are generally the third Thursday of the month at 6:30 or 7 p.m., with 11 meetings per year, no December meeting. Meeting dates, times, and locations may change depending on events and opportunities. Meetings consist of guest speakers, garden craft projects, and garden tours.
It currently has approximately 45 members including club officers Jean Peterson, president; Deb Hoen, vice president; Jill Dyer, secretary; and Betsy Stolfa, treasurer. Membership dues are $10 per year, individual; $20 per year, family/business, and are pro-rated for one-half of the year.
The purpose of the organization is to provide a variety of gardening-related educational programs; plant, install, and assist in maintaining local community plantings to enhance the beauty of cities, towns, parks, and open spaces; raise awareness and funds for community garden programs and efforts; and provide a social environment where individuals interested in gardening can meet and exchange ideas.
Special events or projects include the Garden Club plant sale in May, Adopt-a-Highway project, Delano Adopt-a-Pot project, annual community planting project, and tours, educational programs, and demonstrations.
For more information, call Betty Rieder at (763) 972-2830.
Delano Farmers’ Market
The market began in 2002, and is located on the corner of Highway 12 and County Line Road in the Flippin’ Bills’ parking lot. It is open May through October, Wednesdays, from 2 to 6 p.m.
The Delano Farmers’ Market is local farmers bringing the freshest, locally grown produce and other products. You can find fresh produce, breads, fruits, jams, honey, maple syrup, eggs, beef products, Kettle Korn, fresh flowers, and handcrafted items.
One booth is available for Delano organizations to raise awareness or money for their organization.
For more information, call Deb Hoen, market manager, at (763) 972-6842.
Delano Fourth of July Committee, Inc.
The purpose of the Delano Fourth of July Committee, Inc. is to organize Minnesota’s oldest and largest Fourth of July celebration.
There are six organizations involved in the committee; the Delano Athletic Club, Lions, Delano Sportsmen’s Club, Delano Jaycees, Delano Chamber of Commerce, and Delano American Legion.
The committee meets once a month, for eight months of the year.
Special projects or events include food and drink at the celebration, baseball tournament, men’s and women’s softball tournament, queen coronation, bands for both young and old under the big top, kiddie parade, kid’s tractor pull, carnival, and huge fireworks.
Delano Area Educational Foundation
The Delano Area Educational Foundation (DAEF) was founded in 2003.
The purpose of the organization is to raise funds for District 879 in the form of a created endowment, and some yearly fund raising. There are eight board members in the organization, which meets in the District 879 conference room on the first and third Thursday of the month at 7:30 a.m.
Special projects or events include a trap shoot in September, and the annual “Gala.”
Officers in the DAEF are Deb Sangster, president; Larry Hutchins, vice president; Richard Grintz, treasurer; and Jessica Tousignant, secretary.
If anyone is interested in joining, or has questions regarding the organization, call Deb Sangster at (763) 477-9515.
Delano Area Foundation
The Delano Area Foundation was founded in 1997 to start an endowment for the Delano area. If they raise $25,000 this year, there will be a matching grant from the Bremer Banks. It offers an excellent opportunity for any person to make lasting contributions to the Delano area. Donations are tax deductible.
The foundation currently has approximately 20 members, and meets three to four times a year. Lloyd Griep is the president.
For more information, call Lloyd Griep at (763) 972-6848.
Delano Artists Guild
The Delano Area Educational Foundation (DAEF) was founded in January 2002.
The purpose of the organization is the promotion of visual arts in the community, and to create a place for artists to work, teach, and sell their art.
There are 12 members in the organization, which meets the first Tuesday of the month.
Special projects or events include the October Art Show and the March photography exhibits at the Delano Public Library, as well as on-going participation in local art shows and classes.
If anyone is interested in joining, or has more questions, call Pat Jakobsen at (763) 242-4474.
Delano Boy Scout Troop 273
The Delano Boy Scout Troop 273 was founded in the 1940s.
The purpose of the organization is to provide an educational program for boys and young adults to build character.
There are 30 members in the organization, which meets Mondays, 6:30 p.m., at Delano United Methodist.
Special projects or events include highway clean ups, the Fourth of July pop stand, and lots of camping.
The officers in the organization are Mark Davis, scout master; Geoff Gruba, committee chair, Tia Kleppe, advancement chair, and Linda McLean, treasurer.
If anyone is interested in joining, or has more questions, call Mark Davis at (763) 972-6431.
Delano Cub Scout Troop 273
The Delano Cub Scout Troop 273 was founded in 1930. Cub Scouts is for children in first through fifth grade
The purpose of the organization is to provide an educational program for boys to build their quality of character, to train in the responsibilities of participating as a citizen, and to develop personal fitness. Personal fitness includes physical, mental, and emotional fitness.
There are approximately 51 Scouts and 10 den leaders in the organization, which meets Mondays at 6:30 pm at the Delano United Methodist Church.
Special projects or events include Scouting for Food, Memorial Day parade, Fourth of July parade, youth camping, Pinewood Derby Races, day-camp, Tiger Cub Zoo Day, Blue and Gold Banquet, and Toys for Tots.
Each year in September there is a special sign-up night for youth interested in joining the Scouting program, known as Join Scouting Night, or you can join Scouts any time throughout the year.
For more information, call Steve Moe at (763) 479-2558, or write Cub Master, 5325 Lake Sarah Heights Dr., Loretto, MN 55357-9504.
Delano/Loretto Girl Scouts
The Delano/Loretto Girl Scouts was founded in 1912. The Girl Scout Council of Greater Minneapolis is part of the preeminent organization for, and leading authority on, girls cultivating their character, confidence, and social conscience while teaching them critical life skills to succeed as adults. The council has over 8,000 committed adult volunteers, and nearly 20,000 girls, and serves all, or portions of Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Scott, Sherburne, and Wright counties.
Special projects or events include summer and winter encampments, community service projects, and bronze, silver, and gold awards.
For more information on how to join, volunteer, or donate to the Girl Scouts, call (763) 535-4602, or visit www.girlscoutsmpls.org.
Delano Area Chamber of Commerce
The Delano Area Chamber of Commerce is a member organization formed to support the business community. It consists of a Business Development committee, Economic Development committee, Marketing and Membership Retention committee, and Public Affairs committee.
Regular general membership meetings are the third Thursday of each month at noon. For the location of the next meeting, contact the executive director Lisa Koenecke at (763) 972-6756, or info@delanochamber.com. The Delano Chamber of Commerce is located at 265 River St. N, Suite 109, Delano, MN 55328.
The 2007 Board of Directors members are: Wendy Gilmer, State Bank of Delano, President; Jeanne Matter, JV Reuter Ltd, Treasurer; Josh Hecksel, Crow River Bank, Secretary; Daryl MacLean, MacLean Law Office, Past President; Becky Halvorson, Bliss Spa & Salon; Sabrina Stevens, Bagy-Jo, Inc.; Larry Torgerson, Edward Jones Investments; Linda West, R*U Sisters; Gina Nee, Lakeland Mortgage.
Delano girls’ gymnastics
Delano girls’ gymnastics was founded in the 1980s to have a gymnastics team that is able to compete in meets with other schools.
There are 20 members in the organization, which meets October through March in the Delano Middle School gymnastics gym. The organization is open to all girls in grades seven through 12.
If anyone is interested in joining, or has more questions, call Jane Behrman at (612) 840-1648.
Delano Jaycees
The Delano Jaycees was founded in 1981, and currently has 22 members which meet the second Tuesday of the month at noon and 7 p.m., locations vary.
The purpose of the organization is to help with community service, and improve members’ leadership abilities and promote personal growth.
The Jaycees stay active in the community by running projects, helping the citizens, and donating money back into the city, parks, and schools.
Special projects or events include the annual sand box fill in May, local punt, pass, and kick in August, Toys for Love in November/December, and Fourth of July celebration.
If anyone is interested in joining, or has questions regarding the organization, call Patrick Baumgard at (763) 972-4764.
Delano Lions
Established in 1965 to support community interests and aid sight and hearing-challenged youth, the Delano Lions currently has 30 members. The Lions meet the second Thursday of the month at 7 a.m., and the fourth Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at Finnegan’s Irish Pub.
Special projects include the Delano Fourth of July parade, Christmas tree sales, and various fund raisers such as pork loin dinners. The Lions also collect used eyeglasses and hearing aids. Call the number below if you have any to donate.
The Delano Lions officers are Tom Screeden, president; Cliff Simon, secretary; and Jim Barbre, treasurer.
If anyone is interested in joining, or for more information, call Tom Screeden at (763) 477-7450.
Friends of the Delano Library
The Friends of the Delano Library was founded in 1984, and currently has 35 members. It meets monthly in the Delano Public Library. Call the library at (763) 972-3467 for meeting dates and times. New members are always welcome.
The purpose of the organization is to promote the library’s programs, and provide volunteer and monetary assistance to ongoing programs. The organization helps to encourage community awareness of the library by hosting events and providing media communications.
Special projects or 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, numerous special programs, and supporting the January adult winter reading program with incentives and prizes.
Officers in the organization are Mary Ann Bernat, president; Joy Krieg, vice-president; Carol Krajewski and Darcy Sjomeling, co-secretaries; and Bill McMullen, treasurer
If anyone is interested in joining, or has more questions, call Mary Ann Bernat at (763) 972-6274 or visit the library and read the Friends of the Library bulletin board.
General Federated Women’s Club of Delano
The General Federated Women’s Club of Delano was founded April 24, 1968, and currently has 22 members, which meet the second Monday of the month, September through May.
The purpose of the organization is to provide a channel through which women can best realize their own capabilities and make a valuable contribution of service to the community.
Special projects or events include supporting local schools and Meth Education and Drug Awareness (MEADA) to educate community members of the dangers of meth, and how it affects our lives. They also sponsor concerts in the park.
Officers in the organization are Pat Libor, president; Melissa Stone, 1st vice president; Lisa Blodgett, 2nd vice president; Jennifer Halverson, secretary/historian; Norma Wandersee, treasurer.
If anyone is interested in joining, or has more questions, call Jennifer Halverson at (952) 994-1128.
Delano Helping Hands
Delano Helping Hands food shelf, located in the Delano Community Education Building, 140 Elm Ave., was founded in 1985, and currently has approximately 100 active volunteers.
The food shelf is open for food distribution each Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m., and every third Thursday it is also open from 5 to 7 p.m.
The organization helps approximately 30 families on a monthly basis.
Minnesota March Food Share is a big event for Delano Helping Hands. Half of the food and donations are collected during March. Many churches, organizations, and individuals participate. All donations are kept in the Delano area.
If anyone is interested in helping at the food shelf, call your local church, or Sandy Pikus at (763) 972-3723, or Jeanie Pilarski at (763) 972-3360.
Greater West Metro Humane Society
The Greater West Metro Humane Society was founded in 1980.
The purpose of the organization is to protect, shelter, and place vulnerable animals. It is a no-kill shelter.
The shelter is always in need of foster families, special events volunteers, business sponsors, and memorial garden members.
Officers in the organization are Tammy Hauser, executive director; and Sherry Gay, business manager.
If anyone is interested in joining, or has more questions, call (763) 390-DOGS (3647), or e-mail barb@givmhs.org, or visit www.GWMHS.org.
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 second Monday of the month at 128 N. River Street. 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 Tootsie Roll Drive for the mentally challenged, supporting Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, youth baseball, softball, and other youth sports, and local area churches and schools.
Officers are Robert Swartzer, Grand Knight; Lewis Noerenberg, Deputy Grand Knight; Brian Ourada, treasurer; and Joseph Swartzer, financial secretary.
If anyone is interested in joining, or has questions regarding the organization, call Robert Swartzer at (763) 972-2377.
Wright County Minnesota Kennel Club
The Wright County Minnesota Kennel Club was founded in 1973, and is dedicated to the preservation of purebred dogs through educational programs, AKC licensed events, and social activities.
There are about 40 members in the organization, which meets the second Thursday of the month at various locations. Anyone who wants to learn more about showing dogs in AKC events, or just have fun, is encouraged to join.
Special projects and events include AKC Rally Obedience and Obedience Trial in March, conformation’s junior showmanship all-breed show in October, and fun matches in obedience, rally, conformation, and agility in the summer months.
Officers in the chapter are Beverly Capstick, president; Virginia Matance, vice-president; Diana McCarty, secretary; Sheila Dougheren, treasurer; and Joanne E. Kull, correspondence secretary.
If anyone is interested in joining, or has more questions, call Beverly Capstick at (763) 295-6206.
Sons of the American Legion Post 377
The Sons of the American Legion Post 377 was founded in 1999 to provide support to the youth of the community. It currently has 105 members, which meet the second Sunday of the month.
Special projects include an omelette breakfast the second Sunday of the month, September through May, from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Proceeds go to local youth groups and clubs.
Officers in the organization are Brian Blowers, commander; Troy Kriesch, adjunct; Dick Amundson, treasurer.
For more information, call the Legion at (763) 972-2969.
Delano Senior Center
The Delano Senior Center was founded in 1982, and is located at 234 2nd St. N. All seniors, age 55 and older are encouraged to attend. The center is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The center is operated by a United Way agency, Senior Community Services. An advisory board of more than 15 members guides the director in planning and decision making.
The purpose of the organization is to assist senior citizens in all areas, to help keep them living independently in their homes.
The center sponsors activities, speakers, congregate dining, Meals on Wheels, wellness programs, music, and daily continuing education classes. Transportation is available to the center by two with life equipped vans.
For more information, contact the director, Gail Sinkel at (763) 972-0574.
Delano Snowstormers Snowmobile Club
The Delano Snowstormers Snowmobile Club was established in 1971 to support, maintain, acquire, and promote the snowmobile trail systems in Delano and surrounding areas. It currently has 33 members, which meet the second Monday of every month at 7:30 p.m. at the Delano American Legion.
Special projects include youth snowmobile safety training, annual fund raiser, and club rides.
Officers in the organization are Duane Matter, president; Curt Ritter, vice president; Jim Herzog II, treasurer; and Janice Matter, secretary.
If you don’t belong to a local snowmobile club, join now. Local membership is $15, and MNUSA is $20.
For more information, call Duane Matter at (952) 955-2894.
Delano Sportsmen’s Club
The Delano Sportsmen’s Club was founded in 1898 as the Delano Gun Club. In those days, the club was made up of the community elite, and activities consisted mostly of hunting raccoons and training dogs. Trap shooting soon became one of the club’s major activities, as well.
As the years went by, it became evident that conservation of the environment and wildlife was necessary to preserve the community’s heritage and future well-being, so the club gradually became involved in activities promoting this. The club was largely responsible for governmental action prohibiting the unregulated dumping by industries and others into the Crow River.
In 1937, the club changed its name to the Delano Sportsmen’s Club, as a broader membership base was desired. With the building of the new clubhouse in 1974, the new trap house in 1985, and constant improvement of the range facilities, including the shooting shelter in 1987, the organization has grown to more than 500 members.
Some projects of the club include winter feeding of pheasants, raising pheasant chicks for restocking, annual planting of evergreen tree plots for habitat improvement, a firearm safety course, and a bow hunter safety course. Club members and their families enjoy activities such as a turkey shoot, fishing contest, Fourth of July celebration, black powder shooting, building wood duck and bluebird houses, and sponsoring campers to go to the Long Lake Conservation Center.
The club also provides financial support to many organizations including the National Wildlife Federation, Minnesota Conservation Federation, Freshwater Society, TIP, and many others.
The club financed, as well as provided labor for, the new public access on Lake Sarah and Dean Lake. Club trapshooters have raised approximately $50,000 for the Variety Heart Club Children’s Hospital at the University of Minnesota, as well as donating $1,000 in 1990 to get the Wright County 4-H shooting sports program going. The club also created the Kelly Aurentz scholarship fund as part of the Delano Dollars for Scholars, and contributes $500 to it each year.
For more information or to join, call Joe and Jan Kittok at (763) 972-2989.
Toastmasters International
The Toastmasters International Tri-County Chapter was established approximately 30 years ago to instruct its members to become better public speakers.
It currently has 15 members, which meet at 7 a.m., Friday mornings at The Coffee Company in Watertown. Anyone who is interested may attend.
Special projects include speaking contests. The president of the organization is John Norman. Annual dues are $40.
For more information, call K.J. McDonald at (952) 955-1623.
Delano Loretto United Way
For over 50 years, the Delano Loretto United Way has been a source of help for people in need. Originally founded as the Delano Community Chest, the United Way is the oldest and farthest reaching charitable organization in the greater Delano and Loretto area. In 2006, funding from United Way reached over 2,000 people in the local communities.
The Delano Loretto Area United Way is managed by a board of directors comprised of volunteers from the communities. United Way conducts an annual fundraising campaign as well as benefits from business, corporate, and school giving programs, civic and fraternal philanthropy.
We live in a time of great need and we live in communities of great generosity. To join the United Way in giving, either as a board member or a donor, contact Ted May at (763) 972-6213.
Wright County Historical Society
The Wright County Historical Society was founded in 1942 to collect, preserve, and disseminate the history of Wright County, and its relationship to Minnesota.
Special events include Children’s Days held in May for area schools, the children’s school program at the Wright County Fair, and occasional traveling exhibitions.
There are over 300 members in the organization. Officers are Leander Wetter, president; Ray Schmidt, vice-president; and Claudia Menzel, secretary. Board meetings take place on the second Tuesday of the month and are open to the public.
For more information, visit the web site, www.wrighthistory.org.
Crow River Youth Hockey Association
The Crow River Youth Hockey Association was founded in 1990 to provide an excellent youth hockey experience for boys and girls of the Delano and Rockford school districts.
There are about 300 members in the organization, which meets at the Delano Area Sports Arena.
Officers of the organization are John Reynolds, president; Deb Meyer, vice president; Susan Sutton, treasurer; and Sally Prinsen, secretary.
For more information, visit the web site, www.crtigers.com, or call John Reynolds at (763) 479-4324.
Bit and Spurs Saddle Club
The Bit and Spurs Saddle Club was founded in Hamel about 35 years ago to learn from each other as a group, with their horses. It is very family-oriented.
There are about 40 families in the organization which meets the second Tuesday of the month at the Choo Choo Bar in Loretto.
Special projects include trail rides, expos, and clinics. They own their own ring, which is located in Delano. They also sponsor fund raisers.
The club participates in O-MOK-SEE games for kids and adults of all ages. Look for their ad booklet in stores for upcoming show dates and locations.
If anyone is interested in joining, or for more information, call Lorie Gray, at (763) 972-2731.
Business to Business Partners
Area businesses working together to assist your business. Meetings are every first and third Tuesday of the month at 8:15 a.m. For more information call Stephanie at (763) 972-3191.
