Informal gathering forms amicable group

“We go wherever they’ll take us,” jokes Nijole Aaseth. 

 

“We get together about once a month,” agrees Marilyn Meyer. “It’s a good chance to see each other and catch up on things.

 

“Right now, we’re talking about the flooding in New Richland, because we care.”

 

A group of nearly 30 ladies gathered for lunch at the Red Leaf Cafe in New Richland on Wednesday, Sept. 30.

 

Meyer, Aaseth, and others seated nearby took a few minutes to explain their group is an informal gathering.

 

“Everyone is welcome,” observes Aaseth. “We encourage people to invite friends.”

 

The group has been gathering and growing since the Covid pandemic lockdown ended, glad for a chance to get together and visit. Those in attendance have their residences all around the NRHEG area, and have met at the Ellendale Cafe, the Geneva Bar, The Willows, and the Three-in-One in Hollandale.

 

The size of the group depends on who has time on the chosen day, but one clear predictor is the time of year, since a fair number of “snowbirds” are not in town during the winter months.

 

The typical procedure, they explain, is that one or two group members volunteer to be the planners for the next month. They choose a restaurant and speak with the owners about reserving the whole location for an hour or more. Much of the time, a single meal is chosen; group members are notified what the meal will be and what the cost will be, then let the organizers know in time to be sure the restaurant has supplies to feed the entire group.

 

Aaseth and Meyer remember that the largest number of people who’ve ever attended is 42.

 

“That was at The Willows,” recalls Aaseth.

 

“It was so loud in there, you had to practically shout, so people could hear you.”

 

Organizers also usually arrange for door prizes, which are given out as the meal winds down. Their final task is to recruit their replacement to put together plans for the following month’s gathering.

 

“Then we usually visit until [the restaurant] kicks us out,” jokes Meyer.

 

Members say they enjoy coming because of the lively conversation, the tasty food, and the chance to do something a little outside the everyday.

 

Planners for the September gathering were New Richland area residents Dorothy Gonitzke and Cindy Coy, who said they were glad to take on the task for many of the same reasons–as well as it being a chance to work together on a project, and a way to help continue the sessions.

 

Red Leaf owner Theresa Grubstad expressed her thanks to the group, saying she appreciated their confidence and support.