Community Center opensFacility features spacious auditorium

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- The Friendly Four senior citizen band played "Tiny Bubbles" as seniors smiled and waltzed with each other and New Ulm city officials Monday at the new New Ulm Community Center grand opening.

The moment thrilled Community and Seniors Together (CAST) Director Diane Fasse as she scurried about the spacious new auditorium.

"This is terrific. I'm totally thrilled," Fasse said. "The building is long overdue but a wonderful addition for large and small groups. City officials and employees did a tremendous amount of work to make this happen."

The $2 million addition, which was attached to the existing Senior Citizens building at 600 N. German, features a large auditorium and offices on the top floor. The lower level features classrooms for arts and other inter-generational programs.

New Ulm Mayor Joel Albrecht was in his usual jovial mood.

"We're fortunate to have a building this size to address the social and cultural needs of the community. This is great," Albrecht said.

He recalled discussing the issue of updating New Ulm recreational facilities with City Financial Director Gary Gleisner and other city officials several years ago.

Albrecht described how city officials hired a consultant to address the community's growing recreational needs. Voters approved a half-cent sales tax referendum to finance the project. In addition to the Community Center, the project included the building of the Civic Center at the fairgrounds, and the remodeling of Vogel Arena into a field house.

Mary Hussman of the New Ulm Park and Recreation Commission thanked voters for approving the half-cent sales tax referendum so the new facilities could be built.

Gleisner said sales tax receipts were 12 percent more than budgeted at last count.

The Community Center will be closed on Memorial Day but a lively evening is planned on Tuesday, May 27. The Senior Drill Team, HummDingers, choir and Drama Club will perform its first production "Even Exchange." There is no admission charge.

New Ulm Park and Recreation Director Dave Bechtold said volunteers are needed to take an active role in the operation of New Ulm Civic Center.

Supervisory help is also needed for Community Center activities. The facility can be used for wedding receptions, performances and other events by reservation. Call the Park and Rec office at 359-8344 or the CAST office at 354-3212 to volunteer.