Glenwood Welcome Center hosts newcomers to welcoming event

The 10th anniversary of America’s Welcoming Week was celebrated last week. Glenwood Lakes Area Welcome Center is one of many organizations in the nation that celebrated this week with a special event.

On Wednesday, Sept. 14, 28 newcomers enjoyed a new Welcome Center event called, “Welcome to A Taste of Glenwood,” a walking tour that visited seven local businesses.

The event started with a welcome from Welcome Center Director Kay Blauert and Mayor Sherri Kazda.  City Commissioner Todd Gylsen read the mayor’s proclamation designating Wednesday, Sept. 14, as “Welcoming Day in Glenwood.”  Rick Shara and Ben Velani from West Central Initiative, as part of their Live Wide Open effort, complimented the Glenwood community on the event. All newcomers introduced themselves and stated where they had moved from.  Four door prizes were given out. Theresa from Theresa’s Turn Bakery welcomed the group and provided the “First Taste.”

Following the first welcome, the newcomers were divided into two groups –  Group 1 headed to Healthy Options and Group 2 headed for Waska Village.  Each group rotated every 15 minutes.  The walking tour also visited and enjoyed “a taste” from MN Olive Oil Co., Shear Indulgence, Minnewaska Meats, Tom’s Market and ended at the Minnewaska House Brewing Co. & Grill for ice cream and a final presentation.

All the new residents thoroughly enjoyed the walking tour and meeting staff and owners from each participating business. The businesses also enjoyed meeting these new community members.

The Glenwood Welcome Center applied and received sponsorship funding from West Central Initiative – Live Wide Open. “It was truly a blessing that all the businesses were willing to work with us and be part of this event. Special thanks to Jean Noland, Welcome Center committee member, for helping to make this event a success,” shared Blauert. All participants were in favor of seeing this become an annual event locally.