Community Center close to reality
Published Monday, August 25, 2008
Photo by Tom Hintgen
Members of the Lakes Area Community Center board are, from left, Don Kostelecky and Al Domke. Back, from left, Linda Tikkanen, Carol Domke, Cindy Skalsky, Rita Buntje and Chuck Reeve. Not pictured is Sonja Peterson.
The final push is at hand in efforts to raise money for a two-year budget of $210,000 to be used to make the new Lakes Area Community Center (LACC) in Battle Lake a reality. Those funds are needed to purchase the former First Lutheran Church building, provide furnishings for the new center, allow for a heating upgrade to the building and provide funds for a part-time staff member.
“This new center has an ideal location,” said board chairman Al Domke, “one block west of main street in downtown Battle Lake.”
He said the center will serve as a visitors and information center and be a place for programs, performances, reunions, receptions, exhibits, banquets, meetings and other events.
“Recreational programs such as children's and adult theater, environmental education, alternative and adult education will be especially important,” he said. “We (LACC) will provide a year round home base for organizations that focus on service to the community.”
Domke and fellow LACC board members say community and area support and momentum is growing as they reach the goal of purchasing the property by the end of August. Contributions also will allow for startup funds to begin programs this fall.
“Our immediate goal will be accomplished with a broad base of financial support,” he predicts. “The LACC board is well aware that this is not an ideal year for fundraising — because of other major projects in this area. However, those projects are actually good news because they validate the desire of people to live here and support the growth of Battle Lake.”
This summer LACC has coordinated "Come to the Lakes" events every Thursday evening. People have been introduced to evenings of entertainment and fellowship.
Last week’s program featured a Henning family that enjoys making music together. The Smith family includes a variety of instruments in their program including cello, violin, piano, guitar and vocal selections.
The final Thursday evening performance will be held Thursday, Aug. 28, when a variety show will take place. The program begins at 8 p.m. at the former First Lutheran Church, site of the new community center.
“Our best chance for success is the sustaining support of ideas and involvement,” LACC board member Linda Tikkanen said. “Together, we can make it happen.”
For more information contact LACC board members Domke at
218-864-0948, Tikkanen at 888-770-2402 or Don Kostelecky at 218-864-5772.
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