On August 21st, the Fulda Area Community Club sponsored a Membership Drive Night at the Fulda Community Center. The evening started with Brian’s Supper Club serving a delicious meal to the 56 people in attendance. WOW – you read it correctly 56 people attended this special event! Some of the comments shared following the meeting included the following: “I sensed community involvement and excitement!” “The night was inspiring and motivating!” “There are ALOT of people that care about the future of Fulda!” This event was VERY encouraging and exciting!” “I met new Fulda people!” “Free food always draws people!” “Simply Amazing!”
Following the meal, there was a brief summary shared regarding the Community Club and its mission which is to promote the City of Fulda. The current officers are Mary Magnus-President, Margaret Popp-Treasurer, and Linda Jacobsen-Wood Duck Festival Treasurer. At this time, our Secretary position is vacant. The regular meeting night is the last Thursday of each month beginning at 7:30 P.M. and is held at the Fulda Senior Center or in the City Hall meeting room.
There are three main projects each year which include the Fulda Wood Duck Festival, the Fall Craft Fair, and the Parade of Lights. Additional projects are very possible, but new ideas and people are needed to make them happen.
Annual Community Club dues are $5 for an individual, $10 for a family, $35 for small businesses (less than 7 employees) and $125 for large businesses (More than 7 employees). A business membership, both small and large, covers the dues for ALL of their current employees!
It was noted that there are really two types of people in communities – Leaders/Drivers and Volunteers/Helpers. It takes BOTH to enable any group to succeed and reach the goals set. Out of the 56 people at this meeting, it was evident that Fulda has many Leaders/Drivers as shown by the current interest of one person running for a State office (Max Kaufman), 1 person running for a County office (Paul Kenney), and 5 people running for City offices and positions on the Fulda School Board or currently serving (Don Tiesler, Jim Brown, Ann Witzel, Lucas Isder, and Adam Hart).
Lucas Isder shared information about the Seven Mile Park Beach Revitalization Project that he and his wife are spearheading and in the process of raising funds to complete. This also may include a Disc Golf course being added to the park. A few years ago, Sand Volleyball Courts were installed and they have been extremely successful and now used by hundreds of people, both from Fulda and the surrounding area.
So, where do we go from here? There was a definite common theme heard from many people in various ways – Fulda is a very nice City and we should focus on its strengths and find ways to encourage new people to consider joining our community in the future! This would help both our City and our School District with additional numbers. Housing projects, applications for various grants should be considered to promote and grow Fulda. An idea for a new Community project was brought forward which would involve an Ethnic Food and Fun Festival in Fulda. We now have many new residents that would enjoy sharing foods and customs that may be unique and new to long time Fulda residents.
By the end of evening, there was a group/committee working on ideas and plans to expand and enhance the upcoming Fulda Parade of Lights in December.
Everyone was invited to the upcoming monthly meeting of the Fulda Area Community Club.
To sum up the meeting in one phrase, one person shared “Working together, we (the citizens of Fulda) can accomplish anything!” EVERYONE is welcome and encouraged to attend our next meeting and to seriously consider joining us as we all work for a better Fulda!
