The Glenfield Senior Citizens Club, a relatively young organization, held its first meeting at the Glenfield school, June 25, 1982. At that time 20 persons signed up as members. The following officers were elected: President Kenneth Walen, Vice President Darold Anderson, Secretary-treasurer Eva Aaker. Directors were Dorothy Edland and Eddie Klemstein. By-laws were discussed and adopted, other organizational business was transacted.

At subsequent meetings discussion centered around Glenfield's lack of a community building, the church and school being the only places available for meetings of any kind. The club decided to investigate the possibility of building a senior citizens center which could also be used by the community. One of the specific goals was to provide space for health service. A building committee was formed, their first tasks were to look at other senior centers, study plans, and consult with contractors. A finance committee was appointed to investigate grants and funding. The club needed to become incorporated and be established as a nonprofit organization.

In the fall, Kenneth Walen resigned as president and the vice president, Darold Anderson became presiding officer. The club, after due consideration, voted to build. First plans called for a building 64' x 40' which was later changed to 76' x 40'. The plans were to include several meeting areas, an office, a well-equipped kitchen and a dining area - the entire building was to be accessible to the handicapped.

The building site chosen included three lots -one belonged to Kenneth Walen, one to Elmer Finch, and the third, previously owned by Lottie Posey, was the location of the bank building which housed the post office for many years. These lots were donated to the club.

At this time application was made for a Title III B funding grant available under the Older Americans Act for the construction of senior citizens centers. This application took considerable time and the effort of many people.

By April 15, the grant had been approved, providing $20,000 which was the base of our funding. Direct donations from club members, businesses, younger citizens - in fact, the entire community, totaled $29,396. Fraternal and patriotic groups contributed $5,600; private foundations gave $5,800; the county mill levy for senior citizens together with the state matching funds added $9,440, making a total of over $70,000. When the club had voted to build, the treasury contained a shockingly insignificant amount - $70.00!

At the time the grant money was received, Evelyn Anderson was appointed as special grant treasurer. Betty Johnson was named acting secretary. Building committee members were: Arnold McDaniel, Darold Anderson, Leroy Johnson, John Halvorson and Ingvald Aaker. Finance committee members were Evalyn Johnson, Ruth Martinson, Mercedes Gader and Carl Johnson.

Construction was begun in the spring of 1983. On June 26, the members gathered to inspect the progress of the building, then went to the school for a business meeting and lunch. This was the first anniversary of the club which had grown to over 60 members.

By July 14, the construction had progressed sufficiently so that the harvest festival dance could be held in the building. The kitchen was not complete and the floor was bare cement - but "the band played on."

Later that month, the club voted to name the building the Glenfield Community Center. Various fund raisers were being held during the summer and fall. Saturday noon lunches were being served; pie and coffee sold well on the nurses clinic day. An auction of donated items was very successful. Bingo equipment was purchased and bingo has been a weekly event from September through May. Breakfast is served to the public six days a week.

On August 3, the county health nurse, Jean Kulla, conducted the first monthly health maintenance clinic in our building. Previously this had been in the church basement. This was the first step of a program to provide better health service facilities.

During the winter and spring plans were made for a congregate meal program. The Foster County Council on Aging sponsors this service; the South Central Senior Services of Barnes County is the administrative agency. 'A grant was obtained for the purchase of necessary kitchen and dining room equipment as well as dishes and utensils. The first meal was served August 1, 1984. Since then delicious balanced meals are served twice a week at the center; home delivered meals are available for those who are unable to come to the center.

In October, Dr. Rick Geier started seeing patients weekly at the center, using the office as an examining room and the kitchen for brief consultations. Many people were making use of this service. By winter the club members started planning an addition to the west end of the building. The needs of the club and the community were assessed and on April 2, the club voted to build a 20' x 40' addition. Plans included two offices, one to be used by the doctor and the other to be shared by the dentist and the doctor. Space for storage was also included.

Estimates for the addition totaled $13,500. Funding was supplied through an III B grant, a foundation grant and club funds. The addition was completed in late fall. Dr. Geier and Dr. Middleton have provided weekly medical and dental service since that time.

At the present time the club has 68 members. Officers are President Betty Johnson, Vice President Leona Johnson, Secretary Mercedes Gader, Treasurer Ruth Martinson, Directors Arnold McDaniel and Edwin Klemstein.

The center is used for all senior citizen activities and innumerable community events - homemaker and 4-H club meetings, weight loss and exercise classes, art classes and art shows, knitting classes, birthday parties, farm meetings, card parties, showers, receptions, dances, etc.

Occasionally questions are asked: "What did we do before we had the center? Where did we have our meetings and get-togethers?" Then the members of the Glenfield Senior Citizens feel proud of the clubs part in recognizing a need in the community and in seeing the project through to completion. This accomplishment would not have been possible without the community support which was deeply appreciated!

Source:  Glenfield History 1886 €“ 1987 Page 149