In 4-H, young people build the skills they need for a lifetime – they learn and lead with the support of caring adults. 4-H’ers can design their own activities, or take part in a structured one. Youth learn by doing. This learning model teaches them life skills, such as problem-solving, decision-making, coping, communicating, and teamwork.
Area 4-H clubs include: Mayer Riverside 4-H Club, Watertown Willing Workers 4-H Club, New Horizons 4-H Club,Youngwood 4-H Club, Pleasant Valley 4-H Club, and Waconia Whiz Kids 4-H Club.
Anyone interested in more information about these clubs or Carver County 4-H in general should call the Carver County Extension Office at 952-466-5300, or stop by at 11360 Highway 212 Ste. 4, Cologne, MN 55322. More information is also available at https://www3.extension.umn.edu/local/carver/4-H/article/carver-county-4-h-membership-information-center, or email the extension office at mnext-carver@umn.edu.
The New Germany American Legion was formed in 1946. It provides color guard assembly for funerals and parades, commemorates Memorial Day, and hosts turkey bingo at Thanksgiving. Roger Sauerbrey is the post commander.
The Legion Club regularly meets at 6:30 p.m. in the New Germany City Hall, the first Monday of the month, beginning in September, through May. The club also hosts a banquet in June for its members.
The post has available for purchase 3-foot-by-5-foot and 4-foot-by-6-foot American flags, and also has wheelchairs, crutches, and walkers to loan.
For more information about the Legion, contact Roger Sauerbrey at 952-657-2431.
The New Germany Commercial Club was first organized by local businessmen in 1934, and later opened up to community members in the ‘70s. It is a volunteer organization created to advance community interest and civic participation in providing area residents and visitors with recreational facilities and family-oriented activities.
The club is active in maintaining a men’s softball league during the summer months. If interested in joining a softball team, call Eric at 952-353-2285.
The New Germany Commercial Club also co-hosts a men’s state softball tournament with the Hollywood Sports Complex.
It also hosts an annual Halloween party at city hall the Saturday prior to Oct. 31, with games and treats for all the children in the community. A pancake breakfast with Santa typically takes place at city hall the first Saturday in December, and an Easter event, which includes an egg hunt and visit from the Easter Bunny, takes place in spring.
Commercial Club meetings are scheduled as needed. New members and new ideas are always welcome. For more information, call Shirley Jaeger at 952-353-2208.
St. Mark Youth Ministry Board, formerly the PTFL, operates as a support for St. Mark Lutheran Church’s Youth Ministry program. Participants volunteer time and energy to raise money and provide activities for the church and community of New Germany, as well as St. Mark’s sister school, Zion Lutheran School in Mayer.
For more information, contact the church and school office at 952-353-2464, or Mary McManus, director of Family Life Ministries, at 952-353-2223.
Regular Watertown Lions Club meetings take place the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m., with the meeting locations varying from month to month.
The Watertown Lions Club has pull-tabs at Hollywood Sports Complex and Riverside Bar & Restaurant, and meat raffles take place at both locations during the winter months. Some club events include the Rails to Trails Festival and the Super Bowl Sunday pancake breakfast.
For more information, contact the Watertown Lions Club at WatertownLionsMN@gmail.com or on Facebook.
The Watertown Leo Club was chartered May 25, 2016. It is a Lions Club for youth 12 to 18 years of age.
This community-based service club takes pride in helping people and the community through service activities throughout the year. The club does a service project almost every month.
The main events the club hosts are Rails to Trails Kids Fun Zone, Kids Halloween Dance and Food Drive, and Santa Day, all taking place in Watertown. Other events that the club helps with but does not host are listed on the Watertown Leo Club website at www.Watertown Leos.com.
Meetings for the club take place once per month in Watertown, with additional monthly service projects.
The club can be contacted by email at WatertownLeos@gmail.com.
The Mayer Sportsmen Club started more than 50 years ago, and has since evolved to become the Mayer and New Germany Sportsmen Club.
The big club event takes place in April, when firearms instruction classes are taught to people 11 years old and older. The classes are taught by the club’s state-certified firearms instructors.
President Stan Heldt, secretary Gail Heldt, and treasurer Sandy Heldt help to lead the club’s 20 members.
Meetings take place quarterly at the Mayer Community Center.
Experienced firearms instructors include Doug Ernst, Chris Capaul; Stan, Sandy, and Charlie Heldt; Mitch Gordon, and Beth Schrupp.
For more information, call Stan Heldt at 952-657-2169.