Volunteers host meals for the Wave of the Future
By Molly Moser
The Wave of the Future continues to roll along as fundraising efforts spread from the campaign cabinet to community members. Guttenberg resident Nancy Nuehring was so moved by Amy Clefisch and Rose Eglseder’s gift in memory of the late Dustin Eglseder that she decided to share her own talent in the kitchen to contribute to the project.
“After reading about how the Eglseder family is getting involved with the fundraising for a new pool, I thought, ‘What can I do?’” Nuehring reflected. “So I called Jeff Olson, who owns the beautiful Riverview Café, and proposed my idea.” Readers may be familiar with Nuehring’s reputation as a talented cook, and the lucky may also have tasted her famous Belgian waffles – which were front and center in her fundraising idea for the Wave of the Future. “Jeff Olson was more than willing to let us use the café for meal fundraising, and we thank him for that,” said Nuehring.
Nuehring grew up in Guttenberg, a member of the large Kann family, and recalls swimming in Miners Creek. She and her husband, Clay, raised their two daughters in Guttenberg. “My kids used the pool, and I really want to take my grandkids,” Nuehring told The Press. Both her daughters have made their own homes in Guttenberg; daughter Tara and her husband, Matt Aulwes, have chosen to raise their two children here as well.
“My mom has inspired me in so many ways. She’s always been my rock and my go-to person! She absolutely adores her grandkids and would do anything for them, even if it includes taking them for a few hours so I can get the house clean or a shower taken," said Aulwes. "I chose to raise my family here because my family is here. What I know is here. Matt and I wouldn’t trade living here for anything. We can’t imagine raising our kids without our families in their lives. That’s why we are so looking forward to the new pool and are willing to help my mom in any way that we can - so we can enjoy the new pool and spend those warm summer days with our kids making memories in the town we grew up in!”
So with Nuehring's vision in mind, a crew of dedicated volunteers spent hours sprucing up the former Riverview Café, from scrubbing the kitchen to touching up paint, to prepare for what has become a series of fundraiser meals all set to benefit the Wave of the Future. The first, which took place on Sunday, Oct. 15, raised $2,600 in free-will donations from those who enjoyed eggs, sausage, ham and Belgian waffles that morning. Nearly 20 volunteers greeted guests, waited tables, washed dishes and spent the morning cooking in the steamy kitchen. Anonymous donors contributed to the food and supplies needed, sausage patties were donated by Guttenberg Municipal Hospital, and butter chips for those tasty waffles were given by Jim Burr.
Nuehring has also planned a Saturday, Nov. 18, dinner at the same location, when she and other volunteers will be serving prime rib or shrimp scampi, baked potato, two sides (California blend vegetables with rosemary, cottage cheese or coleslaw) and dessert. Advance reservations for 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. can be made by calling Jane Parker at 563-880-5469 after 3 p.m. A limited number of seats will be available for walk-ins, but reservations are strongly encouraged. With much of the food and supplies being donated, free-will donations from diners will contribute greatly to the new pool – and, the Wave of the Future committee reminds, the more funds that are raised, the less taxpayers will be asked to contribute in the future.
A Nov. 26 brunch is also in the works, to be held in conjunction with the city’s holiday open house from 8-11 a.m. The menu will be two eggs, bacon or sausage, American fries and toast; or Nancy’s famous waffles topped with berries and cream. Proceeds from a holiday bazaar planned for the same day will also be donated to the Wave of the Future, and local favorite Backwater will also play a fundraiser concert that weekend.
“Guttenberg has a lot to offer. We have wonderful businesses, great doctors and hospital, and a large improvement planned for the school. We have to keep the young people here and involved,” said Nuehring. “The need for a new pool is now, and now is the time to help. Please get involved in some kind of fundraiser and make your family and friends aware – we need to help make a new pool a reality.”
All community members who would like to give of their time and talents are encouraged to contact the Wave of the Future about setting up their own fundraisers or events for their personal groups. "Auctions, dances, raffles, and other creative fundraisers are welcome," say committee members. Contact Nuehring for help hosting your own fundraiser meal for the Wave of the Future.
