The PTFL, formerly an organization of St. Mark Lutheran School, will continue operating as a support for St. Mark Lutheran Church’s new Family of Life Ministry program. Participants volunteer time and energy to raise money and provide activities for the church and community of New Germany, as well as our sister school, Zion Lutheran School, Mayer.

For more information, contact the office of Family Life Ministry (952) 353-2462, Mary Mielke, director..

New Germany Fire Department

Organized in 1901, the purpose of the New Germany Fire and Rescue Unit is to respond to all disasters, including fire, medical, personal injury accidents, weather watches, hazardous materials, and terrorism. Both men and women are welcome to become an asset to the community by joining the fire department. New members are always welcome to apply.

Meetings are the first Monday of the month and training meetings are the third Monday of the month. For more information, contact Steve Van Lith at (952) 353-2571 or (952) 353-2257.

Hollywood Booster Club

Hollywood Township, Watertown-Mayer School District, and the Waconia School District each benefit from the Hollywood Booster Club. The Hollywood Booster Club raises funds through events and pull tab sales to benefit youth activities.

The group meets the second Thursday of each month at 8 p.m. in the old Hollywood Township shed.

For more information, call Gary Johnson at (952) 353-2491, Paul Engelhart at (952) 353-2481, or Bruce Johnson at (952) 353-2589.

New Germany Commercial Club

The New Germany Commercial Club maintains and updates city parks, offers summer youth programs and holiday parties for children throughout the year.

The 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 will be hosts its annual fish fry and harvest party in October 2008.

To join or for more information, call Shirley Jaeger at (952) 353-2208.

4-H Shooting Sports and Wildlife Program

Personal development and responsible environmental behavior are the goals of the 4-H Shooting Sports and Wildlife Program. One of the groups that participates in this program meets in New Germany each year.

Participants in the program must complete 16 hours of instruction in a specific discipline in order to qualify for the state competition. The group that meets in New Germany has an advantage because they are able to practice indoors during the winter months.

“We are able to complete more than half of the required hours before the start of summer, which makes it much less stressful for the participants,” lead volunteer Kim Bartz said. For more information, contact Bartz at (952) 466-5603.

New Germany American Legion

The New Germany American Legion was formed in 1946. It provides color guard assembly for funerals, parades, commemorates Memorial Day, and hosts turkey bingo at Thanksgiving. Roger Sauerbrey is the post commander.

The Legion club regularly meets at 7 p.m. in the New Germany City Hall, the first Monday of the month beginning in October through June. The club also hosts a banquet in June for its members.

The post has available for purchase 3’x5’ and 4’x6’ American flags, and has a family support group for families who have loved ones in the military.

For more information about the Legion, contact Roger Sauerbrey at (952) 657-2431.

4-H Clubs

The 4-H organization, now over 100 years old, enables youth to have fun, meet new people, learn new life skills, build self-confidence, learn responsibility, and set and achieve goals. Youth learn by doing and receive an award for a project. Members range from age 5 to 19.

The New Additions 4-H Club was disbanded, however there are many other 4-H Clubs in the area to choose from. These inlcude the clubs in Mayer, Watertown, Norwood/Young America and Waconia.

Anyone interested in joining should call the University of Minnesota Extension, Carver County, 11360 Highway 212 Ste 4, Cologne, MN 55322-9019, at (952) 466-5300. More information is also available at www.extension.umn.edu.count/carver/ or email the extension office at mnext-carver@umn.edu.