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COVID-19 put a damper on the 40th anniversary celebration of the Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter Home last year, one of the first such facilities in the state. The hope was to have a dinner Thursday night at the Bonfire Restaurant at the Continental Fire Company instead, celebrating 40(+1). Unfortunately, the pandemic has not waned and that gathering too had to be canceled.
It’s still a year of great importance, though. Executive Director Mary Niemela says the organization has positioned itself well for the future with its recent relocation.
Prior to the move, the shelter operated out of a home that was bought by Herman Gundlach in memory of his wife, who then dedicated it to aid victims of domestic violence.
Niemela has been a volunteer since 1990. She says it teaches you how to be sympathetic to others, especially people currently in a situation that most don’t understand.
The shelter usually has a golf scramble in the summer. Late in winter it typically holds a “Crafting For a Cause” event.
