The Friends of the Boy in Blue Civil War Memorial is organizing a celebration of the 10th anniversary of the dedication of a statue in a Mankato park — as well as the 160th anniversary of end of the American Civil War.
An open house is 5-7 p.m. May 30 at historic Lincoln Park near the Boy in Blue statue.
Cake and lemonade will be served at the free gathering. All are welcome. If the weather is inclement, the event will move to Morson-Ario-Strand VFW, 1900 N. Riverfront Drive.
For more information visit: boyinblue.org.
Styrofoam recycling event set
A new option exists for environmentally conscious people with unwanted Styrofoam.
Mankato Area Zero Waste is planning a recycling event 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 21-22 at Kato Moving and Storage, 417 Poplar St. The free service is for anyone who’d like their Styrofoam waste to stay out of landfills.
Mankato Area Zero Waste also plans to provide information to the public about the hazards of all forms of Styrofoam. The nonprofit recently was awarded a $2,487 grant from Mankato Clinic Foundation to further its environmental mission.
Materials collected will be trucked to a site at Hutchinson. There the Styrofoam will be turned into long tubes that later will be recycled into picture frames.
Since 2016, Mankato Area Zero Waste has partnered with the cities of Mankato, North Mankato and Lake Crystal in providing education and volunteers for free organic recycling programs. In the interest of reducing waste, the organization has expanded into recycling plastic bags and wraps, Styrofoam collections and electronics recycling. Members distribute recycling buckets for coffee grounds to businesses and provide free information about how to reuse various items.
Fundraiser planned in arboretum
An outdoor evening benefit for Connections Shelter is slated June 20 on the campus of Gustavus Adolphus College. The Arboretum’s trees will be decorated with lights in a style inspired by the mystical forests of Shakespeare’s play.
“A Midsummer Soiree” will feature live music and gourmet picnic fair. Signature cocktails will be served.
Tickets cost $50 per person. The cost to reserve a table seating eight is $400.
Connections shelter is a low-barrier, emergency shelter in Mankato.
To make reservations online for the fundraiser, go to: eventbrite.com/e/a-midsummer-soiree-tickets-1255687437929?aff=oddtdtcreator.