Jim Wilson, a member at the Wayzata American Legion, sent along photos of a shovel-nosed duck that has made herself comfortable on the Legion patio, where she appears to be nesting in one of the planters.
Image submitted by Jim Wilson.
A sign nearby explains the situation with the kind of charm only Wayzata can deliver:
“a duck has chose our plater to create a nest for her errs. please be kind and do not disturb.”
So stop by the Legion, enjoy the patio, say hello to friends, and take in one of those little scenes that makes Wayzata feel like Wayzata. Just be sure to give the nesting duck plenty of space, and let her corner of the patio remain quiet.
WAYZATA — The Wayzata American Legion will lead a series of Memorial Day ceremonies on Monday, May 25, 2026, with observances planned at several area cemeteries and Heritage Park.
The day’s schedule begins at 8:30 a.m. at Parkers Lake Cemetery and continues through the morning in Wayzata.
Image courtesy Wayzata Legion.
The official schedule includes:
8:30 a.m. — Parkers Lake Cemetery 9:15 a.m. — Greenlawn Cemetery 9:45 a.m. — Old Wayzata Cemetery 10:30 a.m. — Summit Park Cemetery 11:30 a.m. — Heritage Park
The ceremonies at Summit Park Cemetery and Heritage Park will include an extended program with the reading of deceased members’ names. Wayzata Mayor Andrew Mullin is scheduled to serve as guest speaker.
Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday in May, is set aside to honor members of the United States armed forces who died in service to the country. In Wayzata, the American Legion’s annual observance has long served as a solemn community tradition, connecting residents, veterans and families through remembrance.
Following the final ceremony, the community is invited to the Wayzata American Legion for a light buffet lunch. The luncheon will be offered as a free-will offering.
Wayzata’s two charitable gambling organizations — the Wayzata Lions Club and Wayzata American Legion Post 118 — reported strong financial performance and growing community impact during an update to the Wayzata City Council on March 10.
Leaders from both groups described how charitable gambling revenues are helping fund local nonprofits, youth programs, veteran services, and community improvements across the region.
Wayzata Lions report record year
Tim Anderson of the Wayzata Lions Club opened the presentation with a review of the club’s community service work over the past year.
The Lions continue a long list of local initiatives, including Salvation Army bell ringing — an effort the club has supported for 15 to 20 years.
The club also participates in Wayzata’s Light Up the Lake event and organizes a popular Letters to Santa station, where children write holiday messages that Lions members later respond to. Anderson said the club collected 155 letters from children this year.
Other volunteer efforts include helping at Special Olympics events in Stillwater, supporting the Tour de Tonka diabetes fundraiser, and volunteering with Feed My Starving Children, where members pack meals for international hunger relief.
The Lions also continue their longstanding eyeglass collection program, gathering 4,239 pairs of glasses last yearthrough a network of about 24 collection sites across the region.
Beyond volunteer work, the club distributes significant charitable donations each year. Anderson said recent contributions included:
Equipment funding for the Wayzata Fire Department
Support for Interfaith Outreach, Hammer Residences, and The Retreat
Donations to the Ridgedale Library and Hope Chest for Breast Cancer
Funding for the Wayzata Symphony Orchestra and Blue Water Theatre
Four $1,000 scholarships for Wayzata High School students through the Wayzata Education Fund
The club also partners with Senior Community Services and hosts holiday events for residents at Boardwalk Apartments, which Anderson noted is one of Wayzata’s Section 8 housing properties.
Looking ahead, the Lions plan to assist with improvements at Gullickson Field near Gleason Lake, including new paint, rock work, and signage.
Gambling revenue drives charitable giving
Nancy Nelson, the Lions Club’s lawful gambling manager, reported that the club’s charitable gambling operation posted record results during its most recent fiscal year.
Gross gambling revenue reached $5.3 million, the first time the organization has surpassed the $5 million mark.
Those revenues allowed the Lions to distribute $150,500 in charitable donations, also a record for the organization. Nelson said the previous high had been around $109,000.
Since the club’s founding in 1954, Nelson said the Wayzata Lions have now donated more than $4 million to charitable causes.
Nine months into the current fiscal year, operations remain strong. Nelson said electronic pull tabs and E-Link Bingo have helped boost revenue while traditional paper games remain a core part of the operation.
The Lions currently hold a five-star rating from the Minnesota Gambling Control Board, a designation awarded to organizations that direct more than 50 percent of net proceeds to charitable purposes. Nelson also noted the club has maintained clean regulatory audits.
Legion gambling supports veterans and community
Doug Carter, the relatively new commander of Wayzata American Legion Post 118, also provided an update on the Legion’s charitable gambling program.
Carter, a U.S. Navy veteran who served alongside Marine units at Camp Huntington and during Desert Shield and Desert Storm, said the organization has benefited significantly from the addition of electronic pull tabs and paper pull tabs.
Historically, the Legion relied primarily on bingo and meat raffles, which Carter said barely covered operational costs as membership declined and the organization’s veteran base aged.
“With the diminishing membership and increasing member age, by adding electronic pull tabs and paper pull tabs our membership benefits have increased and the benefits to the community have increased as well,” Carter told the council.
For the current fiscal year, which runs July 1 through June 30, the Legion has generated approximately $1.86 million in gross revenue through February, averaging about $240,000 per month.
If the pace continues, Carter said the organization expects to reach about $2.82 million in revenue for the fiscal year, roughly a 15 percent increase compared with the prior year.
The Legion currently distributes about 84 percent of its net proceeds to charitable causes, which also qualifies the organization for a five-star rating with the state.
Carter said roughly 60 percent of the Legion’s charitable giving supports veterans organizations, while about 40 percent goes to community causes.
Recent recipients include:
Plymouth–Wayzata Youth Baseball and Softball
D.A.R.E. programs
Gillette Children’s Hospital
HopeKids
The Randy Shaver Cancer Research Fund
Sharing and Caring Hands
Wayzata Crime Prevention Coalition
Gambling revenues have also helped fund improvements to the Legion building itself. Carter said the organization recently added a third ADA-accessible restroom to better accommodate aging members and guests.
Partnership across the community
Both organizations emphasized their cooperative relationship with the city and with one another.
Mayor Andrew Mullin noted that when Wayzata allowed multiple charitable gambling licenses in the city, some had feared the organizations would compete for limited revenue.
Instead, he said, both groups appear to be thriving.
“We appreciate the relationship that we have with the city and with the Lions,” Carter said. “We look at it as a team to benefit the community, and we’re all working well together.”
City council members thanked both organizations for their service and contributions to the community.
Between the Lions and Legion operations, charitable gambling continues to generate millions of dollars in local economic activity and hundreds of thousands of dollars in charitable donations each year, supporting a wide range of programs across the Wayzata area.
WAYZATA – Under clear skies and golden sunshine, the community of Wayzata gathered Monday morning at Heritage Park for a heartfelt Memorial Day ceremony hosted by the Wayzata American Legion Post 118. Families, veterans, local leaders, and longtime residents stood together in solemn reflection, surrounded by the early summer beauty of the lakeside town.
The program opened with remarks from Vince Cerniglia, Second Vice Commander of the Sons to the American Legion, who welcomed the crowd and introduced Auxiliary Chaplain Babette Pohtilla to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
Vince Cerniglia, Second Vice Commander of the Sons to the American Legion
Wayzata Post Commander Jerome Ostrom spoke next, offering historical perspective on the American Legion’s local roots. Post 118 is named in honor of Ernest Ashleman, a Wayzata resident who died while serving in World War I. “Let us reflect on their courage, sacrifices, and dedication to a great cause,” Ostrom said. “And let us recommit ourselves to the cause of freedom, justice, and democracy.”
Jerry Osterov, Post Commander.
Mayor Andrew Mullin served as keynote speaker, delivering an address that honored the over one million Americans who have died in military service. “We remember the countless heroes who made the supreme sacrifice, ensuring liberty’s beacon continues to shine brightly,” Mullin said. He also acknowledged the quiet strength of military families and expressed his appreciation for the enduring efforts of Post 118 in preserving the spirit of civic remembrance.
Mayor Andrew Mullin.
The ceremony continued with a reading of names—Legion members, Auxiliary members, and community supporters who had passed away in the past year. Among those honored were Thomas Lauman, Verne Hubbell, Catherine Wood, Randy Monson, and others whose presence had long been felt in the local veteran community.
Babette Pohtilla then returned to offer a closing prayer, calling on those gathered to remember the deeper meaning of the day and to hold in their hearts the service and sacrifice of others.
Dona Novey plays taps.
The morning concluded with a final salute and the traditional call of “order arms,” before guests were invited to gather at the Wayzata Legion post for hot dogs and fellowship.
In Wayzata, Memorial Day is more than a day off—it’s a living tradition that honors service, sacrifice, and the ties that bind a community together.
WAYZATA — The Wayzata American Legion Post 118 will once again lead the community in honoring fallen service members this Memorial Day with a series of solemn and patriotic ceremonies across Wayzata and surrounding areas.
According to the Legion’s published schedule, observances will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, May 27, 2024, at Parkers Lake Cemetery in Plymouth. From there, the post will continue its traditional circuit of ceremonies at area cemeteries.
A full schedule of Memorial Day stops includes:
8:30 a.m. – Parkers Lake Cemetery in Plymouth
9:15 a.m. – Greenlawn Cemetary in Wayzata
9:45 a.m. – Old Wayzata Cemetery in Wayzata
10:30 a.m. – Summit Hill Cemetery* in Wayzata
11:30 a.m. – Herritage Park* in Wayzata
11:45 a.m. – Wayzata American Legion – Lunch Buffet
Each stop typically includes the presentation of colors, the playing of Taps, and a brief tribute to honor the memory of those who gave their lives in service to the nation. Members of the Legion’s Honor Guard and community volunteers often participate, reinforcing the longstanding local tradition of reverence and remembrance.
At Summit Park Cemetery and Heritage Park, the ceremonies will include the reading of names of deceased Legion members and remarks from guest speaker Mayor Andrew Mullin.
Founded after World War I, Wayzata’s Legion Post 118 has served as a civic anchor for generations. Its Memorial Day route is not only a military ritual but also a deeply local act of continuity, connecting neighborhoods and generations through the shared act of remembering.
Residents are encouraged to attend any of the Memorial Day ceremonies throughout the morning or join the community at the Wayzata American Legion for the final tribute. A light buffet lunch will be served at the Legion following the concluding ceremony, with a free-will offering accepted.
Wayzata American Legion Post 118 is led by Commander Jerry Ostrov, who will oversee this year’s Memorial Day observances.
The Wayzata City Council met on Tuesday, February 18, to review several key community initiatives, including a proposed neighborhood engagement plan aimed at strengthening relationships between residents and city leadership. The council also recognized the Wayzata Lions Club and the Ernest Asselton American Legion Post 118 for their continued support through lawful gambling partnerships, which help fund local programs including the Wayzata Fire Department Relief Association. Additionally, council members considered whether to amend the city’s legislative priorities to include a local option sales tax, a proposal brought forward by the city’s lobbyists and legislative representatives as a potential revenue source for infrastructure and community projects.
Neighborhood Engagement Plan
The City of Wayzata is launching a Neighborhood Engagement Initiative to strengthen communication between residents and city officials. This new plan will build on the Panoway District Committee’s regular meetings with five annual neighborhood meetups, providing a more inclusive forum for community discussion.
Led by the City Manager and Police Chief, these informal gatherings will invite residents, city staff, and elected officials to discuss local concerns, prioritizing listening over information-sharing. The city will be divided into four sections, each hosting a meeting, with an additional one in the high-traffic downtown area.
The meetings will take place either in local gathering spots or at City Hall, with scheduling options in the morning or evening to accommodate different schedules. Residents will receive targeted invitations and outreach, and feedback from each meeting will be documented and made available online for transparency.
This initiative aligns with Wayzata’s strategic goal of sustaining community character and safety, fostering stronger relationships between residents and city officials.
Wayzata Lions Club Recognized for Community Contributions
As part of the Public Comment portion of the Wayzata City Council meeting, officials took a moment to highlight the ongoing contributions of the Wayzata Lions Club, a longstanding community service organization.
Founded in 1952, the local chapter of the Lions Club is part of the world’s largest service club organization, boasting 1.4 million members across 46,000 clubs in more than 200 countries. The Wayzata Lions have played a vital role in the community through various initiatives, including charitable grants, scholarships for Wayzata High School students, and an eyeglass collection program that gathers over 1,000 pairs of glasses annually from 19 collection sites.
The club also generates funds through charitable gambling, such as pull tabs, with proceeds benefiting local causes. Additionally, the Lions are actively involved in community service efforts, volunteering at organizations like Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners (IOCP) and Feed My Starving Children. They also participate in events such as the annual Highway 101 cleanup, the American Diabetes Association’s bike tour, Tour de Tonka, Salvation Army bell ringing, and the Holiday Nut Sale.
A signature event on the club’s calendar is the annual Waffle Breakfast, set for Saturday, February 22, at St. Bartholomew Church. The club also organizes the “Letters to Santa” activity as part of Wayzata’s Light Up the Lake celebration.
Wayzata American Legion Honored for Community Involvement
The Wayzata City Council. Image courtesy City of Wayzata.
As part of the recent Wayzata City Council meeting, officials recognized the contributions of the Ernest Asselton American Legion Post 118, a longstanding community institution with deep ties to the city.
Originally established following World War I, the Legion has served as a gathering place for generations, hosting dances, picnics, and social events. Today, it continues to be an active presence in the community, providing space for class reunions and supporting numerous organizations, including the Boy Scouts of America, Toys for Tots, and the Let the Children Foundation.
Council members also highlighted the Legion’s welcoming atmosphere, noting that it is open to the public for food and drinks. Popular events such as Taco Tuesday, Bingo Night, and the weekly Meat Raffle help bring the community together. The Legion also serves as a hub for charitable fundraising, including a recent event for HopeKids attended by local leaders.
Membership in the American Legion extends beyond veterans, as descendants of those who served in the military are also eligible to join. Council members acknowledged the service of military veterans in attendance, including Councilmember Alex Plechash.
Following the recognition, City Manager Jeff Dahl introduced Kirk Zahrbach, who oversees charitable gambling at the Legion. This marks the Legion’s first year managing pull tab gambling, and Zahrbach provided an update on its impact and the many ways the proceeds benefit the community.
Legislative Priorities Revisted
The Wayzata City Council recently deliberated on whether to add a local option sales tax (LOST) to its legislative priorities. Initially, city staff and lobbyists recommended exploring this tax as a means to diversify revenue sources and reduce reliance on property taxes. The discussion centered on two potential options: a 1% or 0.5% local sales tax, as well as a food and beverage tax, which could bring in significant revenue from non-residents.
A study by the University of Minnesota Extension previously suggested that such a tax could provide substantial financial benefits, with a majority of the revenue being generated by visitors rather than residents. However, legislative hurdles exist, including a moratorium on local sales taxes set to expire in June 2025. While the City had considered making a formal request to the State Legislature, the Council ultimately decided not to add the local option sales tax to its 2025 legislative priorities at this time, with Plechash, MacDonald and Sorrenson voting against the amendment.
Instead, the City will shift its focus to a comprehensive engagement plan aimed at gathering input from businesses and residents on future revenue strategies. This plan includes outreach through the Chamber of Commerce, public meetings, surveys, and discussions with key stakeholders. The Council will also continue assessing capital project funding needs, including park improvements and a future public safety facility, while considering alternative revenue sources.
The Wayzata City Council has accepted generous donations from the Wayzata Lions Club and Wayzata Legion Post 118, providing critical financial support for the city’s fire department.
At a recent council meeting, officials unanimously approved a resolution to accept a $10,000 donation from the Lions Club and a $20,000 donation from the Legion. The funds, generated through charitable pull-tab sales, will be directed toward purchasing essential fire department equipment.
City officials emphasized the importance of these contributions in easing the burden on taxpayers. Under the city’s 2024-2026 strategic plan, diversifying revenue is a key priority, and donations like these help reduce reliance on property tax-funded resources allocated to the Capital Equipment Fund.
The Wayzata Lions Club and Wayzata Legion have a history of supporting the community and fire department, periodically making donations to ensure first responders have the tools they need to protect the community.
The approved resolution, listed as Res 02-2025, formally recognizes the contributions and ensures the funds will be used to enhance Wayzata Fire Department operations.
This Veterans Day, we pause to honor the courage, sacrifice, and commitment of the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Their dedication is the foundation of the freedoms we cherish, and their service will never be forgotten.
Veterans Day Luncheon
To commemorate the day, the Wayzata American Legion is hosting a special Veterans Day Luncheon event from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Guests can enjoy a delicious turkey dinner with all the trimmings. The luncheon is free for Legion members, $15 for non-members, and $8 for kids. This gathering is a wonderful opportunity to connect with local veterans and show appreciation for their service.
Veterans Day is a time to reflect, express gratitude, and remember the sacrifices made by those who served. Whether through attending the luncheon, sharing a heartfelt thank-you, or teaching younger generations about the significance of this day, let’s come together to honor the heroes among us.
To all veterans: thank you for your service, today and every day.
The Wayzata Fire Department trains at Wayzata Public Works.
The Wayzata American Legion Post 118 is hosting a special benefit dinner for the Wayzata Fire Department on Friday, Oct. 11, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The event will take place at the Legion, located at 949 Wayzata Blvd E.
The benefit will feature an all-you-can-eat Broasted Chicken dinner, complete with baked potatoes, coleslaw, and dinner rolls. Both dine-in and takeout options are available.
All proceeds from the dinner will go to the Wayzata Fire Department to help support its services and operations. Please note that the regular menu will not be available during the event.
This is a perfect opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal at this local restaurant while supporting your local firefighters. For additional details, contact the Wayzata American Legion at (952) 473-7678.
Correction: This article has been updated to reflect the correct day of the week.
The Wayzata community gathered at Heritage Park on Memorial Day to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.
The Memorial Day ceremony, organized by the Wayzata American Legion, was a poignant reminder of the valor and dedication of our fallen heroes.
This annual event is part of a nationwide tradition where Americans come together to pay tribute to the military personnel who have died in the performance of their military duties.
Origins of Memorial Day
Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971.
Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings, and participating in parades.
Many also observe a moment of remembrance at 3:00 p.m. local time.
Wayzata’s Memorial Day Ceremony
The ceremony commenced with Vince Cerniglia, SAL 2nd Vice Commander, serving as the Master of Ceremonies.
The event began with the Posting of the Colors, led by Neil Gives, Sergeant at Arms, setting a respectful and solemn tone for the proceedings.
Babette Pohtilla, Auxiliary Chaplain, delivered the Invocation and led the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Jerry Osterov, Post Commander, welcomed the crowd and emphasized the importance of remembering those who have served and sacrificed for our freedoms.
Matthew Bruns from Folds of Honor provided a heartfelt keynote address, highlighting the ongoing support needed for the families of fallen and disabled service members.
His words resonated deeply with the audience, underscoring the enduring impact of military service on families and communities.
Matthew Bruns.
Vince Cerniglia took the stage again to solemnly read the names of deceased members from the past year, a tribute that personalized the loss felt by the community.
Babette Pohtilla offered a moving prayer, bringing comfort and reflection to the moment.
The ceremony continued with the playing of “TAPS” by Joe Albachten, a haunting and beautiful tribute that echoed across Heritage Park, reminding all present of the sacrifices made by our service members.
The event concluded with the traditional retreat, performed by the Post 118 Honor Guard, marking the end of the formal ceremony.
Honoring lost friends and members
Special recognition was given to the members and friends lost this past year, listed as follows:
American Legion Post 118: David Wostrel, Joe Harrington, Denny Evenson, John Born, Donny Scanlon, Edward Koepp, Peter Palm, William Ritter, Stephen Towle
Sons of the American Legion: Gary Welch, Jim Blaha
Auxiliary: Vicki Blue, Judy Stein
Friends of the American Legion: Kevin Hartner, Liz Schroeder
The ceremony was a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by many and the importance of coming together as a community to honor their memory.
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