Meger print donated to help save city pool

An anonymous donor has stepped forward to assist with the fundraising for the community swimming pool’s resurfacing project. The local person has donated an original James A. Meger framed painting of a winter night scene that showcases a buck standing tall while two does cross a creek. The painting can be viewed at the Minneota Public Library.

The painting was purchased by the donor directly from Meger, a Minneota native and well-known wildlife and landscape artist who passed away in 2011.

The painting will be one of the silent auction items up for bid at the Adult Prom set for March 28 at the American Legion. The donor requested that the highest bid at the silent be at least the price she purchased the painting for, or more. If the bid does not match the purchase price, the painting will then be auctioned off during Boxelder Bug Days, with the proceeds still going toward the pool’s resurfacing project. “What a generous offer,” said Steph Vlaminck, who is coordinating the second annual Adult Prom with Amber Rodas.

“Very few times am I left speechless, but this was one of those times.” The donor, whose sibling once attended St. Edward’s School with Meger, approached Vlaminck after she got off work recently to inquire as to whether she would be interested in trying to sell the painting at the Adult Prom’s silent auction. “The donor understands the importance of the pool and wants to see it preserved,” said Vlaminck.

“Her kids used the pool and her father and uncle worked on the pool when it was first being built.” The community adult pool needs to be resurfaced by next spring in order to obtain an operating license.

Fundraising has been ongoing for the past two years to achieve the amount needed for the project.

Tickets for the Adult Prom are $30 per person or $50 per couple and can be purchased at Prairie Winds Wellness or Gislason’s Hardware.