What Hastings Is Talking About Today (Nonprofits Edition ▲ August 16 , 2025)
Pictured: Be sure to stop by G & G Petite Sweets at the Festival on the River this Saturday, located in the charming and historic downtown area of Hastings, Minnesota. Image by HastingsNow.com/ashley
The dog days of summer are anything but lazy in Hastings! Local nonprofits are rolling out back‑to‑school events, community gatherings and heartfelt services that make our river town shine. Grab your calendar and see what’s buzzing around the bend!
News & Reviews
Catholic Education Foundation Offers Summer Prayer
In a gentle nod to the approaching school year, the Hastings Catholic Education Foundation shared a “Summer Prayer” asking for rest, wonder and renewal for students, educators and families. The prayer encourages hearts to be prepared for a joyful return to classrooms filled with faith and wisdom. It’s a simple reminder that faith and learning go hand in hand in Hastings.
👉 Link: Hastings Catholic Education Foundation
People & Community
Hastings Family Service Salutes Meal Drivers & Preps School Supplies (Hastings Family Service)
Hastings Family Service is feeling the love. Nearly 200 Meals on Wheels volunteers deliver hot meals Monday through Friday to local neighbors, and the nonprofit is still looking for more friendly faces. Volunteer coordinator Maria Slavik (651‑437‑7134) would love to hear from you. Meanwhile, the HFS office is bursting with backpacks and crayons thanks to local AAUW volunteers. Families can still register for school supplies by calling 651‑437‑7134. Whether you deliver meals or pick up supplies, Hastings Family Service makes sure everyone starts the school year nourished and prepared.
👉 Link: Hastings Family Service
Meet Hastings’ New School Superintendent at Festival on the River (Festival on the River / Hastings Area Rotary Club)
The Festival on the River is not just about music; it’s a chance to meet people shaping our schools. Organizers invite everyone to stop by the Hastings Area Rotary Club booth to meet Dr. Kristine Wehrkamp Herman, Hastings’ new school superintendent and a fellow Rotarian. The chatty booth also shares what it means to be a Rotarian, so you can learn how the Rotary invests in community projects and youth programs. Swing by during the festival to welcome Dr. Herman and discover how you can get involved in Rotary service.
👉 Link: Festival on the River
Hope For The Brave Picnic Celebrates Community at Spring Lake Park (Hope For The Brave)
RECAP: Hope For The Brave’s United Hope picnic at Spring Lake Park Reserve brought together friends, families and plenty of gratitude. Organizers thanked Jimmy John’s and Hastings Cub Foods for donations and expressed thanks to Yahweh for blessings past, present and future. While the event has passed, the message of unity, love and faith continues. Keep an eye on Hope For The Brave’s page for future gatherings where neighbors can reconnect, share food and celebrate the power of hope.
👉 Link: Hope For The Brave
Events & Key Dates
Back to School With Aaron Jones Delights Military Families (United Heroes League)
United Heroes League is kicking off the school year in style. On Tuesday, August 26, 2025, from 4 pm to 6 pm at the Traditions Veterans Complex (2800 Ravenna Trail, Hastings), military families can meet Minnesota Vikings star Aaron Jones, enjoy free food, participate in fun activities and receive special gifts. The event celebrates and connects military kids as they head back to class. It’s free and open exclusively to military families, so bring your camera and appetite!
👉 Link: United Heroes League
Civil War Weekend Returns to LeDuc Historic Estate September 6‑7 (Hastings Area Historical Society)
History buffs, mark your calendars! Site Manager Ryan Kuchta and historian Spencer Johnson are already prepping for Civil War Weekend at the historic LeDuc Estate, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, September 6‑7, 2025. The pair teased that new features are in store this year. Expect reenactments, tours of the 1866 mansion at 1629 Vermillion Street and hands‑on activities for all ages. Stay tuned to the Hastings Area Historical Society for schedules and tickets—it’s an immersive way to step back into the 1860s.
👉 Link: Hastings Area Historical Society
Benedictine Celebrates Senior Citizen’s Day on August 21 (Benedictine Living Community‑Regina)
Benedictine Living Community‑Regina wants everyone to know that Thursday, August 21, 2025 is Senior Citizen’s Day. The organization notes that aging is about shining brighter, not slowing down. Seniors are mentoring, volunteering and inspiring in ways that uplift all generations. Their post invites readers to learn more about purpose at every age and to honor the seniors who enrich our community. Stop by the Benedictine blog (link in their post) to explore stories of senior leadership and find out how you can celebrate elders in your life.
👉 Link: Benedictine Living Community‑Regina
Programs & Classes
Rise Up Recovery Teams With Children’s Entrepreneur Market for Recovery Roast (Rise Up Recovery MN)
Rise Up Recovery is partnering with the award‑winning Children’s Entrepreneur Market for its 5th Annual Recovery Roast on Wednesday, September 10th. The market empowers young minds to explore entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership through hands‑on experiences. Rise Up Recovery’s collaboration invites community members to support budding business owners and help kids launch small ventures. Details about the event and how to get involved are available through the Children’s Entrepreneur Market site. It’s a chance for families to combine recovery support with youth entrepreneurship—two powerful Hastings causes.
👉 Link: Rise Up Recovery MN
Resources & Assistance
TLC of Hastings Lists Free Services for Parents & Families (TLC of Hastings)
Expecting a baby or caring for a newborn? TLC of Hastings has you covered. The center offers free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, parenting classes, pregnancy classes, life coaching, miscarriage support, post‑abortion healing, items for parents, breastfeeding classes, Baby Café meet‑ups and lactation supportrss.app. All services are offered without insurance in a judgement‑free environment. To learn more, call 651‑437‑4200 or 651‑347‑1889, email office@tlchastings.com or visit the office at 1125 S. Frontage Rd #2, Hastings, MN 55033. It’s a one‑stop resource for expecting and new parents in Hastings.
👉 Link: TLC of Hastings
BOGO Women’s Tops and $2 Swimwear at Rivertown Treasures (Rivertown Treasures Thrift Store)
Thrifty fashion lovers rejoice! Rivertown Treasures Thrift Store is offering a buy‑one‑get‑one sale on women’s tops, plus swimwear for just $2. Some exclusions apply, and the second item must be of equal or lesser value. The sale runs while supplies last, so stop by soon to refresh your wardrobe without breaking the bank. Shopping at Rivertown Treasures supports local programs, so your deals help the community too.
👉 Link: Rivertown Treasures Thrift Store
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