Community Partner Award Recipient

Hammer & NER recently named Park Tavern, a popular bowling alley and entertainment venue in St. Louis Park, and owners Cheryl Gallagher Watson and Brandon Gallagher Watson as recipients of our Community Partner award.  

Brandon and Cheryl Gallagher Watson (center) with Jill Peters and the guys from Holdridge

If it’s a Saturday morning, Travis, Ryan, Matthew, and Jake, along with their support staff from our Holdridge home, are likely to be found enjoying breakfast and bowling at Park Tavern. Its friendly atmosphere makes everyone feel right at home. “The Park Tavern has been a friend of Hammer & NER for many years,” says Jill Peters, the Lead DSP at Holdridge. “The employees are always welcoming and accommodating. They have grown to know us and greet us by name, which always makes us feel like welcomed friends.” Bowling is something the guys like to do for exercise, socializing, and as a way of interacting with their community. They have even held their family holiday party there for the last couple of years. The bowling parties bring everyone together.

Park Tavern also supports Hammer & NER’s mission by donating to our annual fundraiser, Reach for Ralph. For 13 years, Park Tavern has donated two bowling packages for 24 people to our silent auction. The proceeds from the auction support those we serve.

Brandon and Cheryl Gallagher Watson

Hammer & NER recently named Park Tavern and owners Cheryl Gallagher Watson and Brandon Gallagher Watson as recipients of our Community Partner award. The award recognizes those that have made a positive impact on the lives of the people we serve, or whose efforts have greatly supported Hammer & NER’s mission to provide people with intellectual and other disabilities the opportunity to live life to its fullest.

We are proud to celebrate Park Tavern as a place where everyone belongs.