Senior Profile – Denni Grassel

By Janice Lane Palko

I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve - Albert Schweitzer

She may not be the mayor, but it can’t be denied that Denni Grassel has served her community of Delmont. Denni, 63, worked for 14 years at the Delmont Library, 12 of them as the library’s director.

“I was a stay-at-home home mom for 21 years. My neighbor, Karen Baum, was the library board president. She told me there was a job opening. I’ve always loved books, have had a passion for children and promoting literacy,” said Denni, who has been married to her husband Bill for 39 years and is the mother of three and grandmother of two. 

As director of the library, she hosted events and helped to raise funds for the library including the new $1.3 million state-of-the-art library that opened in 2021. “We call it the ‘library of the future’ as it has solar paneling, LED lighting, geothermal heating and cooling, two electric vehicle charging stations as well as a cistern that collects stormwater from the roof to use for landscaping. It is really a community center as 14-16 different organizations meet there,” said Denni, who retired from the library at the end of 2022. 

Denni’s community involvement doesn’t stop with the library. For the past seven years she has also served as the chairperson for the Delmont Christmas Pilgrimage. A community tradition for 53 years, the Delmont Christmas Pilgrimage takes place the first weekend in December. “Beginning at the Shield’s Farm Log Cabin, the Pilgrimage is an interactive, outdoor, live Christmas journey that encompasses eight scenes from the Christmas story,” said Denni. “It begins with the biblical prophecy of Jesus’ birth and concludes with Mary and Joseph caring for their newly born Son. We have dramatic lighting, music, and live animals, including a camel.”

“In the past, parents commented that it was difficult for small children to be quiet during the nightime Pilgrimages. Last year, we developed the daytime Pilgrimage Junior. This begins with the children being greeted by the Angel Gabriel, who will let them in on the great message that he’s about to bring to the world. The children are encouraged to ask questions throughout Pilgrimage Junior. Talking and laughing are encouraged,” said Denni. She noted that five Delmont churches and many volunteers participate in this community event. “When you add the crafters, food booths and bands to the Pilgrimage workers at Shield’s Farm, upwards of 200 volunteers take part,” said Denni. “Annually, about 2,000 people enjoy attending the Pilgrimage festivities.” 

Denni’s community service is noteworthy, but it is even more impressive when it is considered that she is sightless. “I’ve always had vision and retina issues, but two weeks after receiving my second COVID vaccine, I lost my sight. I can only see light and dark,” said Denni, who is not letting that hold her back.

“I keep Jesus first in my life, and Delmont’s a wonderful place. This is just my new normal, and you’ve got to keep moving,” said Denni.

For more information on the Delmont Christmas Pilgrimage, visit: www.delmontpilgrimage.com