St. John’s Lutheran Home Auxiliary met May 17 in St John’s Chapel. President JoAnne Fink opened the meeting with a poem, “Tending God’s Garden.” Devotions were given by the Rev. Jeff Laeger-Hagemeister.

Secretary Caroline Neale read the minutes of the April meeting. Treasurer Lorraine Schaper gave the treasurer’s report.

Carla Reichel, volunteer coordinator, reported that 864 hours were volunteered in April. Day care had three You and Me Clubs and two sing alongs.

Activities director Diane Wichmann reported that residents began gardening May 17; the Albert Lea 4-H Club will meet to assist with planting. The senior prom was to be May 21 and the Albert Lea High School Chorale will sing May 24. Activities scheduled for June include a bluegrass musician, an accordion player, Father’s Day barbecue on June 18, a puppet show by Carly Adams, music by James Wipplinger as well as picnics and van rides.

Vice President Carol Rask read the names of residents celebrating May birthdays: Milton Roberts, Milton Olson, Marjorie Schreiber, Charlotte Fjelbroten, Mildred Mershon, Verna Gilbertson, Roger Boe, Vernetta Scott, Ida Bergh, Rollin Halverson, Audrey LaRue, Violet Wangen, Anna Carrisalez, Ardys Modderman, Ruth Silrum and Franklin Steele.

Fink thanked David Courey for the May 12 Cheer program. Churches thanked for serving Sunday coffee were: Oakland Lutheran, Concordia Pickerel Lake Lutheran, and Round Prairie Lutheran.

Rask introduced Chuck Johnson, a St. John’s employee, who presented a program of praise and worship music.

Refreshments were provided by St. John’s Dietary Department.

VFW Auxiliary

The Freemond Madson Auxiliary to Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 447 met May 10 at the Legion Hall with President Eunice Hatleli presiding.

Preceding the meeting, a joint post and auxiliary memorial service was conducted by Chaplain Ruby Fredrickson. Jon Rhiger read the names of deceased veterans and Lynda Vermedahl read the 14 auxiliary names while Hatleli and Commander Forrie Claussen placed white memorial flowers on the altar.

The auxiliary will join the post for 7 a.m. Memorial Day services at the local cemeteries and courthouse flag raising.

A report of the district convention was given by attendees Betty Jones and Ruby Fredrickson. Certificates of merit were awarded to the auxiliary for Americanism, Beverly Boone, chairwoman; children and youth, Marilyn Danielsen, chairwoman; community service, Eunice Hatleli, chairwoman, also a $20 award; veterans and family, Betty Jones, chairwoman, and publicity, Ruby Fredrickson, chairwoman.

The new district president will be Sonia Tatji of Auxiliary to Post 141 Kenyon. Discussion will be held at the state convention June 18 for a change of official auxiliary uniform from the bright blue to navy blue blazer, khaki pants or skirt, white shirt or white turtleneck and black walking shoes.

A thank you was read from the Albert Lea High School Parent Communication Network for the donation.

Lunch was served by Betty Jones and Lynda Vermedahl. The door prize went to Marcia Petersen.

The next meeting will be June 14 at the Legion Hall.