Ascension Lutheran Church Women of ELCA

The Ascension Lutheran Church Women of ELCA held their regular meeting at 9:25 a.m. Oct. 12. Co-President Denise Sandager opened the business meeting.

The secretary’s report was read by Lorraine Schaper and approved. Cheryl Vene, gave the treasurer’s report which was approved and placed on file.

Marilyn Danielsen reported on the aebleskiver funds. A motion was made by Bonnie Jensen and seconded by Kay Boyken that five new lefse grills be purchased with the aebleskiver funds which Cheryl Venem will pick up and will mark with date of purchase. The motion carried.

A motion was made by Jan Jerdee and seconded by Marilyn Danielsen that the kitchen cutlery be replaced with aebleskiver funds to bring it up to correct specifications from the kitchen committee. The motion was carried.

Lefse group finished the first week of lefse making 47 dozen so far. More help is requested for the next week of lefse making.

The time and talent committee reported they met Sept. 23. Free will donations for the morning coffee and for the noon lunch were taken. Coffee was served from 8 to 10 a.m., and lunch from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Letters were mailed to the group leaders requesting donated items, workers and an opportunity for crafts and also baked goods.

A motion was made by Jan Jerdee and seconded by Alice Jensen that the committee’s recommendation be followed to disburse time and talent bazaar funds as they suggested. The motion was carried.

It was suggested that Sharon Anderson of Naomi Circle be contacted as to what it entails to provide for good samaritan bingo.

A thank you card from 4-H Club and a booklet of their activities were shared.

Carlson Hall was used Saturday. Doris Guenthner will coordinate.

Caroline Sorenson will contact the treasurer of the Albert Lea Thrivent board to check on funds available and check also on a check for the Ascension quilters.

The time and talent bazaar will be Saturday, a thank offering will be at both services Nov. 16, Marian Circle will serve at St. John’s Sunday coffee Nov. 23 and the next meeting will be at 9:25 a.m. Dec. 14.

 

Women Veterans of Freeborn County

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Women Veterans of Freeborn County met Oct. 1 at the American Legion in Albert Lea.

Women veterans present included Ruth Perry, Judi Olson, Julie Hamson, Marge Lukecart, Joan Paczkowski, Sandy Maiden, Pat Johannsen and Deanna Luedtke.

The minutes of the last meeting were passed out and read by Luedtke. Corrections were noted.

The Women Veterans of Minnesota will host their annual meeting and luncheon Saturday at the Fort Snelling Officers Club. Seven women veterans from the Freeborn County group signed up to attend. Sandy will coordinate with the Veterans Affairs for use of the van.

Perceived problems were discussed with the luncheon as well as the newsletter being on the internet. Maiden suggested ways to help those sponsoring the luncheon, i.e. donations of money, door prizes or table decorations. These suggestions were declined in the past. As a group we feel $20 is excessive for a chicken or salad luncheon. Perhaps hosting it at another location would lessen the cost.

Luedtke shared articles from the Women Veterans of Minnesota newsletter:

A women veterans license plate will be available after Jan. 1. Thanks to the Women Veterans Initiative for their efforts.

Sister-assist program offers a battle buddy to go with vets to medical appointments.

Assistance Council for Vets deals with homeless vets and those in danger of losing their home.

MAC-V holds free drop-in legal clinics for veterans. Unfortunately for the group the closest legal clinic is in Rochester, about 50 miles away.

Donor Connect Program connects veterans in need of medical equipment with medical equipment donors.

The names were read of four deceased women veterans from Minnesota. God bless them and their families.

Johannsen displayed a lovely red, white and blue prayer shawl that she will donate again this year.

The Christmas tree review that is held at the Albert Lea Art Center was discussed. Not much interest in the group participating in this event this year.

Problems were discussed with the homeless veterans. Luedtke suggested the group sponsor a homeless or needy veteran for Christmas. She will follow up with Ron Ruele for guidance.

She read several items of interest from the American Legion magazine:

Issuing a new ID, (vets choice), card that at this point is fairly useless. If you were enrolled in the VA system prior to Aug. 1 you should be guaranteed access to civilian medical care if you live more than 40 miles from a VA.

VA gets an additional $5 billion over the next three years for staffing and infrastructure.

VA can tap into $10 billion Veterans Choice Fund in the next three years to pay for civilian medical care while getting the VA facilities up and running.

VA will open 27 more clinics.

VA has new authority to remove or demote senior executives based on performance.

VA is limited to providing no more than $40 million a year for executives bonuses through 2024.

Congress will establish a commission to evaluate care in the VA system.

After age 65 veterans may get free passes to all national parks through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service.

Maiden will ensure that the food donations are delivered to the food pantry.

Olson made and shared a delicious lemon bundt cake for dessert.

The next meeting will be at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 5 at the American Legion. All women military veterans are encouraged to join for an informal lunch, discussion and camaraderie. Call Luedtke at 507-373-9792 if you would like more information.