Freeborn American Legion Auxiliary

The Freeborn American Legion Auxiliary met Nov. 18 at the Freeborn American Legion Hall. President Sandy Anderson called the meeting to order. The Pledge of Allegiance and the auxiliary pledge were recited. Anderson also read a prayer.

The secretary and treasurer’s reports were read and approved. It was motioned and approved to donate to the Freeborn area Hospice program.

Anderson announced that the Veterans Day cards had been sent, the tax return had been filed and that the group still has two members to renew their membership.

The community coffee time was discussed, and it was decided to do the event again next year. The starting time of 8:30 a.m. reportedly worked out well.

The next item of business was the events scheduled for Dec. 3. Activities started with Santa coming at 3 p.m. At this time, cookies and coffee were served by the auxiliary. Following Santa was the hospice tree-lighting ceremony at about 4:30 p.m. The potluck/bingo party concluded the evening.

The auxiliary’s annual soup and pie will be Jan. 27 at Freeborn Legion Hall beginning at 4 p.m.. Evelyn Neubauer will make chili, and Val Seipp will make the vegetable beef and the turkey or chicken noodle.The unit has “adopted a vet” from the Hastings home. Anderson had received information concerning the items that he enjoys and recommendations from the home. Anderson will purchase these items and get them to Hastings.

The group finalized the list of names who will receive the money generated by the coffee shop. The members would like to thank the volunteers who take care of the community event, which takes place Monday through Friday. Everyone is welcome to stop in for coffee/hot chocolate/ tea/pastries and conversation. The hours of operation are 8 to 10 a.m. at the Freeborn Community/Township Building.

Anderson announced that there will be no December meeting. With no other business, the meeting was adjourned. The next meeting will be at 9 a.m. Jan 27.

Duplicate Bridge

Duplicate Bridge was played at five tables on Nov. 28 at the Senior Center in Austin. Winners were Barb Engebretson and Orrin Roisen, first place; Ron Peters and Dave Solomonson, second place; Gail and Ray Schmidt, third place; John Liesen and Rick Stroup, fourth place; and Carolyne and Bud Higgins, fifth place.

Duplicate Bridge was played at four tables on Nov. 29. Winners were Gail and Ray Schmidt, first place; John Liesen and Rick Stroup, second place; Loren Cleland and Bud Higgins, third place; and Barb Engebretson and Lorraine Lippert, fourth place.

Players come from Adams, Rose Creek, Austin, Albert Lea, Northwood and Mason City.

The group will host a Christmas party at 11 a.m. Wednesday. All bridge players are asked to bring a snack or a dessert. Pizza will be provided.     

Duplicate Bridge is played at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and noon on Wednesdays at the Senior Center in Austin. All bridge players are welcome.

Mansfield 4-H Club

The Mansfield 4-H meeting took place at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Suhr family home. The meeting was called to order by Vice President Tage Suhr. Roll call  was taken — four members  and four adults were present. The secretary’s report was given and accepted by Ravon Suhr. The treasurer’s report was given and accepted by Caleb Songstad. The club discussed volunteer training by Adam Suhr and members attending the Kiester Fire Department to help with the department’s annual fish fry in February. The motion was passed Ravon Suhr and seconded by Songstad. The motion to adjourn was made by Dani Helland and seconded by Ravon Suhr. The club had its Christmas party, presented their spirit of Christmas gifts and played the elephant game.

The next meeting will be at 5 p.m. Jan. 7 at the Suhr family home.