Duplicate Bridge

Five tables played Duplicate Bridge on April 9 at the Senior Center in Austin. Winners were John Leisen and Rick Stroup, first place; Lorraine Lippert and Ron Peters, second place; Larry Crowe and Bill Momsen, third place; Vandy Newman and Jim Fisher, fourth place; and Jaynard Johnson and John Karnes, fifth place.

Seven teams played Duplicate Bridge on April 10 at the Senior Center in Austin. Winners were Crowe and Fisher, first place; Gail and Ray Schmidt, second place; Harriet Oldenberg and Dave Ring, third place; and Newman and Peters, fourth place.

Duplicate Bridge is played at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and at noon on Wednesdays. Players come from Adams, Austin, Albert Lea, Rose Creek, Northwood and Mason City. All bridge players are welcome to come and play. Those who need a partner can call 437-2750.

Women Veterans  of Freeborn County

The Women Veterans of Freeborn County met April 3 at American Legion Post 56 in Albert Lea.

Women veterans present included Judi Olson, Julie Hamson, Deanna Luedtke, Ruth Perry, Amy Mayers, Bonnie Carlson, Sandy Maiden and Barb Babb.

The group discussed the upcoming gala on May 23. Maiden and Mayers are available to drive the group. It was decided to meet at the Amerian Legion at 3:30 p.m.

Babb brought in samples of military T-shirts. While the group thought they were nice, they ultimately decided it would be too expensive to buy them in bulk.

Olson gave the treasurer’s report. She also shared a picture of Barbara Peterson. Babb will make a copy for her file.

The VA has announced new standards for the provision of community/urgent care under the MISSION Act with the community.

Babb made a dessert for the group.

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

The next meeting of the Women Veterans of Freeborn County will be at 11:30 a.m. May 1 at the American Legion Post 56 in Albert Lea.

American Legion Auxiliary

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 56 of Albert Lea met at 7 p.m. April 3 in the Legion events center. President Bonnie Schneider opened the meeting and welcomed everyone. Chaplain Kim Thomas led the group in prayer. The group saluted the flag and said the Pledge of Allegiance before a moment of silence for their dead. The preamble of the American Legion Auxiliary was repeated by all.

Secretary Ange Larson gave her report, and Schneider gave the treasurer’s report. Both were approved as read.

Guest speaker Jodi Meyer from St. Croix Hospice talked about their service in the area and the need for volunteers to visit with hospice patients. She left brochures and information for those who may be interested in the service.

Thomas had a memorial service for the members the group lost during the past year. These members were Lily Anderson, Birdiene Bowman, JoAnn Carlson, Muriel Engen, Valores Hallum, Dorothy Harty, Eunice Isackson, Evangeline Landaas, Beverly McMullen, Luella Miller, Viola Nelson, Sylvia Panzer, Laverne Peters, Jeanette Peterson, Clara Satre, Norma Schneider and Jean Wilson.

Karen Cibert, chairwoman of the children and youth committee, gave her report. She also announced only pop tabs, Country Hearth bread and Box Tops for Education are accepted. Milk Moola and soup labels are no longer accepted. Cibert also brought the group up-to-date on cards and packages that have been sent to local servicepersons who are overseas.

Betty Anderson with the national security committee, gave her report. Angie Larson, with education, reported she has received 15 scholarship applications. The group selected scholarship winners on April 11, when they finished their annual reports.

Schneider, membership chairwoman, reported 294 members as of April 1. Members who have not sent in their 2019 dues are asked to do so.

The group received a $500 donation and voted to place it in their scholarship fund.

A poppy sign-up sheet was sent around for those wishing to sell poppies May 17 at Hy-Vee and MarketPlace Foods.

Recommendations by the executive board were presented and voted upon.

Candidates for district and department conventions were elected. The district convention is May 18 in Stewartville. The department convention is July 11 to July 13 in Willmar.

The quarter drawing was won by Jo Hanson. Lunch was served by Carol Olson and Hanson.

The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. June 5. Continuous member certificates will be awarded.

Thomas closed the meeting with a prayer.