Freeborn American Legion Auxiliary

The Freeborn American Legion Auxiliary No. 552 held its annual soup and pie/dessert fundraiser Jan. 23. Auxiliary President Sandy Anderson felt they had a good crowd who came to enjoy the group’s chili, turkey noodle and vegetable beef soups and many different pies and desserts. They also had in attendance our Minnesota Department President Sandy Fredrickson and guest. District President Pat Minor and guest also came to enjoy the food and fellowship. Anderson was pleased they came to the group’s Auxiliary event. She also thanked the ladies who made the soups and donated pies and desserts and all of those who came that night and helped out in any way.

The Freeborn American Legion Auxiliary No. 552 met Jan. 23 at the American Legion hall in Freeborn. Anderson called the meeting to order. The pledges were recited. The secretary and treasurer’s reports were given and approved. Anderson presented a bill from the potluck/bingo party and for ordering auxiliary labels for the community sewing group. The treasurer presented a bill for stamps and the community sewing group requested some money for sewing supplies. A motion was made and carried to pay all bills. Anderson gave a report on how the potluck/bingo party went. The number of people attending was down a few from previous years, but Anderson said a good time was had by those who attended. When the people were leaving, they said they would be back next year. A thank you was received from the Mayo Clinic Health System Albert Lea and Austin Hospice Care for the group’s donation to the “Set Memories Aglow.” The organization also received a thank you from the ALA Hospital in Minneapolis for the donation of heart pillows, neck pillows, slippers and comfort boxes. The committee for “Tee it Up For Campers” sent a thank you for the donation from the community coffee shop sponsored by the Freeborn Auxiliary. It was announced that the group has renewed all members from last year. The community sewing group met Jan. 27 at Freeborn Legion Hall. The group is looking for girls in the 11th grade in the area to attend Girls’ State. It is also looking for boys in the 11th grade in the area to attend Boys’ State. With no other business the meeting was adjourned. The next meeting will be at 9 a.m. Feb. 20 at the American Legion hall in Freeborn.

 

Women Veterans of Freeborn County

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Women Veterans of Freeborn County met Jan. 6, at American Legion Post No. 56 in Albert Lea. Members present included Judi Olson, Bonnie Carlson, Joan Paczkowski, Ruth Perry, Sandy Maiden, Pat Johannsen and Deanna Luedtke.

The treasurer’s report was read.

Members who took down the Christmas tree at Northbridge Mall were thanked.

On Saturday the American Legion Post No. 56 sponsored a pasta dinner. It was all-you-can-eat and began at 5 p.m. Dinner was served until the pasta was gone. Everyone was welcome to attend.

Luedtke read an article on the greater risks to women in combat. Studies have found that they suffer twice as many injuries as men — especially in artillery, vehicle maintenance and basic combat areas. When you add in gender specific issues, it can have a very detrimental effect on smaller units.

Another article dealt with Social Security problems. There will be no cost-of-living adjustments this year. This is only the third time since an annual review became a requirement in 1975. The reasons stated were because the consumer price index for urban wage earners and clerical workers did not rise between the third quarter of 2014 and the third quarter of 2015. Luedtke said the fallacy of this index is that it is based on working people. The majority of Social Security users are the elderly. Older people spend more on housing, food and health care. These prices tend to rise faster the inflation. Additionally, she said, Medicare is raising its rates — effectively lowering the spendable income from Social Security.

Luedtke said as individuals consider the future of Social Security, they must keep in mind how society is changing. The entire program needs to be updated to address changing demographics, economic issues and respond to the future generation of beneficiaries. She feels there is a need to ensure that people who worked hard and paid into Social Security get the benefits that they’ve earned.

Another article listed alternative non-drug methods for ending pain. For back pain it is important to stay active. According to the article, acupuncture, massage and physical therapy might help. For osteoarthritis, it is recommended to do low-impact activities like walking and biking and to avoid high-impact activities such as running. Headaches may be alleviated by lowering alcohol usage, recognizing food triggers, controlling stress and light exercise. For fibromyalgia, regular exercise reduces pain and fatigue. Tai Chi may also be helpful.

Maiden ensured that the food donations would be delivered to the food pantry and was thanked for doing so.

The Women Veterans of Freeborn County meet at 11:30 a.m. on the first Wednesday of the month at American Legion Post No. 56 in Albert Lea. The group encourages all women military veterans to attend for an informal lunch, discussion and camaraderie. The next meeting will be at 11:30 a.m. Feb. 3. Those who would like more information can call Luedtke at 414-530-3982.