St. John’s Auxiliary

The St. John’s Auxiliary met at 2 p.m. Dec. 9 in St. John’s Chapel. President Caroline Sorenson welcomed everyone. Devotions were given by the Rev. Jeff Lager-Hagemeister. He also played the piano and led the group in singing “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” and “The First Noel.”

Auxiliary Secretary Bonnie Schneider read the minutes of the November meeting. Lorraine Schaper gave the treasurer’s report. The reports were approved as read.

Volunteer coordinator Carla Reichel reported 798 hours for November. Day care had 22 hours, two You & Me Clubs and two singalongs.

Activities director Shirley Leeman reported activities for January as follows: Jonny Bird, Jan. 3, LA Sasse music, Jan. 7, Richie Z, Jan. 10, Dunnell Lenort, Jan. 11, Ralph Campbell, Jan. 16, Winter fun carnival, Jan. 17, Kent Larson, Jan. 24, Playing Favorites music, Jan. 25, and Dale Martel, Jan. 31. Crafts are held at 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays and bingo is at 2 p.m. Tuesdays.

Sorenson read the names of the residents celebrating December birthdays and “Happy Birthday” was sung.

Churches thanked for serving Sunday coffee were Grace Lutheran and Hayward Lutheran.

The program was provided by the staff activities department singing Christmas carols.

Refreshments (sugar cookies) were served by the St. John’s dietary department.

It was announced that Auxiliary meetings will be at 10:30 a.m. starting Jan. 20 instead of 2 p.m.

The meeting closed with the Lord’s prayer.

 

Western Fraternal Life Association Lodge Zare Zapadu 44

Western Fraternal Life Association Lodge Zare Zapadu 44 had its annual Christmas party and annual meeting on Dec. 15 at the Glenville Legion. Following a delicious potluck dinner, Vice President Dan Belshan opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Following Secretary Marie Krikava and Treasurer Dennis Rayman’s reports, the group welcomed new members Cole Pestorius, Nancy Hajek, Michael Krikava, Richard Krikava, James Swenson and Katherine Pacovsky. It also welcomed transfer members Nancy and Gary Mason. The lodge extends sympathy to the families of Carol Hansen and Wesley Hintz who recently passed away.

WFLA agents Ken Cafourek and Robert Karkoska Jr. were present at the meeting and addressed the group.

Belshan thanked all youth and adult members and friends for the work they did for the Czech Festival on Sept. 21 and the lunch served following the veterans memorial dedication on Nov. 9.

The lodge presented Marie Krikava with a beautiful card and gift on her retirement as secretary of Lodge 44 after 18 years, and thanked her for her years of service.

The group discussed having a pancake breakfast in 2014 and the upcoming work on the Bouda by the Bohemian Hall.

Election of officers was held. Officers are Dan Rayman, president, Dan Belshan, vice president, Dennis Rayman and Marcella Nelson, treasurers, Emil Prantner, Dale Lukes and Evelyn Svensen, trustees, and the secretary/correspondent is to be filled.

Members brought items for the Ronald McDonald House in Rochester, and Evelyn Svensen volunteered to deliver them. Members brought many pounds of food for the Salvation Army Food Shelf, and Karen, Elise and Harry Nyenhuis volunteered to deliver them.

Eyeglasses were brought in to be recycled, and the Krikavas will deliver them to the courthouse in Albert Lea. Roger Rayman took the can tabs until the state meeting in 2014.

Dan Belshan wrote an original song for the group to sing called “12 Days of the Czech Fest.” The lodge divided into 12 groups and sang it accompanied by Bonnie Belshan on her keyboard. It was a fun and neat way to involve everyone.

Door prizes were given out and won by Larry Nelson, Dale Lukes, Eveyln Svensen and Bev Prantner.

Following the meeting 16 fruit and goodie plates were assembled for the shut-ins. Members volunteered to deliver them.

 

Our Savior’s Lutheran Church Ladies Aide

Members and guests of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church gathered for an annual Christmas potluck dinner on Dec. 12. The Rev. James Kassera conducted the Bible study. The group sang several Christmas carols accompanied by Better Patterson.

President Maren Ring presided over the business meeting. She thanked members and those who have served as officers and on committees throughout the year. Appreciation was extended to Jeanne Nelson for the donation of a new Christmas tree for Luther Hall.

The secretary and treasurer’s reports were read and approved. Thank you notes were read from Jim and Marilyn Wendt, Ralph Olson, Cordelia Olson, the Mark Samudio family and Thoughts of Faith for the $100 donation for the Gift of Life Program in the Ukraine.

Kathy Halvorson reported that a new Christmas banner and Advent candles were purchased. She also thanked all who purchased poinsettias for the church.

The next meeting will be Feb. 13.

 

Freeborn County 4-H

It is always tough when one has to say goodbye to anything. The 2013-14 4-H year had to say three goodbyes. Three 4-H clubs were not able to continue to be a club due to low enrollments of club members. Minnesota 4-H has given guidelines for which 4-H clubs have to abide by to meet the standards of being considered a club. There must be a minimum of three families and six members who meet at minimum six times a year, have parent involvement and a few other guidelines. This year the Freeborn County 4-H had to say goodbye to the Albert Lea, Bath-Geneva and Freeborn 4-H clubs. Each of them had been around for more than 80 years.

What now? Any club members who were left in those clubs have already found other 4-H clubs to belong to. They haven’t quit being a part of 4-H because their club is no longer in existence. And, there is no one saying that someday in the future that those 4-H clubs can’t become clubs again.

4-H has an area in the basement of the courthouse to store club files. If there is anyone who has previous 4-H related materials in their possession the Freeborn County 4-H can take them and put them into the storage area. If there are questions about 4-H, the three clubs that had to end or about old 4-H information the Freeborn County 4-H office can be reached by calling 377-5660.