Grapevine Twist Square Dance Club

The Grapevine Twist Square Dance Club had a dance Aug. 13 at the Senior Center at Skyline Plaza in Albert Lea. Mary Mehus was the caller and called to over two squares. A potluck was served after the dance. Servers were Charles Hoover and Cathy Quam. The group also planned the dance for Aug. 27. Dick Severson was the caller and a potluck was served after the dance. Visitors are welcome to attend Grapevine Twist dances.

 

Women Veterans of Freeborn County

The regularly-scheduled meeting of the Women Veterans of Freeborn County met Aug. 3 at American Legion Post No. 56 in Albert Lea. Women veterans present included Judi Olson, Julie Hamson, Deanna Luedtke, Ruth Perry, Sandy Maiden and Pat Johannsen.

The minutes of the previous meeting were passed.

The group reviewed some of the history behind the organization. Maiden has a tub full of memorabilia she will donate to help write up the history for future generations. Phyllis Evans started the group with five original members in 1995 or 1996. One of the original members is currently living in a healthcare facility in New Richland. Perry and Luedtke plan to travel to see and interview her soon.

Other original members that were mentioned were Dee Dergen, Ruth Pliese, Harriet Kaufman, Ottilla Ross, Ruth Loken, Lois Peterson, Alice Curry and Fran Ashcraft. If any members of the community have any information about these ladies, or have documentation of their military lives, please contact Luedtke at 414-530-3982.

The treasury report was read.

The group read a thank you card from Hamson on the loss of her husband, Dennis Hamson.

Luedtke noted an article that discussed the first female generals in the states of Wisconsin and Minnesota.

In sharing some articles, the group learned that scientists are struggling to understand the causes of Alzheimer’s disease. A new study suggests the disease may be triggered when the brain’s immune system goes haywire. Alzheimer’s patients have sticky plaques in their brains called beta-amyloid. Scientists believe the plaques may form to protect the brain from pathogens. In every case, the amyloid did afford protections against infection. They believe that the buildup of too much protective amyloid is what leads to Alzheimer’s disease. If they can pinpoint the pathogens that develop the plaques, they may be able to create a vaccine against them.

Luedtke also shared an article about the federal government illegally withholding about $78 million from disability payments to nearly 14,000 combat-injured veterans since 1991. Tom Moore of the Veterans Legal Services Program discovered the problem while working on a lawsuit.

The Combat-Injured Veterans Tax Fairness Act was introduced to stop the improper tax withholding and enable veterans to recover their money. A 1991 court ruling in Virginia stated that disability severance payments for combat-related injuries are not subject to income tax. The government has known about this problem for years, but has not stopped taxes from being taken out.

Eighty percent of veterans were not aware of this problem. Approximately 26 percent of each veteran’s disability severance pay was illegally withheld. Legislation requires that the Department of Defense notify servicemembers who have been medically separated with combat-related injuries since Jan. 17, 1991, and provide instructions for filing amended tax returns to recover the money. They have to first file an amended tax return. The federal law prevents veterans from filing an amended tax return if it has been more than three years since they were discharged. Luedtke said a veteran’s best bet is to contact their U.S. senator or representative.

Another interesting article dealt with the dismantling of the Veterans Administration. The author stated the global war on terrorism is not diminishing, it’s increasing. Resolution 26 calls for legislation to shorten the grievance process, make it easier to dismiss VA officials who breach the trust of veterans, and allow the VA to offer competitive pay and incentives to attract physicians and other personnel.

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

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 join the group for an informal lunch, discussion and camaraderie. The next meeting will be at 11:30 Sept. 7. For more information call, Luedtke at 414-530-3982.

 

Duplicate Bridge Club

Duplicate Bridge Club played Aug. 27 at the Senior Center in Austin. Winners were Larry Crowe and Jim Fisher, first place; Loren Cleland  and Bud Higgins, second place; Joyce Crowe and Millie Seiver, third place; and Vandy Newman and Ron Peters, fourth place.

Duplicate Bridge is open to all players. The group plays at noon each Wednesday at the Senior Center in Austin. Those who are interested in attending are encouraged to call Joyce Crowe at 507-437-2750 or Dave Ring at 507-434-4189.