Contributed photo

The Gladbrook American Legion Auxiliary hosted their annual Mother’s Day Tea on this 85 degree, but windy Monday, May 9, 2022 in the Memorial Building which was all decorated for spring. President Jeanne Paustian welcomed those present as we covered some of the Memorial Day activities scheduled. Greetings were brought to us by Sandy Scallon, Third District President and Diane Caloud, Tama Co President who presented the Unit with a certificate for reaching 75 percent membership goal by Dec 7, 2021.

A good group of guests, members and friends came to enjoy the afternoon with us as we held a Memorial Service for seven members lost this past year. With Sue Koster at the piano, we honored them with song, prayer, lit candles and presented their families with a carnation remembrance. Those honored were Jodi Betts, Sandra Raum, Bonnie Johannsen, Irene Alvestad, Mavis Nelson, Melva Vint and Florence Wrage.

Four new members were welcomed: Delaine Aves, Melanie Oderwald, Suzanne Pfisterer and Jacqueline Grimmius Quick. Melanie was present to receive her membership pin. We recognized our two Gold Star Sisters with a plant for their garden as Claire Handorf for her brother Jim Glover and Darlene Hatcher for her brother Larry Dahms, both lost during Vietnam. Maya Goos, our only Junior member to graduate to Senior status was unable to attend, but received her Senior pin, a certificate and her first years’ membership as her gift.

Special vocal music was provided by Britany Young and it was so nice to have her.

Membership Awards included: 25 year pins to Joette Dieleman, Christine Hickman, Beth Miller, Hannah Thompson and Suzanne Young; 40 year certificates to Renae Braum, Kathy Herink and Shirley Weimers. Special recognition/flowers were given to Dinny Nielsen a 77 yr member and Maxine Schoel 80 year member each with a Life Membership from the Unit.

Coffee, punch and an assortment of cookies were served by Pam Wedmore, Becky Fish and Linda Randolph and each guest was presented a metal lawn decoration from the ‘garden’ on the registration table.