Mother’s Day Tea attendees pictured on May 8 include front row (l-r) Madonna Wilson, Maxine Schoel, Lucy DeWitt, and Dinny Nielsen; middle row (l-r) Pam Eilander, Loni Droigk, Judy Peterson, Linda Haack, Karen Handorf, and Diane Caloud; back row (l-r) Connie Strable, Brian Lage, Jo Lage, May Emke, and Sandy Scallon. PHOTO COURTESY OF JEANNE PAUSTIAN

The Gladbrook American Legion Auxiliary hosted its annual Mothers Tea on Monday, May 8. President Jeanne Paustian opened the program by welcoming everyone to the tea on a beautiful spring day. Special guests were 3rd District President Sandy Scallon of Ackley, and Tama County President Diane Caloud of Clutier. The presidents all brought greetings and received a carnation and gift.

The Memorial Service was conducted by Unit President Jeanne Paustian, Chaplain Joyce Swangel, Vice-President Candice Bartel, and Sec. Jolene Denbow. During the service, hymns were sung and led by pianist Sue Koster; prayers were lifted up, and a poem on faith was read.

The Unit lost four members since the last service in May of 2022. They were Brenda Lage, Patricia Oettchen, June Haack, and Ferne Schoel. A candle was lighted for the deceased, a poppy was placed, and their family members were given a white carnation. Sue played TAPS.

The Unit recognized two Gold Star Sisters: Claire Handorf and Darlene Hatcher, they both lost a brother during the Vietnam Conflict.

The Gladbrook Unit had two juniors graduating Madisyn Eggers and Allison Deardorff.

PHOTO COURTESY JEANNE PAUSTIAN

Karen Handorf gave a very interesting program on her hobby of making all kinds of greeting cards out of all kinds of different materials. She showed a lot of pretty and unique cards. The program was enjoyed by all.

Continual years of membership awards were announced: 25 years – Mary Engel Goos, Marcia Schmidt, and Pat Sievers; 40 years – Loni Droigk; 50 years – Pam Eilander, Mary Emke, Andrea Jordan, and Nancy Keiser; 60 years – Judy Peterson; other 60 plus year members were Connie Strable – 61, Colleen Behounek and Madonna Wilson – 63, Lucy DeWitt – 66, Janet Pryor – 68; 70 year – Sandra Mohr; 78 years and Life member Dinny Nielsen; 81 years and Life member Maxine Schoel.

Winning sundaes from the Hometown Family Market were: Sue Koster and Joyce Swangel for the most kids and grandchildren; Becky Fevold for traveling out of the state since January; Lucy DeWitt for having a cell phone but not using it; the oldest Gladbrook High School graduates Jackie Quick, 1952 and Maxine Schoel, 1944. Maxine also won the red geranium door prize.

The program ended with all singing “God Bless America.”

Everyone received a decorated spring pail filled with puppy chow as their favor. Cake and sandwiches were served by Trudi Scott, Barb Bereczki, and Tamera Oettchen.