Carnations were presented to Lori Sanderson and Joyce Hutchison in memory of June Johannsen. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

GLADBROOK – The Gladbrook American Legion Auxiliary hosted their annual Mothers Tea on Monday, May 13. President Jeanne Paustian opened the program welcoming everyone to the tea on a beautiful spring day. Special guests were 3rd District President Deb Miller of Marshalltown, and Tama County President Diane Caloud, of Clutier. The presidents all brought greetings and received a red plant for their gift.

The Memorial Service was conducted by Unit President Jeanne Paustian, Chaplain Lori Sanderson, Poppy Chairman Rose Russell, and Membership Chr. Jolene Denbow. During the service, hymns were sung and led by pianist Ann Vibbard; prayers lifted up, and a poem on Faith read. The Unit lost four members since the last service in May of 2023. They were June Johannsen, June Klinefelter, Theresa Theis, and Ellen Hall. A candle was lit for the deceased, a poppy placed, and their family members were given a white carnation. Ann played TAPS.

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

The Unit had seven Junior members graduating this year including Sydney Anderson, daughter of Jody and Amy Anderson, a BCLUW graduate; Stella Betts, daughter of Nick and the late Jodi Betts, a GMG graduate; Rylinn Blohm, daughter of John and Jessie Blohm, a G-R graduate; Emily Hulme, daughter of Sam and Jenny Hulme, a North Tama graduate; Amaya Petersen, daughter of Lani amd James Droigk, a G-R graduate; Adelyn Sienknecht, daughter of Randy and Melissa Sienknecht, a North Tama graduate; and Sydney Vavroch, daughter of Scott and Kathy Vavroch, a West Marshall graduate.

The winners of the Gladbrook American Legion Auxiliary Scholarships were Stella Betts, Emily Hulme, Adelyn Sienknecht, and Sydney Vavroch. Adelyn was also honored with a 3rd District Scholarship. Their scholarships were presented at their respective schools’ awards night.

Gladbrook Unit members, Becky Fevold, Rose Russell, Lori Sanderson, Candice Bartel, Jolene Denbow and (not pictured) Jeanne Paustian, conducted the initiation ceremony. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The initiation ceremony was conducted for new member Ann Palmer. New members not present were Pam Thomas and Deb Granchie.

Continual years of membership awards were announced

-50 years: Amy Gralewski, Jean Clauson, and Lee Groth

-60 years: Judy Petersen 61; Connie Strable 62; Colleen Behounek 64; Lucy DeWitt 67; and Janet Pryor 69

-70 years: Sandra Mohr 71

Pictured (l-r) Colleen Behounek received a carnation for her 64 years of membership, Ann Graham new member from Gladbrook, Tama County President Diane Caloud, and 3rd District President Deb Miller. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

-Life member Dinny Nielsen, 79 years; and Maxine Schoel life member, 82 years

For the program everyone enjoyed viewing a video on the 100 years of the Gladbrook American Legion Auxiliary made by Terri Luehring.

Winning plants from the Hometown Family Market were Sharon Shouse the most kids and grandkids, May birthday Ann Vibbard, and closest wedding day Barb Bereczki. Rose Russell won a beautiful red hanging flower basket.

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

Everyone received a colorful wind spinner as their favor.

Dessert was served by Linda Goos and Jane Sass.