Cotillion Dance Club

The Cotillion Dance Club held its last dance of 2016 on Dec. 6 at the Austin Country Club. After a social hour at 6 p.m. a very delicious meal was enjoyed by all.

Music, with many very familiar titles from the 40s and 50s, was very capably supplied by longtime favorite musician Barry Rush and Combo, Sue Hayes on keyboard, Bill Apold on drums and Barry on guitar.

Thirty members were in attendance with six guests welcomed. Pictured above are the committee members that planned the evening, from left: Otto and Betty Volkert and Gloria and Richard Nordin.

The nearly 100 year-old club is always happy to welcome new members or visitors. For information call Alice Anderson at 437-4704 or Joyce Goetz at 437-4608.

Brownsdale Study Club

On Dec. 21 the Brownsdale Study Club met at the home of Hazel Schlichting. Joyce Juhnke called the meeting to order with members reading the collect.

The secretary-treasurer’s reports were read and approved. Twelve members answered roll call with an unusual gift give to a family member. Old business was giving a holiday donation to the Salvation Army $50. New business was introducing Jane Harrison as a new member. A motion was made by Fern Paschke and Shelley Vogel to adjourn the meeting.

Hostess for January will be by Joyce Juhnke.

Our topics were in “The Spirit of Christmas.”

Rena Perrigo gave the outside reading on being an example to others. At a country church in New South Wales, a pastor was greeting people at the door. A young man greeted him by calling him Mr. Mac. The pastor didn’t recognize him until the young man reminded him of how he had been the worst kid in his class in high school. He told the pastor how grateful he was to him for helping him shape his faith and to become the secretary of the Christian movement at the university. The pastor had been an example to. Him as he shared the messages of God’s word and God put a new and right spirit within him.

Rena also showed us an interpretation of art showing the use of purple in the robes worn by the magi as they came to visit the baby Messiah. The ancient Hebrews reserved the color purple for royalty. The artist Rodriguez broke down the royal purple into its elemental colors — red and blue and separately created a feeling of disconnect. So the magi were confused to have traveled such a great distance to see a baby born in a manger. It was not the king they expected. He was Jesus, the Prince of Peace for us all. The leader who would unite us to him one day.

The main topic given by LaVonne Skov is from a book titled “The Traditions of Christmas.” It is filled with fact and fancy making Christmas the wonderful, joyous celebration it is. Contents of the book are listed in six divisions.

1. Christmas beginnings — At the root of every Christmas celebration, every tradition and every custom is the story of the birth of Christ. The events in the Bethlehem manger hold the true meaning of Christmas.

2. Christmas Day — In pre-Christian times, the birth of the “unconquered sun” was the most important festival of the Roman Empire. The early Christian Church captured the spirit of that festival and transformed it to the coming of Christ Jesus. Other secular winter traditions were added  as well as unique customs and cultures. All of these contribute to what is now our rich Christmas tradition. 3. Christmas decorations — From ancient times people looked to festive decorations to chase away winter darkness. From the Christmas tree to poinsettias to mistletoe, to many lights; all remind us of the spiritual significance of Christmas.

4. Christmas feast — This yearly celebration has a large table extended with family and friends. It is filled with breads, roasted meats and fowl, every kind of vegetable, baked pies, plum puddings. The air was heavy with the orders of food and cooking. The last deed was bringing the coffee beans and slicing pumpkin pies. Many traditions from many cultures are shared at Christmas feasts.

5. Christmas music — The days and nights are alive with music celebrating the joy of the holidays and spirit full of happiness. Hymns mark the season with each note an echo of the songs sung by the angles. True carols originated in England in 1521. “The First Noel,” sound is as joyful to our ears now as it every was 400 years ago.

6. Christmas gifts and Greetings — The giving of gifts was set by example, first by God in the gift of his son and then by the magi who brought precious gifts to the manger. The pre-Christian Romans exchanged gifts as part of their winter solstice and New Year celebration. Even St. Nicholas brought joy and good will to those less fortunate. Offering our hearts to others is the greatest joy.

One heart of love can move the race, one grain of truth can change the Eath’s face.

Hazel served a delicious assortment of Christmas cookies.

Duplicate Bridge

Tuesday, Jan. 3, five tables played at the Mower County Senior Center. First place, Gene Muchow and Ron Peters; second place, Barb Engebretson and Orrin Roisen; third place, Edna Knobbe and Rick Stroup; fourth place, Millie Siever and Jim Fisher; fifth place, Gail and Ray Schmidt.

Wednesday, Jan. 4, four tables played. First place, Dave Ring and Orrin Roisen; second place, Vandy Newman and Ron Peters; third place, Tom Flaherty and Stan Schultz; fourth place, Larry Crowe and Jim Fisher; fifth place, Barb Engebretson and Gene Muchow.

Players were from Austin, Albert Lea, Adams and Rose Creek. All bridge players are encouraged to join us at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and noon on Wednesdays.