Y’s Women

Y’s Women met Nov. 9 at the Hormel Historic Home. Brenna Gerhart from the Hormel Institute was our program speaker. She showed slides and gave a knowledgeable and interesting talk of the wonderful work the world-renowned Hormel Institute is doing in the fight against cancer.

The Ray Live Learning Center allows researchers from all over the world to come and share information.  Students from school and the college can also use the learning center.  One hundred percent of donations go to research, thanks to the support of the Hormel Foundation. The Hormel Institute is celebrating its 75th year.

Plans for the card party luncheon were discussed. Anita Ulwelling gave the treasurers report and Donna Maas the secretaries report. Carol Lembrick and Georgiann Simonson served dessert. Members brought items for the Salvation Army food shelf.

The Christmas party will be at 5 p.m. on Dec. 14 with an hors d’ oeuvres pot luck. The Austinaires will entertain. Members will contribute to the Hy-Vee Feed A Family Program.

Brownsdale Study Club

The Brownsdale Study Club met on Oct. 18 at the home of Joyce Juhnke.

President Shelly Vogel called the meeting to order. Members read the collect.

The secretary-treasurers reports were read and approved. Nine new members answered roll call to, “your coldest Halloween remembered.” The majority recalled the 1991 ice storm that caused an electrical power outage for days and up to weeks for a few areas.

Old business: Leone presented a bill of $14 for a mum plant given to Eileen O’Connor in appreciation for printing our study club booklets. Bill was paid.

New business: At the November meeting we will decided where to give our holiday donation. Leone Skov made a motion to adjourn the meeting. It was seconded by Beryl Sprung.

Happy birthday was sung to Beryl. Rena Perrigo will host the November meeting. The main topic was given by Fern titled, “Honoring Military Dogs Who Serve Our Country.”

When we think of those making personal sacrifices on behalf of our country, we think of men and women dressed in uniforms of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guar, Marines and Navy. We are also protected by military working dogs. Canines joined the ranks in World War I. They are trained early. By Two months old, breeders can observe personality traits. Nearly 5,000 dogs served in Vietnam and only about 200 dogs left the country after the 10-year period. Occasionally they become famous, like Cairo the Belgian dog who helped the Navy SEAL team that located and killed Osama bin Laden. Military working dogs retire early (age 8-10) because of the physical demands.

After retirement they often are adopted.

Beryl gave the outside reading, in the absence of Hazel Schlicting, titled “American Nostalgia.” Here’s a look at some touchstones of American popular cultures and how they came to be.

American bald eagle: The eagle flew into our consciousness in 1782 when it landed on the Great Seal of the U.S.

Apple pie: It arrived here with the 17th century colonists.

American bison (buffalo): The American bison is our most iconic mammal.

The flag: The Second Continental Congress adopted the resolution on June 14, 1777, Flag Day.

Fourth of July: Independence Day is our nation’s  most unifying holiday.

White picket fence: Dating from colonial times, which was  designed to keep children and chickens close by.

Norman Rockwell: He had his paintbrush on the pulse of America, painting us as we saw ourselves.

Thanksgiving: The national celebration is a feast that honors our faith, family and good fortunes.

Uncle Sam: The goatee visage with the hawkish nose and piercing eyes is the handiwork of artist James Montgomery Flagg.

Statue of Liberty: A gift from France following the Civil War.

Little Red Wagon: Created by Antonio Pasin in 1916 calling them Liberty Coasters.

Cotillion Dance Club

The Cotillion Dance Club met on Nov. 7 with 29 members present and three guests at Austin Country Club for a delicious dinner followed by great pre-recorded dance music.

Committee chairmen were, from left: Sue Radloff, Bob and Carolyn Reiland, Diane and Terry Dorsey and in the back Sally and David Arrindell [who did a great job doing the music for the night].

Our next dance will be Dec. 5. Anybody interested in more information can call Marge Murach at 1-507-433-1590.

Duplicate Bridge

Tuesday, Nov. 7, six tables played at the Mower County Senior Center. First, Vandy Newman and Budd Higgins; second, John Liesen and Rick Stroup; third,  Joyce Crowe and Millie Seiver; fourth, Gail and Ray Schmidt; fifth, Ron Peters and Dave Solomonson.

Wednesday, Nov. 8, nine teams played at the Mower County Senior Center. First, Tom Flaherty and Stan Schultz; second, Gail and Ray Schmidt; third (tie), John Laurie and Dave Ring and John Liesen and Rick Stroup.

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.