Austin Cotillion Dance Club

Madelon Collette

The Austin Cotillion Dance Club members gathered at the Austin Country Club on Nov. 4, for a delicious dinner and an evening of dancing to the delightful music of Peter Jacobs and Combo.

The committee members were Bob and Genie Hanson, Ron and Alice Anderson, Dick and Gloria Nordin, Bill Buckley and Kathy Kester, chairman.

In the previous article about the Austin Cotillion it was mentioned that Cotillion was formed in Austin in 1919 with the purpose of couples getting together for a night-out for a dinner and dance. It was gratefully accepted and became very popular. Our present day Cotillion has several long-time members, one of which is Madelon Collette who with her husband, Wes, joined in 1989 at the invitation of Bob and George Larken.

Madelon remembers the wonderful times they had and would never let anything interfere with Cotillion night. Even though Madelon’s husband has passed on, she is still a vibrant part of our group and she considers Cotillion a highlight of her life right now.

We all love Madelon for her friendly, inspiring nature, a beautiful and gracious lady and she still has “the beat.”

Our next dance is Dec. 2 featuring (Berry) Rush Hour.

To join us, please call Marge and John Murach at 507-433-1590.

 Duplicate Bridge

Tournament results for Nov. 5 with four tables played: First place, Orrion Roisen and Dave Ring; second place, Vandy Newman and Ron Peters; third place, Bud Higgins and Jim Fisher; fourth place, Lu Schmitt and Loren Cleland.

Duplicate Bridge is played each Wednesday at noon at the Mower County Senior Center in Austin. All Bridge players are welcome. Call Dave Ring at 507-434-4189.

Red Cedar Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution

The Red Cedar Chapter met at the Village Cooperative on Nov. 6. Hostesses were Judy Brown and Sharon Jensen.

The Ritual was recited. The President General’s Message was read by Judy Brown and the National Defender was read by Sybil Pickett. Additional DAR activities in October included: Marilyn Prenosil presented a program on “Susan Salisbury and the American Indian Women Lacemakers” to the Cathedral Guild in Faribault, and Judy Brown hosted a luncheon for Sandra (Young) Clark and her sister, Carla (Young) Vingoa. Sandra now lives in New York but is still a member of the Red Cedar. Their mother, Pruda Young, who is now deceased, was a former Minnesota State Regent and National Vice President General. The Red Cedar received three awards at the October State Board of Management meeting: Honorable Mention on the Honor Roll, recognized by the Celebrate America Committee and Chapter Achievement Award, Level 1.

The Y’s Women were special guests of the Red Cedar. A handout was given to the 12 guests, which included information from the Red Cedar website, CAR, this year’s Memorial Day ceremony, Red Cedar’s fact sheet, American Spirit Magazine information and a Veterans Day story.

Adam Johnson, a member of the Children of the American Revolution and a high school senior, spoke to the group about the importance and significance of the right to vote. Adam has competed with the National Christian Forensics and Communications Association for the past five years. The CAR encourages knowledge of American History, and to uphold and extend the principles of American liberty and patriotism.

Adam noted that the 19th Amendment — the women’s right to vote — was proposed in 1919. Because of the times that were taking place in the women’s suffrage movement, it became possible for women to argue more successfully for the right to vote. World War I was over and during that time women had to take on not only their own responsibilities but the responsibilities of their husbands in order to maintain an income and to keep their families together.

The 26th Amendment of 1971, made it possible for anyone 18 years of age or above to legally vote within the United States. Up until this time men of age 18 were required to serve in the military upon a draft; however, they were not allowed to vote. This conflict created much dissension which resulted in many coalitions, which then led Congress in 1971 to allow any person at the age of 18 or older to cast their ballot.

Adam also shared a quote by Abraham Lincoln voting in 1862: “Election belongs to the people, it is their choice. If they choose to turn their backs on the fire then they are just going to have to sit on their blisters.”

Currently Adam is looking at colleges and once this decision is made his goal is to pursue a profession in law or the ministry.

 Y’s Women

Y’s Women of the Hormel Historic Home met Nov. 6 at the Village Co-op.  We were guests of the Daughters of the American Revolution ( DAR ) hosted by Judy Brown and Sharon Jensen. Adam Johnson, a member of the Children of the American Revolution gave an interesting talk on the history, the importance and significance of the U. S. Constitution. He stated Minnesota has a high percentage of people exercising their right to vote and choose their own government. By voting we also honor our veterans who fought for this right.

Dessert was served by Sharon Jensen. The business meeting followed, discussion was on the November Christmas open house which will be Nov. 21 and 22.

We will meet Dec. 11 at the Hormel Home for a Christmas party. Callers will inform members of details.

 Golden Age Club

Hazel Baldner, chairperson, conducted the monthly meeting of the Golden Age Club on Nov. 5.

Chaplin Dee Murphy, said the prayer, “Thank You, God, for everything.”

A motion was made by Emma Heimer and seconded by Shirley De Young to accept the secretary and treasurer’s reports as read.

The new officers from Jan. 1, 2015 to Dec. 31, 2016 are Everette De Young, chairperson; Sylvia Ginder, secretary; Elaine Reynolds, chaplin; Hazel Baldner, sunshine lady.

November birthday’s will be celebrated by Alvina and Dave Solomonson, Joan Stanek, Martha Hagan, Hazel Baldner and Marian Holdgrafer.

Cards (500) were played at eight tables. Hazel Baldner furnished the lunch.

Anyone 55 or older is welcome to join.