Brownsdale Study Club

On Sept. 20, 2017, the Brownsdale Study Club met at the home of Leone Peterson.

Joyce Juhnke, president called the meeting to order. Members read the collect. The secretary-treasurer’s reports were read and approved. Ten members answered roll call by naming their favorite tree.

For old business, the members did go on an outing to the Austin Christian Women’s Club on Sept. 11 at the Mower County Senior Center.

In new business, Joyce passed out to each member the 2017-18 new program booklets. We also welcomed Sharon Willis as a new member to our club. A motion was made to adjourn the meeting and seconded by Beryl Sprung. We sang “Happy Birthday” to La Vonne Skov. Joyce will be the hostess for our October meeting.

The main topic was given by Rena Perrigo, “The Comfort at Arlington National Cemetery.”

On any weekday in Arlington, as many as 30 war dead and veterans are laid to rest. The funeral includes an honor guard, the sharp crack of a rifle volley, “Taps,” and a presentation of an American flag. Then comes the moment of comforting.

An Arlington Lady quietly speaks to the family and gives an envelope to the next of kin. The Arlington Ladies give the personal touch. In swelter and snow they ensure that no serviceman in buried alone. The envelopes contain a condolence card from the armed services Chief of Staff.

Arlington Ladies began in 1948 when they noticed that sometimes, only a military chaplain was at funerals. In 1973, an Army wives club was formed and all other military branches followed suit to have representatives at every funeral.

All together, about 200 women — in the past their number also included two men — participate in the program at any given time. Each has a connection to a service person. One day. A month, Sander Griffin, who retired as a major after 23 years on active duty, writes sympathy notes to Air Force families that she’s never met and attends funerals. It is her way to serve and be a comfort to the families.

Army volunteers have witnessed 30,000 funerals since 2000. The Ladies wear name badges and h ave a military escort. Each group has its own rules. It is a team effort.

Joyce Johnson became an Arlington Lade four years after her husband was killed on Sept. 11 in the attack on the Pentagon. He is buried at Arlington. Once unwritten rule applies to all Arlington Ladies. They don’t cry. Tears maybe, but they don’t cry. They are there to reach out in service to others and say, “Thank You.”

La Vonne’s outside reading was “Where Long-term Care Works.” Today, many older Americans have disabilities and need assistance at home or in a nursing home. More than nine in 10 of them want to live at home or with relatives; especially those who are age 65 or older. Assistance depends greatly on where they live. Some states are better at providing the services needed. Home health care costs about $128 per day on average nationwide nursing home costs roughly $230 per day. Some states provide more support. Washington is the state that does it best. They have provided options including adult day care, assisted living and adult foster care to meet needs. It is of concert with 10,000 people turning 65 every day. There are 53 of 1,000 people with disabilities direct their own care nationwide the average is about 27 per 1,000.

Washington provided high quality training to staff so you get questions answered. It also directs 65 percent of its Medicaid long-term care spending to home and community-based services that has led to $4.4 billion in savings for the state and government over the past 18 years. They also train aides to give shots such as insulin injections and to provide more medical care to the patients. Family caregivers are given a set of instructions when patients leave the hospital after they are discharged.

Nationwide, about 52 of 1,000 people, who are 75 or older, reside in an assisted living facility. In Washington State it’s 103. That’s why they are No. 1 in America.

Leone served a delicious lunch.

Cotillion Dance Club

The Cotillion Dance Club met on Oct. 3, celebrating its 99th year of dinner and dancing at Austin Country Club, dancing to the Barry Rush Trio.

Committee chairmen were, from left: Joyce and Bob Goetz, Alice and Ron Anderson, Marge and John Murach, Kathy Kester and Bill Buckley. New members joining this year are Dawn and Roger Peterson and Nancy and Larry Dolphin. Anyone interested in more information should call Marge Murach at 1-507-433-1590.

Duplicate Bridge

Tuesday, Oct. 2, six tables played at the Mower County Senior Center. First, Larry Crowe and Bill Momsen; Second, Carolyne and Bud Higgins; Third,  Gail and Ray Schmidt; Fourth, John Leisen and Rick Stroup; Fifth, Joyce Crowe and Millie Seiver.

Wednesday, Oct. 3, seven tables played at the Mower County Senior Center. First,  Loren Cleland and Bud Higgins; Second, Dave Ring and Stan Schultz; Third, Vandy Newman and Ron Peters; Fourth, Vandy Newman and Ron Peters; Fifth, John Liesen and Rick Stroup; Sixth place, Romelle Enderson and Bonnie Fritz

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