The 97th American Legion Sixth District Convention was held Friday, June 2, and Saturday,
June 3, in Park Rapids, Minn.
Sixth District president Theresa Rudnicki from Waite Park Unit 428, opened the meeting at
9 a.m. Welcome was given by Linda Swanson, president of Park Rapids Unit 212, and Commander Lefty Anderson, Post 212.
Department president Carol Kottom of Buffalo, Minn., addressed the members, thanking everyone for donating to her project and also for sending in their annual reports.
District chairman reports were given. District chairman from the Kimball American Legion Unit 261 were: Children and Youth, Renee Berscheid; Junior Activities, Cindy May; Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, Colette VanVleet; Finance Committee, LuAnn Marschel. Also holding positions in the district were: Chaplain Abby Zenzen, and Sergeant-at-arms, Dori Hamilton. Also in attendance from Kimball Unit 261 were Carol Santone Royal and Sharon Skirza.
The Kimball American Legion Auxiliary Unit 261 received citations in the following programs: Community Service, Constitution and Standing Rules, Girls State, History, Leadership and Poppy. Unit 261 Kimball received Honorable Mentions in the following programs: Americanism, Education, Memorial, National Security, and Past Presidents Parley.
A silent auction was held and more than $800 was raised to help support district programs.
A memorial service was also held on Saturday morning, deceased members from Unit 261 Kimball who passed away this year were mentioned at this service. They are: Alvina ?ÄúMumzy?Äù Berscheid, Marcia Burfeind, Gloria Jacobs, and Impie Olson. Also mentioned from Kimball Squadron 261 was James Loch.
Newly elected officers for the Sixth District American Legion Auxiliary 2017-2018 are: Sixth District president Vicki Bebeau of Walker, Minn.; First vice president Sharon Thiemecke of Bemidji, Second vice president Roberta Elvecrog of Aitkin; executive members: 1.
Brenda Woodford of Walker; and 2. Pat Cadreau of Park Rapids; sergeant-at-arms Dori Hamilton; chaplain LuAnn Marschel; Historian Renee Berscheid; poppy chairman Abby Zenzen; junior activities chairman Colette VanVleet and service to veterans chairman Cindy May.
Submitted by
Renee Berscheid
Members of the Kimball American Legion Auxiliary who attended the Sixth District convention in Park Rapids were, from left, Dori Hamilton, Renee Berscheid, LuAnn Marschel, Cindy May, Abby Zenzen, Colette VanVleet, and Carol Santone Royal. Submitted photo.