Volunteers visit Veterans Monday afternoon, May 24, was birthday party day at the St. Cloud Veteran’s Center-Building 51. Volunteers of the Kingston American Legion Johnson-Kelly Post #483 Auxiliary, Ruby Justison, Alice Von Ende, Jan Nelson and Ann Hamilton, assisted Mike Omecke, program coordinator of the Veteran’s Center. Omecke presented a question-time on spring, baseball, flowers, birds and Memorial Day with the Veterans. Since loons are our state bird we learned about them. We learned that loons can only take off to fly if they are on water, like a lake or pond. They fly to Florida in the winter. If they see a wet parking lot at night and land on it they have to be rescued and taken to a lake in order to take off and fly again. We also learned that people in Florida do not hear the “call of the loon” because it is their mating call. It is only heard in Minnesota in the spring. Bars were baked by Sandi Smith and cookies were provided by Ann Hamilton. The volunteers served refreshments to 23 veterans and guests. There were five birthdays in May. Two of the veterans were present for the party. The veterans enjoyed the afternoon. The next volunteer day with veterans activities is “Farm Day” Friday, June 4. Outdoor activities with various animals, machinery, antique cars, clowns and music is sure to give the veterans an enjoyable day outdoors. Refreshments will be served. Auxiliary May meeting The members of the Kingston Johnson-Kelly Post #483 Auxiliary met for their regular monthly meeting Tuesday evening, May 25. President Sandi Smith presided over the meeting. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, the “Star Spangled Banner” was sung, and the Preamble to the Auxiliary Constitution was said by all in attendance. Roll call was taken and minutes of the last meeting were read by Secretary Judy Compton. The treasurers report was read by Mary Jane Arens. Jan Nelson gave a report on the trip to the St. Cloud Veteran’s Medical Center. Plans were made for the annual Memorial Day service, including a parade planned and refreshments to be served by Auxiliary members after the service at the Kingston Community Center. Past and present Girl State representatives, Nicole Swenson and Maggie Hedlund, were scheduled to speak at the Memorial Day service, May 31. Officers for the 2004-05 year were elected and will be installed at the June meeting. The meeting is at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 29. Auxiliary chaplain Pearl Haapajoki led a memorial service for all the members who have passed away during the past year. “We shall keep in hallowed memory the lives of these members whom we have loved and ‘lost awhile.’ In God’s great garden of our lives, some rain must fall, but after that He sends the sun to triumph over all.” We also keep in our memories our Gold Star Mothers – Jennie Johnson, Ida Paulson and Doris Blair. Chaplain Pearl Haapajoki closed the meeting in prayer. After the business meeting refreshments were served to Legion and Auxiliary members by Mary Jane Arens and Sandi Smith. June servers are Alice Root and Barbara Root. Flag Day reminder Don’t forget to mark your calendars. Flag Day is Monday, June 14. Honor our veterans and soldiers and fly your flag. Ann Hamilton, Public relations
