The 3rd Annual combined Convention for Minnesota Valley, Midwest and Southwest regions was May 15 at the American Legion in Spicer. The day started with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a Welcome to Spicer by Edwin Holst on behalf of the mayor, William Taylor. Pastor Robert Friedrich gave the invocation.

The three regions then convened their own separate annual meetings.  Business for the year was discussed, budgets passed and membership issues debated. Delegates to the state delegate assembly and convention were elected as well as individual regional officers.

The Convention was re-convened at 11 a.m. Our guest speaker was Lee Graczyk. His topic was universal healthcare and single payer. Lee also outlined some of the progress at the state Capitol and the disappointments relating to business left undone.

A buffet luncheon was served with entertainment provided by "The Norseman." 

Dennis Gerhardstein and Gil Kiekenapp then spoke regarding membership. It is imperative that we work extra hard to encourage people to belong to the Federation and get involved! We must do a better job of recruiting new and active members.

Issues and resolutions provided lively discussion. Caucusing was done on four top issues and voting followed. 

State issues are:

1. Prescription drug bulk purchasing
2. Property taxes
3. Convicts placed in nursing homes

Federal issues are:

1. Social Security
2. Universal health care
3. Medicare reform

Officers for the regions are: Minnesota Valley - president, Ed Holst; vice president, Ruth Clemens; secretary, Darlene Haak; and treasurer, George Clemens. Midwest - president, Arline Grob; vice president, Arlene Stock; secretary, Donna Engquist; and treasurer, Virgil Anderson. Southwest - president, Dale Brock; vice president, Henry Kreun; secretary, Rosie McGinty; and treasurer, Colleen Miller.

Membership chairs are: Minnesota Valley, Ivey Vonderharr; Midwest, Bernice Humann; and Southwest, Dorothy Hyde.

Sue Johnson gave a brief overview of meeting changes for all three regions. This will hopefully get all of us on the same page with business issues, membership issues, fund raising and action items. We will donate the money staff and members received from the Southwest Foundation banquet to the Shelter House in Willmar in the form of phone cards.

The day ended with the door prize and annual raffle drawing. Top winners were: $50, Muriel Kohl (Southwest); $25, Tom Gardner (Midwest); Dakota Magic Casino trips, Pat Peterson, Hazel Foss; Quilt from Peace Lutheran Church, Mabel Peterson; Flanagan's Restaurant Pipestone - 2 $25 certificates for a meal Lois Scherer; $25, Lowell Smith (donated back to the region); and one night for two at Historic Calumet Inn, Pipestone, Dorothy Hyde.