North Star to hold convention April 13 in Hibbing

March sure proved interesting weather wise. Winds blew in the snow and kept it blowing around. One day we were in the 40s. We woke up the next with temperatures below zero. As they say, only in Minnesota do you experience all four seasons in a 24-hour period. By now I’m sure all of you are looking forward to spring and the beauty that comes with it.

The convention is getting closer. It will take place April 13. Because it is central and convenient, it will be held at Park Hotel in Hibbing. Cost is $15 for registration and lunch. The keynote speaker has not been determined at this writing, but indications are that it should be a very interesting talk. Clubs are asked to submit a door prize with a value of at least $10. Vendors are in the process of being procured and with your attendance we should have another successful event. Elections will be held for president and Secretary. Area caucuses will select representatives. Call the office to get an application to attend and let your voice be heard.

Our state and regional president, Lois Williams, has been dealing with some health problems over the past month. Please keep her in your prayers for a speedy recovery.
Muriel Pehle, office manager

Heartland to discuss changes in the Federation

Heartland Region will meet April 9 at Lakes Area Senior Activity Center in Brainerd, in the third floor conference room at 10 a.m.

We plan to talk at length about the proposed new structure for the Federation, to plan for our convention in May, and to think about resolutions and potential candidates.

Every Heartland member is welcome and urged to attend.

Faye Krohn, Heartland treasurer and former president, has moved from our region. We shall miss her very much, but we are fortunate to have a volunteer replacement, Vince Clemens, a long-time member and former president of Heartland.

Heartland has again applied for a United Way grant to continue efforts to inform area seniors of Senior Partners Care and prescription assistance programs. We won’t know about the grant for some time. We thank our wonderful helper, Dick Honetschlager, for all of his assistance.
Eileen Iverson, Heartland president

South Central expands outreach with new location

Minnesota Senior Federation-South Central Region is moving their monthly general assembly to the Mankato Summit Center. Members present at the February meeting indicated that a move to the Summit Center, now under new management by VINE, could offer greater opportunity to regularly contact more seniors. We recently confirmed availability of space and look forward eagerly to meeting in a location that attracts many other groups serving aging people. Look for more information about our new meeting location in the Senior Messenger, which should have arrived in your mailbox this past month.

In April, Lee Graczyk will present information at our general assembly about the future of the Minnesota Senior Federation and very important structural changes that are proposed for the operation of our organization. Don’t miss this very important meeting so you will understand the proposed changes.  It’s an exciting “remodeling” of the Federation that is just like “refurbishing the foundation” of your home. Our house won’t change, and everyone in it will remain the same, but our re-built basement will be stronger and ready to last for decades into the future. 

Last, we are pleased to announce that we will once again host a booth at the Senior Expo May 15 at the Midwest Wireless Center in Mankato. Last year we gave away almost 1,000 copies of Health Care Choices and we hope to get the latest edition into the hands of local seniors. 

If your community in south central or southeastern Minnesota holds events targeted to seniors, contact us and ask us to attend! We would be happy to meet seniors in your area and pass along information about resources available to aging people through the Minnesota Senior Federation. The size of your meeting doesn’t matter, we are happy to meet with 20, 200 or 2,000 people. Call us at 507/345-7814, or leave a message for South Central Region at the state office, 877/645-0261. We look forward to serving you!
Lynn VanDervort, director

Northwest Region to hold convention April 20

MnSF-Northwest Region will hold its Annual Convention  April 20 at Heritage Community Center in Thief River Falls.

It is important that as many members as possible attend and that member clubs send delegates. Everyone is welcome.

State MnSF staff will update us on MnSF programs for seniors including Senior Partners Care and the new dental program. The 2007-08 budget will be presented and voted on and officers will be elected. Lunch will be available at 11:45 a.m. at the community center.

Thanks to Northwest’s 1006-07 officers: Winton Forsberg, Judith Johnson, Joye Olson and O.J. Peyton. Many thanks, too, to our county vice presidents.

Northwest Region membership dues are $12 per person or $24 per couple. Senior News is free to paid-up members.

Call the office Wednesdays and Fridays, 218/681-4507 or leave your name and phone number on the answering machine and we will call you back.
Myra Nesland, secretary