Heartland sends resolutions on to state convention

Our convention is over and we start a new year. Resolutions were forwarded to the Federation office for action at the annual convention, Oct. 10. Mark this date on your calendar right now. The convention will be held at The Falls Ballroom in Little Falls. Information will soon be out in Senior News. Plan to attend. This will be a very important meeting.

We continue to meet every second Monday of the month at 10 a.m. at Lakes Area Senior Activity Center, 803 Kingwood St., Brainerd (3rd floor conference room). All members are welcome.
Iva Zanker, president

North Star enjoys strong turnout for May meeting

We had a very good turnout at Goodland for the May meeting. Lois Williams and Dexter Pehle gave an update on MnSF reorganization plans.

Four of us attended the state board meeting in St. Cloud on May 22. We heard a lot of discussion concerning out state versus metro and I am still not totally willing to fall in line. I hope differences of opinion can be worked out by the October convention.

Most are looking forward to the meeting in International Falls sponsored by Kooch County Seniors. They have an excellent program planned for the morning for those who don’t have to attend the executive board meeting. This is a nutrition site, so we will have to make reservations. The cook has promised a little something extra for our group. I hope by the time you read this it will all be behind us. I do hope you will have enjoyed the day and gained a little knowledge of the area and have gone home with a full tummy.

Remember, we do not have a meeting in July. Enjoy your summer!
Tom Wagner, president

Buffalo Ridge votes yes for MnSF merger

The 4th annual combined regional convention for Minnesota Valley, Midwest and Southwest regions was held at Prairies’ Edge Casino and Convention Center near Granite Falls May 14.  The convention was opened by Ed Holst, president of Minnesota Valley Region. After opening ceremonies, Lee Graczyk spoke on the future of MnSF. Discussion included combining regions under one state organization, budgets, memberships, public relations and other areas of concern.

Following the presentation, two resolutions were introduced. The first stated that the regions would agree to continue to work on the merger and the second was to extend the current officers service until after the state convention in October. Both resolutions passed. 

The three regions held their annual business meetings separately. Bylaws were discussed and voted on, budgets approved, officers positions changed or extended and membership dues changed. Resolutions were also discussed prior to the afternoon discussion, vote and prioritization.

We enjoyed a luncheon of chicken, salad, chips and more. After all were served, the speaker was introduced.

Rae Ann Keeler-Aus, supervisor for adult social services provided us with information on available services for the elderly, disabled and children. She spoke of different services available in different parts of the state. Not all services are available or offered at the same rate in each county. She also discussed the inefficiency of the mental health system and the need for increased uniform services and benefits.

The issues and resolution discussion followed. It was presented by Ivey Vonderharr. All resolutions were reviewed and were either passed on for a vote or set aside for further discussion.  All new issues and changes to standing resolution were approved. Priority voting for next year’s issue work is: 

Local - 1) Continue to encourage MnSF staff to participate in local informational and educational trainings and events; to provide members with written materials on Medicare, property tax reform, Social Security and all priority issues as outlined by MnSF membership; provide all members with written material on benefits such as AAA insurance and HealthPartners dental plan. 2)  MnSF to research and publish ideas for increasing membership, media coverage and fundraising activities. 3) MnSF to develop and work for a public policy assisting small communities with reduced costs for fuel, property taxes. MnSF to also real estate taxes and encourage growth of business and community groups in rural Minnesota.

State (new) - 1) Rural family practitioners -ÊMnSF to work with state and federal legislators, medical practitioners and all other medical service providers to increase subsidies and incentives to make it possible for adequate personnel and facilities to operate effectively in small communities while providing an adequate quality of life for all medical providers, including: 1. student loan forgiveness programs, 2. housing allowances, 3. income tax deductions for individuals providing service in small communities and increasing payments from Medicare, insurance programs, and state assisted medical programs to local health care facilities. 2)  Homestead credit - MnSF to work to change the current stipulation and allow a personal representative to file for a refund on behalf of the deceased person when no surviving spouse or dependent is present/available to be included in the overall estate. 3) ADA regulations - MnSF to work to insure enforcement of all ADA regulations, including but not limited to: access to all necessities of life, large print signs, and open and accessible aisles in all businesses/public transportation.

The annual raffle drawing winners were announced with a total of 64 prizes awarded. Top cash winners were: Cindy Anderson, Liz Anderson, Rodger Anderson, Winifred Balkend, David Beyer, Joe Brussard, Mary Lou Butzer, Bea Defrance, Mary Ann Erickson, Ivy Gorans, Irene Henrich, Bernice Humann, Darcy Jorgenson, John Maciolek, Jodi Norris, Floyd Rand, Dorothy Redepenning, Pat Ronhovde, Jean Standfuss, Nick Stark, Raymer Stock, Gary Stoner and Trista Whitman.

A very special “Thank You” to all the wonderful members for their dedication, consideration and generosity towards me and the community they so diligently serve. You are all truly very special people.
Sue Johnson, director