Meeting in St. Cloud, Feb. 19, the newly formed Advisory Council discussed issues to be brought before the MnSF Board of Directors. Most all areas of the state elected delegates to attend the first meeting. Delegates designated to represent their respective areas are: Les Ristinen, Clarence Savanto, George Clemens, Ivey Vonderharr, Bill Lindquist, Ted Winter, Iva Zanker, Leonard Zimmer, Mary Ann Beneke, Larry Kennebeck, Robert Hines, RuthWilson-Gustafson, Don Carlson, Lucille Robinson, Tom Wagner, Lois Williams, Joye Olson, Bud Olson, Dee Jones and Faye Krohn.

The new bylaws of the Federation state: “An Advisory Council shall be formed from members of the constituent groups across the state. The purpose of the Council will be to inform and advise the Board of Directors on matters of importance to the membership. It shall also provide a communication pathway to and from geographically diverse or special interest constituent groups. The council shall meet not less than quarterly and shall hold its meeting prior to scheduled Board meetings. The Council shall elect its own leadership and their representatives to the Board of Directors.”

In addition to voting to elect officers, the Advisory Council heard from Barbara Kaufman about their importance to the Federation, Lee Graczyk on legislative issues and Lee Johnson, newly appointed MnSF executive director, about a new strategic planning initiative being planned as well as a tentative statewide convention to be held in October.

After discussion of terms and issues, the East Metro Chapter elected Lucille Robinson and Don Carlson as delegates to the advisory council. Most all regions and chapters elected delegates to attend at the first meeting of the council Feb. 19. They met prior to the Board of Directors meeting at Trinity Lutheran Church near St. Cloud.

Most also attended the open meeting of the Board of Directors. Barbara Kaufman welcomed all board members and delegates noting that the re-organization is almost complete. She thanked all for their help during this important time of the Federation.