Magdlin-Gilbertson ladies celebrated their 70th anniversary on May 2, 2017, by having a pizza party and cake prior to their regular monthly meeting. Eighteen members were in attendance. A charter was issued to the auxiliary on April 30, 1947. The first officers were: president – Florence Foss, secretary – Lily Hopp, and conductress – Doris Olson. There were 17 charter members. At the present time, the auxiliary has 95 members.
The first meeting was held on April 24, 1947. At that time, two meetings were held each month – one for business and one social. Meetings were originally held in the town hall. They were later moved to the basement of the Victory Café. Meetings are now held at the Preston Servicemen’s Club the first Tuesday of the month.
Per capita dues are paid by the auxiliary, as well as donations to various department and national programs such as Hospital and Rehabilitation, Christmas at the Hospital, Health and Happiness Fund, and the VFW National Home. The auxiliary also makes donations to local groups such as the Preston Fire Department, Preston Emergency Services, Preston Community Chest, Post Prom Party, Food Shelf, Christmas in Fillmore County, etc. Cookie plates are delivered to local shut-ins in November in honor of Veterans Day. The auxiliary and post promote patriotism by sponsoring the Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen essay contests at Fillmore Central Schools. Grade school children also colored patriotic pictures last fall, which were donated to Park Lane Estates and Traditions assisted living facilities.
Auxiliary members continue to sell poppies each year, with proceeds going strictly for the needs of veterans and their families. Be generous when you see these people selling poppies in May. Thank you for your continued support.
The May meeting of the local auxiliary included several orders of business. A memorial service was held to honor the memory of members Anna Marie and Lucille Nehring, who both passed away earlier in the year.
Installation of officers was also held. New officers will begin their duties following the state convention in June. New officers are: president –DD Himli, senior vice president – Diane Johnson, junior vice president – Betty Hellickson, chaplain – Nancy Berry, guard – Pat Scheevel, conductress – Sandy Amundson, treasurer – Dawn Ristau, secretary – Ann Thacher, patriotic instructor – Marlene McKenzie, and trustees – Marlene McKenzie, Geraldine Daley, and Diane Johnson.
If you are interested in joining the auxiliary or would like more information about the programs supported by this organization, contact Diane Johnson at 765-4447 or Dawn Ristau at 765-4710.