Crippen News online - September 2017

Legion Report

by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com)

The William H Crippen Post 62 of Humboldt held their regular meeting on Monday, September 4, 2017. We had the salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes and Treasurer’s reports were given and approved. No new reports of anyone on sick call, just a few recovering. Commander Chuck Dubbe read a thank-you card from the Grace family.

We discussed the Dinner Party, including when we would set up tables for the event. We will have a ticket sellers meeting on Monday, September 11. We also remember the horrible event that happened that day sixteen years ago in New York City.

Fred Lee told the members about the County meeting in Colton last week. Chuck told the members about our speaker that night, who talked about a program senior adults and other handicapped persons. It was a program sponsored by the VA and Sanford Health, but they are still needing funds for incidentals. Our next meeting will be on October 24, in Dell Rapids. 

After these discussions, the meeting was adjourned.  

Auxiliary Report

by Connie Meyer, acting Secretary 

The William H. Crippen American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 62, was called together in regular form by President Donna Beck with nine members present. After opening exercises the secretary and treasurer’s reports were given, approved and placed on file.

Sunshine chairman Dianne Struck reported sending sympathy cards to the Louis Jarding family and Jim Jarding. Hours for community and veteran service were turned in and recorded.

Correspondence included letters from the VA, from District 7 President, Alice Upshaw, from Susie Clyde, new NEC Chairman from SD, our yearly packet from State Secretary, Laurel Stringer, and a thank you from Neil Even.

Members are asked to bring gifts for the VA Christmas Gift Shop to our October meeting.

District 7 fall meeting will be September 29 in Tea-meal at 6:00pm, meeting at Tea Legion Post home. We talked about Soup and pie. We plan to sell chances on a basket. Members are to think about bringing canned jellies, meat, vegetables, kitchen towels, etc. Members are also asked to be thinking of the Veteran’s Day supper and program.

The Legion Dinner Party will be held on Saturday, September 16. Set up will be Friday night at 7:00.

The meeting was adjourned. Lunch was served by Charles and Lorena Dubbe and Elsie Baye. October lunch will be served by Sharon Rehfeldt and Doug and Connie Meyer.

Crippen News online - August 2017

Legion Report

by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com)

The William H Crippen Post 62 of Humboldt held their regular meeting on Monday, August 7, 2017. We had the salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes and Treasurer’s reports were given and approved. It was noted that Neal Even was at home now. No new reports of anyone on sick call, just a few recovering. It was also noted that our oldest Legionnaire, Louis Jarding, had his 97th birthday on Saturday.

Commander Chuck Dubbe enlisted members to carry the Colors at the Threshing Bee next weekend. He also discussed the baseball games that just completed in Humboldt. We discussed the Dinner Party coming up and it was mentioned that this year’s event would be Saturday, September 16. There are some tickets available if someone seeing this would like to attend, see a Legionnaire. 

During the remainder of the meeting, we discussed our possible future memorial.

The meeting was adjourned.

Auxiliary Report

by Connie Lueth, Secretary 

The William H Crippen American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 62, held their regular meeting Monday, August 7.  The meeting was called to order by President Donna Beck with 13 members and two guests, Girl State   Representative, Erin Kueter, and her mother, Rhonda Kueter.  After our regular opening, Erin, gave a very interesting report on Girl State.  She also explained that our other representative, Jesika Tieszen, sent her regrets, but was in New York City for a family wedding.  After the report was finished, we invited Erin and her mom to stay if they wished, or leave at that time, not making them stay all evening.  They chose to leave, and we continued with the secretary’s report from the July 3 meeting, which was approved.  The treasurer’s report was given and placed on file.

Dianne Struck, our Sunshine Chairlady, reported sending sympathy cards to Lowell DeVries for the loss of his wife, and to Betty Grace for the loss of her husband, Francis Grace; and a get well card to Steve Becker.

Bingo at the VA had gone well with Dianne Struck, Barb Bassett, and Donna Beck there to help.

Membership is due beginning now in August.

It was decided to donate money to go toward expenses of the Newsletter that Fred Lee puts out for us.

We also decided to bring gifts again, not money, for the Veterans’ Christmas gifts for their families.  Motion carried.  Some suggestions were towel sets, kitchen sets, men’s and women’s gloves, flannel shirts-large for men and women, throws, wallets, etc. No toys, perfumes, or lotions. Gifts should be brought to the November meeting.

The meeting was adjourned.  Sheryl Siemonsma won the door prize, and lunch was served by Colleen and Tom Puthoff and Connie and Leroy Lueth with assistance from Shirley Price.  September’s lunch will be served by Charles and Lorena Dubbe and Elsie Baye.

Crippen News online - July 2017

Legion Report

by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com)

The William H Crippen Post 62 of Humboldt held their regular meeting on Monday, July 3, 2017. We had the salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes and Treasurer’s reports were given and approved. It was noted that Neal Even was at the VA hospital in Sioux Falls. A thank you card was read from Charlie Beck, who was at the meeting. Fred Lee had a thank you letter from JoAnn Bohl, thanking the Post for their support and confidence in her as she received the Legion’s award for Teacher of the Year at the State level. 

Fred reported on the State Convention held recently in Watertown. At that convention, Hugh Holmes of Mitchell, was elected as our new Department Commander for 2017-2018. The Commander announced that State Commander’s homecoming will be Saturday, July 22, in Mitchell. 

The Commander also mentioned that he had purchased a flag case for the William H Crippen memorial flag to be left in the clubroom. There was some discussion on a future memorial in Humboldt. 

Before the meeting ended, a motion was made to have our 20th Annual Dinner Party on Saturday, September 9, 2017. 

After these discussions, the meeting was adjourned.

Auxiliary Report

by Connie Lueth, Secretary

Our regular meeting was held Monday, July 3 with 7 members present, including long-time member, Sharon Rehfeldt.  The secretary’s report from the June 5 meeting was read and approved.  We had no treasurer’s report. 

We had one thank you card from Charlie Beck.  The Executive Board met last month; and the Lunch and Auxiliary Committees were handed out to members who were present.  Plans for Bingo at the VA at 2:00 pm Thursday, July 13th were discussed and finalized. Our Girl State Representatives will present their reports next month.   

Lorena and Donna gave an interesting report on the State Convention last month in Watertown.  Our unit received a certificate for “Giving 10 to Education.” 

Meeting was adjourned.  Connie Lueth won the door prize, and Barb Bassett and Agnes Even served lunch.  Next month servers will be Tom and Colleen Puthoff and Leroy and Connie Lueth.

Crippen News online - June 2017

Legion Report

by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com)

The William H Crippen Post 62 of Humboldt held their regular meeting on Monday, June 5, 2017. Vice-Commander Dennis Erickson led the meeting since our Commander had a previous engagement. We had the salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes and Treasurer’s reports were given and approved. It was noted that Charlie Beck had knee surgery and was present at the meeting, Neal Even was currently receiving therapy at the Salem nursing home and Dale Lofswold was recuperating at home. Doug Meyer was present at the meeting after having trouble with his heart this past month and was in the hospital. We had a thank-you from Dale.

There was discussion on our recent Memorial Day activities. Everyone agreed that it went smoothly. We had a great speaker and the West Central Band did a great job. Markers in the cemeteries were added when we discovered them. If anyone knows of a veteran who needs a marker, let a Legionnaire know about it. We are also in the process of getting the casket flags of veterans who have flag poles we are storing back to the families of these veterans. We have replaced and will flag nylon casket flags in their place. Our thanks to everyone who helped with the flag poles this year. 

Fred Lee reminded the members about our State Convention coming up this month in Watertown. He told the members about the candidates running this year. We will have our National Commander present at the convention. 

Before the meeting ended, we talked about the baseball team.

After these discussions, the meeting was adjourned.

Auxiliary Report

by Connie Lueth, Secretary

The William H. Crippen American Legion Auxiliary Unit 62 held their regular meeting Monday, June 5.  The meeting was called to order by President Donna Beck with eleven members present.  The minutes from our May 1^st meeting were read, corrected and approved.  The treasurer’s report was given and placed on file.

Sunshine Chairlady reported sending cards to Charlie Beck, Neil Even, and Doug Meyer.

The last letter from our current District President, Teresa Huntimer, was read, and we had received a thank you letter from the director of the Down Syndrome Association thanking us for our donation. 

With May being such a busy month all members were thanked for their strong participation in all the activities.  It was decided to get out more information on the Poppy Sales next year, and “why” the Poppy, and who makes them, etc.  We also hope to get the Memorial Day Services and times on the town marque, placed in more papers, possibly make up posters for next year. 

The Executive Committee will meet Tuesday, June 13^th at 1:30. 

Installation of Officers was conducted by Past President, Shirley Price.

Meeting was adjourned.  Dianne won the door prize.  She and Ken Struck and Fred Lee served lunch.  Next month servers will be Gib and Barb Bassett and Neal and Agnes Even.

Crippen News online - May 2017

Legion Report

by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com)

The William H Crippen Post 62 of Humboldt held their regular meeting on Monday, May 1, 2017. We had the salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes and Treasurer’s reports were given and approved. There were no new reports of comrades on sick call.

John Mallinger was present at the meeting and made a report on the upcoming Legion baseball season. He has volunteered to coach the team. He said there were approximately sixteen kids who want to play. Most home games will be played in Humboldt and they will be in three tournaments this year. He said the State Tournament is in Winner this year. 

Delegates to the State convention were discussed and chosen.  

Hans Sieverding reported on the flag program and told the membership where we were with this project. Fred Lee told the membership that JoAnn Bohl was chosen to be the State Educator of the Year by The American Legion for 2017. Some discussion was made on when to give this award. School awards were also discussed. 

Before the meeting ended, we discussed Memorial Day activities. We plan to set up flag poles on Friday, May 26, at 5 pm.  Fund raising ideas was discussed.

After these discussions, the meeting was adjourned. 

Auxiliary Report

by Connie Lueth, Secretary

The William H Crippen American Legion Auxiliary Unit 62 opened the May 1 meeting in regular form. The minutes from our April 3 meeting were read and approved. The treasurer’s report was given and placed on file.

Dianne Struck, our Sunshine Chairman, reported sending a Get Well card to Sharon Rehfeldt. 

The letter from District Chairman, Teresa Huntimer, was read. Forms for next year’s officers and committee members were sent; and will be filled out by our secretary, and mailed in before deadlines.

Plans for the Mothers’ Tea, which will be held Thursday evening, May 11 at 7 pm, were finalized.  Poppy posters have been sent in. Committee for Memorial Day will be Jackie Lofswold, Connie Meyer, and Cathy Fleishhacker. Jean Erickson and Barb Bassett will be working on the distribution of Poppies. 

Our Delegates to the State Convention will be Donna Beck, Lorena Dubbe, and Dianne Struck. Alternates are Phyllis Sieverding, Sheryl Siemonsma, and Elsie Baye. The State Convention will be held in Watertown on June 15-18. 

Election of Officers for the coming year was held. They are Donna Beck, president; Dianne Struck, vice president; Connie Lueth, secretary, Sheryl Siemonsma, treasurer; Jean Erickson, chaplain; Barb Bassett, historian; Shirley Price, parliamentarian; and Jackie Lofswold and Colleen Puthoff, sergeants-at-arms.  Installation of officers will take place at our June meeting. Also on the Executive Board is Phyllis Sieverding, Connie Meyer, and Shirley Price.  

The meeting was adjourned. Dianne won the door prize.  Lunch was served by Francis and Phyllis Sieverding and Cathy Fleishhacker. Next month servers will be Ken and Dianne Struck and Fred Lee.  

Crippen News online - April 2017

Legion Report

by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com)

The William H Crippen Post 62 of Humboldt held their regular meeting on Monday, April 3, 2017. We had the salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes and Treasurer’s reports were given and approved. Hugh Holmes was visiting our Post and talked to us about his ideas. He said his motto would be “Forward” as he campaigns for State Commander. He said the Posts need to continue doing what they are doing, and do it the best they can. It was mentioned that Dale Lofswold has had knee replacement and was home. Louis Jarding is living at the Sanford hospice house on 43rd Street.  

Under old business, Chuck cleaned out the briefcase and found some old certificates that needed to be given out. Some old letters regarding the contributions made for the Community building and they were filed. 

The Commander told the members that JoAnn Bohl received the District award for Educator of the Year and now will go on to the State contest. 

Under new business, Chuck told the membership the national Oratory contest would be this month. The American Legion pays the airfare Katrina Callahan and one parent. A motion was made to pay the airfare for the other parent if needed. The Auxiliary would help with this cost. Adjutant Fred Lee gave a report on the Spring District meeting held recently in Canistota. District Legionnaire of the Year was Bill Huntimer from Dell Rapids. Ed Stringer from Sioux Falls was elected our next District Commander. He reported our membership had not changed since last month.

The Commander told the members he had set a couple markers in the cemetery and more markers would be ordered. 

Before the meeting ended, our Election of Officers was held. All our current officers were re-elected to their various positions. They are as follows: Commander-Charles Dubbe; 1st Vice Commander-Dennis Erickson; 2nd Vice Commander-Douglas Meyer; Adjutant and Historian-Fred Lee; Finance Officer-Francis Sieverding; Chaplain-Charlie Beck; Americanism Officer-Charles Dubbe; Service Officer-Ken Struck; Sergeant-At-Arms-Jerry Corey; Athletic Officer-Tom Puthoff. Ken Struck and Jerry Corey were re-elected to the Executive Board.

Before the meeting ended, we discussed the baseball program.

After these discussions, the meeting was adjourned. 

Auxiliary Report

by Barb Bassett, Acting Secretary

The William H. Crippen Humboldt American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 62, held their April meeting on Monday, April 3, 2017.  After our regular opening, the secretary’s report from the March 6^th meeting was read and approved.  The Treasurer’s report was given, and the report was placed on file.

We received thank you’s from the Girl Scouts, the Humboldt Elementary Student Council, and also from Humboldt Elementary Principal, Mr. Alley.  Sunshine committee sent a get well card to Dale Lofswold. 

The monthly Letter from District President, Teresa Huntimer, told about the people running for National Office.  There will be a recruiter pin given to people who sign up new members; and we are happy to sign up new member, Cindy Perring.

Details concerning the Mothers’ Tea were discussed and decided upon.  The event will be held at the Humboldt Community Center on Thursday, May 11^th at 7:00 pm.  All ladies are cordially invited.  Election of officers will occur at our May Meeting.

It was suggested that members not sign up for membership via email. They have been having difficulty with it.  Just wait until the notices come through the mail.

Meeting was adjourned.  Shirley Price won the door prize, and lunch was provided by Wanda Artz and Dale and Jackie Lofswold.  Shirley helped Wanda serve in the absence of Jackie.  Next month servers will be Francis and Phyllis Sieverding and Cathy Fleishhacker. 

Crippen News online - March 2017

Legion Report

by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com)

The William H Crippen Post 62 of Humboldt held their regular meeting on Monday, March 6, 2017. Before the meeting started, we were treated to a pot-luck supper by the Auxiliary members to celebrate the Legion’s birthday. It was a great meal celebrated by all in attendance. Afterwards, we held our meeting. We had the salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes and Treasurer’s reports were given and approved. Service Officer Ken Struck told the members he had not heard of anyone new on sick call.  

Adjutant Fred Lee gave a short report on the MidWinter conference that was held last month. He had go-getters pins to hand out. Those receiving the pins included; Charles Beck, Charles Dubbe, Francis Sieverding, Douglas Meyer, Jerry Corey and Fred Lee. He also mentioned he had picked up the entry booklet from our Educator of the Year nominee and told the members that will be judged on March 21 and announced at the District 7 Spring meeting. He had a photo of the contestants who competed at the State that was passed around. Katrina Callahan, from West Central, won the State Oratory contest and will compete at the nationals in Indianapolis, IN in April. Funding for the Oratory program was also discussed. 

The Commander told those present that the District 7 Spring meeting would be April 1 in Canistota at the Post Home. Social hour starts at 2 pm, meeting at 3 pm. 

After these discussions, the meeting was adjourned. 

Auxiliary Report

by Connie Lueth

The William H. Crippen Humboldt American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 62, held an informal meeting after our yearly potluck supper in honor of the Legion Birthday, March 6.  President Donna Beck opened our meeting with 12 members present.  The Secretary’s Report was read and approved.  The Treasurer’s Report was placed on file.

 Sunshine Committee Chairman, Diane Struck, reported sending a Thinking of You card to Paul Hentges. District President, Teresa Huntimer’s monthly letter was read.  District 7 Meeting will be held in Canistota at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 1. 

 Girls State Committee reported that we will be sponsoring Erin Kueter, daughter of Rhonda and Terry Kueter, at Girl State.  And it was decided that we will also send an additional West Central student.

The Mothers Tea will be held on Thursday, May 11th.  Those on the committee this year are Wanda Artz, Connie Lueth, and Kathy Fleishhacker. 

 Donna and Lorena reported on the Mid-winter Conference last month in Oacoma. 

There was a newly formed Girl Scout Troop meeting at the Community Center the evening of our meeting.  We decided to make a donation to the group and also to the West Central Elementary Student Council. 

The meeting was adjourned.  Donna Beck won the door prize.  Next month lunch will be served by Wanda Artz and Dale and Jackie Lofswold. 

National Oratorical Finals

The National Oratorical Finals contest will be Apr 21-23, 2017, at the Wyndham Indianapolis West, Indianapolis, IN. Quarterfinal and semifinal contests will be Saturday, Apr 22. The championship contest will be Sunday, Apr 23. Katrina Callahan of Hartford will represent The American Legion Department of South Dakota in the Contest. Katrina and her chaperone’s expenses will be picked up by The American Legion. Katrina will receive $1,500 in scholarship awards for participating. If she advances beyond the first round, she will receive an additional $1,500 in scholarship awards.

First Place winner will receive $18,000, second place receives $16,000 and third place receives $14,000 in scholarship awards.

From the Up To Now: 

The District 7 Spring Convention will be held in Canistota, at the Canistota Post Home on Saturday, April 1, with a social hour beginning at 2 pm, meeting at 3 pm with a light supper to follow the meeting. Sorry, no details on the Auxiliary meeting at this time. 

We will be electing new District Commanders and Vice Commanders at this meeting. 

One delegate and one alternate to the 99th National Convention which will be held in Reno, Nevada, on August 18-24, 2017.

Spearfish American Legion Post 164 has endorsed Fred Nelson for  the position of State Vice Commander for Districts 1 & 2.

Membership Update

State membership stands at 18,740 or 88.34% of the Department’s 2017 membership goal. 

Our Post membership stands at 80 members or 87%.

A new Assistant State Adjutant has been hired, his name is Mark Abraham and is a 20 year retired member of the US Air Force.

Post Member Spotlight

Ken Struck is a forty-eight year paid-up-for-life member of our Post. He is a Vietnam Era veteran.

He was drafted in Jan, 1968, and took basic training at Ft Lewis, WA and AIT at Ft Gordon, GA for Signal School. After a short leave, he was sent to Germany as a Communications Specialist, working at a top-secret com-center in Stuttgart.

He was discharged in Dec, 1969 on a Santa Claus “early out” and came back to work at Morrells and farmed with his father-in-law for one year in the Hartford area and then moved to Humboldt and started farming with his dad and brother.

District 7 Spring Meeting - Apr 1 - Canistota

Legion Meeting - Monday, Apr 3, at 7:30 pm

Auxiliary Meeting - Monday, Apr 3, at 7:30 pm

Next County meeting-Baltic-Apr 25-8 pm

State Convention-Watertown-Jun 15-18