Crippen News online - January 2014

West Central High School Oratory winners

Four students who emerged as winners from the eleven

participants in the first round in December--Katrina Callahan,

Megan Oeltjenbruns, Sara Waldner and Jenna Mammenga--

each received $100 and competed for the $400 prize and

the honor of moving on the District Oratorical contest

in Humboldt. 
Katrina Callahan, left; Jenna Mammenga and Megan Oeltjenbruns are shown above as they competed in the final round. Katrina Callahan was the winner and moved on to compete at the District Oratorical contest in Humboldt. 
Local prize money is from a fund established several years

ago by American Legion members. To perpetuate the fund,

donations are welcome and being accepted from the

public, either individual or organizations.

Members of District 7 congratulate their American Legion

Oratory winner, Kimberly Chow from Dakota Valley

High School in North Sioux City, SD.

She will represent our District during the Department

American Legion High School Oratorical Contest

in Huron on Sunday, January 26, 2014.

Members shown here with Kimberly, from left,

include Roger Klos, District Americanism Officer,

Gary Henle, District 7 Commander and

Fred Lee, Department Historian and District Adjutant.

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Mid-Winter Conferences

2015-Watertown

2016-Huron

2017-Oacoma

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Crippen News online - Minutes - December 2013

Legion Report

by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com)

The William H Crippen Post 62 held their regular meeting on Monday, December 2nd, with nine members present. This was after a Christmas pot-luck supper with the Auxiliary members.  We had the salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes from the previous meeting were read and approved. The Treasurer was not at the meeting. Service Officer Ken Struck was not present but others in attendance mentioned that Steve Pressler was feeling better, Myron Schievelbein was at home, Ken Lewin had been in and out of the hospital and Dennis Erickson was taking some rehab.

Fred Lee read a letter from the VAVS. We decided to table any contribution until our next meeting. We gave Charlie Beck a round of applause for his hours of volunteering at the VA Hospital. Fred had a picture of Francis Grace receiving his 50 year plaque and an idea for get well cards. Membership was mentioned and we have five people left to pay.

Charles Dubbe gave a report on the Oratory program. The first round of competition is coming up next week on December 12 in the afternoon at West Central High School. The finals will be on Saturday, January 4, starting at 1 pm. We discussed the rules we would be using in judging at the local level. We hope to have as many Legionnaires are there to help with this program.

Fred Lee discussed the recent County meeting held in Humboldt in November. We had a small turnout but those present did hear about the Sioux Falls school board meeting recently held regarding the Pledge of Allegiance. Bryon Hahn was our speaker and gave an interesting talk about the Humboldt Sharpshooters BB gun club. Our next County meeting will be on Jan 28 in Renner.

There was some discussion about the proposed Veterans memorial. There was some brainstorming on the subject.

After these discussions, the meeting was adjourned.

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Auxiliary Report

by Donna Beck

The William H Crippen American Legion Auxiliary Unit 62 held their regular meeting Monday, December 2nd in the Community Center. A potluck supper with the Legion preceded the meeting. President Connie Meyer called the informal meeting to order with ten members present. The minutes and treasures reports of the November meeting were given and approved. President Connie Meyer thanked the members for all that was done in November—apples for the teachers, the dictionary project, Give 10 to Education and the soup and pie lunch.

A thank-you was read from Molly Stensaas for the door prize she received on Veterans Day. Principal Mat Alley sent a thank you for acknowledging the teachers during American Education Week and the ten flash drives given to the school. The third grade students all signed a thank you for the dictionaries they received.

Joyce Helgeson is our new member. Membership is now at fifty-two.

Community Service Chairman, Wanda Artz, reported six gifts were sent to those in the military and she has gifts for seventeen shut-ins and nursing home residents. Several members offered to deliver some of the gifts. The Humboldt Blizzard Bazaar will be December 14th at the Trophy Room. There will be food,  inflatables, chances on a quilt and other activities. All proceeds will  go to support Humboldt’s 125th anniversary celebration.

The money given in lieu of a Christmas gift will be given to the VA Medical Center for the coffee fund. The meeting was adjourned.

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Continuous Membership Awards

Continuous Membership Awards were given out at our Veterans Day potluck supper. Twenty members received recognition for their continuous membership in the American Legion. Jerry Grace, Joni Langley and Dan Pressler had five years. Dale Papka and Joe Sieverding had ten years. Dave Froke had fifteen years. Dennis Burnett, Ed Hartle, David Hoon and John Mallinger had twenty years. Judy Saffell-Klima had twenty-five years. Eric Erickson had thirty years. Bob Mallinger had thirty-five years. Loren Even, Jim Ginsbach, and Bob Hanisch had forty years. Ken Struck had forty-five years. Francis Grace had fifty years and Neal Even and Nick Hoek Jr had sixty years. We congratulate all of them.

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Crippen News online - Minutes - November 2013

Legion Report

by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com)

The William H Crippen Post 62 held their regular meeting on Monday, November 4th, with seven members and two guests present. We had the salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes and treasurer’s report from the previous meeting were read and approved. Service Officer Ken Struck was not present but others in attendance mentioned Steve Pressler had fallen off a grain bin and was resting at home after breaking some bones from the fall. We hope he is feeling better.
Commander Jerry Corey reported on the chain he had purchased for use with the gun cabinet. He also introduced Gary Henle, our District Commander, and Steve Gaspar. Steve was given the floor and presented our Post with a check from his dad’s estate. After his presentation, he was excused. The Commander also read a letter he received regarding a donation to the Post from Russell Warner’s estate. Other letters the Commander discussed were one asking about employing the disabled and another about employing veterans.
The Commander told the Post about the Veterans Day activities at the school and hoped as many as possible could attend. There will also be a supper in the Community Center on Veterans Day.
Fred Lee and Douglas Meyer discussed the recent County meeting in Hartford. We will host the County meeting next month and details about it were made. Fred Lee discussed the latest “Up To Nows” and gave out cap pins to Charles Dubbe and Charlie Beck for their help with Legion activities and told the membership about various discounts and Veterans Day meals for veterans.
Charles Dubbe gave a report on the Oratory program. He had met with JoAnn Bohl at the school and set the tentative date for the local contest for Thursday, December 12th and the final local contest on Saturday, January 4th. There was discussion about the prizes given and motions were made to set those in place. We also discussed other details of the contest.
There was a motion to supply turkeys for Turkey Day.
The Commander introduced our District Commander who told the Post about the National appointments from South Dakota. Charmon Dunham from Post 280 in Iroquois was appointed to be our National Historian. Ken Orrick from Post 22 was appointed Chairman of the National Membership committee. Terry Hanson from Arlington was appointed Americanism committee and Ken Teunissen from Sioux Falls was appointed to the National Security committee. He discussed membership and told us of upcoming event dates.
After these discussions, the meeting was adjourned.
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Auxiliary Report

by Donna Beck

The William H Crippen American Legion Auxiliary Unit 62 held their regular meeting Monday, November 4th in the Community Center. The meeting was called to order by President Connie Meyer with eight members present. We said the Pledge of Allegiance, sang our National Anthem and recited the Preamble to our Constitution.The minutes and treasures reports of the October 7th meeting were given and approved.
A thank-you was received from the Fire Department and the Ambulance Service for our donation.
We will pay our yearly obligations and send money to the VA Medical Center for personal care items for the veterans. The Gift Shop at the VAMC will be December 2&3, 8 am to 4 pm and December 4, 8 am until noon.
Lorena Dubbe, Connie Lueth and Barb Bassett put on a social hour with refreshments for the veterans at the VAMC. The dictionaries have arrived so we will give them to the students this week and we will also present the ten flash drives to the school for our Give10 to Education project. American Education Week, November 18-23, will be observed by giving a thank-you and apple to all school staff. Our soup and pie lunch will be with Turkey Day, Saturday, November 23. We have donated two turkeys.
Community Service Chairman, Wanda Artz, reviewed the list of shut-ins and military  people we will be sending gifts for Christmas. We are to call her if we think of others who needed to be remembered.
The December meeting will be preceded by a pot luck supper at 7 pm. Dessert will be furnished. In lieu of a gift exchange, members will give a monetary donation which will be given to the VA Medical Center.
The meeting was adjourned. Connie Lueth won the door prize. Lorena Dubbe and Connie Meyer served lunch.
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Veterans Day 2013

The William H Crippen American Legion Veterans Day dinner was a great success. Twenty members and spouses attended the event on Veterans Day. The veterans who attended are shown here.
From left, top row: Marvin Price, Charlie Beck, Tom Sieverding, Tommy Holdahl, Daryl Sieverding, Dave Froke, Mike Maske, Pat Kaffar, Charles Dubbe, Dennis Erickson, Post Commander Jerry Corey Byron Hahn and Fred Lee. Seated from left: Albert Stensaas, Derwood Eisenberg, Neal Even, Francis Sieverding, Ken Struck and Roger Begeman. Not shown was Doug Meyer.
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Crippen News Online - Minutes, October 2013

Legion Report

by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com)

The William H Crippen Post 62 held their regular meeting on Monday, October 7th, with eleven members present. We had the salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes and treasurer’s report from the previous meeting were read and approved. Post Treasurer Tom Sieverding gave a report on the Dinner party. Everyone agreed it was a success and we discussed small changes for next year. Service Officer Ken Struck was not present but Hans Sieverding mentioned Ken Lewin was in the VA hospital and Douglas Meyer told us Neal Even took a turn with a young bull at the farm and is  a little worse for wear but still talking about it.

Commander Jerry Corey received a thank you card from Myron & Marlene Schievelbein for our remembrance of his sister and read a letter from Rachel Schartz thanking the post for all we have done for her. Douglas Meyer thanked the post for our remembrance of his family after he lost his sister.

A motion was made to pay Bob Kueter for mowing at the memorial on the north end of town.

There was some discussion on our gun cabinet and it was decided to purchase a chain and lock for it.

We had a County meeting and a District meeting last month. The County meeting was in Dell Rapids and was the first one of the fall season. Our post will host the county meeting in November. The District meeting in Tea had an average turn-out. The State Commander went over his ideas for the coming Legion year. He announced plans for our 100th anniversary of the American Legion in 2019.

The Commander asked those present to think about ideas for the memorial and ideas about our float at the parade next year.

Charles Dubbe gave a report on the Oratory program this year. He had received the Oratory packet from Watertown and took it to the school, where he visited with the consoler there. He also told those present of some constructive changes this year with the Oratory contest. There was some discussion on these changes and other suggestions made at the meeting.

Before the meeting ended, we signed a get-well card to be sent to G.D.”Hoot” Gibson.

After these discussions, the meeting was adjourned.

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Auxiliary Report

by Donna Beck

The William H Crippen American Legion Auxiliary Unit 62 held their regular meeting Monday, October 7th in the Community Center. The meeting was called to order by President Connie Meyer with fifteen members present. We said the Pledge of Allegiance, sang our National Anthem and recited the Preamble to our Constitution.

The minutes and treasures reports of the September 2nd meeting were given and approved.

The District 7 President’s letter stated mid-year reports are due November 1 and locations for the Girls State Teas are needed.

Our unit will host a social hour for the veterans at the VA Medical Center Saturday, October 26. Lorena Dubbe is in charge and several members volunteered to go to help. Connie Meyer and Donna Beck reported on the Fall Conference. Walter Reed Hospital is accepting Christmas cards addressed to Recovering American Soldier. We will obtain the correct address so cards may be sent. Ten flash drives will be given to the school for our Give 10 to Education project. Donations will be given to the Fire Department, the Ambulance Service and the Community Center.

Our Veterans Day Supper will be Monday, November 11, at 7 pm. Sheryl Siemonsma and Dawn Hahn will be in charge. They will prepare roast beef, potatoes, and buns. Members are to bring salads and desserts.

Our soup and pie lunch will be Saturday, November 23 and we will observe American Education Week on November 18-23. Membership dues are due.

The meeting was adjourned. Dawn Hahn won the door prize. Colleen Puthoff and Connie Lueth served lunch.

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Crippen News Online - Minutes, September 2013

Legion Report 

by Fred Lee

The William H Crippen Post 62 held their regular meeting on Monday, September 2nd, with nine members present. We had the salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes and treasurer’s report from the previous meeting were read and approved. Service Officer Ken Struck reported Myron Schievelbein had knee surgery and was recuperating at Good Samaritan for a few days.

Commander Jerry Corey received a thank you cards from the Louis Jarding family for our remembrance of his wife, Leona and the family of Russell Warner for the military services for him.

Fred Lee reviewed the latest “Up To Now” with the members and gave some upcoming dates of Legion events. The District 7 Fall meeting would be Saturday, September 28 in Tea, beginning at 1 pm. He said the South Dakota delegation just got back from the National Convention. He handed out Commander’s Special Award cap pins to Jerry Corey, Hans Sieverding and Charlie Beck for their help at the Military funeral for Russell Warner.

There was some discussion on our participation with Humboldt’s 125 year celebration next year. We decided we  would have a float and carry Colors in the parade.

Our Dinner Party preparations were discussed. We discussed our ticket sales and we will meet next Monday to see if any tickets were left. Plans were made to set up tables on Friday, September 13 at 7 pm.  The Dinner Party will be on Saturday, September 14th with the social hour at 6:30 pm and the dinner at 7 pm.

Charlie Beck told the membership about a Job Fair at the Elmen Center. He said there were many employers there for the veterans. Ken Struck told the membership of the poor turn-out last weekend at the W H Lyons fairgrounds for the tribute to veterans and their families.

After these discussions, the meeting was adjourned.

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 Auxiliary Report

by Donna Beck

The William H Crippen American Legion Auxiliary Unit 62 held their regular meeting Monday, September 2nd. The meeting was called to order by President Connie Meyer with ten members present. We said the Pledge of Allegiance, sang our National Anthem and recited the Preamble to our Constitution.

The minutes and treasures reports of the August 5th meeting were given and approved.

The VA Medical Center sent a thank-you for hosting a Bingo party for the veterans. A thank-you from the Russell Warner family was for the memorial and serving the funeral lunch. Agnes  Even’s thank-you was for the birthday greetings and Louis Jarding’s for the sympathy card.

The District President’s letter stated the Fall meeting for District 7 will be in Tea on September 28th, not the 29th. An Auxiliary county training meeting will be in Dell Rapids September 14th. Connie Meyer plans to attend. Lorena Dubbe will purchase the gifts for the Gift Shop.

Wanda Artz briefed us on some of the plans for Humboldt’s 125th celebration. The theme is “Rolling Through the Decades”.

The meeting was adjourned. Sheryl Siemonsma won door prize. The executive board served lunch.

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Crippen News Online - Minutes, August 2013

Legion Report

by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com)

The William H Crippen Post 62 held their regular meeting on Monday, August 5th, with fourteen members present. We had the salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes and treasurer’s report from the previous meeting were read and approved. Service Officer Ken Struck reported no one was on sick call.

Commander Jerry Corey received a thank you card from the Jim Jarding family for our remembrance of his son.

Fred Lee reviewed the latest “Up To Now” with the members and gave some upcoming dates of Legion events. He said the State Commanders Homecoming would be August 17 in Hermosa, the District 7 Fall meeting would be in Tea on September 29, the District Oratory contest will be in Humboldt on January 12, 2014 and the Mid-Winter conference will be in Huron on January 24-26, 2014. Also, coming up later this month will be Freedom Flight 2013, a veterans appreciation weekend at the Sioux Falls fairgrounds on August 23 and 24.

Sergeant at Arms Dave Froke asked for help carrying the Colors at football games this year and Colors for the Threshing Bee were finalized. Construction changes at the VA Medical Center were mentioned.

Our Dinner Party preparations were discussed. Tickets were handed out and other details were made. We briefly discussed Humboldt’s 125 year activities next year.

We discussed our future memorial possibilities and a small committee was formed. Dave Froke volunteered to head up that committee. It is hoped that some ideas will be made to the membership at a future meeting.

After these discussions, the meeting was adjourned.
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Auxiliary Report

by Donna Beck

The William H Crippen American Legion Auxiliary Unit 62 held their regular meeting Monday, August 5th. The meeting was called to order by President Connie Meyer with eleven members present. We said the Pledge of Allegiance, sang our National Anthem and recited the Preamble to our Constitution.

The minutes and treasures reports of the June 3rd meeting were given and approved.

The Sunshine Committee sent get well cards to Dawn Hahn and Myrna Searl and memorials to the Cady, Tom Sieverding and Jim Jarding families. Dawn Hahn thanked us for our card and a thank you card was read from the Vickie Cady family.

The District President’s letter stated there will be a county meeting in Dell Rapids September 14th from 1 pm to 4 pm and she would like two members from each unit to attend. Midyear reports are due November 1 and end of year reports April 1. Gifts for the Gift Shop at the VA Medical Center are to be there by October 1. If money is sent for gifts, that is to be sent to the Department Secretary.

Humboldt’s 125 year celebration was discussed. We will ask the committee to come to talk to us about what the plans are and what is scheduled so it will help us decide how we will participate.

The meeting was adjourned. Shirley Price won the door prize. Lunch was served by Phyllis Sieverding and Cathy Fleischhacker.
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Minutes - July, 2013

Legion Report

by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com)

The William H Crippen Post 62 held their regular meeting on Monday, July 1st, with eight members present. Before the meeting started, we gathered with the Auxiliary members to present a plaque to Rachel Schartz for being the 2013 Oratorical Champion of the Year. The plaque was to be presented to her at the State Convention in Rapid City last month. After this presentation, we each went on to our meetings. We had the salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes and treasurer’s report from the previous meeting were read and approved. Service Officer Ken Struck was not present, and no one was reported on sick call.

Commander Jerry Corey received a thank you card from the Laynard Friske family for our remembrance of his brother, Donald.

Charles Dubbe helped the Marion Legion Post carry Colors in their parade and gave us a report. Dave Froke, Tommy Holdahl, Fred Lee and Charles also carried Colors in Humboldt’s Fun Day parade.

Charles Beck and Fred Lee reported on the State Convention held in Rapid City in June. Rick MacDonald of Hermosa was elected our new State Commander. Our Post received a First Place award on our History book and a Third Place award for our newsletter entry. Jerry Corey also attended and all of them enjoyed the convention.

Looking ahead, the Commander talked about the possibility of having a Flag Disposal ceremony in the fall, our Dinner Party is coming up in September and Humboldt’s 125th year reunion next year. We need to think about our involvement in these activities.

After these discussions, the meeting was adjourned.
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Auxiliary Report

by Donna Beck

The William H Crippen American Legion Auxiliary Unit 62 held their regular meeting Monday, July 1st. The meeting was called to order by President Connie Meyer with nine members present. We said the Pledge of Allegiance, sang our National Anthem and recited the Preamble to our Constitution.

The minutes and treasures reports of the June 3rd meeting were given and approved.

The District President’s letter told us effective in January, members can receive the Legionette by email. Nine towns have moved to District 7 from District 8. She will be holding county training sessions in the near future.

A list of committees for the coming year was handed out.

Our Unit will host Bingo at the VA Medical Center on Thursday, July 25th. Dianne Struck, Connie Lueth, Connie Meyer and Donna Beck plan to attend.

Donna Beck reported on the State Convention in Rapid City and the homecoming party for the new State Auxiliary President, Janet Hurlbert in Raymond. Her theme is “Veterans leave FOOTPRINTS on our hearts”.

Wanda Artz told us Humboldt will celebrate 125 years on June 20, 21 and 22, 2014 and an all school reunion will be held.

The meeting was adjourned. Theresa Meyer won the door prize. Lunch was served by Theresa Meyer and Donna Beck.
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