$ 37 a year . You must be an honorably discharged member of the Armed Forces , who served more than 90 days during a specific period , to become a member .
Legion Auxiliary
The American Legion Auxiliary was organized in 1922 , to promote patriotism . There are about 51 members who meet the third Thursday of each month at 6 p . m . at the Howard Lake American Legion Hall .
The auxiliary ’ s annual events include Poppy Day , Memorial Day and Veterans Day observances , volunteering at the VA Hospital in St . Cloud by doing monthly tray favors and collecting paperback books , volunteering to help veterans at Good Samaritan in Howard Lake , sending care packages to local Armed Forces enlisted personnel , and sponsoring a college scholarship .
Officers are Jean Schmidt , president 320-543-2904 ; Deb Workman , treasurer , 763-843-6572 ; and Birdie Johnson , secretary .
Membership dues are $ 30 . To join , call Deb Workman or Jean Schmidt . Members may be a wife , mother , daughter , sister , granddaughter , or great-granddaughter of a member of the American Legion . Sons of the American Legion
The Sons of the American Legion was created in 1932 , as an organization within the American Legion . Members include boys and men of all ages whose parents or grandparents served in the US Armed Forces and are eligible to belong to the American Legion . The organization assists the American Legion with their programs , promotes American traditions and values , improves the quality of life for the nation ’ s children , and teaches the fundamentals of good citizenship .
The Howard Lake Sons of the American Legion Squadron 145 was chartered in 2000 , and currently has 31 members . Meetings take place the second Thursday of each month after the Legion meeting , about 8 p . m ., at the Howard Lake American Legion hall . Kirk Jensen is the commander , Todd Anderson is the adjutant / secretary , and Russ Gausman is the treasurer .
Dues are $ 20 per year , or $ 10 for members under the age of 18 and those who belong to the American Legion . For more information , call 320-543-2554 .
Good Samaritan Auxiliary
The Good Samaritan Society Auxiliary was organized in 1972 . The auxiliary meets twice a year at the Good Samaritan Society-Howard Lake Care Center . It supports the center ’ s mission to share God ’ s love in word and deed by providing shelter and supportive services to older persons and others in need , believing that “ in Christ ’ s love , everyone is someone .”
The main fundraiser of the group is the root beer float stand at Good Neighbor Days each year . Money raised at fundraisers support various needs of the residents . Throughout the years , the Auxiliary has purchased a large-screen television , a beautiful gazebo , and remodeled a room to use as a beauty shop . Most recently , money raised by the Auxiliary was used for a new AED machine , front door with automatic openers for the building , and a beautiful handmade wooden altar for the chapel . They continue to raise money for the facility bus , including a back-up camera and repairs .
New members are always welcome . If you are interested in joining , call Good Samaritan Society-Howard Lake at 320-543-4403 , email Taylor Duesterhoeft at tnordin @ good-sam . com , or write 413 13th Ave ., Howard Lake , MN 55349 .
Howard Lake Lions
The Howard Lake Lions Club was chartered in 1978 . As part of Lions International , the Howard Lake Lions are dedicated to service projects in the community , across the US , and around the world .
The club currently has 36 members , and meets at the Lions Hall at 625 8th St ., the first and third Thursdays of each month at 7 p . m .
The club is devoted to drug awareness , diabetes awareness , conservation of hearing and sight , citizenship , education , environment , youth recreation , health , and international and social services . The Lions host a youth center Saturday nights at their meeting hall . The meeting hall has a pool table , Foosball table , air hockey , video games , and other fun games and projects . All youth are encouraged to attend . The Lions have pizzas and pop , and other snacks . A nominal fee is asked to help defray some of the expenses .
Some of the Howard Lake Lions Club ’ s accomplishments include Silent Santa , Easter egg hunt , high school scholarships , donations to various local youth sports organizations , youth groups , needy families in the community , and several contributions to other charitable causes .
Current officers are Gary Hagemann , president ; Craig Brose , 1st vice president ; Jeff Wick , 2nd vice president ; Darren McAlpine , 3rd vice president ; Terry Thorson , secretary ; and Karen Hill , treasurer .
Membership dues are $ 60 per year . Members are required to be involved in at least four Lions functions per year . Attending meetings and / or participating in various Lions functions will meet these requirements .
To join , contact a Lions Club member , or visit the Lions website at www . hllions . org .
Senior Citizens Club
The Howard Lake Senior Citizens Club has been dedicated to providing seniors with a sociable and friendly place to meet since 1969 . The group , which includes about 20 members , meets every Friday in the Howard Lake Community Center .
The group takes trips during the year , including visiting the county and state fairs . They also promote the Outstanding Senior of the Year program .
Officers are Myron Lahr , president ; Burton Horsch , secretary ; and Joyce Heuer , treasurer .
There are monthly dues of $ 2 . New members are always welcome . Anyone who enjoys playing cards is encourged join . The group has stopped meetings due to COVID-19 .
320.485.2535 HOWARDLAKEHERALDJOURNAL . COM | 17