Karen Christofferson, retiring president, welcomed the Uppgaard family to the annual meeting. She said this was a special occasion as the "Barb Uppgaard Spirit of the Lakes Award" was being presented to Mary Beutz, LWVBLA board member.
"This is not an annual award, but one that will be given when the spirit so moves," Christofferson said. "Barb was the founding mother of the LWVBLA. She was a county commissioner, member of the Pequot Lakes School Board, worked to establish the Pequot Lakes and Crosslake Medical Clinics, and along with her husband, Bob, donated the land for the Uppgaard Wildlife Management Area. The lakes area is a better place because of Barb; her humor, her love of family, friends and the community."
"It's an honor to present this award to Mary Beutz," Christofferson said. "She has a can-do attitude, senses what needs to be done and always with a smile and easy grace. She organized and participated in the LOTT program and coordinates our publications, at the same time as she battled with a health challenge."
At the business meeting, Sandra Reuther of Breezy Point was elected president. Co-vice presidents are Jean Prickett and Karen Christofferson; Kathe Lemmerman, secretary; Ann Grussing, treasurer. Elected to the board of directors were Marci Mans and Bonnie Crum. Sandy Eliason was appointed to serve as historian.
