BUSINESS MEMO: AAL BRANCH RECOGNIZED

Aid Association for Lutherans Branch 1688 of Cape Girardeau has been awarded a Gold Star rating by the fraternal benefit society in recognition of exemplary volunteer service in the community.

To achieve the highest AAL rating, gold or silver stars, branches must annually sponsor at least one fund-raising event or work project, conduct at least nine meetings, sponsor an educational activity and an member-awareness event, and comply with AAL's attendance, voting and reporting requirements.

AAL Branch 1688 recently held an education program. Ron Watson, of the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department, presented a program on crime prevention and Neighborhood Watch.

AAL, headquartered at Appleton, Wis., provides its members with fraternal benefits, and its affiliated companies offer members mutual funds and credit union services. In addition, AAL members are offered opportunities to help others in their own communities.

Cape Girardeau officers are John Schenimann, president; Cecelia Bender, vice president; and Mary Friese, treasurer. Branch 1688 is supported by AAL district representative Steven Fritzler of Cape Girardeau.