Aid Association for Lutherans Branch 1201 of Longtown, Branch 1205 of Uniontown and Branch 1837 of Shawneetown have 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 benevolent activity or fund-raising event or work project, conduct at least nine meetings, sponsor one educational activity and one member-awareness event and comply with AAL's attendance, voting and reporting requirements.

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.

Officers of the Shawneetown branch are Clarence Schlimpert, president; Elton Dost, vice president; and Majorie Hoehne, secretary-treasurer.

Officers of the Longtown branch are Kirby Krauss, president; Loretta Welker, vice president; and Michelle Mueller, secretary-treasurer.

Officers of the Uniontown branch are Eugene Lungwitz, president; Wilhelm Kasten, vice president; and Delores Hacker, secretary-treasurer.

Branches 1205, 1201 and 1837 are supported by AAL district representative Tammy Bohnert of Frohna.