Club News

The American Legion Auxiliary of the Leon Beatty Post 29 met Sept. 13, 2016, at the Washington County Ambulance Barn, with four members and two guests present.

President Sue Gilmere called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Dixie Young gave the prayer, and Sue read a story about the flag before the Pledge of Allegiance and reading of the Preamble for God and Country were said by all. Sue reported on the June minutes with no additions or corrections, and minutes were approved. Dixie Conrad gave the treasurer?s report. It was reported that the membership goal for 2017 is 66. Members were reminded about dues, which need to be paid by Dec. 31. New officers are Sue Gilmere, president; Connie Pence, vice president; Carla McCandless, secretary; Dixie Young, chaplain; and Martha Hahn, Girls State. Carla thanked the group for sponsoring the bake sales for four car shows held during the summer. A get-well card was signed by the group for Marge McClure.

Sue introduced District President Verlinda Prior and District Vice President Mary. Both shared information from the state and district units and also gave the group ideas on how to help the veterans in the community ? such as having parties for them, and also paying membership dues for veterans in the nursing homes. Members were urged to stay positive and not share negative thoughts.

It was reported that Sue and Dixie had attended a workshop and gotten the plan of action for 2017. It was noted that all names of the deceased should be sent to the district by the chaplain. It was reported that four girls went to Girls? State. There was discussion on conducting a membership drive and submitting information to the newspaper and the radio station for their community calendar listings.

Verlinda Prior told the group about a project she has chosen to do ? Wreaths Across America. She has chosen to place wreaths at the Veterans Cemetery in Keokuk, where more than 5,3000 veterans are buried. The placing of the wreaths will be done on Dec. 17, 2016, and the Auxiliary has been invited to help place the wreaths. The Auxiliary voted to donate funds toward this project.

It was also noted that only new material must be used for any lap robes taken to the Veterans Hospital. Those who have used material they would like to donate are asked to send it to the English River or Muscatine homeless shelters.

Upcoming events include a meeting on Sept. 20 at F Troop Military Museum in Washington to make plans for the Veterans Meal. The fall meeting will be on Oct. 29 at Mount Pleasant. Columbus School will host a veterans program on Nov. 11.

The Auxiliary?s next regular meeting will be at 7 p.m., Oct. 11, at the Ambulance Barn. Anyone with a veteran in the family is invited to join the group. The meeting was adjourned, and Dixie Young led the closing prayer.