Club News

The American Legion Auxiliary Leon Beatty Post 29 met April 11, 2017, at the Washington County Ambulance Center in Washington, with six members and two guests attending.

President Sue Gilmere called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. The opening prayer was given by Carla McCandless. The Pledge of Allegiance and the reading of the Preamble of God and Country were spoken by all. Connie Pence did the remembrance of M.I.A. followed by a moment of silence. Sue welcomed the women from the Wellman unit and a short Co. meeting was held. Sue read the minutes of the 2015 Co. meeting, which were approved. Co. Treasurer Jamie Sturm gave the treasurer?s new checks and the treasurer?s report, which was approved. There were additions or corrections in the review of minutes for Unit 29, approved by all.

Claudia Bishop gave a report on the Wellman unit. They have 23 members, with only five active members. She reported that they assist the Legion with the Memorial Day services; host a veterans dinner on the Sunday before Veterans Day; have a party at Parkview for the veterans and also do stocking for the Parkview and Pleasantview nursing homes; and have a bake sale on the Saturday before Easter, with the help of Amber from Sweets and Treats doing the baking. They also did three care packages for the veterans and are hoping to do more soon.

There was some discussion about the bylaws? being outdated. At least two members from each unit are needed to initiate making changes. A motion was approved to make no changes at the present time.

Carla McCandless gave a report on Unit 29. Unit 29 continues to meet on the second Tuesday of each month, with the summer months excluded, since there are many local and Legion activities to be a part of. Members have a dessert table at four Saturday car shows as a fundraiser, and this year they gave the total receipts to District President Verlinda for her Wreath Project. They help with the poppy distribution; assist the Legion with Memorial Day programs and placing the flags on veterans? graves; provide desserts for the Veterans Day dinner; and have a downtown window display during the poppy promotion. The Auxiliary sent four girls to Girls State, all of whom were impressed at learning about the working government firsthand. They support the VA Hospital with cash donations and lap robes and Busy Bags for children. They give money to the local nursing home services as well as volunteering at the VA Hospital. They signed valentines to be given to the patients there.

The Auxiliary will raise dues next year, since few new members have been recruited at this time. They plan a renewed effort to get news in the local newspaper to develop interest and invite guests interested in the Auxiliary program to come and join them at the meetings.

A memorial service for deceased members was held. Those members were Jan Hazlett, Barbara Steele, Vivian Wells, Marge McClure, Leona Blum and Phoenix Sturm.

Dixie Conrad gave the treasurer?s report for Unit 29, and it was approved by all.

It was reported that the Sypherd family had transferred their membership to another unit.

In old business, it was reported that Dixie Young is Poppy Chairperson and the poppies were here. A sign-up sheet will be passed around at the May meeting. Sue reported that she had the window at the Senior Center downtown reserved for the poppy display. Volunteers are needed to help with the flag-placing on the veterans? graves.

In new business, election of officers was tabled until a later date due to low attendance. Sue also reported that the supplies for the bake sales have been ordered.

Upcoming events include District meeting on April 22 at the Methodist Church in Columbus Junction. There will be a silent auction with the proceeds going to help a girl who will be running for a national office, to help with expenses. Sue will be going. If needing a ride, contact her.

The closing prayer was given by Carla McCandless.