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American Legion Auxiliary holds Spring Conference

The Marshall County Spring Conference of American Legion Auxiliary was held March 13 at the Conrad Legion Hall. The host unit was Conrad.

Registration was at 9 a.m. and cost was $1. Parliamentarian was Barb Blake.

The flags were posted at the head table and the MIA/POW flag was dropped on a chair by the head table. President Pat Williams called the meeting to order.

Invocation was given by Liscomb President Sharon Hatch. “Taps” was played in memory of our MIA/POW and deceased veterans.

The Pledge of Allegiance and national anthem was given by all units.

The Auxiliary Preamble was given by Marshalltown Unit President Deb Miller.

The welcome was given by Conrad President Sue Kitzman. Response followed by State Center President Stacy Bane.

The 2021 Fall Conference will be hosted by the Beaman Unit on Sept. 18.

Williams introduced special guests Third District Historian LaDonna Runner and Iowa Veterans Home Representative Stacy Bane.

A roll call of officers was done by Williams. Vice President Jo Ann Klein was excused. Another roll call of units and the number of members present and paid to date included:

• Beaman, one, 50

• Conrad, six, 145

• Gilman, two, 52

• Laurel, three, 36

• Liscomb, two, 23

• Marshalltown, two, 157

State Center, one, eight

A few things units did for the veterans were calendars and packaged snack items were given to IVH residents, Christmas gifts and cards given, cards were made for Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day. Members made COVID-19 masks for IVH residents and purchased decaf coffee for the VA clinic in Marshalltown. Quilts of Valor were presented and collected pop tabs were given to the Junior Auxiliary.

Williams reported a flag carrier bag has not been purchased yet. Blake reported on nominating committees. All officers will remain in office for another year.

Williams introduced Janan and Helen Beyer, both members of the Conrad Unit. They spoke of their online program, Love Mom Caps for cancer. They receive crochet caps from all across the country, bag them up and write an inspirational note to send to hospitals. They started the program from their home in January.

The memorial service was conducted by Liscomb Unit members Sharon Hatch and Candy Wait. Eighteen names were read and white carnations given to each unit president in memory of the deceased members. A prayer followed the ceremony.

Miller took up donations to buy Girl Scout cookies for IVH residents. The department has held many Zoom meetings due to COVID-19 and a mid-winter conference was in Des Moines in February. There was a stress on membership.

The Third District is in second place in membership. The Spring Conference will be held at Shellsburg on April 14. Registration is $2 and a sack lunch will be provided. Girl’s State will be held in June online only.

Blake installed 2021-222 officers: President Williams, Vice President Klein, Secretary Wait, Treasurer Marie Williams. She concluded the ceremony with a prayer.

The Marshall County Auxiliary made a donation to Love Mom Caps for cancer. There were 17 ladies registered for the conference.

Williams spoke on items from the Clipper Poppy poster contest and April 18 is the Junior Spring Auxiliary Conference held at Gladbrook. Registration is at 11:30 a.m.

Everyone sang “God Bless the U.S.A.” in closing. The Laurel Unit gave the closing prayer.

Williams adjourned the conference at 12:15 p.m. Kitzman made an angel for each person to take home.

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