The American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 46 held their meeting on March 9 in the lower level of the American Legion Post 46.

The meeting was called to order by Deb Miller, president. Opening prayer was given by Dorothy Hellberg, chaplain. The Pledge of Allegiance and Preamble was recited according to ritual.

Miller welcomed everyone and introduced two new members – Whitney Kessler and Lisa Koester along with two guests – Brenda Streets and Shirley Thomas for a total of 16 in attendance. This was the first general membership meeting utilizing Google Meet.

The minutes from Feb. 9 were read by Pat McLain, vice president in the secretary’s absence. Motion by Marcella Stewart to approve the minutes as read, second by Meg Sponseller, motion carried.

The treasurer’s report was given by Amy McCready, treasurer. Motion to approve treasurer’s report by Hellberg, seconded by Kellie Allen was approved and carried.

A membership report given by Meg Sponseller, membership chair. There are 158 members which is 95 percent of the goal of 163. Twenty have been lost – eight to death, two who have transferred and 10 who have chosen to drop their membership. There are 14 new members so far this year and are short five from reaching the goal.

McLain reported on the Junior Members, of which there are 11. The girls collect pop tabs for the District President’s Project and recyclable cans and bottles. Money earned will be used for summer camp fees which will be held Aug. 15 through Aug. 20. People may call 319-750-1106 for pick up of recyclables or they may be dropped off at 1701 Fremont St. Discussion was held on submitting a junior member into the “Little Miss Poppy Contest” in May.

Girls State Chair, Barb Blake reported Girls State will be held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the pandemic there were no other committee reports given. Old business consisted of activities that are still on hold from previous months.

The contactless Rada Cutlery fundraiser continues. Everyone is welcomed to place an order by using the following link: https://radafundraising.com?rfsn=4770539.823180

Manufacturer’s coupons continue to be collected to send to military installations overseas.

The Iowa River Hospice Cookie Dough project continues. The Juniors made St. Patty’s Day cards which were distributed with the cookies on March 17. To donate to the cookie dough fund, please contact Miller at 319-750-1106 or alaunit46pres@gmail.com.

Stamps for the Wounded and Camp Courageous items continue to be collected and may be dropped off at the post during normal business hours.

The Joint American Legion and VFW Auxiliaries “Hop On Over” Craft Show was held March 20. There were 17 vendors in the lower level of the American Legion Post 46 and 14 vendors at the VFW Post 839. The VFW hosted a bake sale and the American Legion Lounge had luncheon and drink specials. There was also NCAA Tournament activities.

The ALA provided concessions for the show at the Marshall County Fairground on March 21.

Barb Vovos, Blake and Linda Fuller were recommended for the 2021 – 2022 Officer Nomination Committee. Meg Sponseller motioned to approve the recommendation, seconded by Liz Polkiewicz. Motion passed.

There is a local veteran in need of window coverings. Many options were discussed, a motion was made by Dee Norton, seconded by Dorothy Hellberg to have Miller and Fuller use their best judgement with a $200 limit to provide the window coverings. Motion passed.

April 1 through April 7 is ALA’s “Sharing and Caring Week.” Everyone was encouraged to contact members with notes, cards, phone calls.

The Facebook page has been revitalized and is experiencing tremendous activity and responses. Everyone is encouraged to go to American Legion Auxiliary Unit 46 Marshalltown and “Like” the page. Allen was added as a page administrator. Please contact her to add a post.

It was noted March is the 101st birthday of the American Legion.

The meeting was adjourned, Hellberg gave the closing prayer.