The Sept. 14 meeting of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 46 was held at the post home. The meeting was called to order by President Debra Miller at 6 p.m. Liz Polkiewicz gave the opening prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and Preamble to the Constitution of the American Legion Auxiliary. There were no guests or birthdays this month.

Two members were remembered as they go through medical issues. Minutes were presented by Secretary Pat McLain. Motion to approved was made by Kellie Allen and seconded by Amy McCready. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s report was given by Treasurer McCready. Motion to accept treasurer’s report was made by Meg Sponseller and seconded by Polkiewicz.

Sponseller, membership chair, gave the membership report. Membership renewals are being sent out in September. Renewal slips and dues owed are required to renew for 2022. As a unit goal, everyone is encouraged to seek new members to insure the goal of 166 members in the coming year is reached.

Pat McLain reported that the JR Auxiliary girls are still collecting pop cans as a fundraiser. No meetings have been held or are scheduled due to the pandemic.

Rose Elsbecker reported a card was sent to member Julie Kruse-Brewer.

OLD BUSINESS:

On Aug. 3, the District School of Instruction was held in the lower level of the American Legion Post 46. The auxiliary hosted the event and served a luncheon that was enjoyed by all. Coupons for military personnel who are deployed overseas are still being collected. Cancelled postage stamps are also being collected for Stamps for the Wounded.

Upcoming Events:

March 21, 2022: St. Patrick’s Day card party planned to be held in the lower level of the Legion Post 46. Barb Blake is chairing this event. More to come as we get closer to that date.

The Holiday Stroll is on Nov. 20. This event is chaired by Tonya Warnell and Dorothy Hellberg. McLain will oversee the menu for the concession stand. At this time, it’s planned to be held at the Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum from noon to 5 p.m. Menu will be fall related. Plan for Chili Dogs and Walking Tacos.

The ISU football fundraiser, chaired by Kellie Allen reported there are still opportunities/openings to work for the remainder home games.

The Fall Craft Show fundraiser is chaired by Marcella Stewart. It is scheduled to be held at the National Guard Armory from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 9. McLain is chairing the concession stand.

Blake reported that the Chairs for the ALA Committees/Programs for the year are nearly complete. Detailed information will be available at the October meeting.

Due to the pandemic, the Trunk or Treat event has been cancelled for the year.

Oktemberfest Parade: Discussion was held on participating in the parade with a “Tomb of the Unknown” float. Sponseller made a motion and seconded by Polkiewicz to pay the entry fee. Motion was made by McLain and seconded by Sponseller to pay the rental fee for one days use of the float.

Third District Fall Conference / Marshall Co. School of Instruction scheduled for Sept. 18 was cancelled.

ALA T-shirt design / order was tabled until October meeting.

AL / ALA Joint trivia Night report was given by McCready, chair. Registration is 6:30 p.m. with Trivia night starting at 7 p.m. Everyone attending should bring light snacks for sharing.

NEW BUSINESS:

Culvers Tip Night has been scheduled from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Oct. 4.

Finance Committee: Sponseller made a motion that was seconded by Linda Fuller to change the title of Budget Committee to Finance Committee. Motion passed. Members appointed to the committee are McCready, Chairperson, Hellberg and Blake. The 2022 budget for the Auxiliary was presented to the General Membership and was approved.

Rose Morgart Elsbecker donated patriotic-themed table toppers for the auxiliary. These gifts were presented in honor of her late mother, Letha J. Morgart, who was a proud life-time member of this American Legion Auxiliary unit. She also made an apron for use in the auxiliary kitchen.

Honor Guard Appreciation Dinner: Nov. 11 has been tentatively booked to hold this event. Sponseller made a motion that was seconded by Barb Vovos to hold the dinner in the lower level of the Post 46 on Nov. 11. Motion passed.

ALA Google Calendar: Allen has created a group google calendar and is willing to help anyone who needs help getting it set up on the computer or phone.

McCready told us about a summer project which repurposes ipsy bags into discreet feminine care pouches for the middle school nurse. Lisa Koester motioned to make a monetary donate to the project, seconded by Sponseller, motioned carried.

Veterans in Need: Nicole Johnson has requested help from the Auxiliary to put together boxes of food for approximately 150 veterans. She is collecting food and hygiene items to be used. She will let the unit know the dates and times when arranged. This is scheduled for later in October.

OTHER POST EVENTS INCLUDE:

Oct. 1: AL Spaghetti Supper

Oct. 9: American Legion Riders Burgers, Brats and Bingo starting at 5 p.m.

McCready presented a beautiful clock to be hung in the lower level of Post 46 that was purchased by the Auxiliary as a gift to the Legion Post 46.

Closing prayer by Polkiewicz was given.

Meeting adjourned according to ritual by Miller at 7:35 p.m.