GLADBROOK — President Jeanne Paustian welcomed 13 members of Unit #127 of the Gladbrook Legion Auxiliary as she shared information from Department and National Conventions she attended.

Prayer was offered by Rose Russell and the group enjoyed a maidrite supper to start the evening. The meeting reconvened with all reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Summer Auxiliary activities photos and the minutes of the August membership brunch were shared by Secretary Jolene Denbow. No treasurer’s report was given.

Paustian gave the finance report on the Carnival foodstand and thanked all those who chaired, worked or baked pies to make it a 100-year celebration success. Darrell/Jeanne chair the food stand and Trudi Scott chairs the Sunday omelet breakfast.

The Friday night joint opening of the Department Convention in July included the retiring of National President Nikki Clapp’s flags to the Department of Iowa. Adjutant John Derner was also recognized for 20 years employment for the Department of Iowa.

From the Department and Central Division and National Conventions, Gladbrook again has been recognized with many awards: Poppy first at State, C&Y first and on to Nat’l, Leadership on to Central Division and on to National, VA&R with Honorable Mention, with Chaplain’s certificate and gift to Joyce Swangel. Paustin had sent in a history article each month on the activities of the Unit, receiving a certificate for the work. Central Division awards for Kids Shopping Day which was a favorite of that chairman.

The Auxiliary Americanism chair Lisa Reinhard and Legion Color Guard were present with a new flag and program at the GMG Elementary for the first day of school opening on Aug 23. It is hoped that she will again be able to have a Veterans Day program at Westbrook in November. Plans are for the C&Y committee to again participate at Halloween’s ‘Trunk or Trick’ project on Main Street and in December to again participate in Operation Christmas Child. Donate items that fit in a shoe box for children ages 2 and up. Either full box, boys or girls or separate items to pack by the Juniors. Boxes or donations may be picked up at Peace Church.

The biggest project is Kids Shopping Day where children 4-18 are able to shop for family from the donated items at Peace Church. This year it will be held on Dec. 10. Items for all ages, gift sacks and volunteers are always needed. This is a large community project and one Paustian wrote up for the National President’s Award for Excellence and she was chosen as one of 11 to be awarded at the end of the National Convention in Milwaukee with a special engraved glass award.

Gladbrook’s Junior activities were selected as the best in Iowa and sent on to National. President Amaya Goos project’s were lg-xlg t-shirts for Iowa Veterans Home, and poptabs for the Ronald McDonald House, both a success.

Community Service includes the Senior Citizens dinners served Dec. 2 in the City Center among the Festival of Trees. This year’s theme is Santa’s Workshop with the Main Street Christmas on Nov. 30. A donation for a Main Street ‘Christmas Tree’ is still needed, but the Auxiliary will be ready to make those popcorn balls again.

Due to an increase in poppy costs, a motion was made to use small poppies in place of the large poppy in the Memorial cemetery grave sprays. The Auxiliary will be making 500 sprays next year. Poppies need to be ordered by Oct. 20.

Chairman Sue Koster will have the elementary principal, Mrs. Busch of GMG, speak at the October Education Month meeting at 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 10 at the Memorial Building. She will also be recognizing teachers and school employees with a special recognition.

Vice President Candice Bartel has Ann Jackson, a GMG teacher who was chosen to research a WWI veteran with a trip to France. The veteran happened to be from Iowa and she will share her experiences. The Department Commander, District and County commanders have been invited to attend and share in the potluck 6:30 p.m. meal and program on Monday evening, Nov. 14 at the Memorial Building.

National has raised senior membership dues from the $12 to $18, an increase of $6. Discussion on possible Unit dues increase will be discussed later.

The meeting adjourned with all singing ‘God Bless America.’