The October 2022 general membership meeting of the VFW Auxiliary Post 839 met at the post home on Oct. 20.

The meeting was called to order at 6:45 p.m. by President Liz Polkiewicz, followed by the opening ceremonies according to the ritual. There were nine members present and one visitor. Chaplain Donna Mitchem gave the opening prayer. The September minutes and General Orders were read. The minutes stood approved as read. There was no general correspondence. Treasurer Deb Miller gave the Treasurer’s Report. It was read and accepted pending audit. One bill was presented for pizza and another for flowers for Sheri Black’s funeral by Polkiewicz. Linda Fuller made a motion to pay the bills, Diane Welch second the motion, the motion carried.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: Community Service Committee: Judy Schiebel reported 101 community service hours, 39 volunteers, costing $531.42. A discussion was tabled to have a community outreach food drive with the American Legion. The VFW Auxiliary is looking into receiving a matching grant. It will be discussed at the November meeting.

Hospital Committee: Deloris Clayton reported that Iowa Veterans Home Bingo would be held at 2 p.m. on Nov. 18. It will be held one week earlier than usual due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Helpers are always appreciated. Please arrive by 1:30 p.m.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: A pizza meal was held at 6 p.m. for contest winners Tanner Anderson, Sophie Boone and their families. One teacher attended. A guest in attendance from a Hospice Center in Des Moines came and addressed the auxiliary for volunteerism. There was interest in volunteering for hospice in Marshalltown instead of Des Moines. The discussion was tabled for a later time. There was one October birthday: Polkiewicz With the completion of unfinished business, the National Home Prayer was recited by Mitchem.

NEW BUSINESS: Mitchem motioned to add $198.03 to the previous donation for the IVH Ballpark to bring the total to $500. Carol Ewalt seconded the motion. The motion carried. A flyer for donations regarding Christmas cookies for the Iowa Veteran’s Home was handed out. Discussions were tabled for November.The VFW Christmas Party will be held on Dec. 9. With the completion of new business, Mitchem recited the closing prayer and Polkiewicz closed the meeting according to the ritual.

The next meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 17.