The February 2023 general membership meeting of the VFW Auxiliary Post 839 met at the post home on Feb. 22.

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by President Liz Polkiewicz, followed by the opening ceremonies according to the ritual. There were 11 members present, nine of whom were officers. Chaplain Donna Mitchem gave the Opening Prayer. The January minutes and General Orders were read by Secretary Theresa Shepherd. The minutes stood approved, with no corrections made.

General correspondence: A newsletter, the Camp Courageous Courier from Camp Courageous, a message from Michael Wilson, executive director of the VFW National Home, patriotic card samples from Lynn Card Company and a request for donations from Camp Courageous.

The Treasurer’s Report was read by Deb Miller. There were no corrections made and the report stood approved pending audit. There were no bills presented.

February Birthdays: Miller and Linda Fuller.

COMMITTEES:

Community Service: Judy Schiebel reported that Community Service hours were 218 by 82 volunteers with $1,129.16 in costs.

Hospital: Deloris Clayton reported that Iowa Veterans Home Bingo will be held at 9:45 a.m. on Feb. 24. Due to the VFW’s Fish Fry that same day, volunteers would not be available. A discussion took place to change the IVH Bingo date to Feb. 28. Volunteers are needed and much appreciated. Show up by 9:30 a.m. Carol Ewalt reported that there was a total of 1,219 stamps collected. Kay Bell reported that there was a total of 787 coupons collected.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Deloris Clayton made a motion to accept the audit. The motion was seconded by Bell. The motion passed.

Draping of the Charter was performed for Past Department President (and Past Department Treasurer) Carolyn Oldenburg who went to her heavenly home on Feb. 5 by Conductress Fuller and Chaplain Mitchem.

Fuller made a motion to pay for the grant money that was received for the food drive in the amount of $676. The motion was seconded by Mitchem. The motion carried.

With the completion of Unfinished Business, the National Home Prayer was recited, led by Mitchem. NEW BUSINESS: The IVH needs eight, 22-quart roasters. Bell made a motion to buy four roasters. Clayton seconded the motion. The motion carried. Fuller made a request for support for her nephew who has stage four colon cancer. He needs donations to help with funds to get back and forth to appointments. A motion was made by Clayton to donate $250. The motion was seconded by Mitchem. The motion carried. With the completion of New Business, Mitchem recited the Closing Prayer and Polkiewicz closed the meeting according to the ritual.

EVENTS: The March 4th District Meeting will be held in Waverly. Registration is at 9:30 a.m. Two Fish Fries will be held by the VFW Post 839 between February and March. The first Fish Fry will be held from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 24. The second will be held from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on March 17. The cost of the meal is $15. Due to rising food costs, the meal price had to be raised.

The next meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. on March 21.