Marshall County Spring Conference for the American Legion Auxiliary was held on April 1 and hosted by Laurel Unit #635 and held at the Legion Hall in Laurel.

Coffee cake, cherry bars and a fruit plate and coffee was served by Laurel Unit. Registration was at 9 a.m. and $2 each. A board meeting was held at 9:30 p.m. The flags were posted at the head table. The POW flag was draped over a chair in front. Parliamentarian was La Donna Runner. President Deb Miller called this meeting to order.

Invocation given by Conrad Unit President. All Units recited the Pledge of Allegiance. A moment of silence was observed for the MIA/POW and deceased veterans. Liscomb Unit President began the Auxiliary Preamble.

Welcome given by Laurel Unit President. Response by Marshalltown Unit.

The 2023 Fall Conference will be hosted by the Liscomb Unit.

Miller introduced special guest Third District President Sandy Scallon from Ackley.

Roll call of Officers was given by the Secretary. Miller, V.P. Stacy Bane, Secretary Candy Wait and Treasurer Jane Linnenbrink — absent.

Roll call of Units, members present paid to date.

Beaman 1 49

Conrad 5 144

Laurel 5 36

Liscomb 2 23

Marshalltown 3 163

The minutes of 2022 Fall Conference were passed out, no corrections, Danice motioned to accept, Bane seconded. Carried.

No treasurer report was given.

Units report following activity: give food items to local food pantries, Valentines roses to Iowa Veterans Home ladies, cards to local veterans and help with IVH Bingo and give money donations, provided pumpkins for October at IVH, distributed poppies in areas, served lunch after Veterans Day program, collect coupons for overseas military families, save pop tabs for Junior Auxiliary and presented Legion member with a Quilt of Valor made by an auxiliary member.

IVH rep. Laurel Degeleu reports: 384 residents, 79 females with 19 of them veterans, 6 WWII veterans, over 200 Vietnam veterans. April 1, 12 Quilts of Valor were presented at IVH to Veterans.

American Legion Auxiliary donated $3,000 for IVH chair batteries. April 15 is Spring Dance 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., April 21 Marshall County Bingo at IVH. Laurel submitted Marshall Co. Auxiliary for a governor award, get award in mail. May 11 at 9 a.m. help IVH residents plant their garden boxes. May 16 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Poppy report from Jo Ann Klein Third District Chairman. Ackley and Conrad did poppy designs at Mid-Winter Conference. Send a report to Klein on how to promote poppies in the communities.

Miller spoke on dues increase, notices will say $26. She also said IVH is losing poppy makers, idea for Auxiliary to come before the Bingo Friday date to make poppies. Will start poppy making at 10 a.m. on April 21 at Copper Kettle. All supplies and a lunch will be provided.

Scallon spoke on saving plastic sacks to make benches for the Veterans facilities. Want to make four benches. Scallon also installed the new Marshall County Officers: Pres. Bane, V.P. Degelau, Sec. Wait and Treas. Jane Linnenbrink – absent.

Laurel Unit gave the Registration Report with 16 present and 1 guest.

Bane made a motion to purchase two poles for County flags, Danice seconded. Carried. Miller will order these.

All Units sang “God Bless America.”

Beaman Unit President gave closing prayer.

Danice motioned to adjourn at 11:30 a.m.