The May 2023 general membership meeting of the VFW Auxiliary Post 839 met at the post home on May 16.

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 12 members present, of whom 11 were officers. There were no guests and no applications for new members. Chaplain Donna Mitchem gave the Opening Prayer. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, led by Patriotic Instructor Kay Bell.

The April 2023 minutes and General Orders were read by Secretary Theresa Shepherd. The minutes stood approved as read.

General Correspondence: A flyer for a Bake Sale which will be held at the Annual State Convention, hosted by the VFW Auxiliary. There will be freewill donations and the proceeds will go to the Auxiliary Hospital General Fund. Interest in donating baked goods contact: Kathy Colbert, Department Hospital Chairman kkcolbert@windstream.net. A memo for the VFW Auxiliary 94th Annual State Convention, an Award Certificate of Service from the Iowa Veteran’s Home and a sign-up sheet for the VFW Memorial Day Flag Project which will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., May 25-27 at Hy-Vee, Fareway and Walmart.

Treasurer Deb Miller gave the Treasurer’s Report. The Treasurer’s Report was accepted as read and filed, subject to audit. Two bills for stamps were presented, one by Polkiewicz and the other by Carol Ewalt. There were no May birthdays.

COMMITTEES: Community Service: Judy Schieble reported for the period of Jan. 24 to Feb. 21, there was a total of 111 Service Hours at the cost of $609.66 invested by 45 members. For the period of Feb. 22 to March 1, there was a total of 29 Service Hours at the cost of $148.28 invested by 15 members.

Hospital Committee: Deloris Clayton reported that IVH Bingo will be held at 9:45 a.m. on May 26. Wheelchair helpers be there by 9:15 a.m., general helpers arrive by 9:30 a.m.

There was no Unfinished Business.

The National Home Prayer was recited, led by Mitchem.

NEW BUSINESS: A discussion was held on need for six aprons for the Honor Guard for gun cleaning. A motion was made by Linda Fuller to find out what it would cost to purchase the aprons. The Blood Bank is asking for places to host a blood drive. A motion was made by Deloris Clayton to host a blood drive at VFW Post 839.

The VA Clinic of Marshalltown is looking for cookies and individually wrapped crackers for the Veterans who receive care at the facility. Polkiewicz volunteered to purchase and deliver the cookies and crackers. The discussion was to limit the cost. A motion was made by Mitchem to cap the cost at $10.

Mitchem gave the Closing Prayer, and Polkiewicz closed the meeting according to the ritual. The next meeting will be held 6:30 p.m. on June 20.