American Legion Auxiliary met on Monday March 17 with 12 members present. Pledge of Allegiance, Preamble, SD Pledge were all recited. Chaplain Marla gave the blessing. Parents and grandparents were present to listen to the 5th and 6th grade students that were winners in the poem and essay contest. The children read all the winning entries. Mrs. Polly and Mrs. Stevens are the teachers for these children, many thanks to them for helping the children participate. Certificates were presented to the children from Auxiliary Unit #14. Roll call of Officers with all officers present. Secretary and Treasurer reports were given and approved.
OLD BUSINESS: National Education was observed and Joyce donated cakes to take to the schools. Girls State interest: We had one girl apply and registration sent, we also had one more girl that was late applying but still showed interest. Auxiliary will send both girls to Girls State. They will report back in September to give a report on their experience at Girls State.
NEW BUSINESS: Judy reported on some issues at state level. One item is that both the State Secretary and Treasurer have both resigned.
• The Christmas Stockings were discussed. The committee has asked that we change the pattern so the back side of the stocking is made with a see through back, some discussion was had. Member Verla will try to work on some with a see through back.
• The discussion at state level is to raise the dues to $40 per member, A vote will take place at state convention in June. Judy will vote for our unit. We as a unit will talk about how we want to vote.
• Legionette of the year was selected. She is from Mitchell, SD. She will represent South Dakota at the state level.
President Judy attended the District meeting in Plankinton on Sunday, March 16.
• Legionette newsletter was discussed. The cost of publishing and mailing has increased. One option would be for members to receive it through email which would be a cheaper option. In September when these forms are due we will add emails to list to receive. The mail option will still be available to those that wish to receive that way.
• State is asking to recycle belt buckles; these will be refurbished and given to Special Olympics. Judy will take these to state meeting in June.
• Project Stuff Sack: This is a new option that will be packed and distributed. These will be distributed to the homeless shelters, etc. and those in need. Backpack ideas would be small items for hygiene, school supplies, health and beauty items, socks, hats, gloves and small items. NO FOOD OR CANDY will be allowed. Bring items to May meeting and Judy will take to state meeting in June.
• Calendar Fun Fundraiser: Judy will make another fundraiser calendar for the months of June and August and bring back in September. Other units were interested in this option for fundraising. Judy will send one to them after she gets it done and ready to start.
• The Scholarship forms have all been taken to the school for distribution, ALL SENIOR STUDENTS WILL BE ELIGIBLE ! Judy will pick up the completed applications and will ask for help judging them. Our Auxiliary unit gives out a $300 scholarship. This will be given out at Awards night in May.
• Poppy Day will be held in May but no definite date has been decided. This will be done at the May meeting and Judy will contact people that are willing to help. The wreath for the cemetery is ready for Memorial Day, thanks to Mary Lou Cameron.
• Volunteer hours need to be turned in by the end of March. Judy will get these all turned into state.
• President Judy will sponsor a table at Girls State for the banquet. Each table will cost $250. Her theme will be to honor all Vets from Unit #14.
• State convention will be held in Huron, SD on June 19 -22. Judy plans to attend. An election will be held on raising dues at the state level. Our unit had a discussion and Sheila made a motion that Judy vote NO for our Unit. Connie seconded the motion.
• Discussion was held on the time change for start of meetings. Our bylaws state that the time is 7 p.m. but we will try a 5:30 start in May then move forward with bylaws if this seems like it will work for everyone. The May meeting is Monday May 19, 5:30 p.m. start time with election of officers, memorial for deceased members, Memorial Day (May 26) and potluck. With no further business to discuss meeting was adjourned.
530-600 social 6-700 supper 700 drawing and volunteer of the year presentations.