VFW Ladies Auxiliary hears of committee reports

The VFW Ladies Auxiliary meeting for Jan. 28 was opened by Sharon Reed with 13 members found in good standing. Chaplain Margaret Carter read the opening prayer. Secretary Maurita Russell called order of officers. One trustee, Hazel Swarts, and Senior Vice Maxine Wilson were absent. There were no petitions for membership. Maurita read the minutes from the December meeting and they stood approved as read, following some discussion. Linda read the treasurer's report, and it will be filed subject to audit. Bills were presented for payment.

Official and other communications were read by Maurita Russell:

* Thank you from the family of Bonnie Taylor.

* Thank you from Dalene and Raymond Brasheer.

* Department of Veterans Affairs thanks for donation of clothes.

* Department of Veterans Affairs thanks for donation of clothes, lap robes and comfort items.

Committee Reports

Buddy Poppy: Volunteers are needed to be in charge of this committee. Cancer: Sharon reported that the planning for Relay for Life event for next year has begun.

An All American Award was received for growth. Membership: Linda received a letter from the national organization that showed our membership at 87.6 percent. We encourage those who have not paid their dues to send them as soon as possible. If there is a problem with the payment, contact Sharon or Linda and we will see what arrangements can be made.

Endowment/Voice of Democracy: Margaret Carter and Linda Ashcraft reported that the Voice of Democracy and the Patriot's Pen contest were in the national organization's hands for the final judging. The information of the upcoming art contest will be out soon. National Home: Dorthy Fetters reported that the children's home requested Campbell's soup labels--they are saving for a new van. Dorthy received a thank you for the Christmas donation.

Community Service: Maurita thanks everyone for continuing to bring manufacturers' coupons (up to six months out of date) for overseas military families and the pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House in Joplin, Mo.

Legislative/PAC: Sharon reported that some legislative representatives are coming to town this month. Watch the newspaper for details. There are still committees that do not have anyone in charge of them. Please give some thought to being an active member of the auxiliary. Each person has talents that can benefit the organization.

Unfinished Business

An inquiry concerning whether the audit was conducted last month or not came from Vicki. Linda told her that it had not been done but would be done after this meeting.

Will the Christmas party be rescheduled? Sharon told the group that it would not be rescheduled. The weather has been too unpredictable to replan the event.

Cards were sent out to Heather Steiger, Gene Holy and Glen Maupin.

New Business

Post Commander Clint Walker came in to ask the ladies for assistance with desserts for the upcoming ham and bean feed on Jan. 26.

He also asked if the ladies would help with the cost of replacing a life member's heater. This was tabled for further investigation on alternate funds available.

Linda brought up the smoking issue during meeting and other official business, such as the audits. It was voted that there be no smoking during any official business.

Peggy Ellis moved to action off an American Flag. The motion was seconded and approved. Tickets will be available at and after the Feb. 11 meeting for only $1 each. The drawing will be March 10. Encourage everyone to buy at least one ticket for this fund raiser.

On Feb. 22 at the Post Home Chicken Dinner, Post Commander Clint Walker will be arrested -- it's OK, it's a fund raiser -- in honor of George Washington's Birthday the funds ($1 or any president will do) collected throughout the night (to help bail Clint out) will go to the cancer fund. Come have some fun and help raise some money for cancer. Don't forget to make reservations for the dinner.

The ladies have a quilt in the frame that needs to be done as soon as possible. They need help on Mondays between 9 and 3 at the post home to get this quilt and others done.

The charter was draped in memory of Roberta Johnson.

Report of Trustees

The audit will be done following the meeting and report given next at next month's meeting.

Suggestions for the good of the order: Linda received information regarding many benefits that are available to current members such as health care programs, whole life insurance, travel discounts, diabetes information, hearing health, drug savings programs, in addition to assistance with cancer and other illnesses.

The meeting was closed with prayer. The next meeting will be Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. There was no love gift.

-- Submitted by Linda Ashcraft