VFW Post 1165 Ladies Auxiliary Aug. meeting

Reports of the Aug. 10 meeting of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post 1165 of Fort Scott.

The regular meeting was called to order by President, Sharon Reed. Eight members were present.

Linda Ashcraft called the roll of officers. Junior Vice President, Peggy Ellis and Conductress and Third-year Trustee Merideth McMichael were absent. Maxine Wilson filled in for Ellis and Florence Karnes filled in for McMichael.

Opening prayer was read by the Chaplain, Donna Housman.

Secretary/Treasurer Linda Ashcraft read the minutes from the last meeting. There was no discussion and they were approved as read.

Ashcraft also read the treasurer's report from the last meeting. There was no presentation of bills

Official and other communications:

* Jeannette Cox, Department President, sent general orders No. 1, July, a President's message, and general orders No. 2, September.

* Donna Graham, Department Historian, sent a letter concerning the National President's upcoming visit.

* Lana Swisher, Vets and Family Support, sent a letter about the Wreaths Across America program.

* Ronald McDonald House sent two letters thanking the auxiliary for the monthly donation and the ongoing donations being sent.

Reports of Committees, Standing and Special:

* Housman reported that the club will need to order buddy poppies soon. Ashcraft made a motion to order 1,000 buddy poppies and Donna seconded. The motion passed.

* Margaret Carter reported on VFW Endowment. An invitation was given to be included in the Colony celebration with a craft booth on Sept. 5th.

* Carter also reported on VOD/Youth Essay. She is looking online for all the information concerning the upcoming contests. Carter reported that there were 83 participants last year and Ms. Lewis' class reached National level with involvement at the local level. There was discussion regarding more recognition from the home post for the participants. Ashcraft made a motion that the Auxiliary host a pizza party sometime in November for those who enter the essay and art contests and for Carter to relay this information to the teachers and students who wish to participate. Along with this, any student who wishes to display their art are welcome to do so at this function. The motion was secoded and passed.

* Sharon Reed that she was till looking for ideas for a cancer fundraiser.

Community Service:

* Sept. 11 is Good Deed Day, Sept. 20 is National Neighborhood Day and Oct. 24 is Make a Difference Day. Carteris composing a letter for folks to sign to be removed from junk mail lists, perhaps incorporating this with Make a Difference day.

* Reed has the Christmas list of needs for the veterans and some great cookie recipes.

* Family Support: Coupons are going to be sent shortly. When the veterans come back from overseas, they and their families have been invited to join us on Wednesday night for dinner at no charge.

Ashcraft reported membership dues are slowly coming in and reminded everyone to send their dues in as soon as possible.

Unfinished Business:

* At 6 p.m. Sept. 11, the auxiliary will host a ceremony for remembering 9/11 and POW/MIA. Cake, punch and coffee will be served. Several will speak to honor Gold Star Mothers, firelighters, policemen, other rescue workers, those lost in 9/11 and POW/MIA's and service personnel past and present. A balloon launch will take place. Housman and Carter are working on this project. Carter will place an article in the newspaper and send invitations to individuals and groups, but all are welcome and encouraged to come out.

New Business:

* District President, Barbara Nunamacker will be at the home post regular meeting. A dinner in her honor will be hosted after the meeting at 5 p.m. The planning of the dinner will take place at the September meeting. The President's theme is Buzzing Around for Veterans. Her color is yellow and her animal is the honeybee. Her flower is Daffadils and her song is "There will be Peace on Earth."

Report of Trustees:

* Rachel reported that the audit was conducted after July meeting and all was in order.

* Suggestions for the good of the order: Remember to bring a love gift to be included in the soldier's packages.

Closing ceremonies were conducted in accordance with the Ritual, after which the meeting was adjourned. The next meeting will be Sept. 14, 2009.

Editor's Note: An article about the July can be seen here.