American Legion Auxiliary membership dues of $25 are also payable. Contact Donna Lewis at 906-863-1679 for any questions.
November 8th, 2016
Menominee - American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Unit 146 held its November 8 meeting at the Post on First Street.
Anna Mae Amerman, chaplain, offered the opening prayer. Julie Erickson, president, noted the flag colors were in place, and a moment of silence to the POW-MIA veterans was observed. The ALA members recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and sang the "Star Spangled Banner."
Julie Erickson, president, extended a welcome to members, and introduced featured guest speaker, Reverend David Pennell of Abundant Life Mission Homeless Shelter. Reverend Pennell reported that the full time facility has 88 beds, and currently is housing 75 homeless persons, but that figure changesweekly. Reverend Pennell reported that since there is no federal or state funding currently provided, and a debt of $180,000, the Shelter relies on donations from other sources. The facility has a Second Chances Thrift Shop to help fund the mission. Discussion followed on the program, and how it helps its clients.
In absence of Julie Hendrick, secretary, ALA member, Connie Kewley presented the October 11, 2016 regular meeting minutes report. Donna Lewis reported a correction to the minutes as follows: ALA members need to pay their annual dues by November 30 to be eligible for the Early Bird drawing, and contact Lewis at 906-863-1679 for membership information. Cindy Smith, treasurer, presented the financial report, and the reports were placed on file for audit.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Americanism: Barbara Kanyuh, chairman, reported on election day, and to support Veterans Day - November 11. Marge Albert, Cheer chairman, reported mailing one get well card to an ALA member. Dona Schrank, Community Service chairman, encouraged members to complete volunteer hours worked and to document. Barbara Kanyuh, Historian chairman, reported in 2019 the ALA will be recognized forits 100 years of service. Donna Lewis, Membership chairman, reported 186 paid members, and a goal of256. The deadline to be eligible, and in good standing for the ALA programs is December 31. Donna Lewis, Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation chairman, displayed Christmas gifts for the veterans at Oscar G. Johnson Medical Center, Iron Mountain, Mich. which will be delivered to the gift shop on December 6. Discussion followed on adopting a vet to provide miscellaneous items. Lewis also reportedthat Christmas gift boxes will be prepared for newly enlisted Air Force recruits: Jade Lemay, and Hunter Poquette. Members are encouraged to donate items, and bring to the December 13 Christmas party for mailing. Connie Kewley, Public Relations chairman, reported on the various news releases, and the ALA Calling Committee informing members of various events, and encouraged visiting the website www.operatinggratitude.com for 101 ways to thank a vet.
Jane Raygo, Wreaths Across American chairman, reported approximately 250 Christmas wreaths will be placed in the Veterans Memorial Section at Riverside Cemetery, Menominee, and a memorial service will take place on December 3 at 10 a.m. Raygo also reported the ALA Christmas party is scheduled December 13 at the Post; social hour - 5 p.m., dinner - 6 p.m. the catered dinner by Bill Paris will consist of chicken/tenderloin tips with all the trimmings at a cost of $13; contact Jane Raygo - 906-863-3086 by November 30 to make reservations.
Evie Koutnik, Christmas Ball Raffle chairman, reported the new gifts donated by members will be wrapped on November 9 - 5 p.m. at the Post. All members are encouraged to attend, and a lunch will be provided.
Julie Erickson, president, reported program chairpersons need to provide a mid-year report from April2016 as to what their committee accomplished, and submit by December 28. Erickson also discussed theDowntown Holiday Parade, and tree lighting ceremony on Friday, November 11. Discussion followed on beverages provided (free hot chocolate and apple cider) to the public at the Post.
ALA Unit 146 approved the following budgeted items. BAMC - Love lights (ALA deceased members memory), Christmas Angel Tree, Rainbow House, Salvation Army, DAR Boys'/Girls' Club, Emergency Rescue Squad, and UPAA District Mandatory Dues. A donation to the Abundant Life Mission Homeless Shelter was also approved. A thank you for donation correspondence from Bay Cliff Health Camp was also reported.
Julie Erickson, president, reminded members that Tuesday, December 13 is the ALA Christmas party, and to bring non-perishable food items which will be donated to the Abundant Life Mission Homeless Shelter.
Anna Mae Amerman, chaplain, concluded the meeting with the Prayer for Peace.